| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09841978B2 |
Processor with a program counter increment based on decoding of predecode bits
A processor includes: an instruction fetch portion configured to fetch simultaneously a plurality of fixed-length instructions in accordance with a program counter; an instruction predecoder configured to predecode specific fields in a part of the plurality of fixed-length instructions; and a program counter management portion configured to control an increment of the program counter in accordance with a result of the predecoding. |
| US09841977B2 |
Processor core arrangement, computing system and methods for designing and operating a processor core arrangement
The invention relates to a method of designing a processor core arrangement which comprises a first processor core for operation at a first operation frequency and having an associated first leakage and a second processor core for operation at a second operation frequency lower than the first operation frequency and having an associated second leakage lower than the associated first leakage. The processor core arrangement is capable of switching from the first processor core to the second processor core and vice versa. |
| US09841975B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing register allocation
A method is provided of performing register allocation for at least one program code module. The method includes constructing a restriction graph for program variables within at least one program instruction, and determining whether the constructed restriction graph is colorable. If it is determined that the constructed restriction graph is not colorable, then the method determines whether at least one alternative form of the at least one program instruction is available, and modifies the at least one program instruction to comprise an alternative form if it is determined that at least one alternative form is available. |
| US09841972B2 |
Securing secret information in source code verification and at runtime
Source code verification, including receiving a declaration of a variable as a secret type, determining if any source code is configured to use the variable as a type other than secret, and if it is determined that there is source code that will use the variable as a type other than secret, creating an exception in the source code verification process. |
| US09841968B1 |
Integrated development tool with preview functionality for an internet of things (IoT) system
A system and method are described for generating an interactive preview for an IoT device. For example, one embodiment of a system comprises: an Internet of Things (IoT) development application comprising a graphical user interface (GUI) through which a user is to specify a configuration for a new IoT device, the development application including a preview GUI component to allow a user to render a mobile UI preview on a mobile client; an IoT service including virtual device generation logic to generate a virtual device responsive to the configuration specified for the new IoT device, the virtual device comprising a virtualized representation of the new IoT device; and the virtual device to establish a communication channel with a mobile app executed on a client, the virtual device to dynamically communicate updates to the mobile app as the user makes changes to IoT device attributes and/or presentation definitions from the preview GUI. |
| US09841965B2 |
Centralized system for software updating vehicle components
A centralized system for real-time monitoring widely distributed software updates of vehicle components, comprises: an arbitration server; a distributed network comprising a plurality of communication servers; a plurality of vehicles, each vehicle of said plurality of vehicles comprising a telematics control unit (TCU) operable to communicate with one communication server of said plurality of communication servers, each TCU is adapted to receive and deploy software updates to electronic control units (ECUs) within its corresponding vehicle, and said TCU is operable to generate status updates for software updates and communicate the status updates to the corresponding communication server; and each communication server is operable to simultaneously receive data messages comprising status updates from the plurality of vehicles and to generate a data stream comprising the data messages, the data stream being sent to a log file. |
| US09841963B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing application
A method of managing an application having a background module is provided. The method includes operations of determining a first background stop time and stopping the execution of the background module of the application during the first background stop time, wherein the first background stop time is a time period between a point of time when execution of the application was stopped and a first point of time. |
| US09841961B1 |
Method and system for providing elastic federation as a service
A system and method manages communications between applications and multiple user computing systems, according to one embodiment. The method and system includes establishing one or more virtual assets in an asset computing environment and installing an application onto the one or more virtual assets in the asset computing environment, according to one embodiment. The system and method receives a first request from a first user computing system and a second request from a second user computing system and delivers the first request and the second request to the application, according to one embodiment. The system and method receives a first result from the application for the first request and a second result from the application for the second request and distributes the first result to the first user computing system and the second result to the second computing system, according to one embodiment. |
| US09841959B2 |
Fine-grained demand driven IPO infrastructure
Provided are methods and systems for inter-procedural optimization (IPO). A new IPO architecture (referred to as “ThinLTO”) is designed to address the weaknesses and limitations of existing IPO approaches, such as traditional Link Time Optimization (LTO) and Lightweight Inter-Procedural Optimization (LIPO), and become a new link-time-optimization standard. With ThinLTO, demand-driven and summary-based fine grain importing maximizes the potential of Cross-Module Optimization (CMO), which enables as much useful CMO as possible ThinLTO also provides for global indexing, which enables fast function importing; parallelizes some performance-critical but expensive inter-procedural analyses and transformations; utilizes demand-driven, lazy importing of debug information that minimizes memory consumption for the debug build; and allows easy integration of third-party distributed build systems. In addition, ThinLTO may also be implemented using an IPO server, thereby removing the need for the serial step. |
| US09841958B2 |
Extensible data parallel semantics
A high level programming language provides extensible data parallel semantics. User code specifies hardware and software resources for executing data parallel code using a compute device object and a resource view object. The user code uses the objects and semantic metadata to allow execution by new and/or updated types of compute nodes and new and/or updated types of runtime libraries. The extensible data parallel semantics allow the user code to be executed by the new and/or updated types of compute nodes and runtime libraries. |
| US09841956B2 |
User interface style guide compliance reporting
This disclosure provides various embodiments for generating reports relating to UI models' compliance with a set of UI style guide rules. A digital UI model is parsed to determine whether a user interface, in a plurality of user interfaces within a software environment, satisfies at least one UI style guide rule in a plurality of UI style guide rules associated with the software environment. The digital UI model defines a plurality of attributes of the user interface. At least one statistical measure is calculated relating to compliance with UI style guide rules. The calculation of the statistical measure is based at least in part on the determination of whether the user interface satisfies the at least one UI style guide rule. A report is then generated identifying the at least one statistical measure, the report configured for presentation on a user interface of a computing device. |
| US09841954B1 |
Method and system for automatic code generation
A method for generating production code from a block diagram in a technical computing environment on a host computer. A first block receives a first input signal that has a plurality of elements. A size of a first required signal of the external function is determined and compared to a size of the first input signal. When the size of the first required signal corresponds to the size of an element in the first input signal a production code is generated enclosing a call of the external function by a loop consecutively addressing each of the plurality of elements in the first input signal. When the size of the first required signal corresponds to the size of the first input signal a production code is generated having a call of the external function without enclosing loop over the elements in the first input signal. |
| US09841953B2 |
Pluggable components for runtime-image generation
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates controlling and customizing the process of generating a software program image. During operation, the system receives a set of files for building a software program, wherein at least one of the files in the set is an intermediate code file that was at least partially compiled from a source code file of the software program. The system then applies a plurality of pluggable transforms to a plurality of states of the set of files to produce a particular subsequent state of the set of files. The system then produces a runtime-image of the software program from at least the particular subsequent state of the set of files, the runtime-image including one or more files for execution by a virtual machine and one or more output resources to be accessed by the one or more executed files. |
| US09841951B2 |
Management of SOA service model
An apparatus, system, and method to facilitate the creation and management of service composition candidates in a service-oriented architecture (SOA). In one embodiment, the method includes receiving user input pertaining to a composition candidate associated with service candidates in a SOA service model, and updating the SOA service model based on the user input. |
| US09841948B2 |
Microarchitecture for floating point fused multiply-add with exponent scaling
Systems and methods for implementing a floating point fused multiply and accumulate with scaling (FMASc) operation. A floating point unit receives input multiplier, multiplicand, addend, and scaling factor operands. A multiplier block is configured to multiply mantissas of the multiplier and multiplicand to generate an intermediate product. Alignment logic is configured to pre-align the addend with the intermediate product based on the scaling factor and exponents of the addend, multiplier, and multiplicand, and accumulation logic is configured to add or subtract a mantissa of the pre-aligned addend with the intermediate product to obtain a result of the floating point unit. Normalization and rounding are performed on the result, avoiding rounding during intermediate stages. |
| US09841941B2 |
System and method for optimizing loudness and dynamic range across different playback devices
Embodiments are directed to a method and system for receiving, in a bitstream, metadata associated with the audio data, and analyzing the metadata to determine whether a loudness parameter for a first group of audio playback devices are available in the bitstream. Responsive to determining that the parameters are present for the first group, the system uses the parameters and audio data to render audio. Responsive to determining that the loudness parameters are not present for the first group, the system analyzes one or more characteristics of the first group, and determines the parameter based on the one or more characteristics. |
| US09841939B2 |
Methods, systems, and media for presenting requested content on public display devices
Methods, systems, and media for presenting requested content on public display devices are provided. In some implementations a method for presenting content on a display device is provided, the method comprising: receiving a request from a mobile device to present content, including image data, on a display device; receiving a graphical representation associated with a user; receiving location information associated with the mobile device; receiving display device information associated with display devices, including location information associated with that display device; selecting, without user input, a first display device on which to present the content based on the location information associated with the mobile device and the location information associated with each of the plurality of display devices; and in response to selecting the first display device, causing both the graphical representation associated with the user of the mobile device and the content to be presented by the first display device. |
| US09841938B2 |
Pixel density normalization for viewing images across dissimilar displays
A monitor display system includes a computing device that is coupled to a collection of dissimilar monitors and a display manager that is coupled to the computing device. The display manager has an image generator that generates an image for the collection of dissimilar monitors and also has a pixel density normalizer that is coupled to the image generator and provides an alignment of the image across the collection of dissimilar monitors. A method of managing a display image is also included. |
| US09841935B2 |
Wireless television or controller wire connectable to a television for receiving and rendering digital content
A controller for transmitting digital content to a television is herein disclosed and enabled. The controller may be included in a television or externally connectable to a television. The controller may be wirelessly managed via a Bluetooth-enabled device or by using a smart phone. To setup the controller, the controller may wirelessly obtain setup information (e.g., ID, security, or authentication information) from either the Bluetooth-enabled device or from the smart phone via wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth or IEEE 802.11), then the controller uses the wirelessly obtained information to access a wireless local area network (LAN) for establishing services. The controller includes chips or chipsets that is compatible with at least one protocol within IEEE 802.11 standards for accessing the Wireless LAN. After connecting to the Wireless LAN, the controller may further wirelessly receive digital content from a mobile device for playing or outputting the digital content at the television. |
| US09841931B2 |
Systems and methods of disk storage allocation for virtual machines
A method for allocating storage for a virtual machine includes receiving a request to allocate a block of disk storage on a physical disk to a virtual disk associated with the virtual machine. The method also includes identifying a plurality of available blocks on the physical disk, each of the plurality of available blocks defining a radial distance from a center axis of a platter of the physical disk. The method further includes determining which of the plurality of available blocks has a greatest radial distance from the center axis of the platter and, based on the determining, selecting an allocation block from the plurality of available blocks, the allocation block having the greatest radial distance from the center axis of the platter. The method also includes allocating the allocation block to the virtual machine. |
| US09841930B2 |
Storage control apparatus and storage control method
A storage control apparatus includes a processor. The processor is configured to store, during a normal operation mode, first data as a first logical volume in a storage section of a first virtual storage device. The first data is transmitted and received between a first host device and a physical storage device. The physical storage device stores data in a physical volume. The first virtual storage device is connected to the physical storage device during the normal operation mode. The processor is configured to serve, during a data migration mode, as a pseudo host device connected to a second virtual storage device. The pseudo host device accesses the second virtual storage device to read out second data of a second logical volume stored in the second virtual storage device. The first virtual storage device is connected to the second virtual storage device during the data migration mode. |
| US09841926B2 |
On-chip traffic prioritization in memory
According to one embodiment, a method for traffic prioritization in a memory device includes sending a memory access request including a priority value from a processing element in the memory device to a crossbar interconnect in the memory device. The memory access request is routed through the crossbar interconnect to a memory controller in the memory device associated with the memory access request. The memory access request is received at the memory controller. The priority value of the memory access request is compared to priority values of a plurality of memory access requests stored in a queue of the memory controller to determine a highest priority memory access request. A next memory access request is performed by the memory controller based on the highest priority memory access request. |
| US09841925B2 |
Adjusting timing of storing data in a dispersed storage network
A method begins by a processing module of a dispersed storage network (DSN) unit of a plurality of DSN units sending a write request to DSN memory, where the write request includes a range of DSN addresses. The method continues with the DSN unit receiving an error message indicating that another DSN unit of the plurality of DSN units has current write permission to the DSN memory to the range of DSN addresses. The method continues with the DSN unit performing a scoring function using one or more properties of the range of DSN addresses and one or more properties of each of at least some of the plurality of DSN units to produce a scoring resultant, interpreting the scoring resultant to determine a re-write requesting protocol for resending the write request to the DSN memory, and resending the write request in accordance with the re-write requesting protocol. |
| US09841924B2 |
Synchronization storage solution
A system of replicating data stored on a source node. Replication can be configured between two controllers, the source node on the one hand, and a target node on the other. A synchronization relationship between the source node and the target node is established and maintained. The synchronization relationship can be quickly and easily created for disaster recovery, real-time backup and failover, thereby ensuring that data on the source node is fully-protected at an off-site location or on another server or VM, for example, at another data center, a different building or elsewhere in the cloud. Processes described herein streamline the entire replication setup process, thereby significantly reducing error rates in conventional systems and making the replication process more user friendly than in conventional systems. |
| US09841923B2 |
Storage apparatus and storage system
While in active state, a first storage apparatus including first and second storage areas copies data stored in the first storage area to the second storage area, copies data stored in the first storage area to a third storage area so that data is synchronized between the first and third storage areas, and copies data stored in the second storage area to a fourth storage area so that data is synchronized between the second and fourth storage areas. When a second storage apparatus including the third and fourth storage areas has transitioned from standby to active state and thereby gets to receive access to the third storage area, instead of to the first storage area, from an external information processing apparatus, the second storage apparatus copies data stored in the third storage area to the fourth storage area, based on setting information stored in a storage unit. |
| US09841921B2 |
Migrating data in a storage array that includes a plurality of storage devices
Migrating data in a storage array that includes a plurality of storage devices, including: detecting, by the storage array, an occurrence of a storage device evacuation event associated with one or more source storage devices; responsive to detecting the occurrence of the storage device evacuation event, identifying, by the storage array, one or more target storage devices for receiving data stored on the one or more source storage devices; reducing, by the storage array, write access to the one or more source storage devices; and migrating the data stored on the one or more source storage devices to the one or more target storage devices. |
| US09841918B2 |
Flash memory device including deduplication, and related methods
A flash memory device includes physical pages that store data sectors therein. The method of operating the flash memory device includes receiving write data sectors to be stored in the flash memory device, pairing the write data sectors with write data sectors and with written data sectors previously stored in physical pages of the flash memory device based upon a matching and deduplication operation to define data sector pairs and a difference therebetween, and rewriting to the physical pages of the flash memory device, in a partial-page writing mode, to store the difference between the write data sector and its respective paired data sector. The partial-page writing mode is performed on a respective physical page after a previous programming and before erasing. The written data sectors included in the data sector pairs only partially occupy the corresponding physical page of the flash memory device. The difference between the write data sector and its respective paired data sector is stored in an unoccupied portion of the corresponding physical page of the flash memory device. |
| US09841909B2 |
Continuous data backup using real time delta storage
A continuous data backup using real time delta storage has been presented. A backup appliance receives a backup request from a backup agent running on a computing machine to backup data on the computing machine. The computing machine is communicatively coupled to the backup appliance. Then the backup appliance performs block-based real-time backup of the data on the computing machine. The backup appliance stores backup data of the computing machine in a computer-readable storage device in the backup appliance. |
| US09841908B1 |
Declustered array of storage devices with chunk groups and support for multiple erasure schemes
Embodiments of a declustered, fault-tolerant array of storage devices for use with computer, networked, cloud-based, and other data storage applications are described. In some embodiments, the array generates a chunk group mapping with a high utilization of storage device space, provides evenly distributed hot spares, supports multiple erasure schemes including Reed-Solomon codes and Local Reconstruction Codes, and provides high storage device rebuild speed after storage device failure. Embodiments of methods of generating chunk group mappings are also disclosed. In some embodiments, chunk group mappings are determined based on the desired erasure scheme, the number of storage devices connected to the declustered, fault-tolerant array of storage devices, and a generated balanced incomplete block design or a generated partial balanced incomplete block design. Chunk group mappings are stored as a multi-level lookup table which includes at least a first erasure scheme pattern table and at least a second chunk group lookup table. |
| US09841907B2 |
Processing input/output requests using proxy and owner storage systems
A first storage system is configured as a proxy for a logical volume stored on a second storage system. Upon receiving a response from a second storage system verifying an availability of a logical volume for an input/output (I/O) request, the I/O request is conveyed to an identified port, a result of the I/O request is received from the identified port, the result is conveyed to a host computer. |
| US09841902B2 |
Peripheral component interconnect express controllers configured with non-volatile memory express interfaces
Systems and methods presented herein provide for SSD data storage via PCIe controllers configured with NVMe interfaces. In one embodiment, a PCIe controller includes a plurality of buffers, a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) device, and an I/O processor operable to partition the DRAM device into a plurality of logical blocks. The controller also includes virtual function logic communicatively coupled to the logical blocks of the DRAM device and to the buffers. The virtual function logic is coupled to a host system through the I/O processor to process an I/O request from the host system to a logical block of the DRAM device, to retrieve data from the logical block to at least one of the buffers, and to transfer the data from the buffer to the host system. |
| US09841899B2 |
Dispersed storage system with sub-vaults and methods for use therewith
A method for execution by one or more processing modules of a dispersed storage network (DSN) includes receiving a data access request for at least one data segment stored in the DSN. A vault associated with data access request is identified along with one of a plurality of sub-vaults associated with the vault. Access information corresponding to the one of the plurality of sub-vaults is retrieved to determine whether the access request is allowed. When the access request is allowed, a sub-vault directory associated with the one of the plurality of sub-vaults is retrieved to identify a DSN address corresponding to the data access request, and fulfilling the data access request based on the DSN address. |
| US09841896B2 |
Mobile terminal test device
A plurality of touch operation areas which are allocated to a plurality of measurement items for a mobile terminal are set in a touch-panel-type operating unit 40. A list of sections of the touch operation areas and a list of measurement item names for each section are displayed on a screen of a display unit 30. A switching button for switching the measurement item which has been invalidated among the measurement items to a valid state is displayed to inform an operator that the measurement item has been invalidated. The measurement results of the measurement item which has been validated are displayed in the sections to inform the operator that the measurement item has been validated. |
| US09841895B2 |
Alternative hypothesis error correction for gesture typing
In one example, a method may include outputting, by a computing device and for display, a graphical keyboard comprising a plurality of keys, and receiving an indication of a gesture. The method may include determining an alignment score that is based at least in part on a word prefix and an alignment point traversed by the gesture. The method may include determining at least one alternative character that is based at least in part on a misspelling that includes at least a portion of the word prefix. The method may include determining an alternative alignment score based at least in part on the alternative character; and outputting, by the computing device and for display, based at least in part on the alternative alignment score, a candidate word based at least in part on the alternative character. |
| US09841894B2 |
Method for recognizing fingerprint and electronic device thereof
Provided are an electronic device and method for recognizing a fingerprint. The fingerprint recognition method includes deactivating touch recognition using a touch panel based on first touch information on a fingerprint sensor, and performing fingerprint recognition based on second touch information on the fingerprint sensor. |
| US09841891B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of controlling the same
Disclosed are a mobile terminal and a method of controlling the same. The mobile terminal includes a display unit configured to display a content screen and a control unit configured to change an output state of the content screen with respect to a point from which a first touch gesture starts, in response to that the first touch gesture is sensed in the content screen, and when the first touch gesture which is continuously sensed in the content screen corresponds to a predetermined reference, perform control to search for other content associated with at least one piece of information extracted from the content screen. |
| US09841889B2 |
User interface navigation elements for navigating datasets
One embodiment of the invention sets forth a data navigation engine that generates user interface navigation elements for navigation large and expanding datasets. The user interface navigation elements may include a pivot control zoom slider for adjusting the data resolution with respect to different zoom pivot locations, an interactive ruler for consistent visual feedback and navigation of intervals of data within the dataset, a context bar for viewing the data proximate to a current view, and a multi-scale slider for repositioning the dataset within the current view. These user interface navigation elements provide the end-user with consistent control and visual feedback while navigating the dataset, independent of the size of the dataset or the portion of the dataset displayed within the current view. Therefore, large and expanding datasets can be navigated more effectively relative to prior art approaches. |
| US09841887B2 |
Anchoring viewport
The present disclosure relates to techniques of configuring a layout of graphical objects for display. In one example process, the device detects a scroll request and determines whether the scroll request meets predetermined criteria. If the scroll request meets the criteria, the device configures the layout of graphical objects that are to be displayed once the display is scrolled so that the graphical objects are arranged on the display differently than the arrangement in which the graphical objects would have been displayed, had the layout not been configured. If the scroll request does not meet the criteria, the device forgoes the configuration of the layout of graphical objects. |
| US09841886B2 |
Display control apparatus and control method thereof
There is provided a display control apparatus capable of maintaining visibility regarding a display item during a drag operation. The display control apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect a position input on a screen displayed on a display unit, a display control unit configured to display the display item on the display unit and to perform control to scroll of the display item with a display effect according to a scroll instruction, and a control unit configured to, if the detection unit detects the position input on the screen during the scroll, perform control to stop the scroll with the display effect displayed when the position input has been detected. |
| US09841885B2 |
User interface apparatus having a wheel input and method for controlling the same
A user interface apparatus includes a first display unit that is configured to display a plurality of first items, a wheel input unit that is positioned proximate a first side of the first display unit, a button input unit that is positioned within a circumference of the wheel input unit, and a second display unit that is positioned within the circumference of the wheel input unit. The wheel input unit is rotatable and is configured to, based upon being rotated, output a scroll command to scroll the plurality of first items. The button input unit is configured to, based upon being pressed, output a selection command to select a first item from the plurality of first items. The second display unit is configured to display the selected first item. |
| US09841884B2 |
Providing a single-action multi-mode interface
A system and method for providing a single-action multi-mode interface are provided. The system includes a touch detector to detect an input to a touch device; a mode detector to detect a mode associated with the input; a displacement detector to detect a displacement associated with the detected touch and mode, wherein the displacement is defined by a first and second parameter; and a command initiator to transmit an action to a first system based on the first parameter and a second system based on the second parameter. |
| US09841880B1 |
System, method, and software product for enabling users to create graphically consistent badges
We disclose a system, method and software product for generating custom badges by users. A website presents to the user a badge creating dashboard, predefined color themes, predefined image frames, an badge editing canvas and image transformation tools. A user enters a user chosen image into the badge creating canvas. The user chooses a color theme and uses the image transformation tools to select portions of the image for viewing, and arranges the image in the image canvas for viewing. When the user is satisfied with the badge preview, the user sends a save request which is transferred from the browser to a server. The server generates the custom badge by applying the user chosen theme to the user chosen image. The custom badge is then saved for future retrieval by the user. |
| US09841876B2 |
Music now playing user interface
The invention is directed to an electronic device. The electronic device generates for presentation on a display a user interface including a plurality of content items, a first heading, and a second heading. While the user interface is presented on the display, the electronic device receives input scrolling the plurality of content items. In response to the input, the electronic device scrolls the plurality of content items including: scrolling the first heading with a first content item of the plurality of content items that is currently playing; and scrolling the second heading with a second content item of the plurality of content items that is next in a queue of content items. |
| US09841873B1 |
Process for reducing the number of physical actions required while inputting character strings
The present invention provides a process for inputting character strings which reduces the number of physical actions required by the user. In this process, the user is provided a rule or rules about which characters in a target character string are to be selected and corresponding mechanism or mechanisms are applied while searching a reference set of possible character strings to identify and present a subset of likely candidates. One illustrative rule is that the user is to select only the consonants in the target character string. One illustrative embodiment of the invention reduces the number of physical actions required by a user entering text into a device when using any of a plurality of input alternatives. A second illustrative embodiment of the invention reduces the number of physical actions required by a physically-disabled user entering text into a device using a virtual keyboard, scanning keyboard, or other assistive method for the purpose of standard text entry or communicative text or speech output. |
| US09841871B2 |
Method, system for controlling dynamic map-type graphic interface and electronic device using the same
A dynamic map-type graphic interface includes a number of user interface (UI) components. Each UI component is associated with one corresponding application program of the electronic device. The dynamic map-type graphic interface is a single-layer graphic interface made up of the UI components spliced together and around the center of the dynamic map-type graphic interface. A selection box to select the UI components is controlled to determine the different UI components of the dynamic map-type graphic interface via the input unit. |
| US09841868B2 |
User configurable user interface
Methods for providing a user with a user configurable user interface (UCUI) for a software application using an electronic computing device are presented, the methods including: causing the electronic computing device to receive a number of input fields corresponding with the UCUI from the software application; selecting any of the number of input fields for display on the UCUI; arranging the selected input fields by at least one group, where each of the selected input fields each correspond with at most one group at a time; arranging the at least one group for display on the UCUI; and displaying the UCUI, where the UCUI displays at least the at least one group and the corresponding selected input fields. |
| US09841867B2 |
Computing apparatus for displaying a plurality of electronic documents to a user
Apparatus for displaying a plurality of electronic documents to a user. The apparatus comprising a desk having a plurality of proximity zones which comprise at least a first proximity zone which is close to a user of the apparatus and at least a second proximity zone which is further away from said user; at least one display device comprising a display for displaying one of said plurality of electronic documents and at least one sensing device for determining the proximity zone within which said at least one display device is located. The functionality of said display device is determined by the proximity zone within which it is located. |
| US09841866B1 |
Facilitating interactions between children and experts
A virtual environment may be provided to facilitate education and knowledge gathering by users. The users may include children, youth, and/or other users. The users may be enabled to form connections between themselves and/or experts, and to communicate between themselves and/or with experts. Users may be provided with a different interface than experts. |
| US09841860B2 |
Modulated power supply for reduced parasitic capacitance
An input device comprising a display device having an integrated capacitive sensing device. The input device includes a plurality of sensor electrodes a plurality of display electrodes, a modulated power supply configured to provide a modulated reference signal, and a processing system. The processing system includes a sensor module configured to drive a plurality of sensor electrodes with a modulated capacitive sensing signal that is based on the modulated reference signal for capacitive sensing during a first time period. The processing system also includes a display driver module configured to drive a plurality of display electrodes of a display device with modulated signals based on the modulated reference signal during the first time period. The modulated signals cause voltage between the plurality of display electrodes and the plurality of sensor electrodes to remain substantially constant. |
| US09841855B2 |
Systems and methods for capacitive touch detection
System and methods are provided for touch detection. The system includes: a sensing capacitive network configured to generate a touch-sensing signal based at least in part on a touch panel capacitance; an internal capacitive network configured to generate an input signal based at least in part on a predetermined internal capacitance; a comparative network configured to compare the touch-sensing signal with a reference signal to generate a first comparison result and compare the input signal with the reference signal to generate a second comparison result; and a signal processing component configured to generate a detection result to indicate whether a touch event occurs on the touch panel based at least in part on the first comparison result and the second comparison result. |
| US09841854B2 |
Display device and driving method thereof
A display device according to the present inventive concept includes: a display panel comprising a pixel electrode receiving a data voltage and a common electrode receiving a common voltage; and a touch sensor comprising a plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of sensing electrodes, wherein the touch sensor applies a touch detection signal to the plurality of driving electrode and detects a touch location by receiving a sense signal from the plurality of sensing electrode in an active mode, and determines whether a touch is made by receiving sense signals of the plurality of sensing electrodes, that are fluctuated by a ripple of a common voltage applied to the common electrode according to driving of the display panel in an idle mode. |
| US09841850B2 |
Device and method for proximity sensing with force imaging
Methods, systems and devices are described for operating an electronic system which includes a pliable component having an input surface, a first array of sensor electrodes, a second array of sensor electrodes, and a third array of sensor electrodes. The input device also includes a conductive substrate spaced apart from the pliable component and a compliant component disposed between the pliable component and the conductive substrate. In response to pressure applied by an input object to the input surface, the pliable component and the first, second, and third arrays of sensor electrodes locally deform and the compliant component locally compresses such that a spacing between the conductive substrate and at least one electrode from each of the first, second, and third arrays decreases. |
| US09841849B2 |
Carrier signal detection apparatus, touch control detection apparatus and detection methods thereof
A carrier signal detection apparatus, a touch control apparatus and detection methods thereof are provided. The carrier signal detection apparatus includes an analog to digital converting (ADC) apparatus and a filter. The ADC apparatus receives an analog input signal and converts the analog input signal to a digital signal. The filter receives the digital signal and accumulates the digital signal according to a delay time for generating a carrier signal detection result. |
| US09841840B2 |
Noise filtering devices, systems and methods for capacitance sensing devices
A capacitance sensing system can filter noise that presents in a subset of electrodes in the proximity of a sense object (i.e., finger). A capacitance sensing system can include a sense network comprising a plurality of electrodes for generating sense values; a noise listening circuit configured to detect noise on a plurality of the electrodes; and a filtering circuit that enables a filtering for localized noise events when detected noise values are above one level, and disables the filtering for localized noise events when detected noise values are below the one level. |
| US09841836B2 |
Control of non-destructive testing devices
A non-transitory, computer-readable medium includes computer-executable code having instructions. The instructions are configured to receive data relating to an environment, construct an image of the environment based on the received data, and display the image on a touch-screen device. The instructions are also configured to receive a control gesture via the touch-screen device and interpret the control gesture. Further, the instructions are configured to control an articulating system coupled to the device to control an orientation of a sensor configured to collect the data, control a mode of operation of the sensor, or any combination thereof based on the interpretation of the control gesture. |
| US09841834B2 |
In-cell touch liquid crystal panels and the array substrates thereof
An in-cell touch liquid crystal panel and the array substrate are disclosed. The array substrate includes a glass substrate and a TFT, a common electrode layer, and a pixel electrode formed on the glass substrate. The common electrode layer includes a plurality of bar-shaped touch driving electrodes insulated from each other. Each of the touch driving electrodes includes a plurality of suspended electrodes. A second insulation layer and a metal wiring layer are arranged between the common electrode layer and the passivation layer in sequence. The metal wiring layer includes a plurality of driving electrode wirings, a plurality of suspended electrode wirings, and a plurality of touch sensing electrodes. Each of the driving electrode wirings electrically connects to one of the touch driving electrodes via the through holes on the insulation layer, and each of the suspended electrode wirings electrically connects to the suspended electrodes arranged along the second direction. |
| US09841828B2 |
Pressure sensitive stylus
A handheld device includes a housing, an elongated rod movable with respect to the housing, a pyramid structure and a circuit. The elongated rod includes a tip at a first end and a compressible element at a second end. The compressible element includes conductive material configured to press against the electrodes based on a force vector applied on the tip. The pyramid structure includes at least three walls and an electrode on each of the at least three walls and is fixed or integrated with the housing. The circuit transmit signals on the compressible element or the electrodes, detect outputs from the electrodes and provide pressure related information based on the outputs. |
| US09841824B2 |
Combination computing device and game controller with flexible bridge and supporting a keyboard module
A combination computing device and input device. The computing device provides a plurality of sides. The input device providing a structural bridge, a pair of control modules, and a touch sensitive input module attached to the back side of the input device. The pair of control modules: confine the computing device on at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides; adaptively and snugly accommodate the width of the computing device else a second computing device, the second computing device having a width greater than the width of the computing device; adaptively and snugly, accommodate the length of either the computing device, or the second computing device, the second computing device having a length greater than the length of the computing device; and a keyboard module integrated within at least one of the control modules, the keyboard module configured to provide full keyboard functionality. |
| US09841823B2 |
Physical object for intuitive navigation in a three-dimensional space
A computer-implemented method for manipulating graphics objects within a display viewed by an end-user is disclosed. The method involves: receiving motion information generated in response to the end-user moving an object that is external to the display; determining at least one zone of motion in which the end-user moves the object; determining a first motion type associated with the movement of the object within the at least one zone of motion; and based on the at least one zone of motion and the first motion type, determining at least one change to a viewpoint associated with one or more graphics objects displayed to the end-user within the display. The at least one change to the viewpoint causes an alteration in how the one or more graphics objects are displayed to the end-user within the display. |
| US09841816B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating mood-based haptic feedback
