| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09880697B2 |
Remote multi-touch control
Various systems and methods for remote multi-touch control are described herein. A system may include a mode controller to enter an orientation mode for a user interface displayed by a presentation device, the orientation mode configured to allow a user of the presentation device to orient an input point on the user interface with a remote device, and an input/output module to receive an input from the user to trigger the presentation device to transition from the orientation mode to a pass-through mode, the pass-through mode configured to allow the user to control an application at the presentation device using a touch point on the remote device, the mode controller is to enter the pass-through mode at the presentation device, the input/output module is to receive input from the user via the remote device, and the presentation device is to pass the input through to the application. |
| US09880695B2 |
Changing a controlling device interface based on device orientation
According to one embodiment, a method for changing a graphical user interface is provided. The method may include identifying one or more devices. The method may include determining product information associated with the one or more devices, whereby the product information includes at least one of a type, a model number, and a brand. The method may include determining one or more applications associated with the one or more devices based on the product information, whereby the one or more applications allow for operation of the one or more devices. The method may include retrieving the one or more applications. The method may include determining that the computer is oriented toward a first device of the one or more devices. The method may include displaying a first graphical user interface corresponding to a first application of the one or more applications that allows for operation of the first device. |
| US09880692B2 |
Wiring body, wiring board, touch sensor, and method for producing wiring body
A wiring body includes a first conductor layer including a first conductor wire, a resin layer covering the first conductor layer, and a second conductor layer disposed on the first conductor layer through the resin layer and including a second conductor wire. The wiring body satisfies the formula |H1−H2| |
| US09880690B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal having an input device that performs inputting in a tactile manner is disclosed. A touch screen of a first region and touch buttons of a second region are implemented by a single touch sheet without having touch sensing units. Thus, manufacturing, assembling and handling can be facilitated. |
| US09880688B2 |
Active matrix capacitive sensor for common-mode cancellation
This disclosure generally provides an input device that includes a plurality of sensor modules coupled to sensor electrodes arranged in a matrix that measure capacitive sensing signals corresponding to the electrodes. To mitigate the effect of capacitive coupling between a sensor electrode being sensed and its neighbors in the matrix, the input device drives the neighboring electrodes in a same manner as the selected sensor electrode so that there is little or no voltage difference between the sensor electrode being sensed and its neighbors. For example, during a drive phase, the electrode being sensed and the neighboring electrodes are coupled to the same charge voltage. During a read phase, the neighboring electrodes and the selected electrode may be coupled to the same reference voltage—e.g., ground—so there is again no voltage difference between the electrodes. |
| US09880681B2 |
Touch sensor and display including the same
A touch sensor is disclosed to include a first mesh touch electrode formed in a first direction and transmitting a first touch signal, a first supplementary mesh touch electrode formed on the same layer as the first mesh touch electrode, an insulating layer covering the first mesh touch electrode and the first supplementary mesh touch electrode and having a contact cutout, a second mesh touch electrode formed in a second direction crossing the first direction and transmitting a second touch signal, and a second supplementary mesh touch electrode formed on the same layer as the second mesh touch electrode. In this touch sensor, the first mesh touch electrode is connected to the second supplementary mesh touch electrode through the contact cutout and the second mesh touch electrode is connected to the first supplementary mesh touch electrode through the contact cutout. |
| US09880676B1 |
Force sensitive capacitive sensors and applications thereof
Electronic devices may include force sensitive sensors. The sensor may include a first layer of electrodes, a second layer of electrodes and a deformable dielectric material separating the first layer of electrodes and the second layer of electrodes. A conductive material may be disposed to negate capacitive effects between an object near to or touching the touch surface and the electrodes of the first layer and the electrodes of the second layer. A force applied to the sensor may be detected based at least in part on a change in capacitance between at least one electrode of first layer and at least one electrode of the second layer resulting from deformation of the deformable dielectric material. This disclosure also describes techniques for assembling electronic devices including these components. |
| US09880673B2 |
Multi-touch input information processing apparatus, method, and storage medium
A control method for an information processing apparatus configured to acquire position information of one or more touched points one by one detected according to a predetermined detection period on a touch panel includes holding the position information of each of the one or more touched points in a holding unit, acquiring a number of the touched points whose position information is held in the holding unit, determining at each predetermined detection period that latest position information of all the touched points whose position information is held in the holding unit is specified, in a case where the number of the acquired touched point is two or more, and deciding the multi-touch operation performed to the information processing apparatus after the determination. |
| US09880672B2 |
Display apparatus, display method, and computer-readable recording medium
A display apparatus includes a display unit that displays a 3D image thereon, the 3D image being created by combining two pieces of image data in which adjacent right-side and left-side parts of respective fields of view overlap with each other; a touch panel that is provided on the display screen of the display unit and that detects a touch position of an external object or a nearby position of an object near a surface of the touch panel; and a sensitivity setting unit that sets, in accordance with the level to which the 3D image appears to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the display screen, the detection sensitivity of the touch panel. |
| US09880671B2 |
Damping vibrational wave reflections
A touch input detector is disclosed. The touch input detector includes an acoustic transmitter for transmitting an acoustic wave across a touch input medium. The touch input detector also includes an acoustic receiver for receiving the transmitted acoustic wave, wherein the timing of the incidence of the acoustic wave on the acoustic receiver indicates at least a portion of a touch input location on a surface of the touch input medium. The touch input detector further includes an acoustic dampening material coupled to the touch input medium to dampen reflections of the transmitted acoustic wave. |
| US09880670B2 |
Gesture control having automated calibration
A basis image is captured by an image capture device and transmitted to a computing unit. A gesture of a user of the computing unit is identified by the computing unit based on the basis image. An action is determined and executed by the computing unit depending on the identified gesture. The action is determined by the computing unit for at least one of the gestures in addition in dependence on a relative position of the image capture device relative to a display device. No later than upon capturing the basis image, an additional image is captured by at least one additional image capture device and transmitted to the computing unit. On the basis of the additional image, the relative position of the image capture device relative to the display device is determined by the computing unit. |
| US09880668B2 |
Method for identifying input information, apparatus for identifying input information and electronic device
A method for identifying input information, an apparatus for identifying input information and an electronic device are provided. The method for identifying input information is applied to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a first panel and a second panel, and further includes a collimated light generator arranged on the first panel and two or more optical detection devices arranged on the first panel. In the method, firstly an information input operation is acquired; then a variation of shadow of the information input operation blocking collimated light beams generated by the collimated light generator is acquired via the optical detection device; and the input information corresponding to the information input operation is acquired according to the variation of shadow. |
| US09880666B2 |
Flexible display apparatus and control method thereof
A flexible display apparatus is provided. The flexible display apparatus includes: a display configured to display an object on a screen; an actuator configured to provide shape deformation to the display; and a controller configured to determine deformation information for reconfiguring and displaying the object, control the actuator to provide the shape deformation according to the determined deformation information, and control the display to reconfigure the displayed object and display the reconfigured object. |
| US09880650B1 |
Driver circuit for touch panel
The invention provides a touch driver circuit, by only using a select signal (Select) to control the operation of transport gates (TG1, TG2) to realize output of a valid pulse touch driver signal (TXH) and a constant low voltage signal (TXL). The circuit structure is simplified, and removes a plurality of elements and two control signals so as to reduce the layout space occupied by the touch driver circuit as well as reduced the border width of the touch display to realize narrow border design for touch display panel. |
| US09880648B2 |
Touch pad input device
A touch pad input device includes a touch pad having a touch area formed on an upper surface thereof; a switch installed under the touch pad to generate a signal when a downward external force more than a reference value is applied; a restoring means configured to support elastically upward a lower surface of the touch pad; and a housing in which the touch pad, the switch and the restoring means are installed. Even when only one switch is installed under the touch pad, the switch can be stably operated when each area of the touch pad is pushed, and since the separate printed circuit board for transmitting the pushing signal of the switch is omitted, it is possible to provide a simple internal structure and to reduce a manufacturing cost, and all functions of a mouse and an arrow key can be performed. |
| US09880646B2 |
Addressable electro-optic display
A writing implement is described that dispenses a liquid colorant and produces a magnetic field. The magnetic field may be directed to an electronically driven display having a particle that is responsive to a magnetic field, such as an electrophoretic display, thereby changing an optical state of the display. |
| US09880644B2 |
Computer input apparatus and method using smart terminal with electronic pen
A computer input system is provided for using a smart terminal as an input device to a computer. The method for the computer includes receiving from the smart terminal, input to the smart terminal from an electronic pen, wherein the input is received by the computer through a predetermined communication mode established between the computer and the smart terminal, identifying a foreground application of the computer, interpreting the input in association with the foreground application, converting the interpreted input to an input signal associated with the foreground application, and controlling the foreground application with the input signal, to execute an operation corresponding to the input signal, where the input signal is a keyboard or mouse input signal. |
| US09880641B2 |
Managing displayed content on a reshaped flexible display
A computer-implemented method manages displayed content on a reshaped flexible display. One or more processors detect a location of a bend in a flexible display, where the bend reshapes the flexible display to define at least two sections of the flexible display. One or more processors identify a type of application being used to generate content that is displayed on the flexible display, and then divide the content into a first content portion and a second content portion, based on the type of application being used. One or more processors then display the first content portion on a first section of the flexible display and the second content portion on a second section of the flexible display. |
| US09880633B2 |
Eyeglasses-type wearable device and method using the same
An eyeglasses-type wearable device of an embodiment can handle various data inputs. The device includes right and left eye frames corresponding to positions of right and left eyes and nose pads corresponding to a position of a nose. Eye motion detection electrodes (sightline detection sensor electrodes) are provided with the nose pads to detect the eye motion of a user. Transmitter/receiver electrodes (capacitance sensor electrodes) of a gesture detector are provided with a part of the right and left eye frames to detect a gesture of the user. Various data inputs are achieved by a combination of input A corresponding to a gesture of the user detected by the gesture detector and input B corresponding to the eye motion of the user detected by the eye motion detector. |
| US09880625B2 |
Method of designing a panel assembly for a vibratory panel device
There is disclosed a method of designing a panel assembly for a vibratory panel device, the assembly comprising a panel which supports vibrations and two or more transducers coupled to the panel to transmit vibrations to or receive vibrations from the panel. The method comprises: obtaining the number of transducers to be used in the assembly and their relative positions; obtaining relationships between drive signals to be applied to the respective transducers to provide a desired effect; determining an optimisation criterion for the assembly that depends on the obtained relationships; and determining one or more parameters for the respective transducers that satisfy the optimisation criterion. The one or more parameters may be selected from amplitudes of drive signals, spacing, activity, area, position, shape, dimension. |
| US09880623B2 |
Friction modulation for three dimensional relief in a haptic device
A haptic device includes a display configured to display an image, a haptic output device configured to generate a haptic effect to a user when the user interacts with the display, and a processor configured to receive information related to the image displayed on the display. The processor is also configured to create a friction based haptic effect map associated with the image displayed on the display, and generate a signal to the haptic output device to output the haptic effect when the user interacts with the display when the image is displayed on the display, the haptic effect being configured to simulate a feel of the image in three dimensions. |
| US09880622B2 |
Tactile sensation providing apparatus and control method for tactile sensation providing apparatus when using an application that does not support operation of tactile sensation
A tactile sensation providing apparatus for providing a tactile sensation based on an operator's input to an object, without wasting an existing application resource constituting a user interface, and a control method for the tactile sensation providing apparatus are provided.A tactile sensation providing apparatus 1 includes a touch sensor 40, a tactile sensation providing unit 50 configured to vibrate a touch face of the touch sensor 40, a display unit 30, and a control unit 10 configured to set a tactile sensation to be provided by the tactile sensation providing unit 50 for an object displayed on the display unit 30 based on information about the tactile sensation supplied from application software and, when detecting an input to the object, to control the tactile sensation providing unit 50 such that the tactile sensation set for the object is provided to a pressing object pressing the touch face. |
| US09880620B2 |
Smart ring
The description relates to a smart ring. In one example, the smart ring can be configured to be worn on a first segment of a finger of a user. The example smart ring can include at least one flexion sensor secured to the smart ring in a manner that can detect a distance between the at least one flexion sensor and a second segment of the finger. The example smart ring can also include an input component configured to analyze signals from the at least one flexion sensor to detect a pose of the finger. |
| US09880616B2 |
Display device and method for manufacturing the same
The present provides a display device and a method for manufacturing the same. The display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other to form a display panel. A deformation layer is arranged on any surface of the display panel. Through the deformation layer on any surface of the display panel, when the deformation layer reaches a first deformation temperature, the deformation layer generates a deformation so as to apply an internal force to the display panel. Because the display panel is of a constant size, it is curved due to the internal force, so as to achieve curved-surface display. In other words, the display panel is curved under the effect of the internal force generated by itself, and it may be always maintained at its curved shape when the internal force is applied continuously. |
| US09880612B2 |
Execution control method and execution control apparatus
An execution control apparatus detects a character process of a character variable included in a program. The character variable allocates a first memory region capable of storing a character code of a specific length to each of one, two, or more characters. When detecting a character process of a character variable, the execution control apparatus allocates a second memory region corresponding to the first memory region to each character. The execution control apparatus processes a character expressed by a second character code that is longer than the specific length, using the first and second memory regions. |
| US09880611B2 |
Energy saving mode for electronic devices
A system and method for operating an electronic computing device that is capable of invoking a battery saver mode may monitor an amount of power remaining in a battery of the electronic computing device, and generate an alert when the remaining amount of power in the battery available for continued operation of the device is at or below a predetermined threshold. The alert may include a notification of the estimated power remaining and an option to enable the battery saver mode. The alert may include a notification of the estimated power remaining and that battery saver mode has been enabled, and an option to disable the battery saver mode. The alert may include a notification of the estimated power remaining, and an option to customize the parameters of the battery saver mode by adjusting operation of various features and applications of the device. |
| US09880607B2 |
Dynamically optimizing bus frequency of an inter-integrated circuit (‘I2C’) bus
Optimizing an I2C bus frequency, the bus including signal lines coupling a master and slave nodes, a signal line coupled to a rise time detection circuit monitoring a voltage of the signal line, the voltage alternating between a logic low and logic high, where optimizing the frequency includes: detecting, during a rise in the signal line, a first voltage, the first voltage being greater than the logic low voltage; starting a counter to increment once for each clock period of the circuit; detecting a second voltage on the signal line, the second voltage greater than the first and less than the logic high; stopping the counter; calculating, in dependence upon the clock period and the counter value, a rise time; determining whether the rise time is greater than a maximum threshold; and increasing the I2C bus frequency if the calculated rise time is greater than the maximum threshold. |
| US09880603B1 |
Methods and apparatus for clock gating processing modules based on hierarchy and workload
A dispatch module implemented in at least one of a memory or a processing device is operatively coupled to a first processing module and a second processing module. The first processing module has a priority higher than a priority of the second processing module. The dispatch module includes a workload counter associated with the first processing module to provide an indication of a workload at the first processing module. The dispatch module initiates a clock signal at the second processing module only if the indication of the workload at the first processing module satisfies a criterion. The dispatch module sends a data unit to the second processing module for processing only if the indication of the workload at the first processing module satisfies a criterion. |
| US09880601B2 |
Method and apparatus to control a link power state
A method is provided for controlling a link. This may include determining a condition of a first device coupled to the link, receiving, at the first device, a request for a specific link state from a second device coupled to the link, and determining a power state of the link based on the determined condition of the first device. |
| US09880596B2 |
Power management mechanism
An integrated circuit includes a global power supply node. A first power domain has a first power management circuit, which includes a local power supply node. A first power control circuit is capable of receiving an input signal. A second power control circuit has a higher current capacity than the first power control circuit. The first power control circuit and the second power control circuit are coupled to the local power supply node and the global power supply node. The input signal is configured to initiate a power sequence, e.g., a power up process or a power down process, in the first power control circuit. A first control signal generated by the first power control circuit is configured to initiate a power sequence in the second power control circuit. |
| US09880593B2 |
Single piece card retainer
One embodiment provides an apparatus, including: a processor; a housing including a plurality of slots; and a single piece card retainer, comprising: a back surface; a front surface comprising a plurality of independent projections, wherein each of the plurality of independent projections is flexible and aligns with a slot of the plurality of slots; and at least two connection points that connect the single piece card retainer to the housing, where the single piece card retainer rotates about the at least two connection points to open and close with respect to the plurality of slots. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09880592B2 |
Modularly-constructed information handling system having perforated chassis design for receiving varying sizes of snap-in components
An information handling system (IHS) includes a modularly-constructed chassis for receiving varying sizes of snap-in compute components for assembly of the IHS. The modularly-constructed chassis includes a base panel having a chassis surface that includes more than one engagement feature formed within the chassis surface and a selected at least one of a first tray that is sized to receive a first compute component of a first size and a second tray that is sized to receive a second compute component of a second size. The first and second trays have a bottom surface with more than one complementary engagement feature formed within the bottom surface to snap-in corresponding engagement features of the base panel. The IHS includes one or more connecting cabling interconnecting the at least two compute components. |
| US09880589B2 |
Instrument eject system
An instrument eject system includes a device configured to store an instrument at a storage location within the device. A cover is rotationally coupled to a base via hinge. An ejection element is configured to impose an ejecting force on the instrument when the instrument is stored within the device. A retaining element is configured to retain the instrument within the device in a lock position of the retaining element and to release the instrument in a release position of the retaining element. |
| US09880586B2 |
Modular display system interface
One embodiment provides a system, including: an image display device with a recessed display connector; and an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a housing, comprising: a base and an upper element; the upper element comprising a groove running lengthwise and open at both ends; a protruding display connector disposed substantially centrally within the groove; and an interface board, within the housing and operatively coupled to the display connector; wherein the image display device is attached to the groove of the apparatus via the recessed and protruding display connector. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US09880578B2 |
Power demand forecast device, method and system and power failure detection system
Disclosed herein is a power demand forecast device including: an absence detection section adapted to detect whether a consumer is absent at a given location; and a power demand forecast section adapted to forecast a power demand on a forecasted date and time in future based on an absence detection result obtained by the absence detection section. |
| US09880576B2 |
Direct load control frequency regulation support system
A plurality of interactive electrical loads defines an aggregation connected with an electrical power grid. A scheduler generates a baseline power consumption schedule for the aggregation, determines frequency regulation capacity of the aggregation, and controls actual power consumption of the aggregation based on the baseline power consumption and an Automated Generation Control (AGC) signal of the electrical power grid to operate the aggregation as an ancillary frequency control device of the electrical power grid with the determined frequency regulation capacity. The controlling may comprise generating baseline dispatch signals for implementing the baseline consumption schedule, adjusting the baseline dispatch signals based on the AGC signal to generate adjusted dispatch signals, transmitting the adjusted dispatch signals to the plurality of interactive electrical loads defining the aggregation, and generating an AGC response log based on differences between the adjusted dispatch signals and the baseline dispatch signals. |
| US09880575B2 |
Power converter and method of use
A power converter includes a power supply node, an output node, a plurality of driving units, a feedback unit, a comparator, and a control unit. Two or more of the plurality of driving units are configured to be activated or to be deactivated responsive to a plurality of control signals. The feedback unit is configured to provide a feedback voltage based on an output voltage at the output node. The comparator is configured to provide an indication signal. The control unit is configured to generate the plurality of control signals based on the indication signal. The control unit is configured to, through the plurality of control signals, increase or decrease a number of activated driving units of the plurality of driving units by one or more predetermined increments at a time. |
| US09880571B2 |
Sanitary installation part and sanitary fitting with such an installation part
In a sanitary installation part (1) which, along with a functional unit (7), forms a flow volume regulator, it is proposed that a regulating element (13), which can be adjusted along an adjustment path, be coupled to a temperature-sensitive drive unit (15) such that different regulating positions of the regulating element (13) are set in dependence on the temperature of the medium flowing through the installation part (1), wherein the different regulating positions realize in each case different volume-flow dependencies (11, 12, 45, 48) and/or flow resistances. |
| US09880569B2 |
Pressure control method for process chamber and pressure control device for process chamber
A predicted outflow rate (Qo) at which gas is discharged from a process chamber 2 via a vacuum pump 3 is computed, and an input flow rate (Qi) is calculated in order to reach a preset target pressure (Psp). The input flow rate (Qi) is calculated, on the basis of the expression Qi=Qo+(ΔP/Δt)V, from a known volume (V) of the process chamber 2 and a pressure change rate (ΔP/Δt) obtained from the current pressure (P1) within the process chamber 2 to reach the target pressure (Psp). A current predicted outflow rate (Qo) is estimated on the basis of the expression Qo(n)=P2*f1(P2), from the current pressure (P2) within the vacuum pump 3 and a known characteristic pumping rate (Sp=f1(P2)) of the vacuum pump 3 under preset pressure. |
| US09880564B2 |
Position controller for a pneumatic field device
The position controller for a pneumatic field device comprises a current-pressure transducer system having at least two I/P-transducers creating separate pneumatic control signals. Microelectronics creates at least two electrical control signals for the I/P-transducers. A pneumatic signal switching valve has at least two pneumatic inputs for the at least two pneumatic control signals, a pneumatic output for transferring a pneumatic control signal to a working chamber of the pneumatic field device and an electrical switch signal input. The pneumatic signal switch valve comprises a first switch position which blocks a first of the at least two pneumatic control signals and a second switch position which blocks a second of the pneumatic control signals. |
| US09880562B2 |
GNSS and optical guidance and machine control
A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. Relative orientations and attitudes between motive and working components can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. The system can also be used to guide multiple vehicles in relation to each other. |
