| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09864410B2 |
Foldable device and method of controlling the same
A foldable device and a method of controlling the same are provided. The foldable device includes: a flexible display which includes a main display area and an edge display area; and a controller which is configured to determine, based on an angle at which the foldable device is unfolded, a range of a partial activation area of the main display area, wherein the range of the partial activation area is partially bounded by a boundary between the edge display area and the main display area. |
| US09864407B2 |
Mobile computing device dock
A mobile computing device dock is described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes a support structure and first and second connection portions disposed on opposing sides of the support. Each of the first and second connection portions includes a respective connection device configured to form a communicative coupling to a mobile computing device. The first and second connection portions are configured such that movement of one of the first or second connection portions causes corresponding movement of the other one of the first or second connection portions to engage to or disengage from the mobile computing device. |
| US09864405B2 |
Smart frame for a mobile display device
A frame for a mobile device with a memory and a processor running an application and a system for displaying digital content, comprising a frame assembly for the mobile device, comprising a processor, a media storage memory, a first body with a recess configured for receipt of a mobile device in the frame assembly, and a second body, configured to connect to the first body to enclose the mobile device. Preferably, at least one of the two sides comprises a connector, configured to connect with a corresponding connector of the mobile device, so that the processor of the frame is configured to communicate, through said connector, with the memory and processor of the mobile device. In an alternate embodiment, at least one of the two sides comprises a communication means, configured to communicate with the memory and processor of the mobile device through WiFi, Bluetooth, or the Internet. |
| US09864404B2 |
Tablet folio with multi-configurable and positional features
Multiple unique configurations for a computer tablet holding device are disclosed. One of device's configurations allows for multiple viewing angles through the use of multi-configurable assembly. Another configuration is a multi-positional computer tablet holding device that can be used within a folio, with the benefit of working cooperatively with an accessory such as a keyboard or wrist rest, or removed and used independently of the folio. The holding device and other accessories may be retained on the folio by judiciously placed magnets. The folio of the invention includes a first and second flap, the first flap including a plurality of magnets arranged in a matrix, the magnets being spaced apart at a distance, the riser including a base having a pair of magnets, said individual magnets of the pair of magnets being spaced apart at the distance, the riser being selectively attachable at positions corresponding to the magnet positions of the folio. The cooperatively working feature aids in the use of these items functioning cooperatively with each other when assembled together as well as aiding for the easy transportability of these items when they are within proximity of each other. |
| US09864402B1 |
Portable electronic device capable of preventing a display from falling
A portable electronic device utilizes a control unit for controlling a power unit to provide electricity for an electromagnetic component to generate a first active magnetic property for magnetically repulsing or magnetically attracting a moving magnetic component with a first magnetic property, so as to drive the moving magnetic component to move to a first position when the control unit determines an included angle between a first module and a second module is greater than a predetermined angle. When the moving magnetic component is located at the first position, a pivoting mechanism disposed between a supporting frame and the second module drives the supporting frame to pivotally unfold relative to the second module, so as to support the second module on a supporting surface, which prevents the second module from falling. |
| US09864397B2 |
Multi-directional input device
An operating member 3 has a shaft portion 31 and a fulcrum portion 32. A first swinging member 4 has a concave fitting portion 42. Inside the fitting portion, engaging surfaces and guide surfaces 45, 46 are included. The engaging surfaces are formed to be engageable with the fulcrum portion. The guide surfaces allow the fulcrum portion to swing with respect to the first swinging member. The second swinging member 5 includes an engaging portion 63 which includes a long hole, and which covers the fulcrum portion while passing the shaft portion through the long hole in a manner that the shaft portion is movable in the longitudinal direction of the long hole, in such a manner that the engaging portion and the fitting portion cooperate to sandwich the fulcrum portion. The engaging portion is coupled with the second swing shaft, and configured to be engageable with the shaft portion. |
| US09864396B1 |
Highly maneuverable mowing vehicle with Mecanum wheels
Highly maneuverable utility vehicles having Mecanum wheels capable of traveling in a variety of different directions and turning in a zero turn manner may include one or more controllers in communication with drive units for powering the Mecanum wheels. A multi-axis interface, such as a joystick, may be connected to the controller for proportionally controlling the direction and speed of the vehicle, and for providing different manners in which the vehicle may enter zero-turn mode. The joystick may include at least one pushbutton for switching between programmed travel modes or selecting an auxiliary function. The controller may be programmed to permit the vehicle to operate in different operating modes. |
| US09864393B2 |
Voltage reference circuit
In some embodiments, a circuit includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a resistive device and an amplifier. The first transistor includes a first drain and a first gate. The second transistor includes a second drain and a second gate. The resistive device is coupled between the first gate and the second gate. The amplifier includes a first input coupled to the first drain and a second input coupled to the second drain. The amplifier is configured to keep a voltage level at the first drain and that at the second drain equal to each other. |
| US09864392B2 |
All-CMOS, low-voltage, wide-temperature range, voltage reference circuit
A CMOS voltage reference is disclosed. The CMOS voltage reference may include a PTAT current bias circuit including a start-up circuit, a core module implementing high order non-linear curvature compensation and an output stage supplying the reference voltage. The CMOS voltage reference may include a PTAT current bias circuit having a start-up and a CTAT feedback loop and a PTAT feedback loop and a compensating circuit summing the current from the CTAT feedback loop and the PTAT feedback loop. |
| US09864388B2 |
Reference voltage generator and related method
A reference voltage generator may include the following elements: a first power supply terminal configured to receive a first power supply voltage; a second power supply terminal configured to receive a second power supply voltage; a reference voltage output node configured to provide a reference voltage; a first switch electrically connected between the first power supply terminal and the reference voltage output node; a second switch electrically connected between the second power supply terminal and the reference voltage output node; a first positive feedback module electrically connected to both the reference voltage output node and the first switch and configured to provide a first feedback voltage to the first switch; and a second positive feedback module electrically connected to both the reference voltage output node and the second switch and configured to provide a second feedback voltage to the second switch. |
| US09864387B2 |
Voltage regulator
Provided is a voltage regulator which is not affected by a variation in output impedance of a reference voltage circuit, that is, which is configured to output voltage with a small change due to temperature. Two reference voltages respectively having positive and negative temperature coefficients are added together through transconductance amplifiers having large input impedances, respectively, and the resultant is amplified. |
| US09864386B2 |
Overvoltage clamp in regulators
A regulator for providing a load current at a regulator output voltage to a load at an output of the regulator is described. The regulator has a differential input stage to provide a differential output voltage based on a reference voltage and based on the regulator output voltage. Furthermore, the regulator has an output driver to generate a control signal based on the differential output voltage. In addition, the regulator has a pass transistor to provide the load current in dependence of the control signal. The regulator also has clamping circuitry to sense an overvoltage indication which indicates that the pass transistor is being turned off. Furthermore, the clamping circuitry clamps the differential output voltage to a clamping voltage, if the overvoltage indication indicates that the pass transistor is being turned off. |
| US09864380B1 |
Formation flight system extremum-seeking-control using blended performance parameters
An extremum-seeking control system for formation flight that uses blended performance parameters in a conglomerate performance function that better approximates drag reduction than performance functions formed from individual measurements. Generally, a variety of different measurements are taken and fed to a control system, the measurements are weighted, and are then subjected to a peak-seeking control algorithm. As measurements are continually taken, the aircraft will be guided to a relative position which optimizes the drag reduction of the formation. Two embodiments are discussed. Two approaches are shown for determining relative weightings: “a priori” by which they are qualitatively determined (by minimizing the error between the conglomerate function and the drag reduction function), and by periodically updating the weightings as the formation evolves. |
| US09864374B2 |
Redundant-controls system for an automated vehicle
A redundant-controls system suitable for use an automated vehicle includes a primary-control-device, a secondary-control-device, an occupant-detection-device, and a controller. The primary-control-device is installed in a vehicle. The primary-control-device is selectively enabled to allow operation from an operator-seat of the vehicle by an operator of the vehicle to control movement of the vehicle. The secondary-control-device is installed in the vehicle. The secondary-control-device is selectively enabled to allow operation from a passenger-seat of the vehicle by a passenger of the vehicle to control movement of the vehicle. The occupant-detection-device is used to determine an operator-state-of-awareness of the operator and a passenger-state-of-awareness of the passenger. The controller is in communication with the primary-control-device, the secondary-control-device, and the operator-detection-device. The controller is configured to selectively enable the secondary-control-device to override the primary-control-device when the passenger-state-of-awareness indicates greater awareness than the operator-state-of-awareness. |
| US09864364B2 |
Method and apparatus for retrieving time-based event data into unified activity hierarchy across process clusters
A method includes receiving notifications associated with batch execution instances executed by multiple devices. The notifications identify events occurring in an industrial process control and automation system. The method also includes creating a unique namespace for association with the notifications. The method further includes storing records identifying the notifications in a unified activity hierarchy based on the unique namespace. Creating the unique namespace could include creating an initial namespace using one or more fields associated with a parent process being executed. The parent process can activate a child process, and a namespace for the child process can contain the initial namespace and use one or more fields associated with the child process. The child process can activate a grand-child process, and a namespace for the grand-child process can contain the initial namespace and the namespace for the child process and use one or more fields associated with the grand-child process. |
| US09864363B2 |
Process control method and process control system
A process control method is provided for performing a deposition process on a plurality of wafers of a batch. The process control method includes: deciding a placement location of the wafers of the batch according to the history information of a tool and the product information of the batch; calculating a target value of each placement location according to the placement location of the wafers of the batch and the history information of the tool; calculating a process parameter according to the history information of the tool, the product information of the batch, and the target value of each placement location; and performing a deposition process according to the placement location of the wafers of the batch and the process parameter. |
| US09864361B2 |
Flexible temperature compensation systems and methods for substrate processing systems
A system includes memory that stores compensation information that associates process setpoint temperatures with respective adjustment values. The respective adjustment values include a first adjustment value corresponding to a first temperature compensation scheme and at least one second adjustment value corresponding to a second compensation scheme. A temperature compensation module receives a first process setpoint temperature, retrieves the compensation information from the memory based on the received first process setpoint temperature, calculates a first compensated temperature based on the received first process setpoint temperature, the first adjustment value, and the second adjustment value, and controls a temperature of a component of a substrate processing system according to the first compensated temperature. |
| US09864354B2 |
Hierarchical modeling of physical systems and their uncertainties
A hierarchical modeling tool or process is provided that represents the fill range of behavior of a hydrocarbon system, accurately including uncertainties and potential events affecting the system. The potential events may include actions taken and information learned. The hierarchical modeling tool may be embedded within a decision support system or used in a stand-alone fashion. Disclosed aspects may link from accurate (high-detail) physics models to an accurate uncertainty representation, and then reduce the accurate uncertainty representation to a high-speed representation of both the physics model and the uncertainty that can be used in an optimizer. |
| US09864349B2 |
Mechanism for facilitating hybrid solutions for staining of specimens
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for facilitating hybrid solutions for staining of specimens according to one embodiment. In one embodiment and by way of example, a method includes receiving a request for a staining process for a specimen placed on a specimen container that is further placed within a process chamber, where the specimen includes a specimen needing a diagnosis. The method may further include reading or capturing process data relating to the specimen, where the process data includes at least one of basic information and customization instructions. The method may further include facilitating the staining process of the specimen based on the process data. |
| US09864344B2 |
System and method for multiple sweep proximity sensing and control
A bin sweep system for a bin which may comprise at least two sweeps independently rotatable about a center of the bin, an alignment detecting apparatus for monitoring a relative position of a first one of the sweeps with respect to a second one of the sweeps, and an operational control device configured to selectively discontinue and resume operation of at least one of the sweeps to move the sweeps toward a maximum separation condition. |
| US09864343B2 |
Support element for a timepiece sensor
A three dimensional support element for a timepiece sensor, made in 3D-MID and including integrated electrical connection paths, a flexible connection interface formed of bent wire springs or flexible finger-pieces, and a rigid connection interface. |
| US09864340B2 |
Caesium atomic micro-clock microcell buffer gas mixture
The invention relates to a process for fabricating a microcell for a caesium atomic micro-clock having an inversion temperature above 80° C., comprising a step of generating a caesium vapor by heating a caesium-containing pellet, the buffer gas used containing neon and helium. |
| US09864338B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a developing device, a transfer portion, a feeding portion, a main body frame, a fixing device, a discharge portion, a recording-medium conveyance path, an opening/closing member, a cover sheet, a cover moving mechanism, and a cooling portion. The main body frame is arranged above the image carrier. The fixing device is attached to the main body frame. Along with opening/closing of the opening/closing member, the cover moving mechanism causes the cover sheet to reciprocate between a protection position for covering a part of the image carrier on a side of the recording-medium conveyance path and a retraction position between the image carrier and the main body frame. At the retraction position, a passage for an air flow between the cooling portion and the fixing device is blocked by the cover sheet contacting the main body frame. |
| US09864336B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A cooling unit has a cooling fan, a duct configured to guide air supplied from the cooling fan and having a shape extending along an axial direction of a photosensitive member, and a plurality of air outlet portions provided in the duct so as to be apart from each other in the axial direction. Air discharged from the plurality of air outlet portions is supplied to the inside of an image forming unit by utilizing a space as an air duct. |
| US09864335B1 |
Image forming apparatus and control method for image forming apparatus
According to one embodiment, an estimation unit corrects ambient temperatures or ambient humidities measured by an environment measurement unit on the basis of conduction states of charging members provided in the one or more image forming units, so as to estimate ambient temperatures or ambient humidities of other photoconductors of which the ambient temperatures or the ambient humidities are not measured. A control unit determines image formation conditions for the image forming units forming images on the photoconductors of which the ambient temperatures or the ambient humidities are not measured, on the basis of the ambient temperatures or the ambient humidities estimated by the estimation unit. |
| US09864333B2 |
Process cartridge, electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit
A drum unit usable in the process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum having an axis L1 and a coupling member having an axis L2. The coupling member includes a first end portion connected with the photosensitive drum, a second end portion having an outermost surface, an axle portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion to each other, and at least one projection extending from the second end portion. For at least part of the outermost surface of the second end portion, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the axle portion increases. |
| US09864332B2 |
Cartridge and image forming apparatus
A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus includes: a frame; an accommodating portion, constituted by the frame, for accommodating a developer; a seal portion for preventing the developer from being leaking out from the accommodating portion, wherein the seal portion is formed by injection molding at a seal forming portion provided on the frame and is projected from the seal forming portion; and a sprue which is formed integrally with the seal portion by a resin material remaining in a path for permitting flow of the resin material melted when the seal portion is formed by the injection molding and which is projected from the frame in a position different from a position of the seal portion so as to be higher than the seal portion on the basis of the frame. |
| US09864329B2 |
Developer cartridge provided with gear including protrusion
A developer cartridge comprises a first gear. The first gear may include a first protrusion extending in a radial direction of the first gear. The first protrusion may be positioned at a circumference of a column of the first gear. The first protrusion may be spaced apart from a second end face opposite to a first end face facing an exterior surface of a casing configured to accommodate developer therein. The first protrusion may be further from the second end face than a large-diameter gear in an axial direction. A rotational circumference of the first protrusion defined by rotation of the first protrusion and a portion of the large-diameter gear are aligned in the axial direction. |
| US09864325B2 |
Image forming apparatus having cover openable and closable at side surface of apparatus
In an image forming apparatus, a cover has a pivot shaft and is pivotally movable between a closed position and an open position. The link member is slidingly movable in a direction parallel to the pivot shaft in response to depression of a button. The locking member provides locking engagement between the cover and a housing, and is pressed by the link member in accordance with the sliding movement of the link member to release the locking engagement. The push member is movable in a direction opposite to an opening direction of the cover to be pressed against the housing when the cover is at the closed position in accordance with the sliding movement of the link member. The depression of the button causes both unlocking and movement of the cover in the opening direction when the cover is at the closed position. |
| US09864319B2 |
Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus includes a slide member configured to slide with a transfer material in a case that the transfer material is brought into contact with a transfer member, a grounding member configured to be electrically connected to the earth, and a connection member having conductivity and configured to be electrically connected to the slide member. The connection member includes a deforming portion deformed by an electrostatic force acting between the grounding member and the connection member, the slide member is conducted to the grounding member via the connection member in a case that the deforming portion is deformed and abuts on the grounding member, and the slide member is electrically insulated from the grounding member in a case that the deforming portion is separated from the grounding member. |
| US09864312B1 |
Fixing device that can suppress variation in temperature, and image forming apparatus having the fixing device
A fixing device includes a magnetic flux generation unit, an auxiliary heating body formed of material that generates heat from the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generation unit, a rotatable fixing belt having opposing first and second ends in a direction of its rotational axis and a material that generates heat from the magnetic flux, a magnetic flux shield in contact with the auxiliary heating body and having first and second openings that expose the auxiliary body, the first and second openings being symmetrical with respect to a center point along the rotational axis between the first and second ends, a temperature sensor in contact with the auxiliary heating body through one of the first and second openings of the magnetic flux shield shielding member, and a driver that controls power supplied to the magnetic flux generation unit in accordance with signals from the temperature sensor. |
| US09864311B2 |
Temperature detection device and image forming apparatus
A temperature detection device includes first and second temperature detection units configured to detect first and second temperatures, respectively, of a first roller at first and second positions in an axis direction, heated by a central heating unit and an end part heating unit; third and fourth temperature detection units configured to detect third and fourth temperatures, respectively, of a second roller which can be in pressure-contact with the first roller, at the first and second positions; and a control unit configured to control the heating units. The control unit determines a state of at least one of the first, second, third and fourth temperature detection units based on a comparison between first and third rise rates of the first and third temperatures, respectively, or on a comparison between second and fourth rise rates of the second and fourth temperatures, respectively. |
| US09864306B2 |
Image forming apparatus with cleaning blade
An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable image drum for carrying a toner image; a transfer member contacted to the drum to transfer the toner image from the drum onto a transfer member; a cleaning blade provided downstream of the transfer member with respect to a peripheral moving direction of the drum and having a free end portion contacted to the drum, the blade being configured to remove, with rotation of the drum, toner remaining on the drum after transfer of the toner image by the transfer member; and a toner retaining member cooperative with the drum to provide a toner accommodation space toner removed from the drum by the blade. The toner retaining member can retain a part of the toner accommodated in the toner accommodation space and capable of being deformed by the toner accommodated in the accommodation space to discharge the toner from the accommodation space. |
| US09864305B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an intermediate transfer belt, a driving roller, a driven roller, a belt cleaning device, and a counter roller. Toner images formed on image carriers are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt. The driving and driven rollers rotatably stretch the intermediate transfer belt. The belt cleaning device has a cleaning blade that removes residual toner adhered to the intermediate transfer belt. The counter roller is disposed facing the cleaning blade with the intermediate transfer belt interposed therebetween. The belt cleaning device is disposed at a position that is downstream of the driving roller in a rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt but is upstream of the driven roller in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt. A leading end edge portion of the cleaning blade is disposed upstream of a top of the counter roller in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt. |
| US09864303B2 |
Developer container, developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A developer container includes a container configured to store developer and capable of discharging the developer from an opening, a sealing member configured to seal the opening, an unsealing member, rotatably supported, configured to open the opening by removing the sealing member from the container, and a sheet member attached to an attachment portion of the unsealing member in a relative position where the sheet member is held between the sealing member and the unsealing member. |
| US09864299B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a developing unit to develop an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive member
An image forming apparatus includes a developing unit configured to develop an electrostatic latent image, a mounting detection unit configured to detect that a container T is mounted on a mounting unit, a driving unit configured to rotate the container T, a rotation detection unit configured to detect rotation information about the container T, and a controller configured to control the driving unit based on the rotation information. If the container T is detected to be mounted on the mounting unit, control of the driving unit is not carried out based on the rotation information until replenishment information satisfies a predetermined condition. |
| US09864296B2 |
Optical scanner and image forming device incorporating same
An optical scanner includes a light source including a plurality of light emitting elements, a polygon mirror which deflects light from the light source for scanning a surface of a subject, an optical element arranged between the light source and the polygon mirror, having optical power in a sub scanning direction, a synchronous detector which detects the light deflected by the polygon mirror for synchronous detection and generates a signal for controlling a timing at which the scanning of the surface is started, and a fixing element which secures one end of the optical element. The light emitting elements of the light source are aligned with a certain tilt angle relative to the sub scanning direction. Light from one of the light emitting elements disposed closest to the fixing element in a main scanning direction is used for synchronous detection. |
| US09864292B2 |
Toner formulation and method of preparing the same
A chemically prepared toner composition made up of a toner particle with a core having a first polymer binder, a monomer free radical polymerization formed core shell styrene acrylic latex having a liquid gel core, a pigment, a wax, and a shell formed around the core including a second polymer binder and method to make the same is disclosed. An optional borax coupling agent can be placed between the outer surface of the core and the shell to assist in the binding of the polymer found in the shell onto the surface of the toner core containing the first polymer. |
| US09864291B1 |
Toner compositions comprising crystalline polyester and wax
A hybrid toner includes a core having at least one amorphous polyester resin and at least one crystalline polyester resin, and at least one styrene/acrylate resin, a shell comprising at least one styrene/acrylate resin, at least one wax, and optionally a pigment dispersion, the first modulated differential calorimetry scan of the hybrid toner shows at least two melting point peaks below about 80° C., and the difference between the two melting point peaks is less than or equal to about 15° C. |
| US09864288B2 |
Toner set, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
A toner set includes a brilliant toner including a brilliant pigment; and a chromatic toner including a coloring agent that is different from the brilliant pigment, wherein the toner set satisfies the following expression: 1.2≦Q1/Q2≦5.0 wherein Q1 represents an endothermic quantity of the brilliant toner and Q2 represents an endothermic quantity of the chromatic toner. |
| US09864282B2 |
Sensor system for lithography
A sensor system to measure a physical quantity, the system including a parallel detection arrangement with multiple detectors to allow measurements in parallel at different spatial locations, wherein the multiple detectors share a noise source, wherein the sensor system is configured such that the multiple detectors each output a signal as a function of the physical quantity, and wherein the sensor system is configured such that at least one detector responds differently to noise originating from the shared noise source than the one or more other detectors. |
| US09864280B2 |
Overlay error correction
A calibration curve for a wafer comprising a layer on a substrate is determined. The calibration curve represents a local parameter change as a function of a treatment parameter associated with a wafer exposure to a light. The local parameter of the wafer is measured. An overlay error is determined based on the local parameter of the wafer. A treatment map is computed based on the calibration curve to correct the overlay error for the wafer. The treatment map represents the treatment parameter as a function of a location on the wafer. |
| US09864279B2 |
Imprint lithography
An imprint lithography apparatus having a first frame to be mounted on a floor, a second frame mounted on the first frame via a kinematic coupling, an alignment sensor mounted on the second frame, to align an imprint lithography template arrangement with a target portion of a substrate, and a position sensor to measure a position of the imprint lithography template arrangement and/or a substrate stage relative to the second frame. |
| US09864277B2 |
Method for regulating a light source of a photolithography exposure system and exposure assembly for a photolithography device
The invention relates to a method for regulating a light source of a photolithography exposure system which comprises a plurality of LEDs, by means of the following steps: the light output of the individual LEDs in specific wavelength ranges is detected, and the detected light output is compared with a desired light output distribution over the entire spectrum. The LEDs are operated such that the desired spectral light output distribution is achieved in the most precise manner possible. The invention also relates to an exposure assembly for a photolithography device, having a light source which comprises a plurality of LEDs, a control means which controls the electrical power supplied to the individual LEDs, and a sensor which can detect the light output of the LEDs in the respective ranges of the wavelengths. |
| US09864274B2 |
Liquid radiation curable resins capable of curing into layers with selective visual effects and methods for the use thereof
The invention relates to a method for forming a liquid radiation curable resin capable of curing into a solid upon irradiation comprising at least one thermally sensitive visual effect initiator. The liquid radiation curable resin is capable of curing into three-dimensional articles having selective visual effects. The resulting three-dimensional articles possess excellent color and/or transparency stability and excellent mechanical properties. |
| US09864270B2 |
Pellicle and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a pellicle includes: providing a supporting substrate; forming an oxide layer over the supporting substrate; forming a metal layer over the oxide layer; forming a graphene layer over the metal layer; and removing at least a portion of the supporting substrate and the oxide layer. An associated method includes: providing a supporting substrate; forming a first silicon carbide (SiC) layer or a diamond layer over the supporting substrate; forming a graphene layer over the SiC layer or the diamond layer; and removing at least a portion of the supporting substrate and the first silicon carbide (SiC) layer or the diamond layer; wherein the pellicle is at least partially transparent to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation. An associated pellicle is also disclosed. |
| US09864268B2 |
Mask blank, method for manufacturing transfer mask, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
In order to form a fine mask pattern with high accuracy, in a mask blank in which a light-semitransmissive film, a light shielding film, and a hard mask film are laminated in the stated order on a transparent substrate, the light-semitransmissive film containing silicon and additionally nitrogen, the hard mask film containing silicon or tantalum, and additionally oxygen, the light shielding film having the laminate structure of a lower layer, an intermediate layer, and an upper layer and containing chromium, conditions on the light shielding film are adjusted so that etching rates using a mixture gas of chlorine and oxygen are the lowest for the upper layer and the next lowest for the lower layer. |
| US09864266B2 |
Photomask blank
A photomask blank comprising a transparent substrate and a chromium-containing film is provided. The chromium-containing film is constructed by one or more chromium compound layers which are formed of a chromium compound containing Cr, N and optionally O, and have a composition having a Cr content ≧30 at % and a total Cr+N+O content ≧93 at %, and meeting the formula: 3Cr≦2O+3N. A chromium compound layer meeting a first composition having an N/Cr atomic ratio ≧0.95, a Cr content ≧40 at %, a total Cr+N content ≧80 at %, and an O content ≦10 at % is included to a thickness of more than 70% to 100% of the overall thickness of the chromium-containing film. |
| US09864265B2 |
Multi-prism mechanism for laser exposure system of 3D images and method thereof
A multi-prism mechanism includes: an exposure motherboard; and a laser controlling and launching unit; wherein a multi-prism unit, a lens, an angle-switching reflecting mirror, a light detecting reflecting mirror, a light detecting device, three acousto-optical driving controllers, a laser driving control panel, a plurality of support posts and a plurality of reflecting mirrors are provided on the exposure motherboard; the laser controlling and launching unit is mounted on the support posts through nuts, in such a manner that the laser controlling and launching unit is installed on the exposure motherboard in a folded form; wherein the lens comprises a light inputting face and a light outputting face, the laser controlling and launching unit comprises three laser generator sets in parallel, the laser generator set comprises an acousto-optical regulator, a light valve, a directing lens, an optical zooming lens, a laser reflecting mirror and a spotting reflecting mirror. |
| US09864262B2 |
Image projection device and image projection method to control an illumination area based on movement of image generating unit
An image projection device includes: an image generating unit that includes an optical modulation element generating an image using light emitted from a light source; an illumination optical unit that includes one or more optical elements guiding the light emitted from the light source to the image generating unit; a projecting unit that projects the image generated by the image generating unit; a first control unit that performs control to move the image generating unit movable with respect to the illumination optical unit; and a second control unit that performs control to move an illumination area indicating an area illuminated with the light guided to the image generating unit by the illumination optical unit according to a movement amount of the image generating unit. |
| US09864259B2 |
Beam projector having a mechanism for compensating movement thereof
Provided is a beam projector including: an image generation unit configured to generate an image light for an image signal; an optical unit configured to enlarge the image light to project toward a screen; a housing provided with the image generation unit; a motion sensor configured to detect movement of the housing; and a compensation driving unit configured to move at least one of the image generation unit and the optical unit so as to countervail the movement. |
| US09864256B2 |
Optical member, display device including the same, and method for manufacturing the same
A display device is provided and has an optical member, the optical member including: a host, a plurality of light conversion particles distributed in the host to convert a wavelength of light generated from a light source, and a protective layer surrounding the host and including plastic. |
| US09864254B2 |
Device for generating a modulation of an optical signal comprising electro-absorption modulators
A device for generating a modulation of an optical signal is provided which has a first electro-absorption modulator including a first P-doped semi-conductor area, a first N-doped semi-conductor area, and a first active portion, along with a second electro-absorption modulator including a second P-doped semi-conductor area in electric contact with the first N-doped semi-conductor area, a second N-doped semi-conductor area, and a second active portion, and a connector for introducing electric modulation. In the device, the connector for introducing electric modulation is in contact with the first N-doped semi-conductor area and the second P-doped semi-conductor area. |
| US09864250B2 |
Post-temperable nanocrystal electrochromic devices
An electrochromic device may include a working electrode that includes a high temperature stable material and nanoparticles of an active core material, a counter electrode, and an electrolyte deposited between the working electrode and the counter electrode. The high temperature stable material may prevent fusing of the nanoparticles of the active core material at temperatures up to 700° C. The high temperature stable material may include tantalum oxide. The high temperature stable material may form a spherical shell or a matrix around the nanoparticles of the active core material. A method of forming an electrochromic device may include depositing a working electrode onto a first substrate, in which the working electrode comprises a high temperature stable material and nanoparticles of an active core material, and heat tempering the working electrode and the first substrate. |
| US09864247B1 |
TFT device with silicon nitride film and manufacturing method thereof
A TFT device of a liquid crystal display and a manufacturing method therefor are provided. The TFT device has: a substrate; a first metal layer formed on the substrate on which a first silicon nitride protective film is deposited; a second metal layer deposited on the first silicon nitride protective film on which a second silicon nitride protective film is deposited; and a conductive film deposited on the second metal layer where the second silicon nitride protective film is etched, and connected with the first metal layer through a contact hole which passes through the first and second silicon nitride protective films, so that the first and second metal layers are connected. Thus, the connecting distance of the conductive film between the different metal layers and the contact resistance between metals are decreased, so as to enhance the product yield rate and the competitive capability of the product. |
| US09864244B2 |
Display apparatus
Provided is a display apparatus, including a substrate including: a pixel electrode; an organic insulating film; a common electrode laminated on the organic insulating film so as to be opposed to the pixel electrode via an insulating layer; a common signal line connected to the common electrode; and a transistor configured to apply, to the pixel electrode, a voltage signal input to a signal line. The pixel electrode is connected to a source electrode of the transistor via a through hole formed through the organic insulating film. The through hole includes, in at least one extending portion formed by retreating the organic insulating film toward an outer side of the through hole, a stepped portion formed by laminating a part of the common signal line. |
| US09864242B2 |
Display device
A display device includes: a display panel including a display area and a non-display area; a at least one pad in the non-display area of the display panel; a driving chip connected to the at least one pad, the driving chip including a driving circuit and at least one bump therein, wherein the at least one bump has an inclined surface facing toward a central portion of the driving chip. |
| US09864241B1 |
Display stack having an optically transparent conductor and polarizing layer
An optically transparent conductive layer for a display stack. In some cases, the optically transparent conductive layer is a metal nanowire layer that is disposed on or near a polarizing layer within the display stack. |
| US09864240B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a fringe field switching (FFS) mode liquid crystal display device that makes it possible to improve transmittance when a voltage is applied. The fringe field switching mode liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes: a first substrate; a second substrate arranged facing the first substrate; and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first substrate includes, in order, a plurality of pixel electrodes, an insulating film covering the plurality of pixel electrodes, and a common electrode that is layered on top of the plurality of pixel electrodes and has a plurality of parallel slits formed therein, wherein steps that protrude towards a liquid crystal layer side are formed in the first substrate in at least sides of regions between the plurality of pixel electrodes that are parallel to a lengthwise direction of the plurality of parallel slits, and wherein the common electrode covers at least side faces of the steps. |
| US09864238B2 |
TFT array substrate, liquid crystal display panel and liquid crystal display device
A TFT array substrate, a liquid crystal display panel and a liquid crystal display device. The TFT array substrate includes: a plurality of pixel units; where each of the pixel units includes a first electrode comprising a V-shaped electrode with an angle; the plurality of pixel units include a first pixel unit and a second pixel unit, and where, the first pixel unit is closer to an edge of the TFT array substrate than the second pixel unit, and an angle of the V-shaped electrode in the first pixel unit is smaller than an angle of the V-shaped electrode in the second pixel unit. |
| US09864235B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention prevents the shaving of an alignment film caused by a columnar spacer in a liquid crystal display device of an IPS method using photo-alignment. A plinth higher than a pixel electrode is formed at a part where a columnar spacer formed over a counter substrate touches a TFT substrate. When an alignment film of a double-layered structure is applied over the pixel electrode and the plinth, the thickness of the alignment film over the plinth reduces by a leveling effect. When photo-alignment is applied in the state, a photodegraded upper alignment film over the plinth disappears and a lower alignment film having a high mechanical strength remains. As a result, it is possible to prevent the shaving of the alignment film. |
| US09864231B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device including the same