A method and apparatus for generating mood-based haptic feedback are disclosed. A haptic system includes a sensing device, a digital processing unit, and a haptic generator. The sensing device, in one embodiment, is configured to detect user's modalities in accordance with mood information collected by one or more sensors and capable of issuing a sensing signal in response to the user's modalities. The digital processing unit is capable of identifying a user's condition in accordance with the sensing signal and providing a haptic signal in response to the user's condition. The user's condition, in one aspect, indicates user's mood and/or user's psychological conditions. The haptic generator generates haptic feedback in accordance with the haptic signal. |
| US09841815B2 |
Method for differentiation of touch input and visualization of pending touch input
An apparatus and method for differentiation of a touch input in a touch sensitive device are provided. The method includes extending an object of a plurality of objects, each of the plurality of objects having a different corresponding identity, determining an identity of the extended object, communicating the identity of the extended object to the touch sensitive device, and, when the object touches the touch sensitive device, performing a function of the touch sensitive device according to the identity of the extended object. |
| US09841814B1 |
Intentional user experience
Methods for intentional user experience are provided herein. Exemplary methods include: getting point of interest data, including a location of a point of interest; receiving first user data, including a first location of the user and a first direction of a gaze of the user; calculating a first position of the gaze of the user using the first location of the user and the first direction of the gaze of the user; displaying a first indicator denoting the first position of the gaze of the user; receiving second user data, including a second location of the user and a second direction of a gaze of the user; calculating a second position of the gaze of the user using the second location of the user and the second direction of the gaze of the user; and displaying a second indicator denoting the second position of the gaze of the user. |
| US09841813B2 |
Automated vehicle human-machine interface system based on glance-direction
A human-machine interface (HMI) system used to indicate a vehicle-feature based on glance-direction of an occupant of the vehicle includes a camera and a controller. The camera is used to capture a sequence-of-images of an occupant of a vehicle. The controller is configured to determine a plurality of glance-directions from the sequence-of-images, define a plurality of glance-zones based on the plurality of glance-directions, one glance-zone for each glance-direction, define an intersection-zone based on an intersection of two or more of the glance-zones, determine an outlier-count based on how many of the plurality of glance-zones do not intersect with the intersection-zone, and select a vehicle-feature in the vehicle indicated by the occupant, said vehicle-feature located at a location inside the vehicle that corresponds to the intersection-zone, said vehicle-feature indicated by the operator when the outlier-count during the pause-interval is less than a paused-threshold. |
| US09841811B2 |
Visually directed human-computer interaction for medical applications
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of utilizing an eye detection apparatus in a medical application, which includes calibrating the eye detection apparatus to a user; performing a predetermined set of visual and cognitive steps using the eye detection apparatus; determining a visual profile of a workflow of the user; creating a user-specific database to create an automated visual display protocol of the workflow; storing eye-tracking commands for individual user navigation and computer interactions; storing context-specific medical application eye-tracking commands, in a database; performing the medical application using the eye-tracking commands; and storing eye-tracking data and results of an analysis of data from performance of the medical application, in the database. The method includes performing an analysis of the database for determining best practice guidelines based on clinical outcome measures. |
| US09841810B2 |
Dynamic augmented reality media creation
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method and technique for dynamic augmented reality media creation is disclosed. The method includes: receiving reality data; analyzing the reality data; identifying augmentation data based on the analysis of the reality data; generating augmented reality content; determining if the reality data corresponds to predetermined capture event criteria; and responsive to determining that the reality data corresponds to the predetermined capture event criteria, capturing the augmented reality content. |
| US09841808B2 |
Photoelectric sensor
Provided is a photoelectric sensor capable of enhancing display flexibility of a display section mounted on the photoelectric sensor and making this display flexibility contribute to improvement in user's operability. In a Run mode, a current value is displayed in large-sized numerals on a display section. When switching is made from the Run mode to a setting mode and letter information is to be displayed in the setting mode, a current value is displayed in relatively small-sized numerals at the corner (e.g., lower left) of the display section. |
| US09841798B2 |
Battery, battery controller, and method for the secured digital transmission of current measurement values
The invention relates to a method for the secured digital transmission of current measurement values and to a battery (1) and a battery controller (10) which are suitable for carrying out the method. The method has the steps of detecting (S1, S2) an amplitude of a battery current (IB) in a battery (1) using a first and a second sensor (2, 3), generating (S3, S4) a first and a second bit sequence, each of which describes the detected amplitude, generating a mirrored second bit sequence (21) by reversing (S5) a sequence of the bits provided by the second bit sequence (20), simultaneously transmitting (S6) the first bit sequence via a first data bus (5) and the mirrored second bit sequence (21) via a second data bus (6) to a battery controller (10), generating a second bit sequence (20) by reversing (S7) a sequence of the bits provided by the mirrored second bit sequence (21) after the simultaneous transmission (S6), and finally detecting (S8) a possible error in the first bit sequence or the second bit sequence (20) by comparing the first bit sequence (20) with the second bit sequence (21). Transmission faults are thus detected in particular in a transmission path between the sensors of the battery and the battery controller, said faults being caused by a common disturbance. Additionally, faults can also be detected which are caused by a disturbance that only affects one of the sensors or a part of the transmission path. |
| US09841796B2 |
Preventing dark current in battery management system
A method and apparatus for preventing dark current in a battery management system (BMS) are provided. A battery control apparatus may include a voltage regulator configured to regulate a voltage of a driving power supplied from a power supply to a processor, a first switch, located between the power supply and the voltage regulator, configured to switch on and off a connection between the power supply and the voltage regulator, and a second switch configured to control the first switch based on an input of a driving signal to operate the processor. |
| US09841795B2 |
Method for resetting an electronic device having independent device domains
A reset state control circuit adapted to reset independent device domains of an electronic device, said reset state control circuit comprising a capturing unit adapted to capture reset events; and a reset shaping logic adapted to change dynamically a reset control flow to reset device domains of said electronic device depending on a sequence of the reset events captured by said capturing unit. |
| US09841794B2 |
Portable electronic computer
This invention puts forward a kind of mobile computer, which includes a host with a panel display on it, a screen cover and a keyboard. The keyboard is set on the screen cover. The connection between the host and the screen cover adopts staff connecting structure or slide block and sliding groove connecting structure, and the host can be folded with the screen cover and opened to stand up askew on the screen cover conveniently. The best heat transfer effect of the wall of the host shell is adopted, when the host stands up, to improve heat transfer and decrease the host thickness. The screen cover can be removed and installed from the host conveniently. Setting battery on the screen cover, users can replace the battery conveniently. |
| US09841787B2 |
Retention features of a portable computer
A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device includes a retention member that provides a force to a flexible circuit disposed in a top portion and a bottom portion of the portable computing device. The retention member limits movement of the flexible circuit when, for example, the flexible circuit receives a force in response to the top portion pivoting with respect to the bottom portion. The bottom portion of the portable computing devices includes a bottom case having multiple terraced regions. The terraced regions allow the bottom portion to receive additional internal components, such as one or more battery packs, a main logic board, and/or one or more speaker modules. The battery packs are secured to the terraced region via adhesive rings. Although the terraced regions require additional material removed from the bottom case, the internal components secured to the bottom case provide structural support. |
| US09841785B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a first machine body and a second machine body adapted to be detachably assembled to the first machine body. The first machine body includes a first casing, a first hinge fixed to a side of the first casing, a second hinge pivoted to the first hinge along an axis, and a first connecting member disposed at the side and linked to the second hinge. The first and the second hinges are covered by the first casing. The second machine body includes a second casing and a second connecting member. When the first machine body is assembled to the second machine body, the first connecting member is fixed to the second connecting member, the second hinge is fixed jointly so that the first hinge is rotatable related to the second hinge. Accordingly, the first casing is rotatable related to the second casing. |
| US09841781B2 |
Assembled wearable device
Embodiments of the present invention provide an assembled wearable device. The assembled wearable device comprises a first functional module, a second functional module and a connecting structure for connecting the first functional module and the second functional module, wherein the connecting structure comprises a first inserting member and a first receiving member matching each other, the first receiving member is configured for receiving the first inserting member so that the first inserting member is confined to the first receiving member in at least one direction. |
| US09841778B2 |
Use of distributed generator (DG) inverters as STATCOMs for decreasing line losses
The invention provides systems, methods, and devices relating to the provision of system-wide coordinated control voltage regulation support in power transmission and distribution networks using multiple inverter based power generation facilities, which are coupled to the power transmission and distribution networks for minimizing transmission and distribution line losses. The invention uses a novel control method of inverter based Distributed Generators as Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) in a way that provides a dynamic voltage regulation/control with the inverter capacity remaining after real power generation, thereby decreasing system line losses. |
| US09841777B2 |
Voltage regulator, application-specific integrated circuit and method for providing a load with a regulated voltage
A voltage regulator for digital loads combines a closed loop regulation circuit with an open loop topology. A transistor and a bank of transistors share the same voltage source VDD and gate control current. Each of the bank of transistors is sized to match different current load requirements and one or more may be switched in or out as appropriate when the digital load transitions from one operating mode to another. The regulator has good DC load regulation and unconditional stability regardless of output capacitance. |
| US09841773B2 |
Cooling system management
A cooling system controller, method, and computer program (or product) for an installation of heat generating machines having variable cooling requirements, the cooling system comprising two or more thermal components sharing a first cooling fluid circuit and first cooling fluid for cooling the installation, the cooling system controller comprising: a requirement discovery engine for recording the variable cooling requirements of the machines; a characterizing engine for measuring and recording outputs for each thermal component in response to a plurality of input control settings for generating a respective set of static set-points for each thermal component; a logic model generator for generating a logical model of the thermal components based on: relationships between the thermal components, operating fluid flow and around the thermal components, static set-points of each component; an optimizer for finding minimum energy consumption for the cooling system; and an interface for continuously adjusting control settings for each component to keep the cooling system operating at the minimum energy consumption. |
| US09841772B2 |
Temperature responsive thermal bridge
A thermal bridge includes a first plate stack, a second plate stack and a temperature responsive actuator. The first plate stack is placed in thermal communication with a first electrical component and has a plurality of first plates. The second plate stack is placed in thermal communication with a second electrical component and has a plurality of second plates interleaved with the first plates. The temperature responsive actuator is coupled to at least one of the first and second plate stacks. The temperature responsive actuator changes shape based on changes in temperature to change the relative positions of the first and second plates. The temperature responsive actuator causes the first and second plates to vary thermal resistance between the first and second electrical components based on the change in relative positions of the first and second plates. |
| US09841769B2 |
Fluid activated flow control apparatus
Embodiments of a fluid flow regulating device and methods of using the same are described. Certain embodiments manages fluid flow between one or more input ports and output ports at least partly in response to fluid pressure changes and/or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow, optionally without using electrical power. |
| US09841768B2 |
Autonomous travelling service vehicle
In the prior art, detection sensitivity was fixed for an obstacle detection means provided to an autonomous travelling service vehicle; therefore, in the present invention an autonomous travelling service vehicle is provided with a position calculation means that determines the position of the chassis using a satellite positioning system, and with a control device that automatically drives the vehicle along a set travel route and causes the vehicle to execute the service, wherein an obstacle sensor that acts as an obstacle detection means for detecting whether or not an obstacle is present around the autonomous travelling service vehicle and a sensitivity adjustment means for adjusting the sensitivity of the obstacle sensor are provided, and the sensitivity of the obstacle sensor is adjusted by the sensitivity adjustment means so as to be high within a set work area and low outside the set work area. |
| US09841765B2 |
Curb detection for vehicle parking
Systems and methods for curb detection for parking are disclosed. An example vehicle parking assist system includes a processor and memory. An example program stored in the memory is configured to move a vehicle using a set of maneuvers to park the vehicle in a parking space based on an estimated location of a curb. The example program is also configured to compare a first yaw rate to a reference yaw rate to detect when the vehicle contacts the curb. Additionally, the example program is configured to move the vehicle using an adjusted set of maneuvers based on an actual location of the curb. |
| US09841763B1 |
Predictive sensor array configuration system for an autonomous vehicle
An autonomous vehicle (AV) can include a predictive sensor configuration system that can dynamically detect reflectance anomalies that affect detectability by sensor array of the AV as the AV travels a current route. The predictive sensor configuration system can dynamically determine one or more configurations for the sensor array to attempt to positively identify the reflectance anomalies, and preemptively execute the one or more configurations for the sensor array as the AV travels the current route. |
| US09841761B2 |
System and method for controlling unmanned aerial vehicles
A system is provided comprising a control station for remotely controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAV”). The control station is configured to display vehicle status data received from each UAV, including displaying a location of each UAV in a single interface. Through the single interface, the control station may receive a control command input associated with one of the UAVs. The control station may transmit the received control command, or a command derived therefrom, to the respective UAV. The single interface may provide for a user to view and control flight operation of each of the UAVs independently through the single interface. |
| US09841760B2 |
System for remotely-operated systems
The invention relates to a remote-controlled system comprising: —at least one ground interface (3), from which an operator can control a remote-controlled vehicle; —at least one mission unit (7, 8) in said vehicle; and —a data link between said interface (3) and said mission unit (7, 8). Said system is characterized in that it comprises, on the ground and in the vehicle, security monitoring systems (6, 10) suitable for approving and/or authenticating critical data and/or commands exchanged between the ground and the vehicle and also suitable for verifying the integrity of said data. It is thus possible to use, on the ground as on board the vehicle, interfaces and units with a low level of criticality at the same time as interfaces and units with the highest level of criticality. |
| US09841756B2 |
Scheduling inspections and predicting end-of-life for machine components
A method for operating a machine component under stress. The method comprises determining a probability of failure PoF(N) of the component as a function of N cycles, selecting a time-based acceptable risk limit for the component and selecting an operational profile for the component, converting the time-based acceptable risk limit to a cycle-based acceptable risk limit using the operational profile, comparing the cycle-based acceptable risk limit with the PoF(N) values to determine an operational status of the component, comparing the cycle-based acceptable risk limit with the PoF(N) values, and operating the machine component responsive to results of the comparing step. |
| US09841751B2 |
Numerical-control machining-program creation device
To provide a numerical-control machining-program creation device that creates a numerical-control machining program including turning machining based on shape data of a workpiece. The numerical-control machining-program creation device generates a turning-machining removal shape indicating a shape to be removed by turning machining based on a turning sectional shape, extracts a turning groove shape from the turning-machining removal shape, and creates the numerical-control machining program for turning machining based on a shape obtained by separating the turning groove shape from the turning-machining removal shape. |
| US09841750B2 |
Dynamic real-time slice engine for 3D printing
Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for 3D printing without preprocessing a CAD model before delivery to a 3D printer. The CAD model for a design to be printed is received by a 3D printer. Instructions are generated for printing the first slice. While the instructions are used to start printing the CAD model, dynamic real-time slicing is performed on a remaining portion of the CAD model. Preprocessed data, model analysis information or real-time feedback is received during the printing of a respective slice. A next slice is identified, and slicing parameters are adjusted, including adjusting a slicing parameter for the next slice. Instructions for printing the next slice are generated. The next slice is printed based on the generated instructions. Dynamic real-time slicing is repeated to generate a then next slice and associated printing instructions. |
| US09841748B2 |
Built-in type vision based inspection tool for autonomous setting of initial origin
The present invention relates to a vision based inspection tool for setting of an initial origin of an automation machine tool, and more particularly, to a built-in type of vision based inspection tool for setting of an initial origin capable of improving setting precision of a current automation machine tool that depends on initial setting and increasing productivity depending on individual automatic setting by automatically sensing a machining origin in order to perform initial machining and re-machining of an existing workpiece using an automation machine tool and compensating for the machining origin to eliminate a time required for setting machining origins for various shapes in a jog mode. |
| US09841747B2 |
Numerical control device for performing control axis switch
In a numerical control device for performing a control axis switch, each of a plurality of control axis units includes an axis movement amount conversion unit configured to convert a movement amount of a servo motor into a movement amount corresponding to each of the control axis units of the plurality of control axis units, an axis position data storage unit, and a control object axis position data storage unit configured to store an axis position of a control object at a time when the control object is separated from a single drive unit, and an axis position stored in the axis position data storage unit is configured to be updated by using the movement amount of the servo motor, regardless of whether or not the control object is connected by a control axis switch unit to the control axis unit. |
| US09841746B2 |
Numerical controller having function of controlling speed by superimposed control
A numerical controller has a first axis (reference axis) and a second axis (superimposed axis), and performs superimposed control which superimposes a movement amount of the reference axis on a movement amount of the superimposed axis, and thereby controls the movement of the superimposed axis. The numerical controller controls an acceleration start time of the axis to be accelerated, in a superimposition interval in which the reference axis is accelerated and the superimposed axis is decelerated (or reference axis is decelerated and superimposed axis is accelerated). After the axis to be decelerated is sufficiently decelerated, the axis to be accelerated is accelerated, and a moving speed of the superimposed axis does not exceed a speed limit of a machine in an acceleration/deceleration interval. |
| US09841743B2 |
Apparatus and method for remote administration and recurrent updating of credentials in an access control system
A portable electronic key for use with an electronic locking device comprises a wireless communications module, a processor, and a software application configured to transmit, receive, and respond to electronic messages related to access control information. The electronic messages are formatted according to a request-response protocol. The wireless communications module is configured to use a standardized communication protocol to establish a wireless communications link with a networking device operably associated with a remote administration device located away from the portable electronic key. The software application periodically exchanges, via the wireless communications link, request-response messages related to access control information with a server application of the remote administration device. The processor responds to the exchange of request-response messages by performing at least one of modifying access control information of the portable electronic key or providing access control information of the portable electronic key to the remote administration device. |
| US09841741B2 |
Method and apparatus to replace an electrical power module in a wireless valve positioner without power disruption
A process control device includes an interface configured to communicate with other devices in a process control system. The process control device also includes a primary power source, the primary power source configured to provide power to at least one component of the process control device, which component, if not powered, would result in disruption to the control of the process. The process control device still further includes a terminal configured to electrically couple the process control device to an auxiliary power source such that the auxiliary power source provides sufficient power to the at least one component when the auxiliary power source is connected to the terminal such that the process control device remains operable to control the process in the absence of the primary power source. |
| US09841739B2 |
Motion controller device and communication method therein
A motion controller device and a communication method for the motion controller device are provided to reduce the large number of man-hours that are required for making communication settings and wiring design in large-scale systems. The motion controller device and communication method improve the degree of freedom for communication line connections by switching the two transmission paths on the transmitting and receiving sides of the communication ports contained within a central communication device and a terminal communication devices for full duplex communications. The motion controller device and communication also ensure the response performance required in the devices being controlled by way of the terminal communication device that autonomously and dynamically switches the communication paths according to the volume of communication data on the communication line along this type of network. |
| US09841736B2 |
Security, safety, and redundancy employing controller engine instances
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that facilitates employing safety within an industrial environment. An enhancing component can implement at least one of a security level, authentication, authorization, or an access right to a validated action to at least one of the controller or the controller engine instance. The enhancing component can further separate two or more entities within the industrial environment, the first entity related to process control and the second entity related to process safety. Additionally, the enhancing component can employ at least one of a backup controller or a backup controller engine instance in the event of at least one of a software error or a hardware error within the industrial environment. |
| US09841731B2 |
Holographic memory device
To reduce an influence of stray light and stably record/reproduce high-quality data in holographic recording/reproduction. A holographic memory device includes an optical system that guides a reference beam to an optical information recording medium at a desired angle of incidence, a control part that controls the angle of incidence of the reference beam generated in the optical system, and a lens part that images the reference beam in a desired position of the optical information recording medium. Further, at least a first light beam at a first angle and a second light beam at a second angle different from the first angle are output from the optical element, and the optical element is provided so that the first light beam may propagate within an effective diameter of the lens part and the second light beam may propagate to an outside of the effective diameter of the lens part. |
| US09841726B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a unit horizontally insertable and drawable with respect to a main body frame, and a lock mechanism for the unit. The lock mechanism includes a lock member which has an engagement projection engageable with an engaged portion formed in the main body frame, and a biasing member which biases the lock member in a first direction toward engagement of the engagement projection with the engaged portion. Along with insertion of the unit, the lock member moves in a second direction, and when the unit is inserted to a predetermined position, biasing force of the biasing member causes the lock member to move in the first direction and the engagement projection engages with the engaged portion. By moving the lock member in the second direction, engagement between the engagement projection and the engaged portion is released to make it possible to draw the unit. |
| US09841725B2 |
Image-forming device having guide to guide drawer supporting developing units in main casing
An image-forming device includes a main casing, a belt accommodated in the main casing, developing units arranged along the belt, a drawer configured to detachably support the developing units, the drawer configured to move to a position inside the main casing and to a position outside the main casing, and the drawer having a leading end and a trailing end in a pulling direction from the inside position to the outside position; and a guide configured to guide the drawer and to move between a first position and a second position when the drawer is at the inside position, the second position being farther from the belt than the first position from the belt. When the guide is at the second position, the guide is configured to be tilted downward relative to a horizontal direction such that the leading end is lower than the trailing end. |
| US09841723B2 |
Image forming apparatus and tandem type photosensitive unit
An image forming apparatus is described. An image forming apparatus may include an image forming apparatus body and a tandem type photosensitive unit slidable with respect to the body, wherein the unit includes: a frame; a plurality of photosensitive bodies; a plurality of developer cartridges, including developer carriers, detachably mountable on the frame; and a pressing portion provided on the frame for pressing each of the cartridges so that the developer carrier thereof is directed toward the corresponding photosensitive body, each of the cartridges is pivoted to be movable to an imaging position pressed by the pressing portion and a detached position released from the pressing by the pressing portion, and the body is provided with an abutting portion abutting the cartridge located on the detached position thereby pivoting the cartridge and moving the same to the imaging position when the unit is mounted on the body. |
| US09841719B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is provided with a printing portion, a waste toner collection portion that includes a conveyance member that is driven by a motor, and conveys waste toner, thereby to collect the waste toner in a waste toner container, a current detection portion for detecting a motor current value, a fan that discharges scattering toner, and a control portion. In driving the fan, the control portion detects a value of the motor current value and sets rotation speed of the fan so that the larger said detected value of the motor current value, the higher the rotation speed. |
| US09841718B2 |
Lubricant applicator, cleaning device, and image forming apparatus
A lubricant applicator incorporated in a cleaning device disposed in an image forming apparatus having an image bearing member on which an image containing toner is formed, includes: a lubricant supplying unit that supplies lubricant; a brush roller that scrapes off the lubricant to apply the lubricant to a surface of the image bearing member; and a flicker member positioned on an upstream side from the lubricant supplying unit in a rotation direction of the brush roller, the flicker member coming into contact with the brush roller, wherein the flicker member is a plate-shaped member in which an opening is formed, the flicker member having elasticity to be allowed to elastically rock by coming into contact with the brush roller, and the opening is formed in a region with which the brush roller comes into contact. |
| US09841710B1 |
Transport device, fixing device, and image forming apparatus
A transport device includes: a first rotational member; a second rotational member that forms a nip with the first rotational member; a guide member that guides the medium in a predetermined direction; a changing part that supports the second rotational member so as to be rotatable and that moves the second rotational member to change a nip state between the second rotational member and the first rotational member; and an interposed member supported by the changing part and nipped between the first rotational member and the guide member, the interposed member including, in an intersecting direction intersecting a direction in which the interposed member is nipped, multiple portions having different thicknesses, the interposed member being nipped at any one of the multiple portions, while being moved in the intersecting direction in accordance with the movement of the second rotational member. |
| US09841709B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a first fixing member, a second fixing member, and a charge application portion. The first fixing member contacts unfixed toner on a sheet conveyed along a conveyance path. The second fixing member forms a nip portion between itself and the first fixing member such that the sheet passes through the nip portion. The charge application portion applies an electric charge to the unfixed toner on the sheet and to an outer circumferential surface of the first fixing member at a region on an upstream side of the nip portion in a movement direction of the outer circumferential surface, by causing a corona discharge to be generated between a discharge electrode and a counter electrode that are disposed apart from the outer circumferential surface of the first fixing member. |
| US09841704B2 |
Developing device having rotating feeding member
A developing device includes a developer carrying member for carrying a developer; a circulation path along which the developer is circulated; a carrier supplying portion; a discharge opening, provided in the circulation path, through which a portion of the developer is to be overflowed and discharged; and a feeding member comprising a rotation shaft and a blade portion including a helical portion. An outer diameter of the blade portion formed in a first region including at least a portion opposing the discharge opening is smaller than that in a second region adjacent to the first region with respect to a rotation shaft direction. A smaller average angle formed between the rotation shaft and a developer feeding surface of the blade portion in the first region is smaller than that in the second region. |
| US09841697B2 |
Cleaning member, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A cleaning member includes a core and an elastic layer helically wound around an outer peripheral surface of the core so as to extend from one end to the other end of the core. When the cleaning member is rotated by a member to be cleaned, a non-contact region in which a first end portion and a second end portion of the elastic layer in an axial direction of the core are not in contact with the member to be cleaned is in a range from approximately 0° to approximately 60° in terms of a rotation angle of the cleaning member viewed from one side in the axial direction of the core. |
| US09841692B2 |
Toner
Provided is a toner having a toner particle that contains a binder resin, a colorant, a wax, and a crystalline polyester, wherein two or more peak tops for crystallization peaks are present in a temperature range from 40° C. to 80° C. in a first DSC curve obtained by a process or cooling the toner from 100° C. to 20° C. at 0.5° C./min, and using ΔH(0.5) for the exothermic quantity for the peak on the lowest temperature side of these crystallization peaks and using ΔH(100) for the exothermic quantity of the crystallization peak on the lowest temperature side in a second DSC curve obtained by a process of cooling the toner from 100° C. to 20° C. at 100° C./min, the ratio [ΔH(100)/ΔH(0.5)] is at least 2.0 and not more than 6.0. |
| US09841691B2 |
Method of manufacturing electrostatic latent image developing toner
A method of manufacturing an electrostatic latent image developing toner made of a binding resin made of an amorphous resin and a crystalline resin, and toner particles containing a releasing agent and a coloring agent, the method includes: adding a monomer for forming the amorphous resin, in an aqueous medium, under presence of the fine particles containing the crystalline resin, and performing polymerization to obtain coated resin fine particles that are fine particles containing the crystalline resin, the fine particles being coated with the amorphous resin; and flocculating and fusing at least fine particles containing the amorphous resin, the coated resin fine particles, and fine particles containing the coloring agent, in an aqueous medium, under presence of a flocculating agent, to obtain the toner particles, wherein a surfactant having concentration of one to five times critical micellar concentration is added to the aqueous medium in the polymerization. |
| US09841690B2 |
Method and apparatus for exposure pattern correction and exposure system
A method for correcting an exposure pattern on a substrate includes obtaining, based on the exposure pattern, displacement adjustment parameters for adjusting displacements of a worktable supporting the substrate in each of a first direction and a second direction, a rotation angle adjustment parameter for adjusting a rotation angle of the worktable in a rotation direction, and a gap adjustment parameter for adjusting a gap between the worktable and a mask plate. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other in a horizontal plane. The rotation direction is a direction in which the worktable rotates around a central axis of a base table supporting the mask plate. The method further includes moving the worktable based on the displacement adjustment parameters, the rotation angle adjustment parameter and the gap adjustment parameter. |
| US09841688B2 |
Method for detecting overlay error and method for manufacturing semiconductor device using the same
A method for detecting an overlay error includes: forming a first overlay key including a plurality of spaced apart first target patterns having a first pitch on a first layer of a substrate; forming a second overlay key including a plurality of spaced apart second target patterns having a second pitch different than the first pitch on a second layer of the substrate below the first layer; irradiating the first layer and the second layer with incident light having a first wavelength; obtaining a phase pattern of light reflected from the first layer and the second layer; calculating a position of a peak point or a valley point of the phase pattern of the reflected light; and detecting an overlay error of the first layer and the second layer using the position of the peak point or the valley point of the phase pattern. |
| US09841684B2 |
Light source apparatus and data processing method
A light source apparatus according to an embodiment may be used for an exposure apparatus which exposes a plurality of wafers by repeating a wafer exposure for exposing a total exposure area of each wafer. The wafer exposure may include a sequential execution of scanning exposures in which each divided area defined by dividing the total exposure area of each wafer is scanned by pulsed light. The apparatus may comprise: a light source controller configured to execute a control for outputting the pulsed light based on a luminescence trigger signal received from the exposure apparatus; a detector configured to detect a characteristic of the pulsed light; and a data collection processor configured to collect at least a piece of data in data included in a pulse light data group related to the pulsed light detected by the detector and a control data group related to the control, and execute a mapping process of mapping the collected data by at least one of scanning exposure basis and wafer exposure basis. |
| US09841682B2 |
Arrangement for actuating an element in a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
The invention relates to arrangements for actuating an element in a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus. In accordance with one aspect, an arrangement for actuating an element in a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus comprises a first number (nR) of degrees of freedom, wherein an adjustable force can be transmitted to the optical element in each of the degrees of freedom, and a second number (nA) of actuators, which are coupled to the optical element in each case via a mechanical coupling for the purpose of transmitting force to the optical element, wherein the second number (nA) is greater than the first number (nR). In accordance with one aspect, at least one of the actuators is arranged in a node of at least one natural vibration mode of the optical element. |
| US09841681B2 |
Light irradiation apparatus, drawing apparatus, and phase difference generator
Laser light from a light source part is guided to an irradiation plane by an irradiation optical system. In the irradiation optical system, element lenses are arrayed, and light fluxes that have passed through the element lenses respectively enter transparent elements. Irradiation regions of the light from the element lenses are superimposed on the irradiation plane. When each pair of adjacent target element lenses out of three target element lenses arrayed sequentially is regarded as a target element lens pair, the optical path lengths of three transparent elements corresponding to the three target element lenses are determined such that a peak position of light intensity on the irradiation plane resulting from the interference between the light fluxes through one target element lens pair is different from that corresponding to the other pair. This suppresses variations in light intensity caused by interference between the light fluxes on the irradiation plane. |
| US09841680B2 |
Source collector apparatus, lithographic apparatus and method
A source collector apparatus for use in a lithographic apparatus includes a fuel droplet generator configured in use to generate a stream of fuel droplets directed from an outlet of the fuel droplet generator towards a plasma formation location. In order to prevent droplet satellites from interfering with plasma formation, a gas supply is provided that in use provides a flow of gas (e.g., hydrogen) that deflects any droplet satellites out of the fuel droplet stream. Additionally, a detection apparatus may be provided as part of a shroud to determine the point at which coalescence of fuel droplets occurs thereby providing an indication of the likelihood of satellite droplets being present in the fuel droplet stream. |
| US09841676B2 |
Method of manufacturing display device using bottom surface exposure
A method for manufacturing a display device includes forming a plurality of light blocking patterns on a first surface of a transparent substrate, wherein a first light blocking pattern of the plurality of light blocking patterns has a different line width than a second light blocking pattern of the plurality of light blocking patterns. An insulating layer is formed on the first surface of the transparent substrate and the light blocking patterns. A conductive layer is formed on the insulating layer. A photo-resist layer is formed on the conductive layer. The photo-resist layer is exposed with ultraviolet rays through a second surface of the transparent substrate, wherein the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate are opposite to each other. The photo-resist layer is developed. The conductive layer is etched using the photo-resist layer as a mask. The photo-resist layer is removed. |
| US09841675B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition for color filter and color filter using the same
Disclosed are a photosensitive resin composition for a color filter that includes (A) a colorant including a cyanine dye represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, (B) an acrylic-based binder resin, (C) a photopolymerizable monomer, (D) a photopolymerization initiator, and (E) a solvent, and a color filter using the same. In the above Chemical Formula 1, each substituent is the same as described in the detailed description. |
| US09841673B2 |
Imprint apparatus and article manufacturing method
An imprint apparatus molds and cures an imprint material on a substrate using a mold to thereby form a pattern on the substrate. The apparatus includes a first drive mechanism configured to apply a force in a planar direction of the mold and change the planar shape of the pattern portion formed in the mold, and a second drive mechanism configured to deform the mold about an axis (for example, the Y axis) that is orthogonal to the pressing direction of the mold and the uncured resin (for example, the Z axis) and a direction of the force applied by the first drive mechanism (for example, the X axis). |
| US09841672B2 |
Method of decomposing layout of semiconductor device for quadruple patterning technology process and method of manufacturing semiconductor device using the same
A method of decomposing a layout of a semiconductor device for a quadruple patterning technology (QPT) process includes dividing the layout of the semiconductor device into a first temporary pattern, which includes rectangular features having a rectangular shape, and a second temporary pattern, which includes cross couple features having a Z-shape, generating a third temporary pattern and a fourth temporary pattern by performing a pattern dividing operation on the first temporary pattern in a first direction, generating a first target pattern and a second target pattern by incorporating each of the cross couple features included in the second temporary pattern into one of the third temporary pattern and the fourth temporary pattern, and generating first through fourth decomposed patterns by performing the pattern dividing operation on the first target pattern and the second target pattern in a second direction. |
| US09841671B2 |
Storage container
A storage container in which a uniform flow velocity of the purge gas can be achieved is provided with a plurality of stages of storage units each having an accommodating region to accommodate an article. A supply portion supplies a purge gas; a duct portion communicates with other duct portions of other storage units and serves as a flow path for the purge gas supplied from the supply portion; and an introducing portion communicably connects the duct portion with the accommodating region and introduces the purge gas to the accommodating region. In the flow path for the purge gas in the duct portion, a diffusion member is arranged. |
| US09841670B2 |
Support frame for pellicles