| US09880561B2 |
Sensor trajectory planning for a vehicle
An example system includes a vehicle and a sensor connected to the vehicle. The system may receive a predetermined path for the vehicle to follow. The system may also receive a plurality of objectives, associated with a corresponding set of sensor data, for which to collect sensor data. The system may determine, for each of the plurality of objectives, a portion of the environment for the sensor to scan to acquire the corresponding set of sensor data. The system may determine, based on the portion of the environment determined for each of the plurality of objectives, a sensor trajectory through which to move the sensor. The system may cause the sensor to move through the determined sensor trajectory and scan portions of the environment corresponding to the determined sensor trajectory as the vehicle moves along the predetermined path. |
| US09880559B2 |
Method and arrangement for monitoring the collection of plant material
A method of and arrangement for monitoring the collection of plant material includes the following steps and apparatus for executing these steps, respectively: collecting plant location and attribute data with respect to plant material, before and/or during and/or after harvesting the plant material, providing the plant location and attribute data on a collecting vehicle adapted to collect the harvested plant material, moving the collecting vehicle to the harvested plant material based on the plant location data, collecting the harvested plant material, sensing attribute data of the harvested plant material before and/or during and/or after the collecting, and comparing the sensed attribute data with the plant attribute data and generating an output dependent on the result of the comparison. |
| US09880557B1 |
Detecting and responding to tailgaters
An autonomous vehicle detects a tailgating vehicle and uses various response mechanisms. A vehicle is identified as a tailgater based on whether its characteristics meet a variable threshold. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at slower speeds, the threshold is defined in distance. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at faster speeds, the threshold is defined in time. The autonomous vehicle responds to the tailgater by modifying its driving behavior. In one example, the autonomous vehicle adjusts a headway buffer (defined in time) from another vehicle in front of the autonomous vehicle. In this regard, if the tailgater is T seconds too close to the autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle increases the headway buffer to the vehicle in front of it by some amount relative to T. |
| US09880556B2 |
Test method and system using a highly agile ground vehicle for intelligent vehicle testing
A system and method for testing a test vehicle or a system on the test vehicle for warning the presence of an object proximate the test vehicle or a system to avoid a collision includes a self-powered, independently movable target configured to be positioned proximate the test vehicle, the target comprising a support frame having wheels, a motor operably coupled to one or more wheels, brakes operably coupled to each wheel and a control system coupled to the motor, brakes and wheels and configured to control acceleration, braking and steering of the wheels, and a collision avoidance system operable with the control system and configured to control the target to avoid a collision with the test vehicle. |
| US09880551B2 |
Point-and-click control of unmanned, autonomous vehicle using omni-directional visors
The proposed method outlines a new control mechanism well-suited for small, unmanned aerial vehicles traversing in a GPS-denied areas. It has the strong advantage of simplifying the interface, so that even an untrained operator can handle the difficult, dynamic problems encountered in closed quarters. The proposed system seamlessly integrates point-and-click control with way-point navigation, in an intuitive interface. An additional advantage of the proposed system is that it adds minimal hardware to the payload of the UAV, and can possibly, strongly diminish the bandwidth and delay effects of the communication channel. |
| US09880550B2 |
Updating of a recipe for evaluating a manufacturing stage of an electrical circuit
A computerized system that may include a recipe module and a yield diagnostics module. The yield diagnostics module may be configured to generate evaluation results that are indicative of an outcome of an evaluation process of at least one manufacturing stage of at least one electrical circuit. The evaluation results differ from end of line (EOL) results. The recipe module may be configured to receive EOL results relating to the at least one electrical circuit, to receive the evaluation results relating to the at least one electrical circuit; to correlate the evaluation results and the EOL results to provide correlation results; and respond to the correlation results. The responding to the correlation results may include determining whether to alter a recipe in response to the correlation results and altering the recipe if it is determined to alter the recipe. |
| US09880547B2 |
Numerical control
A numerical control for operating a machine tool having a plurality of axes, includes a drive controller for each axis to be actuated, the drive controllers being able to be parameterized via machine parameters and thus adaptable to the most varied applications. Variable control values and machine parameters are selectable via tapping points in the drive controllers in order to be used as arguments or parameters of a user-defined function for calculating an output value, which is used for function-dependent influencing of one of the drive controllers. |
| US09880546B2 |
Industrial equipment production system and method for configuring a motor controller using public and secret information
A register of an industrial equipment production system acquires setting information adjusted in an industrial equipment and registers the setting information in a server. A receiver receives a production instruction for the industrial equipment. An identifier identifies, in a case where the production instruction is received, the setting information on the industrial equipment to be produced in accordance with the production instruction based on the setting information registered in the server. |
| US09880545B2 |
System and method for self-contained self-calibrating modular manufacturing tool
A system and method for a self-contained self-calibrating modular manufacturing device having modular tools and parts configured to collectively accomplish a specific task or function. The modular device includes a housing that has a mount configured to engage a robotic arm or other form of maneuvering actuator (such a crane or gantry). The housing provides a base by which additional modules are mounted and coupled. The modular device also includes an interface configured to communicate with a remote control system capable of controlling the robotic arm. Such modules work in conjunction with each other to accomplish tasks and functions. In a self-contained self-calibrating modular manufacturing device, a processor disposed in the housing is configured to control the functional tools (e.g., each end-effector) independent of the overall manufacturing control system as well as use local sensors to determine aspects of an underlying manufactured items for calibration purposes. |
| US09880542B1 |
Automatic strategy determination for computer aided manufacturing
A method for automated manufacturing strategy generation can include: identifying features of a desired part from a virtual model; and determining a tactic strategy based on the identified features. The method can additionally include: determining a toolpath primitive for each tactic; combining the toolpath primitives for the tactics to generate a master toolpath; and translating the master toolpath into machine code. |
| US09880539B2 |
Programmable control module for an industrial device
A control module for an industrial device is provided. The control module includes a coupling feature configured to facilitate removable attachment of the control module with the industrial device and a communicative coupling feature configured to facilitate communication between the control module and the industrial device when coupled with a corresponding communicative coupling feature of the industrial device. The control module also includes a port configured to communicatively couple with a connector capable of supplying power and data communication, wherein the port is configured to receive power via the connector and exchange data with a computer via the connector. |
| US09880535B2 |
System and method for air cart and rotary air lock
An agricultural product delivery system and method is provided. The agricultural product delivery system includes a feeder for receiving particulate materials and a storage tank for holding particulate materials. A control system controls a filling system for providing particulate materials to the feeder. The control system is configured to communicate with a filling system to substantially maintain an alignment between the filling system and the feeder. |
| US09880534B2 |
System and method for occupancy sensing using adjustable detection and load control profile
An occupancy sensor is disclosed including a passive infrared (PIR) sensing element, a temperature sensing element, and a processor. The processor receives temperature signals from the temperature sensing element and configures the occupancy sensor into a selected operating mode based the received temperature signal. The operating mode may be associated with a predetermined sensing threshold of the PIR sensing element. The processor controls an associated load based on the selected operating mode and the received occupancy signals. The occupancy sensor can alternatively include an occupancy sensing element and a photodetector. Based on the amount of light detected by the photodetector over time, the occupancy sensor can calculate a rough estimate of time of day, and can automatically adjust one or more sensing and/or operational characteristics based on that time of day determination. A photosensor may implement daylight harvesting based on different light levels associated with different times of day. |
| US09880531B2 |
Adaptive control of ambience settings
The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus that enables the ambience of e.g. hospital rooms to adapt according the scheduled or non-scheduled activities throughout the day. The ambience generated by lights, sound devices, image, movie displays and other devices is controlled by an ambience controller (100) in dependence of day phases defined by a patient's day schedule or in dependence of other non-scheduled phases which may have been initiated in dependence of a trigger signal (215, 216) generated in response to activities such as the entering of a caterer. |
| US09880527B2 |
Multivariable feedforward control
A method of tracking variable states of a gas turbine engine in transient conditions includes obtaining input data representative of rotor velocity and pressure ratio; calculating a reference transient scheduled trajectory based on the input data; calculating a speed reference transient scheduled trajectory based on the input data; calculating a feedforward variable based on the reference transient scheduled trajectory; obtaining a feedback control variable; and determining a control variable based on a combination of the feedforward variable and the feedback control variable. |
| US09880512B2 |
Image forming apparatus including an outer cover and a subsidiary cover
An image forming apparatus includes an electric wire and an electric box. The electric box extends substantially horizontally and includes a wire connector coupled to the electric wire. A body face exposes the wire connector. An outer cover covers the body face. The outer cover includes a slot and a wire accommodator. The slot is disposed opposite the wire connector to expose the wire connector to an outside of the image forming apparatus. The wire accommodator accommodates the electric wire. |
| US09880509B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming unit, cleaning control method
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a motor, a cleaning portion, a measurement processing portion, and a cleaning control portion. The image carrier is configured to carry an electrostatic latent image. The motor is configured to rotate the image carrier. The cleaning portion is configured to clean the image carrier. The measurement processing portion is configured to measure a transition time that is a time required for the motor to transition from a stationary state to a driving state in which the motor rotates at a predetermined speed. The cleaning control portion is configured to control a cleaning time of the cleaning portion or whether or not to cause the cleaning portion to clean the image carrier. |
| US09880500B2 |
Fixing device
A fixing device includes a cylindrical film; a plate heater including an electrode portion, wherein a lubricant is applied in a region where the heater contacts the film; a supporting member; and a sealing member contacting a surface of the heater where the electrode portion of the heater is provided, the sealing member being provided at a position closer to a center of the heater than the electrode portion is. The sealing member includes an engaging portion engaging with an end portion of the supporting member with respect to a widthwise direction of the heater and a cantilever contact portion contacting the surface of the heater where the electrode portion is provided. |
| US09880499B2 |
Method and system for controlling a fuser of an electrophotographic imaging device
A system and methods for controlling the fuser heater of an electrophotographic imaging device, including initiating a preheating operation for preheating the fuser heater. Following a temperature of the fuser heater reaching a first predetermined temperature during the preheating operation, heater power is calculated based on a current temperature of the fuser heater and upon a second predetermined temperature. Current line voltage of a power supply line powering the electrophotographic device is also calculated, and a maximum heater power is determined based on the calculated current line voltage. The calculated heater power is then compared with the determined maximum heater power and the fuser heater is powered using the heater power equal to a lesser of the calculated heater power and the determined maximum heater power to heat the fuser heater from the first predetermined temperature to a second predetermined temperature. |
| US09880495B2 |
Developer container, developing apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus for detecting an amount of developer based on a change in electric capacitance
This disclosure provides a developer container in which a conductive resin sheet is used as an electrode for detecting an amount of developer by using electrostatic capacitance. A configuration in which an end of the conductive resin sheet in a longitudinal direction is provided outside an end of a sheet member in a longitudinal direction, or a configuration in which the sheet member starts contact with the conductive resin sheet from a second surface on the downstream side in a direction or rotation than a first surface are also provided. |
| US09880494B2 |
Toner container, image forming apparatus
A toner container includes an elongated container main body, a toner discharge port, a first rotation member configured to convey the toner toward the toner discharge port, a support plate provided in the container main body and disposed in such a way as to face the wall surface, and an opening and closing member provided between the wall surface and the support plate and supported by the support plate in such a way as to be able to move between a closing position and an opening position. The support plate includes a first opening portion formed at a position corresponding to the toner discharge port and larger than the toner discharge port in size, and a film member attached to the support plate in such a way as to cover the first opening portion and including a second opening portion formed at a position corresponding to the toner discharge port. |
| US09880491B1 |
Image forming apparatus and bearing
Provided is an image forming apparatus including an image carrier on which a latent image is developed, a developing roller that is provided to face the image carrier to perform development for the latent image of the image carrier, an urging unit that urges the image carrier and the developing roller so that the image carrier and the developing roller approach each other, and a distance regulating unit that includes a viscoelastic body that is deformed according to a change of a distance between the image carrier and the developing roller, and regulates at least one of a maximum value of the distance between the image carrier and the developing roller and a minimum value of the distance between the image carrier and the developing roller so that the distance between the image carrier and the developing roller falls within a predetermined range. |
| US09880487B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method for controlling image forming apparatus, and program for controlling image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus for electrifying a surface of a photoreceptor with the use of an electrification member includes: a first output unit configured to output a first AC voltage; a second output unit configured to output a second AC voltage having the same frequency as a frequency of the first AC voltage and having a phase different from a phase of the first AC voltage; a superimposition unit configured to superimpose, on a DC component, an AC component containing at least one of the first AC voltage and the second AC voltage; and an application unit configured to apply a voltage that has been subjected to superimposition by the superimposition unit to the electrification member, wherein the superimposition unit changes the AC component to be superimposed on the DC component at a predetermined timing. |
| US09880482B2 |
Ultraviolet-curable liquid developer and method of producing same
The ultraviolet-curable liquid developer contains a hydrophobic cationically polymerizable liquid monomer, a photopolymerization initiator, a toner particle insoluble in the liquid monomer, and a toner particle dispersing agent, wherein the toner particle contains a binder resin that has an acid value of at least 5 mg KOH/g; the toner particle dispersing agent is a polymer that contains at least both a monomer unit represented by general formula (1) and a monomer unit represented by general formula (2); and the toner particle dispersing agent has a monomer unit represented by general formula (1) at a position other than the terminal position. |
| US09880477B2 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor and image forming apparatus
The invention provides an image forming apparatus and an electrophotographic photoreceptor, comprising: a conductive support; and at least a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer on the conductive support, wherein said charge generation layer contains a hydroxygallium phthalocyanine synthesized using a halogen solvent, said charge transport layer contains a polyester resin having a specific structural unit, and said charge transport layer is formed using a non-halogen solvent. |
| US09880476B2 |
Method for producing a capping layer composed of silicon oxide on an EUV mirror, EUV mirror, and EUV lithography apparatus
A method for producing a capping layer (18) composed of silicon oxide SiOx on a coating (16) of a mirror (13), the coating reflecting EUV radiation (6) e.g. for use in an EUV lithography apparatus or in an EUV mask metrology system. The method includes irradiating a capping layer (18) composed of silicon nitride SiNx or composed of silicon oxynitride SiNxOy for converting the silicon nitride SiNx or the silicon oxynitride SiNxOy of the capping layer (18) into silicon oxide SiOx. An associated mirror (13) includes a capping layer comprised of silicon oxide SiOX, and can be provided in an associated EUV lithography apparatus. |
| US09880475B2 |
Lithography apparatus, lithography method, lithography system, storage medium, and article manufacturing method
Provided is a lithography apparatus that includes a plurality of patterning devices each of which is configured to perform patterning for a substrate supplied from a preprocessing apparatus; and a controller configured to control the plurality of patterning devices such that a plurality of substrates respectively belonging to a plurality of lots is subjected to parallel processings by the plurality of patterning devices based on a plurality of recipe information respectively corresponding to the plurality of lots, and transmit information regarding a schedule of the parallel processings to the preprocessing apparatus. |
| US09880471B2 |
Developing solution processing device and processing method
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a developing solution processing device and processing method that solve problems that accompany the occurrence of scum, improve product defect rate, increase the utilization ratio of manufacturing devices, and contribute considerably to reduced manufacturing costs and other factors through highly efficient recovery of noble metals. The present invention provides a developing solution processing device provided with: a centrifuge for separating a clarified liquid and a residue by centrifugally separating out developing solution after development processing; and a defoaming device for defoaming and discharging the clarified liquid. |
| US09880467B2 |
Photo-curable and thermo-curable resin composition and dry film solder resist
The present invention relates to a photo-curable and thermo-curable resin composition which can form a DFSR having micro unevenness on the surface without a separate treatment such as plasma treatment and the like and a DFSR. The photo-curable and thermo-curable resin composition includes an acid-modified oligomer having a carboxyl group (—COOH) and a photo-curable unsaturated functional group; a polyimide-based resin; a photo-polymerizable monomer having two or more photo-curable unsaturated functional groups; a thermo-curable binder having a thermo-curable functional group; and a photoinitiator. |
| US09880466B2 |
Salt, acid generator, resin, resist composition and method for producing resist pattern
A salt represented by formula (I): wherein Q1 and Q2 independently represent a fluorine atom or a C1 to C6 perfluoroalkyl group, R1 and R2 in each occurrence independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom or a C1 to C6 perfluoroalkyl group, z represents an integer of 0 to 6, X1 represents *—CO—O—, *—O—CO— or —O—, * represents a binding position to C(R1)(R2) or C(Q1)(Q2), A1 represents a C4 to C24 hydrocarbon group having a C4 to C18 divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon moiety, A2 represents a C2 to C12 divalent hydrocarbon group, R3 and R4 independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C6 monovalent saturated hydrocarbon group, R5 represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or a C1 to C6 alkyl group where a hydrogen atom may be replaced by a fluorine atom, and Z+ represents an organic cation. |
| US09880464B2 |
Pattern forming method
According to one embodiment, an imprint pattern forming method includes providing a substrate with a pattern formation region and a peripheral region, the peripheral region having a surface lower than a surface of the pattern formation region, located at a periphery of the pattern formation region. The method includes forming an auxiliary pattern with a predetermined height on at least a portion of the peripheral region, providing a resist layer on at least the pattern formation region, and imprinting the resist layer using a template by locating the template in a region which includes a portion of the pattern formation region and a portion of the peripheral region. |
| US09880463B2 |
Imprint method, imprint apparatus, and article manufacturing method
A method of performing an imprint process on each of a plurality of shot regions of a substrate, wherein each shot region includes at least one of at least one valid chip area and at least one invalid chip area, the invalid chip area including an inhibited area in which resin coating is inhibited, the imprint process for a shot region including both the invalid chip area and the valid chip area includes coating the valid chip area of the shot region with the resin, bringing a pattern surface of a mold into contact with the resin, and curing the resin, and in the step of coating, at least the inhibited area of the invalid chip area is not coated with the resin. |
| US09880459B2 |
Photomask blank and method for preparing photomask
In a photomask blank comprising a transparent substrate, a resistance layer, and a conductive layer, the resistivity and thickness of the conductive layer and the resistivity and thickness of the resistance layer are selected so as to meet a specific equation (1). In EB lithography, a ground can be established at a necessary fully low resistance value, and EB writing be carried out at a high accuracy. |
| US09880458B1 |
Hybrid perovskite material processing
A method for preparing photoactive perovskite materials. The method comprises the steps of: introducing a lead halide and a first solvent to a first vessel and contacting the lead halide with the first solvent to dissolve the lead halide to form a lead halide solution, introducing a Group 1 metal halide a second solvent into a second vessel and contacting the Group 1 metal halide with the second solvent to dissolve the Group 1 metal halide to form a Group 1 metal halide solution, and contacting the lead halide solution with the Group 1 metal halide solution to form a thin-film precursor ink. The method further comprises depositing the thin-film precursor ink onto a substrate, drying the thin-film precursor ink to form a thin film, annealing the thin film; and rinsing the thin film with a salt solution. |
| US09880453B2 |
Projector laser light source
A projector laser light source includes two laser point sources, two lens groups, a color wheel, a reflector, a yellow reflector, a green reflector, and an integration rod. The color wheel includes a yellow phosphor layer, a reflective layer, and a green phosphor layer. The integration rod collects light focused on a third position. The positions of yellow phosphor layer and the reflective layer respectively correspond to a fourth position in a first timing and a second timing. Laser emitted by the laser point sources is focused on the third position and the fourth position by two optical Fourier transforms performed by the lens groups, and the laser point sources and the lens groups are combined with the specially designed optical configuration of the green phosphor layer, the reflector, the yellow reflector, and the green reflector. Therefore, two sets of three primary light sources are focused on the third position. |
| US09880451B2 |
Quick-release ball-and-socket joint camera mount
A camera mounting system has an upper mount component, a lower mount component, and a base mount component. The upper mount component secures the camera and has a ball protrusion that reciprocally couples with a socket of the lower mount component. The upper mount component can rotate 360 degrees relative to the lower mount, and can pivot 90 degrees or more relative to the lower mount component. The lower mount component couples with the base mount component in a plurality of orientations. This camera mounting system allows for a large range of motion for the camera relative to the mounting system. |
| US09880448B2 |
System for parallax correction
A system for parallax correction includes a first lens having a first pin extending radially therefrom and a second lens positioned parallel to the first lens. A moving platform has a first slot for accepting the first pin therein. The first slot is angled relative to the lenses to correct for parallax between the first and second lenses. The system can include an actuator for extending and retracting the moving platform towards and away from an object to focus on the object. |
| US09880446B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing short radiation pulses
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for producing short synchronous radiation pulses at different wavelengths, particularly to an optically parametric oscillator, comprising at least one pump radiation source (2), preferably a pump laser, for outputting radiation at a pump wavelength, and a resonator (3) having a wavelength-dependent effective resonator length, wherein the resonator (3) has a non-linear wavelength converter (4) for producing radiation at a first and a second wavelength; a dispersive element (5) having a strong wavelength-dependent delay characteristic; and a coupling-out element (6) for at least partially coupling-out the radiation from the resonator (3). In addition, the invention relates to a method for producing short radiation pulses by means of an apparatus (1), particularly an optically parametric oscillator. |
| US09880443B2 |
Electro-optic beam deflector device having adjustable in-plane beam control
A substantially planar waveguide for dynamically controlling the out-of-plane angle at which a light beam exits the waveguide. Generally, liquid crystal materials may be disposed within a waveguide in a cladding proximate or adjacent to a core layer of the waveguide. In one example, the waveguide may contain one or more taper regions such that the light beam exits the waveguide and propagates out-of-the-plane of the waveguide into an out-coupling medium at a propagation angle. In one example, the waveguide may contain one or more electrodes onto which one or more voltages may be applied. The magnitude of the propagation angle may be electronically controlled by altered by controlling or altering the magnitude of the one or more applied voltages. |
| US09880442B2 |
Display panel, display method thereof and display device
A display panel comprises a first substrate and a second substrate which are assembled to form a cell and a control unit. The first substrate is provided with a plurality of first light-emitting units which are double-sided light emitting devices thereon, and the second substrate is provided with a plurality of second light-emitting units which are double-sided light emitting devices thereon. The control unit is configured to control the first light-emitting units and the second light-emitting units to emit light or not to emit light. The display panel further comprises a grating-function layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The grating-function layer comprises controllable light blocking regions and controllable light transmissive regions, and the light blocking regions and the light transmissive regions cooperate with the first light-emitting units and the second light-emitting units to realize single-sided display or double-sided display. |