A backlight unit includes a bottom cover; a plurality of light sources on the bottom cover; a first support side at an area directly along a first edge of the bottom cover adjacent to a corner of the bottom cover; and a second support side directly adjacent to the first support side and along the first edge of the bottom cover. The first support side includes a first vertical portion, and a first inclined portion connected to a top of the first vertical portion. The second support side includes a second vertical portion, and a second inclined portion connected to a top of the second vertical portion. |
| US09864229B2 |
Color filter panel and liquid crystal display device including the same
A liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate; a thin film transistor disposed on the first substrate; a second substrate opposing the first substrate; a light shielding member disposed on the second substrate, the light shielding member including a first aperture and a second aperture; a color filter disposed in the first aperture; and a height adjustment member disposed in the second aperture. |
| US09864228B2 |
Pixel unit structure and display device
Disclosed is a pixel unit structure and display device, which belongs to the technical field of displays, and alleviates the problem that in the prior arts, a LCS design will reduce the transparency of the liquid crystal display device. The pixel unit structure comprises three different colored sub-pixels, namely a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel, wherein at least one of the three sub-pixels is divided into a primary pixel region and a secondary pixel region, and the green sub-pixel has a one-piece structure. |
| US09864226B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal display device, there is provided a liquid crystal display panel in which a TFT substrate and a counter substrate are bonded together by a sealing material, with a liquid crystal sandwiched between the substrates. Further, a front window with a black border print formed in the periphery is bonded to the liquid crystal display panel by a UV curable resin. The liquid crystal is filled by a drop method. The thickness of the TFT substrate and the counter substrate is reduced to about 0.2 mm by polishing. An inner end of the black border print of the front window is inside an inner end of the sealing material, to prevent the counter substrate of the liquid crystal display panel from being deformed by stress generated in the curing of the UV curable resin, thereby preventing yellow discoloration in the periphery of the display area. |
| US09864220B2 |
Optical sensor attachment structure for image display device
Provided is an optical sensor mounting structure for use in image display device devices that can accurately measure the amount of light from a backlight by measuring leak LED light, without having to modify an image display panel module itself. In an image display device using an image display panel module in which a wire drawing port for drawing a wire from a backlight is formed in a panel sheet metal, an optical sensor mounting structure includes an optical sensor configured to measure leak light from the backlight and a positioning member (intermediate connector) positioning the optical sensor. The optical sensor is disposed near the wire drawing port and measures the leak LED light from the wire drawing port. |
| US09864216B2 |
Optical modulator
An optical modulator includes a substrate having an electro-optic effect, an optical waveguide formed on the substrate, a modulation part which modulates light waves propagating through the optical waveguide, and a light receiving element which detects the light waves propagating through the optical waveguide. As the modulation part, a first modulation part and a second modulation part, which respectively modulate light waves into which input light branches, are provided. As the light receiving element, a light receiving element for the first modulation part and a light receiving element for the second modulation part are provided. The light receiving elements are disposed such that their positions in a light propagation direction are shifted from each other by an amount corresponding to one light receiving element, or more. |
| US09864215B1 |
Substrate-type optical waveguide and substrate-type optical modulator
Provided is a substrate-type optical waveguide, having a phase modulation function, (i) in which a reflection of a signal to be inputted via a coplanar line is restrained and (ii) which consumes less power. In a case where the substrate-type optical waveguide is partitioned into a plurality of sections by cross sections orthogonal to a direction in which light propagates through a core, a local capacitance in each of the plurality of sections gradually increases as a distance from an entrance end surface increases. |
| US09864210B2 |
Elastic eyeglass temple
An elastic eyeglass temple includes: a main body; one or more holes which are formed in one predetermined section or respectively in plural predetermined sections of the main body and which, if plural, can be spaced apart or in communication with one another; and one or more flexible members which correspond in configuration to the hole or respectively to the plural holes, which are fitted in the hole or respectively in the plural holes, and which lie compliantly along the main body, such that the one or more flexible members form a single unit with the main body. Once pivotally connected to the corresponding lateral end of an eyeglass frame, the eyeglass temple can stay elastic and provide an elastic contact with a lateral side of the user's head even after it has been pulled outward repeatedly for some time. |
| US09864198B2 |
Head-mounted display
A head-mounted display includes a mounting unit, a display unit, a sensor unit, and a control unit. The mounting unit is configured to be mountable on a head of a user. The display unit is provided in the mounting unit and capable of providing the user with a field of view of a real space. The sensor unit is provided in a periphery of the display unit, includes a sensor that is capable of detecting a hand of the user that is brought close to or in contact with the sensor due to an action of the user, and performs output based on a detection result of the sensor. The control unit displays an image in the field of view and changes a display state of the image, based on a change in output of the sensor unit. With this configuration, the head-mounted display enables an intuitive operation to be performed using a natural action of the user. |
| US09864196B2 |
Head-up display system with a drive mechanism to move a cover to protect a combiner
A head-up display system includes housing, a combiner to display information in an operating position and a cover to protect the combiner. The combiner moves between the operating position and a storage position. The cover moves between an open position and a closed position to protect the combiner in its storage position with the cover in its closed position. The system includes a drive to move the cover between its open and closed positions. The drive includes a main lever and a support lever that is pivoted with a moving end to the main lever and with a fixed end to the housing. The main lever is pivoted with a cover end to the cover and with a driver end to a rotational drive to drive an essential linear movement of the cover end of the main lever during the movement of the cover between its open and closed positions. |
| US09864194B2 |
Systems and methods for displaying FOV boundaries on HUDs
A visual display system is provided for a vehicle having a windshield. The system includes a controller configured to receive information associated with an operating environment of the vehicle and to generate display commands representing the operating environment; a first operator tracking unit configured to collect data associated with a primary vision field of view of an operator; and a first display system coupled to the controller and configured to receive the display commands. The first display system includes a first display unit configured to display at least a portion of a border representing a boundary of the primary vision field of view of the operator and first symbology representing the operating environment of the vehicle. |
| US09864192B2 |
Image display device, computer program, and image display system
An image display device includes a first inertial sensor, an imaging section, and a calculation section. The calculation section calculates a first spatial relationship between the marker and the imaging section in the case where the imaging section captures an image of a marker presented by a device including a second inertial sensor, and calculates a second spatial relationship between the imaging section and the first inertial sensor based at least on the first spatial relationship, first data and second data, the first data including a first orientation of the first inertial sensor and the second data including a second orientation of the second inertial sensor respectively obtained from the first inertial sensor and the second inertial sensor. |
| US09864191B2 |
Viewer with varifocal lens and video display system
A viewer includes a varifocal lens and a lens controller that adjusts a focal length of the varifocal lens, and can adjust a focal point in accordance with eye movement of the user. When a 3D image viewing detector detects 3D image viewing by the user, a focal length fixing section instructs a lens controller to fix a focal length of the varifocal lens irrespective of eye movement of the user. |
| US09864190B2 |
Confocal microscope, system and method therefor
Aspects of the present invention are directed to apparatuses, arrangements, systems and methods for collecting information using one or more modalities. As consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes first and second scanning mirror arrangements having different scanning axes and respectively facing different directions. The first scanning mirror arrangement directs source light and image light in two paths, and the second scanning mirror arrangement directs image light from a target to the first scanning mirror arrangement. The first and second scanning mirror arrangements cooperatively scan source light from the first scanning mirror and via the second scanning mirror to target locations with at least two degrees of freedom, and direct image light from the target locations. |
| US09864188B2 |
Operation/margin enhancement feature for surface-MEMS structure; sculpting raised address electrode
A method of forming a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) pixel, such as a DMD type pixel, by forming a substrate having a non-planar upper surface, and depositing a photoresist spacer layer upon the substrate. The spacer layer is exposed to a grey-scale lithographic mask to shape an upper surface of the spacer layer. A control member is formed upon the planarized spacer layer, and an image member is formed over the control member. The image member is configured to be positioned as a function of the control member to form a spatial light modulator (SLM). The spacer layer is planarized by masking a selected portion of the spacer layer with a grey-scale lithographic mask to remove binge in the selected portion. |
| US09864187B2 |
Micromechanical structure with biaxial actuation and corresponding MEMS device
A reflector micromechanical structure includes a frame with a window. The frame is elastically connected to an anchorage structure by first elastic elements. An actuation structure operatively coupled to the frame is configured to generate a first actuation movement of the frame about a first actuation axis. A mobile mass is positioned within the window and elastically coupled to the frame by second elastic elements. A mass distribution is associated to the mobile mass such as to generate, by an inertial effect in response to the first actuation movement, a second actuation movement of rotation of the mobile mass about a second actuation axis. |
| US09864179B2 |
Iris recognition lens system
An iris recognition lens system including a first lens and a second lens disposed on an optical axis and sequentially from an object to take an image of an iris and a pupil. A front part of the first lens includes a reflecting area in a central portion and a transmitting area in a circumferential portion. A rear part of the first lens includes a concave transmitting area in a central portion and a reflecting area in a circumferential portion. The second lens is disposed at a rear of the transmitting area in the central portion of the rear part of the first lens. A plurality of reflecting areas and a plurality of transmitting areas are provided in a single lens in order to reduce the length of the lens and increase a focal length, thereby reducing the length of the entire iris recognition lens system. |
| US09864176B2 |
Zoom lens having wide-angle and telephoto modes and photographing apparatus including the same
A zoom lens including a first lens group having a positive refractive power; a second lens group having a negative refractive power; a third lens group having a positive refractive power; a fourth lens group having a negative refractive power; and a fifth lens group having a positive refractive power. The first through fifth lens groups are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side of the zoom lens, and the first lens group includes a doublet lens and a lens having a positive refractive power. The second lens group includes a first sub-lens group having a negative refractive power and a second sub-lens group having a negative refractive power that is arranged to perform a focusing function. Each of the lens groups is arranged to move when the zoom lens is zoomed. |
| US09864175B2 |
Lens for projection, and image display device
A lens for projection which is used in an image display device which includes an image display element and projects and displays an image displayed on an image display surface of the image display element as a projection image on a projected surface in an enlarged manner, the lens for projection including in order from an enlargement side to a reduction side, a first lens group which is constituted of at least eight lenses and has a positive refractive power; an aperture; and a second lens group which is constituted of less than or equal to four lenses and has a positive refractive power, wherein the first lens group includes one or more aspherical lenses, and the one or at least one aspherical lens included in the first lens group has a largest thickness at a most peripheral portion of the lens. |
| US09864174B2 |
System comprising a spectrally selective detector
Optical systems based on an objective lens comprising one or more plastic lens elements are disclosed. The inclusion of plastic lens element reduces one or more of system cost, size, weight, and/or complexity. The chromatic performance of some imaging systems in accordance with the present invention is improved by incorporation of a diffractive surface into the entry surface of the objective lens. |
| US09864170B2 |
Miniature image pickup lens
A miniature image pickup lens includes a first lens, a second lens, an aperture, a third lens, a fourth lens, and a fifth lens arranged in sequence along an optical axis from an object side to an image side. The first lens is a negative meniscus lens with a convex surface towards the object side and a concave surface towards the image side. The second lens is a positive lens with a convex surface towards the object side. The third lens is a positive biconvex lens, and the fourth lens is a negative biconcave lens. The fifth lens has a convex surface towards the object side. |
| US09864168B2 |
Near-infrared lens for cameras in mobile devices
A first optical imaging system includes, in order from the object side to the image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, and a third lens element, arranged along an optical axis. A second optical imaging system includes, in order from the object side to the image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, and a fourth lens element, arranged along an optical axis. A third optical imaging system is a telecentric lens system having only lens elements having a refractive power and a chief ray angle smaller than 1 degree. The lens elements of the optical imaging systems may be made of the same material having absorption in visible wavelengths and high transmission in near infrared radiation. The lens elements may be coated with an antireflective coating that is optimized for near infrared radiation. |
| US09864165B2 |
Imaging lens system, image capturing device and electronic device
This disclosure provides an imaging lens system including, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens element with positive refractive power having an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof; a second lens element with negative refractive power; a third lens element with refractive power, wherein an object-side surface and an image-side surface thereof are aspheric; a fourth lens element with refractive power, wherein an object-side surface and an image-side surface thereof are aspheric; and a fifth lens element with negative refractive power having an object-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof and an image-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof, which are both aspheric. The imaging lens system is further provided with an aperture stop, and there is no lens element with refractive power disposed between the aperture stop and the first lens element. |
| US09864164B2 |
Optical deflector, method for mirror finishing of mirror by cutting, and light detection and ranging device
An optical deflector includes a mirror rotatable around a rotating shaft of the optical deflector, the mirror including a base made of metal and a reflective surface, the reflective surface being parallel to an axial direction of the rotating shaft of the mirror. The mirror has a length that is twice a length from a center of the rotating shaft to the reflective surface, which is shorter than a length of the reflective surface in the direction of the rotating shaft. |
| US09864161B2 |
Lens barrel and optical apparatus having the same
A lens barrel includes an optical element, a barrel body configured to hold the optical element, the barrel body including a female thread, a presser including a male thread fastened to the female part and contacting the optical element, and an elastic member held by the presser, wherein in a fastening state in which the male thread is fastened to the female thread, both the presser and the elastic member contact the optical element, and the elastic member applies a force in a direction of fixing the optical element onto the barrel body. |
| US09864157B2 |
Fiber optic closure
A fiber optic communications arrangement includes a closure with an interior volume; the closure including at least one cable through-port in communication with the interior volume; and an expansion component attached to an exterior portion of the closure and having an interior region in communication with the closure interior volume. The expansion component includes ruggedized fiber optic adapters mounted thereto. Each of the ruggedized fiber optic adapters includes at least one connector port for receiving ruggedized fiber optic connectors. |
| US09864154B1 |
Field replaceable modular optical interconnect unit with optical module for datacenter switch system
Apparatuses, systems, and methods of assembly are described that provide mechanisms for integrating an optical module (e.g., an MBOM) into a main switch system to allow the optical module to be replaced without having to replace other components of the main switch system. The field replaceable modular optical interconnect unit includes a housing, a printed circuit board assembly supported within the housing, an optical module supported on the printed circuit board assembly that converts between optical signals and electrical signals for transmitting or receiving optical signals through a fiber optic cable, a board-to-board connector on a rear panel of the housing that enables electrical signals to be transmitted between the printed circuit board assembly and a main switch system box, and an external connector on a front panel of the housing that can engage an external optical fiber for transmitting optical signals between the optical module and an external component. |
| US09864149B1 |
Cleaning nozzle, apparatus, nozzle assembly, and methods for optical fiber connectors
The cleaning nozzle is used for cleaning an optical fiber connector using a cleaning fluid. The optical fiber connector includes a connector housing. A ferrule is supported within the interior of the connector housing. The nozzle has inner and outer housing members that respectively define an inner channel and an outer channel. The inner channel is sized to accommodate a front-end section of the ferrule. The inner and outer channels are in fluid communication through the interior of the connector housing when the front-end section of the ferrule resides within the inner channel. The nozzle assembly includes the nozzle and the optical fiber connector. Methods of cleaning the interior of the optical fiber connector as well as the ferrule end face, the optical fiber end face and the ferrule outer surface are also disclosed. |
| US09864148B1 |
Optical arrangement for suppressing outerband crosstalk in a wavelength selective switch
An optical device includes at least three optical ports. An optical arrangement arranges an optical beam received from any of the optical ports into a first polarization state. A dispersion element spatially separates the optical beam into a plurality of wavelength components. An optical power element converges each wavelength component in at least one direction. A programmable optical phase modulator steers the wavelength components through the optical arrangement, the dispersion element and the focusing element to a selected optical output. The programmable optical phase modulator includes an active area that performs the steering and a non-active area surrounding the active area. A polarizing arrangement located in an optical path between at least one of the optical ports and at least a portion of the non-active area of the programmable optical phase modulator is configured to arrange optical energy into a second polarization state orthogonal to the first polarization state. |
| US09864147B2 |
Optical modulator module
An optical modulator module includes: a semiconductor modulator that includes a plurality of output waveguides; a first cylindrical lens that has a longitudinal direction in a direction in which the plurality of output waveguides are aligned, and through which lights output from the plurality of output waveguides penetrate; and a plurality of second cylindrical lenses each having a longitudinal direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the first cylindrical lens and allowing a corresponding light of the lights output from the plurality of output waveguides to penetrate therethrough. |
| US09864145B2 |
Multiplexer/demultiplexer using stamped optical bench with micro mirrors
A Mux/Demux subassembly includes a stamped optical bench, which includes an array of stamped reflective surfaces for redirecting optical signals. Alignment features and components of the Mux/Demux subassembly are integrally formed on a stamped optical bench, defining a desired optical path with optical alignment at tight tolerances. The optical bench is formed by stamping a malleable stock material (e.g., a metal stock), to form precise geometries and features of the optical bench. |
| US09864144B2 |
Multi-path interferometeric sensor
A multi-path interferometric sensor for sensing small changes in the refractive index of sensing arms thereof, such as caused by the presence of an analyte or changes in analyte concentration, is disclosed. The sensor includes a single light source, a single detector, and a plurality of interferometers or a single multi-path interferometer. The various sensing branches within the multi-path interferometric sensor each include a delay having a different length. This results in a different modulation frequency for each interferometer, each of carriers include phase information that correlates to a change in refractive index and, ultimately, analyte concentration. The plural carrier frequencies enable simultaneous detection of multiple samples. |
| US09864143B2 |
Directional coupling-type multi-drop bus
The invention relates to a directional coupling-type multi-drop bus of which the impedance is matched with the bus at the time of coupling so that the speed is increased. A directional coupler is formed when a second module provided with a second coupler end is mounted on a first module provided with a first coupler end, and as a result, the coupling impedance where the proximity effects in the coupling state of the directional coupler are reflected is matched with the impedance of the bus. |
| US09864142B2 |
Light guiding device, manufacturing method, and LD module
A double mirror (Mi) of a light-guiding device of the present invention is made of (i) a first mirror (Mi1) that is mounted on a top surface of a base plate (B) and has a reflective surface (S1) entering an input beam reflected by the reflective surface (S1) and (ii) a second mirror (Mi2) that is mounted on a top surface of the first mirror (Mi1) and is a prism having a reflective surface (S2) reflecting the input beam that has been reflected by the reflective surface (S1), the input beam reflected by the reflective surface (S2) being totally reflected inside the prism. |
| US09864139B1 |
Uniform laser direct writing for waveguides
A waveguide includes a segment with a substantially uniform cure profile and related methods and systems for making and using the same. The waveguide is formed by modifying a laser beam used to write the waveguide to provide a substantially uniform cure profile in the waveguide. A marker characteristic of laser writing may be present in the waveguide. A method or system modifies an intensity profile or a shape profile of a laser beam to proactively compensate for exposure convolution based on the characteristics of the laser beam spot profile. A convolution compensator is positioned in the path of the laser beam to modify the beam spot profile during writing to form the one or more segments of the waveguide in a photo-curable layer. |
| US09864137B2 |
Optical waveguide element, optical waveguide device, and method for arranging optical waveguide
An optical waveguide element according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes a first optical waveguide configured by combining a plurality of first element waveguides; and a second optical waveguide configured by combining a plurality of second element waveguides each of which having the same structure as the plurality of first element waveguides. |
| US09864129B2 |
Backlight unit
Disclosed is a backlight unit. The backlight unit includes a light source, and a cover bottom internally accommodating the light source. Here, the cover bottom is divided into n-numbered (n>1) sub-cover bottoms, and a coupling unit for mutually fixing and coupling the divided cover bottoms is formed at ends of each of the cover bottoms facing each other. |
| US09864128B2 |
Light guide body, light emitting apparatus, and amusement machine
A light guide body configured to guide light from a light source that enters the light guide body has a light exit surface having at least one light emitting region from which light from the light source is emitted, and a plurality of reflection patterns arranged in a reflection region of a counter surface facing the light exit surface. The reflection region is a region corresponding to the at least one light emitting region. The reflection region has at least a first reflection region that reflects light in a first direction, and a second reflection region that reflects light in a second direction differing from the first direction. |
| US09864122B2 |
Diffusing of direct backlight for a display panel
A rear illuminated light guide for an LCD screen with in-coupling gratings to receive backlight from an input surface and to spread received backlight laterally within the light guide. Out-coupling gratings receive laterally spread backlight and output at least some of the received laterally spread backlight through an output surface that is opposite to the input surface and towards the LCD screen. The input and output gratings have lateral offset. |
| US09864120B2 |
Patterned marking of multilayer optical film by thermal conduction
A multilayer optical film (130) has a packet of microlayers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic. At least some of the microlayers are birefringent. A stabilizing layer attaches to and covers the microlayer packet proximate an outer exposed surface of the film Heating elements (122) can physically contact the film to deliver heat to the packet through the stabilizing layer by thermal conduction, at altered regions of the film, such that the first reflective characteristic changes to an altered reflective characteristic in the altered regions to pattern the film The stabilizing layer provides sufficient heat conduction to allow heat from the heating elements to change (e.g. reduce) the birefringence of the birefringent microlayers disposed near the outer exposed surface in the altered regions, while providing sufficient mechanical support to avoid substantial layer distortion of the microlayers near the outer exposed surface in the altered regions. |
| US09864116B2 |
Electronic devices having infrared-transparent window coatings
An electronic device may have a display with a cover layer. A light-based component such as an infrared-light proximity sensor or other infrared-light-based component may be aligned with a window in the display cover layer. The window may block visible light and transmit infrared light. A coating in the window may include a thin-film filter formed from a stack of inorganic dielectric layers. The thin-film filter may block visible light and transmit infrared light. The coating may also include at least one layer of material such as a semiconductor material that absorbs visible light and that passes infrared light. This material may be interposed between the thin-film filter and the display cover layer. Antireflection properties and color adjustment properties may be provided using thin-film layers between the thin-film filter and the display cover layer. |
| US09864113B2 |
Method for manufacturing holographic blazed grating
A method for fabricating a holographic blazed grating is provided. The method includes: coating a photoresist layer on a substrate; performing lithography on the photoresist layer to form a photoresist grating; performing vertical ion beam etching on the substrate by using the photoresist grating as a mask, to form a homogeneous grating by transferring a pattern of the photoresist grating onto the substrate; cleaning the substrate to remove remaining photoresist; performing tilted Ar ion beam scanning etching on the substrate by using the homogeneous grating as a mask, and etching different portions of the substrate by utilizing a obscuring effect of the homogeneous grating mask on the ion beam, to form a triangular groove shape of the blazed grating; and cleaning the substrate to obtain the holographic blazed grating. |
| US09864111B2 |
Optical element and optical device
An optical element of an embodiment includes an optical element made of a material transparent to light, the optical element including: a back surface facing the front surface; and a connection surface. The front surface includes a recessed surface in a region facing the connection surface. The recessed surface has a point closest to the connection surface as a closest point, and has a first singular point other than the closest point. |
| US09864110B2 |
Light diffuser and use thereof
A light diffuser and its use are provided, which not only reduces a color change in a source light when the light diffuser is disposed on an optical path of a light source, but also has a good light transmission property and a good light diffusion property. The light diffuser contains a thermoplastic resin and transparent particles added thereto. The total light transmittance of the light diffuser is 75% or more. The degree of dispersion of the light diffuser is 2° or more, the degree of dispersion being defined as a transmission angle at which a light transmittance is 50% of a rectilinear light transmittance when light is emitted to a surface of the light diffuser in a direction normal to the surface. The difference between the rectilinear light transmittance at 460 nm and the rectilinear light transmittance at 580 nm of the light diffuser is 0.96% or less. |
| US09864107B2 |
Optical element with antireflection function and optical apparatus including the same
An optical element having antireflection function includes a substrate including a first relief structure, which includes a plurality of convexes and a plurality of concaves arrayed with a pitch of at most a half of a wavelength λ. A thin film layer including at least one thin film on the first relief structure. The at least one thin film each has a refractive index lower than a refractive index of the substrate. The optical element satisfies the following conditional expression: 1/4 ≦h1/h0≦2 and 1/5 λ≦D≦2λ, where h0 represents a first height difference between a top and a bottom of the first relief structure in a normal direction of a bottom plane of the first relief structure, h1 represents a second height difference between a top and a bottom of the second relief structure in the normal direction, D represents a maximum thickness of the thin film layer, and the wavelength λ is 550 nm. |
| US09864104B2 |
Blend prepared by mixing a prepolymer and a vinyl monomer and a polymer sheet obtained therefrom
Disclosed is a blend prepared by mixing a prepolymer and a vinyl monomer, wherein the prepolymer is prepared by a condensation reaction between a first compound represented by the formula Ar—H, where Ar comprises (a) a crosslinkable moiety at one end, (b) a moiety selected from the group consisting of —O—, —S—, —COO—, —CO—, —COS—, —SO2—, and —NH—, and (c) one or two repeating units selected from the group consisting of: where A is carbon or nitrogen, and X is hydrogen or halogen; and a second compound consisting of an aromatic moiety. Additionally disclosed is a polymer sheet that is a crosslinked product composed of the blend. |
| US09864103B2 |
Phosphine-containing hydrogel contact lenses
Hydrogel contact lenses that are derived from a polymerizable composition including at least one hydrophilic monomer and at least one phosphine-containing component are described. The hydrogel of the contact lenses can be a silicone hydrogel or a non-silicone hydrogel. Use of polymerizable compositions comprising a phosphine-containing component can be cured under both inert and air atmospheres, and can be used to form hydrogel contact lenses having improved shape retention properties, having improved resistance to discoloration. Batches of hydrogel contact lenses and methods of making hydrogel contact lenses are also described. |
| US09864102B2 |
Hydrophobic acrylate-acrylamide copolymers for ophthalmic devices
Acrylate-acrylamide copolymers are disclosed. They are rigid and glassy in dry state at room temperature (from about 23° C. to about 28° C.), but are soft and very deformable and have a high refractive index, a high glistening resistance and a low aging-related surface light scattering in fully hydrated state. They are particularly suitable for making wet-packed intraocular lenses (IOLs) which can be delivered through sub 2.0 mm incisions. |
| US09864100B1 |
Metafilm coating having omni-directional bending of electromagnetic waves to the normal direction
A metafilm coating having omni-directional bending of electromagnetic waves to the normal direction includes at least one medium having an effective relative permittivity of epsilon-near-zero, ∈. The real component of the effective relative permittivity along the z-axis, (∈z), perpendicular to the x-y plane, of the at medium, is about zero. At least one receptor is associated with the medium. |
| US09864098B2 |
Method and system of interactive drill center and well planning evaluation and optimization
A method, including: identifying a well target or reservoir segment; defining a dynamic surface grid, the dynamic surface grid being a representation of a ground surface, sea-level, or subsea surface above a reservoir upon which a drill center is locatable, and the dynamic surface grid including a plurality of cells that define potential locations for the drill center; assigning, to each of the plurality of cells of the dynamic surface grid, a value of a drilling or geologic attribute that defines a quality of a drill center position relative to the well target or reservoir segment; and selecting, based on a value of the drilling or geologic attribute, a location for the drill center corresponding to a location represented on the dynamic surface grid. |
| US09864096B2 |
Bag abnormality detection device and bag abnormality detection method
A bag abnormality detection device includes a synchronous sensor, a first bag detection sensor, a second bag detection sensor and a controller. When the synchronous sensor detects a change, at a first detection point, from a state in which the bag is absent to a state in which the bag is present and the detection result of the first bag detection sensor indicates that the bag does not exist at a second detection point, the controller recognizes that the bag has an abnormality. When the synchronous sensor detects a change, at the first detection point, from a state in which the bag is present to a state in which the bag is absent and the detection result of the second bag detection sensor indicates that the bag does not exist at a third detection point, the controller recognizes that the bag has an abnormality. |
| US09864093B2 |
Optical detection apparatus
An optical detection apparatus is configured to transmit pulses into a detection zone after one another in different directions which follow one another in a scanning direction over a scanning angle, to receive the radiation of the transmitted pulses returning from the detection zone, to generate a received signal with respect to each transmitted pulse, said received signal depending on the variation with time of the returning radiation of the transmitted pulse, and to average the received signals of a group of transmitted pulses to generate an averaged received signal. The angular extent relating to the scanning angle of at least one transmitted pulse of the group at a spacing from the detection apparatus disposed within the detection zone is at most 25 times the size of the angular spacing relating to the scanning angle between two transmitted pulses of the group directly adjacent one another in the scanning direction. |
| US09864089B2 |
Detector with telescoping support pole and foldable arm support
A detector with a telescoping support tube wherein a measuring probe is arranged at a front of a forward tube element and an electronics unit with a battery compartment, a handle element and axially offset rearward therefrom a U-shaped arm shell with two arm support bars are arranged at a rear tube element, wherein the arm support bars are pivotable relative to the rear tube element. The arm shell is axially moveable relative to the handle element and includes two arm shell elements which are laterally arranged at a support slide and pivotably moveable in a transversal direction of the support tube. The support slide is supported axially moveable by a support rail. According to the invention it is provided that the support slide is fixateable in a disengageable manner at the support rail at various locations through the arm shell elements. |
| US09864087B2 |
Circuit, transmission system and method for determining proximity of an object
A circuit includes a sensing circuit for a first antenna and a second antenna, the sensing circuit including an adjustable characteristic that is based on a proximity of an object to the first or second antenna used to transmit a transmit signal. An evaluation circuit is coupled to the sensing circuit. The evaluation circuit is configured to monitor the characteristic of the sensing circuit and to determine whether the characteristic fulfills a predetermined criterion. |
| US09864084B2 |
Coherent noise attenuation method
Computing device, computer instructions and method for denoising input seismic data d. The method includes receiving the input seismic data d recorded in a first domain by seismic receivers, wherein the input seismic data d includes pure seismic data ss relating to an exploration source and coherent noise data n generated by a man-made device; generating a model m in a second domain to describe the input seismic data d; and processing the model m to obtain an output seismic dataset d′ indicative of seismic data substantially free of the coherent noise data n generated by the man-made device. |
| US09864082B2 |
Fourier finite-difference migration for three dimensional tilted transverse isotropic media
A method for migrating three dimensional seismic data in tilted transversely isotropic media (“TTI”) is based on generating numerical solutions to an exact relationship for a three dimensional dispersion relationship of seismic energy traveling through TTI media. The numerical solutions use selected input values of polar angle and azimuth angle of a transverse isotropic axis of symmetry, and selected values of Thomsen anisotropic parameters to generate tables of numerical values. Based on the tables of numerical values, optimized coefficients for a finite-difference relationship are estimated along multiple splitting directions. The seismic data are then migrated using a three dimensional Fourier finite difference extrapolation algorithm. |
| US09864080B2 |
Gas spring compensation marine acoustic vibrator
Embodiments related to restriction of gas flow in a marine acoustic vibrator to compensate for gas spring effects. An embodiment provides a marine acoustic vibrator, comprising: an outer shell; and a variable gas flow restrictor disposed within the outer shell; wherein the marine acoustic vibrator has a resonance frequency selectable based at least in part on the variable gas flow restrictor. |
| US09864077B2 |
Boron containing organic/hybrid scintillation materials for gamma and neutron detection
The invention is directed to a method for making a boron containing compound, a method for making a plastic scintillator and a method for forming a neutron detecting material, and the materials made therein. Methods of use are also disclosed. |
| US09864075B2 |
Integrated reciprocal space mapping for simultaneous lattice parameter refinement using a two-dimensional X-ray detector
A method for performing an X-ray diffraction analysis of a crystal sample using a multi-dimensional detector that integrates an X-ray diffraction signal while the position of the sample relative to an X-ray source is changed along a scan direction. The resulting image is compressed along the scan direction, but may be collected very quickly. The capture of both on-axis and off-axis reflections in a single image provides a common spatial frame of reference for comparing the reflections. This may be used in the construction of a reciprocal space map, and is useful for analyzing a sample with multiple crystal layers, such as a crystal substrate with a crystalline film deposited thereupon. |
| US09864072B2 |
Apparatus, method and system for sparse detector
An apparatus, system, and method involving one or more sparse detectors are provided. A sparse detector may include an array of scintillator crystals generating scintillation in response to radiation and an array of photodetectors generating an electrical signal in response to the scintillation. A portion of the scintillator crystals may be spaced apart by substituents or gaps. The distribution of the substitutes or gaps may be according to a sparsity rule. At least a portion of the array of photodetectors may be coupled to the array of scintillator crystals. An imaging system including an apparatus that may include one or more sparse detectors is provided. The imaging system may include a processor to process the imaging data acquired by the apparatus or system including the one or more sparse detectors. The method may include preprocess the acquired image data and produce images by image reconstruction. |
| US09864069B2 |
Switching frequency extended range geiger detection system and method
A Geiger-Mueller charge particle rate measurement system includes a clock management unit in combination with multiple oscillators and rate feedback controller to allow for reactive switching between the different oscillator frequencies to optimize system use. Controlling the clock management unit to send the appropriate frequency (clock signal) to the timers in response to measured rate date from the rate feedback controller facilitates operation at different clock speeds, which helps reduce power consumption when operated at lower speeds. |
| US09864068B2 |
Circuit, photon detector, and radiation analyzer
According to an embodiment, a circuit includes a shunt and a controller. The shunt shunts input current into a plurality of current paths. The controller controls a gain of current inputted to the shunt by combining the current that is shunted into the current paths by the shunt in combination corresponding to a first signal from the outside or changing a shunt ratio with which the shunt shunts the current into the current paths corresponding to the first signal. |
| US09864067B2 |
Method for determining a current position of a motor vehicle in a geodetic coordinate system and motor vehicle
Method for determining a current position (5) of a motor vehicle (6) in a geodetic coordinate system from a time series of first geodetic position data (2) recorded particularly by a position sensor (8) associated with a global navigation satellite system, and proper motion data (3) recorded by at least one proper motion sensor (9), wherein the position is determined by applying a transformation into the geodetic coordinate system to the displacement vector of the motor vehicle (6), which is derived from the most current proper motion data (3) starting from a reference time to which the transformation relates, wherein the transformation is determined in the context of a regression analysis as optimal mapping of a progression of displacement vectors determined over a defined time period onto a progression of the position data (2) determined for the same time period. |
| US09864066B2 |
Portable biometric monitoring devices having location sensors