Provided is a support frame for pellicles which includes an aluminum alloy-made frame body with a pellicle film bonded to a front surface of the frame body, and with a glass substrate bonded to a back surface of the frame body. A front-side recessed groove extending in a circumferential direction of the frame body is formed on the front surface of the frame body, and a front-side suction hole extending from an outer peripheral surface of the frame body to an inner surface of the front-side recessed groove is formed on the frame body. |
| US09841667B2 |
Reflective photomask, method for manufacturing same and program for making mask pattern
A reflective photomask includes a substrate and a reflective layer on the substrate. The reflective layer has a top surface opposite to the substrate and a reflectivity distribution on the top surface. The reflective layer includes mask patterns, the mask patterns having sizes depending on the reflectivity distribution. The mask patterns include a first pattern and a second pattern, the first pattern having a first space size smaller than a second space size of the second pattern. The first pattern is provided in a first region of the top surface, and the second pattern is provided in a second region of the top surface, wherein a reflectivity in the first region is lower than a reflectivity in the second region. |
| US09841666B2 |
Restoration solution for cine film bubble and restoration method
The present invention discloses a restoration solution for cine film bubble and a restoration method. The restoration solution comprises 100 parts by volume of n-butanol, 60 to 120 parts by volume of lacquer thinner having 5% by mass of ethyl cellulose, 8 to 20 parts by volume of diphenyl isooctyl phosphite, 2 to 10 parts by volume of bis (1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate, and 2 to 15 parts by volume of petroleum ether. The present invention integrates micro-restoration, bubble puncture and optical filling, and effectively restores a bubble having a diameter of 0.1 mm to 1 mm generated between a film base layer and an emulsion layer of a cine film. The present invention has advantages of simple method of operation, low cost and good controllability. And the used restoration solution has good thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and permeability, and can eliminate the phenomenon of light scattering within the bubble, so that patterns and writing of the original image data are explicitly presented, and a better restoration effect is achieved without damages to films. Therefore, the restoration solution has good application values and market prospects. |
| US09841664B2 |
Cooling device and projector that changes pressure and circulation speed of a cooling gas based on a determined pressure of the cooling gas
A cooling device that can maintain or improve a cooling ability without being affected by fluctuation in an ambient temperature. Gas is supplied to a cooling target to cool the cooling target. A cooling device includes a cooling gas including gas having thermal conductivity higher than the thermal conductivity of the air, a partition wall that closes and stores the cooling target and the cooling gas and is capable of circulating the cooling gas, a cooling section that cools and circulates the cooling gas, a pressure determining section that determines the pressure of the cooling gas, and a cooling control section that controls the cooling section. The cooling control section causes the cooling section to change the pressure of the cooling gas and/or change the circulation speed of the cooling gas on the basis of a result of the determination of the pressure determining section. |
| US09841662B2 |
Projector and method for controlling projector
In at least one embodiment, a projector includes an operation reception unit, and selection unit, and a correction unit. The operation reception unit receives an input operation. The selection unit allows selection of one of a plurality of controlled objects located in correspondence with vertices of a contour of an image based on image information and sides of the contour. The correction unit allows movement of the controlled object selected by using the selection unit within the image based on the input operation and corrects the contour of the image based on the moved controlled object. |
| US09841660B1 |
Object guide having a variable motion path
An object guide having a variable motion path includes a connecting seat, a first motion unit, a second motion unit, an adjustment unit and a drive unit. The adjustment unit is disposed on the connecting seat, and the second connecting portion of the first connecting arm and the fourth connecting portion of the second connecting arm are disposed at the same position, the first adjustment portion of the first adjustment arm and the second adjustment portion of the second adjustment arm are also located at the same position and simultaneously moved by the adjustment unit. Therefore, simply adjusting the adjustment unit can simultaneously adjust the first adjustment portion and the second adjustment portion to the straight line position, the outward curvature position, or the inward curvature position, which make the adjustment convenient, and the displacement curvatures for moving the object are asymmetrical. |
| US09841658B1 |
Controllable opto-electronic time stretcher, an electro-optical analog to digital converter having non-uniform sampling using the same, and related methods of operation
A controllable opto-electronic time stretcher comprising a first wave guide and a second waveguide coupled to the first waveguide along a coupling portion; wherein at least one of the first and second waveguides in the coupling portion has a controllable refractive index. |
| US09841657B2 |
CMOS photonic inverter
Photosensitive logic inverter, in particular of the CMOS type, formed of a transistor of type P and of a transistor of type N of which the respective threshold voltages can be modulated according to the quantity of photons received by a photosensitive zone provided opposite these transistors. |
| US09841656B2 |
Frequency converter system conversion cell and frequency conversion system
A frequency converter system includes a source that emits a beam having a wide spectral band; and a frequency conversion cell including 1) a birefringent nonlinear crystal having a first phase-matching wavelength, with an input face that receives the beam, an output face that emits at least one frequency-converted beam, and at least two parallel faces different from the input and output faces; 2) means for applying an external mechanical force to at least one of said two parallel faces, resulting in a variation in the birefringence of the nonlinear crystal, the value of the applied external mechanical force being determined so as to obtain phase matching at a second phase-matching wavelength different from the first phase-matching wavelength; and 3) means for adjusting the external mechanical force for wavelength tunability in the frequency conversion cell. |
| US09841654B2 |
Crystal mount for laser application
An optical crystal can be mounted to a mounting block configured to receive the crystal. A base portion on the mounting block utilizes two walls forming a corner and a single biasing spring clip to secure the crystal. The spring clip applies forces in two different directions substantially orthogonal to the two walls. The spring clip is based off a symmetrical geometry which applies nearly the same force application in both directions. The spring also features bend regions that contact the crystal in such a way as to reduce the presence of point loads or stress risers. The length of contact along the crystal is maximized, allowing for proper force distribution and a sufficient surface are contact for static holding capabilities. |
| US09841644B2 |
Electrostatic discharge protection structures for liquid crystal displays
A liquid crystal display having an outer layer such as a thin-film transistor layer and an inner layer such as a color filter layer may be mounted in a metal device housing. Transparent conductive coating material may be formed on display layers. The transparent conductive coating material may include a layer on the upper surface of the thin-film transistor layer, a layer on the lower surface of the color filter layer, and an edge coating that extends between the upper surface layer and lower surface layer. Electrostatic discharge protection structures for the display may include a conductive elastomeric gasket that couples the upper surface layer to an inner surface of the housing, a conductive tape that couples the lower surface layer to the inner surface, and a conductive material on the inner surface that contacts the edge coating. |
| US09841642B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
Embodiments of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) device are disclosed. The LCD includes a backlight to illuminate a display panel with a plurality of sub-pixels, which include a first sub-pixel having a first color filter, a second sub-pixel having a second color filter having a different color from the first color filter, and a third sub-pixel having a third color filter having a different color from the first color filter and the second color filter.The LCD display panel includes a plurality of drain lines formed between the plurality of sub-pixels, the plurality of drain lines arranged as a first type of drain line set and a second type of drain line set, where the first type of drain line set includes only a single drain line positioned between two adjacent sub-pixels, and the second type of drain line set includes only two drain lines positioned between two adjacent sub-pixels. |
| US09841637B2 |
Display panel
A display panel is provided. The display panel includes a color filter substrate. The color filter substrate includes a first substrate, a black matrix, a color filter layer, a transparent conductive layer, and a plurality of spacers. The black matrix and the color filter layer are disposed on the first substrate. The transparent conductive layer is disposed on the color filter layer and the black matrix, and has a plurality of openings located above the black matrix. The spacers are located on the transparent conductive layer and located on the black matrix. At least one of the openings is located between the adjacent spacers, and at least one of the spacers partially overlaps at least one of the openings. |
| US09841632B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel, composite substrate and method for fabricating the same
Provided are a liquid crystal display panel, a composite substrate, and a method for fabricating the composite substrate. The composite substrate includes: a substrate, a carbon nanotube layer, a polarizing material and a photoalignment matrix material. The carbon nanotube layer is adhered to a surface of the substrate with the photoalignment matrix material; the carbon nanotube layer includes multiple carbon nanotubes extending in a same direction; the polarizing material is mixed into the photoalignment matrix material, and a molecule arrangement direction of the polarizing material is the same as the extending direction of the carbon nanotube. Multiple grooves arranged in parallel may be formed between carbon nanotubes since the extending direction of the carbon nanotube is the same, and the groove may be used for an initial alignment of liquid crystal molecules. |
| US09841624B2 |
Configurations for tileable display apparatus with multiple pixel arrays
A display including a screen layer for displaying a unified image to a viewer on a viewing side of the screen layer that is opposite a backside of the screen layer, and an illumination layer having an array of light sources. Each light source in the array is configured to emit a divergent projection beam having a limited angular spread. A display layer is disposed between the screen layer and the illumination layer, and includes a matrix of pixlets, a spacing region disposed between the pixlets in the matrix, wherein the array of light sources are positioned to emit the divergent projection beams having limited angular spread to project sub-images displayed by the pixlets as magnified sub-images on the backside of the screen layer, the magnified sub-images to combine to form a substantially seamless unified image, and one or more components positioned on the display layer in the spacing region. |
| US09841622B2 |
Display device
A display device includes: a display panel curved in a first direction; a lower frame; an upper frame coupled to the lower frame; and a fastening member coupling the lower frame and the upper frame, wherein the lower frame includes a first coupling portion protruding toward the display panel, the first coupling portion having a first coupling hole, the upper frame includes a second coupling portion protruding toward the display panel, the second coupling portion having a second coupling hole, the fastening member penetrates the first coupling hole and the second coupling hole to fasten the lower frame and the upper frame together, and a bottom portion of the first coupling portion forms an acute angle with respect to a base portion of the lower frame, and a bottom portion of the second coupling portion forms an acute angle with respect to a base portion of the upper frame. |
| US09841616B1 |
Mobile system incorporating flexible and tunable anti-reflective skin and method of use
A mobile system includes a self-supporting platform, a tunable anti-reflective (AR) skin or film disposed on and secured to the mobile platform, one or more actuators and a controller. The tunable AR skin or film includes one or more layers that are at least partially transmitting to optical energy at one or more optical wavelengths. The skin or film is substantially flexible and/or stretchable and has an optical AR to incident electromagnetic radiation of a given wavelength which is selectively variable when flexed and/or stretched. The actuators are able to flex and/or stretch the skin or film in response to receipt of a control signal. The controller generates the control signal based on a measured value of the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the tunable AR skin or film. |
| US09841611B1 |
Lens exchanging structure of spectacles
A lens exchanging structure of spectacles is disclosed. The lens exchanging structure of spectacles includes a trench disposed on a lens rim for receiving a lens. An open slot is disposed in the trench and has a long through hole having a first holey section and a second holey section. A moving part is placed in the open slot and has a bump disposed in the first holey section. A positioning part is disposed in the second holey section and assembled with the moving part. Therefore, the lens can be positioned or removed by the moving mechanism of the moving part in the open slot. |
| US09841610B2 |
Observation optical system and observation apparatus including the same
Provided is an observation optical system including: an objective lens; an image inverting unit; and an ocular lens, the objective lens including, in order from object side to observation side: a positive first lens unit; a negative second lens unit; and a positive third lens unit, wherein the first lens unit consists of a positive front unit and a positive rear unit separated by an air interval, which is largest along optical axis, wherein the second lens unit moves to have a component orthogonal to optical axis for image blur correction, and wherein a lateral magnification of second lens unit, a curvature radius of a lens surface of second lens unit closest to observation side, a curvature radius of a lens surface of third lens unit closest to object side, the air interval between front and rear units, and a focal length of first lens unit are appropriately set. |
| US09841604B2 |
Color separation device and image sensor including the color separation device
A color separation device changes a light path according to the wavelengths of incident light and an image sensor has improved light utilization efficiency by using the color separation device. The color separation device may include a first element having a first refractive index that varies according to wavelengths of light along a first refractive index distribution curve, and a second element having a second refractive index that varies according to wavelengths of light along a second refractive index distribution curve, the second refractive index distribution curve being different from the first refractive index distribution curve. The color separation device may be manufactured by simply joining two elements, namely, the first and second elements, together and thus may be more easily manufactured and perform more effective color separation. |
| US09841599B2 |
Optical configurations for head-worn see-through displays
Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and systems for providing a high transmission see-through view of the environment while trapping escaping light from the display system. In embodiments, a camera system is also provided that is aligned with the display system to provide images of the environment in a viewing direction of the user. |
| US09841595B1 |
Electrowetting element with reflective surface
An electrowetting element comprises a first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid. A support plate includes a support plate surface in contact with at least one of the first or second fluids. The support plate includes an electrode for applying a voltage to control a configuration of the first and second fluids and a reflective surface. A first layer positioned between the reflective surface and the support plate surface has a first layer optical thickness substantially equal to a quarter multiple of a reference wavelength. |
| US09841593B2 |
Optical sectioning of a sample and detection of particles in a sample
An apparatus for obtaining a plurality of images of a sample includes a sample device suitable for holding a liquid sample; a first optical detection assembly including a first image acquisition device, the first optical detection assembly having an optical axis and an object plane, the object plane including an image acquisition area from which electromagnetic waves can be detected as an image by the first image acquisition device; one translation unit arranged to move the sample device and the first optical detection assembly relative to each other; and an image illumination device, wherein the apparatus is arranged to move the sample device and the first optical detection assembly relative to each other along a scanning path, which defines an angle theta relative to the optical axis, wherein theta is in the range of about 0.3 to about 89.7 degrees. |
| US09841589B2 |
Illumination optical apparatus and device manufacturing method
Provided is an illumination optical apparatus that illuminates the surface with light from a light source and includes an optical integrator (the integrator) configured to form a plurality of secondary source images (the images); a adjuster having a plurality of adjusting elements for adjusting a light of the images; and a consensor configured such that the adjuster is in a conjugate relationship with the end surface of the integrator, wherein the element is located at positions, which corresponds to a secondary source formed by an odd reflection times in the first direction by the integrator and a secondary source formed by an even times and a secondary source formed by an odd times in the second direction and a secondary source formed by an even times, wherein the element is not located at a position which corresponds to a secondary source formed by no reflection in the integrator. |
| US09841588B2 |
Telescope and beam expander assemblies
A telescope and beam expander assembly includes a primary telescope mirror. An optical element is spaced apart from the primary mirror. The optical element includes front and rear surfaces, wherein an outward facing aspect of the rear surface is mounted opposite the primary mirror and includes a reflective portion that forms a secondary mirror to reflect gathered light from the primary mirror toward a focal point. An inward facing aspect of the front surface includes a reflective portion that forms a secondary expander mirror configured to reflect a beam onto an inward facing aspect of the rear surface for beam expansion. The optical element can include a monolithic body of optically-transmissive material on which the front and rear surfaces are located. |
| US09841587B2 |
On-axis unobscured telescope
Reflective optical telescopes and method of observing a scene. One example of a reflective optical telescope includes a primary mirror positioned along a linear axis extending between an entrance aperture and an image plane, configured to receive optical radiation via the entrance aperture, a secondary mirror positioned along the linear axis and configured to receive the optical radiation from the primary mirror and to reflect the optical radiation in a direction of the primary mirror, wherein the optical radiation received by the primary mirror is unobscured by the secondary mirror, a tertiary mirror positioned along the linear axis and configured to receive the optical radiation from the secondary mirror and reflect the optical radiation in a direction of the primary mirror, and a quaternary mirror positioned along the linear axis, configured to receive the optical radiation from the tertiary mirror and reflect the optical radiation to the image plane. |
| US09841585B2 |
Optical lens
An optical lens comprising a first lens (L1), a second lens (L2), and a third lens (L3) that are sequentially arranged on a common optical axis in the transmission direction of an incident light. Both the first lens and the second lens are positive plano-convex lenses. The third lens is a negative meniscus lens. The first lens comprises a first curved surface (S1) and a second curved surface (S2). The second lens comprises a third curved surface (S3) and a fourth curved surface (S4). The third lens comprises a fifth curved surface (S5) and a sixth curved surface (S6). The two curved surfaces of each lens respectively are the light incident surface and the light exit surface of the lens. The first to the sixth curved surfaces are sequentially arranged in the transmission direction of the incident light. The first curved surface and the third curved surface protrude in reverse to the transmission direction of the incident light. The fifth curved surface and the sixth curved surface protrude in the transmission direction of the incident light. The third curved surface is constituted by connecting sequentially and directly multiple arced surfaces (Φ1, Φ2, Φ3, Φ4, and Φ5) having different focuses and all of the focuses (f1, f2, f3, f4, and f5) of these arced surfaces are located on the optical axis. The optical lens is applicable in processing deep and fine holes or engraving deep and fine lines. |
| US09841583B2 |
Optical imaging lens and electronic device comprising the same
An optical imaging lens set includes a first lens element with an image-side surface of a concave part in a vicinity of the optical axis, a second lens element with an object-side surface of a concave part in a periphery region, with an image-side surface of a concave part in a vicinity of the optical axis and of a concave part in a periphery region, a third lens element with an object-side surface of a concave part in a periphery region, a fourth lens element of positive refractive power with an object-side surface of a concave part of the optical axis, a third lens element thickness T3, an air gap G34 between the third lens element and the fourth lens element and an air gap G45 between the fourth lens element and the fifth lens element to satisfy (T3+G45)/G34≦1.20. |
| US09841571B1 |
Optical coupling system that reduces back reflection and improves mode matching in forward optical coupling using perturbations at a reflective surface
An optical coupling system and method are provided for coupling light from a light source into an optical fiber that reduce back reflection of light into the light source and provide controlled launch conditions that improve forward optical coupling. The optical coupling system comprises at least one flat surface having perturbations formed therein over at least a portion of the flat surface that intersects an optical pathway. The perturbations have a lateral width and a height that are preselected to increase forward optical coupling efficiency and to decrease back reflection of the light beam from the optical fiber end face into the light source. The perturbations improve forward optical coupling by creating a complex light beam shape that is preselected to better match a spatial and angular distribution of a plurality of light modes of the optical fiber. |
| US09841567B1 |
Two-dimensional optical scanning method and optical scanning adapter for inspecting multiple-fiber optic connector
An optical scanning adapter for shifting the imaging axis of an inspection probe for inspecting fiber endfaces of a multiple-fiber connector includes a housing, a fitting tip having a mating interface for interfacing with the connector, an imaging assembly, an x-direction driving mechanism, a y-direction driving mechanism, and a connecting portion for connecting an inspection probe. The imaging assembly includes a first lens, a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, and a second lens. The connector endfaces are placed on the front focal plane of the first lens. The x-direction driving mechanism shifts the imaging axis of the imaging assembly along a first direction by translating the first lens and the first reflective surface together, whereas the y-direction driving mechanism shifts the imaging axis along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction by turning the second reflective surface about the optical axis of the second lens. |
| US09841565B2 |
Method for producing a ridge optical waveguide having low coupling losses between the ridge optical waveguide and an optical fibre, and a ridge optical waveguide made using this method
A method for producing a ridge optical waveguide having low coupling losses between the ridge optical waveguide and an optical fiber includes forming on the surface of a dielectric substrate an optical waveguide having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; cutting out two parallel recesses spaced apart by a distance wr on the surface of the dielectric substrate to form a rigid optical waveguide with an increased width (wr) between the two recesses. The recesses are cut such that the depth of each recess changes continuously and gradually between a zero depth at the height of the first end of the optical waveguide and a maximum depth (Hm) at a pre-determined distance (Ip) from the first end. |
| US09841559B2 |
Multimode fiber with intermediate clad layer
An optical fiber including a multimode core having a radius, R1, and a maximum relative refractive index, Δ1MAX, at a wavelength λ0, an inner clad layer surrounding the core and having a radial thickness, T2, and a minimum relative refractive index, Δ2MIN, of about 0.0% at a wavelength of λ0, an intermediate clad layer surrounding the inner clad layer and having a radial thickness, T3, and a maximum relative refractive index Δ3MAX and an outer clad layer surrounding the inner clad layer and having a radial thickness, T4, and a maximum relative refractive index, Δ4MIN, at a wavelength of λ0. The optical fiber satisfies the following relationship: Δ1MAX>Δ3MAX>Δ2MIN, and the optical fiber exhibits an overfilled bandwidth of greater than or equal to about 1.5 GHz-km at λ0. |
| US09841555B2 |
Optical transmission systems and methods using a QSM large-effective-area optical fiber
Optical transmission systems and methods are disclosed that utilize a QSM optical fiber with a large effective area and that supports only two modes, namely the fundamental mode and one higher-order mode. The optical transmission system includes a transmitter and a receiver optically coupled by an optical fiber link that includes at least one section of the QSM optical fiber. Transmission over optical fiber link gives rise to MPI, which is mitigated using a digital signal processor. The QSM optical fiber is designed to have an amount of DMA that allows for the digital signal processor to have reduced complexity as reflected by a reduced number of filter taps as compared to if the DMA were zero. |
| US09841554B2 |
Panel light assembly
A panel light wall assembly comprising a support frame structure including at least first and second substantially straight and parallel support frame members spaced apart on opposite sides of a light panel receiving space, a light panel assembly including a rectilinear assembly frame including first, second, third and fourth substantially straight elongated assembly frame members, a light source mounted to the first assembly frame member, a planar light guide member forming an edge and mounted to the assembly frame with the edge adjacent the light source and a fastener interacting with at least one of the first and second support frame members to secure the light panel assembly with at least a portion of the light panel assembly received within the panel receiving space and a second portion extending outside and to one side of the panel receiving space with the light guide member and light source located within the panel receiving space. |
| US09841551B2 |
Luminous glazing assembly
A luminous glazing assembly includes a first glazing pane with a first light source coupled to the first pane to emit at instant t0 at λ1 and to emit at t′≠t0 at λ2, λ2 distinct from λ1; a first light-extracting system and first masking arrangement to mask the extracted light from the internal-face side; making optical contact with the first glazing pane, a second glazing pane with a second light source that is optically coupled to the second pane, to emit at t0 at a λ3 distinct from λ1; a second light-extracting system and second masking arrangement to mask the light from the bonding-face side; between the first masking arrangement and the second extracting system, a first optical isolator; and between the first masking arrangement and the second extracting system, a second optical isolator, merged with the first optical isolator or separate and closer to the second extracting system. |
| US09841549B2 |
Light guide, light source device, and image reading device
A light guide includes a first exit portion emitting first exiting light, a second exit portion emitting second exiting light in a different direction than the first exiting light, and a reflecting portion reflecting light entering the light guide to each of the first and second exit portions. The first and second exit portions respectively have first and second curved surfaces each having a convex cross section perpendicular to the long axis direction. The second exit portion is connected to the first exit portion in the direction perpendicular to the long axis direction. The reflecting portion is provided, in a plane facing the first exit portion and the second exit portion, at a position shifted in the direction perpendicular to the long axis direction from a position where a normal to the plane passes through a connection portion between the first and second exit portions. |
| US09841548B2 |
Electronic devices with soft input-output components
An electronic device may have control circuitry coupled to input-output devices such as a display. A flexible input-output device may be formed from an elastomeric substrate layer. The substrate layer may have signal paths to which components are mounted. Openings may be formed in the elastomeric substrate layer between the signal paths to create a stretchable mesh-shaped substrate. The electrical components may each include an interposer having solder pads soldered to the elastomeric substrate. Electrical devices such as micro-light-emitting diodes may be soldered to the interposers. The electrical components may also include electrical devices such as sensors and actuators. A stretchable lighting unit may have a stretchable light guide illuminated by a stretchable light source. |
| US09841534B2 |
Methods for preparing optically clear adhesives and coatings
Optically clear adhesive or coating layers can be prepared by preparing a curable mixture, coating the curable mixture to form a layer, partially curing the curable mixture, drying the coated layer, and fully curing the curable mixture. The curable mixture may also be partially cured and then coated, dried and fully cured. The curable mixture includes two free radically polymerizable monomer compositions that are relatively incompatible and a transient compatibilizer, such as a solvent. Polymers of the two monomer compositions, if polymerized separately and blended, form phase separated domains. The curable mixture provides for adhesive or coating layers that are optically clear. |
| US09841531B2 |
Three-dimensional simulating device for the stratum stability in the natural hydrate exploitation
A three-dimensional simulating device for the stratum stability in natural gas hydrate exploitation includes a three-dimensional model located in an environmental control unit, an axial pressure control unit, and a post-processing unit. An inner cavity of the three-dimensional model is divided into a sealed simulating cavity and a sealed axial pressure sealing cavity by an axial pressure sealing piston arranged in the inner cavity. A vertical well and a horizontal well stretch into the simulating cavity. The axial pressure control unit, the environmental control unit, and a plurality of sensors in the three-dimensional model are electrically connected to the post-processing unit. This simulating device simulates the external environment and combines in-situ synthesis and decomposition of a hydrate with stratum stability, thereby achieving high reliability and high accuracy, comprehensively evaluating mechanical characteristic change of the stratum and the stratum stability to provide guidance in natural gas hydrate exploitation. |
| US09841527B2 |
Apparatus and method for downhole transient resistivity measurement and inversion
A method of processing electromagnetic signal data includes: disposing a downhole tool in a borehole in an earth formation, the downhole tool including at least one electromagnetic transmitter; performing a downhole electromagnetic operation, the operation including transmitting an electromagnetic pulse from the transmitter into the formation and measuring a time domain transient electromagnetic (TEM) signal over a selected time interval following a transmitter turn-off time; transforming the measured time domain TEM signal into a frequency domain TEM signal measured; and applying an inversion technique to the transformed frequency domain TEM signal to estimate one or more formation parameters. |
| US09841526B2 |
Formation imaging with multi-pole antennas
Various embodiments include systems and methods that operate to provide reservoir imaging. The systems and methods can include a number of transmitter antennas and a number of receiving antennas arranged to operate as one or more multi-pole antennas, controlled to generate high resolution cross-well formation images. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US09841524B2 |
Metal object detection device
A metal object detection device includes a plurality of detection coils, a capacitor configuring a resonant circuit in cooperation with each of at least two of the detection coils, a first series connection body, a second series connection body, a voltage applying unit, and a processing unit. The voltage applying unit applies an AC voltage to both ends of each of the first series connection body and the second series connection body. The processing unit performs a process for detecting the metal object on the basis of a potential difference between a connection point included in the first series connection body and a connection point included in the second series connection body. |
| US09841523B2 |
Tube wave generation
A method to generate a tube wave in a tubular system involves reciprocating a plunger in a chamber system to alternatingly increase and decrease net volume, drawing fluid from and returning the fluid to a tubular system and into and from the chamber system, to generate a tube wave, and guiding the tube wave to the tubular system. Also, a tube wave generator-sensor system has a chamber system, a plunger, a driver to reciprocate the plunger within the chamber system to generate a tube wave, a flow passage to guide the tube wave into a tubular system, and a sensor to receive the tube wave signal and/or response from the tubular system. The method and system can work with or without a firing valve and or accumulator, without adding or subtracting fluid from the tubular system. |
| US09841519B2 |
Seismic sensor devices, systems, and methods including noise filtering
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for sensing acoustic waves in a medium. One example system includes a first elongated member, a first motion sensor sensitive to vibrations of the first elongated member, a second motion sensor spaced apart from the first motion sensor and also sensitive to vibrations of the first elongated member, and a first vibration source operably coupled to the first elongated member and configured to vibrate the first elongated member. |
| US09841514B2 |
X-ray detector arrangement
The proposed technology relates to an x-ray detector arrangement having x-ray detector sub-modules arranged in two or more layers, where the separation between adjacent sub-modules in a lower layer is smaller than the corresponding separation between sub-modules in an upper layer. |
| US09841513B2 |
X-ray detector
The present disclosure relates to an X-ray detector which includes a pixel unit configured to include a photodiode and to output a voltage corresponding to an incident amount of X-rays, a comparator configured to compare the output voltage of the pixel unit with a preset threshold voltage to output a logic signal, and a counter configured to count the output signal of the comparator to convert to a digital output. |
| US09841510B2 |
Radiation detector with photosensitive elements that can have high aspect ratios
The invention relates to a radiation detector (100) and to a method for manufacturing such a detector. In a preferred embodiment, the radiation detector (100) comprises an array of photosensitive pillars (110) that are embedded in a conversion material (120). The photosensitive pillars may particularly be diodes connected at their ends to external circuits (130, 140). The conversion material (120) may particularly comprise a powder of scintillator particles (121) embedded in a matrix of binder. |
| US09841507B2 |
Wireless device for indoor positioning
A wireless device for indoor positioning has a satellite positioning system, a transceiver, a motion measurement system, and a position estimation system. The satellite positioning system is configured to determine a location of the device based on received satellite positioning signals. The wireless local area network transceiver is configured to measure while in the areas of non-reception, signals transmitted by wireless local area network (WLAN) access points (APs). The motion measurement system is configured to measure movement of the wireless device. The position estimation system is configured to determine a reference location, and record measurements of movement. The reference location and the recorded measurements are to be provided to a positioning database that generates a positioning grid. |
| US09841501B1 |
Use of blink counts to locate movable tagged assets
A method of locating a tagged movable asset comprises determining blink counts for receivers in a plurality of zones, and selecting one of the zones according to a comparison of the blink counts. |
| US09841496B2 |
Multiple pattern illumination optics for time of flight system
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for creating multiple patterns of flood illumination for a time of flight (TOF) camera system. Light is generated, and from the generated light, illumination light is formed that is projected into an image environment. The illumination light is formed by: diverging the generated light to form divergent light characterized by a light profile that is less intense in a first region centered on an optical axis of the divergent light than in a second region that at least partially rings the first region, and converting the divergent light into a plurality of illumination light patterns to be projected into the illumination environment. The illumination light patterns are each projected to a corresponding region of the illumination environment. |
| US09841489B2 |
Mitigation of multipath distortions for TDOA-based geolocation
Method and system for radiolocation of RF transmitter in the presence of multipath interference. RF receivers are spatially separated at known locations in a moderate multipath environment in the vicinity of the transmitter. Upon detection of a received active RF signal associated with the transmitter, the receivers are directed to acquire measurements of the detected RF signal. Each receiver obtains a sequence of measurements of the RF signal at different positions along a trajectory that provides multiple measurements at relative phase differences between the direct-path and the multipath reflections of the detected RF signal. The receivers may be repositioned automatically or manually, or prearranged or selectively deployed at fixed positions along the trajectory. TDOA measurements between pairs of receivers are calculated based on the obtained measurements, and are averaged to provide a respective updated TDOA measurement value for each receiver pair, which is used to determine the transmitter location. |
| US09841488B2 |
IR detector system and method
An Infra Red detector system and method is disclosed that implements a digital coordinate generator onto a 2D focal plane array infrared detector. The method used in this form of the invention by the IR detector system, generates X-Y coordinate data for pixels containing detected target data. Advantageously, it reduces subsequent signal post processing required to generate the same data using numerical processing techniques in software and the latency that this introduces. |
| US09841484B2 |
Resonator device for electron spin resonance
In some aspects, a resonator device for spin resonance applications is described. In some examples, the resonator device includes a substrate, terminals, and resonators. The terminals include a first terminal having first terminal segments disposed on a substrate surface, and a second terminal having second terminal segments disposed on the substrate surface opposite the first terminal segments. The resonators include conductors disposed on the substrate surface between the first and second terminals. Each conductor is disposed between one of the first terminal segments and a respective, opposite one of the second terminal segments. |
| US09841483B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging method and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
In one embodiment a magnetic resonance imaging method includes the steps of comparing a first image and a second image to determine whether there is a distorted region present in the first image or the second image, each of the first image and second image having a total field of view that is the distance of the image along an axis, assigning an affected field of view to a width of the distorted region, determining an acceleration factor by dividing the total field of view of one or both of the first image and the second image by the affected field of view, acquiring sampled image data according to the acceleration factor of one or both of the first image and the second image and applying a mask to a third image in the affected field of view. |
| US09841482B2 |
Iterative sense denoising with feedback
A magnetic resonance imaging system (1) includes a denoising unit (24), and a reconstruction unit (20). The denoising unit (24) denoises a partial image and provides a spatially localized measure of a denoising effectivity. The reconstruction unit (20) iteratively reconstructs an output image from the received MR data processed with a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), and in subsequent iterations includes the denoised partial image and the spatially localized measure of the denoising effectivity. |
| US09841478B2 |
Method and control device to operate a magnetic resonance system
In a method and a control device for operating a magnetic resonance system by a pulse sequence that includes an excitation phase, material in an examination volume is excited by emission of an RF excitation pulse during a selection gradient pulse in a first gradient direction. RF refocusing pulses are then emitted and readout gradient pulses are activated in a second gradient direction for spatially coded acquisition of raw data of the examination volume along the second gradient direction. A prephasing gradient pulse is switched before a first RF refocusing pulse in the second gradient direction, and/or a rephaser gradient pulse is switched before an RF restore pulse, following the RF refocusing pulses, in the second gradient direction. The prephaser gradient pulse and/or the rephaser gradient pulse have lower slew rates than the readout gradient pulses. |
| US09841473B2 |
MR surface coil with integrated automatic patient immobilization
A magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) local coil includes at least two parts that may be moved relative to one another. At least one part of the at least two parts has elements that, in a closed state of the MRT local coil, presses directly or via pressure elements on at least one closed volume area in another part of the at least two parts. The at least one closed volume area is displaced by this in the closed state of the local coil into a coil interior space inside the local coil until the closed volume area rests against a patient. |
| US09841472B2 |
Magnetoelectric sensor and method for the production thereof
Magnetoelectric sensors that can be manufactured using known methods of thin film technology and output an ME voltage that is many times higher for a predetermined magnetic field than the known cantilever-beam sensor. The design that is termed separator ME sensor is characterized by the arrangement of a thick dielectric layer (14) between the ferroelectric (10) and the magnetostrictive phases (12), and by an electrode arrangement (18) applied on one side of the ferroelectric (10) and that is engineered to tap the ME voltage along the extent of the layer. Advantageously, it can be manufactured easily by coating conventional dielectric substrates (14) on the front and rear with one each of the functional layers (10, 12). |
| US09841460B2 |
Integrated circuit
An integrated circuit may include a first semiconductor device including a first through-silicon via configured for electrically coupling a first bump pad to a second bump pad, and may be configured to buffer a first internal test signal generated by a test signal inputted through the first bump pad and generate a first detection signal. The integrated circuit may include a second semiconductor device including a second through-silicon via configured for electrically coupling a third bump pad to a fourth bump pad, and may be configured to buffer a second internal test signal generated by the test signal inputted through the third bump pad and generate a second detection signal. The third bump pad may be electrically coupled with the second bump pad. |
| US09841459B2 |
Device and method for controlling IC temperature