| US09880441B1 |
Electrochromic systems for head-worn computer systems
Embodiments include a head-worn computer, comprising: a removable lens, wherein the removable lens comprises an electrochromic layer adapted to transition between at least two states of transparency level dependent on an electrical condition applied to the electrochromatic layer; a variable-power magnetic-electrode mounted on the head-worn computer; and a magnetic element mounted in the removable lens, wherein the magnetic element is positioned behind the electrochromic layer and aligned to mate with the variable-power magnetic-electrode such that, when the lens is mounted, the variable-power magnetic-electrode and the magnetic element physically attract to one another making an electrical connection between the variable-power magnetic-electrode and an electrically conductive layer of the electrochromic layer. |
| US09880436B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display device includes a gate electrode, a first insulating film, an element layer, a first transparent electrode, and a second transparent electrode. The first insulating film includes a part that covers the gate electrode. The element layer is directly disposed on the first insulating film, includes a channel region that faces the gate electrode across the first insulating film, and is made of a transparent oxide. The first transparent electrode is directly disposed on the first insulating film while being separated from the element layer, and has the same metal composition as the metal composition of the element layer. The second transparent electrode forms a storage capacitance with the first transparent electrode by facing the first transparent electrode while being electrically insulated from the first transparent electrode. |
| US09880435B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a first light shielding part provided between a filter film and a first electrode, and a second light shielding part provided on a second substrate. First and second filter films each have long sides that extend in a first direction in which a video signal line extends, and the first and the second filter films are arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction different from the first direction. The first light shielding part overlaps the video signal line in a plan view. The second light shielding part overlaps a metal electrode in the plan view. |
| US09880433B2 |
Color filter substrate and display device
A color filter substrate is provided. The color filter substrate includes an underlying substrate, a first light-shielding structure, a second light-shielding structure and an electrical conductive transparent layer configured for transferring electrostatic charge An outer edge of the first light-shielding structure is spaced apart by a first distance from an outer edge of the non-displaying portion of the underlying substrate. A vertical projection of a non-displaying portion of the underlying substrate on a first plane is entirely covered by a combination of a vertical projection of the first light-shielding structure on the first plane and a vertical projection of the second light-shielding structure on the first plane, the first plane being a plane perpendicular to a propagation direction of light emitted toward the non-displaying region of the color filter substrate. |
| US09880432B2 |
Display substrate
A display substrate includes a base substrate including a display area in which signal lines and pixels are arranged and a peripheral area surrounding the display area, pads disposed in the peripheral area and receiving an electrical signal, fan-out lines connecting the pads and the signal lines, and static electricity breakup circuits comprising a breakup line that crosses the fan-out lines, and static electricity prevention circuits respectively connected to the fan-out lines. Parts of the static electricity prevention circuits are connected to adjacent fan-out lines and are commonly connected to the one of the breakup lines through a common contact part. |
| US09880429B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device that is capable of achieving good display characteristics even if the pixel size is reduced. A liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer that is sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer contains a liquid crystal material that has negative dielectric anisotropy. The first substrate has a first hook-like electrode and a second hook-like electrode, which are independent from each other. When the first substrate is seen in a plan view, the inner profile line of the first hook-like electrode and the inner profile line of the second hook-like electrode face each other. |
| US09880428B2 |
Display device
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a first substrate including a first pixel electrode disposed in a red color pixel, a second pixel electrode disposed in a green color pixel, and a third pixel electrode disposed in a blue color pixel, a second substrate including a common electrode having a first slit opposed to the first pixel electrode, a second slit opposed to the second pixel electrode, and a third slit opposed to the third pixel electrode, and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein at least one of an area and an area ratio of the third slit is greater than that of the first slit and the second slit. |
| US09880424B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a sealant and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate includes a switching element and a pixel electrode. The second substrate includes a first organic insulating film in which a first trench portion is formed, a projection formed beneath the first organic insulating film, and a first barrier layer. The first barrier layer is formed continuously from an inside of the first trench portion to under the projection. |
| US09880423B2 |
Manufacturing method of alignment layer and manufacturing method of display substrate
A manufacturing method of an alignment layer and a manufacturing method of a display substrate are provided. The manufacturing method of the alignment layer includes: providing a display substrate on which a patterned structure is formed; applying the entire display substrate with wetting fluid, wherein the wetting fluid can be fused with alignment liquid; transferring the alignment liquid on the display substrate applied with the wetting fluid by a transfer roller; and curing the alignment liquid to form an alignment layer. The manufacturing method is used for producing the alignment layer on the display substrate. |
| US09880420B2 |
Optical film, method for manufacturing same, and liquid crystal display including same
Disclosed are an optical film, a method for preparing the same, and a liquid crystal display including the same. The optical film is a single film of a non-liquid crystalline thermoplastic resin, and includes: first and second surface part placed on both surfaces of the film in a thickness direction; and an inner part of the film placed between the first and second surface part, wherein the first and second surface part are not aligned with a tilt in the thickness direction, and the inner part of the film is aligned with a tilt in the thickness direction. |
| US09880418B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes a display panel, a substrate, and a bottom chassis. The substrate is provided with light sources to emit light towards the display panel. The substrate includes a fixing hole formed between the light sources. The substrate is coupled to the bottom chassis. The bottom chassis includes a fixing protrusion to be coupled to the fixing hole. The fixing protrusion is formed with the bottom chassis to have a detachment prevention structure so that the fixing protrusion is prevented from being detached from the fixing hole. |
| US09880417B2 |
Illumination lens for LED backlights
A light-emitting apparatus having a 16:9 geometry includes light-emitting elements disposed on a first substrate or a second substrate, light flux control members respectively disposed on the light-emitting elements and on the first or second substrate, and a film stack disposed above the light flux control members. Each light flux control member includes a bottom surface section disposed on the first or second substrate, a non-rotationally symmetric input surface section having an inward recess disposed in the bottom surface section at a position directly above one of the light-emitting elements, and a non-rotationally symmetric output surface configured to refract light passing through the input surface section, and to transmit light outside. The light flux control members disposed on the first substrate are spaced 100 mm apart from each other in a first direction, and the light-emitting elements are spaced 23 mm away from the film stack. |
| US09880416B2 |
Light emitting device package and backlight unit using the same
A light emitting device package including light emitting devices, and optical lenses respectively disposed over the light emitting devices. Further, a respective optical lens includes an extending member extending from a body of the respective optical lens, and including a first portion laterally extending in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the respective light emitting device, and a second portion extending towards the substrate in a second direction substantially parallel with the central axis of the respective light emitting device. A vertical cross section of the second portion is substantially symmetrical with respect to an axis that is spaced apart in the first direction from and substantially parallel with the central axis of the respective light emitting device. |
| US09880413B2 |
Display device
A display device may include a first substrate having a display area and a non-display area, a second substrate opposite the first substrate, a light shielding sealant on at least one side surface of the first and second substrates, and a first polarizer on at least one surface of the first and second substrates. The first polarizer may intersect an imaginary surface extending from the at least one side surface. |
| US09880412B2 |
Display panel and display method thereof, and display device
The present invention provides a display panel and a display method thereof, and a display device. The display panel comprises a plurality of pixel units, each pixel unit is composed of nine sub-pixels arranged in five columns, one center sub-pixel traversing two rows is only provided in the third column of each pixel unit, while the sub-pixels are arranged in two rows in other columns. The nine sub-pixels in each pixel unit include color sub-pixels and compensation sub-pixels, the color sub-pixels include a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel and a blue sub-pixel, and the compensation sub-pixels include a brightness compensation sub-pixel and a chromaticity compensation sub-pixel. The center sub-pixel has any one of five kinds of colors, a number of the sub-pixels with each of other four colors is two, and the sub-pixels with the same color are not adjacent to each other. |
| US09880411B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
A display device includes a substrate, a thin film transistor disposed on the substrate, where the thin film transistor includes a drain electrode, a passivation layer disposed on the substrate covering the thin film transistor, a common electrode disposed on the passivation layer, where the common electrode receives a common voltage, a liquid crystal layer disposed in a microcavity layer on the common electrode, a roof layer disposed covering the liquid crystal layer, and a pixel electrode disposed on the roof layer, and a method of manufacturing the display device is provided. |
| US09880410B2 |
Display apparatus
A bezel abutting a peripheral edge of a display region of a liquid crystal panel having the display region on one surface, and a BL chassis holding the liquid crystal panel from the other surface side of the liquid crystal panel are fastened to each other by a plurality of fastening members to form a housing. Each of the fastening members is selected from a plurality of types of the fastening members having different electrical resistance values for each fastening location so that a resonance frequency of the housing does not coincide with a frequency of the electromagnetic wave noise radiated from the housing. |
| US09880408B2 |
Substrate inspection device and method
A substrate inspection device and method are disclosed. The substrate inspection device includes a conveyance stage for carrying the substrate on its surface; a region scanning camera located at a first side of the conveyance stage, provided to be opposite to the surface, and configured for inspecting standard specification of the substrate; a line scanning camera located at the first side of the conveyance stage, provided to be opposite to the surface, and configured for inspecting edge line and size of the substrate; and a light source located at a second side of the conveyance stage opposite to the first side, configured for irradiating light rays onto the substrate, so as to be utilized by the region scanning camera and the line scanning camera for inspecting the substrate. |
| US09880407B2 |
Test fixture for electrical function test of product to be tested
A testing fixture includes a base, a signal source, a workstation and a crimping mechanism. The base is provided with a sloping surface carrying the workstation and the crimping mechanism. The signal source is located on the base. The crimping mechanism applies testing signals transmitted by the signal source to the product to be tested. Additionally, the workstation performs an electrical function test on the product to be tested. The testing fixture can effectively perform an electrical function test on the product to be tested and has an integrated design of the base, the signal source, the workstation and the crimping mechanism, which facilitates management and maintenance. The base is also provided with a sloping surface carrying the workstation and the crimping mechanism to provide the testing fixture with an optimal testing angle, thereby facilitating operation and production. |
| US09880405B2 |
Slow-light silicon optical modulator
An optical modulator is described. This optical modulator may be implemented using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. In particular, a semiconductor layer in an SOI platform may include a photonic crystal having a group velocity of light that is less than that of the semiconductor layer. Moreover, an optical modulator (such as a Mach-Zehnder interferometer) may be implemented in the photonic crystal with a vertical junction in the semiconductor layer. During operation of the optical modulator, an input optical signal may be split into two different optical signals that feed two optical waveguides, and then subsequently combined into an output optical signal. Furthermore, during operation, time-varying bias voltages may be applied across the vertical junction in the optical modulator using contacts defined along a lateral direction of the optical modulator. |
| US09880403B2 |
Magnetic-free non-reciprocal devices exhibiting non-reciprocity through angular momentum biasing
A non-reciprocal device incorporating metamaterials which exhibit non-reciprocity through angular momentum biasing. The metamaterial, such as a ring resonator, is angular-momentum biased. This is achieved by applying a suitable mechanical or spatio-temporal modulation to resonant inclusions of the metamaterial, thereby producing strong non-reciprocity. In this manner, non-reciprocity can be produced without requiring the use of large and bulky magnets to produce a static magnetic field. The metamaterials of the present invention can be realized by semiconducting and/or metallic materials which are widely used in integrated circuit technology, and therefore, contrary to magneto-optical materials, can be easily integrated into the non-reciprocal devices and large microwave or optical systems. The metamaterials of the present invention can be compact at various frequencies due to the enhanced wave-matter interaction in the constituent resonant inclusions. Additionally, by using the metamaterials of the present invention, the power consumed in the biasing network is drastically reduced. |
| US09880400B2 |
Ophthalmic lens for correcting astigmatism
An ophthalmic lens to be worn on or in a human eye for refractive correction of astigmatism. The lens has an anterior surface and a posterior surface shaped such that at least a zone of the lens said lens has a first dioptric power over a first main meridian, a second dioptric power different from the first dioptric power over a second main meridian intersecting the first meridian, and a dioptric power between the first dioptric power and said second dioptric power over each meridian between the first and second main meridians, the optical power continuously varying from meridian to meridian. The main meridians and at least one meridian between the main meridians each have a different Coddington shape factor and a different asphericity that is related to the Coddington shape factor of the respective meridian in accordance with a relationship providing aberration neutral refraction for the respective meridian. |
| US09880399B2 |
Truncated translating contact lens with optimized performance and method of design
Translating contact lenses which are truncated for correcting presbyopia and whose design is optimized to maximize translation ability while maintaining comfort when the lens is worn on eye. Truncation of the lenses results in a non-round geometry while still retaining under-lid residency in select portions of the lens itself. Maximum thickness and back surface radius of curvature along with ramp shape can be optimized individually or in combination to maximize translation of the lens relative to the eye, when the lens is positioned on eye. |
| US09880398B2 |
Method and apparatus for ophthalmic devices including gradient-indexed and shaped liquid crystal layers
This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. The variable optic insert may have surfaces within that have differing radii of curvature. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a radially dependent manner. The patterning may allow for the index of refraction of the optic device to vary in a gradient-indexed or GRIN manner. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics. |
| US09880396B2 |
Optical image capturing system
A six-piece optical lens for capturing image and a six-piece optical module for capturing image are provided. In order from an object side to an image side, the optical lens along the optical axis includes a first lens with refractive power, a second lens with refractive power, a third lens with refractive power, a fourth lens with refractive power, a fifth lens with refractive power and a sixth lens with refractive power. At least one of the image-side surface and object-side surface of each of the six lens elements is aspheric. The optical lens can increase aperture value and improve the imagining quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US09880393B2 |
Nano-optic refractive optics
A vertical dipole array structure includes a substrate that supports a film, which is not comprised of a negative-index metamaterial. The film includes a plurality of tilt-oriented portions and apertures. At least two of the tilt-oriented portions are separated by an aperture, and the tilt-oriented portions are configured such that incident radiation is redirected into a negative or positive refraction direction. |
| US09880389B2 |
Separate head-up display device
The present invention relates to a separate head-up display device, an adhesive paste set on a bottom side of the base of a display module is provided to adhere on a windshield, to reduce shakes that a reflective sheet of a reflective sheet adjustment module is fixed on the dashboard and the windshield, and rotary joint structures are further set between the display module and the reflective sheet adjustment module, so that a driver may easily adjust the direction of the reflective sheet to obtain an optimal viewing angle, to thereby improve driving safety. |
| US09880388B2 |
Virtual image display apparatus
By arranging cables, which transmit video signals to a pair of video image display elements arranged on the right side and the left side, along a frame for supporting a pair of right and left light guiding devices, it is possible to concentrate the cables on one of the right and left sides. That is, it is possible to integrally form the cables. By accommodating the cables in a cable cover portion, which extends along the frame, in a cover inside, it is possible to suppress an increase in size which accompanies cable arrangement and to implement the apparatus as a whole in a small body. |
| US09880386B2 |
Augmented view of advertisements
A head-mounted display (HMD) provides an augmented view of advertisements to an HMD wearer. In some embodiments, when an advertisement is within an HMD wearer's field of view, the HMD may augment the HMD wearer's view of the advertisement to provide additional information and/or to personalize the advertisement to the HMD wearer. In other embodiments, when an advertisement is within an HMD wearer's field of view, the HMD may augment the HMD wearer's view of the advertisement to remove the advertisement from the HMD wearer's view or to replace the content of the advertisement with non-advertising content. |
| US09880382B1 |
Exterior vehicle camera protection and cleaning mechanisms
A vehicle camera protection and cleaning system is disclosed in which at least one wiper is positioned on an underside surface of a camera cover to clean a lens of a vehicle camera. In one embodiment, the system includes an inner ring fixedly attached to an underside surface of the cover, and a plurality of aperture members pivotally connected to the inner ring on one end and pivotally connected on another end to an outer gear that is movable relative to the inner gear, where at least one of the plurality of aperture members comprises a wiper configured to clean a lens of the camera when the aperture members are moved over the lens. In other embodiments, the wiper may be positioned on an underside surface of a cover of the camera that either rotates in a circular manner or translates over the lens of the camera. |
| US09880380B2 |
Endoscope system
An endoscope system has observation modes making observations with lights having optical characteristics different from each other. The system includes an endoscope including an insertion section provided with an illumination window, a light guide arranged in the insertion section, and including an entrance end on which the lights enter and a plurality of light guide areas that guide the lights entered on the entrance end, and an entrance area switching unit that switches between the light guide areas through which the entered lights are guided by switching between areas on which the lights enter at the entrance end in accordance with an observation mode. |
| US09880379B2 |
Endoscope laser light filter assembly
An endoscope laser light filter assembly includes a filter support having opposing first and second sides, one or more circumferential flanges, and a laser light filter. The one or more circumferential flanges are positioned on the first side of the filter support and are displaced from the filter support along a central axis. The laser light filter is supported on the second side of the filter support. |
| US09880378B2 |
Microscope, focusing unit, fluid holding unit, and optical unit
A microscope includes: a sample placement part having a placement surface on which to place a sample and a bottom face opposite to the placement surface; an observation lens; and an optical unit for generating sheet light and use of the microscope. The microscope of an embodiment is arranged such that the sheet light enters the sample placement part from the bottom face and passing through the sample placement part to irradiate the sample, and fluorescence from the sample passes through the sample placement part toward the bottom face to be received by the observation lens. The microscope can, with this arrangement, utilize the advantages of a SPIM, and allows observation of a sample which observation is free from a restriction of the size of a sample. |
| US09880375B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
Provided is a zoom lens, including: a negative first lens unit; an aperture stop; and a positive second lens unit, in which the first and second lens units are configured to move so that an interval between the first and second lens units is changed in an optical axis direction, in which the second lens unit includes a positive lens and a negative lens, and in which, when refractive indices of a material with respect to a wavelengths of 400 nm, 1,050 nm and 1,700 nm are respectively represented by Ns, Nm and Nl, and a relative partial dispersion θ of the material is expressed as: θ=(Ns−Nm)/(Ns−Nl), an average value θIR(G2p)AVE of relative partial dispersions of materials of the positive lens in the second lens unit, and an average value θIR(G2n)AVE of relative partial dispersions of materials of the negative lens in the second lens unit are appropriately set. |
| US09880374B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
The present invention provides a zoom lens that is compact in general and has an F-number to implement brightness even in the telephoto end side, and an imaging apparatus equipped with the zoom lens. The zoom lens includes, in order from an object side: a first lens group having positive refractive power; a second lens group having positive refractive power; a third lens group having negative refractive power; and a fourth lens group having positive refractive power. At the time of zooming from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state, the third lens group moves so that the distance between the second lens group and the third lens group increases, and the distance between the third lens group and the fourth lens group decreases. |
| US09880373B2 |
Imaging optical lens assembly, image capturing unit and electronic device
An imaging optical lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element and a fifth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region. The second lens element with negative refractive power has an object-side surface being concave in a paraxial region. The third lens element has an object-side surface and an image-side surface being aspheric. The fourth lens element with negative refractive power has an object-side surface being concave and an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region, wherein the image-side surface has convex shape in an off-axis region, and the two surfaces thereof are aspheric. The fifth lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface and an image-side surface being both aspheric. |
| US09880367B2 |
Hybrid electrical/optical connector
A single hybrid electrical/optical connector simultaneously forms both electrical and optical input/output connections by a single step engagement between elements on a connector and corresponding elements of the opposite gender on a mating connector. The connector can be surface-mounted on a circuit board, and a mating connector can be vertically pluggable onto the connector. The optical elements on the connector and/or the mating connector can be detachable, which can simplify assembly of a system that includes the circuit board. The hybrid electrical/optical connector has applications for optical transceivers. The hybrid electrical/optical connector includes a housing that extends laterally along a housing plane. The housing includes electrical and optical sockets thereon. In some examples, the electrical sockets and the optical sockets are laterally arranged on opposite sides of a division plane perpendicular to the housing plane. |
| US09880366B2 |
Hermetic optical subassembly
A hermetic optical subassembly includes an optical bench having a mirror directing optical signals to/from an optical waveguide, a carrier supporting a photonic device, and an intermediate optical bench having a mirror directing optical signals between the photonic device and the optical bench. The optical bench and the intermediate optical bench optically aligns the photonic device to the waveguide along a desired optical path. In one embodiment, the photonic device is an edge emitting laser (EML). The mirror of the optical bench may be passively aligned with the mirror of the intermediate optical bench. The assembled components are hermetically sealed. The body of the optical benches are preferably formed by stamping a malleable metal material to form precise geometries and surface features. In a further aspect, the hermetic optical subassembly integrates a multiplexer/demultiplexer, for directing optical signals between a single optical fiber and a plurality of photonic devices. |
| US09880365B2 |
Fiber-optic feedthroughs for superconducting systems
Interconnect systems for coupling a first system operating in a first type of environment (e.g., a cryogenic environment) to a second system operating in a second type of environment (e.g., a non-cryogenic environment) are provided. An interconnect system includes a first connector coupled to optical fibers that are coupled to the first system operating in the first type of environment. The interconnect system further includes a second connector coupled to optical fibers that are coupled to the second system operating in the second type of environment. The interconnect system may include an optical window configured to couple optical signals between the optical fibers, and the optical window is configured to maintain a vacuum seal between the first type of environment and the second type of environment such that the first type of environment is substantially thermally isolated from the second type of environment. |
| US09880361B2 |
Field changeable fiber optic connector polarity keying with color coding
A fiber optic connector along with a tool allows for the changing of the polarity of the fiber optic connector. Keys are installed in both the top and the bottom of the fiber optic connector, one in a first position and the other in a second position. Using the tool in one back-and-forth motion, the polarity of the fiber optic connector change be changed. The keys may be colored differently to identify the polarity of the fiber optic connector. |
| US09880360B2 |
Optical connector apparatus