Assisted-GPS for a portable biometric monitoring device is provided. The portable biometric monitoring device may obtain updated ephemeris data from an associated secondary device via a short-range, low-power communication protocol. The secondary device may be a computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Various rules may control when the ephemeris data is updated. The ephemeris data may be used in the calculation of the global position of the portable biometric monitoring device. Additionally, the portable biometric monitoring device may communicate downloaded position fixing data to the associated secondary device. The associated secondary device may then calculate the global position from the position fixing data. |
| US09864065B2 |
Cross correlation detection in a satellite navigation receiver
A method and a system for detecting cross correlation in a satellite navigation receiver (SNR) in real time are provided. The SNR parallelly receives navigation signals from multiple satellites via multiple input channels. The SNR extracts ephemeris data from sub-frames of navigation data of each of the navigation signals. The SNR compares the ephemeris data of each navigation signal with the ephemeris data of another navigation signal. The SNR detects cross correlation between the navigation signals when the ephemeris data comparison results in a match and discards the navigation signal with low signal strength. The SNR also retrieves a ranging code from the sub-frames of navigation data of each navigation signal. The SNR compares the ranging code with a pre-programmed satellite identity code of a corresponding satellite. The SNR detects cross correlation when the code comparison results in a mismatch and discards the navigation signal with the mismatched ranging code. |
| US09864060B2 |
Chirped coherent laser radar system and method
A laser radar system using collocated laser beams to unambiguously detects a range of a target and a range rate at which the target is moving relative to the laser radar system. Another aspect of various embodiments of the invention may relate to a laser radar system that uses multiple laser radar sections to obtain multiple simultaneous measurements (or substantially so), whereby both range and range rate can be determined without various temporal effects introduced by systems employing single laser sections taking sequential measurements. In addition, other aspects of various embodiments of the invention may enable faster determination of the range and rate of the target, a more accurate determination of the range and rate of the target, and/or may provide other advantages. |
| US09864057B2 |
Ultrasonic object detection device
An ultrasonic object detection device includes: a first echo prolongation determination unit that sequentially determines whether a measured echo time of an ultrasonic sensor is prolonged from a reference echo time; a second echo prolongation determination unit that determines whether an addition echo time is prolonged from the reference echo time when the measured echo time is not prolonged from the reference echo time, and the ultrasonic sensor detects a reflected wave, the addition echo time being obtained by adding, to the measured echo time, a time from termination of an echo to termination of a first reflected wave; and a short distance object detection unit that determines that an object is disposed within a short distance so as to receive the reflected wave while the echo is not terminated when one of the measured echo time or addition echo time is prolonged from the reference echo time. |
| US09864055B1 |
Weather radar system and method for detecting a high altitude crystal cloud condition
The hazard warning system that included processing system for detecting a high altitude ice crystal (HAIC) or HAIC cloud (HAIC2) condition. The aircraft warning system can use an inferred detected process or a non-inferred detection process. Warnings of high altitude ice crystal conditions can allow an aircraft to avoid threats posed by HAIC or HAIC2 conditions including damage to aircraft equipment and engines. |
| US09864051B2 |
Method of estimating a local plot density in a radar system; a plot density estimator and a radar system with a plot density estimator
A method of estimating a local plot density in a radar system observing an observation volume, the radar system configured to generate plots with plot attributes, by establishing a non-empty set of M-dimensional basis functions and corresponding coefficients, and repeatedly updating at least one coefficient based on at least one plot as obtained from the radar system, adjusting the basis functions and corresponding coefficients to represent a number of plots in a predetermined adjusting interval, and estimating the local plot density at a given point in the observation volume. |
| US09864050B2 |
Systems and methods for interaction with thermal detectors
A system for interacting with a thermal detector includes at least one unmanned aerial vehicle and a sensor mounted to the at least one unmanned aerial vehicle. The sensor is configured to determine the presence of a component of the thermal detector and to generate a signal indicative of the presence of the component. The system also includes a beam emitter mounted to the at least one unmanned vehicle and in communication with the sensor. The beam emitter includes a beam source configured to direct a beam of thermal radiation to the thermal detector in response to the signal from the sensor. |
| US09864048B2 |
Gated time of flight camera
A GT-TOF camera that illuminates a scene with a train of light pulses to determine amounts of light reflected from the transmitted light pulses by features in a scene for each of N different exposure periods and determines a distance to a feature in the scene responsive to a direction in an N-dimensional space of an N-dimensional vector defined by the amounts of reflected light determined for the feature for the N gates. |
| US09864047B2 |
Scanning optoelectronic detection device having a detection threshold, motor vehicle and corresponding method
The invention relates to a scanning optoelectronic detection device (7), in particular laser scanner, for a motor vehicle, comprising an optical emitter for emitting electromagnetic beams, comprising an optical receiver (10) for receiving beams (9) reflected at a target object in surroundings of the motor vehicle and for providing an electrical reception signal (19) depending on the received beams (9), and comprising an evaluation device (25) for detecting the target object depending on the electrical reception signal (19), wherein the emitter is designed to emit a respective emission beam for a multiplicity of different scanning angles within an entire scanning angle range, and wherein the evaluation device (25) is designed, for each scanning angle, to compare the reception signal (19) with a detection threshold and to detect the target object depending on the comparison, wherein the detection threshold is an angle-dependent threshold value function which has mutually different threshold values for the reception signal (19) for at least two different scanning angles of the emitter. |
| US09864042B2 |
Optimizing storage and usage of angle-of-arrival heatmaps
Heatmap data, such as Angle-of-Arrival heatmap data, is generated and stored for a plurality of antennas of wireless communication device. A centroid of the plurality of antennas is determined. A heatmap is computed for the centroid for a measured parameter across a plurality of bins at coordinates within a region of interest. Heatmap data for the centroid is stored. For a given one of the plurality of antennas, a difference is computed between a heatmap for the given antenna and the heatmap for the centroid. The difference data representing the difference is stored for the given antenna. |
| US09864038B2 |
Hall electromotive force compensation device and hall electromotive force compensation method
A Hall resistance measurement unit measures a Hall resistance value in two or more current directions between a plurality of terminals of the Hall element. A Hall electromotive force measurement unit measures the Hall electromotive force of the Hall element. A temperature measurement unit measures an operating temperature of the Hall element. A compensation signal generation unit compensates the Hall electromotive force on the basis of the Hall resistance value from the Hall resistance measurement unit and a temperature output value from the temperature measurement unit. A compensation coefficient calculation circuit calculates a compensation coefficient on the basis of the Hall resistance value measured by the Hall resistance measurement unit and the temperature output value measured by the temperature measurement unit. The compensation coefficient includes a mechanical stress compensation coefficient and a temperature compensation coefficient. |
| US09864033B1 |
Free induction decay based magnetic resonance imaging methods
A pure phase encode measurement method where the FID signal is encoded by a brief pure phase encode magnetic field gradient pulse. Data collection occurs once the gradient is turned off. Multiple free induction decay points acquired are identically encoded such that a full k space data set is acquired for each FID point. Fourier transformation of these data sets generates one, two or three dimensional images with consistent fields of view. The image series which results may be fit to a T2* decay function and the T2* magnetic resonance (“MR”) lifetime mapped. Fluid content (proton density) images may also be generated by this simple fitting procedure. |
| US09864032B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging system
A magnetic resonance imaging system to be used over a target area of a subject includes first and second RF coils for receiving an RF signal from the subject. The first RF coil is fixed to a position device and movable over the target area of subject. The second RF coil is larger than the first RF coil and has a larger field of view than the first RF coil. The system further includes an image processing device programmed to process RF signals coupled from the first RF coil and the second RF coil to form an MRI image. |
| US09864024B2 |
Reduction of coupling effects between coil elements of a magnetic resonance coil arrangement
A magnetic resonance coil arrangement for a magnetic resonance device includes at least two coil elements that may be read and/or controlled via an amplifier, and a matching circuit for power and/or noise matching between the at least two coil elements and the amplifier. Components of the matching circuit are dimensioned for wideband matching to a frequency band. The frequency band is limited by outermost relevant coupling modes that are displaced from the resonant frequency. The coupling modes occur due to the interaction of a coil element with at least one adjacent coil element. |
| US09864022B2 |
Superconducting magnet device and magnetic resonance imaging device
The present invention is to provide a structure that can effectively reduce quench in an open superconducting magnet. In order to do so, a pair of superconducting magnets is respectively provided with a primary coil, a shield coil to suppress a leakage magnetic field of the primary coil, and a coil bobbin. The coil bobbin has a cylindrical part on which the primary coil is wound, a ring-shaped end plate on which the inner periphery part is fixed to an end of the imaging space side of the cylindrical part, and a support member preventing the outer periphery part of the ring-shaped end plate from being displaced on the imaging space side. Hence, deformation of the end plate is suppressed to prevent deformation of the primary coil. This can reduce quench caused by the deformation of the primary coil. |
| US09864017B2 |
Performance deterioration detecting apparatus and performance deterioration detecting method for energy storage device, and energy storage system
A performance deterioration detecting apparatus configured to detect a performance deterioration start state of an energy storage device. The performance deterioration start state is an initial state of deterioration in performance of the energy storage device. The apparatus includes a performance deterioration determiner configured to determine that the energy storage device is in the performance deterioration start state based on a displacement of peak position in a capacity-voltage property of the energy storage device with time. The capacity-voltage property indicates a relation between a capacity variation amount (dQ/dV) and a voltage (V). |
| US09864015B2 |
Scheme applied into electronic device and capable of measuring resistance parameter(s) associated with battery cell
A method applied into an electronic device and capable of measuring at least one resistance parameter includes: launching a program/application on the electronic device; and using the program/application to measure the at least one resistance parameter that is at least associated with a battery cell connected to and used for providing power to the electronic device. |
| US09864014B2 |
System and method for assessing voltage threshold detecting circuitry within a battery pack
Systems and methods for assessing voltage threshold detection circuitry of individual battery cells within a battery pack supplying power to a vehicle are disclosed. One example system comprises, a plurality of battery cells within a battery pack, a plurality of voltage threshold detecting circuits detecting voltage of the plurality of battery cells, a voltage of a first battery cell of the plurality of battery cells coupled to a first voltage threshold detecting circuit of the plurality of voltage threshold detecting circuits, and a network that selectively couples a second battery cell to the first voltage detecting circuit while the first battery cell is coupled to the first voltage detecting circuit. |
| US09864009B1 |
Zone selective interlocking test apparatus
A ZSI testing apparatus includes a fault generation circuit, a plurality of cable assemblies coupled to the fault generation circuit, wherein the cable assemblies are structured to be selectively coupled to selected circuit interrupters, a human machine interface, and a controller coupled. The controller is configured to: (i) selectively cause a fault current to be provided to a number of the cable assemblies, (ii) receive an input from each circuit interrupter that is coupled to one of the cable assemblies, each input being indicative of a trip signal output of the circuit interrupter, (iii) determine based on the received inputs (a) that an error has occurred with respect to operation of the circuit interrupters and (b) a recommendation for fixing the error, and (iv) cause an output indicative of the error and the recommendation to be provided on the human machine interface. |
| US09864004B1 |
System and method for diagnosing failure locations in electronic circuits
Embodiments for diagnosing failure locations in one or more electronic circuits. Embodiments may include generating a plurality of core instances of at least one core, for each electronic circuit, with one or more outputs and compressing the outputs of each instance into primary output pins based upon compression equations. Embodiments may include applying test patterns to the plurality of core instances and identifying failures based upon compressed test patterns received at the primary output pins. Embodiments may include performing fault selection on a single core instance for each failure associated with the plurality of core instances and performing fault simulations on the single core instance for each candidate faults associated with the plurality of core instances. Embodiments may include generating fault signatures for each detected fault based upon the instances associated with each detected fault and analyzing each fault signature to determine failure locations. |
| US09864002B2 |
Sensor output determination apparatus
In a sensor output determination apparatus, a converter converts analog outputs of two sensors of a first-phase to two digital signals representing a current of the first-phase, and converts analog outputs of two sensors of a second-phase to two digital signals representing a current of the second-phase. The determination section determines whether the analog outputs of the two sensors of the first-phase are normal based on the two digital signals representing the current of the first-phase, and determines whether the analog outputs of the two sensors of the second-phase are normal based on the two digital signals representing the current of the second-phase. The transmission section transmits one of the two digital signals representing the current of the first-phase, one of the two digital signals representing the current of the second-phase, and a digital signal representing a result of determinations of the determination section, to the outside of the apparatus. |
| US09863998B2 |
Electrical fault location method
A method of determining the location of a fault within a first inductive part of an electrical circuit, including a voltage source, first inductive part and second inductive part. A shortened circuit created by the fault includes the voltage source, a portion of the first inductive part and the second, connected in series. The fault occurs across first and second points in the first inductive part. The length of first inductive part between a positive terminal and first point is substantially equal to the length of first inductive part between a negative terminal and second point. The voltage source supplies a known voltage Vs when the fault occurs and the second inductive part has a known inductance L2 when the fault occurs. The method takes advantage of the initial transient response of the circuit to determine the inductance of the portion of the first inductive part in the shortened circuit. |
| US09863994B2 |
On-chip leakage measurement
Method of measuring semiconductor device leakage which includes: providing a semiconductor device powered by a supply voltage and having a circuit block of transistors; providing on the semiconductor device a test circuit providing an input to a counter and a fixed-frequency measurement clock to provide a clock signal to the counter; disconnecting a system clock from the circuit block; receiving by the test circuit the supply voltage as an input; initializing the counter; starting the counter when the supply voltage is at or below a first voltage Vhigh; monitoring a decrease of the supply voltage with time; stopping the counter when the supply voltage is at or below a second voltage Vlow such that Vhigh is greater than Vlow; and reading the counter to provide the semiconductor device leakage metric. Also disclosed is an apparatus and a computer program product. |
| US09863991B2 |
Inspection device
A method of inspecting a sensor sheet formed by a roll-to-roll scheme for a touch sensor, the sensor sheet including a roll sheet and a sensor electrode layer thereon, the sensor electrode layer including sensor electrodes running in a prescribed direction, the sensor sheet further including a terminal connected to the sensor electrode layer and alignment marks, the method including: arranging the sensor sheet on an inspection table of an inspection device, the inspection table having an alignment mark and inspection electrodes running in another prescribed direction such that at least one of the alignment marks aligns with the alignment mark on the inspection table and such that the inspection electrodes face the sensor electrodes orthogonally in a plan view and are vertically separated by a dielectric to form capacitances at respective intersections therebetween; measuring the capacitances at the respective intersections; and outputting the measured capacitances as an inspection result. |
| US09863990B2 |
Determining failure of an ultraviolet sensor
Methods, devices, and systems for determining failure of an ultraviolet (UV) sensor are described herein. One device includes a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to reduce an excitation voltage of a UV sensor until no conduction occurs in the UV sensor, increase, upon no conduction occurring in the UV sensor, the excitation voltage of the UV sensor until a conduction event occurs, compare the excitation voltage at which the conduction event occurs to a reference voltage, and determine whether the UV sensor has failed based on the comparison. |
| US09863989B1 |
Current probe fed dipole array on dielectric water bottle with brine water loading
A system includes a bottle, a first wire, a second wire, a current probe and an output line. The bottle holds a dielectric liquid therein. The first wire is disposed longitudinally on the bottle and generates a first oscillating electrical current in response to an electromagnetic wave, wherein the first oscillating electrical current thereby generates a corresponding first oscillating magnetic field. The second wire is disposed in parallel with the first wire on the bottle and generates a second oscillating electrical current in response to the electromagnetic wave, wherein the second oscillating electrical current thereby generating a corresponding second oscillating magnetic field. The current probe is arranged to surround the bottle such that the bottle is rotatable within the current probe or such that the current probe is rotatable around the bottle. |
| US09863984B2 |
Power monitoring system
The subject matter described herein is directed to a power monitoring system for managing power in a data center. In one embodiment, the power monitoring system includes: at least one processor, a memory coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the memory includes, a computation module configured to compute at least one of peak power consumption and current power consumption of each power distribution point of a power distribution unit and an analysis module configured to identify the power distribution points which are overloaded or are underutilized based on a policy data. |
| US09863983B2 |
System and method for voltage and current sensing
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a current sensor configured to measure an AC current of a first conductor includes an outer coil having a first portion and a second portion. Each of the first and second portions are disposed about the first conductor passing through a center of the outer coil. The current sensor further includes an inner conductor disposed within the first and second portions of the outer coil and connected to each of the first and second portions of the outer coil. |
| US09863982B2 |
Bi-directional current sensing circuit
The embodiments described herein relate to an improved circuit technique for sensing current conducting in a power transistor coupled with an input power supply. The circuit includes a bi-directional current sensing circuit using current sensing transistor gate control. The circuit includes a forward current sensing transistor to sense current conducting in the power transistor during forward mode current of the circuit and a reverse boost current sensing transistor to sense current conducting during reverse current mode of the circuit. A level shifter is also provided with complementary outputs to either turn on the forward current sensing transistor or turn off the reverse boost current sensing transistor when the circuit is in forward current mode, or to turn off the forward current sensing transistor and turn on the reverse boost current sensing transistor when the circuit is in reverse current mode. |
| US09863977B2 |
Method of contacting substrate with probe card
A method of contacting a substrate with a probe card in a substrate inspection apparatus can inspect electrical characteristics of semiconductor devices on the substrate. A wafer W is transferred to a position facing a probe card 36 while being mounted on a chuck member 22 with a wafer plate 37 therebetween, and electrodes of semiconductor devices on the wafer W are contacted with probes of the probe card 36 by moving the wafer W and the wafer plate 37 toward the probe card 36 through an elevating device 43. Then, the wafer W is overdriven toward the probe card 36 and a contact state between the electrodes of the semiconductor devices and the probes of the probe card 36 is maintained by decompressing a space S between the probe card 36 and the wafer plate 37. Then, the chuck member 22 is separated from the wafer plate 37. |
| US09863973B2 |
Vehicle wheel speed sensor protection structure
In a vehicle including a pulse ring that rotates together with a wheel, a wheel speed sensor that has a detection portion close to the pulse ring, and a bracket that fixes the wheel speed sensor, a tubular protective wall surrounding the detection portion is provided on the bracket so that an end part, on the pulse ring side, of the protective wall is closer to the pulse ring than the detection portion of the wheel speed sensor is. This enables the wheel speed sensor to be protected without adding a special component. |
| US09863968B2 |
Control apparatus for automatic analyzer
Vials (samples) as analysis targets to be set in a batch table for serial analyses are allowed to be designated simply and highly flexibly. On a batch table setting screen 100, a sample region designation method selecting button 120, an analysis direction selecting button 121, a plate image display area 125 and other components are arranged. A sample region designation method and an analysis direction are selected simply by clicking the buttons. The start position and the end position of analyses are designated by a drag-and-drop operation using a mouse on a plate image displayed in the plate image display area 125. The vials selected during a process of the drag-and-drop operation are displayed in a color discriminable from other vials. Accordingly, a simple, graphical operation can create a batch table in which the multiple vials mounted on the sample plate are set as analysis targets in a desired order. |
| US09863958B2 |
Use of integrin beta subunits in the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism
The present invention provides a method for diagnosing venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising: detecting the level of an integrin β1 subunit, an integrin β2 subunit, and/or an integrin β3 subunit in a blood sample. Also provided is a reagent kit for diagnosing VTE, comprising a substance capable of specifically binding to the integrin β1 subunit, the integrin β2 subunit, and/or the integrin β3 subunit. |
| US09863951B2 |
Rare cell isolation device, rare cell isolation method, and rare cell detection method using the same
The present invention provides a rare cell isolation device including: a first body which is disposed above a filtration membrane and includes a first inlet for injecting a biospecimen; and a second body which is disposed under the first body and bonded to the filtration membrane, wherein the first body and the second body have a disk-shaped structure to be rotatable around their centers, and the filtration membrane is disposed to be separated from the center of the second body in a radial direction. |
| US09863950B2 |
Method for diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing, in vitro, a neurodegenerative disease in an individual, in which: the level of the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) in a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the individual is determined; it is deduced therefrom whether the individual is suffering from a neurodegenerative disease. |
| US09863945B2 |
Immunochromatography detection method
The present invention provides an immunochromatography detection method capable of suppressing non-specific reactions. The present invention relates to an immunochromatography detection method including: a step of adding an analyte dilution solution containing an analyte to a chromatography medium; a step of recognizing a detection target by a labeling substance modified with gold nanoparticles, which is dry-retained at a labeling substance retaining part; a step of developing a composite of the labeling substance and the detection target as a mobile phase; and a step of detecting the detection target in the developed mobile phase at a judgment part, wherein the labeling substance is protected with a polyalkylene glycol having one or more mercapto groups and/or a derivative thereof and then dry-retained together with arginine and casein at the labeling substance retaining part. |
| US09863943B2 |
Method of detecting pork in processed food and detection kit therefor
A method for detecting pork in heated food by immunochromatographic detection with high performance and high sensitivity without causing non-specific reaction. The method provides a convenient and high-accuracy detection method using a polyclonal antibody. When a target to be detected in a sample, pork-derived protein in heat-processed food, is detected by immunochromatography, a polyclonal antibody specifically recognizing a protein of approximately 23 kD (molecular weight: 23000) contained in heat-treated pork is used as at least one or both detection antibodies. |
| US09863939B2 |
Analyte detection with magnetic sensors
Methods for analyte detection with magnetic sensors are provided. Aspects of the methods include producing a magnetic sensor device having a magnetically labeled analyte from a sample, such as a serum sample, bound to a surface of a magnetic sensor thereof; and obtaining a signal, e.g., a real-time signal, from the magnetic sensor to determine whether the analyte is present in the sample. Also provided are devices, systems and kits that find use in practicing the methods of the invention. The methods, devices, systems and kits of the invention find use in a variety of different applications, including detection of biomarkers, such as disease markers. |
| US09863938B2 |
Synthetic antibodies
Methods for synthetic antibodies, methods for making synthetic antibodies, methods for identifying ligands, and related methods and reagents. |
| US09863936B2 |
Nucleic acid construct, nucleic acid-protein complex, and use thereof
Using a nucleic acid construct, association of a polypeptide with a sequence coding therefor and screening of a polypeptide that binds to a target substance are carried out, which nucleic acid construct comprises a 5′-untranslated region and a coding region, wherein the above-mentioned coding region comprises a sequence coding for a polypeptide subjected to be displayed, a sequence coding for a first nucleic acid binding polypeptide, and a sequence coding for a second nucleic acid binding polypeptide; the above-mentioned 5′-untranslated region comprises a first sequence capable of binding to a first nucleic acid binding polypeptide and a second sequence capable of binding to second nucleic acid binding polypeptide; and, when the above-mentioned nucleic acid construct is introduced in a translation system, a fusion protein translated from the coding region of the above-mentioned nucleic acid construct forms a complex with an RNA corresponding to the above-mentioned nucleic acid construct. |
| US09863928B1 |
Road condition detection system
The present invention is directed to a road condition detection system for identifying and monitoring road conditions, and for communicating information regarding road conditions to various users. The road condition detection system is provided for capturing data indicative of road conditions and analyzing the captured data to locate and identify various road conditions (e.g., road hazards, such as potholes, or weather conditions, such as ice). In various embodiments, the road condition detection system includes a road condition sensor array configured for being attached to a vehicle and for capturing road condition data. The captured data may be transmitted and assessed by a server configured for identifying potential road hazards or other road conditions based on the road condition data captured by the sensor array. |
| US09863926B2 |
Condensate-gas ratios of hydrocarbon-containing fluids
Analyzing a hydrocarbon-containing fluid includes providing a hydrocarbon-containing fluid to a separation system including a cyclone separator, and separating the hydrocarbon-containing fluid into a gas phase sample and a liquid phase sample. The liquid phase sample is separated into an aqueous sample and a non-aqueous sample. The volume of the gas phase sample and of the non-aqueous sample are assessed, and the ratio of the volume of the non-aqueous sample to the volume of the gas phase sample yields the condensate-gas ratio. |
| US09863922B2 |
NOx sensor calibration and application in lean NOx trap aftertreat systems
An aftertreatment system utilizes chemical reactions to treat an exhaust gas flow. A system for aftertreatment of the exhaust gas flow includes a NOx sensor configured to monitor within the exhaust gas flow one of a lambda value and a NOx concentration value and a computerized processor device configured to calibrate the monitored value for presence of one of NH3, H2, and hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, the system further includes a pair of NOx sensors, each monitoring both a lambda value and a NOx concentration value. In another embodiment, the system controls the aftertreatment based upon the calibrated values. |
| US09863921B2 |
Fluid interface between fluid lines of differing cross-sectional area
A fluid transfer device transfers a fluid from a first fluid channel with a first cross-sectional area into a second fluid channel with a second cross-sectional area, larger than the first cross-sectional area. The fluid transfer device includes a fluid inlet interface at which the fluid is transferable from the first fluid channel into the fluid transfer device; an inlet branch configured to split the fluid from the first fluid channel into multiple inlet branch channels; multiple outlet branches, each of which is configured to split the fluid from the inlet branch channels into respective outlet branch channels; and a fluid outlet interface configured to transfer the fluid in the outlet branch channels into the second fluid channel. The inlet and output branches and branch channels are disposed such that the fluid exits from the fluid outlet interface, distributed in a two-dimensional manner across the second cross-sectional area. |
| US09863919B2 |
Modular mobile inspection vehicle
A modular inspection vehicle having at least first and second motion modules is provided. The first and second motion modules are connected to a chassis. The first motion module includes a first wheel mounted to the chassis. The second motion module includes second wheel mounted to the chassis, the second wheel being at an angle to the first wheel. The vehicle further includes a navigation module configured to collect position data related to the position of the vehicle, an inspection module configured to collect inspection data related to the vehicle's environment, and a communication module configured to transmit and receive data. The vehicle can also include a control module configured to receive the inspection data and associate the inspection data with received position data that corresponds to the inspection data collect at a corresponding position for transmission via the communication module. |
| US09863918B2 |
Ultrasonic measurement device, head unit, probe, and diagnostic device
An ultrasonic measurement device includes a substrate, an ultrasonic element array, an ultrasonic transducer device, and an integrated circuit device. The ultrasonic element array has a plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged on the substrate. The ultrasonic transducer device is formed on the substrate and having a plurality of signal electrode lines electrically connected to the ultrasonic element array. The integrated circuit device has a plurality of terminals to output a transmission signal to the ultrasonic element array. Each of the signal electrode lines includes an electrode layer in which at least one signal electrode among some of the ultrasonic elements is formed to extend on the substrate. The integrated circuit device is mounted on the substrate, and each of the terminals of the integrated circuit device is connected to a corresponding one of the signal electrode lines. |
| US09863916B2 |
Sensor apparatus
A sensor apparatus includes a first cover member; a detection element including an element substrate located on the first cover member, and a detection portion configured to detect an analyte, the detection portion being located on the element substrate; a terminal located on the first cover member and electrically connected to the detection element; an intermediate cover member located on the first cover member and having a space with the detection element; a filler member located in the space between the detection element and the intermediate cover member; a second cover member configured to cover at least a part of the detection element and joined to at least one of the first cover member and the intermediate cover member; an inlet into which the analyte flows; and a flow passage which is continuous with the inlet, and extends at least to the detection portion. |
| US09863915B2 |
Flexible device and bending detection apparatus therefor
A bending detection apparatus for a flexible device includes a plurality of antennas disposed to be bent together with a flexible device; and a bending detection unit for detecting bending of the flexible device based on inductances of the plurality of antennas or information corresponding to the inductances, a bending detection method for a flexible device, and a flexible device. |
| US09863912B2 |
Dual-pore device
Provided is a device comprising an upper chamber, a middle chamber and a lower chamber, wherein the upper chamber is in communication with the middle chamber through a first pore, and the middle chamber is in communication with the lower chamber through a second pore, wherein the first pore and second pore are about 1 nm to about 100 nm in diameter, and are about 10 nm to about 1000 nm apart from each other, and wherein each of the chambers comprises an electrode for connecting to a power supply. Methods of using the device are also provided, in particular for sequencing a polynucleotide. |
| US09863905B2 |
Method for detecting contact of a pipetting needle
The invention relates to a method for detecting contact of a pipetting needle in an in vitro diagnostic system. To this end, the pipetting needle, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, should be cyclically charged by an electric voltage or current applied between the pipetting needle and a reference potential and discharged again by a subsequent electric connection between the pipetting needle and the reference potential. A characteristic variable for the current capacitance between the pipetting needle and the reference potential should be established from a number of measured values detected during the charging and/or discharging. A temporal curve of the characteristic variable should be monitored continuously based on a number of predetermined criteria and a contact signal should be generated if the predetermined criteria are satisfied. |
| US09863902B2 |
Microelectronic fluid detector
A resistive microelectronic fluid sensor implemented as an integrated voltage divider circuit can sense the presence of a fluid within a fluid reservoir, identify the fluid, and monitor fluid temperature or volume. Such a sensor has biomedical, industrial, and consumer product applications. After fluid detection, the fluid can be expelled from the reservoir and replenished with a fresh supply of fluid. A depression at the bottom of the sample reservoir allows a residual fluid to remain undetected so as not to skew the measurements. Electrodes can sense variations in the resistivity of the fluid, indicating a change in the fluid chemical composition, volume, or temperature. Such fluctuations that can be electrically sensed by the voltage divider circuit can be used as a thermal actuator to trigger ejection of all or part of the fluid sample. |
| US09863901B2 |
Semiconductor sensor having a suspended structure and method of forming a semiconductor sensor having a suspended structure
A semiconductor gas sensor device includes a substrate, a conductive layer supported by the substrate, a non-suitable seed layer, and a porous gas sensing layer portion. The non-suitable seed layer is formed from a first material and includes a first support portion supported by the conductive layer, a second support portion supported by the conductive layer, and a suspended seed portion extending from the first support portion to the second support portion and suspended above the conductive layer. The porous gas sensing layer portion is formed from a second material and is supported directly by the non-suitable seed layer in electrical communication with the conductive layer. The first material and the second material form a non-suitable pair of materials. |
| US09863894B1 |
Electromagnetic seed sensor assembly for seed tube planting applications
Seed sensors that surround the conventional mounting location on existing seed tubes. The seed sensors sense seeds using electromagnetic fields, including RF and microwave fields. In one embodiment, a first seed sensor has a coaxial Fabry-Perot resonant cavity which is formed between two coaxial portions of a conduit that surround the seed tube. Another seed sensor uses a capacitive design. In one embodiment, the driving signals are applied 180 degrees out of phase. The detected phase shift between the reference and reflected signals provides reliable seed counting. Electronics extract the signal from the sensing field. |
| US09863892B2 |
Distinguishing foreign surface features from native surface features
Provided herein is an apparatus, including a photon emitter configured for sequentially emitting a first set of photons and a second set of photons onto a surface of an article. In addition, a photon detector array is configured to focus the first set of photons scattered from surface features of the article in a first focal plane. The photon detector array is further configured to focus the second set of photons scattered from surface features of the article in a second focal plane, wherein the first set of photons scattered is different from the second set of photons scattered. The photon detector array is further configured to provide information for distinguishing foreign surface features of the article from native surface features of the article. |
| US09863891B1 |
Vehicle for external inspection of pipes
A vehicle for external inspection of tubing conformed by a body with a magnetic traction arrangement in its lower part and at least one inspection device mounted on the body; In which the magnetic drive arrangement includes two front magnetic wheels, a rear magnetic wheel coupled to two servomotors, one for controlling longitudinal advancement and another rudder servomotor for controlling the spin or rotation of this third wheel, and wherein the magnetic drive arrangement Inspection consists of a laser sensor coupled to a linear actuator. |
| US09863888B2 |
Multispectral imaging system and method for detecting foreign object debris
A multispectral imaging system and method and a system for composite layup are provided in order to detect foreign object debris during the fabrication of a composite structure. In the context of a method, a surface of a composite material is illuminated with near infrared light. The method also detects the near infrared light following interaction of the near infrared light with the composite material. Following detection, the method analyzes a spectrum of the near infrared light to detect foreign object debris upon the composite material. The method analyzes the spectrum of near infrared light by distinguishing between different types of foreign object debris as a result of comparing the spectrum of near infrared light to predefined spectral signatures of a plurality of different types of foreign object debris. The method may also determine the size and location of the foreign object debris. |
| US09863886B2 |
Color changing polymer films for detecting chemical and biological targets
A sensor system, and a method of detecting a target analyte, comprises a chemically functionalized block copolymer, and a target analyte. The block copolymer exhibits a color change in the visible spectrum upon exposure to the target analyte. |
| US09863883B2 |
Surface-enhanced raman scattering element
A SERS element comprises a substrate having a front face; a fine structure part formed on the front face and having a plurality of pillars; and a conductor layer formed on the fine structure part and constituting an optical function part for generating surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The conductor layer has a base part formed along the front face and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the base part at respective positions corresponding to the pillars. The base part is formed with a plurality of grooves surrounding the respective pillars when seen in the projecting direction of the pillars, while an end part of the protrusion is located within the groove corresponding thereto. |
| US09863881B2 |
Methods for measuring concentrations of analytes in turbid solutions by applying turbidity corrections to raman observations
A method of measuring the concentration of an analyte in a turbid solution containing the analyte and a solvent is disclosed. The method includes determining a turbidity value for the turbid solution based on a Raman line intensity calibration data set for the solvent. The method further includes determining turbidity correction factor based on the turbidity value and a Raman line calibration data set for the analyte and applying the turbidity correction factor to the Raman line intensity of the analyte in the turbid solution and calculating a turbidity-corrected Raman line intensity for the analyte in the turbid solution. The turbidity-corrected Raman line intensity of the analyte in the turbid solution is then used to determine the concentration of the analyte in the turbid solution utilizing previously developed calibration data sets relating Raman line intensity to analyte concentration in solutions of negligible turbidity. |
| US09863880B2 |
Optical system and assay chip for probing, detecting and analyzing molecules
Apparatus and methods for analyzing single molecule and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An apparatus can include an assay chip that includes multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which, when excited, emits emission energy; at least one element for directing the emission energy in a particular direction; and a light path along which the emission energy travels from the sample well toward a sensor. The apparatus also includes an instrument that interfaces with the assay chip. The instrument includes an excitation light source for exciting the sample in each sample well; a plurality of sensors corresponding the sample wells. Each sensor may detect emission energy from a sample in a respective sample well. The instrument includes at least one optical element that directs the emission energy from each sample well towards a respective sensor of the plurality of sensors. |