A device for controlling IC temperature capable of bringing a device-under-test to a predetermined temperature includes a compressor, temperature controller element, thermal sensing element, heat insulating structure, input/output terminal and a temperature controller. The compressor has a base and a contact portion contacting the DUT directly. The thermal sensing element is attached to the temperature controlling element contacting the base. The heat insulation structure surrounds the temperature controlling element and a portion of the compressor. The input/output terminal, having a signal line and at least one power line, is disposed on the heat insulation structure. The power and signal lines connected to the temperature sensor are connected to the temperature controlling element and thermal sensing element respectively. The temperature sensor powers the temperature controlling element and controls temperature thereof. Temperature of the temperature controlling element is obtained by measuring electrical properties of thermal sensing element via signal line. |
| US09841455B2 |
Transmitter configured for test signal injection to test AC-coupled interconnect
In one example, a driver circuit includes a differential transistor pair configured to be biased by a current source and including a differential input and a differential output. The driver circuit further includes a resistor pair coupled between a node pair and the differential output, a transistor pair coupled between a voltage supply and the node pair, and a bridge transistor coupled between the node pair. The driver circuit further includes a pair of three-state circuit elements having a respective pair of input ports, a respective pair of control ports, and a respective pair of output ports. The pair of output ports is respectively coupled to the node pair. The pair of control ports is coupled to a common node comprising each gate of the transistor pair and a gate of the bridge transistor. |
| US09841452B2 |
Earphone connection interface and method of operating earphone, and terminal for supporting the same
An earphone connection interface is provided. The earphone connection interface includes a first detector disposed at a first area to detect an electrical change according to a contact state of the first area, and a second detector disposed at a second area different from the first area to detect an electrical change according to a contact state of the second area. |
| US09841448B2 |
Resonant system and method of determining a dielectric constant of a sample
The present invention pertains to a resonant cavity system, more specifically, a resonant system for measuring the dielectric constant of a sample and its method of use. The system and method provide for holding sample materials, which can be in solid, liquid, or powder form, and for reducing the size of the requisite cavity for measurement. The construction incorporates waveguide flange connectors to seal the electromagnetic cavity, which facilitates the measurement of low-loss materials. The design for signal input enables the use of standard calibration techniques and measurement. |
| US09841446B1 |
Conversion rate control for analog to digital conversion
A method, apparatus, and energy metering system obtains mains samples of a mains power line signal, performs non-white noise (NWN) filtering of the mains power line signal, obtains adjustable clock source samples of an adjustable clock signal of an adjustable clock oscillator, determines a difference based on the mains samples and the adjustable clock source samples, adjusts an adjustable clock source frequency of the adjustable clock oscillator based on the difference, and applies the adjustable clock source frequency to an analog to digital converter (ADC) to determine a conversion rate of the ADC. |
| US09841440B2 |
Current detection circuit and magnetic detection device provided with same
A current detection circuit includes a coil that is constituted by a metal wiring formed on a semiconductor substrate, a resistor that is provided in a position near the coil on the semiconductor substrate, constituted by a metal wiring formed on the semiconductor substrate, which is made of a metal material being same as that of the coil, and arranged so as to prevent any magnetic field from being generated due to a current flowing in the resistor, an output circuit that outputs currents in accordance with a resistance ratio between the coil and the resistor to the coil and the resistor correspondingly through a common terminal, and a detection circuit that detects the current flowing in the resistor to thereby detect the current flowing in the coil. |
| US09841438B2 |
Guide plate for a probe card and probe card provided with same
It is an object of the invention to provide a guide plate for a probe card with fine through holes at tight pitches and with increased strength. The guide plate 100 for a probe card includes a metal base 110; first insulation layers 120; and metal layers 130. The metal base 110 has a plurality of through holes 111 to receive probes therethrough, and inner walls of the through holes 111. The first insulation layers 120 are of tuboid shape and provided on the respective inner walls of the through holes 111 of the metal base 110. The metal layers 130 are provided on the first insulation layers 120. |
| US09841434B2 |
Method for producing an acceleration sensor
The invention relates to a method for producing an acceleration sensor having a housing (1), which has a cylindrical or cubic basic shape, having at least one internal support (4) and having a sensor element (2) arranged thereon. According to the invention a sensor element (2) comprising a main body (29) having a head part (21) and an end face (24) opposing said head part (21) is premounted, by surrounding the head part (21) with at least one piezoelectric measuring element (23), a seismic composition (22) and a clamping ring (27). The end face (24) is subsequently positioned on the inner support (4) of the housing (1) in contact therewith to form a contact zone (7) between the end face (24) and the support (4). Finally, the sensor element (2) is welded in this contact zone (7) to the housing (1). The invention further relates to an acceleration sensor produced using said method. |
| US09841433B2 |
Wind direction indicator
A wind direction indicator for hunters includes a smoke generator, a housing, an electrical power source, an air pump and a switch all arranged such that the indicator may be actuated by a hunter using a single hand. The smoke generator may be a cartomizer as an example. |
| US09841431B2 |
Lipidomic biomarkers for identification of high-risk coronary artery disease patients
The present invention inter alia provides a method, and use thereof, of predicting severe CVD complications such as AMI or CVD death by detecting the lipid concentrations or lipid ratios of a biological sample and comparing it to a control and has identified specific lipid markers that are more specific and sensitive in predicting these CVD complications than currently utilized clinical markers. Also provided is an antibodies towards said lipids, and the use thereof for predicting, diagnosing, preventing and/or treating CVD complications. The invention additionally relates to kits comprising lipids and/or an antibody thereto, for use in the prediction and/or diagnosis of CVD complications. |
| US09841426B2 |
Intracellular organelle peptide targeted enzyme substrates
This invention relates to substrates and methods for the visualization of intracellular organelles, such as the lysosome, peroxiosome, nucleus, Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi Apparatus, based upon organelle enzyme activity. Such compounds represent a novel combination of chemically distinct enzyme substrates with targeting and detection substrates which are activated by enzyme activity inside target organelles to produce a detectable signal. The organelle targeted enzyme substrates of this invention are designed to provide high fluorescence at lower pH values found in some organelles and can be used for monitoring enzyme activity inside cells at very low concentrations. |
| US09841423B2 |
Methods for diagnosing and treating Helicobacter pylori infection
The present invention provides methods for diagnosing and treating Helicobacter pylori infection by using a monoclonal antibody to detect Helicobacter pylori neutrophil-activating protein (HP-NAP) and inhibit the activity thereof. The monoclonal antibody is an ANTI-FLAG antibody that binds to a specific epitope on HP-NAP for the detection of HP-NAP in its native form or denatured form. Furthermore, the present invention uses the ANTI-FLAG antibody to block HP-NAP-induced production of reactive oxygen species by human neutrophils. Thus, the present invention can be applied in clinical diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection as well as treatment of the infection via inhibiting Helicobacter pylori-induced inflammation. |
| US09841419B2 |
Sensor device and a method of sampling
A sample is added to a chamber (12) in which magnetic particles (P) are provided. The sample includes a target component (T) and the chamber (12) has a detection surface (122). A magnetic force is exerted on the magnetic particles (P) to attract the magnetic particles (P) to the detection surface (122). The bound magnetic particles that captured the target component (T) in the magnetic particles (P) and the unbound magnetic particles that captured no target component (T) in the magnetic particles (P) are held at the detection surface (122). At least part of the sample is drained out of the chamber (12) and a new sample added to the chamber (12). The magnetic force exerted on the magnetic particles (P) is altered to release the unbound magnetic particles from the detection surface (122). An amount of the bound magnetic particles that are held at the detection surface (122) are measured. The target component (T) is preconcentrated by repeating the steps of magnetically binding the target component (T) from the newly added sample and washing the detection surface (122) from unbound magnetic particles. |
| US09841416B2 |
Systems and methods for single-molecule nucleic-acid assay platforms
Integrated circuits for a single-molecule nucleic-acid assay platform, and methods for making such circuits are disclosed. In one example, a method includes transferring one or more carbon nanotubes to a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) substrate, and forming a pair of post-processed electrodes on the substrate proximate opposing ends of the one or more carbon nanotubes. |
| US09841401B2 |
Capillary electrophoresis method for analyzing collagen
A capillary electrophoresis method for identification and analyzing collagen quantitatively, which is used to identify and quantify collagen in a sample, comprises the steps of: (a) dissolving a collagen-containing sample to form a sample solution; (b) preparing a capillary with an inner wall thereof having a positively-charged layer; (c) introducing the sample solution into the capillary filled with an analytical buffer solution; and (d) driving the sample solution to pass through the capillary. The method of the present invention does not need the purifying pre-treatment and cracking the collagen-containing sample but directly performs the capillary electrophoresis analysis of collagen. Therefore, the present invention can shorten the time for analyzing collagen quantitatively. |
| US09841398B2 |
Methods for manufacturing well structures for low-noise chemical sensors
In one implementation, a method for manufacturing a chemical detection device is described. The method includes forming a chemical sensor having a sensing surface. A dielectric material is deposited on the sensing surface. A first etch process is performed to partially etch the dielectric material to define an opening over the sensing surface and leave remaining dielectric material on the sensing surface. An etch protect material is formed on a sidewall of the opening. A second etch process is then performed to selectively etch the remaining dielectric material using the etch protect material as an etch mask, thereby exposing the sensing surface. |
| US09841397B2 |
Sensor element including a strip conductor and a reference gas channel
A sensor element for detecting a physical property of a gas includes: a solid electrolyte film; a first end area and a second end area situated diametrically opposite in the longitudinal direction; a functional element in the first end area in the interior which is electrically conductively connected to a contact surface situated in the second end area on the outer surface, the electrically conductive connection having a strip conductor running essentially in the longitudinal direction in the interior of the sensor element; and a reference gas channel running essentially in the longitudinal direction of the sensor element communicating with a reference gas outside of the sensor element via a reference gas opening, the strip conductor and the reference gas channel being situated in such a way that at least a partial overlap occurs between them. |
| US09841396B2 |
Assay devices with integrated sample dilution and dilution verification and methods of using same
The invention is to devices and method for rapid determination of analytes in liquid samples by various assays including immunoassays incorporating a sample dilution feature for forming a diluted sample for analysis. The devices and methods also include a dilution verification feature for verifying the degree of dilution of the diluted sample. The devices preferably are capable of being used in the point-of-care diagnostic field is provided. |
| US09841393B2 |
Sensor of volatile substances with integrated heater and process for manufacturing a sensor of volatile substances
A sensor of volatile substances including: a sensitive layer, of a sensitive material that is permeable to a volatile substance and has an electrical permittivity depending upon a concentration of the volatile substance absorbed; a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure capacitively coupled together and arranged so that a capacitance between the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure is affected by the electrical permittivity of the sensitive material; and a supply device, configured to supply a heating current through one between the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure in a first operating condition, so as to heat the sensitive layer. |
| US09841391B2 |
Hand-held test meter with integrated thermal channel
A hand-held test meter includes an electrically and thermally insulating case (“ETIC”) with an outwardly facing surface, a test meter electrical component (“TMEC”) with a thermal contact portion disposed within the electrically-insulating case, and at least one thermal channel. The thermal channel includes a proximal contact portion with a proximal contact surface, a distal contact portion with a distal surface, and a channel portion connecting the proximal contact portion and the distal contact portion. The thermal channel is integrated with the ETIC such that the thermal channel extends through the ETIC from the outwardly facing surface and to the thermal contact portion of the TMEC. The extension is such that the proximal contact surface of the thermal channel is outside of the ETIC and the distal surface of the thermal channel is in contact with the thermal contact portion of the TMEC. The thermal channel is thermally conductive and electrically-insulating. |
| US09841390B2 |
Identification of materials from a hydrogen to electron ratio
A method of examination of an object comprising the steps of: applying a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance technique to obtain a data item correlated to the relative nuclear susceptibility within the sample; obtaining a further data item correlated to another measure of the object under examination; determining therefrom a ratio. |
| US09841389B2 |
Photon-counting type X-ray computed tomography apparatus and method
A photon-counting type X-ray computed tomography apparatus that comprises a high-voltage generator to generate a voltage signal, an X-ray tube to emit X-rays when the X-ray tube receives the voltage signal from the high-voltage generator, an X-ray detector to detect photons derived from the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube, and circuitry to count a number of the detected photons with respect to a plurality of energy bands, detect a number of photons in a first energy band that exceeds an energy level corresponding to a voltage value of the voltage signal, and changing a number of photons at a second energy band based on the detected number of photons in the first energy band, to correct for operational limitations of the X-ray detector. |
| US09841388B2 |
X-ray tomography device
An X-ray tomography device for providing a 3D image of a sample comprising a X-ray source, a cell, a photon detector and a processing unit. The processing unit computes the 3D tomography image on the basis of the acquired images corresponding to a plurality of cell angles. The cell is positioned so as the photon detector senses mainly photons coming from the sample inside the cell, and the photon detector is overexposed to cancel pixels corresponding to photons not coming from the sample. |
| US09841386B2 |
Radiation threat detection
Systems and methods for detecting clandestine fissile or radioactive material on the basis of emitted radiation and particles (such as neutrons and alpha particles) arising from within the material. Emission by the fissile or radioactive material is detected in conjunction with a conventional x-ray imaging system that includes an external source of illuminating penetrating radiation, at least one detector configured to detect at least the penetrating radiation and to generate a detector signal, and a processor configured as a detector signal discriminator to generate an output indicating whether the detector signal is triggered by an origin other than illuminating penetrating radiation. Active and passive modes of detection are described by some embodiments. Other embodiments are directed toward neutron detection, gamma ray detection with energy resolution, and designs of detectors to enhance the detection of clandestine nuclear material. |
| US09841384B2 |
Defect inspecting method and defect inspecting apparatus
A defect inspecting method and apparatus for inspecting a surface state including a defect on a wafer surface, in which a polarization state of a laser beam irradiated onto the wafer surface is connected into a specified polarization state, the converted laser beam having the specified polarization state is inserted onto the wafer surface, and a scattering light occurring from an irradiated region where the laser beam having the specified polarization state is irradiated, is separated into a first scattering light occurring due to a defect on the wafer and a second scattering light occurring due to a surface roughness on the wafer. An optical element for optical path division separates the first and second scattering lights approximately at the same time. |
| US09841383B2 |
Multiscale uniformity analysis of a material
A method for characterizing the uniformity of a material includes selecting a set of size scales at which to measure uniformity within an area of interest in an image of the material; suppressing features in the image smaller than a selected size scale of interest within the set of size scales; dividing the image into patches equal to the size scale of interest; and calculating a uniformity value within each patch. |
| US09841382B2 |
Methods and systems for analyzing a liquid medium
Methods and systems for colorimetrically analyzing a liquid medium by analyzing chemical test strip images are provided. The liquid medium can be industrial water in an industrial water system. Image analyzing software carries out the analysis. The results of the analysis can be used to diagnosing a chemical treatment regimen of the industrial water system. A chemical test strip holder can be used to enhance reliability and repeatability of the imaging process and/or subsequent analysis. |
| US09841381B2 |
Temperature change indicator and methods of making the same
Sensors including thermal load sensors and chemical or biological load sensors, and methods of making the sensors, are disclosed. The sensors may include a solid polymeric matrix and at least one organic indicating material encapsulated within the solid polymeric matrix, wherein the organic indicating material is configured to diffuse into the solid polymeric matrix at a phase transition temperature of the organic indicating material, and wherein an extent of diffusion indicates a target load on the sensor. The target load may, for example, be a thermal load, or a chemical or biological load. |
| US09841379B2 |
Fluorescence and phosphorescence detecting apparatus
To detect a fluorescent light and a phosphorescent light emitted from a paper sheet with a high precision, a fluorescence and phosphorescence detecting apparatus includes two sensor units. Each sensor unit includes a light source that emits an ultraviolet light on the paper sheet, an image sensor that captures images of the fluorescent light and the phosphorescent light excited on the paper sheet by irradiation of the ultraviolet light, and a light receiving lens that guides the fluorescent light and the phosphorescent light excited on the paper sheet to the image sensor. The two sensor units are arranged above and below the transport path and opposing each other across the transport path, and the light receiving lenses and the image sensors in the two sensor units are off-set along a transport direction of the paper sheet. |
| US09841376B2 |
High sensitivity metamaterial nano-sensing system with ultra-narrow line width spectral response
The invention relates to a metamaterial nano-sensing system, and in particular to a high-sensitivity metamaterial nano-sensing system with an ultra-narrow line width spectral response. The system includes an input light path, a metamaterial nano-sensing unit and an output light path which are sequentially provided along a direction of a light path, and the metamaterial nano-sensing unit includes a Bragg grating and a metallic periodic array arranged above the Bragg grating. The nano-sensing system provided by the invention has an ultra-narrow line width spectral response, so that sensitivity of a nanosensor is effectively improved, and broad application prospect in the fields of portable biosensing, drug development and detection, environment monitoring and the like is ensured. |
| US09841375B2 |
Coherently receiving simultaneous optical-based electrical signals
Systems for measuring optical properties of a specimen are disclosed. The systems are configured to sample signals related to the measurement of the properties of a specimen, and perform software-based coherent detection of the signals to generate resulting measurements are based on the signals acquired at substantially the same time instance. This facilitates the displaying or generating of the desired measurements in real time. In one configuration, the system is configured to direct a modulated light signal at a selected wavelength incident upon a specimen. In another configuration, the system is configured to direct a combined light signal, derived from a plurality of light signals at different wavelengths and modulated with different frequencies, incident upon a specimen. In yet another configuration, the system is configured to direct a plurality of light signals modulated with different frequencies incident upon different regions of a specimen. |
| US09841373B2 |
System and method for alkylation process analysis
A method and apparatus is provided for concentration determination of at least one component in an acid catalyst for hydrocarbon conversion containing an unknown concentration of an acid, an acid-soluble-oil (ASO), and water. An instrument configured for measuring a property of the acid catalyst, has responsivities to concentrations of one of the acid, ASO, and water, substantially independent of the concentrations of the others of the acid catalyst, ASO, and water. A temperature detector is configured to generate temperature data for the acid catalyst. A processor is configured to capture data generated by the temperature detector and the instrument, and to use the data in combination with a model to determine a temperature compensated concentration of the one of the acid, the ASO, and the water. Optionally, one or more other instruments configured for measuring other properties of the liquid mixture may also be used. |
| US09841372B2 |
Unambiguous retardance measurement
This invention is directed to methods of unambiguously measuring the absolute retardance, δA of an optical sample. A method for measuring absolute retardance of an optical sample includes directing light comprising a plurality of wavelengths through a polarization state generator source, the optical sample, and a polarization state analyzer, detecting, at an imaging device, retardance measurement light emanating from the optical sample after also passing through the polarization state analyzer at the plurality of wavelengths, determining a measurement retardance associated with the detected retardance measurement light at each of the wavelengths, and determining an absolute retardance associated with the optical sample based on the measurement retardances determined at each of the wavelengths. |
| US09841371B2 |
System for determining a composition of a sample using wavelength dependent variability measurement with multiple time intervals
Disclosed are apparatus, kits, methods, and systems that include a radiation source configured to direct radiation to a sample; a detector configured to measure radiation from the sample; an electronic processor configured to determine information about the sample based on the measured radiation; a housing enclosing the source, the detector, and the electronic processor, the housing having a hand-held form factor; an arm configured to maintain a separation between the sample and the housing, the arm including a first end configured to connect to the housing and a second end configured to contact the sample; and a layer positioned on the second end of the arm, the layer being configured to contact the sample and to transmit at least a portion of the radiation from the sample to the detector. |
| US09841370B2 |
Multi-layered target design
Multi-layered targets, design files and design and production methods thereof are provided. The multi-layered targets comprise process layers arranged to have parallel segmentation features at specified regions, and target layer comprising target elements which are perpendicular to the parallel segmentation features of the process layers at the specified regions. |
| US09841366B2 |
Method and device for determining the consumption of electrode material during the operation of an electric furnace
A method determines the consumption of electrode material during the operation of an electric furnace, particularly an arc furnace for producing steel. The method determines a weight of an electrode column, which is arranged in the electric furnace or is to be introduced into the electric furnace, using a weighing device. A device for determining the consumption of electrode material of an electric furnace, particularly an arc furnace for producing steel, is provided for performing the method. The device contains a weighing device for determining the weight of at least one electrode column which is arranged in the electric furnace or is to be introduced into the electric furnace, wherein the weighing device is integrated in an operating device of a system containing the electric furnace. Vibration conditions of the electrode column during operation of the electric furnace can also be determined with the method and with the device. |
| US09841365B2 |
Strain inspection device and attaching method thereof
A strain inspection device of a printed circuit board (PCB) which is easily cracked or damaged by external pressure (force) applied to the PCB while the PCB is being assembled, and an attaching method thereof. The strain inspection device of a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a fixing member; and a damage indicator fixed to the PCB by the fixing member, having a crack guide through hole, and cracked or damaged along a corner of the crack guide through hole due to deformation of the PCB. |
| US09841363B2 |
Modular equipment for automatically determining features of elongated textile samples of the yarns, threads, tapes type and the like
Modular equipment for automatically determining features of elongated textile samples is provided. The equipment includes a housing on which a loading module for loading inlet ends of textile samples to be tested is mounted, a measurement module for measuring at least feature of the textile samples, a handling device for handling the textile samples between the loading module and the measurement module, and a central unit of the programmable type for controlling and managing the loading module, the measurement module, and the handling means. The loading module includes gripping members that are arranged aligned to one another along a loading direction, a carriage that is driven in a movable manner in both translation senses along a translation direction parallel to the loading direction, and a motor associated with the carriage for operating the carriage moving along the translation direction. |
| US09841362B2 |
Endosseous dental implant loading fixture
An apparatus for fatigue testing an article includes a base having a platform for receiving an article to be tested, a shaft extending toward said platform for applying a force to said article, a coupling assembly connected to said shaft, said coupling assembly comprising a joint that pivots about an axis, and flex pivots disposed to be aligned with said axis about which said joint pivots. |
| US09841361B2 |
Device and method for testing pressure of hydraulic tools
Devices and methods are provided for testing and maintaining hydraulic tools and, in particular, devices and methods for testing and maintaining hydraulic forcible entry tools that are used to forcibly open locked doors, for example, in emergency situations. |
| US09841356B2 |
Combustion pressure sensor
A combustion pressure sensor is formed of a ring-shaped cylindrical body. The combustion pressure sensor detects combustion pressure in a combustion chamber of an engine by being attached to an outer periphery of a tip of a functional component attached to the combustion chamber. The cylindrical body forms sealed space sealed with a ring-shaped diaphragm on one side and with a ring-shaped support member on an opposite side. The sealed space is defined by an external cylindrical member and an internal cylindrical member coaxial with each other. The diaphragm has a ring-shaped pressure receiving part formed on a side near the combustion chamber to receive pressure from outside and a ring-shaped transmitting part formed on a rear surface of the diaphragm. A pressure transmitting member and a pressure detecting element are provided in the sealed space. Tight abutting contact is formed between the transmitting part of the diaphragm and the pressure transmitting member, between the pressure transmitting member and the pressure detecting element, and between the pressure detecting element and the support member. |
| US09841349B2 |
Method for distributedly measuring polarization transmission matrices of optical fiber and system thereof
A method for distributedly measuring polarization transmission matrices of an optical fiber includes steps of: inputting a fully polarized pulse into the optical fiber with linear birefringence only; and demodulating polarization states of Rayleigh backscattered light at different points on the optical fiber from a pulse input end; after demodulating, dividing the polarization states of the Rayleigh backscattered light into Q groups in sequence, wherein every three polarization states are divided into one group; calculating a transmission matrix of Group N; and solving the equation set using a numerical analysis method for obtaining multiple solutions, and screening the multiple solutions according to characteristics of the polarization transmission matrix, wherein each time of screening provides a unique solution Mx(N) of the equation set; continually updating MA values for iteration, so as to obtain the distribution of polarization transmission matrices of the optical fiber. |
| US09841345B2 |
Detection method and facility for checking sealed products for leaks
The invention concerns a detection method for checking sealed product packages for leaks, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: at least one previously sealed product (2) is placed in an air, nitrogen, or oxygen atmosphere, in a chamber (3) (step 101), the pressure in the chamber (3) is lowered to a secondary vacuum pressure below 10−1 mbar and, while continuing the secondary vacuum pumping of the chamber (3), the gases contained in the chamber are ionized to monitor the change in the chamber (3) of the concentration of at least one gaseous species of the gas volume contained within the sealed product (2) chosen from among nitrogen, oxygen, or argon, by analysis by optical emission or mass spectrometry (step 102). |
| US09841344B2 |
System and methods for monitoring leaks in underground storage tanks
Leak detection system and method for monitoring leaks in underground and aboveground storage tanks, pipelines or other containments, including single, double or triple wall containments are provided. A leak detection apparatus includes an oxidation chamber, a chemical marker concentrator, a mass spectrometer (MS) ion trap and a scroll vacuum pump. Vapor samples carrying marker chemicals introduced into a tank, pipeline, or other containment are injected at sample injection point into an oxidation chamber. Oxygen from an oxygen source is fed into oxidation chamber to destroy or oxidize contaminates such as hydrocarbons in the vapor without destroying or oxidizing the chemical markers. Effluent from the oxidation chamber is passed to an elongate conduit with a metal foil or screen suspended within the conduit. The marker chemicals are attracted by a chemical coating on the foil/screen and released by heating the metal. The released marker chemicals are fed into a mass spec ion trap for leakage analysis and results. |
| US09841343B1 |
Blowout preventer (BOP) test tool and methods
A test tool and related method for testing a blowout preventer (BOP). The test tool includes a first sub, a first pipe adapted to be connected to, and disconnected from, the first sub, the first pipe including an external spline, a second sub adapted to be connected to, and disconnected from, the first sub, the second sub including an internal spline adapted to engage the external spline of the first pipe, and a second pipe adapted to be connected to the second sub. The test tool includes an operational configuration in which the internal spline of the second sub engages the external spline of the first pipe so that a torque is transferable from the second sub to the first pipe via at least the engagement between the internal spline and the external spline. One or more high pressure low torque (HPLT) connections are incorporated into the test tool. |
| US09841342B2 |
Leak detection device and method for checking objects for fluid tightness by means of a leak detection device
A leak detection device has a test chamber which, for evacuation, is connected to an evacuation pump device. Moreover, the test chamber is connected by a test gas line to a test gas pump device. The test gas pump device is connected, at its main inlet, to a test gas detector, such that a detection of test gas can take place using the counter-current principle. A valve device is arranged in the test gas line. This valve device has a test gas chamber for temporary storage of test gas removed from the test chamber. |
| US09841341B2 |
Package for semiconductor devices sensitive to mechanical and thermo-mechanical stresses, such as MEMS pressure sensors
A surface mounting device has one body of semiconductor material such as an ASIC, and a package surrounding the body. The package has a base region carrying the body, a cap and contact terminals. The base region has a Young's modulus lower than 5 MPa. For forming the device, the body is attached to a supporting frame including contact terminals and a die pad, separated by cavities; bonding wires are soldered to the body and to the contact terminals; an elastic material is molded so as to surround at least in part lateral sides of the body, fill the cavities of the supporting frame and cover the ends of the bonding wires on the contact terminals; and a cap is fixed to the base region. The die pad is then etched away. |
| US09841336B2 |
Pressure sensor, measuring device, reaction carrier and measuring method
A pressure sensor (100) for a measuring system (10) measuring concentrations of gaseous and/or aerosol components of a gas mixture with a reaction carrier (14), with a flow channel (42). The flow channel (42) forms a reaction chamber (46) with a reactant (48), that enters into an optically detectable reaction, and with a measuring device (12) with a gas port unit (5) connecting an inlet channel (16) and an outlet channel (18) to the flow channel (42) and a gas delivery unit (28). The pressure sensor (100) measures a pressure difference of a gas mixture flowing through the gas delivery assembly unit (2) and/or the flow channel (42) of the reaction carrier (14) and has an elastic element (102), which is configured to undergo deformation as a function of the pressure difference. A measuring method, a measuring device and a reaction carrier for such a measuring system are also provided. |
| US09841335B2 |
Sensor for detecting a temperature and a pressure of a fluid medium
A sensor for detecting a temperature and a pressure of a fluid medium includes at least one housing, at least one temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the fluid medium and at least one pressure sensor element for detecting the pressure of the fluid medium. An activation and/or evaluation circuit is situated in the housing. The activation and/or evaluation circuit is situated on a circuit carrier. The activation and/or evaluation circuit is connected to the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor element. The temperature sensor has at least one connecting line including a connecting section for connecting to the activation and/or evaluation circuit. The circuit carrier has one recess. The connecting section is angled toward the connecting lines. The connecting section protrudes through the recess for connecting to the activation and/or evaluation circuit. |
| US09841333B2 |
Method and system for measuring torque in a tiltrotor aircraft
A method for calculating torque through a rotor mast of a propulsion system of a tiltrotor aircraft includes receiving the torque being applied through a quill shaft of the rotorcraft. The quill shaft is located between a fixed gearbox and a spindle gearbox, and the spindle gearbox is rotatable about a conversion access. The torque through the rotor mast is determined by using the torque through the quill shaft and the efficiency loss value between the quill shaft and the rotor mast. |
| US09841329B2 |
Strain gage based system and method for failure detection of a fluid film bearing
A system and method for detecting a failure of a fluid film bearing is disclosed. The system and method use one or more non-laser based strain transducers to detect changes in the frequency spectrum of the pressure of the fluid film at one or more locations in the bearing to identify failure or the risk of failure of the bearing. The system and can use metallic film, piezoelectric, and piezoresistive strain sensors to generate alarms when particular frequency bands become present in the strain frequency spectrum. The system and method can also generate strain orbit plots and perform waveform analysis of the time varying strains in the bearing housing caused by time-varying changes in the pressure of the fluid film. |
| US09841327B2 |
Method of producing conductive patterns of nanoparticles and devices made thereof
A method of processing a liquid material. The method includes mixing a liquid material with a solvent, wherein the solvent has a constituent capable of coating the particles of the material. The liquid material mixed with the solvent is then particlized, deposited on a substrate and activated to form a pre-defined electrically conductive pattern. Particlization methods include sonication and the deposition methods include ink-jet printing. Activation methods include applying mechanical pressure. The method can be used to produce electronic devices. The electronic devices made by the method include strain gauges. The substrates utilized for making the electronic devices utilizing the method can be wearable or stretchable or both. |
| US09841326B2 |
Thermal detection circuit
A circuit is disclosed that includes a first differential input pair and a second differential input pair. The first differential input pair is activated according to an output of the second differential input pair, and receives a first temperature-dependent voltage and an output signal. The second differential input pair is activated according to an output of the first differential input pair, and receives a second temperature-dependent voltage and the output signal. The switching circuit couples a capacitive element to a first voltage supply according to the output of the first differential input pair, and the capacitive element to a second voltage supply according to the output of the second differential input pair, to generate the output signal. |
| US09841323B2 |
Spectroscopic unit and spectroscopic device using same
A spectroscopic unit and spectroscopic device according to the present invention are provided with a filter that is provided with a plurality of optical filter elements disposed in order from the entrance side to the exit side of light under measurement and has different transmission wavelengths corresponding to entrance positions along a first direction. A first optical filter element from among the plurality of optical filter elements is tilted with respect to a second optical filter element disposed adjacently to the first optical filter element as a result of the first optical filter element being rotated by a prescribed angle with a third direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and s second direction from the entrance side to the exit side as the axis of rotation thereof or being rotated by a prescribed angle with the first direction as the axis of rotation thereof. |
| US09841322B1 |
Spectral imaging with multiple illumination sources
A spectrometric device for optical analysis of material composition, coating thickness, surface porosity, and/or other characteristics uses several monochromatic light sources—e.g., laser diodes—to illuminate a sample, with a camera taking an image of the sample under each source's light, and with the various images then being combined to generate a (hyper)spectral image. To address the difficulty in obtaining uniform illumination intensity across the illuminated sample area with solid-state light sources, the output from the light sources may be supplied to an integrating sphere (preferably after being combined within a fiber combiner), and then to a fiber bundle whose output ends are configured as a ring light (a ring of fiber ends directing light at a common spot). The camera may then focus on the spot, at which the sample may be placed for illumination and imaging. |
| US09841321B2 |
Visual indicator of scan workflow
A hand-held spectrometer includes at least one indicator light and a processor configured to control the at least one indicator light to indicate a state of the hand-held spectrometer selected from a group consisting of a background scanning state, a ready-to-scan-sample state, a signal strength state, a fluorescence intensity state, a sample match state, a sample classification state, an error state, a data transfer state, a battery charge state, and a memory capacity state. The sample match state can be, for example, one of a positive match state, a mixture match state, a negative match state, and a match error state. In some embodiments, the error state can be at least one of a background error state, a user error state, and an instrument error state, or any combination thereof. |
| US09841318B1 |
Apparatus for acoustic sensing
The invention provides an improved acoustic energy generating apparatus that includes an improved backing structure. The improved backing structure employs protrusions that are not located in a uniform pattern along a forward side surface of the backing structure, to realize improved re-direction of acoustic energy towards a forward direction relative to the acoustic energy generating apparatus. |
| US09841314B2 |
Systems and methods for freight tracking and monitoring
System, methods, and computer program products are provided for enhanced freight tracking and monitoring. The system may track the location of a freight shipment within a carrier's transportation network from the time it is picked up by a carrier from a consignor until it is delivered to a consignee, provide for weight determinations and shipping re-classifications of the freight shipment during transport, and provide real-time status information and reports to the carrier, consignor, and/or consignee. |
| US09841306B2 |
High-speed volume measurement system and method
Disclosed is a volume sensor having first, second, and third laser sources emitting first, second, and third laser beams; first, second, and third beam splitters splitting the first, second, and third laser beams into first, second, and third beam pairs; first, second, and third optical assemblies expanding the first, second, and third beam pairs into first, second, and third pairs of parallel beam sheets; fourth, fifth, and sixth optical assemblies focusing the first, second, and third beam sheet pairs into fourth, fifth, and sixth beam pairs; and first, second, and third detector pairs receiving the fourth, fifth, and sixth beam pairs and converting a change in intensity of at least one of the beam pairs resulting from an object passing through at least one of the first, second, and third parallel beam sheets into at least one electrical signal proportional to a three-dimensional representation of the object. |
| US09841305B2 |
Sensor device for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium flowing through a duct
A sensor device for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium flowing through a duct, e.g., an intake air mass flow of an internal combustion engine, includes: a sensor housing, e.g., a sensor plug that is placed or that can be placed into a flow tube, in which the duct is fashioned; and at least one sensor chip situated in the duct for determining the parameter of the fluid medium. The sensor chip has a sensor area. The sensor housing has an inlet into the duct that is oriented opposite a main direction of flow of the fluid medium, and has at least one outlet from the duct. The sensor area is covered at least partly by an electrically conductive layer. |
| US09841304B2 |
Air data system
An air data system includes an avionics system and a plurality of sensors associated with the avionics system, each of the sensors providing a signal indicative of a parameter used by the avionic system to determine the flight status of the aircraft. At least one air data probe is electronically coupled to the avionics system. At least one pitot static probe is coupled to a pressure transducer through pneumatic tubing, the pressure transducer is electronically coupled to the avionics system. |
| US09841292B2 |
Screen transitions in a geographic application
The display device of a portable device is configured to operate in at least a first physical orientation and a second physical orientation. Instructions, when executed on one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to detect a first transition from the first physical orientation of the display device to the second physical orientation of the display device, detect a second transition from the second physical orientation of the display device to the first physical orientation of the display device, and, in response to the second transition, select a presentation format for displaying geographic content via the display device in the first physical orientation, based at least in part on a prior presentation format according to which the geographic content was presented via the display device prior to the first transition. |