An optical connector apparatus includes a connector which is connected to an electro-optical composite cable including an optical fiber and a metal conductor, and a connection object to be connected. The connector is provided with a ferrule which has a conductive portion on at least a part of the surface thereof. The connection object to be connected is provided with an electrically conductive connection member to be connected to the ferrule. The ferrule and the cable are connected by a crimping structure. When the ferrule is inserted in the connection member, the connector and the connection object to be connected are electrically and optically connected to each other. Provided is also an optical connector apparatus which comprises a connector having a plurality of ferrules having distances between the end of the ferrules and the conductive portions so that the timing of the connection of the connector to the object to be connected is delayed, and thus the optical connector apparatus is capable of hot swapping. The connection object to be connected can be a combination of an adapter and a mating connector, or an optical element and an adapter which holds the same, etc. |
| US09880359B2 |
Adapter tip and microscope system for inspection of fiber-optic connector endface
There is provided an adapter tip to be employed with an optical-fiber inspection microscope probe and an optical-fiber inspection microscope system suitable for imaging the optical-fiber endface of an angled-polished optical-fiber connector deeply recessed within a connector adapter. The adapter tip or microscope system comprises a relay lens system having at least a first relay lens which is disposed so as to directly receive light reflected from the optical-fiber endface during inspection, the lens axis of the first relay lens being offset relative to the optical-fiber endface so as to deviate light reflected from the optical-fiber endface towards the optical-fiber axis of the connector. |
| US09880357B2 |
Optical module for industrial plug-in connectors of modular design
The invention relates to a module that can be inserted into a housing of an industrial plug-in connector (5), into which module (1) at least one optical fiber connector (2) can be inserted and at least one adapter (3) can be inserted into the module (1), which adapter is connected to the optical fiber connector (2), wherein the adapter (3) contains an optical imaging element (11). In the plugged-in condition, the optical elements (11, 11′), for example the ball lenses proposed above, of two modules (1) are aligned with each other in such a way that the light signal exiting from the optical element (11) of the module of the first industrial plug-in connector (5) is coupled into the optical element (11′) of the module (1′) of the second industrial plug-in connector (5′). |
| US09880352B2 |
Compound semiconductor photonic integrated circuit with dielectric waveguide
A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) is grown by epitaxy on a substrate. The PIC includes at least one active element, at least one passive element, and a dielectric waveguide. The at least one active and passive elements are formed over the substrate and are in optical contact with each other. The dielectric waveguide is formed over the substrate, and is in optical contact with the at least one active and passive elements. The at least one active and passive elements each are formed using a III-V compound semiconductor material. |
| US09880347B2 |
Radiator, backlight module and display module
The present invention discloses a radiator, where the radiator includes a mounting portion used for mounting a heat source, a radiating portion connected with the mounting portion and used for absorbing heat transferred by the mounting portion, the radiating portion is internally provided with multiple radiating pipelines, the radiating pipelines are internally injected with liquid, and the liquid in the radiating pipelines is gasified after absorbing heat on one end where the radiating portion is close to the mounting portion, and in the radiating pipelines, moves from one end where the radiating portion is close to the mounting portion towards one end where the radiating portion is away from the mounting portion. The present invention further discloses a backlight module, and the present invention further discloses a display module. The present invention effectively improves the heat transfer effect, and effectively enhances the radiating effect. |
| US09880345B2 |
Lighting module
A lighting module may be provided that includes: a first and a second light source units which are disposed to face each other; a first case in which the first light source unit is disposed; a second case in which the second light source unit is disposed; a first plate of which one side is connected to the first case, of which the other side is connected to the second case and which includes a first hole through which light emitted from the first and the second light source units passes; a second plate which is disposed to face the first plate and includes a second hole through which the light emitted from the first and the second light source units passes; and a first and a second optical sheets which are disposed on the first and the second plates. |
| US09880342B2 |
Collimating illumination systems employing planar waveguide
An apparatus for distributing light from a planar waveguide through a collimating array. Light received within a waveguide is propagated transmissively and retained by total internal reflection, except in response to impinging upon deflector elements which sufficiently redirect the light to escape the waveguide into a collimator array that further aligns and distributes the light. |
| US09880340B2 |
Light guide plate, light source device, light guide plate manufacturing apparatus, and method for manufacturing light guide plate
A light guide plate according to the present invention includes a light guide member having a first and second main surfaces and a diffusing member next to at least one of the first and second main surfaces of the light guide member. A plurality of recesses are formed in one of the two main surfaces of the diffusing member that is opposite to the main surface next to the light guide member to diffuse light incident to the light guide member at the recesses. The recesses may include a first recess and a second recess. Preferably, when viewing the first main surface of the light guide member in a normal direction, a distance between a light incident surface and the second recess is greater than that between the light incident surface and the first recess, and the second recess is larger than the first recess. |
| US09880339B2 |
Backlight unit and display device having the same
A display device includes a first display panel, a second display panel disposed to be spaced apart from the first display panel, a first light guide plate which is under the first display panel and provides light thereto, a second light guide plate which is under the second display panel and provides light thereto, a light source unit which is commonly disposed under the first and second light guide plates and generates and provides the light to the first and second light guide plates, and a reflective member which is disposed on the light source unit and is commonly disposed on the first and second light guide plates, the reflective member defining a first curved surface which reflects the light to the first light guide plate and a second curved surface which reflects the light to the second light guide plate. |
| US09880335B2 |
Light source unit, method of manufacturing the same, and backlight unit having the same
A light source unit includes a light source configured to emit a light, a first case including a first groove configured to receive the light source therein, a first sealing member disposed in the first groove and covering the light source, a second case disposed on the first case and including a first opening portion overlapping with the first groove, and a quantum dot member disposed between the first case and the second case and including a light conversion area configured to convert the light to a white light and a defect area surrounding the light conversion area. The first opening portion is disposed through the second case, a portion of the light conversion area overlaps with the first opening portion and the first groove, and the light source unit is configured such that the white light exits therefrom through the first opening portion. |
| US09880333B2 |
Display device, display method, and manufacturing method of compensation member
There is provided a display device including a lens which guides light from a light source to a display surface, and a compensation member, having an inside surface opposite to a lens surface of the lens divided into a plurality of two-dimensional regions, in which a direction of an advance axis or a delay axis is controlled for each of the regions. |
| US09880324B2 |
Colored ink for pad transfer printing of silicone hydrogel lenses
The present invention provides an ink and a method of using the ink for making colored contact lenses. The ink comprises at least one colorant, a silicone-containing binder polymer, a solvent, a vinylic-monomer mixture, and optionally a photoinitiator or thermal initiator. The silicone-containing binder polymer is a copolymerization product of a polymerizable mixture including (i) at least one hydrophilic vinylic monomer; (ii) at least one functionalizing vinylic monomer containing at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl group —OH, amino group —NHR (wherein R is hydrogen or C1 to C8 alkyl), carboxylic group —COOH, epoxy group, amide group —CONHR, and combinations thereof; (iii) at least one silicone-containing vinylic monomer or macromere. |
| US09880319B2 |
Quality metrics for tight oil reservoirs
Techniques for calculating metrics for reservoir quality based on light oil and total organic carbon in tight oil reservoirs are described. The techniques include calculating quantities of light oil and total organic carbon from logging data and generating therefrom a continuous log for reservoir quality metric. Additionally new reservoir quality indices are presented that more accurately predict reservoir quality in tight oil plays. |
| US09880313B2 |
Reconfigurable well logging system
A system and apparatus for configuring a well logging assembly having an elongate sub with a bore therethrough, a leading end connection and a trailing end connection, a plurality of sets of recesses in an exterior wall of the sub to receive a plurality of sets of inserts, each having a threaded exterior surface, a plurality of internally threaded retainer rings, and a plurality of well logging devices securable to the exterior wall of the sub using the retainer rings to threadably engage the inserts received in the recesses. The system enables convenient configuration and reconfiguration of the well logging assembly by enabling convenient securing of a first well logging instrument to the sub at a variety of spacings from a second well logging instrument to provide a variety of depths of investigation into a geologic formation penetrated by a drill string containing the well logging assembly. |
| US09880310B2 |
Method for detecting fluid fronts using a combination of electric and gravity measurements in boreholes
A method for estimating a displacement of a fluid-to-hydrocarbon interface in a reservoir in the earth includes: disposing an electrode in an injector borehole that is configured to inject a fluid into the reservoir; energizing the electrode with a voltage source to apply a voltage to the reservoir; disposing an electric field sensor in the injector borehole; disposing a gravity sensor in at least one of the injector borehole and a producer borehole that is offset a distance L from the injector borehole; injecting fluid into the reservoir; measuring a magnitude of a time-varying electric field due to the injecting using the electric field sensor to provide electric field measurements; measuring a magnitude of a time-varying gravitational field due to the injecting using the gravity sensor to provide gravitational field measurements; and estimating the displacement using the electric field measurements and the gravitational field measurements. |
| US09880308B2 |
Paravane system
A paravane is described that includes a float member; a baffle coupled to the float member, the baffle comprising one or more fluid ports disposed at a flow-facing side of the baffle; and a fluid source coupled to the baffle by a conduit. The fluid is a drag-reducing fluid, which may be a gas. The fluid is flowed to the flow-facing side of the baffle to reduce towing force. |
| US09880302B2 |
Identifying reservoir drainage patterns from microseismic data
A method and system for identifying reservoir drainage patterns from microseismic data for illustrating flow paths towards ports. The method includes: determining moment tensor data for each of a plurality of microseismic events in the reservoir; inferring crack formation data in the reservoir in dependence on the moment tensor data; and calculating stream lines that represent predicted flow of fluids through the reservoir in dependence on the inferred crack formation data. |
| US09880301B2 |
Systems, devices and methods related to calibration of a proton computed tomography scanner
Disclosed are systems, devices and methodologies related to calibration of an ion based imaging apparatus such as a proton computed tomography scanner. In some implementations, energy degrader plates having known water-equivalent thickness (WET) values can be introduced to an ion beam to introduce different energy degradation settings. Energy detector responses to individual ions subject to such energy degradation settings can be obtained. Such responses can be normalized and correlated to water-equivalent path lengths (WEPL) of the ions based on the known WET values. Such calibration utilizing degrader plates can be performed relatively quickly and can yield accurate WEPL values that facilitate estimation of, for example, a CT image based on relative stopping power of an object. |
| US09880296B2 |
Photodiode and other sensor structures in flat-panel x-ray imagers and method for improving topological uniformity of the photodiode and other sensor structures in flat-panel x-ray imagers based on thin-film electronics
A radiation sensor includes a scintillation layer configured to emit photons upon interaction with ionizing radiation and a photodetector including in order a first electrode, a photosensitive layer, and a photon-transmissive second electrode disposed in proximity to the scintillation layer. The photosensitive layer is configured to generate electron-hole pairs upon interaction with a part of the photons. The radiation sensor includes pixel circuitry electrically connected to the first electrode and configured to measure an imaging signal indicative of the electron-hole pairs generated in the photosensitive layer and a planarization layer disposed on the pixel circuitry between the first electrode and the pixel circuitry such that the first electrode is above a plane including the pixel circuitry. A surface of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode at least partially overlaps the pixel circuitry and has a surface inflection above features of the pixel circuitry. |
| US09880295B2 |
Integrated coupling of scintillation crystal with photomultiplier in a detector apparatus
A scintillator type radiation detector package is provided including a scintillation crystal directly coupled to the window of a photomultiplier. A scintillator package is also provided having a longer life at wellbore temperature with minimal deterioration of a hygroscopic scintillation crystal(s). Direct optical coupling of the scintillator to the photomultiplier reduces the amount of light lost at coupling interfaces and improved detection resolution over the conventional structures having separate packages for crystal and photomultiplier. |
| US09880294B2 |
Rare-earth halide crystal scintillator with polished sensitive face
A single-crystal scintillator material can include at least 50 wt % of rare-earth halide and comprising a polished first face. This material is integrated into an ionizing-radiation detector comprising a photoreceiver, the photoreceiver being optically coupled to the material via a face other than the polished first face. The material provides a good energy resolution and a high light intensity. The polishing may be carried out whatever the crystal orientation of the crystal. Loss of material due to this orientation is therefore prevented. |
| US09880293B2 |
X-ray imaging system and method
An X-ray imaging system can include an X-ray source that projects a beam of X-ray radiation and an X-ray detector positioned to receive the beam of X-ray radiation at a location. The X-ray detector can include: (i) a monolithic substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, (ii) a scintillation layer arranged upon the first side and including a first region and a second region, the first region having a first X-ray sensitivity and the second region having a second X-ray sensitivity different than the first X-ray sensitivity, and (iii) a photosensor array arranged upon the second side. The X-ray source and X-ray detector can be configured to adjust the location at which the X-ray detector receives the beam of X-ray radiation such that the location is primarily within the first region or the second region. |
| US09880290B2 |
Method of measuring radioactive material of ingot using HPGe gamma scintillator
Disclosed is a method of measuring radioactive material of an ingot, in which an ingot having a volume produced by subjecting metal waste generated in nuclear fuel processing or production facilities to melting decontamination undergoes gamma spectroscopy using a HPGe detector to measure gamma rays of U-235 (185.72 keV, 57.2%) among uranium isotopes, followed by performing detector calibration using a certified reference material and self-absorption correction depending on the density of a medium using MCNP computer code, and which enables rapid determination of whether the ingot subjected to melting decontamination may be self-disposed of or not. |
| US09880289B2 |
Method of measuring radioactive material of ingot using NaI gamma scintillator
Disclosed is a method of measuring radioactive material of an ingot, in which an ingot having a volume produced by subjecting metal waste generated in nuclear fuel processing or production facilities to melting decontamination undergoes gamma spectroscopy using a NaI detector to measure gamma rays of U-235 (185.72 keV, 57.2%) among uranium isotopes, followed by performing detector calibration using a certified reference material and self-absorption correction depending on the density of a medium using MCNP computer code, and which enables rapid determination of whether the ingot subjected to melting decontamination may be self-disposed of or not. |
| US09880286B2 |
Locally measured movement smoothing of position fixes based on extracted pseudoranges
A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) chipset embedded within the cellular device is accessed. The GNSS chipset calculates raw pseudoranges. The raw pseudoranges are extracted from the GNSS chipset for processing elsewhere in the cellular device outside of the GNSS chipset. A position fix is determined based on the raw pseudoranges. Locally measured cellular device movement information is obtained from at least one sensor that is in a known physical relationship with the cellular device. The locally measured cellular device movement information is applied to the position fix. |
| US09880285B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a substrate; a first layer that is stacked on the substrate and includes an inductor; and a bump group that is arranged above the first layer, wherein the bump group includes a plurality of bumps that are arranged under a predetermined rule, and at least one bump that is different from the plurality of bumps and whose center does not overlap the inductor when the semiconductor device is viewed in a plan view from a direction vertical to a plane on which the bump group is provided. |
| US09880279B2 |
Object sensing using dynamic threshold hysteresis
A method and device for object detection are disclosed. In one aspect, a method comprises transmitting a plurality of signals into a region; measuring a noise level during a noise measurement time interval corresponding to each respective one of the plurality of transmitted signals; generating a threshold signal dependent on the noise level; and comparing a first plurality of signals received by a sensor, each of the received signals corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of the transmitted signals, with the respective threshold signal. In another aspect, a device comprising components adapted to carry out the steps of object detection is disclosed. In one example, a thresholding circuit is adapted to generate a threshold signal have a level corresponding to substantially a peak-to-peak level of the measured noise level. |
| US09880275B2 |
Radar for vehicle and method of operating the same
Disclosed herein is a vehicle radar. The radar may include Tx antennas for a middle range, Tx antennas for a short range, Rx antenna columns for a middle range each configured to have a long shape vertically and be horizontally disposed, Rx antenna columns for a short range each configured to have a long shape vertically and be disposed between some of the Rx antenna columns for a middle range, and a control unit configured to process signals of radio waves that are reflected from a specific object after the radio waves are radiated by the Tx antennas for the middle range and that are received by the Rx antenna columns for the middle range or signals of radio waves that are reflected from a specific object after the radio waves are radiated by the Tx antennas for the short range and that are received by the Rx antenna columns for the short range. |
| US09880271B2 |
Ultrasonic thick slice image forming via parallel multiple scanline acquisition
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system scans a plurality of planar slices in a volumetric region which are parallel to each other. Following detection of the image data of the slices the slice data is combined by projecting the data in the elevation dimension to produce a “thick slice” image. Combining may be by means of an averaging or maximum intensity detection or weighting process or by raycasting in the elevation dimension in a volumetric rendering process. Thick slice images are displayed at a high frame rate of display by combining a newly acquired slice with slices previously acquired from different elevational planes which were used in a previous combination. A new thick slice image may be produced each time at least one of the slice images is updated by a newly acquired slice. Frame rate is further improved by multiline acquisition of the slices. |
| US09880270B2 |
Test device and imaging device including the same
A test device includes a plurality of transceivers that respectively transmit a wave to a test target point of a test object, respectively receive a wave reflected, scattered, or refracted from the test object, and respectively output a signal generated in response to the received wave; a combiner that combines the plurality of received signals generated by the plurality of transceivers; and a plurality of switches that are opened or closed to transfer the plurality of received signals to the combiner or block the plurality of received signals from being transferred to the combiner. |
| US09880268B2 |
Method of error correction for 3D imaging device
A method is presented for correcting errors in a 3D scanner. Measurement errors in the 3D scanner are determined by scanning each of a plurality of calibration objects in each of a plurality of sectors in the 3D scanner's field of view. The calibration objects have a known height, a known width, and a known length. The measurements taken by the 3D scanner are compared to the known dimensions to derive a measurement error for each dimension in each sector. An estimated measurement error is calculated based on scans of each of the plurality of calibration objects. When scanning target objects in a given sector, the estimated measurement error for that sector is used to correct measurements obtained by the 3D scanner. |
| US09880267B2 |
Hybrid data acquisition in scanned beam display
A scanning display system includes hybrid data acquisition. Data can be acquired in a time-of-flight mode, or in a non-time-of-flight mode. Infrared light pulses may be used in both modes. The infrared light pulses may have different characteristics. Time-of-flight data acquisition and non-time-of-flight data acquisition may be used sequentially or simultaneously. |
| US09880262B2 |
Radar apparatus
A radar apparatus includes: a transmitting antenna including a first antenna and a second antenna that transmit transmission waves; a signal processor configured to determine a mounted state of the radar apparatus on the vehicle; and a phase adjuster that adjusts at least one of phases of transmission signals output to the first antenna and the second antenna of the transmitting antenna. The signal processor controls the phase adjuster to adjust the at least one of the phases of the transmission signals based on the mounted state determined by the signal processor. |
| US09880261B2 |
Loopback techniques for synchronization of oscillator signal in radar
The disclosure provides a radar apparatus for estimating a position and a velocity of a plurality of obstacles. The radar apparatus includes a slave radar chip. A master radar chip is coupled to the slave radar chip. The master radar chip includes a local oscillator that generates a transmit signal. The slave radar chip receives the transmit signal on a first path and sends the transmit signal back to the master radar chip on a second path. A delay detect circuit is coupled to the local oscillator and receives the transmit signal from the slave radar chip on the second path and the transmit signal from the local oscillator. The delay detect circuit estimates a routing delay from the transmit signal received from the slave radar chip on the second path and from the transmit signal received from the local oscillator. |
| US09880259B2 |
Method for estimating the position of a mobile station using TOA, AOA, and doppler-shift
A method for estimating the position of a mobile station (MS) comprising the following steps: physically moving the MS at a constant velocity v in an environment comprising S stationary scatterers; wirelessly transmitting N uplink communication signals from a transmitter physically mounted to the MS; receiving each of the N uplink signals via D distinct paths at a fixed-location base station (BS); recording with the BS a time of arrival (TOA) τ, an angle-of-arrival (AOA) θ, and a Doppler-shifted frequency (DSF) of each received uplink signal; estimating the location of the MS using a least squares algorithm based on the TOA, the AOA, and the DSF. |
| US09880257B2 |
Gaussian process-based approach for identifying correlation between wireless signals
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for providing outputs; e.g., location estimates, based on trained Gaussian processes modeling signals of wireless signal emitters. A computing device can determine first and second trained Gaussian processes. The respective first and second Gaussian processes can be based on first and second hyperparameter values related to first and second wireless signal emitters. The computing device can determine first and second sets of comparison hyperparameter values of the respective first and second hyperparameter values, and then determine whether the first and second sets of comparison hyperparameter values are within one or more threshold values. After determining that the first and second sets of comparison hyperparameter values are within the threshold(s), the computing device can determine the first and second Gaussian processes are dependent and then provide an estimated-location output based on a representative Gaussian process based on the first and the second Gaussian processes. |
| US09880253B2 |
Vehicle object monitoring system
An object detection system is configured to detect location of an object proximate a first surface of a vehicle. A beacon is configured to be positioned and repositioned relative to the vehicle. A controller is configured to process data from the object detection system and position data from the beacon. The controller is configured to define a first zone of interest relative to the first surface of the vehicle body structure without the beacon and further process object location data from the object detection system and output the object location data to the display relative to the first zone of interest. The controller determines current location of the beacon relative to the first surface of the vehicle body structure, defines a second zone of interest relative to the beacon and outputs the object location data to a display relative to the second zone of interest. |
| US09880251B2 |
Cerebrospinal diffusion phantom
Disclosed herein are cerebrospinal diffusion phantoms which include a housing having a shape and size configured for insertion into a magnetic resonance coil in one or more preselected poses. A scaffold support structure is mounted on an interior of said housing and a plurality of elongated diffusion mimicking members supported on the support array. The elongated diffusion mimicking members are affixed to the scaffold support structure such that elongated diffusion mimicking members extend in directions needed to substantially emulate a 3 dimensional arrangement of cerebrospinal diffusion fiber tracts in a living organism; as well as modules for elimination of resolution based-bias, angular accuracy evaluation, diffusion rate calibration, and quality assurance image referencing. Each elongated diffusion mimicking member includes an aqueous component which can undergo diffusion along the elongated diffusion mimicking member. The phantom includes a cerebrospinal tissue mimic matrix material contained in the housing enveloping the array of elongated diffusion mimicking members. The housing is made of a material whose magnetic susceptibility substantially matches that of the cerebrospinal mimic matrix material. |
| US09880249B2 |
Method for determining distortion-reduced magnetic resonance data and magnetic resonance system
Various embodiments relate to a method for determining distortion-reduced magnetic resonance data in a subarea of a magnetic resonance system located along a radial direction of the magnetic resonance system at the edge of a field of view of the magnetic resonance system. The method includes positioning the object to be examined at a first and a second position along an axial direction of the magnetic resonance system and acquiring first magnetic resonance data in the subarea at the first position and acquiring second magnetic resonance data in the same subarea at the second position. The method also includes determining distortion-reduced magnetic resonance data based on the first and second magnetic resonance data. |