| US09863877B2 |
Infrared spectrometer and scanner utilizing attenuated total reflection
A scanner and an attenuated total reflection (ATR) objective for use in such scanners are disclosed. The ATR objective includes first and second optical elements and an input port. The input port receives an input collimated light beam that is focused to a point on a planar face of the first optical element by the second optical element such that substantially all of that portion is reflected by the planar face and no portion of the input beam strikes the planar face at an angle less than the critical angle. The second optical element also generates an output collimated light beam from light reflected from the planar thce that is characterized by a central ray that is coincident with the central ray of the input collimated light beam. A light beam converter receives the first collimated light beam and generates the input collimated light beam therefrom. |
| US09863875B1 |
In-situ detection of hollow glass fiber formation
A process of in-situ detection of hollow fiber formation includes immersing a plurality of individual glass fibers in an index-matching material. The index-matching material has a first refractive index that substantially matches a second refractive index of the glass fibers. The process also includes exposing the individual glass fibers to a light source during immersion in the index-matching material. The process further includes utilizing one or more optical components to collect optical data for the individual glass fibers during immersion in the index-matching material. The process also includes determining, based on the optical data, that a particular glass fiber of the plurality of individual glass fibers includes a hollow fiber. |
| US09863874B2 |
Method for signal detection in a gas analysis system
A method for signal detection with a gas analysis system (1, 1′) includes a radiation source (3); a gas measuring section (9) containing gas to be measured; a Fabry-Perot interferometer (13); a thermal sensor (17) configured to cause a change in voltage between electrodes with electromagnetic radiation falling thereon and arranged such that radiation released by a second interferometer mirror falls on the thermal sensor. The method includes irradiating the gas measuring section with radiation source radiation, continuously increasing or decreasing a distance of interferometer mirrors during a generating of time signal pulses at a constant period of time from one another. After a predefined number of time signal pulses, the voltage generated between the electrodes is detected and stored as a measured signal value. After a further predefined number of time signal pulses, the voltage generated between the electrodes is detected again and stored as a measured signal value. |
| US09863873B2 |
Infrared spectrometer measurement of droplets collected from an oil mist in a breather pipe of a gas turbine
A method for analyzing a droplet fraction of an oil mist sample of a gas turbine is provided. A collecting device collects the oil mist sample, wherein the collecting device is arranged within a breather pipe which is coupled to the gas turbine such that oil mist is flowing through the breather pipe. The droplet fraction is separated from a gaseous fraction of the oil mist sample by a filter device, wherein the filter device is soaked with the droplet fraction, the droplet fraction is extracted from the filter device by using a tetrachloroethylene solvent. A composition of the droplet fraction is analyzed by a spectrometer. |
| US09863872B2 |
Sample analyzer and method of selecting analysis regions of noise affected time series data for a target reaction
A sample analyzer includes: a preparation unit configured to mix a sample with a reagent to prepare a measurement specimen; a measurement unit configured to irradiate the measurement specimen with light to acquire optical time series data; and a controller configured to divide the time series data acquired by the measurement unit into data segments, determine first regression lines respectively of the data segments, select the first regression line with the highest matching degree with the time series data, set as an analysis target region a region of the time series data matching with the selected first regression line among the time series data acquired by the measurement unit, determine a second regression line using the time series data included in the set analysis target region, and perform an analysis using the second regression line. |
| US09863871B2 |
Illumination device for color sorter
An illumination device for a color sorter includes an LED substrate placed on a longitudinal chassis for heat radiation and a light source in which many LED elements are linearly aligned in the longitudinal direction on the LED substrate, and the light source is an integration of at least two light sources provided together, one of the light sources illuminating a side on which items-to-be-sorted flow down and the other one of the light sources illuminating a side of a background arranged to face a camera. |
| US09863868B2 |
Analysis and purging of materials in manufacturing processes
Various systems and methods of analyzing one or more properties of a sample are provided. The system includes a self-contained purging device having a sample holder and one or more analyzers for analyzing one or more properties of the sample. The purging device is configured to remove sample contained within the sample holder when an analysis is complete. In one embodiment the purging device is configured via an air pump having a tube in fluid communication with an air inlet of the sample holder, wherein the air pump is configured to deliver pressurized air to the air inlet and thereby purge the sample. The pressurized air is localized ambient air, and substantially free of contaminants. Methods and other systems are also described and illustrated. |
| US09863866B2 |
Bi-directional air-curtain for cold testing a camera
A cold-test system for testing a camera at a cold temperature includes a test-chamber with a window, a nozzle, and a recirculator. The window is installed in the test-chamber so the camera is provided with a view of a test-target outside of the test-chamber. The nozzle is located proximate to a first edge of the window. The nozzle is configured to direct air from an air-source in a first direction and adjacent to an outside-surface of the window. The recirculator is located proximate to a second edge of the window opposite the first edge. The recirculator is configured to receive the air moving in the first direction and re-direct that air in a second direction opposite the first direction and adjacent to the air moving in the first direction opposite the window. The nozzle and the recirculator cooperate to form a bi-directional air-curtain proximate to the outside-surface. |
| US09863864B2 |
Threshold selector for flow cytometer
Disclosed is a threshold selector that selects a threshold by generating a histogram from a detector signal and a flow cytometer. The detector signal includes both data and noise. A histogram is generated, which includes height data from the pulses of the detector signal as well as noise. The flow cytometer can be operated without samples to generate a histogram that includes only noise. The threshold signal can then be selected by selecting an intensity level on the histogram that is between the noise and data. |
| US09863859B2 |
Serpentine load monitoring apparatus
Disclosed are various embodiments of systems and methods related to a load monitoring apparatus for testing of a material. The load monitoring apparatus may comprise a primary bar and one or more nested tubes substantially surrounding a portion of the primary bar. The one or more nested tubes are connected in series at alternate ends of the one or more nested tube. Further, the primary bar may comprise one or more sensors used to extract load sampling and monitor reflections of signals traversing the load monitoring apparatus. |
| US09863853B2 |
Measuring device, measuring system and method for operating a measuring system with rapid synchronization of settings
A measuring device comprises a measuring unit and a synchronization unit. In this context, the measuring unit is embodied to implement a measurement task on the basis of first measurement parameters. The synchronization unit is accordingly embodied to synchronize the first measurement parameters with a further measuring device. The measuring device is then embodied to implement the measurement task jointly with the further measuring device on the basis of at least the first measurement parameters. |
| US09863848B1 |
Vehicle diagnostic tool—multiple test II
An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g., Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range. |
| US09863847B2 |
Standard engine cold test system and method
A standard engine cold test method includes instructing, by a control device, a tester to perform an engine test. The tester drives a motor with a standard mode or a general mode according to a control of the control device to operate an engine which is a test object. The tester measures engine information depending on an operation of the engine using a sensor. A gathering device gathers the measured engine information. The gathered engine information is analyzed to determine abnormality of the engine. |
| US09863845B2 |
Techniques for monitoring gear condition
Method/apparatus for performing the following acts on a system that includes an electrical motor followed by a gear, and a speed output unit: monitoring a first set of frequencies from the system over a measurement period when the system is in a known good operating condition; storing the first set of monitored frequencies or derivatives thereof as reference data in a long-term storage system; monitoring a second set of frequencies from the system over a measurement period when the system is in an unknown operating condition; comparing the second set of monitored frequencies with the first set of monitored frequencies in a frequency domain; in the frequency domain, detecting changes between corresponding frequencies resulting from the second set of monitored frequencies and the first set of monitored frequencies. |
| US09863843B2 |
High-volume, long-range headlamp aiming
A vehicle headlamp aiming system includes a displaceable aiming surface and an imaging system. The imaging system includes an indexing aim box having at least one imager oriented to capture images of a headlamp and/or one or more vehicle features adjacent to the headlamp and at least one fixed imager oriented to capture one images of the displaceable aiming surface to determine a headlamp cutoff height. The displaceable aiming surface is configured to selectively displace to allow passage of the vehicle. The indexing aim box is configured to translate between the headlamp and another headlamp. One or more computing devices are configured to perform methods for headlamp aim correction using the described system. The methods include providing image inputs from the imaging system and calculating therefrom an aim correction of the headlamps. |
| US09863842B2 |
Method for characterizing an ophthalmic lens
Contact lenses often comprise a coating containing water so as to enhance comfort when being worn on the eye. The present invention is useful to determine the water content of the coating of a contact lens. To determine the water content of the coating, the lens having the coating to be measured is arranged under water. The reflectivity of the surface of the lens is then determined with the aid of a Chromatic sensor system. |
| US09863839B2 |
Positioner for electrodynamic shaker
Examples disclosed herein generally relate to methods and apparatus for the positioning and alignment of an electrodynamic shaker system relative to an excitation point on a structure to be tested. The electrodynamic shaker system includes a base plate, a support plate, and a locking mechanism. The base plate comprises a plurality of rollable ball transfer units coupled to the base plate. The support plate, supporting an electrodynamic shaker and trunnion thereon, is seated on the ball transfer units of the base plate such that the support plate may be aligned relative to the test article via the ball transfer units. Once the electrodynamic shaker system is in the desired location, a flexure of the electrodynamic shaker may be precisely aligned with and coupled to a test article. The electrodynamic shaker system disclosed utilizes no precision components and is tolerant of dust, dirt, and other environmental contaminants typically present in testing locations. |
| US09863835B2 |
Hole detection method of vehicle and system performing the same
A hole detection method of a vehicle and a system performing the same may include positioning an air injection nozzle at a predetermined position of a vehicle body and positioning a sound sensor at a position corresponding to the air injection nozzle, injecting an air jet from the air injection nozzle, detecting a sound wave from the sound sensor, and calculating a characteristic of a water leakage hole formed on the vehicle body by using the sound wave detected from the sound sensor. |
| US09863829B2 |
Sensor
A sensor has an electronic chip and a sensor chip which are arranged within a functional volume which is at the most 4-5 mm long, a maximum 2-3 mm wide, and the maximum height is 0.5-0.8 mm, thereby potentially providing a compact sensor. |
| US09863826B2 |
Sensor device and residual stress detection system employing same
A sensor device, comprising two symmetrically disposed sonolucent wedges (5), and a connecting piece for fixedly connecting the two sonolucent wedges (5); the upper surfaces of the sonolucent wedges (5) are provided with inclined planes; installation holes are formed on the inclined planes; transducers (3) are installed in respective installation holes; one transducer (3) is used to generate ultrasonic waves, and the other transducer (3) is used to receive the ultrasonic waves generated by the previous transducer (3). The residual stress detection system comprises a sensor device, an ultrasonic transmission card, and a data acquisition card. |
| US09863822B2 |
Deformation compensating compliant material
A force sensor includes compliant material that is configured to stay within a maximum uncompressed dimension in a first direction when compressed in a second direction. The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction. The compliant material may stay within the maximum uncompressed dimension when compressed by expanding into one or more gaps defined in the compliant material. Such gaps may be defined on an external surface of the compliant material and/or internal to the compliant material. The gaps may be formed using a variety of different processes during or after formation of the compliant material. |
| US09863821B2 |
Calibrator for calibrating devices with a temperature function
A calibrator for calibrating devices with a temperature function, e.g. thermometers or thermal switches has an input and display unit. The calibrator has a capacitive touchscreen with the input and display unit. |
| US09863816B2 |
Measurement circuit
A measurement circuit according to the invention for temperature monitoring has a quantitative temperature sensor and at least one qualitative temperature sensor, the quantitative temperature sensor and the at least one qualitative temperature sensor being connected in series, the quantitative temperature sensor having a consistent characteristic line which increases in a strictly monotonous manner or a consistent characteristic line which decreases in a strictly monotonous manner and being dedicated to the precise temperature measurement, and the qualitative temperature sensor having a nominal response temperature at which the resistance value changes in a non-linear manner and being dedicated to the monitoring of limit temperatures. |
| US09863815B2 |
Method and apparatus for multifrequency optical comb generation
A method and a system for measuring an optical asynchronous sample signal. The system for measuring an optical asynchronous sampling signal comprises a pulsed optical source capable of emitting two optical pulse sequences with different repetition frequencies, a signal optical path, a reference optical path, and a detection device. Since the optical asynchronous sampling signal can be measured by merely using one pulsed optical source, the complexity and cost of the system are reduced. A multi-frequency optical comb system using the pulsed optical source and a method for implementing the multi-frequency optical comb are further disclosed. |
| US09863813B2 |
Flame sensor
A flame sensor apparatus is provided including a sensor for sensing specific characteristics of a flame within a combustion chamber. The sensor includes a silicon carbide photodiode, and the sensor is spaced a distance from the combustion chamber. In addition, a fiber optic cable assembly extends between the sensor and the combustion chamber. The fiber optic cable can convey the specific characteristics of the flame from the combustion chamber to the sensor. The fiber optic cable assembly is included as part of a sealed array filled with an inert gas. In addition, a method of sensing specific characteristics of a flame is also provided. |
| US09863811B2 |
Precision luxmeter methods for digital cameras to quantify colors in uncontrolled lighting environments
In one embodiment, a diagnostic system for biological samples is disclosed. The diagnostic system includes a diagnostic instrument, and a portable electronic device. The diagnostic instrument has a reference color bar and a plurality of chemical test pads to receive a biological sample. The portable electronic device includes a digital camera to capture a digital image of the diagnostic instrument in uncontrolled lightning environments, a sensor to capture illuminance of a surface of the diagnostic instrument, a processor coupled to the digital camera and sensor to receive the digital image and the illuminance, and a storage device coupled to the processor. The storage device stores instructions for execution by the processor to process the digital image and the illuminance, to normalize colors of the plurality of chemical test pads and determine diagnostic test results in response to quantification of color changes in the chemical test pads. |
| US09863810B2 |
Optical device for improved wavelength resolution and wavelength accuracy
An optical device includes: a diffraction grating; a depolarization plate containing a birefringent material to eliminate polarization dependency of the diffraction grating; and an optical corrector configured to optically correct diffraction angle deviation of diffracted light due to diffraction at the diffraction grating. The optical corrector may be configured to bend back the diffracted light diffracted by the diffraction grating to re-emit the light to the diffraction grating. |
| US09863809B2 |
Spectrograph
A spectrograph as disclosed includes a housing, wherein a wall of the housing includes first, second and third openings, an entrance slit located at the first opening and configured to direct light along a first light path portion in the interior of the housing, a dispersive element located at the second opening and configured to receive light from the entrance slit along the first light path portion and direct light along a second light path portion in the interior of the housing, a detector located at the third opening and configured to receive light from the dispersive element along the second light path portion. The detector can include first and second groups of light-sensitive regions. A cover can be positioned to separate the first group of light-sensitive regions from the light path, the second group of light-sensitive regions being exposed to the light path. |
| US09863807B2 |
Machine tool with protective cover detector
A non-removable fixed protective cover, of protective covers of a machine tool, is fitted with a light-projecting unit and a light-receiving unit, while a removable fixed protective cover and a movable protective cover are each fitted with a reflector. The light-projecting unit, light-receiving unit, and reflector are disposed so that light emitted from the light-projecting unit reaches the light-receiving unit only when the removable fixed protective cover is mounted in a proper position and the movable protective cover is fully closed. |
| US09863802B2 |
Photoelectric switch having a first shell half and a second shell half cooperating with a rolling chamber to define a light passage
A photoelectric switch includes first and second shell halves respectively having first and second coupled surfaces which confront each other along an axis in either a horizontal direction or an upright direction. The coupled surfaces respectively have first and second recessed regions aligned with each other to confine a rolling chamber for a roller to be rollable therein, and define left and right holes at two opposite ends of the rolling chamber, and emitter and receiver accommodating chambers outwardly of the left and right holes for accommodating a light emitter and a light receiver such that a light passage is defined by the left and right holes and the rolling chamber. |
| US09863799B2 |
Powdered sugar scoop
A scoop for use in scooping and dispensing a powdered item such as powdered sugar includes a first bowl or spoon connected to a second bowl or spoon by a stem. A lid is attached to the top of the scoop, and is selectively movable to cover the first or second spoon. In some versions, one of the spoons or the lid may include a section of mesh. |
| US09863793B2 |
Sensor position control apparatus and method
A sensor position control apparatus and method that includes a guide rail formed to be elongated along one direction set to a longitudinal direction thereof and a position control unit coupled to the guide rail and configured to slide along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. A sensor mount unit is connected to be moved together with the position control unit and has a sensor mounted on one surface thereof. In addition, an angle control unit is configured to change a direction which one surface of the sensor mounting unit faces and a position control driving unit is configured to transmit power to the position control unit. An angle control driving unit is configured to transmit power to the angle control unit. |
| US09863786B2 |
Sensor with interface for functional safety
A sensor interface operates to communicate a sensed quantity along one or more processing pathways and in different data representations. The signal representations can be swapped along one or more locations of the signal processing branches. These branches are independent from one another and combined at an interface component for transmission along a single path or node for a control unit. |
| US09863780B2 |
Encoded representation of traffic data
A mapping program for execution by at least one processing unit of a device is described. The mapping program selects a traffic segment defined in a first data structure describing congestion in an area of a map. The mapping program identifies a portion of a road in the map area that corresponds to the traffic segment by using a second data structure to correlate the traffic segment in the first data structure to the road that is defined in a third data structure. The mapping program defines a traffic congestion representation to render for the identified road portion, based on data about the corresponding road in the third data structure. |
| US09863775B2 |
Vehicle localization system
A vehicle localization system includes a first localization system, a second localization system, and a controller. The first localization system is configured to determine a location of the vehicle using a first set of data. The second localization system is configured to determine a location of the vehicle using a second set of data. The controller is configured to switch from the first localization system to the second localization system when the first set of data is less than a predetermined amount. |
| US09863773B2 |
Indoor global positioning system
In one aspect, information of multiple anchor points is received and stored. The information of each anchor point includes Global Positioning System (GPS) data of a particular location and radio frequency (RF) data that was obtained at a device at the particular location. A geo coordinate is determined for an indoor location based on the RF data obtained at the indoor location and the information of the anchor points. Various embodiments pertain to software, systems, devices and methods relating to anchor points and/or the obtaining of a geo coordinate for a location. |
| US09863772B1 |
Skydiving trajectory and coordination feedback system
A system for skydiving trajectory and coordination feedback for a user. The system includes a controller coupled to a plurality of sensor inputs. The controller determines a user drag through air based on input data from the plurality of sensor inputs. The controller also receives a user flightpath and determines a projected user trajectory based on the user drag. The controller also determines user drag adjustments to align the projected user trajectory with the received user flightpath. At least one of an aural, haptic, or visual feedback device is coupled to the controller to provide feedback to the user in response to the user drag adjustments. |
| US09863771B2 |
Optical rotation sensor as well as method of manufacturing an optical rotation sensor
An optical rotation sensor is provided, comprising an optical ring resonator (RR) formed by a one-dimensional photonic crystal (1D PhC) waveguide, and a bus waveguide. A light input section of the bus waveguide is connectable to a light source, and a light output section of the bus waveguide is connectable to a light detector. The bus waveguide is optically coupled to the ring resonator within a coupling area which is located between the light input section and the light output section of the bus waveguide. The optical rotation sensor is configured to measure a shift of frequency of a resonance area (or a plurality of resonance areas) close to a band edge of a photonic band gap of the ring resonator, wherein the shift of frequency is caused by a rotation of the optical rotation sensor. |
| US09863770B2 |
Vibration-resistant rotation rate sensor
A rotation rate sensor includes a substrate having a main extension plane and multiple seismic masses, in which for each seismic mass the following applies: the seismic mass is drivable at a drive oscillation, which occurs along a drive direction situated parallel to the main extension plane, the seismic mass is deflectable along two different deflection directions, each direction being perpendicular to the drive direction, the rotation rate sensor being configured to generate detection signals as a function of detected deflections of the seismic masses, one detection signal of the detection signals being associated with each deflection direction of the seismic masses, the rotation rate sensor being configured so that a linear, rotational and centrifugal acceleration of the rotation rate sensor are compensated with respect to at least one rotation axis of the rotation rate sensor through compensation in each case of two corresponding detection signals of the detection signals. |
| US09863766B2 |
Calibration of a contact probe
A method of calibrating a contact probe having a contact element includes measuring with the contact probe a first geometric property of a calibrated artifact and a second geometric property of the or a further calibrated artifact. The first and second geometric properties are such that a deviation between a measured value and the expected value, resulting from a difference between an effective diameter of the contact element and an assumed diameter used for determining the measured value, has the opposite sign for each of the first and second geometric properties. The method further includes identifying a difference in the effective diameter of the contact element from the assumed diameter including comparing deviations of the measured value to the expected value for each of the first and second geometric properties to determine whether there is a difference in the deviations. |
| US09863763B2 |
Method for adjusting volume of combustion chamber of engine
In order to adjust the volume of the combustion chamber with high accuracy, a cylinder head 200 includes a recess 204 constituting part of the combustion chamber of the engine and a mating surface for a cylinder block. The recess 204 includes a plurality of openings to which a plurality of specific members are attached respectively. The mating surface 202 is formed to have a cutting stock with respect to three-dimensional shape data of the cylinder head 200 designed to have a target combustion chamber volume. The adjusting method further comprises measuring the surface shape of the recess and the shape of the mating surface around the recess by successively changing the irradiation position of a laser beam using a line laser displacement meter. The adjusting method further comprises removing data of regions equivalent to the plurality of openings from measurement data by comparing the measurement data obtained by the line laser displacement meter with the three-dimensional shape data. The adjusting method still further comprises: calculating the volume of the recess 204 based on the measurement data from which the regions equivalent to the plurality of openings are removed; and deciding the cutting amount of the mating surface 202 by comparing the calculated volume of the recess 204 with a volume of the recess 204 based on the three-dimensional shape data. |
| US09863760B2 |
Method and device for determining a reference point of an orientation marking on a substrate of a photolithographic mask in an automated manner
The invention relates to a method for automated determination of a reference point of an alignment mark on a substrate of a photolithographic mask, which method comprises the following steps: (a) performing a first line scan within a start region of the substrate in a first direction on a surface of the substrate, the alignment mark being arranged within the start region, for locating a first element of the alignment mark; (b) performing a second line scan within the start region in at least a second direction, which intersects the first direction, on the surface of the substrate for locating a second element of the alignment mark; (c) estimating the reference point of the alignment mark from the located first element and the located second element of the alignment mark; and (d) imaging a target region around the estimated reference point of the alignment mark in order to determine the reference point of the alignment mark, with the imaging being carried out at a higher resolution than the performance of the line scans in steps (a) and (b). |
| US09863754B2 |
Wafer alignment mark scheme
A wafer alignment apparatus includes a light source, a light detection device, and a rotation device configured to rotate a wafer. The light source is configured to provide light directed to the wafer. The light detection device is configured to detect reflected light intensity from the wafer to locate at least one wafer alignment mark of wafer alignment marks separated by a plurality of angles. At least two of those angles are equal. |
| US09863748B2 |
Gauge having a window
A gauge for cartridges is disclosed. The gauge includes a gauge body defining an opening, a window, and receiving space. The opening and the receiving space share an axis and are in direct communication with each other. The window is in direct communication with the receiving space. The opening and the window are separated by a body portion of the gauge. Each gauge has a receiving space that is sized and shaped to correspond to a predetermined cartridge. |
| US09863747B2 |
System for inspecting, fixing, or screening ammunition
A system for inspecting, fixing, or screening ammunition comprises an ammunition conveying track, a plurality of ammunition trays arranged on an outer surface of the ammunition conveying track, an ammunition inspector disposed at right and left sides of the ammunition conveying track, an ammunition fixer disposed downstream of the ammunition inspector at right and left sides of the ammunition conveying track, and an ammunition discharger disposed at an end point of the upper portion of the ammunition conveying track, ammunition cartridges being sequentially discharged through the ammunition fixer and the ammunition discharger, wherein at least one of the ammunition inspector and the ammunition fixer includes ammunition-shaped chambers and actuators, wherein the ammunition cartridges placed on the ammunition trays are moved horizontally and inserted into the chambers, and wherein the actuators horizontally move the ammunition cartridges inserted in the chambers back to the ammunition trays. |
| US09863739B2 |
Vertical drop segmented munitions dispenser
A munitions dispenser employs a plurality of launch tubes mounted in an array as a segmented dispenser assembly. Each tube in the array is configured to carry a selected munition releasably coupled in a cylindrical bore of the tube for substantially vertical release through a lower aperture. A frame, mountable to an air vehicle, carries the array of launch tubes. A skin covers the array of launch tubes with the skin and frame with the array configured for nested engagement of multiple segmented assemblies. |
| US09863738B2 |
Firearm safety case with battery recharger
Apparatus for storing therein a firearm includes a firearm case including walls and defining therein a volume for storing therein a firearm. A recharger is configured for recharging a battery of an electronic device. The recharger is in electrical communication with an access port located in a portion of the firearm case. |
| US09863735B2 |
Narrow crossbow with large power stroke
A crossbow may be a horizontal crossbow having a main beam and a bow assembly mounted to the main beam. The bow assembly may include: a bowstring; a riser attached to the main beam; a first bow limb; a second bow limb; a first wheel that is supported to the first bow limb; and a second wheel that is supported to the second bow limb. In some embodiments, the bow limbs may be separated at least as wide as a user's foot. In other embodiments, the bow assembly may include a trigger oriented parallel to pivot axes about which the wheels rotate. In yet other embodiments, a ratio of the distance between the wheels and the power stroke is less than 1.8. |
| US09863733B2 |
Barrel with integrated gas channel
A firearm barrel has a gas channel in fluid communication with a gas port. The gas port diverts a portion of the gas produced when firing a round of ammunition into the gas channel. The gas channel extends longitudinally and substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the barrel to a gas block. The gas channel provides fluid communication between a gas block and a gas port located in different longitudinal positions on the barrel. |
| US09863732B2 |
Lightweight composite mortar tube
A composite barrel assembly for a gun, such as a muzzle-loading mortar for fin-stabilized projectiles. The composite construction of the barrel has a plurality of generally concentric layers built-up around a rigid supporting liner which may be fabricated from any of several metal or ceramic compositions. An inner thermal barrier coating of inorganic glass, metal refractory alloy, chromium alloy, functionally graded material or ceramic is disposed within the liner. An overwrap layer of continuous fibers embedded in a matrix surrounds the liner. The matrix is either a resin, polymer, ceramic, glass or metal. An outer shell of continuous fibers embedded in a high temperature polymer matrix surrounds the overwrap. When the liner is made from a metal-based composition, an outer thermal barrier coating may be applied in between the liner and the overwrap. |
| US09863729B2 |
Breech bolt having asymmetric lugs
A firearm including a receiver, a barrel, a breech bolt assembly, and a trigger assembly. The bolt assembly has a bolt including a body portion, a lug portion, and a firing pin bore. The lug portion includes outward extending lugs, a cartridge recess, and an off-center hole. The bolt assembly also includes an extractor and an ejector pin. At least some of the lugs on the lug portion of the bolt have a tapering outer surface so that a rearward surface of the respective lug is taller than a forward surface of the respective lug and at least part of each tapered outer surface is taller on one side of a circumferential centerline than on another side of the circumferential centerline. |
| US09863726B2 |
Cooling medium circulating apparatus, air conditioning apparatus for vehicle, and method for controlling cooling medium circulating apparatus
A cooling medium circulating apparatus includes first and second flow paths configured to circulate a cooling medium, and a flow path switchover unit for connecting or disconnecting between the first and second flow paths. A method for controlling a cooling medium circulating apparatus includes detecting temperatures of the cooling medium flowing through the flow paths. The method further includes calculating a temperature difference between temperatures of the cooling medium flowing through the first and second flow paths. In the cooling medium circulating apparatus and method, a prescribed cycle is set, and connecting and disconnecting periods are set. The connecting and disconnecting periods are periods for connecting and disconnecting, respectively, between the flow paths in the prescribed cycle. The flow path switchover unit is controlled based on the connecting and disconnecting periods. The prescribed cycle becomes shorter as the temperature difference becomes larger. |
| US09863724B2 |
Support for a helical coil inserted in a heat exchanger tube
A helical coil is supported inside a heat exchanger tube by at least one inside protrusion on the inside wall of the tube, the at least one protrusion supports the helical coil on a contact point of the helical coil against downwards movement in the tube and supports the helical coil on the end point of the helical coil against rotational movement in a first rotational direction relative to the tube. |
| US09863705B2 |
Process for drying finely divided organic substances capable of producing explosives reactions
A continuous process and a system for drying solid organic substances in an aqueous phase or a mixed (water/organic solvent) phase, which includes feeding a continuous stream of such substances into a continuous drier, to obtain a continuous output stream of dried powder material and steam at a temperature in excess of 100° C. for delivery to an apparatus separating the powder material from the steam. A continuous run of the powder material and a continuous run of steam are discharged from the apparatus for recirculation to the drier, with the steam pressure inside the drier and the separating apparatus kept constant at a value to ensure that substantially no oxygen is present, or that the powder material cannot be ignited. The recirculation is carried out by continuous drawing, downstream of the separating apparatus, an amount of steam corresponding to the amount of steam generated within the drier. |
| US09863702B2 |
Process for ore moisture reduction in conveyor belts and transfer chutes
A process for ore moisture removal by exposure of the ore to a hot and dry air stream is described. Also described is a conveyor belt and a transfer chute adapted for the use of the above process. Among other aspects, the process has the function of reducing moisture in ores prior to the shipping stage of this material. |
| US09863695B2 |
Heated or cooled drinkware
A container with active temperature control is provided. The container has a body with a chamber that receives a liquid. A temperature control system housed in the portable body has one or more heating element in thermal communication with at least a portion of the chamber to heat the liquid. Control circuitry controls the operation of the one or more heating elements and one or more power storage elements to provide electrical energy to the one or more heating element and/or control circuitry. The control circuitry controls the one or more heating elements to add heat to the liquid in the receiving portion to maintain the temperature of the liquid at a predetermined temperature or increase the temperature of the liquid above said predetermined temperature. The container can have a cooling element (e.g., a phase change material) that can remove heat from the liquid poured into the chamber. |
| US09863692B2 |
Refrigerator
Disclosed herein are a refrigerator capable of reducing a manufacturing cost by reducing the number of members constituting a sliding apparatus to simplify the sliding apparatus. A refrigerator includes a main body, a storage chamber provided in the inside of the main body, wherein the front part of the storage chamber opens, a storage box accommodated in the storage chamber, and including side surfaces and a bottom surface, a guide rail coupled with the storage box, and configured to guide the storage box to be slidingly pushed into and pulled from the storage chamber and a closing apparatus configured to accumulate an elastic force when the storage box is pulled, and to transfer, when the storage box is pushed, the accumulated elastic force, thereby assisting the pushing of the storage box, wherein the closing apparatus is directly coupled with the bottom surface of the storage box. |
| US09863689B2 |
Drain hose assembly and refrigerator including the same
A refrigerator includes a storage chamber; an evaporator; an evaporator receiving portion and a defrost water tray slantingly arranged at a lower side of the evaporator receiving portion; a machinery chamber having an evaporation tray; an upper hose communicated with the defrost water tray; a lower hose connected to the upper hose while extending to the evaporation tray, the lower hose being provided, at one side thereof, with an air inlet hole to introduce outside air. The air inlet hole is formed at a slanted mounting surface protruding inside of a vertically-extending portion of the lower hose while being slanted downward. An opening and closing unit is provided in the vertically-extending portion of the lower hose that is configured to open the air inlet hole by an internal pressure of the storage chamber during opening of the door, and to close the air inlet hole by gravity. |
| US09863686B2 |
Ice maker capable of adjusting full-ice level, device and method for adjusting full-ice level
A device for adjusting a full-ice level includes: an ice making tray for making ice; an ice making tray fixing unit positioned on both sides of the ice making tray to support the ice making tray; an ice storage unit positioned below the ice making tray and for storing ice that is separated from and drops from the ice making tray; a full-ice level sensor for sensing the highest level of ice stored in the ice storage unit; a sensor guide on which the full-ice level sensor is installed, and positioned in the ice storage unit; and a motor on one side of the ice making tray fixing unit and coupled with the sensor guide, and for moving the sensor guide upward and downward in the ice storage unit. |
| US09863685B2 |
Modular cooling and low energy ice
A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, an ice maker disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, and an ice mold in the ice maker. The ice maker is configured to provide cooling air from a cool air source along a bottom side of the ice mold during freezing of water to make ice. The ice maker is further configured to provide warm air from a warm air source along the bottom side of the ice mold to facilitate harvesting of the ice. The warm air source may be a refrigeration compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet. The ice maker may be disposed within the refrigeration compartment or the freezer compartment. The ice maker may be configured to make clear ice. The ice mold may be fixed in place during the harvesting of the ice. |
| US09863681B2 |
Expansion valve control system and method for air conditioning apparatus
Systems and methods of controlling an HVAC system electronic expansion valve (EEV) include determining an optimal EEV position for the HVAC system as a function of a variable related to an ambient environment enthalpy and operating the HVAC system as a function of the optimal EEV position. |
| US09863680B2 |
Heat pump apparatus
An apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, an indoor-side heat exchanger serving as a radiator that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and a heating target, an expansion valve that decompresses the refrigerant by opening-degree adjustment, and an outdoor-side heat exchanger serving as an evaporator that exchanges heat between a heat-exchange target and the refrigerant are connected by pipes. The apparatus includes: an outdoor air temperature sensor that detects a temperature of outdoor air serving as the heat-exchange target; a discharge-side temperature sensor that detects a discharge temperature of the refrigerant discharged by the compressor; and a controller that, when the controller determines that a rotation speed of the compressor is a maximum and the temperature of the heat-exchange target is lower than a preset temperature, controls an opening degree of the expansion valve by using the discharge temperature. |
| US09863676B2 |
Method and equipment for servicing cooling systems in vehicles
When, according to the invention, the air in the so-called Zone 2 areas is ventilated, i.e. sucked out, the ATEX Directive concerning treatment of inflammable coolants may be satisfied in an effective manner. In practice, the suction around the engine (6) of the vehicle and the ventilation of the service equipment (9, 21, 53), respectively, may ensure that the requirements in the ATEX Directive with respect to Zone 2 areas may be satisfied, if possibly inflammable vapors are discharged, since these areas are ventilated to the atmosphere. The use of the method is service-friendly when servicing air conditioning systems and when adding coolant online. |
| US09863669B2 |
Brayton cycle type refrigerating apparatus
A Brayton cycle type refrigerating apparatus using multiple stages of compressors and having a good response without reduction in efficiency due to change in heat load of the object to be cooled is provided. The Brayton cycle type refrigerating apparatus includes on a refrigerant line on which multiple stages of compressors are arranged in series. The apparatus also includes a temperature sensor for detecting heat load of an object to be cooled and a buffer tank provided between a low pressure line and a high pressure line. A flow rate of the refrigerant in the refrigerant line is controlled by controlling opening degrees of valves to adjust the cooling capacity. |