| US09841291B2 |
Generating turn-by-turn direction previews
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to generating turn-by-turn direction previews. In one aspect, one or more computing devices, may receive a request for a turn-by-turn direction preview. The one or more computing devices may generate a set of turn-by-turn directions based on a series of road segments connecting a first geographic location and a second geographic location. Each direction in the set of turn-by-turn directions may be associated with a corresponding waypoint. The one or more computing devices then identify a set of images corresponding the series of road segments between two adjacent waypoints of the set of turn-by-turn directions, and determine a subset of the set of images to include in the turn-by-turn direction preview. Subsequently, the one or more computing devices may generate the turn-by-turn direction preview based on at least in part on the determined subset of the set of images. |
| US09841288B2 |
Packaged tours with turn-by-turn navigation
An improved guidance system and method provide a packaged tour object having tour directions and media related to points of interest of a tour for playing via a telematics unit. A user is provided, via their telematics unit, with specific directions to access points of interest of the tour in a certain sequence, while the telematics unit optionally conveys media content to the user at appropriate points. The media content may be keyed to an upcoming site, and may comprise audio and/or visual information. In addition, user convenience information such as parking and ticketing information may be contained ion the packaged tour object for presentation via the telematics unit. |
| US09841282B2 |
Successive offer communications with an offer recipient
Successive offer communications are sent to an offer recipient. A first offer communication includes an offer of a merchant and the second offer communication includes an announcement about the offer. The first and second offer communications are each formatted to be rendered by respective communication device, such as a mobile phone of the offer recipient or a Point of Interaction (POI) terminal. The content of the offer communications may be tailored to the offer recipient based on the offer recipient's past transactions within a transaction processing system or a real time geographical location of the offer recipient. |
| US09841278B2 |
System and method for resolving information about a rotor comprising a measuring device for measuring and recording in a fixed rotor state without vibration due to rotation
A system and method for resolving the angular position of a rotor evaluates the real size of the stripes or gears on the rotor by an auxiliary device, such as a sensor shift device in a first embodiment or a camera in a second embodiment, at a fixed rotor, thus eliminating systematic errors and influence of rotor vibration during this calibration. By knowing the actual size or angular increment or produced sensor signal of each repeating element, a compensation of the error can be made and accuracy can be dramatically increased. |
| US09841277B2 |
Graphical feedback during 3D scanning operations for obtaining optimal scan resolution
This application teaches a method for indicating voxel quality comprising graphically and/or mathematically. Such a method may include measuring a distance from the three-dimensional scanning device to an area of a subject corresponding to an image voxel. It may also include measuring an angle between a line of sight from the three-dimensional imaging device and an orthogonal ray of the same area of the subject corresponding to the same voxel. The process may further include comparing the measured distance and angle to known acceptable operating ranges of the scanner, and plotting a quality point corresponding to the foregoing metrics on a set of axes. |
| US09841276B2 |
System and method for developing three-dimensional surface information corresponding to a contoured glass sheet
A system for acquiring surface data from one of the surfaces of a curved glass sheet and developing a surface definition of the glass sheet includes a conveyor for conveying the glass sheet in a first direction, at least one display projecting a preselected multi-phase non-repeating contrasting pattern, and at least one camera, each one of the cameras uniquely paired with one of the displays. The system may also include a control programmed to execute logic for controlling each of the camera/display pairs to acquire the desired images, and logic for analyzing and combining the data acquired by the cameras to construct a definition of the surface of the glass sheet. |
| US09841272B2 |
Film thickness measuring device and film thickness measuring method
A film thickness measuring device including: a terahertz wave generator; a prism that has an entrance surface, an abutment surface capable of abutting a surface of a sample including a first film on a side where the first film is formed, and an emission surface; a terahertz wave detector that detects an S-polarization component and a P-polarization component of a reflected wave from the sample, emitted from the emission surface of the prism; and a control section configured to determine a thickness of the first film formed in the sample, based on a difference between a time waveform of the S-polarization component of the reflected wave and a time waveform of the P-polarization component of the reflected wave. |
| US09841266B2 |
Apparatus and method for magnetic sensor based surface shape analysis spatial positioning in a uniform magnetic field
A device has a flexible substrate supporting an array of magnetic sensors exposed to a uniform external magnetic field. One or more controllers receive magnetic sensor signals from the magnetic sensors. The one or more controllers collect reference magnetic sensor signals when the flexible substrate is aligned with the uniform external magnetic field. The one or more controllers collect first polarity magnetic sensor signals in response to deformation of the flexible substrate in a first direction. The one or more controllers collect second polarity magnetic sensor signals in response to deformation of the flexible substrate in a second direction. The magnetic sensor signals establish a profile of the orientation of the flexible substrate with respect to the uniform external magnetic field. |
| US09841265B2 |
Method and apparatus of measuring a gap between a first and second roll
A method and an apparatus are provided to measure a gap between a first and second roll. Moreover, a method and an apparatus are provided to correct the gap to a target distance with a closed loop system. Also, a method and an apparatus are implemented to detect the wear for each roll by using a non-contacting measuring device. |
| US09841262B2 |
Linked round carrying bag
A linked round carrying bag having a flexible sleeve and a fastening is provided. The sleeve is sealed at a first end, has an opening at a second end, and has an openable closure, for example, a zip, extending substantially from the first end to the second end. A width of the sleeve is greater than the length of an individual round of the linked round that the bag is designed to carry but is less than twice the length of an individual round. The fastening is adjacent a closed side of an opening of the sleeve and is arranged to be tightly fastenable around the closed side of the opening and any linked round carried in the bag. The fastening can ensure that a linked round is held in its proper position within the bag, even when the bag is carried as a bandolier. |
| US09841256B2 |
Combined launch and storage tube for missile
A dual purpose missile storage and launch tube device includes a tubular housing and a front cover removably covering a first end of the tubular housing, the first end defining an opening for firing a missile. A rear cover assembly removably covers a second end of the tubular housing opposite the first end. A safety mechanism is attached to the tubular housing and includes a sliding member extending through a longitudinal passageway formed in the safety mechanism. A forward portion of the sliding member engages the front cover. A rearward portion of the sliding member engages a fastener locking the rear cover assembly onto the tubular housing. The rearward portion of the sliding member is disengaged from the fastener when the front cover is removed from the first end of the tubular housing for unlocking the rear cover assembly from the tubular housing. |
| US09841253B2 |
Gun sling swivel adapter
Described herein is an adapter for converting a single sling mount to dual-sling mount. The adapter comprises a body having a modified “H” configuration with two opposing legs joined to two outwardly extending arms. The two opposing legs each have a transverse bore linearly aligned with one another. Each outwardly extending arm also has a transverse bore. The resulting gun sling assembly allows one to carry the gun across one's back in a backpack fashion. An adapter having a modified “Y” configuration allows one to carry a military-style gun across one's back in a backpack fashion. |
| US09841249B1 |
Firearm safety device and system for uniquely and individually enabling firearm discharge
The present invention relates to smart gun technology, i.e., devices, systems, and methods, designed to ensure that the individual who is attempting to fire a weapon has been authorized to use the in-use weapon. In some embodiments, we disclose a firearm safety device having a spring-type, hammerless firing pin coupled to a logic circuit configured to uniquely identify an individual. Some embodiments employ RFID technology, which is much more reliable than most consumer-grade biometric identification mechanisms. |
| US09841248B2 |
Heat dissipation assembly incorporated into a handguard surrounding a rifle barrel
A heat dissipation assembly for use with a barrel forming a part of a firearm upper receiver. An annular shaped barrel nut is adapted to secure the barrel to the upper receiver. An elongated handguard is affixed to the barrel nut at a heat conducting location, the handguard adapted to surround a proximal extending portion of the barrel, the handguard having a plurality of apertures defined therethrough. At least one cooling element is located on an exterior of the handguard. A thermoelectric generator is incorporated into the handguard for transferring heat from the barrel nut to the cooling element. A fan component is integrated into the handguard and operated by the thermoelectric generator for drawing air through the apertures in order to provide additional cooling to the barrel. |
| US09841241B2 |
Mechanical-thermal structure suitable for a space environment
A monolithic mechanical-thermal structure which is suitable for a space environment is provided, in which the structure contains at least one hole. The walls of the hole are lined with filaments. The monolithic mechanical-thermal structure may be made of metal. And a process for manufacturing the structure is also provided. |
| US09841239B2 |
Heat transfer between tracer and pipe
A heat transfer element includes curved mounting surfaces configured to mate with an outer surface of a pipe for attachment thereto; and a channel configured to receive a tracer therein. The heat transfer element is configured to effect conductive heat transfer from the tracer to the pipe, or to process flowing through the pipe, when attached with heat transfer cement (HTC) to both the pipe and the tracer. A system includes a pipe and a tracer; HTC; and a heat transfer element having curved mounting surfaces configured to mate with an outer surface of the pipe and attached thereto via the HTC, and a channel in which the tracer is received and secured via HTC. The heat transfer element is configured to effect conductive heat transfer from the tracer to the pipe, or to process flowing through the pipe, when attached with HTC to both the pipe and the tracer. |
| US09841233B2 |
Nail lamp
A nail lamp is configured to cure light-curable nail product on a user's nails. The lamp includes an array of discrete light sources with different light wavelength profiles. The different wavelength profiles are configured to, in combination, cure a light-curable nail product. A space is disposed beneath the array and is sized to accommodate therein the nails of an appendage of a user so as to expose the user's nails to light from the array. The space is substantially open to the ambient environment to the front, rear, left, right, and top of the space, thereby providing an open architecture. |
| US09841231B2 |
LNG facility with integrated NGL recovery for enhanced liquid recovery and product flexibility
Process for efficiently operating a natural gas liquefaction system with integrated heavies removal/natural gas liquids recovery to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG) and/or natural gas liquids (NGL) products with varying characteristics, such as, for example higher heating value (HHV) and/or propane content. Resulting LNG and/or NGL products are capable of meeting the significantly different specifications of two or more markets. |
| US09841228B2 |
System and method for liquefying a fluid and storing the liquefied fluid
A Dewar system is configured to liquefy a flow of fluid, and to store the liquefied fluid. The Dewar system is disposed within a single, portable housing. Disposing the components of the Dewar system within the single housing enables liquefied fluid to be transferred between a heat exchange assembly configured to liquefy fluid and a storage assembly configured to store liquefied fluid in an enhanced manner. In one embodiment, the flow of fluid liquefied and stored by the Dewar system is oxygen (e.g., purified oxygen), nitrogen, and/or some other fluid. |
| US09841224B2 |
Refrigerator appliances with passive storage compartments
A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a fresh food chamber, and a fresh food door rotatably hinged to the cabinet for accessing the fresh food chamber. The fresh food door includes an inner surface, an outer surface and a side surface extending between the inner surface and the outer surface. The fresh food door is rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The refrigerator appliance further includes a passive storage compartment defined within the fresh food door, and a compartment door coupled to one of the inner surface or the outer surface for accessing the storage compartment. The compartment door is movable between an open position and a closed position. The passive storage compartment maintains a temperature greater than a fresh food chamber temperature and less than an ambient temperature when the fresh food door and compartment door are closed and the refrigerator appliance is operational. |
| US09841223B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a main body, a storage compartment provided inside the main body and having an open front side of the storage compartment, a door rotatably coupled to the main body and which opens or closes the open front side of the storage compartment, and a gasket coupled to a rear side of the door to maintain a seal between the main body and the door when the door is closed. The gasket includes a first gasket coupled to the rear side of the door to absorb an impact generated between the door and the main body when the door is closed and a second gasket provided as an integrated injection molded product and coupled to a rear side of the first gasket to maintain the seal between the door and the main body when the door is closed. |
| US09841222B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a cabinet with a first storage region sealable by a gasket of a door. A first hinge, outside a sealing region, allows the door to rotate relative to the cabinet. A second hinge, inside the sealing region, allows the door to rotate relative to a container having a second storage region that can be accommodated inside the first storage region. Rotating shafts of the first and second hinges are non-collinear, and a coupling between the container and the second hinge is drawn forward when the door rotates independent of the container. A guide unit protrudes into the first storage region and is selectively coupled to a fixing device at the container. The fixing device includes a push unit pushable by the door and a holder that fixes the guide unit as a rotation axis of the container, and releases the push unit from a pushed state. |
| US09841208B2 |
HRV/ERV with improved air flow balancing and method of operating the same
A heat and energy recovery ventilation unit for a building, having an inside and an outside. The unit including a main body having a fresh air inlet and an indoor air outlet on one side and a fresh air outlet and an indoor air inlet on the other side and having an air to air heat exchanger within the main body and connected to each of said inlets and outlets to define respective air flow passageways for each of said indoor air and said fresh air, the heat exchanger permitting heat and energy exchange between said indoor air and said fresh air. Also included is a first variable speed blower and a second variable speed blower and at least one electronic air flow sensor to measure at least one of the air flows the air flow sensor producing at least one electronic signal related to the sensed air flow. Also included is a controller for receiving the data signal, the controller using the data signal to control at least one of the variable speed blowers to provide a balanced fresh air inflow and indoor air outflow through the ventilation unit. A method of operating the unit is also disclosed. |
| US09841207B2 |
Installation guide system for air conditioner and method of using the same
Provided are an installation guide system for an air conditioner and a method of using the same. The installation guide system for an air conditioner may include a memory that stores at least one image for a building in which an air conditioner installed, and a display providing a user interface to design a disposition of the air conditioner in the building. The user interface may include a first region that provides a recommended configuration of indoor units to be installed based on a type of an indoor unit of the air conditioner or load information for a prescribed room in which the indoor unit is installed. The user interface may also include a second region that displays the stored image of the building and a graphical image for the indoor units in the image of the building based on the recommendations provided in the first region. |
| US09841206B2 |
Installation guide system for air conditioner and method of using the same
Provided are an installation guide system for an air conditioner and a method of using the same, including a display that displays a user interface for designing an installation for an air conditioner, a memory that stores at least one image for a building, and a controller to control a display of the stored images on the user interface. The user interface may include a first region that displays information with respect to a plurality of recommended configurations of the air conditioner including configuration of plurality of tubes that connect an outdoor unit to at least one indoor unit, and a second region that displays one of the stored images for a building and including a display of the outdoor unit, the indoor unit and the plurality of tubes The displayed image may be configured based on a selected recommended configuration of the air conditioner selected in the first region. |
| US09841201B2 |
Method and system for limiting consumption
This invention relates to methods and systems for limiting consumption, particularly power consumption, more particularly by appliances in a building, and is generally suitable for integration with building management systems. Embodiments of the invention provide arrangements in which the aggregated power load of a plurality of appliances is capped to a selected value (which may be arbitrary, or may be dictated by conditions) while seeking to minimize the deviation from target environmental conditions within the building through a combination of distributed decision making by the appliances themselves and centralized orchestration, which may be informed by real-time sensor readings and/or known properties of the building. The distributed decision-making by individual devices may be based on projected deviation from the target conditions after a period of activity or inactivity but with a central controller which determines which devices should be switched on. |
| US09841198B2 |
Air conditioner units having improved make-up air module communication
Air conditioner units and operating methods are provided. A unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and a compressor. The unit further includes a bulkhead disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The unit further includes a vent aperture defined in the bulkhead. The unit further includes a dehumidification system which includes an evaporator, a condenser, and an auxiliary compressor in fluid communication with the evaporator and the condenser. The unit further includes a humidity sensor disposed within the outdoor portion, and a controller in communication with the compressor, the auxiliary compressor and the humidity sensor. The controller is configured to deactivate the auxiliary compressor when the compressor is active and an outdoor humidity level sensed by the humidity sensor is above a predetermined humidity threshold. |
| US09841197B2 |
Hot water supply apparatus
A hot water supply apparatus has: a thermo-sensitive valve which is connected in parallel to a cold water delivery pipe and a hot water delivery pipe and which is closed when the hot water temperature to flow inside the valve is above a predetermined temperature to thereby shut off communication between the cold water delivery pipe and the hot water delivery pipe; and a circulation pump. By operation of the circulation pump, water circulation takes place from a heat exchanger through the hot water delivery pipe, a return pipe, the circulation pump, and a cold water supply pipe back to the heat exchanger. When the thermo-sensitive valve is open, water circulation takes place also through the thermo-sensitive valve. Instantaneous hot water supply operation is finished when an amount detected by a flow sensor falls below a predetermined amount during the instantaneous hot water supply operation. |
| US09841190B2 |
Gasification and pyrolysis optimization system for medical and toxic waste
The present disclosure is directed to a treatment system for medical and toxic waste. The system comprises two parts, a heterogeneous gasification system, in which syngas is produced from non-homogeneous waste, and a pyrolysis system, in which medical and hazardous waste are pyrolyzed using the syngas produced from the heterogeneous gasification system. The heterogeneous gasification system comprises a gasifier reactor having a reactor zone connected with an ash distillation zone, a re-fueling structure, an open-top water tank that wraps around the entire bottom section of the gasification system, and a gasification-agent supply module having a supply-end connected to the bottom of the gasifier reactor and a demand-end connected to the pyrolysis system. The pyrolysis system comprises a rotatable pyrolysis reactor having a horizontal and hollow cylindrical shape, a pyrolyzed-ash precipitator, which is connected to the pyrolysis reactor zone, and a condenser connected to the pyrolyzed-ash precipitator. |
| US09841188B2 |
Power supply for hot oxygen burner
The present invention relates to the supplying power to burners for oxy-fuel combustion glass melting furnaces, including a fuel injecting means and a hot oxygen power supplying means, the dispensing of oxygen being carried out so as to develop a staged combustion, a fraction of the oxygen being concurrently injected into the fuel, said oxygen being supplied essentially without heating prior to the supplying thereof into the fuel injecting means. |
| US09841187B2 |
Combustion plate
A combustion plate is for use in a totally aerated combustion burner in which a plate main body made of ceramic has formed therein a multiplicity of flame holes for ejecting a premixed gas. The plate main body is provided, in a lattice shape, with non-flame-hole sections free of flame holes. Each of those sections of the plate main body which are enclosed by the non-flame-hole sections constitutes a collective flame-hole section having formed therein in a crowded manner a plurality of flame holes. Flame holes formed in those peripheral portions of the collective flame-hole sections which are adjacent to the non-flame-hole sections are smaller in diameter than the diameter of the flame holes formed in those portions of the collective flame-hole sections which are inner than the peripheral portions. |
| US09841186B2 |
Tunable nucleate boiling using electric fields and ionic surfactants
A tunable boiling system includes a fluid having a solvent and an ionic surfactant in the solvent, a counter electrode disposed within the fluid, and a working electrode having a surface in contact with the fluid. The system is configured to apply a voltage between the surface and the counter electrode in order to affect bubble formation in the fluid at the surface. Methods of making and using the system are also provided. |
| US09841182B2 |
Steam generator and heating cooker comprising steam generator
A steam generator comprises a water storage chamber which stores water, a steam generating heater which heats water in the water storage chamber, a water supply pump which supplies water stored in a water supply tank through a water supply port provided in the water storage chamber and a water supply passage, a discharge passage which discharges water formed with a first water discharge passage having a U shape to be convex downward, which is in fluid communication with a discharge port provided in the water storage chamber, and a second water discharge passage having an inverted U shape to be convex upward, and configured such that water stored in the water storage chamber is discharged through the discharge port and the water discharge passage according to the theory of a siphon, wherein the first water discharge passage is formed by a nonmetallic material. |
| US09841180B1 |
Combined type single stud illuminating building block
A combined type single stud illuminating building block includes a circuit board, an illuminating member and an outer housing. The circuit board includes a top side and a bottom side opposite to each other. The circuit board is extended to form at least one first connection portion. The bottom side includes an electrode circuit. The illuminating member is mounted on the top side and electrically connected with the electrode circuit. The outer housing includes a connection hole to receive the circuit board and the illuminating member. The outer housing is hollow and light transmittable. The outer housing includes at least one second connection portion connected with the at least one first connection portion, respectively. Thus, the combined type single stud illuminating building block can be connected with the building block having various numbers of engaging studs to enhance degrees of freedom and variability of connection. |
| US09841178B2 |
Projector and method for controlling the same
A projector includes a power receiving terminal, a light source that emits light based on electric power supplied to the power receiving terminal, a light diffuser that adjusts the degree of diffusion of the light from the light source, a specifying section that alternately specifies one of illumination projection and image projection every time electric power supply to the power receiving terminal is started, and a light diffusion controller that controls the light diffuser so that when the specifying section specifies the illumination projection, the light diffuser diffuses the light from the light source, whereas when the specifying section specifies the image projection, the light diffuser transmits the light without substantially diffusing the light. |
| US09841176B2 |
Lamp
The invention relates to a lamp (1) comprising a lamp housing (2), a light source (3) disposed in the lamp housing (2), a reflection device (4) associated with the light source (3) for deflection of light emitted by the light source (3) in the direction of a light outlet opening (5) of the lamp housing (2), and a cooling device (6) associated with the light source (3) and/or with the lamp housing (2). In particular an inner side (7) of the lamp housing (2) is formed at least in some locations as the reflection device (4) and/or the cooling device (6) is formed in one piece with the lamp housing (2). |
| US09841173B2 |
Interior rearview mirror assembly with integrated indicator symbol
This invention relates to mirror assemblies for vehicles and in particular to interior rearview mirror assemblies having touch screen inputs corresponding to elements representing a symbol. The symbols are located behind a reflective element and not visible until activated by selection of the corresponding input or other means. |
| US09841172B2 |
Light irradiating device
The light irradiating device which irradiates linear light includes: a substrate which is parallel to first and second directions; a plurality of LED light sources which emits light in a third direction intersecting a surface of the substrate; a heat transporting unit which extends in a direction opposite to the third direction from the substrate; a cooling unit which has a heat radiating pin radiating the heat of the heat transporting unit into the air, an LED driver circuit which drives the LED light source; a housing which has an opening sucking and exhausting external air on one surface of the second direction, accommodates the cooling unit and the LED driver circuit, and forms a wind tunnel in an area where the cooling unit and the LED driver circuit are disposed; and a fan which is provided at a side opposite to the third direction of the cooling unit. |
| US09841171B2 |
Light-emitting device and lighting appliance including the light-emitting device
In a first aspect of the present inventive subject matter, a light-emitting device includes a substrate; a light-emitting element electrically connected to the substrate and arranged in a light-emitting area that is positioned on an upper surface of the substrate; and an electronic part that is electrically connected to the substrate and arranged outside the light-emitting area on the upper surface of the substrate, the electronic part obliquely protruding from an edge of the upper surface of the substrate. |
| US09841170B2 |
LED grid device and a method of manufacturing a LED grid device
A LED grid device comprising a LED grid and a plate-shaped member at which the LED grid has been arranged. The LED grid has several electrically conducting wires arranged side by side, and several LED modules, each LED module having a LED package, wherein each LED package is coupled to at least two wires of the electrically conducting wires. Each LED module further has a thermally conducting element positioned between two adjacent wires of the wires that the LED package is coupled to. The thermally conducting element carries the LED package, and protrudes from the LED package, and the thermally conducting element is attached to the plate-shaped member. |
| US09841169B2 |
Lighting device comprising a roll
A lighting device (30) and a method of manufacturing such a lighting device are provided. The lighting device comprises a sheet assembly (7), which comprises a substrate (1) being at least partly light transmissive, a plurality of light sources (5) coupled to the substrate. At least a portion of the sheet assembly (7) is fixed in a rolled-up arrangement so as to form a roll (12), whereby the light sources (5) in the portion of the sheet assembly (7) are arranged to emit light at least partly inwards in the roll and/or at least partly towards at least one end (31) of the roll. The present invention is advantageous in that it provides enhanced lumen density output, which makes the lighting device useful for high brightness applications, such as head lights and fluid purification. |
| US09841166B2 |
Apparatus and method incorporating glow-in-the-dark material to preserve power usage when creating light for dark environments
A lighting device, comprising a glow material; a light source, positioned to illuminate the glow material when the light source is activated; and a light source controller, for sequencing sufficient on and off activation of the light source to maintain activate the glow material over a period of time. |
| US09841158B2 |
Light module with two or more reflectors for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a light module (1) for a motor vehicle or for a motor vehicle headlamp, wherein the light module (1) has at least two or more light sources (10, 11), which are positioned in defined positions relative to one another, and wherein the light module (1) also has two or more reflectors (20, 21), wherein at least one reflector (20, 21) is associated with each light source (10, 11), wherein at least one of the reflectors (20, 21) is movably connected to at least one adjacent reflector (20, 21). |
| US09841157B2 |
Lamp and vehicle headlamp
A lamp includes: first and second semiconductor light-emitting elements adapted to emit excitation light; a wavelength conversion element adapted to convert the excitation light into light having a peak wavelength different from that of the excitation light; and a concave mirror adapted to reflect the excitation light emitted from the semiconductor light-emitting elements to the wavelength conversion element and reflect the light from the wavelength conversion element toward an outside of the lamp. A distance y1 from an optical axis of the first semiconductor light-emitting element to an optical axis of the concave mirror satisfies (D+Dphos)/2≦y1≦4f, and a distance y2 from an optical axis of the second semiconductor light-emitting element to the optical axis of the concave mirror satisfies 4f |
| US09841156B2 |
Flickering electronic candle
The present invention provides a flickering electronic candle, comprising a candle body, where the candle body comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder connected with the first cylinder and a third cylinder connected with the second cylinder; a flickering candle wick movably arranged in the first cylinder through a support structure, with a flame front arranged at the top of the flickering candle wick and a magnet arranged at the bottom of the flickering candle wick; and a driving chip arranged in the second cylinder. The flame front is in a hollow flame shape, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulb is further arranged in the flame front. A power unit is further arranged in the third cylinder, and the power unit is respectively connected with the driving chip and the LED bulb. |
| US09841155B2 |
LED lamp retrofit system, kit, and method
An LED lamp retrofit system, kit, and method is presently disclosed. The LED retrofit system comprises at least one longitudinally extending LED lamp having a length substantially greater than a width and open longitudinal ends. A first LED lamp support rail holds and covers a first open longitudinal end of each of the at least one longitudinally extending LED lamps and is configured to electrically connect each of the at least one longitudinally extending LED lamps to a power source. A second LED lamp support rail holds and covers a second open longitudinal end of each of the at least one longitudinally extending LED lamps held with the first LED lamp support rail. A system holder on each of the first and second LED lamp support rails is configured and disposed to hold the retrofit system to a portion of a lamp fixture being retrofitted. |
| US09841148B1 |
Electrical connection structure of lamp cap
An electrical connection structure (100) of a lamp cap, comprising a substrate (20), a plastic piece (30) and a lamp cap (60), wherein the lamp cap (60) comprises a first electrode (61) and a second electrode (62). The first electrode (61) is insulated from the second electrode (62) and the second electrode (62) is fixed to the first electrode (61). The first electrode (61) is electrically connected to the first connection end (21). The second electrode (62) is of a rod-shaped structure. The second connection end (22) comprises a connection part (222) and a contact part (221). The connection part (222) is electrically connected to the electronic element on the substrate (20), and the contact part (221) is electrically connected to one end of the second electrode (62). The electrical connection structure (100) of a lamp cap has the advantages of simple structure and convenient automation of assembly. |
| US09841147B1 |
Gas storage device
In an embodiment, the gas storage device includes a cylinder with opposing ends. An endcap is present at each end. The cylinder and the endcaps form an enclosure. Each endcap includes a connector. A diaphragm is located in the enclosure. The diaphragm includes an annular sidewall. The device includes an inner chamber defined by an inner surface of the sidewall, and a storage space between an interior surface of the cylinder and an outer surface of the sidewall. A metal hydride composition is located in the storage space. |
| US09841145B1 |
Axial piercing mechanism for pressurized gas canister
An axial piercing mechanism for a pressurized gas canister includes a housing, electric motor assembly, pushrod assembly, and lancet. The housing defines one or more radial exhaust ports and coaxial internal cavities. The electric motor assembly and pushrod assembly are disposed in the respective first and second cavities. The pushrod assembly is coupled to the electric motor assembly and is rotatably driven along the longitudinal axis thereby. The lancet is coupled to the pushrod assembly. The housing includes a second end that receives or couples to a sealed end of the pressurized gas canister proximate the lancet such that the electric motor assembly, when energized, causes the pushrod assembly and lancet to translate along the longitudinal axis, pierce a sealed end/diaphragm of the canister, and release pressurized gas through the exhaust port. A system includes the axial piercing mechanism and the pressurized gas canister. |
| US09841143B2 |
Suction device and suction method
A suction method that sucks inside of a filling nozzle used for supply of hydrogen by using a suction nozzle that is engaged with the filling nozzle, the suction method comprising: evacuating a vacuum chamber by using a vacuum pump; and sucking inside of the suction nozzle by using the evacuated vacuum chamber. |
| US09841134B2 |
System managing mobile sensors for continuous monitoring of pipe networks
Systems include, among other components, fixed and mobile sensors positioned within a pipe network containing a substance (such as a liquid, gas, or low-viscosity solid). In addition, systems include a mobile transceiver device positioned within the pipe network. The mobile transceiver device moves through the substance and the pipe network, and the mobile transceiver device is in wireless communication with the sensors. Systems also include a receiver that is external to the pipe network, and the receiver is in communication with the mobile transceiver device. In operation, the mobile transceiver device wirelessly receives sensor data from the sensors, the mobile transceiver device can aggregate the sensor data from multiple sensors, and the mobile transceiver device transmits the aggregated sensor data wirelessly to the receiver. |
| US09841131B2 |
Construction system for a connection arrangement for media lines
A construction system for a connection arrangement for media lines, wherein the connection arrangement has a connection body with a receiving opening for a media line and with internal parts for interacting with the media line and providing axial guidance, mechanical locking to prevent detachment, peripheral sealing and, where applicable, internal radial support. Various internal parts can optionally be inserted into the connection body, which is designed to be identical in respect of the internal contour of the receiving opening, and for a particular maximum external line diameter, in order to adapt to at least two dissimilar media lines having different cross-sectional dimensions. The internal parts are adapted, on the one hand, to the permanently identical internal contour of a receiving opening of the connection body and, on the other hand, to the cross-sectional dimension of one of the dissimilar media lines. |
| US09841130B2 |
Pressure-energized probe seal for female hydraulic coupling member
A probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has both internal and external pressure-energized seals. The outer wall or opposing ends of the seal have one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the body of the probe seal and the body of a coupling member in which the probe seal is installed. Annular, L-shaped, T-shaped or angled grooves in the inner wall of the seal form cavities and sealing projections that can be urged in an inward, radial direction by fluid pressure within an associated cavity to increase the sealing effectiveness between the body of the seal and the probe of a male hydraulic coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber of the female coupling member. |
| US09841128B2 |
Tube fitting assembly
A tube fitting for sealing an end of a tube uses a notch formed in the exterior surface of the tube as a sealing seat. An internally threaded body is configured to receive an externally threaded end of a nut, while the body and the nut are mounted in a surrounding relationship to the tube end. A ferrule mounted between the nut and the tube is forced to plastically deform and move into the notch to thereby seal the tube end. |
| US09841126B2 |
High pressure pipe and use thereof
A high pressure pipe of high density polyethylene material includes an internal lining (3), an intermediate reinforcement layer (2) and an outer cover layer (1). The high density polyethylene material of the internal lining (3) is filled with a filling material (5). As a result, the mixture of high density polyethylene and filling material provides resistance against higher temperatures, allowing the pipe to be able to transport fluids at elevated temperatures. |
| US09841124B2 |
High-strength thick-walled electric resistance welded steel pipe having excellent low-temperature toughness and method of manufacturing the same
A high-strength thick-walled electric resistance welded steel pipe has excellent low-temperature toughness and excellent HIC resistance and a yield strength of 400 MPa or more.The steel has a chemical composition consisting of C: 0.025% to 0.084%, Si: 0.10% to 0.30%, Mn: 0.70% to 1.80%, controlled amounts of P, S, Al, N, and O, Nb: 0.001% to 0.065%, V: 0.001% to 0.065%, Ti: 0.001% to 0.033%, and Ca: 0.0001% to 0.0035% on a mass percent basis and the remainder being Fe and incidental impurities, and satisfies Pcm of 0.20 or less. |
| US09841119B2 |
Pilot valve arrangement
A pilot valve arrangement including a first and second pilot valve parts. The second pilot valve part including a second pilot valve body including a compartment, a low pressure fluid inlet for receiving fluid from the first pilot valve part, and a high pressure fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet for receiving fluid from the low pressure and high pressure inlets via said compartment and providing fluid to a piloted valve. In a first state, the second pilot valve of the pilot valve arrangement provides for a first fluid flow path within the compartment to enable the low pressure fluid inlet to be in fluid communication with the fluid outlet via the first fluid flow path. In a second state, a second fluid flow path within the compartment to enable the high pressure fluid inlet to be in fluid communication with the fluid outlet via the second fluid flow path. |
| US09841118B2 |
Manual reset hydraulic valve latch for a hydraulically controlled valve
A Manual Reset hydraulic valve latch, capable of maintaining a hydraulically controlled valve in an open state after the valve has been opened by an activating device, regardless of the state of the activating device, until the latch is reset. The invention provides simplicity of operation, high resistance to false tripping and accidental shutoff. The invention further provides a fast fill of the hydraulic valve control chamber by reducing flow restriction into the valve control mechanism during reset of the latch. |
| US09841115B2 |
Thermostat valve for a combustion engine
A thermostat valve includes a housing with several cooling fluid connections, at least two hollow valve elements mounted rotatably next to one another in the housing on a common rotational shaft, each having at least one opening selectively couplable to one or more of the cooling fluid connections by way of rotation of the valve elements, and a rotational drive for a first of the valve elements can be driven rotationally in the housing, a second of the valve elements can be selectively coupled to or decoupled from the first valve element, the second valve element driven rotationally, when it is coupled to the first valve element, and a coupling element mounted axially movably on the rotational shaft, and a coupling drive by way of which the coupling element can be moved axially on the rotational shaft between a coupling position and a decoupling position. |
| US09841114B1 |
Hydrocarbon pipeline pressure safety relief bypass system
A method, system, and apparatus are provided for a safety relief bypass system for an oil pumping pipeline that provides pressure relief to the pipeline in order to prevent and reduce pipeline rupture. More specifically, the bypass system can include one or more rupture discs having a specific burst pressure that allows fluids under pressure to bypass through alternative pipeline thereby preventing damage to other piping components. |
| US09841107B2 |
Mechanical seal arrangement having sliding surfaces of different hardness
The invention relates to a mechanical seal arrangement comprising: a rotating slide ring (2) having a first slide surface and a stationary slide ring (3) with a second slide surface which between them define a sealing gap 4, wherein the first and second slide surfaces have different hardnesses, wherein the harder slide surface has a diamond coating (20) and the softer slide surface is produced from carbon composite material, and wherein an average initial roughness Ra1 (of the diamond coating 20) is less than an average initial roughness Ra2 of the slide surface made from carbon composite material. |
| US09841106B2 |
Sliding parts
A pair of sliding parts includes a plurality of dimples formed along a circumferential direction with substantially fixed width from a cavitation formation region on an upstream side of each of the dimples to a positive pressure generation region on a downstream side of each of the dimples. An upstream beginning end of the cavitation formation region is formed in a tapered shape from a low pressure fluid side toward a high pressure fluid side, and disposed so as to overlap a positive pressure generation region of the dimple arranged on the upstream side in a radial direction. A low pressure fluid side edge of the positive pressure generation region is formed in a tapered shape from the low pressure fluid side toward the high pressure fluid side and smoothly connected to a low pressure fluid side edge of the cavitation formation region. |
| US09841103B2 |
Metal gasket