| US09880237B2 |
MRI scanner
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner includes a control device, a gradient coil for generating a gradient field, a gradient coil connector for connecting the gradient coil to the control device, and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is configured and disposed to detect a temperature of the gradient coil connector. |
| US09880236B2 |
PET-MRI apparatus
In a PET (Positron Emission Tomography)-MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus of an embodiment, a magnet that is a seamless structure generates a static magnetic field in a bore having a cylindrical shape. First detectors and second detectors are each formed in a ring shape and detect gamma rays emitted from positron emitting radionuclides injected into a subject. The first detectors and the second detectors are disposed with a space therebetween in an axial direction of the bore so as to interpose the magnetic field center of the static magnetic field therebetween. |
| US09880235B2 |
Magnetic substance detection device
A magnetic substance detection device includes elongated magnets and ferromagnetic thin film magnetoresistance elements. The magnets extend in parallel with a Y-axis direction and are magnetized opposite to each other in a Z-axis direction. The ferromagnetic thin film magnetoresistance elements have respective linear segments extending substantially along the Y-axis direction on a plane of a substrate disposed in a path of lines of magnetic force between the magnets and change their resistances in response to a change in a magnetic field directed in a direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction in the plane of the substrate. The magnets apply bias magnetic fields lower in intensity than a saturated magnetic field of the ferromagnetic thin film magnetoresistance elements to the ferromagnetic thin film magnetoresistance elements, respectively, in the direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction in the plane of the substrate. |
| US09880234B2 |
Current sensor positioning error correction using auxiliary hall cells
A current sensor may comprise a first Hall cell, a second Hall cell, a third Hall cell, a fourth Hall cell, and a fifth Hall cell to a set of magnetic field values associated with a magnetic field generated by a current passing through a current rail. The second Hall cell may be positioned at a first distance from the first Hall cell, and the third Hall cell may be positioned at a second distance from the first Hall cell such that the third Hall cell is positioned between the first Hall cell and the second Hall cell. The fourth Hall cell may be positioned adjacent to the first Hall cell, and the fifth Hall cell may be positioned at a third distance from the fourth Hall cell. The magnetic field values may be used to determine an amount of current associated with the current passing through the current rail. |
| US09880231B2 |
Gear detection switch
A gear detection switch apparatus may include a detection unit into which a magnetization target is inserted at a front part thereof, the detection unit having a printed circuit board (PCB), a front housing having an open front end and into which the detection unit is inserted so that a frontal end of the PCB is exposed through the open front end, a rear housing connected to a rear side of the front housing, wherein a connection boundary between the front and rear housings is molded with a molding material, a Hall sensor device coupled to the exposed frontal end of the PCB, and a finishing closure molded over the open front end of the front housing. |
| US09880230B1 |
System and method for inferring operational specifications of a photovoltaic power generation system using net load with the aid of a digital computer
A computer-implemented system and method for inferring operational specifications of a photovoltaic power generation system using net load is provided. Photovoltaic plant configuration specifications can be accurately inferred with net load data and measured solar resource data. A time series of net load data is evaluated to identify, if possible, a time period with preferably minimum and consistent power consumption. Power generation data is simulated for a range of hypothetical photovoltaic system configurations based on a normalized solar power simulation model. Net load data is estimated based on a base load and, if applicable, any binary loads and any variable loads. The set of key parameters corresponding to the net load estimate that minimizes total squared error represents the inferred specifications of the photovoltaic plant configuration. |
| US09880227B2 |
Electrical device power management
An electrical device includes a memory storing a value indicative the remaining available rated capacity of one or more batteries. The stored value is changed in use to reflect reducing capacity. The initial stored value is chosen so that there is a very high (e.g. >99.9%) confidence that the one or more batteries will provide at least the capacity indicated by the initial stored value. This reduces the chance of failure during emergency procedures. The one or more batteries may be integral to the electrical device. An override facility is provided. |
| US09880226B2 |
Estimating coolant conductivity in a multi-voltage fuel cell system without disconnecting contactors
A system and method for monitoring the conductivity of a cooling fluid flowing in a fuel cell system on a vehicle including a chassis. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack electrically coupled to a stack bus and a battery electrically coupled to a propulsion bus. The method includes operating the fuel cell system, measuring a first isolation resistance at the first power level, measuring a first stack voltage, and measuring a first battery voltage. The method also includes operating the fuel cell system at a second power level, and measuring a second isolation resistance, measuring a second stack voltage, and measuring a second battery voltage. The method calculates a stack coolant resistance using the first and second isolation resistances, the first and second stack voltages, and the first and second battery voltages, which is then used to calculate the cooling fluid conductivity. |
| US09880223B2 |
Parameter estimation system and method for an induction motor
A method of estimating stator resistance of an induction motor is provided. The method includes applying voltage pulses through two phase paths of the motor for a plurality of electrical cycles to inject current in the motor, wherein the voltage pulses are applied until rotor flux of the motor is substantially stabilized and measuring stator voltage and stator current in response to the applied voltage pulses for each of the plurality of electrical cycles. The method also includes calculating the stator resistance based upon the measured stator voltages and the stator currents. |
| US09880221B2 |
Semiconductor device, physical quantity sensor, electronic apparatus, and moving object
A semiconductor device includes a digital circuit having a scan test mode. The digital circuit includes a first flip-flop forming a part of a scan chain when in the scan test mode, and a first selector provided on an input side of the first flip-flop. The first selector is capable of selecting a first signal when not in the scan test mode, and selecting a second signal that is different from the first signal when in the scan test mode. |
| US09880220B2 |
Edge crack detection system
According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of detecting edge cracks in a die under test is provided. The method includes the following operations: receiving a command signal; providing power from the command signal; providing a response signal based on the command signal; and self-destructing based on the command signal. |
| US09880216B2 |
Locking confirmation device of multiple electrode contacts and locking confirmation device for detecting fault electrode contacts of nodes of multiple electrodes
A locking confirmation device of multiple electrode contacts includes an electrode, a terminal bolt, a sensing unit and a positioning bolt. The electrode includes an electrode thread and a positioning thread. The terminal bolt is used for locking a conductor and the electrode thread. The terminal bolt includes a positioning recess. The sensing unit includes an insulated cover, a first contact, a second contact, an elastic member and an voltage signal input connector. When the elastic member is extruded, a circuit is formed for returning a voltage signal of a node of the electrode. The positioning bolt is used for fixing a detection sensor assembly on the positioning thread. When a head portion of the positioning bolt is received within the positioning recess, the terminal bolt is led to a locking state by the head portion of the positioning bolt. Therefore, a fault of an electricity system is prevented. |
| US09880214B2 |
Apparatus and method for detection and adaption to an end-of-line resistor and for ground fault localization
An apparatus and method for detection and adaption to an end-of-line resistor in a notification appliance circuit (NAC) of a control panel or power booster of, for example, an alarm system, and for ground fault localization in the alarm system are provided. The apparatus can include the NAC where the NAC includes first and second analog input terminals, where the NAC includes first and second external output terminals, and where the NAC includes an end-of-line resistor. Current can be driven through the NAC via the first and second analog input terminals, and voltage can be measured at each of the first and second external output terminals. The measured voltage can be indicative of one of a value of the end-of-line resistor or that a state of the NAC is one of open, shorted, ground faulted, or normal. |
| US09880212B2 |
Method and apparatus for spatially resolved diagnosis
A method and device for diagnosing an electrical condition of a spatially extended hardware component in a spatially resolved manner via interference between pulses fed into the component by a signal generator. The method includes: feeding at least two pulses into the component offset by a pulse interval; detecting the interfered pulses and echoes via an analysis unit; varying the pulse interval for the spatially resolved scanning of the hardware component along its length; repeating the steps until the component has been scanned at least in some sections; and analyzing the detected interfered pulses in the analysis unit. The device includes at least one signal generator connected to the component and to an analysis unit to generate the pulses, wherein local energy losses are mathematically determined over the length of the component on the basis of a plurality of interference voltage waveforms and voltage waveforms induced by the pulses. |
| US09880210B2 |
Scanner system and method for high-resolution spatial scanning of an electromagnetic field radiated by an electronic device under test
A scanner system and method operable for high-resolution spatial scanning of an electromagnetic field radiated by an electronic device under test (DUT) are provided. The electromagnetic field level radiated by the DUT is measured with a probe array comprising a plurality of spatially separated switched probes, an analyzer, and a computer. An actuator changes the relative position of the probe array to the DUT by a distance less than or equal to the separation distance between the probes, and the electromagnetic field level is measured and stored again. |
| US09880209B2 |
Capacitive sensing on large touch screens
An input device comprises a first plurality of sensor electrodes, a second plurality of sensor electrodes, and a processing system. The processing system comprises a first integrated circuit, a second integrated circuit, and a central controller. The first integrated circuit is coupled to the first plurality of sensor electrodes and configured to receive first resulting signals therewith. The second integrated circuit is coupled to the second plurality of sensor electrodes and configured to receive second resulting signals therewith. The central controller is communicatively coupled to the first and second integrated circuits. The central controller is configured to receive the first resulting signals from the first integrated circuit and the second resulting signals from the second integrated circuit and is configured to determine positional information from the first resulting signals and the second resulting signals and to communicate the positional information to a host processor. |
| US09880208B2 |
Method, a device, a system, a computer program and a computer program product for determining information about efficiency of an inductive charging system, having a primary coil embedded in a road infrastructure
A technique is provided for determining information about efficiency of an inductive charging system having a primary coil embedded in a road infrastructure and a secondary coil located in a vehicle moving on the road infrastructure. A first inductive coupling efficiency component attributed to the road infrastructure is determined from a total efficiency depending on a second inductive coupling efficiency component attributed to a position of the secondary coil relative to the primary coil and of a third inductive coupling efficiency component attributed to an electric circuit comprising the secondary coil. |
| US09880206B2 |
Electric current sensor
An electric current sensor includes a plurality of bus bars arranged in parallel, a plurality of magnetic detection elements that are adapted to detect a strength of a magnetic field generated by an electric current flowing through the bus bars and to output a voltage according to the strength of the magnetic field detected, and an arithmetic operation part to arithmetically operate an electric current flowing through the bus bars based on the voltage output from the plurality of magnetic detection elements. The arithmetic operation part includes a magnetic flux density arithmetic operation part to arithmetically operate a magnetic flux density based on the voltage, and an electric current arithmetic operation part to arithmetically operate an electric current I1 to Im flowing through each of the bus bars based on formula (1) below, ( B 1 = a 11 · I 1 + a 12 · I 2 + … + a 1 n · I n B 2 = a 21 · I 1 + a 22 · I 2 + … + a 2 n · I n B 3 = a 31 · I 1 + a 32 · I 2 + … + a 3 n · I n ⋮ ⋮ B m = a m 1 · I 1 + a m 2 · I 2 + … + a mn · I n where a 11 to a mn are coefficients , ( 1 ) B1 to Bm are a magnetic flux density and I1 to Im are an electric current. |
| US09880205B2 |
Minimizing blind spots in a sensor network
According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a system for monitoring circuit branches coupled to an input line of a load center, the system comprising a plurality of first current sensors, each configured to be coupled to a circuit branch, at least one second current sensor configured to be coupled to the input line, a controller, a plurality of first sensor circuits, each configured, in a first mode of operation, to sample a signal from an associated current sensor, and in a second mode of operation, to be powered off, and at least one second sensor circuit configured to sample a signal from the at least one second current sensor and provide an input line current measurement signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to operate each first sensor circuit in one of the first and second modes of operation based on the input line current measurement signal. |
| US09880203B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the semiconductor device
Current detection circuit of a semiconductor device provided with a shunt resistor, a voltage division ratio adjustment resistor and a selection circuit which selects a voltage division ratio of the latter and has enhancement type MOSFETs and Zener Zaps as trimming elements. One of the Zener Zaps is trimmed and a divided voltage of the voltage division ratio adjustment resistor connected in parallel with the shunt resistor is outputted. The detected voltage in which variation of the resistance of the shunt resistor has been cancelled is therefore outputted. As the shunt resistor and the voltage division ratio adjustment resistor are laminated together, it is possible to obtain a current detection circuit with a small area, which can detect a current flowing into a shunt resistor with high accuracy. |
| US09880202B2 |
Probe card for an apparatus for testing electronic devices
A probe card for an apparatus for testing electronic devices comprises at least one probe head, a plurality of contact probes housed within the probe head, each contact probe having at least one contact tip suitable to abut against contact pads of a device to be tested, a supporting plate of the probe head, an interface plate, a stiffener associating the supporting plate and the interface plate, a plurality of connecting elements with clearance disposed between the supporting plate and the interface plate and housed in a floating manner in a plurality of respective seats made in the supporting plate, and a plurality of connecting elements without clearance disposed between the interface plate and the stiffener. |
| US09880198B2 |
High bandwidth signal probe tip
A high bandwidth signal probe device and a method of probing a high bandwidth signal are provided. The high bandwidth signal probe device includes a probe tip for probing a stub of a backdrilled via of a printed circuit board. The probe tip is adapted to fit in the backdrilled via. The probe tip has a length adapted to reach the stub of the backdrilled via. The probe tip is adapted to contact a plated portion of the stub of the backdrilled via. A resistive element is associated with the probe tip. The method includes inserting a probe tip of a signal probe device in the backdrilled via, placing the probe tip in contact with a plated portion of the stub of the backdrilled via, and receiving an electrical signal through a path which includes a resistive element of the probe tip of the signal probe device. |
| US09880195B2 |
Test systems and methods of testing devices
A test system for performing a plurality of tests on a plurality of devices includes a tester having a plurality of tester pins and at least one socket, wherein the plurality of devices are received in the at least one socket. The test system further includes a plurality of multiplexers, wherein each of the multiplexers has an input coupled to one of the plurality of tester pins and each of the multiplexers has outputs coupled to individual device pins of the devices. The tester is configurable to perform a first test on a first plurality of devices and a second test on a second plurality of devices without disconnecting the devices from the at least one socket. |
| US09880187B2 |
Motion analysis method and motion analysis apparatus
A motion analysis method includes: specifying plural operations included in a motion operation using an output from an inertial sensor; calculating an operating time of each of the plural operations; adjusting a time axis of each operating time; and outputting operation information of the operation based on the adjusted time axis. |
| US09880181B2 |
Method for preparation of purified autoimmune antigen positive serum
The present invention relates to a method for preparation of purified autoimmune antigen positive serum. The method comprises steps of: using autoimmune antigen to immunize healthy animals, obtaining antiserum after blood sampling, and purifying the antiserum for obtaining positive serum, the step of purifying the antiserum for obtaining positive serum are as follows: affining and purifying the antiserum for obtaining IgG antibody; coupling the IgG antibody and human IgG Fc or human IgM Fc or human IgA Fc at a ratio of 1:1˜2; separating and purifying the coupled solution for obtaining IgG-IgG Fc conjugates concentrated solution or IgG-IgM Fc conjugates concentrated solution or IgG-IgA Fc conjugates concentrated solution; and diluting the IgG-IgG Fc conjugates concentrated solution or the IgG-IgM Fc conjugates concentrated solution or the IgG-IgA Fc conjugates concentrated solution to a concentration of 0.5˜1 μg/ml for obtaining the positive serum. |
| US09880177B2 |
Fibrosis biomarker assay
A method of bioassay for the quantification of biomarkers useful in the diagnosis of fibrosis disease and prognosis of its development, including biomarkers indicative of the risk of developing fibrosis after a chronic injury is provided. In particular, according to the present invention, biomarkers relating to degradation fragments of Collagen type I, III, IV, V, and VI, elastin, C-reactive protein, and proteoglycans including Biglycan, Decorin, Versican, and Perlecan are found to be useful. |
| US09880176B2 |
Method for determining the glycosylation of an antibody
The invention relates to a method for detecting the binding of an antibody to an Fc receptor present on the surface of a cell as well as to a method for determining the level of glycosylation of an antibody.The invention also relates to a reagent kit for carrying out these methods. |
| US09880174B2 |
Device and method for analyzing target
The present invention provides a novel sensor for detecting a target. The nucleic acid sensor of the present invention includes a nucleic acid element that includes a catalyst nucleic acid molecule (D) that exerts a catalytic function and a binding nucleic acid molecule (A) that binds to a target. The nucleic acid element is a double-stranded nucleic acid element including a first strand and a second strand. The first strand (ss1) includes the binding nucleic acid molecule (A), a loop-forming sequence (L1), and the catalyst nucleic acid molecule (D) linked in this order. The second strand (ss2) includes a stem-forming sequence (SA), a loop-forming sequence (L2), and a stem-forming sequence (SD) linked in this order. In this nucleic acid element, in the absence of a target, the catalytic function of the catalyst nucleic acid molecule (D) is inhibited by stem formation in each of the stem-forming sequences (SA) and (SD), and in the presence of ATP/target, the stem formation is released by a binding of the binding nucleic acid molecule (A) with the target, and the catalytic function is exerted. |
| US09880172B2 |
Nonlinear optical detection of molecules comprising an unnatural amino acid possessing a hyperpolarizability
A system for making molecules, and proteins in particular, suitable for detection by a surface-selective nonlinear optical technique. A first use of the invention is for determining a protein's structure in real space and real time. A second use of the invention is to detect a protein or its activity (conformational change). A third use of the invention is for drug screening. A further aspect of the present invention is measuring probe tilt angle orientation in an oriented protein. |
| US09880167B2 |
Anti-dengue virus antibodies and uses thereof
The present invention provides, among other things, antibody agents (e.g., antibodies, and/or antigen-binding fragments thereof) that bind to DV epitopes, as well as compositions containing them and methods of designing, providing, formulating, using, identifying and/or characterizing them. In some embodiments, provided antibody agents show significant binding to a plurality of DV serotypes. In some embodiments, provided antibody agents show significant binding to all four DV serotypes. Such antibody agents are useful, for example, in the prophylaxis, treatment, diagnosis, and/or study of DV. |
| US09880165B2 |
Detection of worsening renal disease in subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus
Methods for the detection of active lupus nephritis (LN) and worsening renal disease activity and/or active LN in patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, using a panel of biomarkers including transferrin (Tf), ceruloplasmin (Cp), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP1), lipocalin-like prostaglandin D synthetase (L-PGDS), and urinary neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (UNGAL). |
| US09880160B2 |
Antibody screening methods
Provided are methods and compositions for the production of novel antibodies that bind specifically to a target antigen. These methods and compositions are particularly useful for producing antibodies having the antigen binding specificity of a reference antibody but with improved properties (e.g., binding affinity, immunogenicity, and thermodynamic stability) relative to the reference antibody. |
| US09880157B2 |
Apparatus and methods for suppressing user-alerting actions
Provided herein are apparatuses and methods related to a notification-affecting service on a wearable electronic device configured to set a quiet time mode preventing a user-alerting action selected from, for example, a haptic vibration, a visual effect, and an audible effect from alerting a user of the wearable electronic device. |
| US09880155B2 |
System, method, and article for detecting abnormal cells using multi-dimensional analysis
A system, method, and article for diagnosing a test set of biological cells. For example, in one embodiment a normal set of cells is characterized using flow cytometry. A centroid and radius are defined for a set of clusters in an n-dimensional space corresponding to a normal maturation for a cell lineage in the normal set of cells. A test set of cells is characterized using flow cytometry and the characterization is compared to the set of clusters. |
| US09880151B2 |
Method of determining, identifying or isolating cell-penetrating peptides
The present invention provides a method of determining or identifying or isolating a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) or analog or derivative thereof having cell-type selectivity and/or at least capable of passing through a Blood Brain Barrier of an animal subject. This invention also provides CPPs and analogs and derivatives thereof, such as those set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1-27 of the Sequence Listing, and compositions comprising one or more of the CPPs, including conjugates in which a CPP or analog or derivative thereof is linked to a cargo molecule. The invention also provides methods for transporting cargo molecules across cell membranes to specific locations within cells, and for treating, preventing and/or diagnosing diseases that are treatable by a cargo molecule to which a CPP or analog or derivative of the invention is attached. The invention also provides tailored peptide libraries for use in identifying or isolating CPPs. |
| US09880149B2 |
Coatings of semiconductor quantum dots for improved visibility of electrodes and pipettes
A glass pipette such as an electrode for electrophysiological recording is coated with quantum dots. This greatly aids the ability to observe the glass pipette, particular in tissue as the quantum dots provide an excellent performance under two-photon illumination used to visualize objects at depths of hundreds of microns. |
| US09880146B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a property of construction material
Methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a property of construction material. According to one aspect, a material property gauge operable to determine a property of construction material is disclosed. The gauge may include an electromagnetic sensor operable to measure a response of construction material to an electromagnetic field. Further, the electromagnetic sensor may be operable to produce a signal representing the measured response by the construction material to the electromagnetic field. An acoustic detector may be operable to detect a response of the construction material to the acoustical energy. Further, the acoustic detector may be operable to produce a signal representing the detected response by the construction material to the acoustical energy. A material property calculation function may be configured to calculate a property value associated with the construction material based upon the signals produced by the electromagnetic sensor and the acoustic detector. |
| US09880145B2 |
Sensor, phase separation detecting system and phase separation detecting method
A sensor includes a detection portion and an output portion. The detection portion is made of a material that changes in accordance with a ratio of an actual amount of water to an amount of water causing a phase separation in an alcohol containing fuel. The output portion is configured or programmed to output a signal in accordance with a change of the detection portion. |
| US09880143B2 |
Sensor system, mote and a motes-system for sensing an environmental parameter
The invention provides a sensor system, mote and a motes-system. The sensor system is configured for being contained in a container having a maximum outer dimension less than 10 millimeter and for sensing at least one environmental parameter (T, P, pH, ρ). The sensor system includes at least one sensor configured for measuring the at least one environmental parameter and for generating a sensed value (xT, xP). The sensor system includes a storage element and a timer in which the at least one sensor is configured to measuring the at least one environmental parameter at each time triggers (t1, t2, . . . ) from the timer and for storing a sensed value (xT, xP). The sensor system further includes an energy storage comprising a chargeable capacitor being chargeable via electro-magnetic radiation of a predefined frequency, and wherein the sensor system is configured to initiate a sequence of sensed values when the energy storage is charged or is being charged. |
| US09880140B2 |
Continual crop development profiling using dynamical extended range weather forecasting with routine remotely-sensed validation imagery
A modeling framework for estimating crop growth and development over the course of an entire growing season generates a continuing profile of crop development from any point prior to and during a growing season until a crop maturity date is reached. The modeling framework applies extended range weather forecasts and remotely-sensed imagery to improve crop growth and development estimation, validation and projection. Output from the profile of crop development profile generates a combination of data for use in auxiliary farm management applications. |
| US09880136B2 |
Method for automatic in vitro diagnosis
Disclosed is an automatic in-vitro diagnosis method for increasing diagnostic reliability and a diagnosis speed by automatically mixing a specimen taken from the body of a person with a reagent in volumes needed to diagnose the state of the person using the specimen, absorbing the mixture solution of the reagent and the specimen with an analysis strip for a predetermined time, and making a diagnosis by analysis. |