| US09863663B2 |
Heat exchanger
Disclosed herein is a heat exchanger, comprising at least one electric resistance heating element, at least two conductors which are connected to the at least one electric resistance heating element in an electrically conductive manner in order to conduct electric current through the at least one electric resistance heating element and thereby heat the electric resistance heating element, at least one thermally conductive element for transferring heat from the at least one electric resistance heating element to a fluid to be heated, at least one electrically insulating element, which electrically insulates the at least two conductors, and at least one pipe, wherein the at least two conductors and the at least one electric resistance heating element are arranged within a cavity bounded by the pipe and the pipe lies on the at least one electrically insulating element under a compressive force at at least one contact surface. |
| US09863662B2 |
Generating a heated fluid using an electromagnetic radiation-absorbing complex
A vessel including a concentrator configured to concentrate electromagnetic (EM) radiation received from an EM radiation source and a complex configured to absorb EM radiation to generate heat. The vessel is configured to receive a cool fluid from the cool fluid source, concentrate the EM radiation using the concentrator, apply the EM radiation to the complex, and transform, using the heat generated by the complex, the cool fluid to the heated fluid. The complex is at least one of consisting of copper nanoparticles, copper oxide nanoparticles, nanoshells, nanorods, carbon moieties, encapsulated nanoshells, encapsulated nanoparticles, and branched nanostructures. Further, the EM radiation is at least one of EM radiation in an ultraviolet region of an electromagnetic spectrum, in a visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and in an infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. |
| US09863660B2 |
Sensing method and sensing system, and air conditioning device having the same
A sensing method includes acquiring a thermal image of an object space, identifying an object within the object space included in the thermal image, based on the acquired thermal image, presenting to a user the thermal image to which information, indicating identification results of the identifying, has been added, and accepting a response as to the presented thermal image to which the information has been added. And at least one of the acquiring, the identifying, the presenting, and the accepting is performed by a processor. |
| US09863659B2 |
System and method for providing a tile management controller
A server rack includes a server pod including a server pod element that has a first temperature sensor for sensing a first operating temperature of the server pod element and a baseboard management controller, and a second temperature sensor for sensing a second operating temperature of the server rack. The server rack receives the first operating temperature via the first baseboard management controller, adjusts a first operating parameter of the first server pod element based on the first operating temperature, receives the second operating temperature, and directs a first active floor tile to adjust a first air conditioning vent of the first active floor tile based on the second operating temperature. |
| US09863654B2 |
Convertible dual tank humidifier
A convertible humidifier that includes a base portion that produces mist, a control panel that controls the production of the mist by the base portion, at least one reservoir detachably connectable to the base portion for holding water used to produce mist, and a nozzle configured to direct the mist. At least one reservoir includes a pass-through connection that provides a flow path for mist from the base portion to exit the humidifier through an opening on the reservoir. The nozzle is detachably connectable directly to the opening in a first operation mode, and the nozzle is connected to an extending portion which is detachably connected to the opening in a second operation mode. |
| US09863653B2 |
Closed circulating water cooling apparatus and method
A closed circulating water cooling apparatus includes an internal cooling apparatus, a plate heat exchanger, and an auxiliary cooling apparatus. The internal cooling apparatus comprises an internal cooling circulator pump and an air cooler. The auxiliary cooling apparatus comprises an external cooling circulator pump and an underground water pipe. Internal cooling water flowing through the plate heat exchanger from the internal cooling apparatus exchanges heat with external cooling water flowing through the plate heat exchanger from the auxiliary cooling apparatus. Utilization of the closed circulating water cooling apparatus and method allows for increased cooling capacity, when the environmental temperature is greater than the maximum inflow water temperature permitted by a piece of technical equipment, for the cooling apparatus to still provide sufficient cooling capacity, and for the equipment to obviate any water loss during operation. |
| US09863647B1 |
Bypass valve
A bypass valve is for support between hot and cold water lines that connect to respective hot and cold fixtures. The bypass valve includes a valve body having an internal chamber, a hot water inlet port, a hot water outlet port and a discharge port; a bi-metal spring; a support member for mounting the bi-metal spring within the internal chamber of the valve body; and a shuttle mounted to the bi-metal spring and constructed and arranged to mate with the discharge port in a closed position of the bi-metal spring. The bi-metal spring assumes an open position to disengage from the discharge port at a predetermined water temperature to enable the hot water to discharge through the discharge port to the cold water line. |
| US09863644B2 |
Grilling apparatus
A grilling apparatus for bacon or other thinly sliced meat. The apparatus includes a base with sidewalls extending from opposite ends of the base. A pair of doors are coupled to opposite sides of the base and movable from an open position to a closed position. A pair of grill plates are removably connected to a corresponding one of the doors. A heating element extends from the base between the side walls. A removable grill is placed over the heating element between the said side walls. When the doors are in the closed position, the grill and the grill plates form an enclosed space, so that when power is supplied to the heating element, heat generated by the heating element is provided by convection to the grill and the grill plates. |
| US09863643B2 |
Heating cooker
A heating cooker includes: a top plate on which a cooking container to be heated is placed; an outer case as a main body having an upper surface on which the top plate is placed; a heater heating the cooking container; and a light emitting device disposed in the outer case, for displaying the heating state. The top plate includes: a glass substrate having a transparent light-transmitting low-expansion crystallized glass made mainly of Li2O—AL2O3—SiO2 and having β-quartz solid solution, having a crystal size smaller than the wavelength of visible light; a design layer having a black-based color disposed on an undersurface of the glass substrate; a diffusion region disposed partially on an undersurface of the design layer, for diffusedly emitting light from the light emitting device; and a light-blocking layer disposed on the undersurface of the design layer other than the diffusion region, for blocking light from below. |
| US09863642B2 |
Control panel and method of assembling the same and cooking appliance having the same
A cooking appliance including a body provided with a heating part, a control panel detachably provided at the body, and a coupling unit configured to allow the control panel to come into close contact with the body. The coupling unit includes a first lever rotatably provided at an inner side of the control panel and is configured to receive an external force outside the control panel. The coupling unit also includes a second lever provided in between the control panel and the body to allow the control panel to come into close contact with the body while interlocked with an operation of the first lever. |
| US09863637B2 |
Combustor
Provided is a combustor that is made compact and achieves NOx reduction. In the combustor (1) including a pilot nozzle (21) disposed along the central axis of the combustor (1) and performing diffusion combustion, a plurality of main nozzles (22) disposed on the outer peripheral side of the pilot nozzle (21) at intervals in the circumferential direction and performing premixing combustion, a single inner cylinder (2a) surrounding the pilot nozzle (21) and the main nozzles (22), and an outer cylinder approximately coaxially surrounding the outer side of the inner cylinder (2a) to form a compressed air passage (6) between the inner peripheral surface thereof and the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder and turning the flow direction of compressed air flowing in the compressed air passage (6) in approximately the opposite direction at the end of the inner cylinder (2a) to introduce the compressed air into the pilot nozzle (21), the compressed air passage (6) is provided with a flow rate controller that makes the flow rate on the combustor (1) inner peripheral side of the passage larger than that on the outer peripheral side. An example as the flow rate controller is a baffle plate 51 provided with holes 55, 56. |
| US09863635B2 |
Combined ignitor spark and flame rod
Disclosed herein is an ignition system for igniting a flame in a combustion chamber comprising a conduit secured to a windbox wall of the combustion chamber; where the conduit includes a fuel conduit for delivering fuel to the combustion chamber; and a single ignitor and flame rod assembly having a first end and a second end; where the first end comprises a high energy ignitor tip; where the second end is in electrical communication with an electrical power source; where the electrical power source comprises a spark transformer that comprises a primary winding and a secondary winding; a flame monitoring ignitor; where the flame monitoring ignitor is in direct electrical communication with a ground contact and with a low voltage side of the secondary winding; where the flame monitoring ignitor is disposed between the low voltage side of the secondary winding and a ground contact; and a transient voltage suppressor; that is disposed in parallel with the flame monitoring ignitor. |
| US09863627B2 |
LED lamp with fins functioning as radiating heat sinks
An LED lamp includes a base, the transition insulating element connected therewith which is made of dielectric plastic with the cavity inside. The power supply is located on a PCT with the heat-conducting metal base and attached on the radiator. The radiator is made as rod-shaped section profile having side faces pointed at different directions, on which the LED modules are placed, as well as ribs extending therefrom. The radiator is within the diffuser made of plastic. The radiator has longitudinally oriented ribs located on a portion of radiator height and extending from the surface of the radiator between faces for formation of heat removal surfaces. The diffuser has a cap made as longitudinally oriented segmented shells, each located in front of LED modules of one face and covers them, isolating these LED modules from the ones on the adjacent face. Longitudinally oriented ribs are located between segmented shells. |
| US09863625B2 |
Modular luminaire system
A modular cube shaped light emitting diode (LED) luminaire that can be cascaded, or interconnected, to create a larger, higher power LED luminaire that produces more light than the modular LED luminaire is disclosed. Each modular LED luminaire comprises a housing, a heat sink, a power/control circuit board (PCB-A) and an LED circuit board (PCB-B). An optional fan and a metallic heat sink are also enclosed inside the modular LED luminaire housing/shell. The modular LED luminaire provides optical expansion across interconnected modular LED luminaires. The LEDs and heat sinks are easily removable for defect replacement, LED light replacement and upgrade, without uninstalling the entire luminaire. Secondary side processor control of the feedback regulator allows sensor, radio module, user inputs etc. to reside on the “safe” isolated (low voltage) secondary side of the supply can then be used to safely make changes (an allowable UL approval) in the regulated output drive to the LEDs. |
| US09863622B1 |
Underwater lights for divers
An LED underwater light, which can be hand-held or mounted on an underwater camera housing, is switchable between two light modes. A first embodiment of the dive light is a focus light, used for initial focusing with a still underwater camera. Incorporated in the focus light is a red light source to which the focus light can be switched from initially projected white light. The switch is used to switch off a series of white LEDs while switching on a series of red LEDs. In another embodiment, the dive light is a flood/spot light, or with another two types of selectable LED arrays, and enables a diver to quickly switch between two types of light projection. Another feature is a laser beam projecting device within the housing, with a momentary switch on the housing to power the laser, as for pointing out underwater objects of interest, the laser beam being projected to the same area as the spot beam. |
| US09863620B2 |
Controller for a luminaire
Provided is a controller for use with a luminaire. The controller that includes a processor connected to at least one lead of a receptacle included in the luminaire. The processor can be programmed to multiplex at least one lead of the receptacle to achieve at least one of a plurality functions. |
| US09863619B2 |
Lamp, transition member for mounting lamp, lamp body and junction box assembly
The present application relates to a lighting device and in particular to a lamp, a transition member for mounting a lamp, a lamp body and a junction box assembly, by which problems such as inconvenient operation and low efficiency in connecting wires during the mounting of a lamp can be solved. The lamp provided by the present application comprises a lamp body and a transition member which is configured to mount the lamp body in a mounting position. The transition member comprises a mounting portion and a placement portion; the mounting portion is configured to be mounted in said mounting position; and the placement portion enables the lamp body to be placed thereon before the mounting is completed, and in this state, wires connected between the lamp body and the mounting position are not shielded so that it is possible to connect the wires. |
| US09863617B2 |
Light emitting module and illuminating instrument using same
The light source unit has holding portions for holding a socket on a mounting surface facing the socket, and the socket has an engagement portion for engagement with holding portions. The engagement portion has engagement claws biased in parallel to the mounting surface movably oppositely to each other and engaged with the holding portions, and a holding mechanism that holds the engagement claws while they are adjacent to each other so as not to be engaged with the holding portions. The engagement claws and the holding portions are engaged with each other when the light source unit is disposed in the mounting position to the socket, and the engagement claws held by the holding mechanism is released. For this reason, it is possible to install the light source unit to the socket with a weak force. |
| US09863615B2 |
Insertable lighting module with light effect material
A lighting unit is removably inserted into a pocket to create a light effect through use of a light effect material. The lighting unit has a PCB with a first side to which one or more LEDs and a battery are mounted. A clear potting material encloses the PCB, LEDs, and the battery and creates a transparent space proximate an inner surface of the light effect material which maintains the light effect material at a preselected distance from the LEDs so that light emitted from each light emitting die is dispersed by a plurality of dispersive elements in the light effect materials to create the light material viewing effect. |
| US09863613B2 |
Light fixture joint with notched edge and methods incorporating the same
Low-profile light fixture joints reduce the appearance of a seam between joined ends of one or more polymeric panels at a connection interface. The joint is formed between a first end of a polymeric panel and a second end of the same or a separate polymeric panel. Each end has an upper edge portion, a lower edge portion opposite the upper edge portion, a flange extending between the upper edge portion and the lower edge portion, and a notch disposed between the flange and one or more of the lower edge portion or the upper edge portion. The notch enables the upper and/or lower edge portions to present straight edges at the connection interface, the joined straight edges forming a butt seam at the connection interface, while the flanges present rounded edges at the connection interface, the joined rounded edges forming a tucked seam at the connection interface. |
| US09863607B2 |
Optical system for stage lamp
An optical system for a stage lamp wherein the optical system comprises: a light source, a light condensing device, an effect component, a lens, a multi-reflector optical component fixed on an upper portion of the lens, a light emitted by the light source being reflected by the light condensing device and converged to form a main light beam along a transmission direction of the light, the main light beam sequentially passing through the effect component and the lens and being reflected by the multi-reflector optical component; wherein the multi-reflector optical component is provided with at least three reflective mirrors, and is connected to a at least three-stage linkage mechanism which is capable of driving the multi-reflector optical component, and achieving a three-dimensional dynamic light spot effect. When the optical system according to the present invention is applied to the stage lamp, one lamp simultaneously presenting a plurality of same dynamic spot effects is implemented. |
| US09863604B2 |
Phosphor wheel, light source device, and projection image display apparatus
A phosphor wheel includes: a substrate; a light reflection layer disposed on one surface of the substrate; a phosphor layer; and a bonding layer which is located between and bonds the light reflection layer and the phosphor layer, wherein the bonding layer contains a particle which is higher in thermal conductivity than a base material of the bonding layer and higher in light reflectance than the light reflection layer. |
| US09863598B2 |
Vehicle lighting system having an oscillating reflecting body moved by a piezoelectric operating member
A lighting system that includes a light source able to generate a light beam and means for scanning the light beam incorporating at least one oscillating reflective body for deflecting the path of the beam. The oscillating reflective body is moved by deformations of a piezoelectric operating member. The means for scanning the light beam also have optical means for amplifying the deflection of the path of the light beam positioned downstream of the reflective body, in relation to the propagation direction of the light beam. |
| US09863587B2 |
Lighting device and liquid crystal display device having the same
A lighting device can include a base substrate, a plurality of LED light sources disposed in a center area of the base substrate in a first direction, and a resin layer stacked in a structure which covers the plurality of LED light sources. One or more printed circuit boards can be disposed on the base substrate. |
| US09863585B2 |
Light source assembly and method for producing the same
A light source assembly, a method for producing a light source assembly, and a lamp are provided. In one example, the light source assembly comprises a substrate comprising first and second substrate portions being arranged at a tilt angle (α) to each other forming a V-shaped structure, wherein, at the tip of the V-shaped structure, the first portion comprises a first electrical terminal and the second portion comprises a second electrical terminal. The light source assembly further comprises a light source arranged to bridge a terminal gap between the first and second electrical terminals such that the light source is in electrical connection with the first and second electrical terminals. |
| US09863582B2 |
Gas tank container
A gas tank container having increased volume is disclosed. The gas tank container for storing and/or transporting gas and/or liquid, includes a tank vessel, a frame and at least one outlet valve. The end of the outlet valve is attached to a tank flange, which is sunk in a recess at the end of the tank vessel. By recessing at least one outlet valve of the gas tank container, the length of the tank vessel can be optimized within the frame. |
| US09863581B2 |
Virtual gaseous fuel pipeline
Various embodiments provide an end-to-end gaseous fuel transportation solution without using physical pipelines. A virtual pipeline system and methods thereof may involve transportation of gaseous fuels including compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and/or adsorbed natural gas (ANG). An exemplary pipeline system may include a gas supply station, a mother station for treating gaseous fuels from the gas supply station, a mobile transport system for receiving and transporting the gaseous fuels, and a user site for unloading the gaseous fuels from the mobile transport system. The unloaded gaseous fuels can be further used or distributed. |
| US09863576B1 |
Accessory mounting system
An accessory mounting bracket provides a quick and easy removable attachment of various devices. The method of attachment of devices to the accessory mounting bracket may be compatible with the attachment of these devices to tee-slot style track systems, allowing the accessory mounting bracket to be used interchangeably with said track systems. |
| US09863573B2 |
Instrument and speaker lift stand
Improvements in an expandable stand with an adjustable travel stop within a musical instrument stand or elevating speaker is presented. The stand supports some weight of the instrument or speaker to relieve the weight. The stand has a securing mechanism that grasps a tubular section to hold the musical instrument. The stand is collapsible to fit within or can be carried with the case for the instrument. The speaker stand can be easily collapsed for transportation and storage. An adjustable travel stop for the travel stop to be inserted and removed from the inner tube diameter. The ability to insert and remove the travel stop allows the extension or the travel of the lift to be adjustable by moving the travel stop within the tube. The travel stop can be used to stop the travel length and or to establish the starting point for expansion. |
| US09863572B2 |
Lifting device and electronic system
A lifting device configured to adjustably hold a display device at a certain height includes a support frame configured to support the display device, a shaft, a toothed gear, and a rack secured on the support frame. The shaft includes a wide portion secured on the display device and a narrow portion carrying the toothed gear, friction between the wide portion and the narrow portion being sufficient to hold the static weight of the display device. The toothed gear meshes with the rack. An upward or downward push on the display device drives the gear to move up and down along the rack to adjust the height of the display device. |
| US09863570B2 |
Hopper tee with wear port
A hopper tee for redirecting the flow of material from one passage to another passage includes a radius providing a transition between the passages. A port at the exterior of the radius includes an upwardly-open cavity having a bottom wall disposed within the radius and forming a sacrificial wall extending between the bottom wall and the inner surface of the radius. The cavity provides an indication that material moving through the tee has worn the wall of the radius by the creation of a passage between the interior of the tee and the cavity and expelling material through the passage to the exterior of the tee. A plug may be secured within the cavity allowing a user to continue to use the tee until the tee is rotated or replaced. The radius may include a thickened wall for providing added structural support and sacrificial material. |
| US09863569B2 |
Pipeline repair
In an example, a method of repairing a pipeline includes isolating a section of a pipeline that includes a leak site. The method includes flooding the section of the pipeline with a plug formulation that includes artificial platelets and an ultraviolet (UV) photoinitiator. The section may be pressurized to induce migration of the artificial platelets to the leak site. The method also includes draining excess plug formulation from the section of the pipeline. The method further includes exposing the UV photoinitiator to UV light to form a gas impermeable seal at the leak site. |
| US09863568B2 |
Dampening device
This dampening device comprises a body defining a chamber and presenting at least one orifice intended for the inlet and the outlet of the fluid in the chamber. The dampening device further comprises i) a dampening member located in the chamber and comprising at least one foam with closed cells, and ii) a holding member configured to hold the dampening member in place. The dampening device being characterized in that at least one foam has a porosity comprised between 50% and 98%. |
| US09863561B2 |
Pipe clamp assembly with stiffening element
A pipe clamp assembly includes a band having an inner annular seal element wrappable around a pipe, opposing clamp members extending from the band, and tightening elements for clamping together the clamp members. The tightening elements are positioned at or near opposite ends of each of the clamp members. A stiffening element is constructed of an elongate beam with mounting holes near opposite ends of the beam. The tightening elements pass through the mounting holes of the stiffening element. There are no tightening elements along a length of the stiffening element between the mounting holes. |
| US09863560B2 |
Expansible threaded joint and method for making same
An expandable threaded connection includes: first and second tubular components including respective male and female ends including respective first and second and third and fourth threaded zones, insertion regions, first and second annular tongues, prominent abutment faces, and first and second concavities; the first and second tongues are respectively engaged in the second and first concavities in a made up condition, the abutment face of at least one tongue in contact with at least one concavity; the male end including a first surface between the first threaded zone and the first tongue, and the female end including a second surface between the third threaded zone and the second concavity; in the made up condition, the first and second surfaces define an annular space include large and small radial dimension zones which, after expansion, can form a metal-metal contact seal, the first tongue bearing on the second tongue. |
| US09863558B2 |
Composite hose assembly
A composite hose assembly including a fluoropolymer inner tube and a jacket circumferentially surrounding the fluropolymer tube. The jacket is formed from a plurality of plaits of fiberglass lace or other material. The jacket is then coated or infused with different resins along an axial length of the tube to impart varying degrees of flexibility along its length. A method of making the composite hose assembly includes: providing a fluropolymer inner tube, forming a jacket by circumferentially wrapping a plurality of plaits of fiberglass lace or other material around the fluropolymer tube, and infusing the plaits with different resins along its length to vary the flexibility. |
| US09863552B2 |
Fluid valve and a single shaft-sealing module thereof
A fluid valve with a single shaft-sealing module is disclosed. The single shaft-sealing module allows the annular shaft sealing rings to be squeezed to slightly deform to prevent gaps being formed between the shaft and the inner surface of the valve body, and facilitates easy clean and/or replacement of the worn shaft sealing rings. |
| US09863547B2 |
Valve of a hydraulically striking device
A valve of a hydraulically striking device having a housing, the housing having a moving member being seated inside the housing to move in a reciprocating manner by means of a hydraulic fluid. The moving member has an inner space, the housing has at least a first abutment surface abutting the moving member, the first abutment surface of the housing has a first surface located in a radial inner portion of the first abutment surface, wherein the first surface is arranged in fluid communication with the inner space, and a second surface located in a radial outer portion of the first abutment surface, wherein the second surface is arranged to form a sealing surface. |
| US09863546B2 |
Air admittance valve preventing mephitis overflow
An air admittance valve preventing mephitis overflow, having a main body with an air entry guide base defining an air entry guide; a pivot support; and a valve seat. A sealing valve group having a sealing valve body that defines a recess; a flexible member; a pivot housing; and a pivot. The valve seat is located about the air entry guide. The pivot is located in the pivot housing and the pivot support, and the pivot is located along, or adjacent to, the center of gravity of the sealing valve body. The flexible member is at least partially located in the recess and abuts the main body; and when the air admittance valve is closed, the sealing valve body abuts the valve seat. |
| US09863542B2 |
Diaphragm valve with welded diaphragm seat carrier
A diaphragm valve with an assembly or cartridge that facilitates replacement of the diaphragm, the valve seat or both. The assembly may be a valve assembly having a diaphragm, a seat carrier and a valve seat that are combined into a discrete subassembly or cartridge for a diaphragm valve. The assembly as a discrete cartridge can be easily removed and replaced in order to change out the diaphragm or the valve seat or both. In one embodiment, the diaphragm has a perimeter that is welded to one side of the seat carrier. Flow capacity is favored by providing a gap between a seat carrier and a flow port of the valve body where the gap in part defines a flow area that is the same or greater than the flow area of the flow port. Methods for installing and replacing a valve assembly into a valve body are also disclosed. |
| US09863541B2 |
Spring load adjusting apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
A sleeve has a female thread, which is formed in an inner peripheral surface of the sleeve. An adjust screw adjusts a spring load of a spring, which is placed in an inside of the sleeve. The adjust screw has a male thread, which is formed in an outer peripheral surface of the adjust screw and is threadably engaged with the female thread. The sleeve has at least one protrusion that is formed integrally with the rest of the sleeve and is urged against the adjust screw toward the spring in an axial direction to urge the male thread against the female thread and thereby to provide a predetermined degree of sealing between the male thread and the female thread. |
| US09863539B2 |
Bearing, notably for a vehicle
A bearing having an inner ring, an outer ring, and sealing means is provided. The bearing includes a complementary inflatable sealing device mounted on one of the rings and further includes a fixed annular part and a deformable annular portion coupled to the annular fixed part that can be deformed in a direction from a retracted position to a deployed position under the effect of a fluid and in the other direction towards its retracted position, at least one annular chamber for receiving the fluid, into which the orifice being formed between the fixed and deformable portions at least when the deformable annular portion is extended axially. |
| US09863534B2 |
Hard carbon coating film
A piston ring having a hard carbon coating film is provided that can be easily formed in the same batch, does not cause delamination, and is excellent in initial running-in and wear resistance.A hard carbon coating film is formed at least on an outer peripheral sliding surface of a piston ring base and contains substantially no hydrogen, wherein the hard carbon coating film has an sp2 content ratio ranging from 40% to 80% measured in a TEM-EELS spectrum where transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) are combined together, and an area ratio of contained macro particles on a surface of the hard carbon coating film ranges from 0.1% to 10.0%. |
| US09863527B2 |
Modular control device for a transmission of a commercial vehicle
A control device is provided for a transmission having at least three shift actuators for the gear selection, a plurality of valves for actuating the shift actuators and a further plurality of valves for actuating the clutch. The shift actuators, the valves for actuating the shift actuators and the valves for actuating the clutch are combined in a common housing and that, within this housing, the shift actuators are grouped into a spatially connected shift group, the shift actuator valves are grouped into a spatially connected valve group and the clutch actuator valves are grouped into a further spatially connected valve group, wherein the shift group and the two valve groups and do not spatially overlap. |
| US09863525B2 |
Transfer gear
A clutch-controlled transfer gear having a drive shaft which is mounted so as to be rotatable by way of at least one drive shaft bearing, a primary shaft which is mounted so as to be rotatable by way of at least one primary shaft bearing, a secondary shaft which is arranged with an axial offset with respect to the drive shaft and which is mounted so as to be rotatable by way of at least one secondary shaft bearing, a transfer mechanism which is arranged between secondary shaft and drive shaft and bridges the axial offset thereof, and a clutch which is arranged between the drive shaft and an offset gear, by means of which clutch the secondary shaft is, for the operation thereof, coupled to the drive shaft and, for the deactivation thereof, decoupled from the drive shaft, as required. |
| US09863517B2 |
Non-synchronous gear meshing events for limited slip differentials
A differential gear mechanism includes a differential case, a first side gear, a second side gear, a first pinion and a second pinion. The first side gear is rotatably mounted within the differential case and has a first outer diameter. The second side gear is rotatably mounted within the differential case and has a second diameter. The first pinion gear is meshed for rotation with the first side gear during a first meshing event. The second pinion gear is meshed for rotation with the second side gear during a second meshing event. The first and second pinion gears form a torque transfer arrangement configured for transferring torque between the first and second pinion gears and the first and second side gears to rotate the first and second side gears. The first and second outer diameters are distinct such that the first and second meshing events are offset in time. |
| US09863516B2 |
Corn head row unit gearbox lubrication
A corn head row unit gearbox includes an input shaft, that rotates about a first axis of rotation and that drives a set of bevel gears. The bevel gears transfer rotation of the input shaft into rotation of a set of gathering chain output shafts about a second axis of rotation, generally transverse to the first axis of rotation. The gathering chain drive shafts each rotate within a bushing mounted within a frame structure of the gearbox. The frame structure defines a bore that communicates with a bevel gear cavity, in which at least one of the sets of bevel gears rotates, and an interior of the bushings mounted on the gathering chain drive shafts. Rotation of the bevel gears carries lubricant to an inlet aperture on the bore and drives the lubricant through the bore into the bushings. |
| US09863512B2 |
Continuously variable transmission belt guide
A continuously variable transmission belt guide is mounted next to a driven clutch assembly and in close proximity with the CVT belt at the CVT's lowest drive ratio. The CVT belt connects between a pair of moveable sheaves of the drive and driven clutch assemblies to provide a variable CVT drive ratio between a lowest drive ratio and a highest drive ratio. When contacting the CVT belt, the CVT belt guide prevents a ripple or wave from appearing in the un-tensioned side of the belt, prevents the CVT belt from losing contact with the driven clutch, and prevents undesirable vehicle performance at the lowest drive ratio. |
| US09863510B2 |
Hydraulic auto-tensioner
A hydraulic auto-tensioner includes a cylinder with a sleeve fitting hole, and a sleeve press-fitted therein. A rod has its bottom end slidable in the sleeve. A return spring is mounted between a spring seat at an upper portion of the rod and a bottom surface of the cylinder. An oil passage, with a check valve, is formed between the fitting surfaces of the sleeve fitting hole and the sleeve and communicates the pressure chamber with the reservoir chamber. The rod has a valve fitting hole open to its bottom surface, and an oil passage communicating the valve fitting hole with the reservoir chamber. A relief valve, mounted in the valve fitting hole, includes a valve seat with a valve hole having an orifice for restricting the flow rate of oil released from the pressure chamber into the reservoir chamber through the oil passage when the relief valve opens. |
| US09863508B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting torque of the engine, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, a first shaft, a second shaft, a third shaft, a fourth shaft directly connected to the input shaft, a fifth shaft, a sixth shaft selectively connectable to each of the first, second, and fourth shafts, a seventh shaft, and an eighth shaft selectively connectable to the seventh shaft, and directly connected to the output shaft. |
| US09863507B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting torque of the engine, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, a first shaft, a second shaft, a third shaft selectively connectable to at least one of the input shaft and a transmission housing, a fourth shaft selectively connectable to the input shaft, a fifth shaft selectively connectable to the input shaft, a sixth shaft directly connected to the output shaft, and a seventh shaft. |
| US09863501B2 |
Double clutch transmission
A dual-clutch transmission having first and second clutches which selectively engage to couple a drive shaft with a respective first and second input shaft. The input shafts are coaxially aligned with the first input shaft extending through the second input shaft. A transmission output shaft is coaxially aligned with and extends behind the input shafts. Either six, seven or eighth forward gears and at least two reverse gears are produced by gearwheels that are arranged in six gearwheel planes on the input and the output shafts and a countershaft. The gearwheel planes are sequentially arranged axially along the transmission. Depending on the shifting positions of eight interlocking shifting elements, when six forward gears are provided, the last forward gear is a direct gear. In contrast, when either seven or eight forward gears are provided, the last forward gear, in each case, is an overdrive gear. |
| US09863495B1 |
Vibration isolator
In some embodiments, a vibration isolator comprises a housing having a base portion and a wall portion. A plurality of bearings are disposed within the housing. The bearings are arranged in a configuration comprising a plurality of layers. A first layer comprises a bearing and a second layer comprises a plurality of bearings. Each bearing in the second layer contacts the wall portion of the housing. Each bearing comprises a plurality of contact points in contact with another portion of the vibration isolator, and no two contact points of a bearing are diametrically opposed. |
| US09863494B2 |
Suspension damper
A suspension damper including an actuator and a static fluid damper is provided. The actuator includes a first housing and a second housing positioned within the first housing and coaxially aligned with the first housing along an axis of the actuator. The second housing defines a passage. A piston is slidably positioned within the passage of the second housing to define a first chamber and a second chamber. A divider is positioned between an inner surface of the first housing and an outer surface of the second housing to define a third chamber and a fourth chamber. The static fluid damper includes a first damping chamber, a second damping chamber, and a third damping chamber. A separating member is positioned within the third damping chamber to define a gas chamber. First and second flow passages provide fluid communication between the actuator and the static fluid damper. |
| US09863493B2 |
Non-asbestos friction material composition, friction material using same, and friction member
A non-asbestos frictional material composition is provided, which is capable of provide a frictional material with low environmental load and with excellent friction coefficient, anti-crack properties, and abrasion resistance compared with conventional ones. Furthermore, a frictional material and a friction member formed by using this non-asbestos frictional material composition are provided. The non-asbestos frictional material composition containing a binder, an organic filler, an inorganic filler, and a fiber base material, includes: copper in a content of 5 mass % or less as a copper element; a metal fiber other than a copper fiber and a copper alloy fiber in a content of 0.5 mass % or less; cashew dust in a content of 1.5-4.5 mass % as the organic filler; zirconium oxide with a particle size of 30 μm or less in a content of 30-45 mass % but not containing zirconium oxide with a particle size of more than 30 μm as the inorganic filler. |
| US09863491B2 |
Piston for a brake caliper of a disk brake
The invention relates to a piston for a brake caliper, which can be actuated in combined fashion, of a disk brake, which piston 1 is produced by shaping processes from a metallic material, in particular from a planar metal sheet, and which piston 1 is formed as a pot which is open on one side and which has a longitudinal axis, a wall and a piston crown, and which piston has a twist prevention facility for a drive nut. The invention is based on the problem of providing a robust piston construction which is better capable of tolerating erroneous repair work. To solve the problem, it is proposed that the twist prevention facility has, between the piston and drive nut, at least one reinforcement for protecting against plastic deformation of at least one driver. |
| US09863490B2 |
Motor vehicle disc brake having reduced transverse clearance between pins and bores
A motor vehicle disc brake includes a cover with two tiered bores of parallel axes, each bore includes at least one first section; a caliper slidably mounted axially with respect to the cover by two pins of parallel axes rigidly connected to the caliper and each including at least one guiding section which is slidably mounted, with a radial clearance, in the tiered bore of the cover; and brake, wherein a cylindrical outer guiding surface of the sliding guiding section of each pin includes at least two opposed axial portions, extending angularly about the axis of each pin according to an angle less than 90°, a median axial plane of the two portions being parallel with a plane passing through the axes of the two pins. |
| US09863489B2 |
Disc brake
A disc brake including a brake caliper, which includes two lateral wings which tangentially encompass at least one brake disc, and which is displaceably guided on a brake carrier by two guiding elements, which are arranged opposite with respect to each other and radially with respect to the axis of the brake disc between the brake caliper and the brake carrier, in which a first guiding element in the area of one wing consists of a combination of a sliding bore and a guide pin being guided within it, and in which a second guiding element is configured within the opposite wing as a combination of at least two cooperating guiding surfaces. |
| US09863483B2 |
Mechanical coupling group
A mechanical coupling group of two devices, includes coupling body having a hollow cylindrical central portion and a first flange destined to couple with a first device, and a second flange destined to couple with a second device, threaded means being provided with a broadened head for fixing each of the two flanges to the respective device, in which the second flange comprises at least three first equidistant recesses located on a circumference thereof, and having a larger diameter than a diameter of the broadened head, a cylindrical tract branching from each recess having a diameter that is identical to a diameter of the circumference on which the threaded means lie, less one half of the diameter thereof, and a second recess facing towards the first recess and having a smaller diameter than the broadened head of the threaded means. |
| US09863481B2 |
Impact energy absorbing propeller shaft
An impact energy absorbing propeller shaft may include a collet integrally and rotatably inserted between a spline portion formed on an outer circumferential surface of a front shaft and a spline portion formed on an inner circumferential surface of a rear shaft, and an O-ring fitted with an outer circumferential surface of a rear end portion of the collet, fixedly holding a rear end portion of the front shaft, and fixedly supporting the collet inside the rear shaft. |
| US09863476B2 |
Self-cooled and-or self lubricated electric motor bearing systems
The preferred embodiments of the present invention provide two advantageous features, which are especially beneficial in combination, but which can be advantageously and beneficially employed independently of one another: (1) firstly, a self-cooling motor bearing system; and (2) secondly, a self-lubricating motor bearing system. In the preferred embodiments, one or both of these two advantageous features are integrated inside an electric motor (e.g., within the electric motor's enclosure housing) in such a manner as to greatly enhance bearing operating conditions (e.g., maintaining adequate bearing lubrication and/or bearing operating temperature) without the use of external lubrication units and/or external cooling units. |