An object is to provide a metal gasket that can form a wide contact width for a counterpart sealing face and that can achieve excellent sealing properties even when a blow hole is generated in the counterpart sealing face, and the object is achieved by a metal gasket having a bead portion to be in contact with a counterpart sealing face to form a sealing portion, formed on a gasket main body. The bead portion includes an arc portion that is convex toward the counterpart sealing face and hem-rising portions that each obliquely rise from the gasket main body toward the arc portion, on both hems of the arc portion. A connection portion between the arc portion and the hem-rising portion is formed to be convex toward a convex side of the bead portion. Plastic distortion for an overall width of the arc portion is lower than that of the connection portion. A contact pressure distribution in the arc portion in a compression state has a shape that is flat and wide in a width direction of the arc portion. |
| US09841102B2 |
Key fob seal structure with pressure release capability
A self-venting device includes a first component having an interior, a second component coupled to the first component so as to close the interior, and seal structure engaged between the first and second components in a sealed state so as to seal the interior from external agents. The seal structure includes a plurality of seal members, each having a resilient seal tip extending therefrom. The seal tips are constructed and arranged such that 1) when pressure inside the interior is equal to pressure outside of the device, the seal tips are compressed between the first and second components in the sealed state, and 2) when pressure in the interior is greater than the pressure outside of the device causing the second component to move away from the first component, the seal tips move to an unsealed state, permitting air to exit from the interior. |
| US09841100B2 |
Shift position switching controller
A shift position switching controller determines whether the responsiveness for switching the shift position to an other-than-N position will be affected by a reduction of an N position check time and keeps the N position check time unchanged from a normal value if a current shift position is a D position or if a vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a preset value. Alternatively, the shift position switching controller determines whether the responsiveness of the controller will be affected by reducing the N position check time, and sets the N position check time to a shorter-than-normal value if the current shift position is a D position and the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the preset value. |
| US09841098B2 |
Transmission with fluid distributing clutch hub
A clutch hub is splined to a planetary ring gear and a second rotating element, coupling the two elements. The spline defines a number of axial fluid distribution channels that conduct fluid from an interior radial passageway beside the ring gear to exterior radial passageways over the ring gear. These axial passageways permit packaging the clutch pack directly over the ring gear without drilling holes in the hardened gear material. The axial channels may be defined by radial space between the splined components. Alternatively or additionally, some spline teeth may be omitted to define larger axial channels. |
| US09841091B2 |
Speed-changing and differential transmission and motor and transmission unit
A speed-changing and differential transmission includes a speed-changing section and a differential section. The speed-changing section has an input stage and a load stage. The sun wheel of the load stage can be operatively connected to at least one planet wheel of the input stage via a planet carrier. At least one planet wheel of the load stage can be operatively connected to the annulus of the input stage via a planet carrier. One of these operative connections is configured as a selectable connection and the other is configured as a fixed connection such that through use of a coupling device, the annulus of the input stage can be operatively coupled to the planet carrier of the load stage, or the sun wheel of the load stage can be operatively coupled to the planet carrier of the input stage. |
| US09841089B2 |
Actuator
To provide an actuator with which side face covers can be easily attached and detached without damaging a top face cover, and workability is enhanced, and cost can be reduced without upsizing the actuator, by fastening and fixing the actuator to a base stand from above the actuator in a state in which the side face covers are removed.In an actuator having a long screw shaft with a first roller rolling groove in a spiral shape formed on an outer periphery, an inner block where a screw hole through which the screw shaft penetrates is formed, and which has a second roller rolling groove that is formed on an outer periphery to be parallel with the screw shaft, an outer rail that faces the second roller rolling groove, and a plurality of rollers that are respectively arranged between the screw shaft and the inner block, and between the inner block and the outer rail, side face covers that are laid between a pair of end portion members that are installed at both end portions of the screw shaft, and a top face cover that is disposed to close an opening portion that is formed between the side face covers and is opened parallel with the screw shaft are included, the side face covers each includes a top plate that is formed to be parallel with the top face cover, and a side plate that hangs from one end of the top plate, and the end portion members each has posture retaining device that contacts a corner portion of the top plate and the side plate. |
| US09841088B2 |
Continuously variable transmission
A controllable Continuously Variable Transmission, of the V-belt type, wherein an auxiliary belt surrounds the V-belt at the one pulley side; a lever—having free rollers around which the auxiliary belt rides—controls, through the auxiliary belt, the transmission ratio. |
| US09841085B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicles
The present disclosure provides a planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle. The planetary gear train may include: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting changed torque; 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. The planetary gear train improves power delivery performance and fuel economy by achieving at least nine forward speed stages with a minimum number of constituent elements being used, and improves driving stability of a vehicle by utilizing a low rotation speed of an engine. |
| US09841084B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
Eleven or more forward speeds and at least one reverse speed are achieved by a planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle including an input shaft, an output shaft, four planetary gear sets respectively having three rotation elements and six control elements for selectively interconnecting the rotation elements and a transmission housing. |
| US09841081B2 |
Dual input transmission
A transmission includes a transmission housing, six co-planar gear sets, a first and second input shafts, an output member, a first and second countershaft, and six synchronizer assemblies. The six synchronizer assemblies are selectively engaged to establish one of at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio between the transmission input shaft member and the output member. |
| US09841080B2 |
Power transmitting apparatus for vehicle
A power transmitting apparatus for a vehicle achieves seven forward speeds with a minimal number of input gears disposed on input shafts, since the second speed gear and the fourth speed gear are simultaneously engaged with the second input gear and the third speed gear and the seventh speed gear are simultaneously engaged with the third input gear, and distortion of step ratios at the high-speed region may be prevented. |
| US09841078B2 |
Method and loading unit for damping loads which act in the case of overload
An energy absorber is controlled in an overload event to absorb potentially damaging energy. The energy absorber acts between a receiving unit for receiving objects for transporting and a carrier device that connects to a transporter. An absorber force can be influenced by an electrically controlled magnetic field unit. Measurement values of loads acting on the loading unit are captured sequentially and an overload event is determined if a measure derived from the measurement values exceeds a predetermined threshold value. After the onset of an overload event a prognosticated load curve of the loading unit is assessed from a multitude of measurement values captured from the onset of the overload event. A planned power flow curve for the magnetic field unit is determined and the load curve is damped time-dependent so that a planned load curve ensues which remains beneath a predetermined load limit. |
| US09841076B2 |
Cushion module for assessing comfortability
A cushion module is provided herein and includes a mounting manifold and a retaining plate. An array of pneumatic assemblies is coupled to and disposed between the mounting manifold and the retaining plate. Each pneumatic assembly includes a pneumatic cylinder having a piston rod and configured to receive pressurized air for moving the piston rod to a selected position. The pressurized air supplied to each pneumatic cylinder is variable and the piston rods collectively define a support surface having variable contour and firmness, and on which an object is rested to assess the comfortability of the support surface. |
| US09841073B2 |
Ventilated brake rotors
A brake rotor for attachment to a wheel of a vehicle may include outer and inner friction members, and a plurality of fin elements connecting the outer friction member to the inner friction member. Each fin element may include radially spaced first and second pillars that are connected by a single bridge portion to define an opening in the fin element. The opening may also be defined by an interior surface of one of the annular disks. The opening may be tapered along an entire length between a first pillar and a second pillar. A width of each fin element may taper toward a center of the brake rotor. |
| US09841072B2 |
Damped brake components and methods of manufacturing the same
A brake component for a motor vehicle may include a body and at least one cable positioned within the body. The at least one cable may include a plurality of wires positioned relative to one another, each of the plurality of wires having a surface in sliding contact with surfaces of adjacent wires of the plurality of wires. During braking of the motor vehicle, sliding movement of the surfaces of the plurality of wires relative to each other may dampen a resonant frequency of the component. |
| US09841071B2 |
Brake
A brake includes a brake shoe moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position and defining an axis of rotation of an associated brake drum. The brake includes an actuation shaft rotatable about a shaft axis and an actuation device for transferring rotational movement of the actuation shaft into movement of the brake shoe from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The axis of rotation is non-parallel to the shaft axis. |
| US09841066B2 |
Hammer drill
In a hammer drill, a coil spring that urges a first clutch and a second clutch in directions away from each other is held between a first change plate that engages with the first clutch to be slidable in the axial direction of an intermediate shaft and a second change plate that engages with the second clutch to be slidable in the axial direction of the intermediate shaft. The first change plate is slidably guided by a gear housing. |
| US09841064B2 |
Reduced drag clutch plate
A clutch plate includes first and second axially offset annular surfaces, a first angled surface extending at an acute angle from the first annular surface in a first axial direction, and a second angled surface extending at an acute angle from the first annular surface in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction. In some example embodiments, the clutch plate has a wet friction material fixed to the first and second annular surfaces and at least one of the first and second angled surfaces. In an example aspect, the clutch plate has a low friction wet friction material fixed to the wet friction material of the at least one of the first and second angled surfaces. The low friction wet friction material may be fixed to the wet friction material by infusion or bonding. In an example embodiment, the clutch plate has a first wet friction material fixed to the first and second annular surfaces, and a second, low friction wet friction material fixed to at least one of the first and second angled surfaces. |
| US09841063B2 |
Multiple disc clutch apparatus
A multiple disc clutch apparatus configured to reduce the drag torque, the sticking torque, and simultaneously the weight of the multiple disc clutch apparatus. The apparatus can comprise substantially annular multiple clutch discs connected to an input-side from an engine; substantially annular multiple clutch plates alternately laminated with the clutch discs and connected to an output-side to a wheel; and frictional members secured on surfaces of the clutch discs opposing the clutch plates and adapted to press-contact with or separate from the clutch plates. A power from the engine can be transmitted to the wheel when the clutch discs and plates are press-contacted with each other; the power transmission being blocked by releasing the press-contacting force; wherein depressions are formed on each clutch plate along its periphery and radially inward therefrom; and wherein a part of the one or more frictional members is positioned within a region of the depressions. |
| US09841062B2 |
Clutch for vehicle
A clutch for a vehicle includes a hub disposed on a rotary shaft such that a rotation thereof is restricted, a sleeve spline-coupled to an outer circumference of the hub, a clutch member disposed on the rotary shaft, and a clutch ring disposed between the clutch member and the hub, wherein the clutch ring is pressed against the clutch member by the sleeve and the hub, wherein the clutch ring comprises a pressed part to which an amount of force pressing against the clutch member is applied from the sleeve and the hub, the sleeve comprises pressing protrusions that transfer the axial driving force of the sleeve to the pressed part, and the hub comprises displacement converting portions that convert a relative rotational displacement with respect to the clutch ring into an axial linear displacement of the clutch ring. |
| US09841059B2 |
Torsional vibration damper and arrangement and method for the damping of a drivetrain of a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a torsional vibration damper, in particular a dual-turbine damper, for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, preferably for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle having a hydrodynamic torque converter, having a first damper and a second damper connected to the latter in series, where the two dampers are situated essentially on a common circumference or essentially in a common plane of the torsional vibration damper, there being a damper intermediate mass connected between the two dampers connected in series, and a centrifugal pendulum device provided on the damper intermediate mass. |
| US09841058B2 |
Assembly procedure of a bearing unit—hub flange
A procedure for mounting a hub bearing assembly including a rotatable hub, and a bearing unit having a stationary radially outer ring, and two rolling bodies disposed between the radially outer ring and the hub, and executing the steps of hammering a first seal on the hub, mounting a cage on the seal seat, providing the outer ring assembly in axially offset manner relative to the hub, mounting the rolling bodies axially externally from the axially inner side, combining the hub to the outer ring, positioning the outer ring inclination at a predetermined angle, mounting the rolling bodies from the axially inner side, aligning the hub to the radially outer ring, snap insertion of the cage, on rolling bodies from the axially outer side and the cage, on rolling bodies from the axially inner side, hammering a second seal on its seat, from the axially inner side. |
| US09841052B2 |
Shaft and bearing assemblies with reduced moments
An assembly is described for reducing the moment from a deflected shaft. A shaft includes a shaft body and an outer shaft surface. A bearing includes an inner race engaging the shaft, the inner race including an inner race surface and a race body with axial edges. When the shaft body or a portion of the bearing is deflected from a nominal axis of relative rotation, the shaft body applies a force to the bearing at an axially outermost location that is axially inward from at least one of the axial edges of the race body. Accordingly, an effective line of action of the force is applied at a location that is axially removed from the at least one of the axial edges of the race body towards a central plane of the bearing. |
| US09841051B2 |
Ball joint with a loading-optimized ball shell
A ball joint, in particular for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, with a housing. A joint ball is arranged inside the housing and a ball shell is arranged therebetween. The outer surface of the joint ball contacts the inner surface of the housing and on its inner surface against the surface of the ball, such that the ball shell holds the joint ball so that it can move by sliding. The shell is elastic such that when a force acts upon the ball joint, the joint ball can move relative to the housing. As viewed in at least one cross-section plane passing through the mid-point of the ball, the ball shell has a radial thickness that varies, in the circumferential direction, in such manner that the force acting on the ball shell in the circumferential direction is distributed uniformly, particularly over enlarged areas thereof. |
| US09841049B2 |
Load transfer point offset of rocking journal wristpins in uniflow-scavenged, opposed-piston engines with phased crankshafts
Load transfer point offset of rocking journal bearings in uniflow-scavenged, opposed-piston engines with phased crankshafts includes differing offsets for the load transfer points of opposed pistons. More specifically, under the condition that a first crankshaft leads the second crankshaft, an angular offset of a rocking journal wristpin of a piston coupled to the first crankshaft proportional to an offset of the first crankshaft relative to the second crankshaft is made to ensure adequate oil film thickness to the wristpin when it experiences a peak combustion pressure during a power stroke. |
| US09841048B2 |
Rotation rod assembly with self lubricating liner or grooved bushings
A rotation rod assembly includes a first linkage rod having a first bore extending therein. The rotation rod assembly includes a second linkage rod having a piston section extending axially therefrom, the piston section is disposed for rotation in the first bore. The piston section is axially restrained in the bore. The piston section has a self-lubricating liner secured to at least one outer surface thereof. The self-lubricating liner is in sliding engagement with portions of the bore. The liner is secured to the radially and/or axially outer surfaces of the piston section and has at least one groove therein for collection of wear materials and debris. |
| US09841045B2 |
Blind rivet fastener
Blind rivet fastener and method of forming blind rivet fastener. The blind rivet fastener includes a blind rivet sleeve having a set head end with a set head and a shank end, and a stud structured and arranged so that a receiving section projects from the set head end and so that an attachment section projects from the shank end. |
| US09841043B2 |
Cable tray support
A cable tray support includes first and second rod openings each extending through one of first and second sides of a support body to allow first and second support rods to laterally enter the respective first and second openings. First and second lateral closure members are adjacent the respective first and second openings and are movable to closed positions to inhibit the respective first and second support rods, when received in the corresponding opening, from laterally exiting the corresponding opening. |
| US09841041B1 |
W-shaped winged spring clip with integral 4-way locator
A spring clip includes a body having (a) a base, (b) a support post carried on the base, (c) a first cantilever bar carried on the support post, (d) a second cantilever bar carried on the support post and (e) a 4-way locator fixed to the base on one side of the support post. |
| US09841040B2 |
Clamping system
A clamping system that includes a first jaw, a second jaw—the second jaw being pivotally connected to the first jaw—a locking handle pivotally connected to the first and second jaws, an adjustment element, first and second lever arms, and a release lever secured to the locking handle and configured to move the locking handle away from the first jaw. |
| US09841036B2 |
Self-contained energy efficient hydraulic actuator system
The self-contained energy efficient hydraulic actuator system of the present invention includes a hydraulic cylinder, a servo motor that is configured to produce rated torque from zero RPM to maximum rated RPM with rotor speed/position feedback to a servo motor, a pump, and a solenoid valve that enables the hydraulic cylinder to maintain its position without the motor running. The system has the ability to hold a load in place without motor operation via the use of the solenoid valve, and therefore saves energy and extends the motor lifetime by minimizing the motor running time. |
| US09841035B2 |
Heat dissipation fan
A heat dissipation fan includes a base plate, a frame formed on a side of the base plate, a stator received sin the frame, and a rotor below the stator and connected with the stator. The heat dissipation fan also has an air inlet, a first air outlet and a second air outlet. The air inlet is communicated with the first air outlet and the second air outlet. An angle is defined between each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet. |
| US09841034B2 |
Fan and electronic apparatus
A fan and an electronic apparatus are disclosed. The fan comprises a housing and a blade wheel. The housing is shaped as a hollow column, a thickness of the housing is less than a preset thickness, a radial air inlet and an air outlet are disposed in a side of the housing, and the blade wheel is mounted in the housing and shaped as a cylinder. The housing is also provided with an axial air inlet disposed in at least one bottom surface of the housing so that air can enter the housing from the bottom surface by rotating the blade wheel. The heat dissipation performance of the fan is improved, the present invention solves the technical problem in the prior art that thinning of the fan in the super-thin electronic apparatus will lead to reduction in heat dissipation performance, and achieving technical effects that the electronic apparatus has high heat dissipation performance while super thinning the electronic apparatus. |
| US09841033B2 |
Exhaust gas turbocharger having an internally insulated turbine volute
A turbine housing (1) of an exhaust-gas turbocharger (15) having a turbine volute (7) which is delimited by a metallic outer shell (8) and which has an inner wall (9); and a heat insulation layer (10) which is arranged on the inner wall (9) and which has a heat insulation core (6A, 6B) which, on its surface (12A, 12B) facing into a volute interior space (11), is covered by a first sheet-metal shell (3A, 3B). The heat insulation core (6A, 6B) is covered, on a surface (13A, 13B, 13′B) facing toward the inner wall (9), by a second sheet-metal shell (4A and 4B respectively). |
| US09841030B2 |
Vertical self-priming pump
The present invention claims a vertical self-priming pump which comprises a pump body, a motor and a medium backflow blocking device, the medium backflow blocking device comprises a static ring and a moving ring which are vertically and oppositely arranged, and an elastic supporting sleeve; the moving ring is embedded on the upper surface of the impeller, the elastic supporting sleeve is fixed on the upper surface of the flow guide body, and the static ring is embedded on the lower surface of an elastic supporting ring. During normal working, the elastic supporting sleeve of the present invention in the medium backflow blocking device generates a downward deformation under the action of liquid medium pressure, thus the moving ring and the static ring closely contact with each other and block the backflow gap channel, and the pump efficiency is improved. |
| US09841029B2 |
Motor of a ceiling fan
A motor of a ceiling fan includes a shaft, a bearing sleeve, a limiting member, a stator and a rotor. The shaft has a first shoulder and a second shoulder. The bearing sleeve receives a first bearing and a second bearing for supporting the shaft and has an inner flange, with the inner flange and the first shoulder jointly clamping and positioning the first bearing. The limiting member and the second shoulder jointly clamp and position the second bearing. The stator is arranged around the shaft. The rotor couples with the bearing sleeve. |
| US09841027B2 |
Pump pressure relief system
A pump features a casing assembly having a region through which high velocity fluid and solids circulate, a chamber where they do not, an aperture that allows a related-chamber to be in fluidic communication with the region, but not the circulating high velocity fluid and solids, and a corresponding aperture to allow the related-chamber to communicate with an external region outside the casing assembly; and a rupture disc received in the corresponding aperture to close the related-chamber subjects the related-chamber and the rupture disc to pressure contained within the region and to release pressure exceeding a predetermined relief pressure of the rupture disc from the related-chamber to the external region or location, and exhaust piping couple the rupture disc to provide a path for escaping vapor and solids to be directed to the external region or location where the energy can be dissipated. |
| US09841025B2 |
Device for transmitting power through rotating magnetic fields
A device for the transmission of power using rotating magnetic fields includes a drive shaft with an external magnet, a pump shaft with an internal magnet suited to entrained by the external magnet, a rear tight chamber or containment body for the pump shaft and the internal magnet, the rear body being positioned between the internal magnet and external magnet. The rear body includes at least a glass-shaped casing and one or more probes buried within the thickness of the glass-shaped casing. |
| US09841024B2 |
Compressor and method for producing compressor
A compressor includes compression and drive mechanisms disposed in a casing having a cylindrical member. The compression mechanism includes a cylinder main body, an end surface member attached to the cylinder main body, a muffler main body attached to the end surface member, an intake hole communicating with the compression chamber and extending in a direction crossing the drive shaft, and a circular hole located radially outside the compression chamber and extending in a direction parallel to the drive shaft. The circular hole opens to a space inside the casing. At least a part of the circular hole is located within an area defined by extending the intake hole in a plan view. A method of producing a compressor includes inserting a positioning pin into the circular hole of the compression mechanism and pressing an inlet tube into the intake hole from outside of the cylindrical member. |
| US09841022B2 |
Toy fluid pumping gun
A fluid pumping device is disclosed. The fluid pumping device includes a housing having a front end and a rear end, a fluid discharge opening in the front end of the housing, a pump assembly, a crank assembly rotatably connected to the pump assembly wherein the crank assembly operates the pump assembly, and a fluid storage reservoir connected to the gear housing from which fluid is drawn into the gear housing to be pumped through the fluid discharge opening. |
| US09841017B1 |
Extraction device
An extraction device for use in servicing a pump having a pump housing with a first side, a second side, and a channel extending between the first side and second side. A plunger is located within the channel, and the channel has a threaded opening at the first side. The device includes an externally threaded plug and a driving component selectively extending through the plug. The device is anchored to the pump housing by threading the plug into the threaded opening at the first side. The driving component is then extended into the channel, through and beyond the plug, to engage the plunger and push it out of the housing at the second side. |
| US09841014B2 |
Insulin pump data acquisition device and system
An insulin pump data acquisition device & system including: an insulin pump data acquisition device for use with an insulin pump, the data acquisition device including a holster having a wall defining an interior volume and an exterior volume, the exterior volume being sized to removably secure the insulin pump; an environmental sensor operable to generate environmental data in response to environmental conditions; memory operably connected to the environmental sensor, the memory being operable to store the environmental data; a controller operably connected to the environmental sensor and the memory, the controller being operable to control reading of the environmental data from the environmental sensor and writing of the environmental data to the memory; and a battery operably connected to power the environmental sensor, the memory, and the controller. The environmental sensor, the memory, the controller, and the battery are disposed within the interior volume. |
| US09841009B2 |
Hybrid power system
Heat from a safe high energy density fuel, such as aluminum, is used to generate electrical power. In some applications, the fuel may use seawater as an oxidizer. Additionally, the hybrid power system uses a highly efficient and silent thermoacoustic power converter (TAPC) to convert the thermal energy from the oxidation of aluminum to AC electrical energy. The AC electrical energy is converted to DC energy and stored in a battery. In situations demanding low power, the battery can provide power while the fuel combustion process is suspended. |
| US09841006B2 |
Method and apparatus for protecting wind turbines from extreme events
A wind turbine has a Lidar device to sense wind conditions upstream of the wind turbine. Signals from the wind turbine are processed to detect an extreme change in wind direction. The detection is performed by differentiating the rate of change of wind direction and filtering for a period of time. On detection of extreme change the system controller takes the necessary evasive action which may include shutting down the turbine, commencing an immediate yawing action, and de-rating the turbine until the yawing action is complete. |
| US09841004B2 |
Yaw control system and yaw control method for wind turbine generator
A yaw control system for a wind turbine generator includes a yaw direction sensor for detecting a yaw direction value of the nacelle at a current time, a yaw rotation amount calculation part for calculating an amount of yaw rotation of the nacelle in a predetermined period of time based on a yaw rotation speed and a yaw rotation time of the nacelle, a yaw direction estimation part for calculating an estimate value of a yaw direction of the nacelle at an end point of the predetermined period by an estimate value calculation logic based on the amount of yaw rotation in the predetermined period calculated by the yaw rotation amount calculation part and the yaw direction value at a starting point of the predetermined period, and a yaw drive control part for controlling the yaw drive mechanism. |
| US09841002B2 |
Wind turbine rotor blade with serrated extension
A wind turbine rotor blade is provided, having a root end, a tip end, a leading edge section, a trailing edge section and a serrated extension, wherein the serrated extension is attached to the trailing edge section and has at least a first tooth. Furthermore, the wind turbine rotor blade has at least one patterning element for guiding a wind flow which is flowing from the leading edge section to the trailing edge section such that noise which is generated at the trailing edge section is reduced. The patterning element has the shape of a ridge. Advantageously, the ridge-shaped patterning element is located upstream, compared to the first tooth, and/or is located on a surface of the first tooth. Furthermore, a method is provided to reduce noise which is generated at a trailing edge section of a wind turbine rotor blade. |
| US09841001B2 |
Banded turbine
A banded turbine configuration has an integral outer band support structure capable of providing two point simple support for a multiplicity of blades. A large scale vertical array has a set of twelve 23 m-diameter banded turbines with up to nine blades and resting on an Open Web Steel Joist (OWSJ) platform. The banded turbine configuration is supported off of a main shaft hub assembly, which is supported by forward and aft pillow block bearing assemblies. The banded turbine allows for a protective screen for bird- and bat-kill prevention. Each banded turbine employs DC alternators to provide a switchable output which is subsequently fed to a dedicated set of high efficiency grid-compatible solid state invertors or, alternatively, to energy storage. |
| US09841000B2 |
Energy conversion from fluid flow
A device for use in extracting energy from an incoming fluid flow is presented. The device comprises: an oscillator assembly mounted on a base, the oscillator assembly comprising: a main body for exposing to an incoming fluid flow; and a joining element attached to the main body and configured for anchoring the main body to the base and enabling oscillation of the main body with respect to the base; an operative flow affecting unit comprising at least one flow interacting element located in at least one location respectively on a surface of the main body, the operative flow affecting unit being configured and controllably operable for affecting a separation of streams of the fluid flowing over the surface of the main body; a control unit in communication with the operative flow affecting unit, the control unit being configured and operable for activating and deactivating of each of the at least one flow interacting element of the operative flow affecting unit according to a certain time pattern, the time pattern being selected such that interaction between the flow interacting element and fluid streams creates vortices in the fluid streams at a selected vortex formation frequency causing an increase in oscillation of the main body, thereby enabling conversion of motion from the oscillation into useful energy. |
| US09840997B2 |
Engine starting system using stored energy
There is described a method and system for starting at least one engine from a twin engine installation having a first engine arrangement and a second engine arrangement. The method comprises receiving a first voltage level from a power source and increasing the first voltage level to a second voltage level; charging an energy storage unit having at least a first super-capacitor and a second super-capacitor to the second voltage level; selectively connecting one of the first super-capacitor and the second super-capacitor to a first power control unit in the first engine arrangement; controlling a discharge current to a first electric machine in the first engine arrangement via the first power control unit; and rotating a rotor of the first electric machine to an above engine idle speed to start a first engine of the twin engine installation. |
| US09840995B2 |
High-pressure pump
During a pressurization stroke of a high-pressure pump, a cylinder inner wall and a plunger receive a fuel pressure from the pressurization chamber. Meanwhile, an upper housing does not receive the fuel pressure from the pressurization chamber, so that its thickness can be made thin. A cylinder is comprised of a bottom portion, a cylindrical portion and a large-diameter cylindrical portion. When inserting the large-diameter cylindrical portion into a large engaging hole, the bottom portion and the cylindrical portion are not brought into contact with a lower housing. A high liquid-tightness between the bottom portion, the cylindrical portion and a small engaging hole can be ensured. |
| US09840994B2 |
Annulus nozzle injector with tangential fins
Methods and systems are provided for direct fuel injection, wherein a fuel injector comprises an injector needle coupled to a frustum shaped nozzle. During a fuel injection event, the injector needle may be moved outward to create an annulus nozzle. In this way, the fuel injector may inject fuel with a cone shaped spray pattern, reducing the spray penetration of the injected fuel. |
| US09840993B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine comprises a fuel injection valve which has a needle, wherein a valve opening speed of the needle during post injection is raised as compared with a valve opening speed of the needle during main injection if a pressure of the fuel is not more than a first predetermined pressure, while the valve opening speed of the needle during the post injection is lowered as compared with the valve opening speed of the needle during the main injection if the pressure of the fuel is not less than a second predetermined pressure that is a pressure larger than the first predetermined pressure, when a requested post injection fuel amount is larger than an injection amount threshold value. |
| US09840991B2 |
Fuel priming pump
A means to prevent the obstruction of fuel flow from the fuel source to the intake of an internal combustion engine by having an alternate and path for fuel to flow between the fuel source and the intake of an internal combustion engine. This invention takes advantage of prior art using existing manual fuel system primer to pump fuel from the fuel source to the fuel intake of an internal combustion engine then after the engine is primed with fuel an adjacent but connected fuel line is then available creating an additional fuel path from the fuel source to the fuel intake of the internal combustion engine. |
| US09840986B2 |
Two-stage changeover valve
A two-stage changeover valve is provided in a vaporized fuel passage connected between a fuel tank and a canister. A valve member is movably accommodated in a fluid passage formed in a valve housing. A valve seat is formed at an inner peripheral wall of the valve housing, so that the valve member is operatively seated on the valve seat. A restricted communication hole is formed in the valve member, so that an upstream side and a downstream side of the valve member are communicated with each other, even when the valve member is seated on the valve seat. The restricted communication hole is formed in a Laval-nozzle shape, so that vaporized fuel passing through the restricted communication hole is accelerated. As a result, a process for depressurizing inner pressure of the vaporized fuel in the fuel tank can be carried out in a shorter time. |
| US09840985B2 |
Fuel vapor line diagnostics
Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing fuel vapor leaks due to un-latching of quick connectors in interfaces of a fuel vapor system. In one example, a method may include using positive pressure generated in the intake manifold by reverse rotation of the engine unfueled, to detect un-latching of quick connectors in the fuel vapor system. After the positive pressure test, a negative pressure test is performed on the fuel vapor system to confirm any un-latching of quick connectors. |
| US09840982B2 |
Spray coating film, engine having the spray coating film and film-forming method of the spray coating film
A spray coating film has a first spray coating film formed on a surface of an aluminum substrate and a second spray coating film formed on a surface of the first spray coating film. In the first spray coating film, an inorganic material with a layered crystalline structure is dispersed in a Ni-based alloy material, and an area ratio of the inorganic material is in a range from 40% to 80% relative to the sectional area of the first spray coating film. The second spray coating film is a porous film composed of ZrO2—SiO2 based ceramic containing 30% to 50% by mass of SiO2, and the second spray coating film has an area ratio of pores of 30% to 80% relative to the sectional area of the second spray coating film. |
| US09840980B2 |
Gasoline particulate reduction using optimized port and direct injection
Additional approaches for the reduction of particulate emissions in gasoline engines using optimized port+direct injection are described. These embodiments include control of the amount of directly injected fuel so as to avoid a threshold increase in particulates due to piston wetting and reduction of cold start emissions by use of air preheating using variable valve timing. |
| US09840979B2 |
Fuel supply apparatus for internal combustion engine
A fuel supply apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a motor, a fuel pump, an alternator, a centrifugal clutch, and an electronic control unit. The centrifugal clutch is configured to, when the rotation speed of the output shaft of the motor is higher than or equal to an engaging rotation speed, connect the output shaft of the motor with the rotary shaft of the alternator. The engaging rotation speed is a rotation speed higher than a rotation speed of the rotary shaft at which torque that acts on the rotary shaft as a result of generation of electric power by the alternator becomes maximum and is a rotation speed lower than a rotation speed at which torque for driving the high-pressure fuel pump cannot be provided by only the motor at the time when the motor is driven at rated output power. |
| US09840977B1 |
Engine stop position control system and method
An engine control system for an auto-stop/start vehicle includes an auto-stop/start module that generates an auto-stop command for shutting down an engine while an ignition is ON and subsequently generates an auto-start command for re-starting the engine. The system includes an actuator control module that disables an engine load, parks exhaust and intake cam phasers, disables fuel, sets a first throttle opening, monitors a crankshaft rotational position, speed, and deceleration, sets a second throttle opening for a predetermined duration if a piston simultaneously crosses a target position below a target engine speed and below a target degrees of rotation remaining, sets a third throttle opening, and determines if an engine speed is below a threshold speed before setting a fourth throttle opening when the engine speed is below the threshold speed, and causes the piston to rest in a predetermined position range. |
| US09840973B2 |
Method and device for carrying out an adaptive control of a position of an actuator of a position transducer
A method for operating a controller for a position transducer system, of a throttle valve position transducer in an engine system having an internal combustion engine, the control being performed to obtain a manipulated variable for triggering an actuating drive of the position transducer system, the control being performed by initially applying a transfer function to a system deviation to obtain an adapted system deviation and subsequently applying a transfer function to the adapted system deviation to obtain the manipulated variable, the transfer function being a function which indicates a deviation of a model of a nominal position transducer system having predefined nominal parameters from the model of the position transducer system to be controlled, an adaptation of the control process being performed by adapting the transfer function, in that the parameters of the model of the position transducer system to be controlled are adapted, in particular in real time. |
| US09840971B2 |
Variable displacement engine control system and method
Methods and systems are provided for improving the performance of a variable displacement engine. Split injection and spark retard may be used in active cylinder during a VDE mode to heat an exhaust catalyst and extend the duration of VDE mode operation. Split injection and spark retard may also be used in reactivated cylinders at a time of cylinder reactivation to improve restart combustion stability. |
| US09840970B2 |
Control device for multi-cylinder engine
The invention relates to a control device for a multi-cylinder engine provided with an oil pump, a hydraulically operated valve characteristic control device which changes valve characteristics of at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve; and a hydraulically operated valve stop device which stops at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve when a reduced cylinder operation is performed. The control device for a multi-cylinder engine is provided with a valve control unit which operates the valve stop device after an operation of the valve characteristic control device is completed when the valve characteristic control device is operated at a time of request for the reduced cylinder operation. |
| US09840968B2 |
Topologies and methods for turbine engine start inverters
A start inverter for an electric engine start scheme includes an inverter phase leg with solid-state switches and a pulse width modulator operatively connected to the solid-state switches of the inverter phase leg. The pulse width modulator provides command signals to the solid-state switches of the inverter phase leg to invert direct current into alternating current with less ripple than a start inverter with two solid-state switches per phase leg. |
| US09840965B2 |
Skewed combustion chamber for opposed-piston engines
A combustion chamber for an opposed-piston engine has a rotationally skewed shape in a longitudinal section that is orthogonal to a chamber centerline, between diametrically-opposed openings of the combustion chamber through which fuel is injected. The rotationally skewed shape interacts with swirl to generate a tumble bulk charge air motion structure that increases turbulence. |
| US09840963B2 |
Parallel prechamber ignition system
An air/fuel mixture is ignited in an internal combustion engine by receiving the air/fuel mixture as an incoming air/fuel mixture flow from a main combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine into an enclosure adjacent the main combustion chamber. The enclosure defines a first chamber enclosing first and second ignition bodies and the enclosure defines a second chamber adjacent the first chamber and connected to the first chamber via a passage. A portion of the air/fuel mixture received in the enclosure is directed toward an ignition gap between the first and second ignition bodies and another portion is directed into the second chamber. The air/fuel mixture is then ignited in the ignition gap, and flame from combustion in the first chamber is ejected into the main combustion chamber. Then, flame from combustion in the second chamber is ejected into the main combustion chamber. |
| US09840962B2 |
System and method for controlling inlet coolant temperature of an internal combustion engine