| US09880132B2 |
Environmental measurement apparatus and environmental measurement method
An environmental measurement apparatus includes an operation unit which calculates a first change in a first oscillation frequency of a first QCM sensor and a second change in a second oscillation frequency of a second QCM sensor. The operation unit corrects the second change based on the first change in a first period and the second change in the first period. |
| US09880131B2 |
Liquid-liquid separator interface detection system and polymerization process utilizing the same
A system for detecting an interface between polymer-rich phase and solvent-rich phase comprising a liquid-liquid separator configured to receive a polymer solution as an inlet stream produced in a solvent-based polymerization reactor through an inlet feed, wherein the tank is configured to permit the stream to separate into a polymer rich phase and a solvent rich phase; a first sonic transponder for sending a first sonic signal from either a top or bottom of the liquid-liquid separator and for receiving a first reflected portion of the sonic signal, the reflected portion of the sonic signal created by the passage of the sonic signal through a liquid-liquid interface between the solvent rich phase and the polymer rich phase is provided. |
| US09880127B2 |
Fault simulator for checking the diagnosis implemented in a control device for a lambda sensor in an internal combustion engine
A method for checking fault detection of a control device of an internal combustion engine for malfunction of a connected broadband lambda probe, including checking with a fault simulator between the lambda probe and the control device; to simulate faults of the broadband lambda probe, the fault simulator modifies electrical signals between the broadband lambda probe and the control device. A Nernst voltage of the lambda probe and a pump current of the control device are delivered to the fault simulator; the fault simulator delivers a pump current to the lambda probe and a Nernst voltage to the control device; to simulate faults of the lambda probe, the fault simulator modifies the Nernst voltage to the control device as to the Nernst voltage outputted from the lambda probe. Also described is a related fault simulator. The method and fault simulator monitor the fault detection of control devices for lambda probes. |
| US09880122B2 |
Method for enhancing current throughput in an electrochemical system
An electrochemical system with reduced limiting-current behavior is disclosed. The electrochemical system is useful for fuel cells and bio-sensors. In part, the invention relates a method of reducing or eliminating limiting-current behavior in the operation electrochemical systems, in particular those with ion-selective membrane or electrochemical electrodes, by spatially reducing the convection near the membrane or the electrode. The invention further relates to electrochemical systems in which micropores, microarrays or pillar arrays are used to reduce convection in comparison to conventional systems without microarrays, micropores or pillar arrays. |
| US09880120B2 |
Electric field sensor
According to embodiments, an electric field sensor having a sensor electrode is constructed of an electrically conductive material and having one or more outwardly protruding pillars. A screen electrode overlies the sensor electrode and has one or more openings which register with the one or more pillars on the sensor electrode. At least one piezoelectric actuator is connected to the screen electrode so that, when excited by a voltage signal, the piezoelectric actuator modulates the screen electrode toward and away from the sensor electrode at the frequency of the periodic voltage signal. An output circuit configured to detect a voltage, a current output, or both, between the sensor electrode and the screen electrode which is proportional in magnitude to the strength of the electric field. |
| US09880119B2 |
Apparatus for identifying a value of a property of a fluid which is to be measured, method for operating an apparatus for identifying a value of a property of a fluid which is to be measured, and method for manufacturing an apparatus for identifying a value of a property of a fluid which is to be measured
An apparatus is provided for identifying a property value of a fluid which is to be measured, a method for operating such an apparatus, and a method for manufacturing such an apparatus. The apparatus encompasses: a measurement capacitor device bringable into contact with the fluid, the measurement capacitor device having a first electrode, a second electrode, a first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer; a first dielectric constant of the first dielectric layer being dependent, in a context of contact with the fluid, on the property of the fluid to be measured; a second dielectric constant of the second dielectric layer being substantially independent of the property of the fluid which is to be measured; a compensation capacitor device that has the second dielectric layer, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode; the compensation capacitor device connected in parallel, or connectable in parallel, with the measurement capacitor device. |
| US09880116B2 |
High-throughput sorting of small objects via oil and/or moisture content using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance
The current disclosure describes an automated high-throughput seed sorting system for separating seed via oil and/or moisture content using novel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) systems and methods. The disclosed systems and methods for measuring the oil and/or moisture content of a single seed in a low-field time domain NMR instrument are superior in sample throughput and signal-to-noise ratio to conventional NMR systems and methods (free induction decay or spin echo) for single seed oil/moisture measurement. |
| US09880111B2 |
Radiographic imaging system and system operation method
An X-ray imaging system includes a plurality of electronic cassettes having FPDs. One of the plural electronic cassettes for use in imaging is selected by input operation. Control is performed in a first mode operation being normal for the electronic cassette selected in the selecting step. Control is performed in a second mode operation being auxiliary of which driving power is lower than in the first mode operation for one of the electronic cassettes in an unselected state in the selecting step. Assuming that irradiation of the radiation is detected in the second mode operation, error information is displayed in relation to selecting the electronic cassette in the selecting step. For example, the first and second mode operations are pixel reset in which charge stored in pixels are swept in an FPD. |
| US09880106B2 |
Vehicle lamp device and abnormality detector of light source thereof
An abnormality detector for a light source includes a laser diode which emits an excitation light and a fluorescent substance which is excited by the excitation light to generate a fluorescent light. The abnormality detector includes a first photo sensor which is sensitive to a wavelength of the excitation light, a second photo sensor which is sensitive to a wavelength of the fluorescent light, a first current-voltage conversion circuit which outputs a first detection signal based on an output of the first photo sensor, a second current-voltage conversion circuit which outputs a second detection signal based on an output of the second photo sensor, and a determination unit which determines whether an abnormality occurs based on the first detection signal and the second detection signal. |
| US09880103B2 |
Measuring device and measuring method
A measuring device (10) and a measurement method measure a concentration of gaseous/aerosol components of a gas mixture. A reaction carrier (14) has a flow channel (42) defining a reaction chamber (46) having a optically detectable reaction material (48), that reacts with a gas mixture component or with a reaction product. The measuring device (12) includes a gas-conveying assembly (2) with a gas-conveying apparatus (28) conveying the gas mixture and a detection assembly (3), which has a lighting apparatus (37) for lighting the reaction chamber (46), an optical sensor (38) for sensing the optically detectable reaction, and an evaluating unit (4) evaluating sensor data and determining a concentration of the component of the gas mixture. The detection assembly (3) senses a speed of a reaction front (6) propagating in the flow direction in the reaction chamber (46) and determines a preliminary concentration from the speed of the reaction front (6). |
| US09880102B2 |
Microwell array articles and methods of use
The disclosure provides microstructured articles and methods useful for detecting an analyte in a sample. The articles include microwell arrays. The articles can be used with an optical system component in methods to detect or characterize an analyte. |
| US09880100B2 |
Electronic field enhancement element, analysis device, and electronic apparatus
An electronic field enhancement element includes: a metal layer; a dielectric layer provided on the metal layer; and a plurality of fine metal structures provided on the dielectric layer. A refractive index n of the dielectric layer satisfies n′=n+iκ and is in a range of 1≦n<1.46, wherein a complex refractive index of the dielectric layer is n′, an imaginary unit is i, and an extinction coefficient is κ. |
| US09880098B2 |
Method and systems for quantifying differences between colored surfaces
A system and method of quantifying a difference between gonioapparent colored surfaces includes determining a lightness (L*), a sparkle area (Sa), and a sparkle intensity (Si) of the first and second surfaces at a first aspecular angle and at a second aspecular angle. A sparkle metric (SpkM) to quantify the difference between the first and second surfaces is calculated utilizing the lightness (L*), the sparkle area (Sa), and the sparkle intensity (Si) of the first and second surfaces at the first and second aspecular angles. |
| US09880095B2 |
Laser based system for bitumen content determination, E.G., using discrete wavelength spectroscopic analysis
The present invention provides a technique that uses discrete wavelengths of illumination of an ore sample, and through the use of optical filters and laser illumination the signal-to-noise ratio of the measurement can be greatly improved, and may take the form of apparatus featuring a signal processor configured to: receive signaling containing information about a spectral reflectance caused by discrete wavelengths illuminating an ore sample; and determine information about a bitumen content of the ore sample based at least partly on the signaling. The signal processor may provide corresponding signaling containing information about the bitumen content of the ore sample, including for further processing, printing or displaying. |
| US09880094B2 |
Infrared detection and imaging device with no moving parts
A device images radiation from a scene. A detector is sensitive to the radiation in a first wavelength band. A lens forms an image of the scene on the detector. A filtering arrangement includes two sets of radiation absorbing molecules. A control unit switches the filtering arrangement between two states. In the first state, all of the radiation in the first wavelength band is transmitted to the detector. In the second state, the radiation in a second wavelength band within the first wavelength band is absorbed by the radiation absorbing molecules. The control unit synchronizes the switching of the filtering arrangement with the detector. Each pixel of the image formed on the detector includes two signals. The first signal includes information from the scene radiation in the first wavelength hand. The second signal excludes information from the scene radiation absorbed by the filtering arrangement in the second wavelength band. |
| US09880088B2 |
Force-clamp spectrometer with functionalized cantilever tip
The disclosed subject matter relates to a force-clamp spectrometer that enables operation in constant force mode and allows for automated data acquisition and analysis, using feedback electronics and software. The disclosed subject matter also relates to methods of using the force-clamp spectrometer for the measurement of the dynamics of chemical reactions. The methods may include, but are not limited to, the measurement of the dynamics of substrate folding and unfolding, as well as bond cleavage and bond formation. |
| US09880085B2 |
Flow cytometer system including flow cytometer, autosampler and system integration structure
A flow cytometer system includes a flow cytometer, an autosampler and a system integration structure to accommodate interconnection and interface of the flow cytometer and autosampler for operation together and providing for convenient interface with equipment for handling process liquids. |
| US09880081B1 |
Expandable jacket for triaxial, unconfined and uniaxial compression tests and test device for three-dimensional consolidation and settlement tests
The expandable jacket consists of the rubber membrane surrounding the cylindrical specimen, circular segmental metal plates surrounding the rubber membrane, and elastomeric rubber bands or rings around the segmental plates to permit uniform radial expansion and maintain uniform diameter of the specimen during the test and thereby providing accurate values of deviator stress, volume change characteristics and shear strength of soil specimen. To determine the three-dimensional coefficient of consolidation and coefficient of consolidation in horizontal direction, the flexible ring consists of all above structural components of expandable jacket except that a filter fabric or paper is wrapped around the cylindrical specimen, and then rubber membrane is mounted surrounding the filter paper or paper. The calibration device for calibration of the expandable jacket and flexible ring shall provide the magnitude of correction to be made in deviator stress and lateral resistance provided by the rubber bands or rings during the test. |
| US09880076B2 |
Compound sampling system and method for sampling a compound using same
A compound sampling system has a guiding assembly extending along a sampling path and a shuttle unit having a displacement mechanism engageable to the guiding assembly and configured to displace the shuttle unit onto the guiding assembly. The shuttle unit also includes at least one sampling component configured to monitor a gaseous substance and collect sampling data relative to the compound in the gaseous substance. The sampling system further includes a control system in communication with the shuttle unit. The control system includes a controller communicably coupled to the displacement mechanism and controlling the displacement of the shuttle unit along the sampling path. A method of sampling a compound uses the sampling system. |
| US09880072B2 |
Tire holding device and tire testing system
A tire holding device includes a guide which is provided between a pair of conveyors in a plan view and is provided on at least one of an upstream side and a downstream side of any one of an upper rim and a lower rim in a tire transport direction, and the guide guides a tire so that the center of the tire is coincident with the center of any one of the upper rim and the lower rim in the tire transport direction as the tire approaches any one of the upper rim and the lower rim by means of a lifting device. |
| US09880071B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring corrosion of mobile body
A mobile body corrosion measuring apparatus having a corrosion sensor installed in at least one portion of a mobile body, the corrosion sensor measuring a corrosion state at the portion and outputting corrosion data; a vehicle (mobile body) running speed sensor installed in the mobile body, the running speed sensor measuring a running speed of the mobile body and outputting the running speed data; and a data collection unit that acquires the corrosion data from the corrosion sensor and the running speed data from the vehicle speed sensor at the same time and collects the corrosion data and the running speed data with the corrosion data and the running speed data associated with each other. Due to above structure, a corrosion state specific to the mobile body can be accurately measured. |
| US09880070B2 |
Engine inspection apparatus and system
Inspection systems for a gas turbine engine (20) are provided. The inspection systems may comprise an inspection port (106), a bore-scope plug (100), a seal seat (108) and a seal (110A/110B). The bore-scope plug (100) may comprise a shaft (102A/102B) having a uniform or stepped profile. The seal (110A/110B) may be a multi-part seal (110A) or a piston seal (110B). Moreover, the bore-scope plug (100) may be configured to support, carry, and/or stabilize one or more internal structures such as, for example, a mid-turbine frame vane 82. In various embodiments, the inspection systems described herein may provide for increased inspection efficiency during development, qualification, maintenance, and event inspections. |
| US09880069B1 |
Optical fiber test apparatus with combined light measurement and fault detection
An optical fiber test apparatus includes an optical power meter operable to detect light at a predetermined wavelength, and a laser source operable to generate a visible laser beam. The optical fiber test apparatus further includes an optical fiber extending between a first end and a second end, and a diplexer which includes a first optical connector and is coupled to the optical power meter, the laser source, and the first end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber test apparatus further includes a second optical connector coupled to the second end of the optical fiber and including a test port. The diplexer is operable to transmit light at the predetermined wavelength from the second optical connector to the optical power meter and transmit the visible laser beam from the laser source to the second optical connector. |
| US09880066B2 |
Transducer calibration apparatus
An ideal multi-axis transducer will respond properly to forces and moments that are applied in intermediate directions. The transducer calibration apparatus described herein can detect transducers that have incorrect off-axes response. One calibration apparatus includes a base, a pair of end stanchions fixed on the base, force actuators mounted between the base, the pair of end stanchions, and a transducer holder, the force actuators arranged to exert forces and moments on a transducer mounted in the transducer holder, and force reaction sensors fixed between the base, the pair of end stanchions, and the transducer holder for measuring forces and moments experienced by the transducer holder. |
| US09880065B1 |
Packing leak detection system
Exemplary embodiments provide a packing leak detection system for leaks or discharge of a volatile material which discharge into the environment is subject to regulation. The system contains a compressor apparatus including a compressor cylinder, a compressor piston, a compressor piston rod positioned in a packing case, wherein a volatile material being compressed by the compressor apparatus leaks from the packing case. Also provided is a leak detector sized and configured to detect and monitor leaks of the volatile material from the packing case, as well as an apparatus for capturing and collecting volatile material which may leak from said leak detector. Methods of assessing leaks of a volatile material subject to environmental regulation are also provided. |
| US09880060B2 |
Temperature sensor embedded in processor, method of operating the same, and devices including the same
A temperature sensor, a processor including the same, and a method of operating the same are provided. The temperature sensor includes: a reference circuit configured to receive a supply voltage provided from outside the processor and utilized by a logic block of the processor for operation of the logic block, and generate, using the supply voltage, at least one temperature information signal that varies according to a temperature of the logic block and at least one reference signal that is substantially constant relative to the temperature of the logic block; and a digital temperature generator configured to receive the at least one temperature information signal and the at least one reference signal generated by the reference circuit, and generate a digital temperature information signal indicative of the temperature of the logic block based on the at least one temperature information signal and the at least one reference signal. |
| US09880059B2 |
Gas turbine exhaust diffuser mounted blade path thermocouple probe
A thermocouple probe assembly for monitoring the temperature of an exhaust gas flow at an output of a gas turbine engine. The probe assembly includes a plenum pipe positioned within an opening extending through an outer casing wall and a plenum plate of the engine, where an air gap is provided between the casing wall and the plate. The plenum pipe is rigidly secured to the plenum plate and resiliently mounted to the casing wall so that the plenum pipe is operable to slide relative to the wall. The probe assembly further includes a diffuser liner boss rigidly secured to an outer liner of an exhaust gas diffuser in the gas turbine engine, where the liner boss includes a central bore, and where the shaft of the thermocouple probe extends through the central bore in the liner boss so that the sensor is positioned within the exhaust gas diffuser. |
| US09880058B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a value outputted from an infrared sensor in response to an infrared ray received from an object, and a value outputted from a temperature sensor as a function of measured temperature of the infrared sensor; a second-temperature identification circuit configured to identify a second temperature which is a temperature of the object when the temperature of the infrared sensor corresponding to a measured value which is the output value of the infrared sensor, is the first temperature, by referring to the correspondence; a third-temperature identification circuit configured to identify a third temperature which is the temperature of the infrared sensor in outputting the measured value; and a calculation circuit configured to calculate a fourth temperature which is a temperature of the object on the basis of the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature. |
| US09880056B2 |
System and method for non-destructive, in situ, positive material identification of a pipe
A system and method for non-destructive, in situ, positive material identification of a pipe selects three test areas that are separated axially and circumferentially from one another and then polishes a portion of each test area. Within each polished area, a non-destructive test device is used to collect mechanical property data and another non-destructive test device is used to collect chemical property data. An overall mean for the mechanical property data, and for the chemical property data, is calculated using at least two data collection runs. The means are compared to a known material standard to determine, at a high level of confidence, ultimate yield strength and ultimate tensile strength within +/−10%, a carbon percentage within +/−25%, and a manganese percentage within +/−20% of a known material standard. |
| US09880052B2 |
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for accurate measurement and real-time feedback of solar ultraviolet exposure
Systems and methods for accurate measurement and real-time feedback of solar ultraviolet exposure for management of ultraviolet dose. The systems can include a wearable device including a proximity sensor, the proximity sensor used to initiate an alert that the proximity sensor is covered. The systems can include a visible light sensor, the visible light sensor used to enter into a sleep, or night, mode. |
| US09880049B2 |
Measuring device and component with measuring device integrated therein
The invention relates to a measuring device for measuring mechanical stresses or vibrations occurring in a component, wherein the measuring device comprises at least one electromechanical transducer, which can be integrated in a force-locked manner into the component, and at least one electronic unit, which is connected to the transducer via signal lines and is used to record and process the signals delivered by the transducer. In order to improve the robustness of the arrangement, it is provided according to the invention that the electronic unit is at least partially surrounded by a housing, and wherein a compensation zone for absorbing relative movements between the housing and the electronic unit is provided between the housing and the electronic unit. |
| US09880048B2 |
Fiber optic distributed vibration sensing with wavenumber sensitivity correction
An apparatus and method for correcting the wavenumber sensitivity of a distributed fiber optic sensor are disclosed. The distributed fiber optic sensor is deployed in a region of interest to measure a characteristic of an incident acoustic wavefield. A composite response of the distributed sensor is determined based on backscatter optical signals generated by the sensor, where the composite response is indicative of a characteristic of an incident acoustic wavefield. The composite response includes at least a first response having a first wavenumber sensitivity and a second response having a second wavenumber sensitivity. The second wavenumber sensitivity is selected so that wavenumber notches of the first and second responses do not overlap. |
| US09880045B2 |
Sensor including electrical transmission-line parameter that changes responsive to vehicular load
An apparatus includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a transmission-line assembly having an electrical transmission-line parameter configured to change, at least in part, in response to reception, at least in part, of a vehicular load of a moving vehicle moving relative to a vehicular roadway to the transmission-line assembly positionable, at least in part, relative to the vehicular roadway. |
| US09880044B2 |
Acoustic array sensor
A level sensor includes a substrate having at least one reflective side surface, at least one wave generator on one end of the substrate configured to transmit a wave down the surface of the substrate and a plurality of reflective echelons mounted on the substrate such that each echelon is at an angle relative to reflective side surface. The reflective echelons are configured to convert a wave of a first mode in to a wave of a second mode. |
| US09880041B2 |
High-speed volume measurement system
Disclosed is a volume sensor having a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis, each axis including a laser source configured to emit a beam; a parallel beam generating assembly configured to receive the beam and split the beam into a first parallel beam and a second parallel beam, a beam-collimating assembly configured to receive the first parallel beam and the second parallel beam and output a first beam sheet and a second beam sheet, the first beam sheet and the second beam sheet being configured to traverse the object aperture; a first collecting lens and a second collecting lens; and a first photodetector and a second photodetector, the first photodetector and the second photodetector configured to output an electrical signal proportional to the object; wherein the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are arranged at an angular offset with respect to each other. |
| US09880033B2 |
Air mass flow sensor pipe
An air mass sensor pipe (116) for a combustion engine includes an inlet opening (124) for air, an outlet opening (126) for air and an air mass sensor (118) arranged inside the pipe (116) between the inlet and outlet openings (124; 126). A first feed-through section (128) for the air is arranged upstream of the air mass sensor (118), the air mass sensor (118) is arranged in a second feed-through section (130) for the air, and that the first and second feed-through sections (128; 130) are displaced at an angle in relation to each other. Also a combustion engine which comprises such an air mass sensor pipe (116) is disclosed. |
| US09880032B1 |
Modular removable flow metering assembly with cone shaped differential pressure producer in a compact fluid conduit
A modular removable flow metering assembly for a unidirectional fluid channel having three variations. Each embodiment can use a compact fluid conduit for connecting an upstream fluid flow to a downstream fluid flow. An embodiment uses a unitary dual measurement container having an upstream port opening opposite to a downstream port. The upstream port communicates with an upstream fluid channel with an upstream pressure. The downstream port communicates with a downstream fluid channel having a downstream pressure. A cone shaped differential pressure producer with a flared discharge end is in fluid communication with the downstream fluid channel. A manifold can fluidly connect the upstream and downstream fluid channels, and a customer connection device can receive the upstream pressure and downstream pressure. |
| US09880025B2 |
Angular orientation sensor and corresponding methods and devices
A sensor for sensing an angular orientation of a magnet producing a magnetic field includes a sensing unit having N≧2 magnetic field sensing devices MFSD; a scanning circuit for repeatedly sequentially probing at least two of the MFSDs and concatenating signals outputted by the respective MFSDs for obtaining a magnetic signal; a magnet-signal output for outputting the magnetic signal; and a reference output for outputting a reference signal independent of the magnetic field. The sensor includes a first signal processing unit SPU1 and a second signal processing unit which are identically constructed, each having an input and an output; a phase detection unit PDU having a first input PDU1 and a second input PDU2, for deriving phase differences between inputted signals, and for outputting a signal related to the angular orientation. |
| US09880024B2 |
Measurement device for determining angular position
A measurement device for determining an angular position, having a magnet device and a sensor device that are rotatable relative to one another. The magnet device has a first north pole face of a first magnetic north pole and a first south pole face of a first magnetic south pole. The magnet device has a second north pole face of a second magnetic north pole and a second south pole face of a second magnetic south pole. The sensor device is located in a region between the first north pole face and the first south pole face and between the second north pole face and the second south pole face. The sensor device has a first magnetic field sensor and a second magnetic field sensor. The first magnetic field sensor and the second magnetic field sensor are spaced apart from one another for ascertaining a magnetic field difference. |