| US09863471B2 |
Bearing and bearing arrangement
A spherical roller bearing is provided having an outer ring that includes at least one inner raceway, an inner ring that includes a first and a second outer raceway, a plurality of roller elements disposed in a first and second roller row between the at least one inner raceway and the first and second outer raceway, a cage for one of guiding and retaining the roller elements in the first and second roller row, the cage includes a plurality of cage pockets, in which one of the plurality pf rollers is disposed within each cage pocket. The bearing further provides a specific pitch circle diameter (PCD), and when the cage is under-pitch roller centered in relation to the pitch circle diameter (PCD). In addition, a bearing arrangement and a wind turbine bearing arrangement is disclosed. |
| US09863469B2 |
Bearing preloading device
In a bearing preloading device in which a compression coil spring is used, a hole is defined in a bearing race or in a separate member axially opposed to the bearing race. The hole has an inner periphery constituted by a threaded portion connected to a bottom surface of the hole, and a shallow hole portion connected to an edge of the hole. An inner diameter of the shallow hole portion is larger than an inner diameter of the threaded portion. |
| US09863466B2 |
Sliding bearing
Bearing 10 includes: a half bearing member having an inner circumferential face that slides against an associated shaft, and a plurality of recesses provided in a first end face in an axial direction of the associated shaft; a flange member having a plurality of projections provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of recesses provided in the first end face; and a plurality of staking marks formed in a periphery of each recess when each recess is staked in a state where each of the plurality of projections is fitted to a corresponding one of the plurality of recesses in the first end face to fix the flange member to the half bearing member, wherein a free spread of the half bearing member before the staking is at least 0.2 mm wider than a spread of the half bearing after the staking. |
| US09863463B2 |
Ball joint
A ball joint has a dust cover fitted onto the outer periphery of a socket formed into the shape of a cylinder with a bottom. The socket has a dust cover groove into which a socket-fitting portion of the dust cover is fitted, and a dust cover-recieving surface for supporting a socket-facing surface of the dust cover. The dust cover-recieving surface inclines toward the socket-facing surface while extending from the outer side toward the inner side. Radial projections are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the socket-fitting portion of the dust cover. An axial projection which projects toward the dust cover-recieving surface is formed on the socket-facing surface of the dust cover. |
| US09863462B2 |
Half thrust bearing and bearing device for crankshaft of internal combustion engine
There is provided a half thrust bearing having a semicircular-ring shape for a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, including a back metal layer and a bearing alloy layer having a slide surface on which thrust reliefs are formed adjacently to both circumferential end surfaces so that a wall thickness of the half thrust bearing becomes thinner from the slide surface toward the circumferential end surfaces. A thrust relief length L1 of each thrust relief extends over a circumferential angle θ1 from the circumferential end surface toward a circumferential central portion, and is constant between an inside end portion and an outside end portion in a radial direction of the half thrust bearing. A flat surface of each thrust relief includes a first region on the circumferential end surface side and a second region on the circumferential central portion side. |
| US09863461B2 |
Cable guard structure for locking mechanism of vehicle, and vehicle including same
In a cable guard structure for a locking mechanism in which a lid hook is engaged with a first swing member to lock a fuel lid, and the locking of the fuel lid is released by a release operation through a cable connected to the side of the vehicle body side locking member, the first swing member is disposed at the general center of a vehicle body. The cable is routed in vehicle in a vertical direction. A cable guide guides the cable. The cable guide is a long tubular member, and is arranged substantially vertically. The cable is passed through the cable guide. Such cable guard structure for a locking mechanism can prevent access to a cable from the outside. |
| US09863454B2 |
Alignment system for providing precise alignment and retention of components of a sealable compartment
An elastically averaging alignment and retention system for a sealable compartment includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first alignment member and an elastically deformable alignment element fixedly disposed with respect to the first alignment member, the elastically deformable alignment element having an elongated hollow tube. The second component includes a second alignment member and an alignment feature fixedly disposed with respect to the second alignment member, the alignment feature having a blind-end pocket. The elastically deformable alignment element is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage the alignment feature. Portions of the elastically deformable alignment element when inserted into the alignment feature elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first component relative to the second component in at least two of four planar orthogonal directions. |
| US09863450B1 |
Hydro-mechanical device with preloaded flow regulating assembly
A hydro-mechanical device for providing tactile feel curve shaping, including: a housing; a fluid displacing element; and, a preloaded flow regulating assembly operatively connected to the housing. The housing has a working fluid chamber formed therein, the working fluid chamber containing working fluid. The fluid displacing element is positioned within the working fluid chamber. The fluid displacing element divides the working fluid chamber into at least two cavities upon which fluid is transferred upon movement of the fluid displacing element. The flow of the working fluid is controlled through the preloaded flow regulating assembly in accordance with a custom force profile combining a controlled velocity dependent force component and a controlled resisting force component which opposes an applied force at a controlled maximum threshold. |
| US09863446B2 |
Triple pistons cylinder with reduced overall length
A triple piston fluid pressure cylinder is disclosed with a parallel arrangement of the pistons that allows a combination of the first two stages of the cylinder into one stage so that the first two stages of the cylinder are working into the same common space.As the result of that arrangement the overall length of the triple pistons cylinder is reduced by a significant amount.The saved length may be used to increase the stroke of the cylinder.The piston body assembly is built around the piston arrangement, and is composed of a cylinder tube with one head end cover and one rod end cover and one middle fixed pistons.The middle fixed piston is extended through an extension tube to an extension fixed piston. |
| US09863445B2 |
Reservoir with draining compartment
A fluid reservoir comprises a first compartment, a second compartment, a port, a drain, and a tube. The port is fluidly connected to the first compartment and positioned at a port height. The drain is fluidly connected to the first compartment and the second compartment. An entrance to the drain is positioned in the first compartment at a drain entrance height which is lower than the port height. The tube is fluidly connected to the first compartment and the second compartment. An entrance to the tube is positioned in the first compartment at a tube entrance height which is higher than the drain height. |
| US09863439B2 |
Backing plate
An annular backing plate for a diffuser in a centrifugal compressor comprises an inner diameter and an outer diameter disposed radially opposite the inner diameter. The backing plate also includes a first surface extending between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the backing plate. A step is formed on the first surface proximate the inner diameter, wherein the step shifts a portion of the first surface encompassed by the step axially aft relative a portion of the first surface not encompassed by the step. |
| US09863438B1 |
Adjustable wall mount retaining member to adjust the height of a wall mounted fan
The present invention is a method for attaching a fan to a wall at various locations using an adjustable mounting plate and support for an adjustable mounting plate. The method disclosed herein allows a user to affix a fan to the adjustable mounting plate on a wall at a multitude of different heights desired by the user and to further re-affix to a new desired height both quickly and easily. |
| US09863437B2 |
Ventilating fan
The present invention provides a ventilating fan. In the ventilating fan, first and second flangings are extended outwards from vertical side edges and horizontal side edges of the air inlet of the adapter respectively, outer edges of the first flangings are firstly bent to form both side surface, and then edges of the both side surfaces are bent to form edge surfaces, and the first flangings, the side surfaces, and the edge surfaces confine open grooves; protrusions are disposed on an outer periphery of the air inlet, and a slot is formed between the protrusion and the first or the second flanging; and first folded sheets are extended outwards from both vertical side edges of the air outlet of the casing; and an edge of the air outlet of the frame abuts against and is clamped in the slot. |
| US09863436B2 |
Pump housing
A pump housing has a spiral housing and includes a suction channel (14) which runs out in a space (15). The space (15) is for arranging an impeller (6), rotatable about a rotation axis (5), and includes a spirally peripheral channel (16) open to the space (15) and running out into a pressure channel. A receiver (20) for a differential pressure sensor is provided within the pump housing. A first sensor channel (22) is provided, which connects the receiver (20) to a pressure-side interior of the pump housing. A second sensor channel (23) connects the receiver (20) to the pressure-side interior of the pump housing. The receiver (20) for the differential pressure sensor is arranged between the spirally peripheral channel (16) and the suction channel (14), so that the channels can be formed by way of simple bores. |
| US09863434B2 |
Fins, tubes, and structures for fin array for use in a centrifugal fan
A fin array is disclosed for use in a centrifugal fan having a housing and a fan wheel, the fin array having: a first tube in a first plane perpendicular to an axis of the fan wheel; a second tube in a second plane parallel to the first plane; and a fin in a third plane parallel to the first plane. The fin is sandwiched between the first tube and the second tube, all of which partially surround the axis of the fan wheel. The fin comprises a slotted fin apparatus for permitting condensate to move from a region between the fan wheel and the first tube to a region between the first tube and the housing. The slotted fin apparatus has a first cutout disposed between a first extension and a second extension along at least a portion of the length of the fin. |
| US09863431B2 |
Hybrid magnetic suspension of a rotor
A hybrid magnetic suspension of a rotor (1) having compressor wheels (2, 3) having permanent magnets (104, 114) integral to shrunk fit rings (8, 18) arranged on the rotor (1) in the vicinity of the compressor wheels (2, 3), permanent magnets (124, 134) integral to stationary rings (23, 33) coaxially arranged with the rotor (1) and associated with a resilient material (5, 15) to define a passive radial magnetic bearing, coils (6, 16) associated with magnetic armatures (10, 20) and facing rotor parts (7, 17) being located perpendicularly to the rotor (1), and axial sensors (60, 160) configured for sensing the axial position of the rotor (1) and control means (200) configured for feeding the coils (6, 16) as a function of the outputs of the axial sensors (60, 160) for generating both axial bearing forces and a motor torque and thereby being adapted for defining an axial bearingless motor. |
| US09863428B2 |
Fan control unit and power conditioner
A fan control unit includes: an internal fan that is provided inside a casing, in which an inverter containing a switching element is disposed, and generates an air current for air-cooling inside the casing; a heat sink which is exposed inside a duct provided on the casing and to which the switching element is attached, the duct being provided with an air-intake port and an air-exhaust port; an air-intake fan disposed at the air-intake port of the duct; an air-exhaust fan disposed at the air-exhaust port of the duct; and a control section performing a control such that the air-exhaust fan is turned on earlier than the air-intake fan and the internal fan as output power increases, and that the internal fan and the air-intake fan are turned off earlier than the air-exhaust fan as output power decreases from a state in which all the fans are kept turned on. |
| US09863423B2 |
Conical impeller and applications thereof
A conical impeller with a hub that has a conical surface extending into the interior of the impeller. The hub has spiral, slanting arms which are attached or integrally formed with a plurality of curved blades. The blades can be connected at the bottom by a ring. The intersection of the conical surface of the hub with the blade forms an upward path for fluids and their entrained particles or gases which have been brought into the interior of the impeller to effectively completely be ejected. The discharge edges of the blades and/or the conical surface of the hub may have openings for discharging gas into the fluid. The impeller imparts low shear to the fluid and its components, and the shear is independent or only depends slightly on the size of the impeller. The impeller minimizes or eliminates particle agglomeration and fouling of the impeller. The efficiency of and flow pattern produced by the impeller means that containers don't require the use of baffles. The high efficiency and low shear of the impeller is useful for applications such as mixing of biological fluids, decontamination of produced water, chemical mechanical polishing, and flotation cells. |
| US09863420B2 |
Vacuum pump of lightweight construction
A vacuum pump having a housing composed of light metal, in which a rotor composed of light metal is rotatably mounted. The rotor driving at least one vane, wherein the rotor is composed of light metal and has at least three different diameters along the axis of rotation thereof. |
| US09863419B2 |
Gear pump with drive
The present invention is a gear pump with a drive with at least one integrated cooling circuit which includes a housing mounted with a drive gear and a driven gear, a drive connected with the drive gear by a drive shaft and a means to dissipate the loss flow of the gears to a suction space of the gear pump, in which the loss flow of the working fluid is led into the integrated cooling circuit of the drive and is subsequently discharged into the suction space. |
| US09863418B2 |
Pump system
A rotary pump may include a rotary cover and a rotary housing that may be engaged with one another during operation. A ring gear may be positioned within an internal portion of the rotary cover and rotary housing, and an inner gear may be positioned within a portion of the ring gear. The rotary pump may be configured with a pressure relief portion that may be in fluid communication with an outlet of the pump. The rotary pump may be configured such that pressurized fluid passing through the pressure relief portion is routed to an inlet of the rotary pump. |
| US09863414B2 |
Horizontal and vertical well fluid pumping system
A pump system for producing fluids from a reservoir using a well bore having a vertical section with a easing defining an annulus, a transitional section and a horizontal section, and a production tubing having a vertical section and a horizontal section, wherein the system includes a completion with an isolation device in the annulus near the bottom of the vertical section, a gas/liquid separator for receiving produced fluids from the horizontal section, and a vertical lift pump; a continuous flow path from the terminus of the production tubing to the vertical section; a plurality of horizontal pumps in the horizontal section, each having an intake exposed to the reservoir and an outlet in the continuous flow path. The horizontal length of the production tubing is closed to the reservoir except through the horizontal pumps. A method of producing fluids includes isolating a vertical section of a wellbore from a horizontal section; isolating the production tubing from the reservoir; pumping fluid from the reservoir adjacent a toe segment into a production tubing toe segment and towards the heel segment; and pumping fluid from the reservoir adjacent a heel segment into the production tubing heel segment and towards the vertical section, and pumping fluid up the vertical section to the surface. |
| US09863413B1 |
Peristaltic pump
A peristaltic pump includes a rotating member operably coupled to a drive. The rotating member includes a plurality of rollers arranged in a circular configuration. A guide member defines a channel configured to direct a peristaltic tube around the rotating member so that the peristaltic tube interfaces with the plurality of rollers. The peristaltic tube is pressed against the plurality of rollers by a retaining shoe. The retaining shoe contains surface irregularities configured to restrict movement of the peristaltic tube. A keeper braces the restraining shoe against the peristaltic tube. The rotating rollers compressing the peristaltic tube against the retaining shoe as the rotating member rotates results in a peristaltic action that produces a nearly pulse free linear flow. |
| US09863404B2 |
High efficiency solar power generator for offshore applications
A dual-type solar power generator comprising a dual capture panel. The dual capture panel comprises a reflective surface configured to reflect solar radiation having a reflecting wavelength and an absorbent surface configured to absorb solar radiation having an absorbent wavelength to create a released electron stream. A thermal transfer unit comprising a receiving zone configured to absorb heat energy, a heat engine that converts the heat energy to mechanical work energy, and a generator configured to convert the mechanical work energy to an electric current, an electric conditioning system comprising an electrical buffer configured to prevent a cross flow of the released electron stream and the electric current, a power converter configured to equalize a released electron stream voltage with an electric current voltage, an electrical connector configured to combine the released stream voltage with the electric current voltage to create a power source. |
| US09863402B2 |
System and method for operating a wind turbine based on rotor blade margin
The present subject matter is directed to a method for operating a wind turbine. The method includes calculating one or more blade root loads, e.g. a blade root resultant moment, of at least one rotor blade of the wind turbine. Another step includes estimating a span-wise loading of the rotor blade based at least partially on the one or more blade root loads. The method also includes determining a deformation margin of the rotor blade based at least partially on the span-wise loading and one or more estimated deformations occurring on the rotor blade. Another step includes controlling the wind turbine based on the deformation margin. |
| US09863401B2 |
Multi bandwidth voltage controllers for a wind power plant
The present invention relates to a wind power plant, with at least one wind turbine generator, where each of the at least one wind turbine generator has a first voltage controller with a first bandwidth, arranged for controlling a voltage level, and where the wind power plant has a power plant controller with a second voltage controller with a second bandwidth also arranged for controlling the voltage level, the first bandwidth is larger than the second bandwidth. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the voltage level of a wind power plant, by using multi bandwidth voltage controllers. |
| US09863399B2 |
Transmission/generator coupling
A wind turbine, including a transmission, a transmission shaft acting as transmission output, a generator, a generator shaft acting as generator drive and a coupling connecting the transmission shaft and the generator shaft to one another, is characterized in that the generator shaft is designed as a hollow shaft, the coupling is disposed such that the coupling is connected to the generator shaft on the side of the generator facing away from the transmission, and the transmission shaft passes through the generator shaft and is connected to the coupling. |
| US09863398B2 |
Wind-powered rotor and energy generation method using said rotor
A wind power rotor has a first and second rotor device. The first rotor device rotates about a first axis of rotation and has at least two rotor blades moving on a peripheral track about the first axis of rotation. The rotor blades are such that they describe a virtual first shell surface of a virtual first rotating body upon rotation about the first axis of rotation. The second rotor device rotates about a second axis of rotation and has a second rotating body with a closed second shell surface. The second rotating body is arranged at least partially inside of the virtual first rotating body. The first rotor device can be driven by wind in a first direction of rotation and the second rotor device has a drive device, and can be driven in a second direction of rotation which is opposite that of the first direction of rotation. |
| US09863395B2 |
Wave energy converter with concurrent multi-directional energy absorption
An ocean wave energy converter (WEC) using one or more elongated light-weight low-cost surface floats, oriented and self-orienting parallel to oncoming wave fronts are mechanically linked to a motion stabilized or fixed frame or base through one or more power take-offs in such manner that multi-directional rotational and translational wave-induced forces and relative motion between the float(s) and base are efficiently captured. Some embodiments have at least one forward positioned float that moves upward and rearward on wave crests and downward and forward on ensuing wave troughs to capture a majority of both heave and surge wave energy components. Other embodiments also provide apparatus and means to totally submerge the floats during severe seas or adjust submerged depth and float mass to optimize performance. |
| US09863393B2 |
Waste heat controller
An ECU controls waste heat quantity of an engine according to a required heat quantity in response to a heat-utilize requirement. The ECU controls a valve opening period of an intake valve based on an engine driving condition and an ignition timing based on a most efficient timing at which fuel economy is highest. The ECU determines whether there is an ignition advance margin relative to the most efficient timing. When there is no margin, an actual compression ration of the engine is decreased by advancing or retarding a valve close timing of the intake valve and the ignition timing is advanced relative to the most efficient timing in order to increase the waste heat quantity. |
| US09863389B2 |
Control unit for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine
A control unit according to the present invention performs an automatic stop control in which an injection of fuel from a fuel injection valve is stopped to stop a rotation of an engine when an automatic stop condition is satisfied. Furthermore, the control unit performs a first injection, in which fuel is injected from the fuel injection valve of a cylinder in an expansion stroke, and an ignition operation for igniting the fuel injected by the first injection, when a restart demand occurs after an initiation of the automatic stop control. In addition, the control unit performs a second injection, in which fuel is injected from the fuel injection valve of a cylinder in a compression stroke, and an ignition operation for igniting the fuel injected by the second injection. Then, the control unit performs a third injection, in which fuel is injected from the fuel injection valve of a cylinder in a compression stroke, when it judges that a start-up failure for which a crank angle of the cylinder which is in the compression stroke after the second injection cannot get over the compression top dead center occurs or will occur. |
| US09863386B2 |
Method and device for operation of a high pressure fuel pump
In a high pressure pump in a system for fuel injection in a combustion engine, determining whether a predetermined partial load operating condition prevails in the combustion engine, at which one single of several pump elements (10) in the high pressure pump is capable of alone delivering a fuel pressure requested in an accumulator tank (6), according to a first reference value, and to achieve a reproducible increase of the fuel pressure to a second reference value. If applicable, the high pressure pump's pump elements are controlled so that one single pump element alone delivers the fuel pressure in the accumulator tank according to the first reference value, whereupon this reference value is changed to the second reference value, and the actual development of the pressure in the accumulator tank as a function of time is determined, and compared with stored values of similar developments for the determination of information regarding the pump element's performance ability. |
| US09863384B1 |
Fuel injector mounting system for mounting an injector to an engine cylinder liner
Technology is provided for a fuel injector mounting system for mounting an injector to an engine cylinder liner. The system includes an injector adapter having an adapter body including a first end portion threaded for engagement with a cylinder liner and an injector port formed in the adapter body opposite the first end portion. The injector port includes a plurality of concentric bores configured to receive the proximal end portion of an injector. A flange extends transversely from the adapter body and a collar engages a portion of the injector and connects to the flange to retain the injector in the adapter. A transverse passageway extends through a sidewall of the adapter body and intersects the injector port and an annular fitting is disposed on the injector adapter for fluid communication with the transverse passageway. An injector support bracket attaches a distal end portion of the injector to the engine. |
| US09863383B2 |
Valve assembly with a guide element
A valve assembly for a fluid injection valve contains a hollow valve body which hydraulically connects a fluid inlet to an injection orifice and has a longitudinal axis. A valve needle is received in the valve body in an axially displaceable fashion for sealing the injection orifice in a closing position. An electromagnetic actuator assembly is provided for displacing the valve needle away from the closing position, the actuator assembly containing a movable armature and a pole piece which is positionally fixed relative to the valve body. A guide element is positionally fixed relative to the pole piece, has a first guide surface for axially guiding the armature and a second guide surface for axially guiding the valve needle. |
| US09863378B2 |
Intake air temperature control apparatus for vehicle engine
An engine, an intake passage to introduce intake air to the engine, an exhaust passage to discharge exhaust air from the engine, and a high-temperature duct connected to the intake passage to introduce high-temperature air around the exhaust passage into the engine are provided in an engine compartment. The intake passage includes an intake-air inlet port to introduce outside air as low-temperature air. A passage switching valve provided between the intake passage and the high-temperature duct switches passages of the high-temperature air from the high-temperature duct and the low-temperature air from the intake air inlet port so as to selectively flow the air downstream of the intake passage. A valve control unit controls switching according to the temperature inside the compartment. |
| US09863377B2 |
Engine hyper-concentrator
A process and device for using a PSA oxygen concentrator to provide a high oxygen air intake mass into the combustion chambers of an ICE in order to improve gasoline mileage, reduce undesirable exhaust components and allow a TWC to come into full operation more quickly. A method of improving the quality of an air mass taken into the PSA device is taught. Both a retrofit methodology using commercially available PSA concentrators and a method of using component parts of same to create a differing architectural arrangement suited to fit the particular needs or spaces are presented. |
| US09863361B2 |
Diesel engine control device and control method
A direct injection diesel engine is provided with a fuel injection nozzle which is capable of performing a multistage injection. In a middle-or-high load region, in order to decrease soot, an after-injection is performed immediately after a main injection. In a case of fuel with a low Cetane number, the after-injection can cause a worsening of soot. Hence, an ignition delay interval (period of time) of the main injection is determined. In a case where the ignition time delay interval (period of time) is equal to or above a threshold value, the after-injection is inhibited. |
| US09863358B2 |
Method for operating a common-rail system of a motor vehicle having a redundant common-rail-pressure sensor
A method for operating a common-rail system of a motor vehicle that includes a common-rail-pressure sensor configuration having at least two signal paths, and that can be operated at a maximally permissible common-rail pressure and at a minimally permissible common-rail pressure. Sensor signals are read out in each case in response to a pressure measurement in a common rail of the common-rail system via the at least two signal paths, and a signal deviation value is ascertained that characterizes a deviation between the pressure values that are each determined on the basis of the sensor signals. The method includes reducing the maximally permissible common-rail pressure by a correction value to a maximally permissible emergency common-rail pressure and/or increasing the minimally permissible common-rail pressure by a correction value to a minimally permissible emergency common-rail pressure in response to the signal deviation value exceeding a predefined value. |
| US09863357B2 |
Fuel injection control in an internal combustion engine
A method of controlling fuel injection in an internal combustion engine is presented. For each injector event a drive signal is applied to the fuel injector, wherein said drive signal has a pulse width, which is calculated on the basis of a master performance function and of a minimum delivery pulse corresponding to the minimum pulse width required for the injector to open.The minimum delivery pulse is determined from the voltage across the terminals of the fuel injector's electromagnetic actuator, by comparing the duration of a segment of the voltage second derivative to a predetermined threshold value. |
| US09863352B2 |
Regulation of a temperature in an exhaust aftertreatment system
A method for the regulation of a temperature in an exhaust stream in a motor vehicle through control of its driveline: the motor vehicle includes a driveline having a combustion engine, which may be connected to a gearbox via a clutch device, and an exhaust system for removing an exhaust stream from the engine. The method includes controlling the driveline for activation or deactivation of coasting of the vehicle based on one or several first parameters P1 and one or several second parameters P2 for regulation of a temperature TEx in the exhaust system. At least one of the first parameters P1 is a first temperature difference between the first temperature T1 in the exhaust system and a reference temperature TREF. The said second parameter P2 is related to a calculated speed and/or a calculated road inclination over the road section ahead for the motor vehicle. Further, a computer program, a computer program product, a system and a motor vehicle including such a system are disclosed. |
| US09863349B2 |
Exhaust gas control system for internal combustion engine
In an exhaust gas control system for an internal combustion engine operable at a lean air-fuel ratio, after a request to stop the internal combustion engine has been issued, the internal combustion engine is operated at a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio or lower until an air-fuel ratio in an SCR catalyst becomes lower than or equal to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, and then supply of fuel to the internal combustion engine is stopped. |
| US09863343B2 |
Method and device for operating an exhaust gas recirculation of a self-ignition internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle
A method and a device for operating an exhaust gas recirculation of a self-ignition internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, the internal combustion engine including an air system for controlling the air supply into at least one combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, and it being provided in particular that a dynamic operating state of the internal combustion engine is detected and, in the event of a detected dynamic operating state, a corrective intervention in the air system of the internal combustion engine is carried out. |
| US09863335B1 |
Method for diagnosing a variable-lift camshaft follower
A method for diagnosing a variable-lift camshaft follower of an internal combustion includes detecting a first knock using a spark knock sensor of the internal combustion engine; retarding ignition timing of the internal combustion engine after detecting the first knock such that the ignition timing is retarded sufficiently to ensure that spark knock is no longer possible; detecting a second knock using the spark knock sensor after retarding the ignition timing sufficiently to ensure that spark knock is no longer possible; determining that the variable-lift camshaft follower is not functioning as desired based on the second knock; and activating a malfunction alert based on the determining that the variable-lift camshaft follower is not functioning as desired. |
| US09863331B2 |
System and method for controlling valve timing of continuous variable valve duration engine
The present disclosure provides a system and a method for controlling valve timing of a continuous variable valve duration engine. The method may include: classifying a plurality of control regions depending on an engine speed and an engine load; retarding an intake valve closing (IVC) timing and limiting a valve overlap between an intake valve and an exhaust valve in a first control region; advancing the IVC timing and applying a maximum duration to the exhaust valve in a second control region; advancing the IVC timing according to an increase of the engine load in a third control region; controlling a throttle valve to be fully opened and advancing the IVC timing in a fourth control region; and controlling the throttle valve to be fully opened and retarding the IVC timing in a fifth control region. |
| US09863328B2 |
Exhaust pipe valve system of internal combustion engine
An exhaust pipe valve system of an internal combustion engine includes: a plurality of exhaust pipe valves; and an actuator unit being an operation unit which performs an opening/closing operation of the exhaust pipe valves, wherein: the operation unit includes a first pulley and a second pulley being at least two operation parts which are connected to the plural exhaust pipe valves via wire cables respectively to open/close the exhaust pipe valves; and at least one of the operation parts has a non-operating area in which the operation part does not cause the corresponding cable to work in a predetermined operating range of the operation unit. |
| US09863327B2 |
Intake manifold with integrated charge air cooler with two circuits
An intake device is provide for drawing in fresh gas and feeding the same to an internal combustion engine with internal combustion, wherein the intake device is suited for the formation of a fresh gas vortex in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. The intake device includes a first manifold section, from which all first parts of fresh gas line groups branch off to a fresh gas outlet end, and a second manifold section, from which all second parts of the fresh gas line groups branch off to the fresh gas outlet end, which are fluidically separated from each other from the separation point to the fresh gas outlet end. A vortex throttle assembly is provided in a first manifold section and the amount throttle device is provided in the second manifold section. |
| US09863316B2 |
Intake arrangement in gas turbine power plant
An improved intake arrangement, for a compressor having a compressor blading, includes a manifold divided by a barrier into two sections, to convey, from one section, a flue gas stream, and, from other section, an air stream. Further, the intake arrangement includes a converging section configured to the manifold and extends convergingly to the compressor defining an inlet to the compressor blading. The converging section includes inner and outer ring members disposed coaxially to each other, between which there extends, coaxially and convergingly, the barrier to at least up to a certain distance within the converging section, defining a converging nozzle therebetween. The converging nozzle includes a mixing feature adapted to enhance mixing of the flue gas and air streams. |
| US09863311B2 |
Variable compression ratio internal combustion engine
A variable compression ratio internal combustion engine includes: a variable compression ratio mechanism arranged to vary an engine compression ratio in accordance with a rotation position of a first control shaft; an actuator arranged to vary and hold the rotation position of the first control shaft; and a link mechanism arranged to connect the actuator and the first control shaft, the link mechanism including; a second control shaft, a lever, a first arm portion, a first link pin, a second arm portion, and a second link pin, the first link pin having a diameter larger than a diameter of the second link pin. |
| US09863310B2 |
Method for monitoring a traction mechanism drive of an internal combustion engine, and internal combustion engine for carrying out a method of this type
Systems and methods are provided for determining the length of a traction mechanism that is part of a traction drive of an engine. In one example, a method includes determining a position of a movable tensioning device relative to a traction mechanism drive using measuring technology, determining an actual length LAS′ of a traction mechanism computationally using the position of the tensioning device, determining a length change ΔL with respect to a predefinable setpoint length LAS computationally using the computationally determined actual length LAS′, and adjusting one or more operating parameters based on the length change. |
| US09863308B2 |
Lubrication oil and internal-combustion engine fuel
The objective is to provide lubrication oil and internal-combustion engine fuel for reducing the fuel consumption and for reducing carbon dioxide and other exhaust gas components. The lubrication oil is injected with lubrication oil impregnating agent composed of dimethylalkyl tertiary amine in the range from 0.01 to 1 volume % and desirably in the range from 0.1 to 0.5 volume %. Petroleum oil fuel is injected with fuel oil impregnating agent composed of dimethylalkyl tertiary amine in the range from 0.5 to 1 volume %. The petroleum oil fuel is light oil, kerosene, gasoline, or Bunker A. Any one or both of these lubrication oil and petroleum oil fuel is/are used for an internal-combustion engine. |
| US09863305B1 |
Low-cost high-efficiency GDCI engines for low octane fuels
A GDCI engine has a piston arranged within a cylinder to provide a combustion chamber. According to one embodiment, the GDCI engine operates using a method that includes the steps of supplying a hydrocarbon fuel to the combustion chamber with a research octane number in the range of about 30-65. The hydrocarbon fuel is injected in completely stratified, multiple fuel injections before a start of combustion and supplying a naturally aspirated air charge to the combustion chamber. |
| US09863294B2 |
Hydraulic control system for vehicle
A first check valve of a hydraulic control system allows oil to flow in only a direction from a first oil pump toward an oil receiving portion. A second check valve allows oil to flow in only a direction from a second oil pump toward the oil receiving portion. A third oil passage is configured to provide communication between a merging point of a first oil passage and a second oil passage, and the second oil pump by bypassing the second check valve. The third oil passage includes a throttle mechanism. The third oil passage is configured to restrict a flow rate of oil that is discharged from the second oil pump. |
| US09863285B2 |
Power generation system having compressor creating excess gas flow for supplemental gas turbine system
A power generation system may include a generator; a gas turbine system for powering the generator, the gas turbine system including a turbine component, an integral compressor and a combustor to which air from the integral compressor and fuel are supplied, the combustor arranged to supply hot combustion gases to the turbine component, and the integral compressor having a flow capacity greater than an intake capacity of at least one of the combustor and the turbine component, creating an excess air flow. A first control valve system controls flow of the excess air flow along an excess air flow path to a supplemental gas turbine system. The excess air flow may be combusted with a fuel and supplied to the supplemental gas turbine system. An eductor may be positioned in the excess air flow path for using the excess air flow as a motive force to augment the excess air flow with additional gas. |
| US09863283B2 |
Steam turbine power plant and method for activating steam turbine power plant
A steam turbine power plant includes a life consumption amount calculator configured to calculate life consumption amounts of a turbine rotor based on a value measured by a measurer, a thermal stress limit update timing determining device configured to determine a time when thermal stress limits are updated, an accumulated life consumption amount calculator configured to calculate accumulated life consumption amounts of the turbine rotor when the thermal stress limits are updated, a planned life consumption amount setting device configured to set planned life consumption amounts of the turbine rotor based on the accumulated life consumption amounts of the turbine rotor, a thermal stress limit calculator configured to calculate and update the thermal stress limits based on the planned life consumption amounts of the turbine rotor, and a plant command value calculator configured to calculate a plant command value based on the thermal stress limits. |
| US09863281B2 |
Carbon dioxide capture interface for power generation facilities
In a power generation facility (10) wherein a fluidized bed combustion unit (12) produces steam to power a steam turbine generator (32), a heat recovery steam generator (20) produces steam for the steam turbine generator. Electrical power from the steam turbine generator is conducted to a motor (40) that drives and air compressor (36). The air compressor provides pressurized air back to the fluidized bed combustion unit (12) to promote fuel combustion. Flue gas from the heat recovery steam generator is selectively conducted to a CO2 capture unit (18) and then to a gas expander (42) that assists the motor in driving the air compressor (36). A heat exchanger (46) that is upstream of the CO2 Capture Unit and a heat exchanger (56) that is downstream of the CO2 Capture Unit and upstream of the air expander have thermal fluid sides that are connected in a closed circuit. The heat exchangers (46 and 56) convey heat away from the CO2 Capture Unit and provide heat to flue gas flowing to the gas expander to avoid icing conditions in the gas expander and acid condensation in the air emission stack. |
| US09863280B2 |
Combined heat and power system
A CHP system includes a combustor (heat source), a Rankine cycle apparatus, and a second heat exchanger. The Rankine cycle apparatus includes, as an evaporator, a first heat exchanger that absorbs thermal energy produced in the combustor. The second heat exchanger is located closer to the combustor than is the evaporator, absorbs thermal energy produced in the combustor, and transfers the thermal energy to a heat medium. |
| US09863278B2 |
Air exhaust tube holder in a turbomachine
A support for carrying a tube for discharging oil-laden air from a turbine engine, the support including a radially inner annular portion for mounting around the tube, and fins that are inclined relative to the axial direction of the annular portion and relative to the radial plane, the radially outer periphery of each fin being for fastening to an exhaust cone of the turbine engine. |
| US09863277B2 |
Fan rotor, in particular for a turbine engine
A turbine engine fan rotor having a disk carrying blades, a substantially frustoconical cover mounted on the disk, and axial retention device for retaining the blades and including a ring mounted in an annular groove in the disk and forming a bearing surface for roots of the blades. The ring is festooned or crenellated and co-operates with a festooned radial annular lip of the disk. The rotor also has at least one axial tooth inserted in hollow portions of the ring and of the lip of the disk. Two coaxial parts arranged radially inside the disk have respective first and second fastener flanges for fastening to the disk, said flanges being axially interposed between the cover and the disk, being circumferentially offset relative to one another, and being fastened independently of one another to the disk. |
| US09863275B2 |