A system including a target module determining a target temperature of coolant at an input of an engine for a maximum amount of fuel efficiency. A mode module disables closed loop control based on temperatures of coolant entering the engine and at an output of a radiator. An open loop module determines first and second temperatures of coolant at inputs of a coolant control valve that receive coolant from the radiator and a channel that bypasses the radiator. A ratio module determines a ratio based on the first and second temperatures and the temperatures of the coolant entering the engine and at the radiator output. A closed loop module generates a correction value based on the target temperature and the temperature of the coolant entering the engine. A position module adjusts the coolant control valve based on the ratio, the correction value and whether closed loop control is disabled. |
| US09840961B2 |
Cylinder head of an internal combustion engine
An engine is provided with a cylinder head defining a coolant jacket therein that is formed from a series of passages interconnected by a series of curved junctions to direct coolant about spark plugs, exhaust valves, and an integrated exhaust manifold in the head. The cooling jacket has a first longitudinal passage with an annular section about a spark plug, a second longitudinal passage with an annular section about an exhaust valve, and a third passage surrounding an integrated exhaust manifold and fluidly connecting the first and second passages. The first passage has a continuously decreasing area and the second passage has a continuously increasing area in a direction of coolant flow. |
| US09840959B2 |
Heat shield assembly for an exhaust system
The heat shield assembly includes an inner-most layer that is directly engagable with an exhaust component and is of a non-ceramic material with a first heat capacity and a first thermal conductivity. The heat shield assembly additionally includes an insulating layer that surrounds the inner-most layer and is of a material that has a second heat capacity which is lower than the first heat capacity and has a second thermal conductivity which is lower than the first thermal conductivity. The direct engagement of the inner-most layer with the exhaust component allows heat to be easily transferred between the exhaust component and the inner-most layer. |
| US09840952B2 |
Breather chamber of internal combustion engine
A breather chamber for an internal combustion engine wherein the breather chamber has a large size that is formed while an increase in the size of the internal combustion engine is suppressed. The breather chamber of an internal combustion engine includes looped cam chains for transmitting the power of a horizontally disposed crankshaft to camshafts provided in cylinder heads and includes cam chain chambers disposed alongside portions of cylinder block portions which intersect the direction of the crankshaft. The breather chamber is located on a side of a plane formed by a rotation locus of the cam chain in the direction of the crankshaft in the cam chain chamber. |
| US09840949B2 |
Valve switching apparatus
A valve switching apparatus includes a rocker arm coming into contact with a cam to open and close a valve along with a rotation of the cam, and an eccentric generation means provided to the rocker arm so as to allow an eccentric position to be changed by rotation thereof. |
| US09840944B2 |
Spring support and retention member for a camshaft phaser
A camshaft phaser has a stator configured to be non-rotatably connected to a drive sprocket and a rotor at least partially rotatable with respect to the stator and configured to be non-rotatably connected to a camshaft. The rotor has an aperture extending in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation. The camshaft phaser further has a support member including a bushing including an elongated portion, a flange, and a through-bore extending through the elongated portion and the flange, and a cylindrical pin disposed in the through-bore and the aperture. The camshaft phaser also has a positioning spring engaged with the support member and the stator to bias the rotor in a circumferential direction. |
| US09840939B2 |
Variable fuel gas moisture control for gas turbine combustor
In one or more of the inventive aspects, when a gas turbine system of a power plant operates at part load, a moisture content of fuel gas provided to the gas turbine system may be controlled so as to minimize combustion dynamics and/or to comply with emission requirements. The fuel gas moisture content may be controlled by modulating a flow of heated water to a fuel moisturizer. By using heated water from a heat recovery steam generator to moisturize the fuel gas, heat energy from the water may be transferred to the fuel gas, and the overall mass flow may be enhanced to thereby increase overall combined cycle efficiency. |
| US09840937B2 |
Turbine exhaust cylinder/ turbine exhaust manifold bolted stiffening ribs
Disclosed are a casing arrangement and a method to reduce vibrations in a gas turbine casing. The casing arrangement includes a turbine exhaust cylinder connected to a turbine exhaust manifold establishing a fluid flow path, the fluid flow path including an inner and an outer flow path. A damping blanket damps the vibrations and is coupled to a surface of the inner flow path via a constraining layer. |
| US09840935B2 |
Rotating machinery monitoring system
A method for monitoring rotating component includes receiving a continuous waveform sensor signal from a sensor apparatus, retaining the continuous waveform in a memory, and isolating at least one characteristic and/or at least one period of the waveform. The isolated characteristic and/or period is analyzed thereby determining the presence of a waveform anomaly. |
| US09840934B2 |
Aero-actuated vanes
A turbomachinery vane includes a vane body defining a longitudinal axis, a trunnion extending from the vane body and defining a pivot point for pivoting the vane body about the longitudinal axis, and a lock system operatively connected to the trunnion and configured to lock the vane body in a plurality of locked positions. A gas turbine engine includes a turbomachinery component including a row of actuated stators, wherein the actuated stator row includes a plurality of the turbomachinery vanes. A method of actuating a vane by aerodynamic loads includes moving the vane about a pivot point from a first position to a second position by a first set of by aerodynamic loads. |
| US09840933B2 |
Apparatus for extending the flow range of turbines
An apparatus for extending the operational flow rate range of a turbine is described herein. Two or more removable sleeves may be used to change the cross-sectional area of a turbine. Each removable sleeve may define or eliminate the stator gap between a stator blade tip and an inner wall of the removable sleeve and a rotor gap between a rotor blade tip and an inner wall of the removable sleeve. A movable sleeve may be disposed in the turbine and may move between a first position and a second position in response to changes in the pressure differential across the turbine. The movable sleeve may define or eliminate a stator gap between a stator blade tip and the inner conical surface of the sleeve or a hub of the turbine and a rotor gap between a rotor blade tip and the inner conical surface of the sleeve. |
| US09840930B2 |
Internal cooling system with insert forming nearwall cooling channels in midchord cooling cavities of a gas turbine airfoil
An airfoil (10) for a gas turbine engine in which the airfoil (10) includes an internal cooling system (14) with one or more internal cavities (16) having an insert (18) contained therein that forms nearwall cooling channels (20) having enhanced flow patterns is disclosed. The flow of cooling fluids in the nearwall cooling channels (20) may be controlled via a plurality of cooling fluid flow controllers (22) extending from the outer wall (24) forming the generally hollow elongated airfoil (26). The cooling fluid flow controllers (22) may be collected into spanwise extending rows (28), and the internal cooling system (14) may include one or more bypass flow reducers (30) extending from the insert (18) toward the outer wall (24) to direct the cooling fluids through the channels (20) created by the cooling fluid flow controllers (22), thereby increasing the effectiveness of the internal cooling system (14). |
| US09840929B2 |
Gas turbine engine vane assembly and method of mounting same
The gas turbine engine vane assembly has a vane having an elongated airfoil body extending to a tip and a grommet disposed around the tip. An insert having a closed loop shape with an inner surface matingly shaped to receive the outer surface of the grommet, and an outer surface matingly shaped to be snugly received in the slot. A method of mounting such a vane assembly is also disclosed. |
| US09840928B2 |
Turbine diaphragm construction
An axial flow turbine diaphragm is constructed without welding or other metal fusion or melting techniques. Static blade units are attached to inner and outer diaphragm rings by radially inner platform portions that engage the radially inner ring, and radially outer platform portions that engage the radially outer ring, the inner platform portions being elongate in the circumferential direction of the turbine diaphragm and the outer platform portions being elongate in a direction compatible with the stagger angle of the aerofoils. The outer circumference of the radially inner ring has a blade unit retaining feature of complementary shape and orientation to the inner platform portions of the static blade units, and the inner circumference of the radially outer ring is provided with a plurality of blade unit retaining features of complementary shape and orientation to corresponding outer platform portions of the static blade units. |
| US09840926B2 |
Abrasive flow media fixture with end contour
A fixture assembly includes an inner diameter wall displaced from a main body by a first end wall with a convex surface and a second end wall with a concave surface. A method of machining a gas turbine engine component with an Abrasive Flow Media (AFM) process includes restricting a flow of media adjacent to an outer sidewall of an outer airfoil to be generally equal between each of a multiple of airfoils of the component. |
| US09840925B2 |
Axial turbomachine compressor outer casing
The invention relates to a casing, particularly of an axial turbomachine compressor. This casing comprises a support of cylindrical overall shape made of composite material, a metal ring fitted by bonding to the internal surface of the support, and a layer of abradable material fitted by plasma spray onto the internal surface of the metal ring. The metal ring is preferably made of stainless steel and is preferably perforated. The perforation allows better keying of the adhesive and allows the degassing thereof. The external surface of the metal ring is preferably sandblasted prior to bonding. Its internal surface is also preferably sandblasted prior to the plasma spraying of the abradable material. |
| US09840920B2 |
Methods and apparatus for sealing a gas turbine engine rotor assembly
A rotor assembly for use in a gas turbine engine having an axis of rotation includes a plurality of rotor blades. Each rotor blade includes a platform extending between opposing side faces, a shank extending radially inward from the platform, and a slot at least partially defined in each of the opposing side faces. A sealing member is configured to be inserted into each slot of a first rotor blade of the plurality of rotor blades such that at least a portion of each sealing member extends beyond one of the opposing side faces. A second rotor blade of the plurality of rotor blades is coupled adjacent the first rotor blade such that at least a portion of one sealing member is inserted into a corresponding second slot on the second rotor blade. |
| US09840905B2 |
Determining the location of a material located behind an obstruction
A method and apparatus for determining the location of a material located behind an obstruction. A plurality of acoustic resonators (6) having a known resonant frequency are dispersed in the material (3), the material to be located on a first side of the obstruction (2). An instrument (5) is provided at an opposite side of the obstruction to the material. The instrument emits an acoustic signal and measures a response. If the resonant frequency is detected, it is determined that the material is located substantially adjacent to the instrument. The apparatus may be used for determining the height of cement slurry located between a well casing wall and a borehole. |
| US09840903B2 |
Oil recovery process including treating permeate from a ceramic membrane to enhance oil recovery
A process for recovering oil is provided. The process entails recovering an oil-water mixture from an oil-bearing formation. Next, the process entails separating oil from the oil-water mixture and producing produced water having hardness and other scale-forming compounds, suspended solids, free oil and emulsified oil. A pre-treatment process is undertaken to remove hardness and other scale-forming compounds. This entails precipitating hardness and other scale-forming compounds. After the precipitation of hardness and other scale-forming compounds, the produced water is directed to a membrane separation unit for filtering the produced water and producing a retentate having suspended solids, hardness and other scale-forming compounds, free oil and emulsified oil. The membrane separation unit also produces a permeate stream substantially free of hardness and other scale-forming compounds, suspended solids, free oil and emulsified oil. Thereafter, the permeate stream is chemically treated to enhance the recovery of oil in the oil-bearing formation. After treating the permeate stream from the membrane separation unit, the treated permeate is injected into the oil-bearing formation. |
| US09840902B2 |
Magnetic proppant particulates for use in subterranean formation operations
Preparing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and magnetic proppant particulates, wherein the magnetic proppant particulates comprise proppant particulates at least partially coated with a stabilization agent and magnetic particles, and preparing a spacer fluid comprising a base fluid, a gelling agent, and a breaker. Introducing the treatment fluid and the spacer fluid intermittently into a subterranean formation comprising a fracture so as to alternate placement of the magnetic proppant particulates in the treatment fluid with the spacer fluid in the fracture, and activating the magnetic particles, wherein the activated magnetic particles cause the magnetic proppant particulates to agglomerate. Propping open the fracture with the magnetic proppant particulates, and activating the breaker in the spacer fluid so as to at least partially remove the spacer fluid from the fracture, thereby leaving behind substantially magnetic proppant particulate-free channels between the magnetic proppant particulates. |
| US09840898B2 |
System and methods for controlled fracturing in formations
Controlled fracturing in geologic formations is carried out by a system for generating fractures. The system comprises: a plurality of electrodes for placing in boreholes in a formation with one electrode per borehole, for the plurality of electrodes to define a fracture pattern for the geologic formation; a first electrical system for delivering a sufficient amount of energy to the electrodes to generate a conductive channel between the pair of electrodes with the conductivity in the channel has a ratio of final to initial channel conductivity of 10:1 to 50,000:1, wherein the sufficient amount of energy is selected from electromagnetic conduction, radiant energy and combinations thereof; and a second electrical system for generating electrical impulses with a voltage output ranging from 100-2000 kV, with the pulses having a rise time ranging from 0.05-500 microseconds and a half-value time of 50-5000 microseconds. |
| US09840890B2 |
System for successively uncovering ports along a wellbore to permit injection of a fluid along said wellbore
A system for successively uncovering a plurality of contiguous ports in a tubing liner within a wellbore, or for successively uncovering individual groups of ports arranged at different but adjacent locations along the liner, to allow successive fracking of the wellbore at such locations. Sliding sleeves in the tubing liner are provided, having a circumferential groove therein, which are successively moved from a closed position covering a respective port to an open position uncovering such port by an actuation member placed in the bore of the tubing liner. Each actuation member comprises a dissolvable plug which in one embodiment is retained by shear pins at an uphole end of a collet sleeve, the latter having radially-outwardly biased protuberances (fingers) which matingly engage sliding sleeves having cylindrical grooves therein, based on the width of the protuberance. In one embodiment, when actuating the most downhole sleeve, the shear pin shears allowing the plug to move in the collet sleeve and prevent the protuberance (fingers) from disengaging. |
| US09840888B2 |
Downhole tool having a shock-absorbing sleeve
An apparatus having a shock-absorbing sleeve is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing, an axially moveable sleeve received in the housing and a sealed annular space having a fixed volume axially between the housing and the sleeve. A barrier axially moveable with the sleeve divides the annular space into a first and a second chambers. The first and second chambers are filled with uncompressible dampening fluid. One or more metering passages across the barrier fluidly connect the first and chambers. During the axial movement of the sleeve, the volume of the first chamber is reduced and that of the second chamber is increased, forcing the fluid in the first chamber to flow into the second chamber in a controlled manner to dampen the movement of the sleeve. |
| US09840885B2 |
Sub-sea chemical injection metering valve
An apparatus that includes a chemical injection management system. The chemical injection management system may include an interface configured to couple the chemical injection management system to a mineral extraction system. In addition, the chemical injection management system may include an ultrasonic flow meter. |
| US09840884B2 |
Downhole seal element and related apparatuses
A downhole seal element (10) comprises a cup portion (11) formed of or including a resiliently deformable material. The cup portion (11) extends between on the one hand a nose part (12) comprising an annulus intended for sealingly mounting the seal element on a mandrel (22) and on the other hand a skirt (13), the seal element flaring in shape between the nose part (12) and the skirt (13). The skirt includes extending therefrom away from the nose part (12) a plurality of elongate, flexible limbs (18) that are spaced at intervals about the skirt (13). |
| US09840876B2 |
Polycrystalline diamond compact cutter
The polycrystalline diamond compact cutter includes a diamond table and a carbide substrate. Different zones of the diamond table with relative thermal stability and toughness to each other are arranged for a particular cutting efficiency and working life. A thermally stable zone has a metal formation agent removed and forms a top outer ring. A base zone bonds to the carbide substrate on the bottom surface of the diamond table. An anchor zone sets between the thermally stable zone and the base zone, and an absorbing zone extends from the top surface to the base zone. The absorbing zone is circumscribed by the thermally stable zone and the anchor zone. The weight percentage metal content of the anchor zone is less than weight percentage metal content of the base zone. The weight percentage metal content of the base zone is less than weight percentage metal content of the absorbing zone. |
| US09840875B2 |
Slide reamer and stabilizer tool
A downhole tool, for selectively reaming a wellbore or stabilizing drill string components within a wellbore, includes an elongate tool body adapted to receive reamer cartridges or stabilizer cartridges depending on the function desired. The reamer cartridges are radially insertable into corresponding pockets in the tool body, with each reamer cartridge having a reamer insert with an array of cutting elements. The reamer insert is disposed within a bushing and is rotatable relative thereto, about a rotational axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tool. However, the rotational axis is offset from the tool body axis, resulting in eccentric contact of the cutting elements with the wall of the wellbore, which in turn imparts rotation to the reamer insert when the tool is being moved axially through a wellbore without rotation. When the tool is to be used for stabilization, the reamer cartridges can be removed and replaced with stabilizer cartridges having stabilizer inserts with hard-faced stabilizer cones. |
| US09840874B2 |
Hybrid rolling cone drill bits and methods for manufacturing same
A rolling cone drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations includes a bit body having a bit axis. In addition, the rolling cone drill bit includes a rolling cone cutter mounted on the bit body and having a cone axis of rotation. The cone cutter includes a cone body, a plurality of teeth arranged in a first inner row, and a plurality of inserts. Each insert is disposed within one tooth in the first inner row. |
| US09840867B2 |
Cordless fabric venetian window shade assembly
A fabric venetian window shade assembly including: an actuation system for a double panel window shading including opposing first and second facings coupled by a plurality of vanes, the actuation system comprising: a roller configured to receive the opposing first and second facings; a ratcheting mechanism mechanically coupled to at least the second facing through the roller; and a grip coupled exclusively to a lower end of the second facing, wherein, in response to a downward force being applied to the grip, the downward force is applied directly to the second facing without being applied directly to the first facing, and wherein the ratcheting mechanism is further configured to adjust a position of the opposing first and second facings and an orientation of the plurality of vanes relative to the opposing first and second facings. |
| US09840865B2 |
Device, system and method for reducing physical impacts
An impact reducing device applied to a door or window which is closing includes a depth-sensing camera, an impact reducing system, and an impact reducing unit. The depth-sensing camera captures images of a target constantly, and obtains Z depth information of the target. The impact reducing system determines whether the target is going to close according to the Z depth information and controls the impact reducing unit to provide a resistance such as a strong jet of air when the target is going to close, to reduce violent impacts. |
| US09840859B2 |
Sliding door for motor vehicles
A motor vehicle sliding door can be moved by a sliding movement between open and closed positions, wherein, in order to lock the sliding door in the open position, a mechanical door stop in the form of a locking latch which has a receiving region for a catch element of the sliding door is provided, and wherein the locking latch can be released by a motorized actuation device, whereby the catch element is released. In the event of failure of the motorized actuation device of the locking latch, for an intuitive unlocking and locking of the sliding door in the open position thereof may be achieved in that the locking latch has a resiliently loaded overload lever, in that the overload lever forms a lateral portion of the receiving region of the locking latch and in that, when the locking latch is locked, the overload lever can be pivoted outward when a specific pushing force of the sliding door is exceeded. |
| US09840858B2 |
Deployable hood release handle
A motor vehicle hood latch mechanism comprises a latch assembly including a primary latch and a secondary latch. The secondary latch restrains the hood in a released position subsequent movement of the primary latch to an unlocked position. The secondary latch secures a striker to restrain the hood in a released position and allows the hood to move to an open position upon manipulation. An improved secondary latch release handle comprises a secondary latch release handle arm having a retracted position and a deployed position outside of the motor vehicle, the secondary latch release handle arm extending longitudinally forward relative the motor vehicle in each of the retracted and deployed positions, wherein the secondary latch release handle arm is extended forward to the deployed position by purely translational motion upon movement of the primary latch to the unlocked position. |
| US09840856B2 |
Handcuff apparatus
A set of handcuffs utilizing a conventional single strand and double strand system with ratchet teeth to prevent opening by virtue of one or more pawls is provided. The handcuffs may be connected via chain or similar device. Standard handcuffs may be unlocked by use of a universal key thereby creating safety and security issues. This design incorporates secondary security features which require that a handcuff be manipulated in some additional manner simultaneously while a handcuff key is utilized. This system requires two sets of hands to be used simultaneously to disengage the locking system. One hand of a person wearing the handcuffs is unable to manipulate the handcuff on which it is worn. As a result, it is virtually impossible for the wearer of the handcuffs to unlock the handcuffs/restraining device even if the person is in possession of the required key. |
| US09840851B2 |
Building panels and method of forming building panels
A building panel structure is disclosed, in which building panels are used to form a structure. Roof panels and roof panel tiles are disclosed, which can be used to form the roof of the structure. The roof panels and the building panels include a core and a coating covering a portion of the core. In some embodiments the core consists of a frame and at least one insulating structural block. The insulating structural blocks can be encapsulated polystyrene (EPS) foam blocks. In some embodiments the coating includes ceramic material. In some embodiments the coating includes a first layer and a second layer. In some embodiments the coating is used to retrofit existing wall structures. The roof panel and the roof tile can be shaped, formed, and colored to look like traditional roof tiles such as shake roof tiles or Spanish roof tiles. |
| US09840848B2 |
Handrail mounting assembly
A handrail mounting assembly comprises an adjustable bracket and an orientable bracket arm connected to a handrail seat. The adjustable bracket comprises two mating components that surround a post and lock together using fasteners extending through aligned openings in the two mating components. A bracket arm connected to the handrail seat includes an extending opening that aligns with a threaded opening in the adjustable bracket for receiving a fastener to connect the bracket arm to the bracket. |
| US09840846B2 |
System, method and apparatus for thermal energy management in a roof
A roof product has a thermal heat storage layer, a vent layer with channels for transferring excess heat through a length of the roof product, and a flame retardant to suppress fire through the vent layer. These three materials form a unitary structure. The roof product may have a radiant layer, the thermal heat storage layer and the vent layer to form the unitary structure. The roof products are assembled in an abutting configuration on the roof of a building. The vent layer vents excess heat from an eave of the roof up to a ridge of the roof and out to atmosphere. The roof products manage thermal energy in the roof by storing thermal heat with the unitary roof product during a heating cycle; venting excess heat through the unitary product; and releasing the stored thermal heat from the unitary product into or out of the building during a cooling cycle. |
| US09840844B2 |
Combination reinforcing coupler and column alignment device
An apparatus for aligning and joining construction elements comprising threaded studs or bars protruding from opposing elements; interlocking members adapted to screw together associated with each of the opposed studs; an adjustment nut screwable on one of the studs wherein, the adjustment nut is screw jacked against one of the interlocking members to align the elements and then locked and encapsulated by screwing together the interlocking members. There can be additional stud or bar alignment means associated with the apparatus. |
| US09840843B2 |
Gypsum products with improved glass fiber mat
A gypsum product with improved elasticity and increased nail-pull strength is provided, the product made with a glass fiber mat in which glass fibers are cross-linked with a polymeric resin. Further embodiments provide methods for making the glass fiber mats and gypsum products. |
| US09840842B2 |
Apparatus and methods of precast architectural panel connections
Architectural precast concrete construction relies on mechanical connectors at discrete locations that may be damaged in a blast or seismic event, posing specific design problems to the engineer. These problems can be overcome with proper detailing. The performance of precast concrete cladding wall panel connection details may be enhanced by incorporating a specific connection hardware, herein described, that deforms elastically or inelastically to accommodate relative displacements due to building motion and/or energy associated with blast pressures. |
| US09840839B1 |
Fire-detecting device
A fire-detecting device has first and second stressed brackets plugged together. The far ends of the first and second stressed brackets both have a towing hole. A disintegrable temperature-sensing device is between the first and second stressed brackets. First and second fixing pins are in the first and second brackets, respectively. The first fixing pin is located on one side of a free-moving piece and the second fixing pin is located on the other side thereof. A guide groove is in the first stressed bracket to correspond to the second fixing pin. A guide recess is in the second stressed bracket. A stressed shaft is in the second stressed bracket. An extension part having a stressed groove is in the first stressed bracket. When the disintegrable temperature-sensing device cracks off due to high temperature, the two stressed brackets will separate, leading to the fire dampers' shutting. |
| US09840838B2 |
Anchor rail
An anchor channel is provided, including a channel element that has a plurality of identical fastening points and a plurality of identical anchor elements that are attached to the fastening points on the channel element. It is provided that an additional element is attached to at least one of the fastening points, said additional element differing from the identical anchor elements. |
| US09840834B2 |
Jet regulator
The invention relates to a jet regulator (1) having an annular or sleeve-shaped jet regulator housing (2), on the outlet end side of which there is held an outlet disc (3) which can be inserted into the jet regulator housing (2), which (3) has a perforated, grid and/or mesh structure with throughflow openings (5), wherein the outlet disc (3) bears a manually deformable dimensionally elastic plastics lining (4), and wherein the plastics lining (4) is of pot-shaped design. In order to reduce the production expenditure, it is provided according to the invention that the plastics lining (4), with an upwardly drawn circumferential wall (16) of its pot shape, provides sealing between the outer circumference of the outlet disc (3) and the housing inner circumference of the jet regulator housing (2). |
| US09840833B2 |
Touch free automatic faucet
A touch free automatic faucet is provided. The faucet includes a faucet housing including many sensors for controlling water flow and water temperature. A processor is connected to the sensors. A first control valve assembly is connected to the processor. A second control valve assembly is connected to the processor. A power source is connected to the processor, the first control valve assembly and the second control valve assembly. Water flow and water temperature are controlled by the sensors without touching of the faucet housing. |
| US09840830B2 |
Replaceable wear strips for ground engaging equipment
A wear strip assembly has a wear strip and a wear strip support for use on ground engaging equipment. The wear strip has an engagement profile and a wear surface, and the wear strip support defines a receiving profile complementary to the engagement profile of the wear strip. The engagement profile of the wear strip removably engages the receiving profile of the wear strip support, and the wear strip support has one or more openings distributed along an inner edge of the wear strip support and below the receiving profile. The one or more openings have a thickness that permits the wear strip support to be welded to the ground engaging equipment. |
| US09840827B2 |
Work vehicle and method of controlling work vehicle
A control unit embedded in a work vehicle includes a clutch controlling unit and a motor controlling unit. The clutch controlling unit is configured to disengage a first clutch in a condition that the first clutch is engaged and a second clutch is disengaged, when a first moving direction inputted through a forward/rearward movement switch operating device as an instruction of the operator and a second moving direction determined based on a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed detecting unit are different from each other, and in addition, when and the vehicle speed falls in a preliminarily set first range. The motor controlling unit is configured to control a motor to reduce a relative rotational speed of the second clutch after the first clutch is disengaged. |
| US09840826B2 |
Interchangeable interface system for work vehicle
An interchangeable operator interface system for a work vehicle has at least one controller, at least one operator interface device having a plurality of controls, and at least one interface device docking arrangement. The docking arrangement removably mounts different interface devices to alternatively physically connect them to the work vehicle and operatively couple them to the controller. Different operator interface devices have at least one common control that operates in a different mode of operation and/or in a different physical layout on the associated operator interface device. The controller is configured to effect an associated common change in state of an associated component of the work vehicle upon receiving a control input from the different common controls. |
| US09840824B2 |
Multi-position tool coupler
A coupling system for coupling a tool to be carried over the earth to a mobile tool carrier. The system includes an attachment base for attaching the coupling system to the mobile tool carrier and a center pivot assembly with a pivot that allows a tool support arm to swing to either side of the tool carrier where it extends to the side to allow the tool to be used to the side while the machine moves forward. The support arm includes a vertical hinge that divides the arm into two parts, allowing the arm to fold so the tool can be either in front of the machine or beside the machine. The tool may be connected to the support arm with a quick-coupler having hooks or with a permanent attachment. |
| US09840823B2 |
Sheeting panels for trench-shoring systems
A substantially rectangular trench shoring sheeting panel made primarily of polyethylene includes at least one pair of hand holes. In some embodiments, the sheeting panel includes a plurality of buttons protruding outwardly from one of the sheeting panel's surfaces. As compared to three-quarter inch FinnForm, the polyethylene sheeting panel typically has (i) equivalent or superior structural properties and (ii) a significantly lower useful-life cost. |
| US09840822B2 |
Drain assisting water fixture
An apparatus and system for drawing water from a water source into a flowing water body comprises a tubular member defined by a sidewall extending between an inlet and an outlet and a central passage therethrough and a drainage pipe having an internal passage therethrough. The drainage pipe passes through the sidewall of the tubular member and has an outlet located within the central passage. The drainage outlet is oriented in a direction towards the outlet of the tubular member and has an unobstructed continuous profile extending there through. The apparatus further comprises a frame adapted to support the tubular member within a body of flowing water at a height above a bottom of the body of flowing water below a top surface of the flowing water. |
| US09840820B2 |
Light altering bumper device
The present invention is an integrally formed, light altering bumper designed to amplify amounts of visible light from a self-contained, integrated light source. The present invention is generally an illuminating dock bumper for attachment to either a dock or a dock vehicle made from a spine member; a lobe member; and a protective housing located within the recessed portion of the spine member for receiving an elongate light source therewithin, the light from the light source to illuminate the bumper in turn. The protective housing has a linear concave light refractor disposed thereon, the linear concave light refractor being a centrally-disposed, uniform, elongate concave depression extending along the length of the protective housing. |
| US09840819B2 |
Interlock arrangement for powered devices
Embodiments of the invention provide an interlock arrangement with a blocking feature and a locking feature secured to an interlock member. The interlock member can move between first and second interlock orientations. With the interlock member in the first interlock orientation, the blocking feature can prevent attachment of a power conduit to a power connection, such that the motor is not enabled to power a powered device, and the first locking feature can allow a first gate to open in order to provide access to the powered device. With the interlock member in the second interlock orientation, the blocking feature can allow attachment of the power conduit to the power connection, such that the motor is enabled to power the powered device, and the first locking feature can prevent the first gate from opening such that the first gate obstructs access to the powered device. |
| US09840817B2 |
Road module for regulation of vehicle passability at a road section
A road module for regulating a passability of vehicles on a roadway. The road module includes an elongated container immersed across the roadway and having an upper plane being essentially at level with the roadway. A lid is pivotally arranged and hinged along an edge of the container. The edge extends along a longitudinal side of the container facing vehicles approaching the road module. The lid forms at least a part of the upper plane of the container. An eccentrically mounted cylindrical roller is configured to support the lid at an opposite longitudinal side of the container. The roller is rotatable between an upper or a lower position. An actuator is configured to rotate the roller to lower and raise the lid, thereby forming a downward ramp in a passing direction of the vehicles when the roller is in the lower position. |
| US09840816B2 |
Construction machine, as well as method for milling off and transporting away a milled-off stream of material of a construction machine
In a self-propelled construction machine, in particular cold milling machine, recycler or surface miner, for working ground surfaces, comprising a milling drum supported at a machine frame and a conveying device arranged at the machine frame which accepts the milled-off material from the milling drum during the working operation and, on a continuously revolving first transport belt, unloads it, in conveying direction, onto a point of discharge at a discharge end along a parabolic trajectory, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: as a minimum, the last section of the conveying device as seen in conveying direction comprises no less than one continuously revolving cover belt arranged above the transport belt, said cover belt extending essentially parallel to the transport belt and resting against the milled-off material on the transport belt at least in a partial section of the length of the transport belt. |
| US09840801B2 |
Washing machine and washing method thereof
A washing machine includes an auxiliary washing unit. When an inner tank is rotated during a washing cycle or a rinsing cycle, washing water passing through the auxiliary washing unit impacts the laundry, which lies by trapping on a projection member, thereby improving washing performance. |
| US09840798B2 |
Thin film metallic glass coated needle
A thin film metallic glass coated needle includes a needle body, a needle head and a thin film metallic glass in amorphous structure and formed on a surface of the needle head and a surface of the needle body to reduce a surface energy and coefficient of friction. The thin film metallic glass is a titanium based comprising 35-45 at % titanium, 5-15 at % zirconium, 32-42 at % copper, 1-11 at % niobium and 2-12 at % cobalt. |
| US09840792B2 |
Minimal weight composites using open structure
Preforms for open structured (lattice) composite tubular members manufactured from large (i.e. high filament count) prepreg yarns on a conventional maypole braiding machine, and subsequently cured to produce fiber reinforced composites of high strength and light weight. |
| US09840788B2 |
Method for electrochemically depositing metal on a reactive metal film
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for depositing metal on a reactive metal film on a workpiece includes electrochemically depositing a metallization layer on a seed layer formed on a workpiece using a plating electrolyte having at least one plating metal ion, a pH range of about 6 to about 11 and applying a cathodic potential in the range of about −1 V to about −6 V. The workpiece includes a barrier layer disposed between the seed layer and a dielectric surface of the workpiece, the barrier layer including a first metal having a standard electrode potential more negative than 0 V and the seed layer including a second metal having a standard electrode potential more positive than 0 V. |
| US09840784B2 |
Electroplating additive and preparation method for the same
The present invention provides a carboxyl sulfonate compound and preparation method thereof. The present carboxyl sulfonate compound has structure of formula (A): wherein M1 is hydrogen or an alkali metal; M2 is hydrogen, alkyl or an alkali metal; Y is hydrogen, alkyl; carboxyl, carboxyl salt; alkylcarboxyl, or alkylcarboxyl salt; n is an integer from 1 to 10; and m is an integer from 1 to 10. The carboxylic group and the sulfonic acid group in the structure of the present carboxyl sulfonate compound show excellent chelating ability to metal ions; therefore, the present carboxyl sulfonate compound is particularly for use in electroplating additive. |
| US09840783B2 |
Method for producing peroxodisulfates in aqueous solution
A process for preparing or regenerating peroxodisulfuric acid and its salts by electrolysis of an aqueous solution containing sulfuric acid and/or metal sulfates at diamond-coated electrodes without addition of promoters is described, with bipolar silicon electrodes which are coated with diamond on one side and whose uncoated silicon rear side serves as cathode being used. |
| US09840779B2 |
Decorative, jet-black coating
A jet-black coating that resists wear; first, at least one DLC layer with a high degree of hardness is applied to a component and then a gradient layer, whose density decreases in the direction toward the surface, is applied to this DLC layer. By means of the refraction index progression that this produces in the gradient layer, the gradient layer functions as a reflection-reducing layer. |
| US09840778B2 |
Plasma chamber having an upper electrode having controllable valves and a method of using the same
This description relates to a plasma treatment apparatus including a vapor chamber, a gas supply and an upper electrode assembly. The upper electrode assembly includes a gas distribution plate having a plurality of holes in a bottom surface thereof and an upper electrode having at least one gas nozzle and at least one controllable valve connected to the at least one gas nozzle. The plasma treatment apparatus further includes a controller configured to generate a control signal. The at least one controllable valve is configured to be adjusted based on the control signal. A control system and a method of controlling a controllable valve are also described. |
| US09840777B2 |
Apparatus for radical-based deposition of dielectric films
Embodiments disclosed herein generally include an apparatus for radical-based deposition of dielectric films. The apparatus includes a processing chamber, a radical source coupled to the processing chamber, a substrate support disposed in the processing chamber, and a dual-channel showerhead disposed between the radical source and the substrate support. The dual-channel showerhead includes a plurality of tubes and an internal volume surrounding the plurality of tubes. The plurality of tubes and the internal volume are surrounded by one or more annular channels embedded in the dual-channel showerhead. The dual-channel showerhead further includes a first inlet connected to the one or more channels and a second inlet connected to the internal volume. The processing chamber may be a PECVD chamber, and the apparatus is capable of performing a cyclic process (alternating radical based CVD and PECVD). |
| US09840776B2 |
Multi-station plasma reactor with RF balancing
Methods and apparatus for multi-station semiconductor deposition operations with RF power frequency tuning are disclosed. The RF power frequency may be tuned according to a measured impedance of a plasma during the semiconductor deposition operation. In certain implementations of the methods and apparatus, a RF power parameter may be adjusted during or prior to the deposition operation. Certain other implementations of the semiconductor deposition operations may include multiple different deposition processes with corresponding different recipes. The recipes may include different RF power parameters for each respective recipe. The respective recipes may adjust the RF power parameter prior to each deposition process. RF power frequency tuning may be utilized during each deposition process. |
| US09840775B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing particulate material
An apparatus and method for arranging a precursor vapor flow through a vertical atomic layer deposition (ALD) cartridge along a top-to-bottom vertical channel in a central area of the cartridge, and for moving particulate material to be ALD processed in the cartridge upwards, upon rotation, by a threaded area substantially extending from the vertical channel to a side wall of the cartridge, and downwards along the vertical channel to cause the particulate material to cycle during ALD processing. |
| US09840773B2 |
Method for making nanowire structure
The disclosure related to a method for making a nanowire structure. First, a free-standing carbon nanotube structure is suspended. Second, a metal layer is coated on a surface of the carbon nanotube structure. The metal layer is oxidized to grow metal oxide nanowires. |
| US09840772B2 |
Method of improving ion beam quality in a non-mass-analyzed ion implantation system
A method of processing a workpiece is disclosed, where the plasma chamber is first coated using a conditioning gas and optionally, a co-gas. The conditioning gas, which is disposed within a conditioning gas container may comprise a hydride of the desired dopant species and a filler gas, where the filler gas is a hydride of a Group 4 or Group 5 element. The remainder of the conditioning gas container may comprise hydrogen gas. Following this conditioning process, a feedgas, which comprises fluorine and the desired dopant species, is introduced to the plasma chamber and ionized. Ions are then extracted from the plasma chamber and accelerated toward the workpiece, where they are implanted without being first mass analyzed. In some embodiments, the desired dopant species may be boron. |