| US09880023B2 |
Direct read metering device and direct read water meter
The present invention discloses a direct read metering device, comprising a digital counting wheel connected with a rotary shaft, a micro-controller—a ring magnet coaxially installed on the digital counting wheel, and a tunneling magnetoresistive angular displacement sensor installed radially displaced from the central axis of the annular magnet; the tunneling magneto-resistive angular displacement sensor and the ring magnet are separated by a certain distance in the direction parallel to the central axis of the ring magnet; the micro-controller is connected to the tunneling magnetoresistive angular displacement sensor and used to convert the output of the tunneling magnetoresistive angular displacement sensor into a readable number. The device uses the tunneling magneto-resistive angular displacement sensor to sense the angle of a rotary magnetic field generated by the rotation of the ring magnet which is installed on the digital counting wheel in order to permit the code of the digital counting wheel to be determined when the meter is read, thus realizing a direct read metering function. This direct read metering function is applied to provide a direct read water meter. |
| US09880018B2 |
Computer-implemented method for recommending booths-to-visit
Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for recommending booths-to-visit to a user. The method includes: accessing a map database of an exhibition; accessing a history database that stores a plurality of records indicative of booths visited by a previous visitor in the exhibition; accessing a user record that includes data indicative of the booths which the user has visited; determining similarity level between each record in the history database and the user record, selecting one of the records according to the determined similarity level so as for the selected record to function as a reference record, usable to determine the booths not yet visited by the user; obtaining the user's current location in the exhibition, and determining a target booth, from the booths not yet visited by the user, by referring to the current location and the map database; and sending to the user a message indicative of the target booth. |
| US09880016B2 |
Apparatus for route guide and control method thereof
Disclosed herein are a route guide apparatus and a control method thereof. When a route guide to a specific location is requested, congestion information considering the number of vehicles having already arrived at the specific location at the moment that the route guide is requested and the estimated number of vehicles expected to arrive is generated and provided, such that a user requesting the route guide can learn the congestion information on the specific location in advance. |
| US09880015B2 |
Power transfer system and power transfer method
The present invention relates to a power transfer system and a power transfer method for efficiently transferring power between vehicles that travel in a group. The power transfer system according to the present invention is a power transfer system in a vehicle that can travel on power, the system including: an information obtaining unit that obtains possible driving distance information indicating a possible driving distance of each of vehicles that travel to a same destination; and a power transfer controller that controls, based on the possible driving distance information obtained by the information obtaining unit, transfer of power between a power-surplus vehicle with extra power and a power-shortage vehicle lacking in power so that the vehicles can reach a same charging station, the power-surplus vehicle and the power-shortage vehicle being included in the vehicles. |
| US09880013B2 |
Method and system for vehicle refueling
Methods and systems are provided for improving urea fluid usage on a vehicle. Based on when a urea tank needs to be refilled relative to when a fuel tank needs to be refilled during a vehicle journey, one or more alternate driving routes are suggested based on the range of the fluid getting depleted. The suggested driving routes include refilling stations where the depleting fluid can be refilled. |
| US09880009B2 |
Industrial vehicle with feature-based localization and navigation
An industrial vehicle is provided comprising a drive mechanism, a steering mechanism, a vehicle controller, a camera, and a navigation module. The camera is communicatively coupled to the navigation module, the vehicle controller is responsive to commands from the navigation module, and the drive mechanism and the steering mechanism are responsive to commands from the vehicle controller. The camera is configured to capture an input image of a warehouse ceiling comprising elongated skylights characterized by different rates of image intensity change along longitudinal and transverse axial directions, and ceiling lights characterized by a circularly symmetric rate of image intensity change. The navigation module is configured to distinguish between the ceiling lights and the skylights and send commands to the vehicle controller for localization, or to navigate the industrial vehicle through the warehouse based upon valid ceiling light identification, valid skylight identification, or both. |
| US09880003B2 |
Helicopter motion detection during inertial reference system leveling
A method to level an inertial reference system of a helicopter with reference to the local vertical frame is provided. The method includes powering up the helicopter; outputting sensor data from at least one gyroscope and at least one accelerometer to a mode-selecting processor; executing a fast Fourier transform algorithm on the sensor data at the mode-selecting processor; and selecting one of a plurality of operation modes of the helicopter as a current-operation mode based on the execution of the fast Fourier transform algorithm. |
| US09880002B2 |
Facilitating location determination employing vehicle motion data
Location determination is facilitated based on motion data accumulated at a vehicle in cases in which a beacon is not available. One method includes receiving, by a first device, first information about a vehicle indicative of a position and a direction of the vehicle. The position is measured by the vehicle based on a measured angular rotation rate and radius of a wheel of the vehicle and the direction of the vehicle is measured by the vehicle based on a measured amount of a turn radius of a steering wheel device of the vehicle. The method also includes determining a previously determined location of the vehicle. The method also includes generating second information about a location of the first device based on the previously determined location of the vehicle and the first information. Error estimates for the location and/or tuning bias for sensors at the vehicle can also be determined. |
| US09880001B2 |
Method and system for multi-layer positioning system
This invention relates to a navigation system for integrating a number of positioning receivers to obtain a final position. The navigation system comprises an operation and control module and a unifying module. The operation and control module is being configured to receive a location data from each of the positioning receivers and transmits the location data to the unifying module. The unifying module will then determine the final position based on a statistical model. In particular, the statistical model uses normal distribution to determine the final position. This final position is then displayed on the display of the navigation system. |
| US09879994B2 |
Method of placing a total station in a building
A method for locating a position determining device in an interior construction site of a building to provide line-of-sight access to a plurality of construction points in the interior construction site, includes accessing a three-dimensional model of the site by a computer system, the model including coordinates of construction points in the site to be located with a position determining device. The method further includes determining a location for placing a position determining device by the computer system, in which no obstructions at the site preclude line-of-sight access by the position determining device to the plurality of construction points. The method may further include receiving spatial data by the computer system, and deriving the three dimensional model by the computer system based upon the spatial data. The position determining device may comprise a robotic total station or other such device. The method is implemented on a computer system. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium has computer-readable instructions embodied thereon which, when executed, cause the computer system to implement the method. |
| US09879993B2 |
Enhanced bundle adjustment techniques
Novel tools and techniques that can be used to enhance the effectiveness of photogrammetric tools, such as bundle adjustment. One set of techniques can include a photo-observable backsight operation, in which a position of target point can be observed non-photographically, and this observed position can be used to constrain a pixel coordinate location of the same target point in a bundle adjustment operation. Using another technique, a photo-observable check shot operation, the observed position of another target point can be used to verify the validity of a bundle adjustment calculation. Such techniques can be used together or separately. |
| US09879991B2 |
Device and method for detecting level degree of overhead conveyor
The present disclosure provides a device and a method for detecting a level degree of an OHCV. The device may include a laser beam transmission unit, at least one baffle, a laser beam reception unit, and a controller. The laser beam transmission unit, the baffle and the laser beam reception unit may be sequentially arranged at an identical horizontal level inside the OHCV. The at least one baffle may be provided with a via-hole. The laser beam transmission unit may be configured to generate a laser beam through the via-hole and toward the laser beam reception unit. The laser beam reception unit may be configured to receive the laser beam and transmit information about the received laser beam to the controller. The controller may be configured to monitor the real-time information about the laser beam. According to the present disclosure, it is able to conveniently detect the level degree of the OHCV, effectively reduce the workload of an inspector and enable the inspector to inspect the OHCV without entering an interior of the OHCV, thereby to prevent the normal operation and the cleanliness of the OHCV from being adversely affected. |
| US09879990B2 |
Position reference system and method for positioning and tracking one or more objects
Position reference system and method for positioning and tracking one or more objects which in addition to range and azimuth also provides the elevation angle of the target relative to the instrument axes of the sensor platform. The system and method is based on a near IR laser radar transceiver and one or more active or passive retroreflectors placed on the objects to be positioned. The present invention further includes an internal beam stabilization mechanism protected from the environment and utilize a cylindrical window which is transparent for the near IR laser radiation, but absorbs all visible and UV radiation and thus protects the optical parts from ambient solar radiation. In addition, the cylindrical window protects all internal mechanical parts, notably the rotating and moving parts, from a corrosive and freezing/icing environment. |
| US09879987B2 |
Positioning system and method
A positioning system for detecting a spatial position of a laying head of a device for automatically laying reinforcing fiber strips in relation to a base on which the reinforcing fiber strips can be laid by the laying head includes at least two laser lines which extend substantially in parallel at a spacing A from one another and substantially transversely to a laying direction can be projected on the laid reinforcing fiber strips by at least one laser source. The elevation profiles of the projected laser lines which occur on account of an irregular surface of the laid reinforcing fiber strips are able to be recorded by a camera and supplied to an evaluation unit. |
| US09879985B2 |
Simultaneous multiple view surface geometry acquisition using structured light and mirrors
A method of generating surface geometry information of an object within an imaged region using an imaging system comprising a camera and a source of structured light, the source of structured light comprising a source of a plurality of rays of light. The method comprising obtaining first image data comprising a plurality of pixels, the first image data comprising image data representing the object and first structured light incident on the object, the first structured light comprising a periodic pattern comprising a plurality of pattern elements and having a first spatial frequency projected from said source of structured light and obtaining second image data comprising a plurality of pixels, the second image data comprising image data representing the object and providing information associating each of the plurality of image pixels of the second image data with a ray of said source of structured light. The first image data is processed based upon the second image data to determine a relationship between each of the plurality of image pixels of the first image data and a pattern element of said pattern of the first structured light projected from said source of structured light and the surface geometry information of the object is generated based upon the determined relationship and position data indicating relative spatial positions of said camera and said source of structured light. |
| US09879981B1 |
Systems and methods for evaluating component strain
A system and related methods for evaluating a component using a reference feature and a replicate of the reference feature. The component has an exterior surface with a reference feature thereon. The method includes determining an initial condition of the reference feature, subjecting the component to at least one duty cycle after determining the initial condition, determining a subsequent condition of the reference feature after the at least one duty cycle while the component is in a service position, and forming a replicate of the reference feature while the reference feature is in one of the initial condition or the subsequent condition. One of the initial condition or the subsequent condition may be determined based on the replicate of the reference feature. |
| US09879979B2 |
Heterodyne grating interferometer displacement measurement system
A displacement measurement system of heterodyne grating interferometer, comprises a reading head, a measurement grating and an electronic signal processing component. Laser light emitted from the laser tube is collimated, passes through the first polarization spectroscope, and then emits two light beams with an orthogonal polarization direction and an orthogonal propagation direction; the two light beams pass through two acousto-optic modulators and respectively generate two first-order diffraction light beams with different frequencies, which are later divided into reference light and measurement light; two parallel reference light beams form a beat frequency electric signal with positive and negative first-order diffraction measurement light respectively after passing through a measurement signal photo-electric conversion unit; the beat frequency signals are transmitted to the electronic signal processing component for signal processing, thus the output of linear displacement in two directions is realized. |
| US09879975B2 |
Method for optically measuring three-dimensional coordinates and calibration of a three-dimensional measuring device
A method for scanning and obtaining three-dimensional (3D) coordinates is provided. The method includes providing a 3D measuring device having a projector, a first camera and a second camera. The method records images of a light pattern emitted by the projector onto an object. A deviation in a measured parameter from an expected parameter is determined. The calibration of the 3D measuring device may be changed when the deviation is outside of a predetermined threshold. |
| US09879974B2 |
Linear-motion stage
A linear-motion stage that is angularly or radially symmetric or asymmetric, or monolithic may be used as the moving mechanism in a Fourier transform spectrometer. In embodiments, a linear-motion stage includes a base; a first multiple-arm linkage extending from the base to a first carriage attachment end; a second multiple-arm linkage extending from the first carriage attachment end to the base; a third multiple-arm linkage extending from the base to a second carriage attachment end; a carriage extending from the first carriage end to the second carriage end. Also in embodiments, the first, second, and third multiple-arm linkages comprise a first arm rotateably connected to a second arm through a flexure, the angular travel of the first arm is configured to be different than an angular travel of the second arm as the carriage moves along the carriage motion line. |
| US09879967B2 |
Method for compensating measurement errors due to thermally induced structural deformations in a coordinate measurement machine
A method for compensating measurement errors caused by the deformation of a component defining a slide axis in a measurement machine, comprising the steps of calculating the curvature of the component as a function of the difference between the current temperature Tc and a reference temperature Tr at which the geometric compensation map of the machine has been obtained, calculating correction values for the compensation parameters stored in the compensation map as a function of the curvature, and updating the compensation map with these correction values. |
| US09879965B2 |
Explosive composition manufacturing and delivery platform, and blasting method
A mobile manufacturing and delivery platform that is adapted to provide in a blasthole an explosive composition comprising a liquid energetic material and sensitizing voids, the sensitizing voids being present in the liquid energetic material with a non-random distribution. The platform comprises a storage tank for the liquid energetic material; at least two delivery lines for conveying respective streams of the liquid energetic material from the storage tank; a void delivery system for producing sensitizing voids in at least one of the streams of liquid energetic material; a mixer for mixing the streams of liquid energetic material to produce the explosive composition; and a blasthole loading hose. The mixer may be provided at the end of the loading hose. A blasting method employs the platform to manufacture and deliver the explosive composition into a blasthole, which composition is subsequently detonated. |
| US09879962B2 |
Blast treatment method
A blast treatment method whereby a smoke grenade is blast treated inside an explosion-proof container, said method comprising: a blast step in which the smoke grenade (20) is exploded inside the explosion-proof container (10); and a dissolving step in which gas or micro particles generated when the smoke grenade (20) was exploded are dissolved inside the explosion-proof container (10), in a liquid (W) including a greater volume of water than the volume of water generated by the explosion of the smoke grenade (20). |
| US09879961B2 |
Oscillatory drive ammunition reloading systems
An automatic ammunition reloading system includes an actuation assembly in communication with a control system. The actuation assembly is joined to a reloading press by attaching to a control lever of the ammunition press so as to put the reloading press in operative relation with the actuation assembly. The control system receives input from a control lever position sensor to sense an extremity position of the control lever and to determine an actuation distance of the control lever for a full stroke of the reloading press. The control system controls operation of the actuation assembly so as to oscillate the control lever through the actuation distance. |
| US09879957B2 |
Shotshell having wad with enhanced fin deployment
A shotgun shell has a polymer wad with a forward shot cup portion and a rearward propellant cup, the wad in a casing, shot in the shot cup, propellant in the propellant cup, and a primer. The rearward propellant cup portion having enhanced fin deployment such that the shells are operative with shotguns with no chokes, shotguns with ported chokes, and shotguns with conventional chokes. The forward shot cup portion has axial slits that are sized to preclude shot from passing therethrough while providing sufficient air circulation to provide compaction relief of the shot pack. The enhancement may include gussets on the fins, axially movable disks to engage cam surfaces on the fins and urge them outwardly, and fins that have reduced bending regions compared to prior art wads. |
| US09879955B2 |
Broadhead arrow
An expandable broadhead includes an elongated ferrule and a blade. The ferrule includes a forward ferrule tip and an aft shank operable to connect the broadhead to an arrow shaft. The blade presents an elongated cutting edge that extends along the length of the blade. The blade is shiftably mounted relative to the ferrule to shift into and out of a retracted position where the blade extends alongside the ferrule. The blade extends forwardly beyond the ferrule tip in the retracted position so that the blade presents a forward facing edge of the broadhead. |
| US09879951B2 |
Shock hardened initiator and initiator assembly
An initiator assembly includes an initiator housing having an initiator cavity and a housing orifice edge. A bridge substrate is positioned within the initiator cavity, the bridge substrate includes a substrate base including a uniform first planar surface and first and second bridge contacts flush with the uniform first planar surface. The first and second bridge contacts form a continuous planar mounting surface. An explosive charge and a flyer plate are within the initiator cavity, the flyer plate interposed between the explosive charge and the bridge substrate. A plunger head is telescopically received in the initiator cavity and includes an anchoring cylinder face having a face perimeter and extends between first and second face ends. The housing orifice edge is anchored to the anchoring cylinder face at a position between the first and second face ends and extends around the face perimeter. |
| US09879948B1 |
Edible target disk device
A biodegradable target disk device for hunters which breaks apart into edible pieces of food for small and larger animals in the hunting zone when struck by a shell from a shotgun. |
| US09879941B2 |
Method and system for providing power and data to firearm accessories
An apparatus and method for providing power to an accessory on a firearm, the method including the steps of: detecting an accessory when attached to said firearm through actuation of a magnetic switch magnetically coupled to a magnet in the accessory via a pin located in the firearm and providing a power path with said accessory; and providing power to said accessory from a secondary source of power should power be required. |
| US09879936B2 |
String guide for a bow
A string guide for a bow including first and second cams are mounted to first and second bow limbs, respectively. Each of the cams includes a string guide journal, an upper power cable take-up journal, and a lower power cable take-up journal. The draw string is arranged in a reverse draw configuration. The upper and lower power cables are received in each of the respective upper and lower power cable take-up journals and are displaced away from the respective draw string journals as the bow is drawn from the released configuration to the drawn configuration. In one embodiment, the upper and lower power cable take-up journals are helical in configuration. As a result of this configuration the cams can rotate more than 270 degrees, and preferably more than 300 degrees, as the bow is drawn from the released configuration to the drawn configuration. |
| US09879934B2 |
Suppressed pistol
A suppressed pistol has a breech block and a slide mounted on a frame. The breech block and slide are separate pieces, movable relatively to one another and the frame. A link extends between the breech block and the frame. The link carries a cam and a cam follower. The cam follower on the link engages a cam on the frame, the cam on the link engages a cam follower on the slide. Action between the cams, cam followers and the link causes separation between the breech block and the slide during operation of the pistol. The suppressor includes a container having baffle plates with truncated cones defining openings offset from the geometric centers of the baffle plates. |
| US09879933B2 |
Barrel nut mounted integral firearm sound suppressor
Disclosed is an integral firearm sound suppressor, comprising a barrel, a first tube, and interior connector, a baffle tube, and at least one baffle. The barrel has an axial bore, a chamber end, and a muzzle end. The chamber end is attachable to a receiver by the barrel nut. The first tube extends forwardly of the barrel nut to define an annular first chamber at least partially surrounding the barrel and having a closed forward end. The barrel has at least one port providing fluid communication between the bore and the first chamber. The interior connector supports the muzzle end of the barrel. The baffle tube extends forwardly of the muzzle end of the barrel and has a forward end wall defining an exit opening. The at least one baffle is positioned in the baffle tube and spaced forward of the muzzle end of the barrel. |
| US09879931B2 |
Modular multi-caliber belt-fed machine guns
Various embodiments of multi-caliber machine gun systems are described. A multi-caliber machine gun system can include a receiver assembly, a first ammunition feed tray, and a second ammunition feed tray. The first ammunition feed tray can be configured to removably attach to the receiver assembly and to feed a first type of ammunition to the receiver assembly. The second ammunition feed tray can be configured to removably attach to the receiver assembly and to feed a second type of ammunition to the receiver assembly. The receiver assembly can be configured to fire the first type of ammunition when the first ammunition feed tray is removably attached to the receiver assembly. The receiver assembly can be configured to fire the second type of ammunition when the second ammunition feed tray is removably attached to the receiver assembly. |
| US09879930B2 |
Compact action spring and buffer assembly
The present application is directed to a firearm including an action spring and a buffer assembly including a buffer body defining a counterweight bore having a first length and a counterweight received within the counterweight bore. The buffer body has a first end defining a face and a second end. The counterweight has a second length less than the first length. A buffer bumper is supported on the second end of the buffer body and a buffer pad is positioned within the counterweight bore between the counterweight and the first end of the buffer body. A bolt carrier is positioned to engage the face of the buffer body. An action spring is positioned about the buffer body and extends between the receiver extension of the firearm and the buffer body. |
| US09879925B2 |
Heat dissipation sheet manufactured using graphene/graphite nanoplate/carbon nanotube/nano-metal complex and method of manufacturing the same
To effectively dissipate heat discharged from various electronic or mechanical components, a high-performance ultra-thin heat dissipation sheet with high thermal conductivity and thermal emissivity by using a graphene/graphite nanoplate/carbon nanotube/nano-metal complex that forms a high-content 3D-structured complex that is stably dispersed, and a method of manufacturing the same, is provided. The method includes preparing a first heat dissipation film by sintering a composition for dissipating heat including a graphene/graphite nanoplate/carbon nanotube/nano-metal complex dispersion solution and a binder, and forming a second heat dissipation film on one surface or two opposite surfaces of the first heat dissipation film by using a graphene adhesive including the graphene/graphite nanoplate/carbon nanotube/nano-metal complex dispersion solution and an adhesive. A heat dissipation sheet according to the present invention may be utilized as a material with heat dissipation properties constituting a heat sink alone or with other materials with heat dissipation properties. |
| US09879924B2 |
Heat switch radiators for variable rate heat rejection
A heat switch includes a heat sink, a coolant tube, and an actuator. The coolant tube is movable with respect to the heat sink. The actuator couples between the heat sink and the coolant tube and configured to move the coolant tube between a first position and a second position. Heat flow from the coolant tube into the heat sink is greater in the second position than in the first position for enhanced heat transfer from the coolant tube. |
| US09879923B2 |
Face plumbing adapter for a heat exchanger assembly
A face plumbing adapter having a block portion and a camber portion is provided for a manifold of a heat exchanger assembly. The block portion includes an external planar face, a first mating surface opposite that of the planar face, and an aperture having a B-axis extending through the planar face and first mating surface. The camber portion extends integrally from the block portion in a direction away from the planar face and curving inward toward the B-Axis. The camber portion is biased toward the block portion such that the face plumbing adapter would clinch onto the manifold. The block and camber portions include respective mating surfaces that are complementary to the exterior surface area of the manifold onto which the mating surfaces are affixed. |
| US09879921B2 |
Heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device including the heat exchanger
A heat exchanger includes fins that are arranged in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which air flows and a heat transfer pipe that extends through the fins and that is bonded and fixed to the fins when the heat transfer pipe is radially expanded by a pipe-expanding method. Tall projections and short projections are provided on an inner surface of the heat transfer pipe. The tall projections are arranged in a circumferential direction and extend in an axial direction of the heat transfer pipe. The short projections are arranged between the tall projections and extend in the axial direction. Opposing side surfaces of the tall and short projections after the expansion of the heat transfer pipe are so inclined that when extensions are drawn from the side surfaces, the extensions cross each other in an inner region of the heat transfer pipe. |