Turbine shroud contour exducer relief
A turbocharger turbine having a blade-gap zone between the blades and the shroud wall. The blade-gap zone is larger at and near the exducer than at an upstream location where the shroud wall is at its minimum radius. Also disclosed is a method of customizing and manufacturing a turbine by establishing an optimized blade-gap zone at the exducer, and machining it into a turbine housing. |
| US09863274B2 |
Collapsible support structure for a gas turbine engine
Described is a shaft support system for a gas turbine engine comprising: a rotatable fan shaft; first and second support structures extending in parallel from the shaft to a load bearing structure to provide radial location of the shaft within an engine casing, wherein the first support and second support structures include first and second respective mechanical fusible joints; wherein the first fusible joint is a two-stage fuse which partially fails within a first predetermined load range, the second fusible joint fails within a second predetermined load range which is different to the first load range, and the first fusible joint fully fails only when the second fusible joint has failed. |
| US09863271B2 |
Arrangement for a turbomachine
An arrangement for a turbomachine is provided. The arrangement includes a vane for directing a hot gas during the operation of the turbomachine, a stator ring for securing the vane, a heat shield for protecting the stator ring from the hot gas flow wherein the heat shield is arranged in downstream direction of the hot gas flow in front of the stator ring characterized in that the heat shield comprises a plurality of channels formed therein for directing a cooling air. |
| US09863267B2 |
System and method of control for a gas turbine engine
A system includes plurality of combustors and a distributed flow measurement system coupled to the plurality of combustors. Each combustor of the plurality of combustors includes one or more oxidant passages and one or more fuel passages. The distributed flow measurement system is configured to measure an oxidant flow rate for a respective oxidant passage of the one or more oxidant passages of the respective combustor based at least in part on an oxidant pressure drop along the respective oxidant passage, and the distributed flow measurement system is configured to measure a fuel flow rate for a respective fuel passage of the one or more fuel passages of the respective combustor based at least in part on a fuel pressure drop along the respective fuel passage. |
| US09863264B2 |
Turbine shroud engagement arrangement and method
According to one aspect of the invention a turbine shroud engagement arrangement includes an outer shroud and an inner shroud operably connectable to the outer shroud. The outer shroud has at least one of a channel formed in and a protruding member extending from an inner radial surface thereof. The inner shroud has at least one of a protruding member extending from an outer radial surface thereof that is complementary to the at least one channel of the outer shroud or a channel formed in the outer radial surface that is complementary to the at least one protruding member of the outer shroud. The turbine shroud engagement arrangement is primarily axially slidably engagable and configured to radially support the inner shroud relative to the outer shroud. |
| US09863262B2 |
Sealing structure for turbocharger housing
Bolt holes 16 are formed in a joint part 14 of a turbine housing 12, with flanged bolts 40 screwed in the bolt holes 16. A flange part 32 of a bearing housing 30 is sandwiched between bearing surfaces 44a of the flanged bolts 40 and an inner end face 14b of the joint part 14. A sealing ring 48 is interposed in an annular space s. Before the flanged bolts 40 are fastened, there is formed a height difference G equivalent to a compression allowance h for the sealing ring 48, between an outer end face 60a of the joint part 14 and a bolt receiving surface 32a of the flange part 32. The flanged bolts 40 are screwed into the bolt holes 16 until the bearing surfaces 44a make tight contact with the outer end face 60a so as to resiliently deform the sealing ring 48. |
| US09863259B2 |
Chordal seal
An airfoil for a gas turbine engine includes a first airfoil. A first chordal seal is located adjacent a first end of the airfoil. A second chordal seal is located adjacent a second end of the airfoil. The first chordal seal includes a first edge parallel to a first edge on the second chordal seal. |
| US09863256B2 |
Internal cooling system with insert forming nearwall cooling channels in an aft cooling cavity of an airfoil usable in a gas turbine engine
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 having an insert (18) contained within an aft cooling cavity (76) to form nearwall cooling channels having enhanced flow patterns is disclosed. The flow of cooling fluids in the nearwall cooling channels 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. In at least one embodiment, the cooling fluid flow controllers (22) may be positioned within a pressure side nearwall cooling channel (48) and a suction side nearwall cooling channel (50) that are both in fluid communication with a trailing edge channel (30). The trailing edge channel (30) may also include cooling fluid flow controllers (22) extending between the outer walls (12, 13) forming the pressure and suction sides. |
| US09863254B2 |
Turbine airfoil with local wall thickness control
A turbine airfoil for a gas turbine engine including an outer peripheral wall having an external surface, the outer peripheral wall enclosing an interior space and including a concave pressure sidewall and a convex suction sidewall joined together at a leading edge and at a trailing edge; wherein the outer peripheral wall has a varying wall thickness which incorporates a locally-thickened wall portion; and a film cooling hole having a shaped diffuser exit passing through the outer peripheral wall within the locally-thickened wall portion. |
| US09863253B2 |
Axial turbomachine compressor blade with branches at the base and at the head of the blade
The invention relates to a blade of an axial turbomachine comprising an airfoil which extends radially and a first set of branches or divisions, which radially extend a radial end of the airfoil, and a second set of branches which radially extend the other of the radial ends of the airfoil and which are offset over the circumference of the turbomachine. The branches extend axially along the entire length of the airfoil. The sets have different numbers of branches. The branches further occupy the channel of the turbomachine and further counteract debris in the event of intake. |
| US09863249B2 |
Pre-sintered preform repair of turbine blades
A process is provided for repairing a damaged portion of a gas turbine blade comprising: providing a preform comprising a low-melt alloy material and a base alloy material; locating the preform on the gas turbine engine blade damaged portion; and heat treating the preform and the blade such that the preform is brazed to the blade. |
| US09863243B1 |
Ruggedized downhole tool for real-time measurements and uses thereof
The present invention relates to ruggedized downhole tools and sensors, as well as uses thereof. In particular, these tools can operate under extreme conditions and, therefore, allow for real-time measurements in geothermal reservoirs or other potentially harsh environments. One exemplary sensor includes a ruggedized ion selective electrode (ISE) for detecting tracer concentrations in real-time. In one embodiment, the ISE includes a solid, non-conductive potting material and an ion selective material, which are disposed in a temperature-resistant electrode body. Other electrode configurations, tools, and methods are also described. |
| US09863241B2 |
Enhanced 1-D method for prediction of mud weight window for subsalt well section
System and method for predicting the mud weight window in formations, particularly those formations having geologic structures such as salt domes. One embodiment is a computer-implemented method of modeling a formation in 3-D and determining a plurality of effective stress ratios for the modeled 3-D formation using finite element analysis. Thereafter, the trajectory of a proposed wellbore through the 3-D modeled formation is plotted and the specific effective stress ratios along the wellbore are selected to form a data set. The 3-D data set of effective stress ratios is then imported into 1-D modeling software and combined with 1-D data. The combined data is thereafter utilized to estimate the mud weight window for the formation around the wellbore. |
| US09863233B2 |
Method and system of selecting hydrocarbon wells for workover
Selecting hydrocarbon wells for workover. At least some of the illustrative embodiment including: calculating a plurality of present-performance index values for a respectively plurality of wells, each present-performance index value based on a well's performance with respect to the plurality of wells, and each present-performance index value dimensionless; calculating a plurality of future-performance index values for the respective plurality of wells, each future-performance index value based on a well's expected future performance with respect to the plurality of wells, and each future-performance index value dimensionless; combining a present-performance index value and a future-performance index value for a first well to create a first combination index; combining a present-performance index value and a future-performance index value for a second well to create a second combination index; selecting the hydrocarbon well based on the first and second combination indices. |
| US09863230B2 |
Heterogeneous proppant placement in a fracture with removable extrametrical material fill
A method of injecting well treatment fluid including proppant and proppant-spacing filler material through a wellbore into the fracture, heterogeneously placing the proppant in the fracture in a plurality of proppant clusters or islands spaced apart by the material, and removing the filler material to form open channels around the pillars for fluid flow from the formation through the fracture toward the wellbore. The proppant and channelant can be segregated within the well treatment fluid, or segregated during placement in the fracture. The filler material can be dissolvable particles, initially acting as a filler material during placement of the proppant in the fracture, and later dissolving to leave the flow channels between the proppant pillars. The well treatment fluid can include extrametrical materials to provide reinforcement and consolidation of the proppant and/or to inhibit settling of the proppant. |
| US09863227B2 |
Hydrocarbon resource heating apparatus including RF contacts and anchoring device and related methods
A device for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein may include a tubular radio frequency (RF) antenna within the wellbore, and a tool slidably positioned within the tubular RF antenna. The tool may include an RF transmission line and at least one RF contact coupled to a distal end of the RF transmission line and biased in contact with the tubular RF antenna. The tool may also include an anchoring device configured to selectively anchor the RF transmission line and the at least one RF contact within the tubular RF antenna. |
| US09863226B2 |
Chemical based well kickoff system for naturally flowing wells
A reaction apparatus for providing reactants from a surface to a wellbore to create a generated gas when the reactants undergo a reaction in situ to affect the density of a fluid in the wellbore, the reaction apparatus comprises a reaction housing, the reaction housing comprises a first reactant cell configured to contain a first reactant, a second reactant cell configured to contain a second reactant, a mixing chamber, configured to allow the first reactant and the second reactant to mix, a first passage configured to allow the first reactant to pass from the first reactant cell to the mixing chamber, a second passage configured to allow the second reactant to pass from the second reactant cell to the mixing chamber, an outlet configured to allow the generated gas from the reaction to escape the mixing chamber, a line comprising a plurality of electric cables, and a reel. |
| US09863225B2 |
Method and system for impact pressure generation
A method for the recovery of hydrocarbon from a reservoir includes arranging a chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir via at least one conduit. The chamber includes first and second wall parts movable relative to each other. An impact pressure is provided in the fluid to propagate to the reservoir via the conduit, where the impact pressure is generated by a collision process between an object arranged outside of the fluid and the first wall parts for the first wall part to impact on the fluid in the chamber. The chamber is arranged to avoid a build-up of gas-inclusions where the first wall part impacts on the fluid. This may be obtained by arranging the conduit in or adjacent to the zone where the gas-inclusions naturally gather by influence of the gravitational forces, or by placing the first wall part impacting on the fluid away from this zone. |
| US09863212B2 |
Method and apparatus for dropping a pump down plug or ball
An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. |
| US09863211B2 |
Wettability altering fluids during downhole operations
A method relating to perforation operations, which comprises introducing a wettability altering fluid into a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation such that the wettability altering fluid seeps into the subterranean formation. Subsequent to introducing the wettability altering fluid, a fluid loss pill is introduced into the wellbore such that seepage of fluid between the wellbore and the subterranean formation is inhibited. |
| US09863210B2 |
Packer assembly having sequentially operated hydrostatic pistons for interventionless setting
A packer for use in a wellbore includes a packer mandrel. First and second pistons are slidably disposed about the packer mandrel defining first and second chambers therewith. An activation assembly initially prevents movement of the first piston. A release assembly initially prevents movement of the second piston. First and second seal assemblies are disposed about the packer mandrel such that actuation of the activation assembly allows a force generated by a pressure difference between the wellbore and the first chamber to shift the first piston in a first direction toward the first seal assembly to radially expand the first seal assembly and to actuate the release assembly and, actuation of the release assembly allows a force generated by a pressure difference between the wellbore and the second chamber to shift the second piston in the first direction toward the second seal assembly to radially expand the second seal assembly. |
| US09863208B2 |
Isolation barrier
An assembly having a sleeve member located over a tubular body, there being a chamber between the two and by increased pressure in the chamber the sleeve member is morphed to secure it to a well bore wall and create a seal between the sleeve and well bore wall to form an isolation barrier. The tubular body is formed in one or more sections so that annular planar faces are created for abutment between the sleeve member and the tubular body so as to remove the requirement for complex fittings and reduce the time of construction. |
| US09863204B2 |
Downhole connector
A connector assembly for insertion into a hollow portion of a tool, fixture, or housing. The connector assembly may have a connector having two terminated end portions for reducing assembly time and cost with on-site termination. The connector assembly may include a first outer body having a hollow portion for insertion of at least a portion of a first insert-assembly sleeve portion. The connector assembly may have at least one retaining portion extruding radially inward and configured to be positioned into at least one radially inward groove of the first insert-assembly sleeve portion for securing at least a portion of the first terminated end portion in the first outer body. With this assembly, one of the terminated end portions without an outer body may be passed through the hollow portion and then assembled to the corresponding outer body and reinserted into an end of the hollow portion. |
| US09863203B2 |
Elastomeric seal for rotating heads
An all-elastomeric sealing element for a rotating control device includes a base portion, a conical portion and has a central pipe opening through both the base portion and the conical section. The conical section has an elastomeric core layer and an elastomeric surface sealing layer which encases the core layer. The surface sealing layer is softer than the core layer, as measured on a standard durometer scale. |
| US09863202B2 |
Propellant energy to operate subsea equipment
Systems and methods for using propellant as a force generator in component actuation are disclosed. One embodiment may take the form of a method including deploying at least one component to a subsea location, controlling operation of the at least one component using a control system, and igniting a propellant. The ignition of the propellant actuates the at least one component. Another embodiment may take the form of a subsea system including a control system, a propellant system in communication with the control system, and a component in communication with the propellant system. The propellant system is ignitable by the control system upon receipt of a ignite signal and upon losing communication with the control system after being placed in an armed state by the control system. The component is actuatable by the propellant system after ignition of the propellant system. |
| US09863199B1 |
Soil sampler lay flat sheet liner system
A liner assembly for use in a soil sampling system comprises a thin sheet of flexible plastic that can be laid flat for shipping and rolled into a cylindrical shape with overlapping edges for use as a liner. The rolled sheet can be inserted into a soil sample tube to line the sample tube during soil sampling operations. A wedge assembly comprising a split holding ring and a wedge ring holds the liner in place at the bottom of the soil sample tube. After the soil sampling system is advanced into the subsurface to collect a soil sample, the soil sample is removed by removing the cutting shoe from the sample tube and sliding the rolled liner sheet out the bottom end of the sample tube. The liner sheet can be unrolled to access and remove the soil sample. The liner sheet can be reused after removing the soil sample. |
| US09863198B2 |
Sensor transportation apparatus and guide device
A sensor transportation apparatus to convey a sensor assembly through a wellbore. The apparatus comprising has an engagement structure to connect the sensor transportation apparatus to the sensor assembly, and one or more wheels arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sensor assembly when the transportation apparatus is connected to the sensor assembly. An orientation structure defining a form having a transverse outline which has a rotational center, wherein the rotational center is offset from a centroidal axis of the elongate sensor assembly. |
| US09863194B2 |
System for manipulating tubulars for subterranean operations
A system for manipulating tubulars for subterranean operations includes a remote-controlled tubular lift system (RCTLS) having an engagement head configured to engage a proximal end region of a tubular and change the position of the tubular from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position, wherein in the vertical position a longitudinal axis of the tubular has an angular variation with respect to a predetermined vertical axis of not greater than about 5 degrees. |
| US09863186B2 |
Reverse taper mounting of separate components and coupling of devices with reverse taper fittings
A medical device has a base having an internally tapered wall mounted to a neck of a tube holder that has a reverse taper, so that rotation of the base relative to the neck may be effected with a controlled drag to provide a smooth and secure relative rotation. The base may be rotated relative to the holder by rotationally moving a needle protection housing hingedly attached to the base. The housing may be rotated to any orientation relative to the tube holder so long as a torsional force greater than the predetermined friction between the tapered surfaces is applied thereto. The base is designed to have a ring at its base that biases against the base of the neck in a self-adjustable manner. Other devices may also be fitted with reverse tapered complementary connection fittings to securely couple to each other. |
| US09863185B2 |
Retractable covering
A retractable covering such as a door or window blind or shade has a top rail, a bottom rail, a covering material extending between the top rail and the bottom rail, at least two lift cords extending downwardly from the head rail to the bottom rail for supporting the bottom rail, a covering operating system for enabling retraction and deployment of the covering, and an adjuster connected to at least two of the lift cords. The adjuster is preferably mounted in the bottom rail. The retractable covering also comprises an individual cord tensioner for allowing at least one of the lift cords to be individually tensioned. The individual cord tensioner operates independently of the adjuster. A method of adjusting the orientation and drop height of the bottom rail of the retractable covering is also provided. |
| US09863183B2 |
Anti-sputtering sill system and method
An anti-sputtering sill system for a window or door frame and a method of controlling sputtering associated with a sill of the window or door frame. The anti-sputtering sill systems may reduce or prevent sputtering by preferentially allowing air bubbles formed in the water in a containment tank in the sill to pass into a vent cavity in the sill that is vented to the interior of a building. |
| US09863182B2 |
Articles including anticondensation and/or low-E coatings and/or methods of making the same
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to articles including anticondensation and/or low-E coatings that are exposed to an external environment, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the anticondensation and/or low-E coatings may be survivable in an outside environment. The coatings also may have a sufficiently low sheet resistance and hemispherical emissivity such that the glass surface is more likely to retain heat from the interior area, thereby reducing (and sometimes completely eliminating) the presence condensation thereon. The articles of certain example embodiments may be, for example, skylights, vehicle windows or windshields, IG units, VIG units, refrigerator/freezer doors, and/or the like. |
| US09863180B2 |
Assembly for closing an opening
An assembly for closing an opening comprising a door panel adapted for sliding movement between an open position and a closed position, a first extendable member located at a first edge of the opening and extendable towards an opposed second edge of the opening, and a second extendable member located at the second edge of the opening and extendable towards the first edge of the opening, and wherein the door panel includes a stop member attached thereto and movable therewith, the location of the stop member defining the limit of movement of the first extendable member towards the second edge of the opening, and the limit of movement of the second extendable member towards the first edge of the opening. |
| US09863178B2 |
Two-way soft closing device for a sliding door and soft closing activation trigger assembly thereof
A two-way soft closing device is mounted in a sliding door and has a sliding door track, two soft closing activation triggers, two roller carriers and a soft closing device. The sliding door track is an elongated member. The soft closing activation triggers are mounted movably in two ends of the sliding door track respectively. The roller carriers are mounted slidably in the sliding door track and are spaced apart at an interval. The soft closing device is mounted in the sliding door track, is located between the roller carriers and is mounted firmly in one of the roller carriers. Therefore, the soft closing device absorbs a collision between a sliding door plate and a doorframe when the sliding door is opened or is closed. Meanwhile, the two-way soft closing device eliminates noise coming from the collision and prevents an elder or a little child from being hit by the sliding door plate. |
| US09863177B2 |
Sliding door top guide fitting
In a door fitting for the upper guidance of sliding doors, which door fitting comprises a base body and at least one support element which is releasably connected to the base body, the base body and the support element are interconnected by means of two spaced joint areas. The first joint area comprises a snap-in connection with a certain pivoting capability. The second joint area includes a push joint with an axial degree of freedom which is oriented tangentially with respect to an imaginary co-axial cylinder extending around the pivot axis of the first joint area and parallel to the installation direction of the snap-in connection. |
| US09863176B2 |
Carrier and bracket assembly for window balance
A carrier for a window sash has a balance connecting portion configured to be connected to a window balance. A vertical rail system is configured to slidingly engage a bracket of the window sash. |
| US09863174B2 |
Hinge rod trap for a collapsible bin
A collapsible bulk bin container having a flexible rib positioned to trap a hinge rod inserted between a base portion and a side wall of the container is provided. The flexible rib is moveable from a first position blocking an opening of a hinge rod channel to a second position allowing insertion or removal of the hinge rod. |
| US09863171B1 |
Vehicle compartment
A compartment for a vehicle is provided herein. The compartment includes a housing defining an interior volume. A lid is pivotably coupled to the housing and is configured to move between a closed position in which the interior volume is inaccessible and an open position in which the interior volume is accessible. A latch is configured to maintain the lid in a locked and an unlocked state when the lid is disposed in the closed position. A compartment sensing system is operably coupled with the latch. The latch is placed in the locked state when the sensing system detects the presence of an item within the interior volume. |
| US09863170B2 |
Structure of hood latch for vehicle
A structure of a hood latch may include a base plate attached to a front side of a vehicle body having a fixation groove to allow a striker coupled to a hood to enter the fixation groove, a latch in which a first end is hinge-coupled to a first side of the base plate and a hook is formed at a second end of the latch so as to hook the striker, a pawl in which a first end is hinge-coupled to a second side of the base plate, a second end is connected to and elastically supported by a second spring, and an engagement protrusion is provided to restrict movement of the latch, a bracket to be rotated in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction, and an actuator connected to a first side of the bracket to move the bracket in left and right directions. |
| US09863167B1 |
Locking mechanism for an individual drawer of a storage vault unit for vehicles
A locking mechanism for a vehicle storage vault includes an L shaped guard plate which is secured to a front member of a drawer part of a storage vault. A horizontal portion of the guard plate extends rearwardly of the drawer and has an opening therethrough. A lock is positioned inside the drawer and includes a bolt which is moveable by a user between a raised position and a lowered position. A receiving plate is attached to an under surface of a cabinet part of the storage vault, when the horizontal portion of the guard plate overlapping a center portion of the receiving plate. The receiving plate has an opening therethrough which is in registry with the opening in the guard plate and the lock bolt when the drawer is closed. |
| US09863165B1 |
Stanchion or post with internal weighted base and spring-loaded retractable legs
A post including a cylindrical weighted base having at least three spring-loaded retractable legs. When the post is to be stored, the legs are pulled together and pushed inside the post via slotted openings at the base of the post. An adjustable position locking tab is used to secure the legs inside for storage and adjusted open for when the legs are to be deployed. In an alternative post, a threaded stake is included for anchoring the post into ground for outdoor applications such as construction sites. |
| US09863163B2 |
Sled-attached ice shelter with flexible and rigid pole structure
A portable ice shelter comprises a base, a rigid frame member, a multi-panel skin and a first set of flexible poles. The base comprises a bottom wall and a sidewall that forms an outer perimeter. The rigid frame member is pivotably mounted to the base at first and second locations, and is moveable between a stored position against the base and a deployed position. angled from the base. The multi-panel skin is coupled to the rigid frame member, the multi-panel skin defining an enclosure when expanded. The first set of flexible poles extend from the rigid frame member, and each of the flexible poles in the first set is connected in an expandable fashion so as to expand at least a portion of the multi-panel skin when the rigid frame member is in the deployed position. |
| US09863162B2 |
Base for fencing
A base for supporting posts of fencing, which base includes a block of plastics provided with apertures for receiving the ends of fencing posts. Each end of the block is provided with a gripping portion which projects longitudinally away from the main body of the block. A first interlocking means is associated with one of the gripping portions and interlocks with a corresponding second interlocking means of a cover which is fitted to the block over the gripping portion. The cover is of enhanced visibility compared to the main body of the block which is of a dull color. |
| US09863159B2 |
Sealed cover for pools with sealed sleeves containing floating rods
A floatable flexible sealed waterproof cover for pools, made of a flexible waterproof bottom sheet, a flexible waterproof upper sheet and several rods made of a foam material. The bottom sheet and the upper sheet are welded to each other on their four sides. The upper sheet and the bottom sheet are connected by a number of lines that construct hollow sleeves between them and the rods are inserted into the sleeves. |
| US09863158B1 |
Adjustable universal screed guide/control joint clip system
The present invention provides an adjustable, universal screed guide/control joint clip for positioning screed guide/control joints utilized in the placement of concrete in concrete slabs. The adjustable universal screed guide clip allows for the exact adjustment of the height of the screed guide attached thereto for the placement of the concrete slabs, and the adjustable universal screed guide clip also allows for the installation of the screed guide in applications which heretofore were not possible. The adjustable, universal screed guide/control joint clip of the present invention is capable of accommodating both large and small profile screed guides. |
| US09863157B2 |
Tile template
A reusable tile template for self installation of tile on a horizontal or vertical surface, each template being supplied in the same dimension as the large tile being laid, each tile template having an erasable marking surface and made of a bendable material, preferably a recyclable cardboard stock, the tile template being located over the spot where a complex cut tile is to be placed. A mark of fold is applied to the template of the proper size and shape of the next laid tile after which the template dimensions are transferred to the tile to be cut for installation. The tile template is subsequently restored to its flat origin and reused for the next tile as a template until the entire tile installation is complete. |
| US09863154B2 |
Simulated moire architectural mesh panel
An architectural mesh panel includes a plurality of spaced rods and a plurality of adjacent rows of pickets, each of the rows of pickets including at least a plurality of first links, a plurality of second links and a plurality of third links, the plurality of first links have a first spacing, the plurality of second links have a second spacing, and the plurality of third links have a third spacing, wherein each of the rows of pickets includes at least two adjacent first links defining a closely spaced link area, wherein each of the rows of pickets includes at least one second link disposed adjacent the closely spaced link area on each side thereof, wherein the closely spaced link area creates a simulated moiré appearance of a moving stripe to an observer whose viewpoint is continuously changing from one side of the architectural mesh panel towards the other. |
| US09863150B2 |
Gutter guard extension
An extendable, debris and leaf precluding gutter cover with a gutter lip end and an opposing roof-side end, has a fixed, non-adjustable width, wherein the roof-side end is shaped with a mating feature to a corresponding end. A weather resistant, debris and leaf precluding, low-profile gutter cover extension is matched to the gutter cover, having a roof end and the corresponding end with a complementary shape to the gutter cover's shaped end's mating feature. This permits joining the ends to maintain a debris and leaf precluding barrier between the gutter cover and extension. When the gutter cover and extension are mated, they form an extendable gutter cover that entirely covers and is self-supporting over the roof's gutter top and a junction of the gutter cover and extension is low-profile, to permit debris flow across a top of the junction. |
| US09863148B2 |
Sheath-based rollable lenticular-shaped and low-stiction composite boom
Various embodiments provide rollable and deployable composite booms that may be used in a wide range of applications both for space and terrestrial structural solutions. Various embodiment composite booms may be bistable, i.e. having a stable strain energy minimum in the coiled configuration as well as the in the deployed configuration. In various embodiments, a boom may be fabricated by aligning two independent tape-springs front-to-front encircled by a durable seamless polymer sleeve. The durable seamless polymer sleeve may allow the two tape-springs to slide past each other during the coiling/deployment process so as to reduce, e.g., minimize, shear and its derived problems. |
| US09863146B2 |
Structural panel systems with a nested sidelap and method of securing
The invention relates to structural panel systems with at least a four-layered generally in-plane sidelap, at least a three layer generally in-plane sidelap, or corner sidelaps of various layers, and methods for manufacturing and assembling structural panel systems with these types of sidelaps. The structural panels may be provided with an edge having a “lower lip” with two layers, and an opposite edge having an “upper lip” with two layers. Individual panels may be coupled together by placing the upper lip of a first panel over the lower lip of an adjacent panel, thus creating an un-joined sidelap. The lips may have nested portions for helping to place one lip over the other. The panels may be operatively coupled through various couplings configurations, such as fasteners, welding, cutting the sidelap, or the like. The present invention improves the shear strength of the structural panel system and reduces costs. |
| US09863141B2 |
Structural tent and assembly method
A structural tent intended for use as a living space able to withstand extreme temperatures, while still being comfortable and used on a temporary basis; comprising a frame on which there are assembled first profiles and lower posts which are attached to a plurality of second profiles, brackets and upper posts, which form the structure on which a ridgepole is supported; and where a filler material is introduced into the gap created between the frame and the outside fabric; and where, finally, the ridgepole is integrally supported on the upper posts, where honeycomb plates are supported, an impermeable roof being arranged on the honeycomb plates and the gaps in the honeycomb plates being filled with a fine granular material. |
| US09863140B2 |
Insulation retention apparatus for use with overhead structural beams and related methods
An insulation retention apparatus includes a non-gas-permeable plastic sheet. At least a first foam strip is affixed to the non-gas-permeable plastic sheet along a first side and at least a second foam strip is affixed to the non-gas-permeable plastic sheet along a second side, wherein the first side is substantially opposite the second side. An adhesive is positioned on each of the first and second foam strips, wherein the first foam strip is affixed to a first overhead structural beam with the adhesive and the second foam strip is affixed to a second overhead structural beam with the adhesive, wherein the first overhead structural beam is positioned spaced from the second overhead structural beam wherein the non-gas-permeable plastic sheet is extended therebetween, and wherein a quantity of insulation is retained on the non-gas-permeable plastic sheet. |
| US09863138B2 |
Adjustable fork connector for connecting trusses
An adjustable fork connector to connect adjacent trusses. A hollow tube is mountable to the end of a first truss and has a pair of spaced apart flanges to extend vertically or horizontally. The flanges are longitudinally movable to position the flanges a selected distance outward from the first truss. A single flange is rotatably mounted to the second truss and is extendable between the pair of flanges and removably connected thereto. |
| US09863133B2 |
Toilet installation guide
Implementations of a toilet installation guide and methods for installing a toilet. Implementations of toilet installation guides may include a shaft including a bolt receiving portion configured to receive a portion of a bolt and align a length of the shaft with a length of the bolt, a taper configured to be passed through the installation hole of the toilet while lowering the toilet toward the floor, and a visual aid configured to be seen through a toilet installation hole as an installer attempts to lower the toilet onto the floor over the bolt. In implementations the shaft may selectively couple to and decouple from the bolt with threads located on an inner wall of a cylindrical opening in the shaft. In implementations the toilet installation guide may be configured to be installed and uninstalled by hand, before and after lowering the toilet to the floor, respectively, to be reused. |
| US09863130B1 |
Pressure flushing funnel for a toilet
A pressure flushing funnel for a toilet is a funnel that is curved to make a 90 degree bend, one end of which can be inserted into the opening of the flush channel of a toilet bowl. The funnel is held in place via a holding bracket that overlaps the sides of the bowl and prevents lateral movement. A predetermined amount of water is rapidly poured into the top end of the funnel which increases pressure as it nears the opening of the flush channel to dislodge the obstruction. |
| US09863126B2 |
Self-adjusting connector apparatus for telescoped ground engaging wear and support members
Telescoped ground engaging telescoped wear and support members are provided with self-adjusting connector apparatus that releasably retains the wear member in a rearwardly telescoped orientation on the support member. In illustrated embodiments thereof, the connector apparatus includes cooperating ratchet structures operatively associated with the support and wear members and functioning to automatically re-tighten an abrasion-created loosened interfit between the wear and support members in response to a rearwardly directed operational force imposed on the wear member. |
| US09863124B2 |
Construction machinery
To provide construction machinery capable of more efficiently utilizing the energy of return hydraulic oil from a hydraulic actuator. The present invention is provided with: an engine 11; a hydraulic pump 12 that is driven by the engine 11; a hydraulic actuator 17 that is driven by fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump 13; a discharge pressure sensor 12d that detects the discharge pressure from the hydraulic pump 13; a hydraulic regenerative motor 18 that is driven by the return hydraulic oil from the hydraulic actuator 17; a flow meter 18e that detects the flow rate of the return hydraulic oil; a flow dividing valve 50 that controls the rate of inflow to the hydraulic regenerative motor 18; a controller 15 that controls the flow dividing valve 50 according to the discharge pressure detected by the discharge pressure sensor 12d and the flow rate detected by the flow meter 18e; a regenerative generator 19 that generates electric power by being driven by the power of the hydraulic regenerative motor 18; and a motor generator 13 that assists drive of the engine 11 by the electric power supplied from the regenerative generator 19. |
| US09863122B2 |
Cooling device and construction machine
A cooling device includes: an introduction pipe configured to introduce a charge air supercharged by a supercharger; a first aftercooler connected to the introduction pipe and configured to cool the charge air; a branch pipe branched from the introduction pipe; a second aftercooler connected to the branch pipe and configured to cool the charge air; and a cooling fan configured to supply a cooling wind to the first aftercooler and the second aftercooler, in which the first aftercooler and the second aftercooler are disposed to be shifted from each other in a rotation axis direction of the cooling fan. |
| US09863117B2 |
Coupler for earth moving or materials handling machine
A coupler is configured to couple an implement to an earth moving or materials handling machine. The coupler includes a locking member for locking a pin of an implement into a coupler in the recess. The locking member is driven by a hydraulic arrangement, with the hydraulic cylinder body being formed integrally with either the coupler body or the locking member. The coupler may be adapted to accommodate a range of implement pin spacings and/or diameters, so that the coupler can be used with different implements and in particular with different makes of implement. |
| US09863109B2 |
Cable management for marine barriers and gate systems
A marine gate has a buoyant variable length barrier and a cable management system employing two cables or lines. An opening line extends through the barrier to move the barrier from an expanded position (gate is closed) to a retracted position (gate is open) via a winch. A closing line moves the barrier from the retracted position to the expanded position using a winch. A weight is attached to the closing line for moving a submerged portion of the line to the seafloor when the barrier gate is retracted and the closing line is payed out by operation of its winch. The weighted line allows a portion or the entire cable system to be under tension at all times. The resulting cable geometry allows vessel operators confidence in knowing the cable location in the water depths at the gate, whether the gate is fully or partially opened. |
| US09863107B2 |
Rotor and rotor housing for a snowthrower
A self-propelled snowthrower wherein, in one embodiment, drive members on each side of the snowthrower provide variable speed propulsion. A transmission that delivers power to the drive members may be adapted to de-clutch one of the two drive wheels when the ground speed of that wheel exceeds the driving speed of the transmission. In other embodiments, the snowthrower includes a rotor having a snow ejection surface forming a negative rake angle. Yet other embodiments include a chute rotation control mechanism that permits manual discharge chute rotation via one-handed input. |
| US09863105B1 |
Vehicle barrier rapid deployment assembly
A vehicle barrier apparatus includes a vertical barrier component connected to a stabilizer beam and capable of selective deployment by a rapid deployment assembly. One end of the stabilizer beam is rotatably connected to the vertical barrier component. Movement of a locking block in the stabilizer beam using a locking handle connected to a locking shaft allows a tensioning cable and tensioning spring assembly to raise the vertical barrier component. Straps extending around both the vertical barrier component and the stabilizer beam prevent over-extension and provide additional resistance to vehicle impact. The locking handles and shafts of multiple vehicle barrier apparatuses may be connected in series, allowing a user to actuate a single locking handle to simultaneously deploy multiple vertical barrier components. |
| US09863104B2 |
Modular glare screen system
A system includes a glare-blocking member including a left recess, a right recess, and a rail including, a left lateral portion including a left protrusion configured to mate with the left recess of the glare-blocking member, a right lateral portion including a right protrusion configured to mate with the right recess of the glare-blocking member, and a projecting contour disposed between the left and right lateral portions, wherein an apex of the projecting contour is disposed farther from a line passing through lower edge portions of the rail than is either the left or the right protrusion. |
| US09863103B2 |
Modular bridge deck system consisting of hollow extruded aluminum elements
A modular bridge deck system supported on a plurality of cooperating girders and the deck system that comprises a plurality of deck panels secured together to form a modular bridge deck. Each deck panel is preferably formed by longitudinally shop friction-stir welding a plurality of elongated, multi-void, extruded aluminum structural elements. A top surface of each respective deck panel and the longitudinal shop-welding form a substantially continuous top surface of the modular bridge deck. In addition, the modular bridge deck has a depth and weight that is substantially equal to a weight of a steel open-grid deck of a moveable bridge or fixed span bridge to be replaced by the modular bridge deck system. |
| US09863102B2 |
Building machine with lifting device for a charging process