| US09840769B2 |
Sputtering target, oxide semiconducting film, and method for making the same
An oxide semiconductor film includes indium (In), cerium (Ce), zinc (Zn) and oxygen (O) elements, and a molar ratio of the In, Ce, and Zn as In:Ce:Zn is in a range of 2:1:(0.5 to 2). A method for making a oxide semiconductor film includes a step of forming an oxide film on a substrate by using a sputtering method and a sputtering target comprising In2CeZnxO5+x, wherein x=0.5˜2. |
| US09840766B2 |
Component having a coating and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a component having a coating containing chromium, nitrogen and carbon. According to the invention the coating comprises a sliding layer having a ceramic phase and a carbon phase, the ceramic phase forms a crystalline ceramic phase from Crx(C1-yNy) with 0.8=x=1.2 and y>0.7, and the crystalline ceramic phase and the carbon phase form a layer system of alternating individual layers (A, B), wherein the carbon phase has interstices that are filled with the crystalline ceramic phase. |
| US09840765B2 |
Systems and method of coating an interior surface of an object
A system for use in coating an interior surface of an object is provided. The system includes a vacuum chamber enclosure defining an interior configured to receive the object, and a cathode coupled to the vacuum chamber enclosure. The cathode is fabricated from a coating material and has an outer surface. The cathode is configured such that when a current is applied to the cathode, an arc is formed on the outer surface and the coating material is removed from the cathode to form a cloud of coating material. The system also includes a collimator configured to be positioned between the cathode and the object configured to focus the cloud into a beam of coating material and to direct the beam towards the object, and a magnet configured to alter a path of the beam such that the beam is directed towards the interior surface of the object. |
| US09840764B2 |
Method of fabricating transition metal dichalcogenide
A method of fabricating transition metal dichalcogenides includes a preparing step, a steaming step and a depositing step. The preparing step is performed for providing a transition metal substrate, a reactive gas and a solid chalcogenide. The steaming step is performed for heating the solid chalcogenide to generate a chalcogenide gas in a steaming space. The depositing step is performed for introducing the reactive gas into the chalcogenide gas to ionize the chalcogenide gas so as to generate a chalcogenide plasma in a depositing space. The depositing step is performed under a process vacuum pressure from low vacuum pressure to atmospheric pressure. The reactive gas and the chalcogenide gas are flowed from top to bottom through a top of the transition metal substrate. The loading substrate is heated at a loading substrate temperature, and the steaming space is different from the depositing space. |
| US09840763B2 |
Method for altering metal surfaces
A method for reducing surface roughness of an article includes contacting a surface of an article with a molten metal agent, the surface having an initial roughness; altering at least a portion of the surface in the molten metal agent; and removing the surface from contact with the agent; wherein, after the removing step, the surface has a processed roughness that is less than the initial roughness. |
| US09840760B2 |
Powder made of iron-base metallic glass
The present invention is to provide powder made of iron-based metallic glass, the corrosion resistance of which is improved over the conventional powder made of iron-based metallic glass. The basic composition includes a group of iron-based metallic elements that predominantly has Fe, a group of metalloid elements that consists of Si, B, P, and C, and a little amount of a group of elements for improving the degree of supercooling that consists of either or both of Nb and Mo. The powder made of the iron-based metallic glass is obtained by adding to the basic composition an element for improving the corrosion resistance. The obtained powder made of the iron-based metallic glass has an excellent corrosion resistance, an excellent magnetic property, and an excellent insulating property. |
| US09840759B2 |
Rolled round steel material for steering rack bar and steering rack bar
A rolled round steel material for a steering rack bar, having a chemical composition consisting of C: 0.38 to 0.55%, Si: not more than 1.0%, Mn: 0.20 to 2.0%, S: 0.005 to 0.10%, Cr: 0.01 to 2.0%, Al: 0.003 to 0.10%, and N: 0.003 to 0.03%, with the balance being Fe and impurities, and P being not more than 0.030% in the impurities, and a microstructure consisting of ferrite (F), lamellar pearlite (LP), and cementite (C). The average grain diameter of (F), an area fraction of (LP), and the number of particles of spheroidal cementite (SC) among C are controlled in a region from the surface to a position at ½ radius and in a central part of the material. An average aspect ratio of F is controlled in a region from a surface to a position at ½ radius. |
| US09840754B2 |
Rotary injector and process of adding fluxing solids in molten aluminum
A rotary injector comprising an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and an impeller at the distal end of the elongated shaft, the elongated shaft and the impeller being collectively rotatable during operation around an axis of the shaft, the rotary injector being hollow and having an internal supply conduit extending along the shaft and across the impeller, the supply conduit having an inlet at the proximal end of the shaft, a main portion extending from the inlet to a discharge portion, the discharge portion extending to an axial outlet, the discharge portion having a narrow end connecting the main portion of the supply conduit and a broader end at the axial outlet. |
| US09840749B2 |
High strength galvanized steel sheet and method for manufacturing the same
A high strength galvanized steel sheet has a composition including, C: 0.02% or more and 0.30% or less, Si: 0.01% or more and 2.5% or less, Mn: 0.1% or more and 3.0% or less, P: 0.003% or more and 0.08% or less, S: 0.01% or less, Al: 0.001% or more and 0.20% or less, Ti: 0.03% or more and 0.40% or less and the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, and a zinc-coated layer having a coating weight per surface of 20 g/m2 or more and 120 g/m2 or less. The concentration ratio of C to Ti (C/Ti) in a portion within 10 μm from the surface of the base steel sheet is 0.8 or more and 1.5 or less, and the total amount of oxides of one or more selected from Fe, Si, Mn, P, Al and Ti formed in a surface portion within 100 μm from the surface of the base steel sheet is 0.05 g/m2 or less. |
| US09840744B2 |
Markers linked to reniform nematode resistance
This disclosure concerns methods and compositions for identifying cotton plants that have a reniform nematode resistance trait. Some embodiments concern molecular markers to identify, select, and/or construct reniform nematode resistant plants and germplasm, or to identify and counter-select relatively susceptible plants. This disclosure also concerns cotton plants comprising a reniform nematode resistance trait that are generated by methods utilizing at least one marker described herein. |
| US09840742B2 |
Detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and methylated HBV DNA in urine of patients with HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma
This application relates to a DNA marker for HBV-HCC detection and the methods, kits for quantitatively measuring the amount of HBV DNA and bisulfite treated HBV DNA, and methylated HBV DNA, and the aberrant methylation of the HBV genome for the used in the chronic HBV infected populations. Detection of the presence or absence of HCC, with elevated methylation levels in the one or more regions of DNA of the mammals as compared to the level of methylation in the one or more regions of DNA in the one or more control body fluids or tissues indicating the presence of the cancer, and the absence of elevated methylation levels indicating the absence of HCC. |
| US09840740B2 |
Cystic fibrosis gene mutations
The present invention provides novel mutations of the CFTR gene related to cystic fibrosis or to conditions associated with cystic fibrosis. Also provided are probes for detecting the mutant sequences. Methods of identifying if an individual has a genotype containing one or more mutations in the CFTR gene are further provided. |
| US09840739B2 |
Method for determining SNP genotype
The present invention is generally drawn to a novel method for determining a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) genotype using a PTO-SNV (Probing and Tagging Oligonucleotide for Single Nucleotide Variation). The present invention provides novel protocols for SNP genotyping in which only one allele-specific oligonucleotide permits in a SNP genotyping reaction to determine whether a target nucleic acid sequence to be analyzed is homozygous or heterozygous for the SNP allele of interest or has no SNP allele of interest. |
| US09840738B2 |
Method of testing for endometriosis and treatment therefor
The present invention relates to novel genetic markers associated with endometriosis and risk of developing endometriosis, and methods and materials for determining whether a human subject has endometriosis or is at risk of developing endometriosis and the use of such risk information in selectively administering a treatment that at least partially prevents or compensates for an endometriosis related symptom. |
| US09840737B2 |
Methods and systems for sequential determination of genetic mutations and/or variants
The present invention relates to methods and systems for genome scanning using high resolution melting analysis for identifying mutations and/or variants in genes of interest. |
| US09840736B2 |
Epigenetic marker for the identification of T lymphocytes
The invention relates to a method for identifying a specific type and/or state of a mammalian cell in a sample, the method comprising a) analyzing the relative amount of accessible chromatin in regions that are specific for a cell-type and/or cellular state in the genome of the cell, b) comparing the relative amount of accessible chromatin in the regions with the relative amount of accessible chromatin in regions in the genome of the cell that are unspecific for the cell-type and/or cellular state, and c) deducing the specific type and/or state of said mammalian cell in the sample based on such comparison. The identifying further comprises a relative quantification of the specific cell type and/or state. The method can further comprise a diagnosis of a predisposition to a disease or a disease based on such identification. Kits and markers in regions of accessible chromatin are also described. |
| US09840733B2 |
Apparatus for use in isothermal amplification
An apparatus for monitoring amplification of a nucleic acid by providing a pH sensor or pH indicator, a nucleic acid in an amplification mixture, and an isothermal amplification enzyme. |
| US09840731B2 |
Preservation of biological materials in non-aqueous fluid media
The invention provides compositions and methods for preserving a biological material—such as a protein, a nucleic acid or a biological sample, or any combination thereof—in a substantially water-free, nonionic or ionic organic solvent. Improved preservation, including for example the stability and/or the solubility of the biological material in the substantially water-free fluid medium, is achieved with compositions comprising one or more substances (e.g., an antioxidant) described in the disclosure, and/or a metal salt. The biological material is soluble and stable, and retains its function and activity, when it is preserved in the substantially water-free fluid medium at ambient temperature or higher for extended periods of time. Therefore, the composition comprising the biological material does not need to be refrigerated or frozen during shipping or storage. |
| US09840730B2 |
Oplophorus-derived luciferases, novel coelenterazine substrates, and methods of use
An isolated polynucleotide encoding a modified luciferase polypeptide and substrates. The OgLuc variant polypeptide has at least 60% amino acid sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 and at least one amino acid substitution at a position corresponding to an amino acid in SEQ ID NO: 1. The OgLuc variant polypeptide has at least one of enhanced luminescence, enhanced signal stability, and enhanced protein stability relative to the corresponding polypeptide of the wild-type Oplophorus luciferase. |
| US09840727B2 |
Methods and compositions to detect the level of lysosomal exocytosis activity and methods of use
Methods are provided for the prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of various pathological states, including cancer, chemotherapy resistance and dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. The methods provided herein are based on the discovery that various proteins with a high level of sialylation are shown herein to be associated with disease states, such as, cancer, chemotherapy resistance and dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. Such methods provide a lysosomal exocytosis activity profile comprising one or more values representing lysosomal exocytosis activity. Also provided herein, is the discovery that low lysosomal sialidase activity is associated with various pathological states. Thus, the methods also provide a lysosomal sialidase activity profile, comprising one or more values representing lysosomal sialidase activity. A lysosomal sialidase activity profile is one example of a lysosomal exocytosis activity profile. |
| US09840724B2 |
Production of renewable hydrocarbon compositions
Provided herein are processes and microorganisms which utilize both protein hydrolysates and carbohydrates from biomass feedstocks to produce renewable hydrocarbon compositions. Advantages of the disclosed methods may be recognized in fuel blends comprising such hydrocarbon compositions. |
| US09840713B2 |
CRISPR-Cas component systems, methods and compositions for sequence manipulation
The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences. Provided are vectors and vector systems, some of which encode one or more components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in eukaryotic cells and methods for selecting specific cells by introducing precise mutations utilizing the CRISPR/Cas system. |
| US09840712B2 |
CD133 aptamers for detection of cancer stem cells
The present disclosure relates to RNA aptamers and uses thereof, in particular, aptamers which specifically bind to CD133 and which demonstrate superior tumor penetration. |
| US09840711B2 |
Methods of treating cancer
A method of treating cancer is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an agent which induces a dissociation of the 26S proteasomal complex into a 20S component and a 19S component to thereby inhibit 26S proteasomal activity, wherein the pharmaceutical agent is devoid of a chemotherapeutic agent. |
| US09840709B2 |
Antisense compounds targeting genes associated with cystic fibrosis
The present disclosure relates generally to compounds comprising oligonucleotides complementary to a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) RNA transcript. Certain such compounds are useful for hybridizing to a CFTR RNA transcript, including but not limited to a CFTR RNA transcript in a cell. In certain embodiments, such hybridization results in modulation of splicing of the CFTR transcript. In certain embodiments, such compounds are used to treat one or more symptoms associated with Cystic Fibrosis. |
| US09840708B2 |
Compositions and methods for the modulation of DNA damage responses using BAL1 and BBAP
The invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapies through modulation of BAL1 and/or BBAP. Also provided are methods for predicting the efficacy of cancer therapies or treating cancer in a subject through modulation of BAL1 and/or BBAP. Further provided are methods for identifying compounds that are capable of modulating BAL1-BBAP complexes. |
| US09840700B2 |
DNA cleavage enzyme
There is provided an enzyme which has an activity of cleaving a phosphodiester bond of deoxyribonucleotide having a damaged base and deoxyribonucleotide adjacent to the 5′ side of the deoxyribonucleotide in DNA strands which contain the damaged base as a reagent or the like for manipulating a gene, and further provided a method of removing a damaged base from DNA strands using the enzyme. |
| US09840699B2 |
Methods for nucleic acid editing
Some aspects of this disclosure provide strategies, systems, reagents, methods, and kits that are useful for the targeted editing of nucleic acids, including editing a single site within the genome of a cell or subject, e.g., within the human genome. In some embodiments, fusion proteins of Cas9 and nucleic acid editing enzymes or enzyme domains, e.g., deaminase domains, are provided. In some embodiments, methods for targeted nucleic acid editing are provided. In some embodiments, reagents and kits for the generation of targeted nucleic acid editing proteins, e.g., fusion proteins of Cas9 and nucleic acid editing enzymes or domains, are provided. |
| US09840696B2 |
Nucleic acids encoding SB10 variants
The present invention refers to hyperactive variants of a transposase of the transposon system Sleeping Beauty (SB). The invention further refers to corresponding nucleic acids producing these variants, to a gene transfer system for stably introducing nucleic acid(s) into the DNA of a cell by using these hyperactive variants of a transposase of the transposon system Sleeping Beauty (SB) and to transposons used in the inventive gene transfer system, comprising a nucleic acid sequence with flanking repeats (IRs and/or RSDs). Furthermore, applications of these transposase variants, the transposon, or the gene transfer system are also disclosed such as gene therapy, insertional mutagenesis, gene discovery (including genome mapping), mobilization of genes, library screening, or functional analysis of genomes in vivo and in vitro. Finally, pharmaceutical compositions and kits are also encompassed. |
| US09840689B2 |
Container for biopharmaceutical content
A container (10) for receiving biopharmaceutical content (C) in liquid, fluid or gaseous form, includes a peripheral wall (12) that is closed on itself, at least one transfer pipe (22), at least one guiding element (30; 130), and wherein the at least one guiding element (30; 130) includes a gripping member (32; 132) and an attachment member (44; 144). The gripping member (32; 132) and the attachment member (44; 144) are structurally separate and independent of one another and the guiding element (30; 130) has reciprocal assembly elements (60; 160) allowing the structural or functional assembly of the gripping member (32; 132) with the attachment member (44; 144) to ensure the positioning of the gripping member (32; 132) close to the attachment member (44; 144) and the connecting area (46; 146) of the corresponding peripheral wall (12). |
| US09840688B2 |
Bioreactor chamber
A bioreactor system includes a sample chamber capable of receiving a specimen and a cover which can be placed on the chamber to enclose the specimen within the chamber. A first member is movable between (i) a closed position in which the member restricts the cover from being moved away from the chamber in a first direction, and (ii) an open position in which the member does not restrict the cover from being moved away from the chamber. When the first member is in the closed position there is a substantially liquid proof seal between the cover and the chamber. |
| US09840682B2 |
Cleaning compositions with improved sudsing profile comprising a cationic polymer and silicone mixture
The present invention relates to detergent or cleaning compositions with improved sudsing profile, which comprise a cationic polymer, an organomodified silicone and a siloxane-based diluent. |
| US09840681B2 |
Concentrated surfactant composition
Concentrated surfactant compositions, and more specifically, concentrated low pH compositions comprising sulfated surfactants. Methods of making and using the same. |
| US09840680B2 |
Fragrance compositions comprising ionic liquids
The present invention relates to a fragrance composition comprising ionic liquids for enhanced evaporation of the perfume raw materials. The invention also relates to methods of use of the fragrance compositions for perfuming suitable substrates, particularly skin and hair. |
| US09840676B1 |
Diesel and turbine fuels from ethanol
A three step method for the conversion of ethanol into fuels that can be utilized as full-performance military jet or diesel fuels. Embodiments of the invention further describe methods for the selective conversion of ethanol to full performance saturated hydrocarbon fuels that are suitable for both jet and diesel propulsion. |
| US09840671B2 |
Delayed coking process
The present invention provides a delayed coking process comprising a step of subjecting a mixed feed comprises residual heavy hydrocarbon feedstock and bio oil obtained from fast pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass of one or more of Jatropha, Cashew nut, Karanjia and Neem to a delayed coking process and a system for the delayed coking process. |
| US09840670B2 |
Chemical conversion of carbon dioxide and water to hydrocarbon fuels
Carbon dioxide is hydrogenated by water at elevated temperature in an inorganic sulfate fortified sulfuric acid medium, in the presence of a transition metal catalyst and the absence of a sacrificial metal or hydrogen gas. The reaction sequence forms formaldehyde, immediately forming glycolaldehyde then concatenating to longer hydrocarbon chains possessing at least one alcohol group to maintain solubility in the reaction medium. As products of sufficient molecular weight are attained the alcohol group becomes hydrogenated and the hydrocarbons vaporize. Water's hydrogen is sacrificed as the byproduct oxygen reacts with sulfuric acid forming monoperoxysulfuric acid (Caro's acid) that decomposes at elevated temperatures. Products are removed under partial vacuum to preclude partial oxidation of the hydrocarbon fuels facilitating a continuous process. |
| US09840667B2 |
Reverse osmosis for purifying mixtures of hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid
Disclosed is a method of purifying a solution containing hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid and at least one silicon impurity by treating the solution with at least one reverse osmosis membrane. According to the method of the present invention, silicon impurities contained in the solution containing hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid can be selectively removed or reduced. This method can be advantageously used in the photovoltaic industry or in the battery component industry. |
| US09840666B2 |
Phosphor having inorganic oxide with cerium and terbium activators, light-emitting device illumination light source, and illumination device using same
The phosphor has a broad excitation band provided by Ce3+ in an excitation spectrum. The excitation band has a peak in a range between 400 nm and 470 nm inclusive. The phosphor has, as an emission spectrum, a broad emission component provided by Ce3+ which has an emission peak wavelength of 510 nm or more to less than 570 nm and a linear emission component provided by Tb3+ which has an emission peak wavelength of 535 nm or more to less than 560 nm. The intensity of the emission spectrum shows the maximum at the wavelength of the linear emission component provided by Tb3+. |
| US09840664B2 |
Surface modified nanoparticles
Surface-modified nanoparticles are produced by associating ligand interactive agents with the surface of a nanoparticle. The ligand interactive agents are bound to surface modifying ligands that are tailored to impart particular solubility and/or compatibility properties. The ligand interactive agents are crosslinked via a linking/crosslinking agent, such as hexamethoxymethylmelamine or a derivative thereof. The linking/crosslinking agent may provide a binding site for binding the surface modifying ligands to the ligand interactive agents. |
| US09840662B2 |
Hydrofluoric acid acidizing composition compatible with sensitive metallurgical grades
Systems and methods for hydrofluoric (HF) acidizing compositions compatible with sensitive metallurgic grades. The systems and methods may include preparing an aqueous acidizing composition comprising one or more acid components, hydrofluoric acid, and one or more corrosion inhibitors; and injecting the aqueous composition into a subterranean formation containing sensitive metallurgic components via a wellbore. |
| US09840661B2 |
Biopolymer based cationic surfactant for clay stabilization and prevention of sludging
Methods of stabilizing swellable clays in a subterranean formation and methods of reducing the formation of sludge in a subterranean formation using a biopolymer based cationic surfactant are described. The biopolymer based cationic surfactant includes a quaternary ammonium compound having an alkyl polyglucoside backbone and amino alcohol side chains. |
| US09840660B2 |
Crosslinker-coated proppant particulates for use in treatment fluids comprising gelling agents
Methods including preparing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a gelling agent, and crosslinker-coated particulates, wherein the crosslinker-coated particulates are formed by at least partially coating a particulate with a stabilizing agent, and at least partially coating the particulate with a first crosslinking agent atop the stabilizing agent, wherein the stabilizing agent imparts a hydrophobic nature to the particulate when the stabilizing agent is at least partially coated onto the particulate; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, and reacting the first crosslinking agent with the gelling agent in the treatment fluid so as to crosslink the gelling agent and suspend the crosslinker-coated particulates. |
| US09840659B2 |
Deactivation and activation of permeability modifiers for use in subterranean formation operations
Methods including deactivation and activation of permeability modifiers for use in subterranean formation operations. A first treatment fluid may be introduced into a subterranean formation having a first treatment zone having a first aqueous permeability value, the first treatment fluid comprising a first aqueous base fluid and a deactivated permeability modifier. The deactivated permeability modifier may be adsorbed onto a surface of the first treatment zone. A second treatment may thereafter be introduced into the subterranean formation, the second treatment fluid comprising a second aqueous base fluid and a cyclodextrin compound. The second treatment fluid may contact the deactivated permeability modifier to activate the permeability modifier by complexing the deactivating surfactant with the cyclodextrin compound, thereby forming an activated permeability modifier adsorbed onto the surface of the first treatment zone and reducing the aqueous permeability of the first treatment zone. |
| US09840652B2 |
Water-based drilling fluid with cyclodextrin shale stabilizer
Well fluids and methods are provided that can be used for stabilizing a shale formation, especially during drilling of a well into or through a shale formation. The well fluids include: (i) a continuous water phase; (ii) a viscosity-increasing agent, wherein the viscosity-increasing agent comprises water-soluble hydrophilic polymer; (iii) a fluid loss control agent; and (iv) a cyclodextrin-based compound. The methods of drilling include the steps of: (A) introducing the well fluid into a zone of a subterranean formation; and (b) drilling the zone. |
| US09840651B2 |
Flowable compositions with low temperature curing to form thermally conductive pathways in electronics type applications and methods relating thereto
A flowable, (e.g., screen printable, stencil printable and/or dispensable) thermally conductive paste is disclosed and provide low temperature curing or firing. The pastes are useful in forming thermally conductive pathways for electronic type applications, such as, providing thermal conduction between a semiconductor chip and its associate semiconductor chip packaging (e.g. power electronic applications), which can be useful in power converters, electrical power steering modules, car head lights (LEDs), solar cells, printed circuit boards (PCBs), plasma display panels (PDPs), and the like. The pastes have a combination of conductive flakes and particles in a minimal amount of carrier fluid and carrier resin to provide advantageous deposition and heat melding properties. |
| US09840649B2 |
Single crystal CBN featuring micro-fracturing during grinding
A superabrasive material and method of making the superabrasive material are provided. The superabrasive material may comprise a superabrasive crystal having an irregular surface. The superabrasive material further comprises a plurality of structure defects within the superabrasive crystal. The plurality of structure defects may cause micro-chipping when used as grinding materials. |
| US09840645B2 |
Underfill material and method for manufacturing semiconductor device using the same
An underfill film material and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device using the same which enables voidless mounting and favorable solder bonding properties are provided. An underfill material is used which contains an epoxy resin, an acid anhydride, an acrylic resin and an organic peroxide, the underfill material exhibits non-Bingham fluidity at a temperature ranging from 60° C. to 100° C., a storage modulus G′ measured by dynamic viscosity measurement has an inflection point in an angular frequency region below 10E+02 rad/s, and the storage modulus G′ in the angular frequency below the inflection point is 10E+05 Pa or more and 10E+06 Pa or less. This enables voidless packaging and excellent solder connection properties. |
| US09840642B2 |
Wet coating compositions for paper substrates, paper substrates coated with the same and process for coating a paper substrate with the same
A wet coating composition useful for coating a cellulosic fiber-based substrate is provided. The composition includes two aqueous emulsions. The first emulsion includes an oxidized paraffin/polyethylene wax and the second emulsion includes an ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer wax, ethylene/acrylic amide copolymer wax, ethylene/acrylic acid/acrylic amide copolymer wax or a mixture thereof. The oxidized paraffin/polyethylene wax has a surface energy less than or equal to 2 m N/m being substantially dispersive energy. The wet coating composition when dried forms a coating having a surface energy ranging from 20 to 60 m N/m being the sum of dispersive and polar energies. A process for treating a cellulosic fiber-based substrate with the wet coating composition, a substrate coated and articles including the coated substrate are also described. The process involves a heating step to allow migration of the coating towards a core of the cellulosic fiber-based substrate. |
| US09840640B2 |
Article having antifouling properties for aquatic and particularly sea use
An article having antifouling properties and intended to be employed in aquatic uses, in particular marine uses. In particular there is provided an article having antifouling properties and intended to be employed in aquatic uses which comprises: a) a support, b) optionally, at least one primer coat on said support comprising at least one anticorrosive product, c) optionally, at least one intermediate primer coat promoting adhesion between the coats, d) at least one adhesion-promoting coat or tie coat, deposited on said primer coat or on said support when the primer coat is absent, and e) at least one antifouling coat or topcoat, deposited on said adhesion-promoting coat or tie coat. |
| US09840636B2 |
Amphiphilic polymers and use thereof in the treatment of surfaces made of hydrophobic materials
A straight, branched or cross-linked polymer, including, per 100 mol %: a) a mole fraction from 75% to 99.95% of monomer units from an N,N-dialkyl acrylamide; b) a mole fraction from 0.05% to 1% of monomer units from a monomer of formula (I): CH2=C(Ri)-C(═O)—O—[(CH2-CH(R2)-O]n-R3 (I); c) optionally a mole fraction higher than 0% to 24% either of monomer units from a monomer including a free strong acid function, partially or totally salified, or of monomer units from a monomer of formula (II): CH2=C(R4)-C(═O)—Y—(CH2)m-N(R5)(R6) (II); d) optionally a mole fraction higher than 0% to 1% of a diethylene or polyethylene cross-linking monomer. Also, a method for treating a surface made of a hydrophobic material, using the polymer, and an aqueous, hydro-organic or organic solution including the polymer for modifying interactions between the species contained the solution and the hydrophobic surface. |
| US09840635B2 |
Binding agent systems
The invention relates to coatings which can be obtained by adding mercapto groups to acrylates and/or by a radiation curing process, said coatings having good properties, to methods for producing same, and to the use thereof. |
| US09840625B2 |
Coating compositions with anticorrosion properties
Anticorrosive coating compositions as disclosed comprise a binding polymer and an aluminum phosphate corrosion inhibiting pigment dispersed therein. The coating composition comprises up to 25 percent by weight aluminum phosphate. The binding polymer can include solvent-borne polymers, water-borne polymers, solventless polymers, and combinations thereof. The aluminum phosphate is made by sol gel process of combining an aluminum salt with phosphoric acid and a base material. Aluminum phosphate colloidal particles are nanometer sized, and aggregate to form substantially spherical particles. The coating composition provides a controlled delivery of phosphate anions of 100 to 1,500 ppm, depending on post-formation treatment of the aluminum phosphate, and has a total solubles content of less than 1500 ppm, The amorphous aluminum phosphate is free of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, and has a water adsorption potential of up to about 25 percent by weight water when present in a cured film. |
| US09840620B2 |
Halogen-free resin composition and uses thereof
Disclosed are a halogen-free resin composition, and a prepreg and a laminate prepared by using the same. The halogen-free resin composition comprises the following components according to organic solid matters by weight parts: (A) 40-80 parts by weight of allyl modified benzoxazine resin; (B) 10-20 parts by weight of hydrocarbon resin; (C) 10-40 parts by weight of allyl modified polyphenylene oxide resin; (D) 0.01-3 parts by weight of initiating agent; (E) 10-100 parts by weight of filler; and (F) 0-80 parts by weight of phosphoric flame retardant. The prepreg and the laminate prepared by using the halogen-free resin composition have lower dielectric constant and lower dielectric loss tangent value, higher peeling strength, higher glass transition temperature, excellent heat resistance and good flame retardant effect. |
| US09840619B2 |
Styrene/butadiene diblock copolymer-containing blends that are not an agglomeration and a process for preparation
A process for producing a styrene-butadiene diblock copolymer-containing blend that is not an agglomeration, that involves mixing a styrene-butadiene multiblock thermoplastic elastomer solution with a styrene-butadiene diblock copolymer solution. Blends comprising a styrene-butadiene diblock copolymer and a styrene-butadiene multiblock thermoplastic elastomer, which blends are not an agglomeration. |
| US09840616B2 |
Unoriented film
Unoriented film comprising at least 70 wt.-% of an heterophasic propylene copolymer, said heterophasic propylene copolymer comprises a matrix being a random propylene copolymer and an elastomeric propylene copolymer dispersed in said matrix, wherein the heterophasic propylene copolymer has (a) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) in the range of 3.0 to 10.0 g/10 min, (b) a melting temperature in the range of 130 to 150° C., (c) a xylene cold soluble content in the range of 25 to 50 wt.-%, (d) comonomer content in the range of 10.0 to 15.0 wt.-%, wherein further the xylene cold soluble content of the heterophasic propylene copolymer has (e) a comonomer content in the range of 20 to 30 wt.-% and (f) an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.8 to below 2.0 dl/g. |
| US09840606B2 |
Compositions comprising estolide compounds and methods of making and using the same
Provided herein are compositions comprising at least one estolide compound of formula: in which n is an integer equal to or greater than 0; m is an integer equal to or greater than 1; R1, independently for each occurrence, is selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; R2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; and R3 and R4, independently for each occurrence, are selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched. Also provided are uses of the compositions described herein. |
| US09840602B2 |
PIPA polyol based conventional flexible foam
A process for forming a conventional flexible polyurethane foam includes providing a polyol component including a PIPA polyol that is a dispersion having a solids content from 10% to 75 wt %, based on a total weight of the PIPA polyol, providing an isocyanate component that includes at least one polyisocyanate, providing an additive component that includes a catalyst, and forming a reaction mixture including the polyol component, the isocyanate component, and the additive component to form a flexible polyurethane foam with a resiliency value below 45%. The reaction mixture has an isocyanate index from 90 to 150. The PIPA polyol is a reaction product of a mixture including at least a low equivalent weight polyol having a number average hydroxyl equivalent weight of less than 80, a polyisocyanate compound having a number average isocyanate equivalent weight that is less than 225, and a liquid base poly ether polyol having a number average hydroxyl equivalent weight from 200 to 1500 and at least 80% of secondary hydroxyl groups based on a total amount of hydroxyl groups in the liquid base polyether polyol. |
| US09840600B2 |
Diene rubber composition configured to be vulcanized at lower temperature; and manufacturing process of rubber article from the same
The present invention provides a process for forming an article from a diene rubber, comprising: providing a raw diene rubber substance comprising 1,2-polybutadiene rubber component; adding to the raw diene rubber substance a peroxide as a vulcanizing agent; softening the raw diene rubber at a first temperature of not more than 200° C.; vulcanizing the diene rubber at a second temperature of not more than 200° C., with contacting the diene rubber to an ambient atmosphere; and forming from the vulcanized diene rubber an article. |
| US09840596B2 |
Polyphenylene sulfide block copolymer and manufacturing method therefor
A polyphenylene sulfide block copolymer contains polyphenylene sulfide units and polyorganosiloxane units and has a glass-transition temperature in the range of 80° C. or lower and a weight-average molecular weight in the range of 35,000 to 100,000. The polyphenylene sulfide block copolymer has high flexibility as well as high heat resistance and heat aging resistance. |
| US09840593B2 |
Phase segregated block copolymers with tunable properties
Phase segregated block-copolymer based on repeating structural elements represented by formula I wherein PHA represents at least one block based on one or more α-hydroxy acids, PDAS represents a central block based on a dialkylsiloxane, the PDAS block has a weight average molecular weight in the range of from 4000 to 10000, the blocks PHA have a weight average molecular weight in the range of from 2000 to 10 000, the phase segregated block copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of from 40 000 to 120 000. |
| US09840588B2 |
Epoxy resin curing compositions and epoxy resin systems including same
Disclosed are epoxy resins exhibiting a highly favorable combination of tensile strength and elongation with respect to prior art epoxy systems. The elastomeric epoxy resin systems of the invention are prepared utilizing a curing agent containing at least one monoprimary amine, and are particularly useful in applications such as, for example, castings, potting, composites, crack sealing, coatings, adhesives, roofing materials, flooring or reinforced membranes. |
| US09840584B2 |
Polyester polyols from thermoplastic polyesters and dimer fatty acids
Polyester polyols made from thermoplastic polyesters are disclosed. The polyols can be made by heating a thermoplastic polyester such as virgin PET, recycled PET, or mixtures thereof, with a glycol to give a digested intermediate, which is then condensed with a dimer fatty acid to give the polyol. The invention includes a polyester polyol comprising recurring units of a glycol-digested thermoplastic polyester and a dimer fatty acid. The polyester polyol can also be made in a single step by reacting the thermoplastic polyester, glycol, and dimer acid under conditions effective to produce the polyol. High-recycle-content polyols having desirable properties and attributes for formulating polyurethane products, including aqueous polyurethane dispersions, can be made. The polyols provide a sustainable alternative to bio- or petrochemical-based polyols. |
| US09840580B2 |
Copolyether ester polyol process
Disclosed is a process for manufacturing copolyether ester polyol comprising: (1) providing feedstock comprising polytetramethylene ether glycol having a number average molecular weight of 350 g/mol or less and an oligomeric cyclic ether content of 4.0% by weight or more and a diacid composition selected from alpha-omega alkanedioic acids of formula HO2C—(CH2)n—CO2H, where n is from 2 through 16 to a reaction zone maintained at reaction conditions to produce a crude polyol product; (2) feeding the crude polyol product of step (1) to a separation zone at separation conditions to produce a first separation product having an oligomeric cyclic ether content of 2.0% by weight or greater, and a second separation product comprising copolyether ester polyol having an oligomeric cyclic ether content of less than 2.0% by weight; and (3) recovering the second separation product. |
| US09840576B2 |
Solid, self-bondable isocyanate-containing organic polymers and methods for using same
Solid, non-melting polyurethanes having a glass transition temperature of at least 40° C. and free isocyanate groups are self-bonding materials that are useful in a variety of adhesive and molding operations. Under conditions of heat and moisture, these polyurethanes will self-bond. The polyurethanes can be used as adhesive coatings, which are solid and non-tacky and thus can be transported and stored easily under ambient conditions. These polyurethane adhesives are especially useful in applications in which, due to the location and/or orientation of the substrates, liquid or melting materials cannot be applied easily or will run off the substrates. |
| US09840571B2 |
Inert stripping of volatile organic compounds from polymer melts
A method of removing VOCs from a molten polymer comprising: (a) polymerizing monomers in a reactor to produce a reaction mixture comprising unreacted monomers and molten polymer, (b) removing a portion of unreacted monomers from at least a portion of the reaction mixture to produce recovered monomers and degassed molten polymer, wherein the degassed molten polymer comprises VOCs, (c) contacting at least a portion of the degassed molten polymer with an inert stripping agent at a pressure equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure to produce stripped molten polymer and spent stripping agent, wherein the inert stripping agent is insoluble in the degassed molten polymer, and wherein the spent stripping agent comprises at least a portion of the inert stripping agent and at least a portion of the VOCs from the degassed molten polymer, and (d) cooling at least a portion of the stripped molten polymer and forming polymer pellets. |
| US09840570B2 |
Medium density polyethylene compositions
An ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer having (a) a density of from about 0.910 g/cc to about 0.940 g/cc; (b) a weight average molecular weight of from about 150,000 g/mol to about 300,000 g/mol; and (c) a melt index at a load of 2.16 kg of from about 0.01 dg/10 min. to about 0.5 dg/min.; wherein a 1 mil blown film formed from the polymer composition is characterized by (i) a Dart Impact strength greater than about 175 g/mil; (ii) an Elmendorf machine direction tear strength greater than about 20 g/mil; and (iii) an Elmendorf transverse direction tear strength greater than about 475 g/mil. |
| US09840568B2 |
Polymer and method for producing same
The time when at least a monomer and a chain transfer agent are supplied in a reactor and the solution temperature in the reactor has reached a predetermined polymerization temperature is set as starting time (T0), and the time when a process to terminate the polymerization is started is set as ending time (T1). A polymerization initiator is supplied into the reactor between (T0) and just before [(T1)−(T0)/2] and between [(T1)−(T0)/2] and (T1). The total mass of the polymerization initiator supplied to the reactor between (T0) and (T1) is set as (IA), and the total mass of the polymerization initiator supplied between [(T0−T1)/2] and (T1) is set as (IB). The (IA) is set 50 to 100 mass % of the entire polymerization initiator. Using a production method in which 0.50<(IB)/(IA)<1.00 is satisfied, a polymer is produced at a high polymerization rate showing less variation of molecular weight and having less amount of chain transfer agent residue remaining at an end of the polymer chain. |
| US09840567B2 |
Olefin polymerization process with continuous transfer
A process for the preparation of a polyolefin is disclosed. The process includes introducing one or more olefin reactants, diluents and polymerization catalyst into a first loop reactor, and while circulating the olefin reactants, diluents and polymerization catalyst in the first loop reactor. The method includes polymerizing the one or more olefin reactants to produce a polyolefin slurry comprising liquid diluent and solid olefin polymer particles. The method includes withdrawing polyolefin slurry comprising solid olefin polymer particles and diluent from the first reactor and introducing the withdrawn particles into a second loop reactor, by means of one or more settling legs provided on the first reactor, wherein each settling leg has an inlet connected to the first reactor and an outlet connected to the second reactor by means of a transfer line wherein at least one settling leg is continuously open allowing continuous transfer of solid olefin polymer particles from the first loop reactor to the second loop reactor. The process further comprises controlling the continuous transfer of solid olefin polymer particles from the first loop reactor to the second loop reactor by at least one continuously open settling leg. |
| US09840563B2 |
Method for treating and/or preventing atrial fibrillation
Disclosed herein is a method for treating and/or preventing atrial fibrillation in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-CD44 neutralizing antibody or an antigen binding portion thereof which specifically binds to the amino-terminal domain of CD44. The anti-CD44 neutralizing antibody is a monoclonal antibody. The pharmaceutical composition further includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. |