An automotive building machine comprising a material bunker for accommodating therein pavement material to be laid is provided, the building machine being a road finisher or a charger. The material bunker comprises at least one lifting device, which is adapted to enter into releasable engagement with a movable tailgate of a truck supplying the material bunker with the pavement material and which is configured for displacing the movable tailgate of the truck between a first position and a second position. A method used for this purpose is also provided. |
| US09863101B2 |
Highly portable asphalt plant
A highly portable asphalt plant of substantial size and product manufacturing capacity carries the system components on the confines of two transportable vehicles. The two vehicles are arranged in a fashion whereby vehicle one is connected to vehicle two in an inline continuous fashion. Vehicle two contains an integrated inertial dust separator baghouse design and provides for the receiving of the rotary dryer drum mixer directly and without the use, of interconnecting ductwork. |
| US09863099B2 |
Structure for the reinforcement of pavements comprising assemblies of grouped metal filaments coupled to or integrated in a substrate
A structure for the reinforcement of pavements. The structure includes at least a first group of assemblies of grouped metal filaments. These assemblies of grouped metal filaments of said first group are oriented in a first direction in a mutual parallel or mutual substantially parallel position. The assemblies of grouped metal filaments of this first group are coupled to or integrated in a substrate having a non-metal material. |
| US09863096B2 |
Point detector overtie structure
A railroad switching apparatus utilizing a tie which is positioned under rails and points used in switching railroad cars. A support is interposed the tie and the rails and points and includes a passageway to guide the first and second indicator bars which are attached to the points. A slider is also employed at the attachment point of the indicator bars to the points to accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction of the rails and points. The indicator bars are formed into a coaxial unit in order to allow simple observation of the relative movement between the first and second indicator bars to determine proper movement of the points relative to the rails. |
| US09863092B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system for correcting posture of folded sheet bundle
A sheet processing apparatus which vertically conveys a sheet and performs sheet processing, the sheet having a folded part at a middle portion thereof and being in a vertical state with the folded part up and an edge part down, and the apparatus including: a supporting section which supports the folded part of the sheet from below; a sandwiching section which sandwiches both sides of the sheet supported by the supporting section; and a control section which controls the sandwiching section to execute a first sandwiching operation of sandwiching the sheet, to release the first sandwiching operation, and thereafter to execute a second sandwiching operation of sandwiching the sheet again. |
| US09863091B2 |
Roll
A roll for use in a machine for producing and/or further processing a fibrous web, such as a paper, paperboard, or tissue web, includes a roll cover having at least some sections or regions formed of a metal material and a coating formed on the roll cover. The coating is formed of a metal, ceramic and/or cermet material, or at least some sections or regions of the coating include one of those materials. An alloy region is situated between the roll cover and the coating. |
| US09863089B2 |
Method for dyeing golf balls and dyed golf balls
A golf ball of a first color is dyed to a second color with an anionic or nonionic disperse dye. Either or both of a pigmented coating layer or an optional clear coating layer on the pigmented coating layer comprises a member selected from the group consisting of polyurethanes, polyureas, polyamides, and combinations thereof, which can be dyed by the anionic or nonionic disperse dye. |
| US09863082B1 |
Dispenser cup
A washing machine includes a cabinet defining a housing with internal components of a conventional automated clothes washer, a door mounted to the cabinet to selectively open/close the opening to the cabinet, and a dispenser in the form of a fill cup assembly in which single or bulk doses of treating chemistry can be received. The fill cup assembly includes a base cup with at least first and second fluid conduits supplying corresponding destinations, and a selector cup defining a pour zone. The selector cup includes an outlet and rotatable relative to the base cup to selectively fluid couple the outlet to the at least first and second fluid conduits. |
| US09863080B2 |
Laundry treating appliance and methods of operation
A method of estimating a water extraction profile in a laundry treating appliance includes accelerating rotation of the drum during a water extraction cycle, determining, during the accelerating rotation, a torque of the motor, an acceleration of the drum, a speed of the drum, and/or an angular position of the drum, and estimating with a parameter estimator, at multiple times during the accelerating rotation, inertia of a laundry load, based on the torque, acceleration, speed, and/or angular position of the drum to establish multiple inertia values. A water extraction profile is then estimated based on the inertia values. |
| US09863072B2 |
Rotary braiding machine
In one aspect, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rotary braiding machine capable of braiding wire around a cable, hose, mandrel, or other similar item, having actuator arm mechanism that includes a mechanism for fine-tuning of the dwell timing of the transfer arms. In another aspect, one or more embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for controlling the dwell timing of a transfer arm in a rotary braiding machine by adjusting the length of the actuator arm mechanism. |
| US09863071B2 |
Knit fabric for use in roofing membranes
A knit fabric containing a stitch yarn set containing pairs of stitch yarns, a warp yarn set containing in-lay warp yarns, and a weft yarn set containing weft inserted yarns. Each pair of stitch yarns comprises a first stitch yarn and a second stitch yarn, where the first stitch yarn has a two bar first stitch pattern comprising repeating pattern of at least one tricot stitch optionally followed by at least one pillar stitch and the second stitch pattern comprises a mirror image to the first stitch pattern. The first stitch yarn and the second stitch yarn within each pair of stitch yarns are interlinked together, but the first stitch yarn and second stitch yarn of one pair of stitch yarns are not interlinked with first stitch yarn and second stitch yarn of adjacent pairs of stitch yarns. |
| US09863066B2 |
Process to manufacture a spun-dyed para-aramid filament yarn and sliver
Manufacturing a spun-dyed para-aramid filament yarn includes (a) preparing a spin dope comprising a para-aramid polymer, at least one dyestuff and concentrated sulfuric acid, (b) spinning the spin dope through a spinneret to obtain spun filaments, (c) coagulating the spun filaments to obtain coagulated filaments, (d) neutralizing the coagulated filaments to obtain neutralized filaments, (e) washing the neutralized filaments to obtain washed filaments, and (f) drying the washed filaments to obtain dried filaments. In step a) the spin dope includes 17.5 to 18.5% by weight of a para-aramid polymer with respect to the weight of the spin dope, and 4 to 15% by weight of the at least one dyestuff with respect to the weight of the para-aramid polymer plus the at least one dyestuff. In step f) the filaments are hold under a tension in a range from 0.2 to 0.8 cN/dtex. |
| US09863056B2 |
Device for electrochemical treatment, locally in particular, of a conductor substrate
The invention relates to a device for electrochemical treatment, locally in particular, of a conductor substrate by movement across said substrate, which can be used in every position, including a head, a shaft, an electrolyte inlet and outlet each including a flexible pipe, and two peristaltic pumps mounted on the electrolyte inlet and outlet, the head of said device being removable from said shaft, the pumps being connected to a brushless motor and the device also comprising a flowmeter for adjusting and controlling the flow in the inlet portion of said head. |
| US09863051B2 |
Electrodeposition system and method incorporating an anode having a back side capacitive element
Disclosed are an electrodeposition system and method with an anode assembly comprising a capacitor comprising a first conductive plate (i.e., an anode) with a frontside having a surface exposed to a plating solution, a second conductive plate on a backside of the first conductive plate, and a dielectric layer between the two conductive plates. During a non-plating mode, a power source, having positive and negative terminals connected to the first and second conductive plates, respectively, is turned on, thereby polarizing the first conductive plate (i.e., the anode) relative to the second conductive plate to prevent degradation of the anode and/or plating solution. During an active plating mode, another power source, having positive and negative terminals connected to the first conductive plate (i.e., the anode) and a cathode, respectively, is turned on, thereby polarizing the anode relative to the cathode in order to deposit a plated layer on a workpiece. |
| US09863048B2 |
Synthesis and use of biobased imidazolium carboxylates
The present invention relates to a new method for preparation of biobased imidazolium salts and derivatives thereof; in particular, for the preparation of imidazolium hydrogenooxalate. The present invention also relates to uses of imidazolium hydrogenooxalate salts, especially as a precursor of imidazolium carboxylate compounds. The present invention also refers to a green electrochemical process providing imidazolium compounds, especially imidazolium carboxylate compounds. Especially, the invention refers to a one-compartment electrochemical cell and its use for the preparation of imidazolium carboxylate compounds of formula (II): |
| US09863047B2 |
Electrolysis device and refrigerator
An electrolysis device of an embodiment includes:an anode, a cathode having a nitrogen-containing carbon alloy catalyst, and an electrolysis cell having a membrane electrode assembly composed of an electrolyte present between the anode and the cathode so that voltage is applied to the anode and the cathode, wherein the electrolyte is any one of acidic, neutral, or alkali, water is produced by the electrolysis device at the cathode, when the electrolyte is acidic, and hydroxide ion is produced by the electrolysis device at the anode, when the electrolyte is neutral or alkali. |
| US09863042B2 |
PECVD lubricity vessel coating, coating process and apparatus providing different power levels in two phases
A method for coating a substrate surface such as a syringe part by PECVD is provided, the method comprising generating a plasma from a gaseous reactant comprising an organosilicon precursor and optionally an oxidizing gas by providing plasma-forming energy adjacent to the substrate, thus forming a coating on the substrate surface by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The plasma-forming energy is applied in a first phase as a first pulse at a first energy level followed by further treatment in a second phase at a second energy level lower than the first energy level. The lubricity, hydrophobicity and/or barrier properties of the coating are set by setting the ratio of the O2 to the organosilicon precursor in the gaseous reactant, and/or by setting the electric power used for generating the plasma. |
| US09863038B2 |
Off-angled heating of the underside of a substrate using a lamp assembly
Disclosed are method and apparatus for treating a substrate. The apparatus is a dual-function process chamber that may perform both a material process and a thermal process on a substrate. The chamber has an annular radiant source disposed between a processing location and a transportation location of the chamber. Lift pins have length sufficient to maintain the substrate at the processing location while the substrate support is lowered below the radiant source plane to afford radiant heating of the substrate. A method of processing a substrate having apertures formed in a first surface thereof includes depositing material on the first surface in the apertures and reflowing the material by heating a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface. A second material can then be deposited, filling the apertures partly or completely. Alternately, a cyclical deposition/reflow process may be performed. |
| US09863035B2 |
Metal nitride material for thermistor, method for producing same, and film type thermistor sensor
Provided are a metal nitride material for a thermistor, which has a high reliability and a high heat resistance and can be directly deposited on a film or the like without firing, a method for producing the same, and a film type thermistor sensor. The metal nitride material for a thermistor consists of a metal nitride represented by the general formula: (Ti1-vCrv)xAly (N1-wOw)z (where 0.0 |
| US09863026B2 |
Dual phase steel sheet and manufacturing method thereof
A dual phase steel sheet including: in mass %, C: 0.01 to 0.1%; Mn: 0.2 to 3%; Al: 0.04 to 1.5%; Ti: 0.015 to 0.2%; P: 0.01% or less; S: 0.005% or less; N: 0.01% or less, in which [Ti]−48/14×[N]−48/32×[S]≧0% is satisfied and when Ex.C (%)=[C]−12/48×{[Ti]+48/93×[Nb]−48/14×[N]−48/32×[S]} is set, 0.001≦Ex.C (%)/fsd (%)≦0.01 is satisfied, and a balance being composed of Fe and impurities, in which at the position of ¼ thickness of a sheet thickness, a microstructure is a dual phase with its main phase composed of polygonal ferrite precipitation-strengthened by carbide of Ti and its second phase composed of 1 to 10% in area fraction (fsd (%)) of low-temperature transformation products dispersed plurally, and an average crystal diameter of the low-temperature transformation product is 3 to 15 μm and an average value of a distance of closest approach between the low-temperature transformation products is 10 to 20 μm. |
| US09863021B2 |
High-performance NdFeB rare earth permanent magnet with composite main phase and manufacturing method thereof
A NdFeB rare earth permanent magnet with composite main phase and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. In the composite main phase, a PR2(Fe1-x-yCoxAly)14B main phase is the core, ZR2(Fe1-w-nCowAln)14B main phase surrounds a periphery of the PR2(Fe1-x-yCoxAly)14B main phase, and no grain boundary phase exists between ZR2(Fe1-w-nCowAln)14B main phase and the PR2(Fe1-x-yCoxAly)14B main phase, wherein ZR represents a group of rare earth elements in which a content of heavy rare earth is higher than an average content of heavy rare earth in the composite main phase, PR represents a group of rare earth elements in which a content of heavy rare earth is lower than an average content of heavy rare earth in the composite main phase. The manufacturing method includes steps of LR—Fe—B-Ma alloy melting, HR—Fe—B-Mb alloy melting, alloy hydrogen decrepitating, metal oxide micro-powder surface absorbing and powdering, magnetic field pressing, sintering and ageing. |
| US09863018B2 |
Ion exchange resin and method for adsorbing and separating metal
Provided is a system for efficiently recovering trace metal from a large amount of a raw material, such as when trace metal is recovered from nickel oxide ore. This ion exchange resin has, on a carrier, an amide derivative represented by the following general formula. In the formula, R1 and R2 represent the same or different alkyl groups, R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and R4 represents a hydrogen atom or an arbitrary group, other than an amino group, bonded to α carbon as an amino acid. The amide derivative is preferably a glycinamide derivative. The carrier preferably includes a primary amine and/or a secondary amine. |
| US09863015B2 |
Manufacturing method for strip casting 550 MPa-grade high strength atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel strip
A manufacturing method for strip casting 550 MPa-grade high strength atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel strip, comprising the following steps: 1) smelting, where the chemical composition of a molten steel is that: C is between 0.03-0.08%, Si≦0.4%, Mn is between 0.6-1.5%, P is between 0.07-0.22%, S≦0.01%, N≦0.012%, Cu is between 0.25-0.8%, Cr is between 0.3-0.8%, and Ni is between 0.12-0.4%, additionally, also comprised is at least one micro-alloying element among Nb, V, Ti, and Mo, where Nb is between 0.01-0.08%, V is between 0.01-0.08%, Ti is between 0.01-0.08%, and Mo is between 0.1-0.4%, and where the remainder is Fe and unavoidable impurities; 2) strip casting, where a 1-5 mm-thick cast strip is casted directly; 3) cooling the strip, where the cooling rate is greater than 20° C./s; 4) online hot rolling the cast strip, where the hot rolling temperature is between 1050-1250° C., where the reduction rate is between 20-50%, and where the deformation rate is >20 s−1; austenite online recrystallizing after hot rolling, where the thickness of the hot rolled strip is between 0.5-3.0 mm; and, 5) cooling and winding, where the cooling rate is between 10-80° C./s, and where the winding temperature is between 570-720° C. The microscopic structure of a steel strip acquired is primarily constituted by fine polygonal ferrite and pearlite. |
| US09863010B2 |
Compositions, methods and kits to detect adenovirus nucleic acids
The disclosed invention is related to methods, compositions, kits and isolated nucleic acid sequences for targeting Adenovirus nucleic acid. Compositions include amplification oligomers and/or detection probe oligomers. Kits and methods comprise at least one of these oligomers. |
| US09863009B2 |
Sequence specific primer pool for multiplex PCR and method of detecting microbial infections in thalassemia patients
Reagents and methods for the fast, accurate and early detection of infections in thalassemia major patients. Reagents include a primer pool containing a mixture of primer pairs for the specific recognition and simultaneous amplification of targeted gene sequences of pathogens from a biological sample collected from a patient in a multiplex PCR reaction. Pathogens may include at least one Fungi species, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. Subsequent identification of the pathogens is achieved by DNA sequencing analysis. |
| US09863008B2 |
Soybean event pDAB9582.816.15.1 detection method
Soybean Event pDAB9582.816.15.1 comprises gene expression cassettes which contain genes encoding Cry1F, Cry1Ac (synpro), and PAT, affording insect resistance and herbicide tolerance to soybean crops containing the event, and enabling methods for crop protection and protection of stored products. The disclosure provides polynucleotide related event detection methods. The present disclosure relates to a method for detecting a new insect resistant and herbicide tolerant transgenic soybean transformation event, designated Soybean Event pDAB9582.816.15,1. The DNA of soybean plants containing this event includes the junction/flanking sequences described herein that characterize the location of the inserted DNA within the soybean genome. SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID N0:2 are diagnostic for Soybean Event pDAB9582.816.15.1. |
| US09863007B2 |
Detection of toxigenic strains of Clostridium difficile
Primers and probes for detection of toxin-producing (toxigenic) strains of Clostridium difficile, and to methods of detecting toxigenic strains using these primers and probes. Toxigenic strains of C. difficile are detected by nucleic acid-based amplification methods using particular primers and probes that bind to the toxin B (TcdB) gene. These primers and probes are used to amplify C. difficile nucleic acids in clinical samples to determine the presence of these toxigenic strains. |
| US09863005B2 |
Endometrial phase or endometrial cancer biomarkers
Methods for detecting endometrial diseases or an endometrium phase in a subject are described comprising measuring endometrial markers or polynucleotides encoding the markers in a sample from the subject. The invention also provides localization or imaging methods for endometrial diseases, and kits for carrying out the methods of the invention. The invention also contemplates therapeutic applications for endometrial diseases employing endometrial markers, polynucleotides encoding the markers, and/or binding agents for the markers. |
| US09863003B2 |
Polynucleotide primers for detecting PIK3CA mutations
A polynucleotide comprising at least the final six nucleotides of one of the following primer sequences, or a sequence complementary thereto: SEQ. ID NOS. 3 to 16, 18, 20 to 33, 35 or 37 to 39. A method of detecting the presence or absence of a mutation in the PIK3CA gene, wherein the mutation is one of H1047R, H1047L, E542K and E545K, and preferably ARMS primers are combined with Scorpion primers. |
| US09863001B2 |
Method for the detection of cytosine methylations in DNA
The invention relates to a method for analyzing cytosine methylations in DNA sequences, according to which non-methylated cytosines are first converted into uracil while 5-methylcytosine remains unmodified. The DNA is then amplified by means of a polymerase and at least one primer whose 5 end is connected to a probe via a linker. The probe is intramolecularly hybridized onto the amplified products in accordance with the methylation state of the DNA, hybridization being detectable via different detection systems. The inventive method is particularly suitable for diagnosing and predicting cancer diseases and other diseases associated with a modification of the methylation state as well as for predicting undesired effects of medicaments. |
| US09862997B2 |
Nanopore-based nucleic acid analysis with mixed FRET detection
Various methods, systems and devices for optical detection and analysis of polymers, such as polynucleotides, using nanopores, e.g., for determining sequences of nucleic acids, are provided herein. In certain variations, methods and systems for determining a nucleotide sequence of a polynucleotide, which include measuring mixed FRET signals as a polynucleotide translocates through a nanopore and determining a nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide from the mixed FRET signals, are provided. |
| US09862996B2 |
Biosensor array formed by junctions of functionalized electrodes
The present invention provides a sensor array device with multiple sensor junctions which have been created through the assembly of two or more differently functionalized surfaces. The functionalizing of the prospective sensor junction areas with sensor compounds occurred when the different surfaces were physically separated from each other before the assembly of the sensor array. By these means, sensor junctions can be built smaller than conventional deposition techniques like printing and photolithography would allow for otherwise. As a consequence, each individual sensor junction contains two potentially different sensor compounds. The sensor array identifies and quantifies different biomolecules. |
| US09862994B2 |
Selective nucleic acid amplification from nucleic acid pools
Provided herein are nucleic acids and methods for selectively amplifying in parallel tens of thousands of high quality oligonucleotides without common sequences. The resultant oligonucleotides can be used for a variety of purposes and applications including but not limited to DNA nano structure synthesis. |
| US09862993B2 |
Genetic analysis system
In order to decode arbitrary sequence regions for a large number of genes in a large number of cells, it is necessary to fragment the nucleic acids and introduced a sequence, which differs for each the cell, in the respective fragments. However, in conventional constructions for analyzing large numbers of cells, there was the problem that the cleaved fragments of different regions were intermingled before a tag sequence unique to each region could be introduced. The present invention is constructed to also comprise a genetic analysis system, when trapping nucleic acids extracted from a cell in multiple regions on a substrate and synthesizing and fragmenting the complementary DNA strands (cDNA) of the nucleic acids for each individual region, for immediately introducing a tag sequence unique to each of the regions into said fragments. |
| US09862986B2 |
Muteins of the pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1
The invention relates to muteins of the pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1), to nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding such muteins, to methods of determining in a subject a predisposition of having an age related disorder associated with PYCR1, to methods of identifying a compound capable of modifying the expression of PYCR1, and methods of treating a subject having an age-related disorder associated with PYCR1. The invention further relates to a genetically modified animal and a method of modifying the expression of the PYCR1 gene in an animal. |
| US09862982B2 |
Methods of hydrolyzing a cellulose using halophilic, thermostable and ionic liquids tolerant cellulases
The present invention provides for an isolated or recombinant polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 70% identity with the amino acid sequence of a Halorhabdus utahensis cellulase, such as Hu-CBH1, wherein said amino acid sequence has a halophilic thermostable and/or thermophilic cellobiohydrolase (CBH) activity. In some embodiments, the polypeptide has a CBH activity that is resistant to up to about 20% of ionic liquids. The present invention also provides for compositions comprising and methods using the isolated or recombinant polypeptide. |
| US09862975B2 |
Compositions and methods for increased ethanol production from biomass
The present application discloses the identification of the novel K. marxianus xylose transporter genes KHT105 and RAG4, as well as the identification of a novel set of I. orientalis pentose phosphate pathway genes The present application further discloses a series of genetically modified yeast cells comprising various combinations of arabinose fermentation pathways, xylose fermentation pathways, pentose phosphate pathways, and/or xylose transporter genes, and methods of culturing these cells to produce ethanol in fermentation media containing xylose. |
| US09862973B2 |
Methods for biosynthesis of isoprene
This document describes biochemical pathways for producing isoprene by forming two vinyl groups in a central precursor produced from isobutyryl-CoA, 3-methyl-2-oxopentanoate, or 4-methyl-2-oxopentanoate as well as recombinant hosts for producing isoprene. |
| US09862972B2 |
CMV glycoproteins and recombinant vectors
Disclosed herein are recombinant CMV vectors which may comprise a heterologous antigen that can repeatedly infect an organism while inducing a CD8+ T cell response to immunodominant epitopes of the heterologous antigen. The CMV vector may comprise a deleterious mutation in the US11 glycoprotein or a homolog thereof. |
| US09862969B2 |
Promoter derived from human gene
The present invention relates to a transfected mammalian host cell whose ability to secrete a foreign protein has been enhanced by using a foreign gene expression vector having a promoter derived from a human gene, and a method for producing the foreign protein using the host cell. A method for enhancing the production of a foreign protein to be used in a pharmaceutical protein product in a host cell such as a cultured mammalian cell is provided. A promoter derived from a human gene having a promoter activity higher than that of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter in a host cell such as a cultured mammalian cell is provided. |
| US09862968B2 |
NF-κB signaling pathway-manipulated dendritic cells
The invention relates to dendritic cells, the NFκB signaling pathway of which has been manipulated by RNA transfection, to the manufacture thereof and to use thereof. |
| US09862964B2 |
Transgenic plants with enhanced growth characteristics
The invention relates to transgenic plants exhibiting dramatically enhanced growth rates, greater seed and fruit/pod yields, earlier and more productive flowering, more efficient nitrogen utilization, increased tolerance to high salt conditions, and increased biomass yields. In one embodiment, transgenic plants engineered to over-express both glutamine phenylpyruvate transaminase (GPT) and glutamine synthetase (GS) are provided. The GPT+GS double-transgenic plants of the invention consistently exhibit enhanced growth characteristics, with T0 generation lines showing an increase in biomass over wild type counterparts of between 50% and 300%. Generations that result from sexual crosses and/or selfing typically perform even better, with some of the double-transgenic plants achieving an astounding four-fold biomass increase over wild type plants. |
| US09862959B2 |
Transgenic plants with enhanced agronomic traits
This invention provides transgenic plant cells with recombinant DNA for expression of proteins that are useful for imparting enhanced agronomic trait(s) to transgenic crop plants. This invention also provides transgenic plants and progeny seed comprising the transgenic plant cells where the plants are selected for having an enhanced trait selected from the group of traits consisting of enhanced water use efficiency, enhanced cold tolerance, increased yield, enhanced nitrogen use efficiency, enhanced seed protein and enhanced seed oil. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing transgenic seed and plants with enhanced traits. |
| US09862958B2 |
Nucleotide sequence and a process thereof
The present disclosure relates to a process of identification and isolation of sorbitol dehydrogenase promoter from Pichia pastoris. Further, the present disclosure also relates to expression of heterologous proteins under the control of Sorbitol dehydrogenase promoter in Pichia pastoris. |
| US09862957B2 |
Specific alleles important for ethanol tolerance
The present disclosure relates to the identification of a QTL associated with high ethanol tolerance in Saccharomyces spp. More specifically, it relates to specific alleles of MKT1 and APJ1 possibly combined with a specific allele of SWS2 that are important in obtaining a high ethanol tolerance in Saccharomyces spp. It relates further to the use of such alleles in the construction of high ethanol tolerant strains, and the use of these alleles in screening for ethanol tolerance. |
| US09862955B2 |
Plant endophytic bacteria Bacillus oryzicola isolated from rice rizhosphere, and development of agent for natural plant protection and plant enhancement using the same
A strain has a microorganism fertilizer efficacy and can be used as a biopesticide, by isolating multi-functional plant endophytic bacteria, which can widely suppress the growth of plant-pathogenic fungi and bacteria and specifically act on rice as a host plant, thereby retaining both a disease resistance inducing effect and a plant growth promoting effect, followed by mass-culturing and formulating. The present invention provides novel microorganism Bacillus oryzicola or Bacillus oryzicola having a DNA-DNA relatedness value of 70% or more with the Bacillus oryzicola. |
| US09862954B2 |
DNA vector production system
A vector production system is provided. The system comprises recombinant cells designed to encode at least a first recombinase under the control of an inducible promoter and the cells include an expression vector encoding a nucleic acid of interest within the regulatory elements of the expression vector which are flanked on either side by a target sequence for at least the first recombinase. The vector production system provides an efficient one-step process for producing linear or circular covalently closed vectors that incorporate a nucleic acid sequence of interest. |
| US09862952B2 |
Oligonucleotide compounds for treatment of preeclampsia and other angiogenic disorders
This disclosure relates to novel targets for angiogenic disorders. Novel oligonucleotides are also provided. Methods of using the novel oligonucleotides for the treatment of angiogenic disorders (e.g., preeclampsia) are also provided. |
| US09862949B2 |
Method for the inhibition of angiogenesis
The invention relates to a method for influencing the miR-92 expression in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a cell; and (b1) reducing the miR-92 expression in the cell in order to promote the vascularization or vessel repair by introducing an antisense molecule against miR-92 into the cell, or (b2) increasing the miR-92 expression in the cell for an inhibition of the tumor angiogenesis by introducing a construct into the cell, wherein said construct includes an expressible miR-92 sequence. Furthermore, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition, comprising an agent for reducing the miR-92 activity or expression in a cell in the form of an antisense molecule against miR-92, or an agent for increasing the miR-92 expression in a cell in the form of a construct for expressing miR-92. |
| US09862947B2 |
Selective reduction of the deleterious activity of extended tri-nucleotide repeat containing genes
Aspects of the invention include methods of selectively reducing the deleterious activity of mutant extended trinucleotide repeat containing genes in a cell, as well as compositions used in such methods. The deleterious activity (e.g., toxicity and/or dis-functionality of products encoded thereby) of a mutant extended trinucleotide repeat containing gene may be selectively reduced in a variety of different ways, e.g., by selectively decreasing SPT4 mediated transcriptional activity, by enhancing functionality of proteins encoded thereby, etc. Aspects of the invention further include assays for identifying agents that find use in methods of the invention, e.g. as summarized above. Methods and compositions of the invention find use in a variety of different applications, including the prevention or treatment of disease conditions associated with the presence of genes containing mutant extended trinucleotide repeats, such as Huntington's Disease (HD). |
| US09862946B2 |
Peptide oligonucleotide conjugates
Oligonucleotide analogs conjugated to carrier peptides are provided. The disclosed compounds are useful for the treatment of various diseases, for example diseases where inhibition of protein expression or correction of aberrant mRNA splice products produces beneficial therapeutic effects. |
| US09862942B2 |
In vitro membrane protein molecular evolutionary engineering technique
The objective of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of screening/selection of a membrane protein in molecular evolutionary engineering (for example, an enzyme evolutionary method).The above-described objective is achieved by providing a unilamellar liposome comprising: (a) a DNA comprising a promoter sequence, a translational initiation sequence, and a sequence encoding a membrane protein; (b) an RNA polymerase; (c) a ribonucleotide; and (d) a cell-free protein synthesis system. In one aspect of the present invention, the membrane protein is a transporter, and the unilamellar liposome further comprises (e) a factor that binds to a ligand transported by the membrane protein. |
| US09862941B2 |
Single cell microfluidic device
Methods of non-destructively obtaining the genotype of a plant cell from a plant sample are disclosed. The plant cell is isolated from a plant cell sample using an integrated microfluidic device. The integrated microfluidic device includes an individual cell trap located downstream from a microfluidic channel and, the microfluidic device is configured to trap the plant cell in the individual cell trap. mRNA is extracted from the plant cell by contacting the plant cell with an atomic force microscope (AFM) probe and by attracting mRNA from loci of interest to the probe end using a dielectrophoresis DEP force under the alternating current (AC) field applied to the probe. The genotype of the plant cell is determined from cDNA obtained from the extracted mRNA. Alternatively, the mRNA is analyzed to determine gene expression patterns of the plant cell. |
| US09862938B2 |
Thermostable reverse transcriptases and uses thereof
The present invention is in the fields of molecular and cellular biology. The invention is generally related to reverse transcriptase enzymes and methods for the reverse transcription of nucleic acid molecules, especially messenger RNA molecules. Specifically, the invention relates to reverse transcriptase enzymes which have been mutated or modified to increase thermostability, decrease terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity, and/or increase fidelity, and to methods of producing, amplifying or sequencing nucleic acid molecules (particularly cDNA molecules) using these reverse transcriptase enzymes or compositions. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules produced by these methods and to the use of such nucleic acid molecules to produce desired polypeptides. The invention also concerns kits comprising such enzymes or compositions. |
| US09862937B2 |
Process for the preparation of halo-substituted trifluoroacetophenones
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of formula I (I), wherein R1 is hydrogen, fluoro or chloro; which process comprises a) reacting a compound of formula II (II), wherein R1 is hydrogen, fluoro or chloro; with a nitration agent to the compound of formula (III), wherein R1 is hydrogen, fluoro or chloro; and b) reacting the compound of formula III with chlorine gas at temperature from 180° C. to 250° C. to the compound of formula I. |
| US09862932B2 |
Oncolytic virus therapy for resistant tumors
Disclosed herein is a recombinant oncolytic virus comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). One such oncolytic virus is oHSV. One form of TRAIL contained within the oncolytic virus is a secreted form of TRAIL. Examples of various forms of oHSV and secreted TRAIL are disclosed therein. Also disclosed are host cells and therapeutic formulations comprising the recombinant oncolytic virus. Also disclosed are methods of treating cancer in a subject by administering a therapeutic formulation comprising the recombinant oncolytic virus to the subject. |
| US09862930B2 |
Generation of human iPS cells by a synthetic self-replicative RNA
The disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for obtaining induced stem cells, methods of making and use thereof. |
| US09862929B2 |
Method of inducing differentiation from pluripotent stem cells to skeletal muscle cells
The present invention provides a method of producing a skeletal muscle cell from a pluripotent stem cell, which includes a step of expressing one or more exogenous factors selected from MyoD, Myf5 and nucleic acids encoding them on a pluripotent stem cell. |
| US09862928B2 |
Generation of natural killer cells and lymphoid tissue inducer-like (LTi-like) NK-22 cells
The present invention relates generally to methods to prepare NK and LTi-like, NK22 cells from HSCs and uses of those cells. |
| US09862921B2 |
Method for determining cell state and autoanalyzer using said method
There is provided a method for noninvasively evaluating the cell state (proliferation, multi-layering, and differentiation) of a cell sheet as a mimic tissue at the time of culturing the cell sheet. The method is characterized in that an analysis of an amino acid is conducted with the use of the culture supernatant of a cell sheet to monitor a change in the concentration of any amino acid selected from a group of 5-species of amino acids (Ile, Val, Ser, Leu, and Ala), thereby making a determination. |
| US09862919B2 |
Device and method for identification of microorganisms
The present invention relates to a device for the identification of microorganisms, comprising: a) a carrier 1, wherein an absorbent material 2 is arranged on the carrier 1, b) at least one intermediate sealing layer 3, with at least one cut-out 4, which is designed to receive the microorganisms to be identified, these being present on a micropore filter 5, c) at least one nonwoven reaction fabric comprising an absorbent material 2 on which at least one absorption field 7 and/or at least one liquid-transporting structure 8 is arranged for the taking up of reagents to identify microorganisms, and d) a cover plate 9. Furthermore, a method for the identification of microorganisms is used in conjunction with the device according to the invention.With the present invention, microorganisms in a sample can be identified very quickly—within a few minutes. In this, the test system is isolated from the environment, so avoiding danger to people and the environment from a positive test finding. |
| US09862918B2 |
Well plate and suction device provided with well plate
A well plate is formed with a well for holding a subject to be sucked by a suction nozzle on an inner bottom part and storing liquid and, a clearance forming member for forming a clearance to allow the liquid to flow in a state where a tip part of the suction nozzle is inserted into and held in contact with the well is provided in the well. According to the present invention, the clearance enabling the liquid to flow is formed even in the state where the tip part of the suction nozzle is inserted into and held in contact with the well in sucking the subject held in the well by the suction nozzle. The suction nozzle can suck the liquid around through the clearance and the subject held in the well is efficiently sucked through the suction port along the flow of the sucked liquid. |
| US09862916B2 |
Structuring agent for liquid detergent and personal care products
This invention relates to an external structuring agent for application in liquid detergent and personal care products. It has been found that cellulose based particles, which comprise cell wall material and their networks of cellulose based fibers and nanofibrils can advantageously be used to structure liquid detergent and personal care products, providing certain benefits that are much sought after in the design of such products. It is assumed that the organization of the cellulose fibrils, as it exists in the parenchymal cell walls, is at least partly retained in the cellulose based particles of the invention, even though part of the pectin and hemicellulose is removed there from. The process of making the structuring agent involves processing under relatively mild conditions, of a biological material that is currently considered a by-product. |
| US09862914B2 |
Cleaning agent for semiconductor substrates and method for processing semiconductor substrate surface
The present invention relates to a cleaning agent for a semiconductor substrate having a copper wiring film or a copper alloy wiring film, and a cobalt-containing film to be used in a post-process of a chemical mechanical polishing process, comprising (A) an organic acid represented by general formula described in the present specification, (B) amines selected from the group consisting of (B-1) diamines, (B-2) amidines, (B-3) azoles, and (B-4) pyrazines or pyrimidines, represented by general formulae described in the present specification, (C) a hydroxylamine derivative, and (D) an oxygen scavenger represented by general formula described in the present specification, and being an aqueous solution having a pH of 10 or higher; and a processing method for the surface of a semiconductor substrate, having a copper wiring film or a copper alloy wiring film, and a cobalt-containing film, which comprises using the cleaning agent. |
| US09862912B2 |
Cleaning compositions containing cationic polymers, and methods of making and using same
The present invention relates to cleaning composition, preferably a laundry detergent composition, comprising a cationic polymer capable of improving the overall sudsing profile of such cleaning composition. |
| US09862911B2 |
System and process for palm oil extraction by cracking, threshing and dynamic sterilization of the fresh fruit
The present invention patent application belongs to the field of mechanical engineering and consists of a system and process for palm oil extraction integrally configured for processing the entire fresh fruit (rachis, spikes and seeds or fruits) by stages of cracking, threshing, dynamic sterilization and subsequent pressing. Said disclosed system and process allow increasing the percentage of oil extraction with less equipment and a smaller workspace compared to that required by the already known conventional processes, as well as using smaller amounts of water and energy. Additionally, the disclosed system and process allow obtaining sterilized plant material with low humidity, which may be used as organic matter for composting or as fuel of the extraction system itself. |
| US09862909B2 |
Polymer for lubricant compositions and method of forming the same
A polymer comprises a polymeric backbone, at least one piperidine ester moiety extending from the polymeric back-bone, and generally at least one C8 to C22 ester moiety extending from the polymeric backbone. The polymer is useful for adjusting the total base number and viscosity index of a lubricant composition. The lubricant composition generally comprises a base oil in addition to the polymer. A method of forming the polymer comprises the steps of providing a first component and providing a second component. The first component comprises at least one of A1) a piperidine methacrylate, or A2) a methacrylate. The second component comprises at least one of B) a C8 to C22 methacrylate. Optionally, the method further comprises the step of providing a third component, which comprises at least one of C) a piperidine-ol. The method further comprises at least one reaction step involving the aforementioned components to form the polymer. |
| US09862908B2 |
Seal swell additive
A seal swell agent for a lubricating fluid is described. The invention relates to a seal swell agent for use in lubricating oils, such as engine oils, turbine oils, automatic and manual transmission, or gear, fluids, drivetrain and gear oils and hydraulic fluids. The seal swell agent comprises a diester of sorbitol or a derivative thereof and at least one carboxylic acid. The invention extends to the use of a diester of sorbitol or a derivative thereof and at least one carboxylic acid as a seal swell agent, and a method of maintaining seal integrity. |
| US09862907B2 |
Ether lubricants from fatty acids
Long chain ether compositions may comprise at least one long chain ether of general Formula I: wherein R1′ and R2′ are independently selected from C5-C21 linear or branched alkyl and C5-C21 linear or branched alkenyl, and R1′ and R2′ are the same or different, and R is selected from linear or branched alkyl having up to 52 carbon atoms and linear or branched alkenyl having up to 52 carbon atoms. In an embodiment, long chain ether compositions of matter such as those disclosed herein may find applications as lubricants. |