| US09879919B2 |
Heat exchanger and method of manufacturing same
A heat exchanger includes a pair of end plates closing opposite ends of a cylindrical core case, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes each supported at opposite end portions by the end plates. The end plates have support holes, and opposite ends of the tubes are inserted into corresponding support holes in the end plates. Each of the tubes is formed by bending a plate material so that opposite side edge portions of the bent plate material are superimposed on each other, one of the superimposed side edge portions, located inward of the other of the superimposed side edge portions, forming an inner plate portion, the other of the superimposed side edge portions forming an outer plate portion, and then welding a weld bead through the thickness of one of the inner and outer plate portions to fuse to the other plate portion. |
| US09879918B2 |
Recovery and re-use of waste energy in industrial facilities
Configurations and related processing schemes of specific inter-plants and hybrid, intra- and inter-plants waste heat recovery schemes for thermal energy consumption reduction in integrated refining-petrochemical facilities synthesized for grassroots medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries to increase energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste heat sources are described. Configurations and related processing schemes of specific inter-plants and hybrid, intra- and inter-plants waste heat recovery schemes for thermal energy consumption reduction in integrated refining-petrochemical facilities synthesized for integrated medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries and aromatics complex for increasing energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste sources are also described. |
| US09879916B2 |
Gas purging element and associated gas connection element
Gas purging element (10) for metallurgical applications, comprising the following features in its mounted state: a ceramic refractory body (10, 30) with a lower end and an upper end, the upper end features an upper front surface, the lower end features a lower front surface (12), a depression (20) extends from the lower front surface (12) into the lower end of the ceramic refractory body (10), the depression (20) comprises a first part (16, 16′, 16″) of a detachable, form-fit connection to a gas connection element (50), a fluidic connection for a treating gas through at least one gas permeable section (30) of the ceramic refractory body (10) is provided between the depression (20) and the upper front surface. |
| US09879915B2 |
Combustion tube and seal assembly
A combustion tube mounting system releasably mounts a combustion tube to an aperture in the floor of a furnace housing. The combustion tube has a base assembly with a cam and can be manually or automatically unlocked by cam pins in the floor for selectively engaging the cam for lowering the combustion tube from the floor of the furnace. When a new combustion tube is placed on the lower seal assembly and raised, it automatically aligns and engages the upper furnace seal and engages cams on the floor of the furnace housing which lock the combustion tube in place as it is introduced into the furnace. |
| US09879913B2 |
Method and plant for carrying out thermal treatments of braking elements, in particular brake pads
A method and plant for thermally treating braking elements after a forming step, including a convective heating step at 150-300° C. and a infrared irradiation heating step, immediately in succession one relative to the other. A tunnel convection furnace is crossed by at least a first conveyor belt which translates along a first direction and on an upper face of which the braking elements are placed, is arranged laterally adjacent, with respect to the first direction, to an infrared heating tunnel furnace crossed by a second conveyor belt which translates along a second direction, parallel and opposite to the first one, and on an upper face of which the braking elements are placed. The first conveyor belt is larger than the second conveyor belt, and the braking elements appear in multiple side-by-side rows in a transverse and oblique direction with respect to the first and second directions. Robots placed at the opposite ends of the furnaces transfer the braking elements from the first conveyor belt to the second one or vice versa to a first end of the furnaces and place them on the first conveyor belt or second one to a second end of the furnaces being opposite to the first one, so as to change at will the sequence in which the infrared and convective heating steps are performed. |
| US09879911B2 |
Coat drying device and coat drying method
A coat drying device dries a coated film that is coated on a continuously transported coating object having first and second parts, where the second part has a greater heat capacity than the first part. The coat drying device includes a drying furnace, a hot air supply device and a control unit. The coating object is conveyed inside of the drying furnace main body. The hot air supply device heats the coating object by blowing hot air to the drying furnace. The control unit controls the hot air supply device based on a heat capacity of the coating object. The control unit controls the hot air supply device such that, when heating the second part, hot air with a greater amount of heat is supplied to the second part than an amount of heat in the hot air that is supplied to heat the first part. |
| US09879906B2 |
Method of cooling and liquefying a hydrocarbon stream, an apparatus therefor, and a floating structure, caisson or off-shore platform comprising such an apparatus
A method and apparatus for cooling and liquefying a hydrocarbon stream using a liquefaction process wherein a hydrocarbon stream is cooled and at least partially liquefied to obtain a liquefied hydrocarbon stream. In the method, one or more compressors are driven with one or more electric drivers, that are powered with one or more dual-fuel diesel-electric generators. These dual-fuel diesel-electric generations are operated by passing one or more hydrocarbon fuel streams to the one or more dual-fuel diesel-electric generators, wherein at least one of the one or more hydrocarbon fuel streams comprises a stream that is generated in the liquefaction process. The apparatus may be provided on a floating structure, a caisson, or off-shore platform. |
| US09879902B2 |
Refrigerator
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator which includes a carbonated water production assembly, wherein the carbonated water production assembly includes a structure in which purified water or carbonated water which overflow from a carbonated water container in which the carbonated water is produced is discharged by detouring. Through this, cleanliness of the carbonated water container may be improved, and safety may be improved during the carbonated water production. |
| US09879900B1 |
Column cabinet construction and method for door construction
A refrigerated appliance having a cabinet defining at least one interior compartment, the cabinet having a metal inner liner, a framed thermal break member having four corner joinery elements coupled to four side thermal breaks, and a cabinet face plate. The refrigerated appliance also has a door coupled to the cabinet where the door has a framed profile having four corner joints coupled to four side profiles, an inner panel, two or more ladders, a gasket, and an outer door panel. The framed thermal break member is coupled to the metal liner and the cabinet face plate. The framed profile is coupled to the inner panel, two or more ladders, the gasket, and the outer door panel. |
| US09879899B2 |
Surged heat pump systems and methods
Surged heat pump systems, devices, and methods are disclosed having refrigerant phase separators that generate at least one surge of vapor phase refrigerant into the inlet of an evaporator during an on cycle of the compressor. This surge of vapor phase refrigerant, having a higher temperature than the liquid phase refrigerant, increases the temperature of the evaporator inlet, thus reducing frost build up in relation to conventional refrigeration systems lacking a surged input of vapor phase refrigerant to the evaporator. The temperature of the vapor phase refrigerant is raised in relation to the liquid phase with heat from the liquid by the phase separation, not by the introduction of energy from another source. The surged heat pump systems may operate in highest heat transfer efficiency mode and/or in one or more higher temperature modes. |
| US09879896B2 |
Ice making system and method for a refrigerator
Ice making system and method for a refrigerator is disclosed. The ice making system includes an ice making unit that makes ice cubes, a cold air generator that cools air inside a cooling duct so as to produce cold air, a cold air circulation unit that supplies the cold air from the cold air generator to the ice making unit, and discharges the cold air from the ice making unit to the cold air generator, and a cold air guiding unit that circulates the cold air inside the ice making unit. |
| US09879894B2 |
Compressor crankcase heating control systems and methods
A compressor crankcase heating control method for a heat pump system includes selectively actuating a first switching device to connect and disconnect first and second power lines to and from second and third switching devices, respectively, the first and second power lines receive a first voltage. The compressor crankcase heating control method further includes, when the first and second power lines are disconnected from the second and third switching devices via the first switching device, actuating the second and third switching devices thereby connecting third and fourth power lines to ends, respectively, of at least one winding of a stator of an electric motor of a compressor. The at least one winding of the stator of the electric motor heats the crankcase of the compressor. The third and fourth power lines receive a second voltage that is less than the first voltage. |
| US09879892B2 |
Method for configuring a refrigeration system
The invention relates to a method for configuring, on a control unit, operating parameters of a plurality of devices of a refrigeration system. A user selects on the control unit, among the plurality of devices of the refrigeration system, a first device to configure. Information of valid configurable operating parameters of the first device is provided on the control unit. The user selects at least one of the valid configurable operating parameters of the first device, thereby configuring the first device. Information stored about operating parameters of other devices of the refrigeration system, based on the configuration of the first device, is then provided on the control unit. Finally, the user confirms, on the control unit, one or more operating parameters of one or more of the other devices, thereby configuring the one or more other devices. The invention also relates to a control unit and a refrigeration system. |
| US09879882B2 |
Instant self-heating containers
Instant self-heating containers include a combinable reactant and activator used to generate an exothermic reaction for heating contents of the container. One instant self-heating container includes a target container, a pierceable activator container and a reaction chamber. Piercing the activator container causes activator to combine with the reactant and cause an exothermic reaction that heats the target container. The container may be used as depilatory wax dispenser. Another instant self-heating container includes an outer housing containing a contents pouch and a reactant, and capped by a lid having an activator chamber. Rupturing the activator chamber allows activator to combine with the reactant in an exothermic reaction to heat the contents pouch. Another instant self-heating container includes a flexible outer tube containing contents to be heated, a flexible reaction vessel, and a frangible activator vessel. Bending the outer tube causes the activator vessel to rupture and cause an exothermic reaction. |
| US09879880B2 |
Electric heater, and apparatus, heating and air conditioning system, and vehicle comprising the same
An electric heater, and an apparatus, a heating and air conditioning system and a vehicle, each comprising the electric heater, are provided. The electric heater comprises an outer frame; a heating core configured to connect to a power source and disposed within the outer frame; and a sealing-waterproof glue member disposed within the outer frame and configured to encase at least one end of the heating core. The heating core further comprises: a plurality of heat dissipating components and heating components arranged alternately, and each of the heat dissipating component is coupled with a heating component via a thermal conductor. Each of the heating components further comprises a core tube and a positive temperature coefficient thermistor disposed in the core tube. |
| US09879878B2 |
Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier has a handle that is recessed inward from a top surface of a main body to open both side surfaces thereof and is disposed to stably move the main body of the dehumidifier without deteriorating an outer appearance of the dehumidifier. |
| US09879874B2 |
Air-conditioning system control apparatus
An air-conditioning system control apparatus capable of, even for a room in which a humidity sensor is not installed, accurately estimating an indoor humidity and preventing an indoor temperature and humidity from deviating from comfortable ranges. The air-conditioning system control apparatus includes a thermal characteristic parameter setting unit configured to determine a thermal characteristic parameter of a building thermal model based on a heat equation, a humidity characteristic parameter setting unit configured to determine a humidity characteristic parameter of a building humidity model based on a moisture balance equation in an air-conditioned space, and a control data generation unit configured to generate control data of an air-conditioning apparatus so that a temperature and a humidity of the air-conditioned space are each within a preset range. |
| US09879872B2 |
Air-conditioning management device, air-conditioning management method, and program
A standard schedule creator creates a standard schedule that makes it possible to achieve a target presented by target data. A seasonal schedule updater, monthly schedule updater, weekly schedule updater, and current day schedule updater update the created standard schedule using the corresponding weather forecast data to create an operation schedule of an air conditioner in which the weather forecast is properly reflected. |
| US09879868B2 |
Indoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus with grooved flow stabilizer
A stabilizer has a tip portion at a boundary between the stabilizer and a nozzle, and a projection on the lower side of the tip portion, and a first recess is formed between the projection and the tip portion in a continuously recessed shape in the longitudinal direction of the cross flow fan. |
| US09879865B2 |
Cooking oven
A cooking oven is disclosed. The cooking oven comprises a housing having an oven cavity and an oven door for access to the oven cavity, at least one air blower for generating heated air, one or more air channels for directing the heated air from the air blower toward the oven cavity, and one or more removable air plenums, wherein each removable air plenum is connected to one of the one or more air channels, comprises an air intake edge for receiving the heated air from the air channel, defines the top or the bottom of a cooking chamber within the oven cavity, and comprises a plurality of air vents for directing the heated air into the cooking chamber. The cooking oven may further comprise a control panel for separately and independently controlling each of the cooking chambers defined by the removable air plenums. |
| US09879863B1 |
Fire poker tool
A fire poker tool that may be utilized to lift and move a log. The fire poker tool of the invention includes talons and a hook that cooperate together to engage a log in a manner that minimizes required torque and gripping forces to lift a log. The tool is particularly useful as a campfire, fire place, or fire pit tool. |
| US09879862B2 |
Gas turbine engine afterburner
An afterburner is disclosed for use with a gas turbine engine and, in one form, is structured to receive a bypass air. The afterburner can be situated in a bypass duct and can be a toroidal combustor or a can combustor. In one embodiment, the afterburner includes a combustor arranged to receive bypass air and a plurality of vanes distributed downstream of a turbine of the gas turbine engine. The vanes can include one or more exit apertures through which hot combustion flow from the afterburner combustor can be injected. The exit apertures can be protrusions or slots in some forms. In one embodiment, a cooling passage is arranged around the exit apertures. An upstream vane portion can be positioned to inject fuel to be combusted via interaction with hot flow that is discharged through the exit apertures. |
| US09879861B2 |
Gas turbine engine with improved combustion liner
A gas turbine engine variable porosity combustor liner has a laminated alloy structure. The laminated alloy structure has combustion chamber facing holes on one side and cooling plenum facing holes on a radially opposite side. The combustion chamber facing holes are in fluid communication with the cooling plenum facing holes via axially and circumferentially extending flow passages sandwiched between metal alloy sheets of the laminated alloy structure. Porous zones having respective different cooling flow amounts are formed in the laminated allow structure based on at least one of an arrangement of the combustion chamber facing holes, an arrangement of the cooling plenum facing holes, and an arrangement of the flow passages. |
| US09879860B2 |
Flame detecting system
A flame detecting system includes a flame sensor to detect light and a calculating device, in which the calculating device includes an applied voltage generating portion configured to generate a pulse to drive the flame sensor, a voltage detecting portion configured to measure an electric signal flowing in the flame sensor, a storing portion configured to store sensitivity parameters of the flame sensor in advance, and a central processing unit configured to obtain a quantity of received light of flame using parameters of a known quantity of received light, a pulse width, and a discharge probability of the sensitivity parameters, and a discharge probability obtained from an actual pulse width and the measured number of discharge times, and in which a difference in sensitivity of individual flame sensors is corrected from sensitivity parameters related to a first flame sensor and sensitivity parameters related to a second flame sensor. |
| US09879858B2 |
Inertial electrode and system configured for electrodynamic interaction with a flame
An inertial electrode launcher may be configured to project charged particles or a voltage comprising an inertial electrode proximate a flame or combustion gas produced by the flame. |
| US09879857B2 |
Combustion and flue gas treatment system and SOx removal unit
The combustion and flue gas treatment system includes a furnace for combusting a fuel with an oxidizer generating a flue gas, ducting for the flue gas connected to a NOx removal unit and a SOx removal unit, and a recirculation line for recirculating a part of the flue gas back to the furnace. The SOx removal unit is located upstream of the NOx removal unit with reference to the flue gas flow. The recirculation line is connected to the ducting downstream the SOx removal unit. |
| US09879856B2 |
Gas combustor
The present invention provides a gas combustor which includes a gas container having a discharging nozzle, a fuel gas controlling device, and a piston disposed between the gas container and the fuel gas controlling device and capable of being reciprocally moved; through the pressure applied by a second spring provided in the fuel gas controlling device to the piston being greater than the pressure of a first spring and the fuel gas in the discharging nozzle and the pressure applied by the second spring to the piston being smaller than the pressure for vaporizing fuel in a vaporization chamber, the piston is enabled to be reciprocally and axially moved for opening or closing the discharging nozzle, thus the liquid gas can be effectively and fully vaporized and the combustion efficiency can be greatly enhanced. |
| US09879855B2 |
Gaseous fuel burner with high energy and combustion efficiency, low pollutant emission and increased heat transfer
The invention relates to a gaseous fuel (including all mixtures thereof) burner structure, characterized in that it comprises: a housing defining a distal flame outlet end and a proximal gaseous fuel and air supply end, both ends having covers; a pressurized-air inlet arranged in the housing close to the proximal end, defining an inner pressurized-air-supply chamber; a pressurized-gaseous-fuel-supply duct arranged in the center, housed in a first mixing chamber and provided with a plurality of openings for the outflow of the gaseous fuel to said first mixing chamber, said first mixing chamber also comprising a plurality of openings for supplying pressurized air axially and radially; an igniter arranged inside said first mixing chamber for a first combustion; a second, over-mixing chamber arranged colinearly with said first chamber, the end of the fuel duct comprising a cover provided with openings via which gaseous fuel is axially supplied to said second, over-mixing chamber, and the wall of said second chamber comprising openings via which pressurized air is radially supplied, where a second stage of the combustion process is carried out; and a third, conical flame-formation chamber colinearly connected to the end of said second, over-mixing chamber. |
| US09879851B2 |
Lamp having outwardly orientated light source units and inwardly orientated heat sinks with transversely orientated fins
An LED lamp is equipped with a plurality of light source units each having a mounting board on which a light emitting element is mounted, on a front surface of a substrate, the plurality of light source units are disposed around an axis C of the LED lamp with back surfaces of the respective substrates facing inside, and gaps G1 left from one another, and heat radiation fins that are disposed to be inclined with respect to an axial direction of the axis C are provided on the back surface of the substrate. |
| US09879849B2 |
LED light fixture having heat sink with fins at flow-through opening
An LED light fixture including a heat-conductive overstructure having upper and lower surfaces and a plurality of upwardly-protruding elongate fins which extend along the upper surface adjacent to at least one opening through the fixture permitting air flow from beneath the lower surface to above the upper surface. An LED light source is secured with respect to the lower surface. The fins have heights which gradually increase toward fin-ends proximal to the at least one opening. |
| US09879844B2 |
Support structure for horizontally extending lamp
Support structure includes at least one adjustable length pin configured to engage an adjacent support surface, and at least one engaging member configured to engage a supported device. A support bar might be provided with the at least one pin extending from one side of the bar, and the at least one engaging member extending from another side of the support bar. |
| US09879835B2 |
Lighting unit for a headlight
A lighting unit for a headlight, in particular a motor vehicle headlight, consisting of a plurality of light sources (1), a light guide unit (2) having a plurality of light guides (3), and a downstream projection lens having a focal plane (E), wherein each light guide (3) has a light decoupling face (4), wherein a.) the light decoupling faces (4) of at least two adjacent light guides (3) are offset in relation to one another with respect to the focal plane (E), and/or b.) at least two light guides (3) adjacent to one another in each case contact one another in a contact area (12) along an extension (b and b′), wherein the respective extensions (b and b′), measured with respect to the focal plane (E) of the lens, deviate from one another. |
| US09879834B1 |
Universal LED light module
A universal LED light module (ULLM) that can be used in nearly any conventional or nonconventional lighting application, with module interchangeability for enabling user customization of light color and lighting function. The ULLM includes a set of axially aligned batteries with axially opposed terminals, at least one LED cell with axially opposed terminals sandwiched between two of the axially aligned batteries, and a transparent or translucent sheath radially enveloping the batteries and the LED cell to bind them together and environmentally seal them from external moisture and foreign matter. The ULLM may be activated by an external circuit or may additionally include an integral conductor that selectively bridges the exposed battery terminals. The ULLM may additionally include a lighting function element having a form factor that matches that of the batteries, and disposed in axial alignment with the batteries within the radial sheath. |
| US09879828B2 |
Arrangement and method for operating hydrogen filling stations
The present application relates to an arrangement for the advantageous construction of a hydrogen filling station.In this case, a special chemical substance class, which is called a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC), is dehydrogenated and the hydrogen produced is pressed into the tank of a vehicle by compression. LOHCs have almost twice the quantity of hydrogen per liter compared with a 700 bar tank, but are, however, even stored at ambient temperature and ambient pressure. |
| US09879827B2 |
Compressor system
A compressor system includes a first compressor having a first variable diffuser having a diffuser area; a second compressor having a second variable diffuser having a diffuser area; a third compressor configured to compress fluid discharged by the second compressor; a fourth compressor configured to compress fluid discharged by the third compressor; a fifth compressor configured to compress fluid discharged by the fourth compressor; a first channel configured to connect an outlet of the second compressor to an inlet of the third compressor; a first valve provided to the first channel; a second channel configured to connect the outlet of the second compressor to the inlet of the third compressor; a second valve provided to the second channel; a first intercooler; a second intercooler and a controller configured to control the first valve, the second valve, the first variable diffuser, and the second variable diffuser. |
| US09879826B2 |
Method for producing a tank, in particular a motor vehicle tank
A method is provided for producing a tank, in particular a motor vehicle tank, for storing a fuel in a low-temperature state. The tank has an inner tank receiving the fuel, an outer skin surrounding the inner tank and an insulating layer arranged between the inner tank and the outer skin. The method i) introduces fuel into the inner tank, a temperature of 30° C. to 120° C., preferably of 70° C. to 85° C., being obtained by the fuel in the inner tank, and ii) generates negative pressure in an insulating layer arranged between the inner tank and the outer skin. |
| US09879822B2 |
Fixing structure and display device having the fixing structure
Disclosed herein is a fixing structure. The fixing structure comprises a seat and at least a fixing device, the fixing device including a connecting part and a sucking disc, on end of the connecting part being connected to the seat while the other end of the connecting part being connected to the sucking disc, and the sucking disc being used to be sucked on a surface of a mounting base. There is also provided a display device having the fixing structure in the disclosure. With the fixing structure mounted on the display device, the display device can be prevented from toppling down when an external force is applied thereto, thus improving the stability of the display device. Further, the fixing structure according to the disclosure is able not to damage the surface of the mounting base and can be reused. |
| US09879820B2 |
Holder for multiple eyeglasses
An eyeglass holder device for holding multiple eyeglasses of a variety of kinds, reading glasses, sunglasses, or protective eyewear type glasses used in a workshop, machine shop, laboratory, or other such work spaces. The eyeglass holder of the invention has a substantially crescent shaped front body portion having a plurality of flexible and thin substantially concave shaped rib structures attached to the inside surface of the front body structure creating the necessary voids to facilitate hanging the eyeglasses on the holder. An important function of the flexible rib structures is to deflect and exert tension on the eyeglasses and hold them stable within the voids to prevent them from moving around and getting damaged. The rectangular shaped back of the eyeglass holder has a recessed back side that accommodates a double sided adhesive tape to mount the holder on to a suitable surface. |
| US09879819B1 |
Accessory mounting track
An accessory mounting track provides quick and easy removable attachment and positioning of various devices. The method of attachment of devices to the accessory mounting track may be compatible with the attachment of these devices to other mounting systems, allowing the accessory mounting track to be used interchangeably with those systems. |
| US09879817B2 |
Extendable tower mount system and method of use
An adjustable, extendable beacon mount for a wireless communication or transmission tower. The mount mounts a beacon and allows the beacon to be raised and lowered as needed. The mount includes a lower weldment assembly with a base element and an upper weldment assembly to which a beacon is mounted. The upper weldment assembly is raised and lowered by a hand-cranked lever which activates a gear and, in turn, a ratchet pawl engages receiver notches on the upper weldment assembly, raising and lowering the upper weldment assembly. Alternatively, the hand crank could be replaced with an electric motor or other alternatively powered element to raise and lower the upper weldment assembly. The purpose is to raise the beacon above the communications or transmission antennas surrounding the top of a tower to provide a 360 degree unobstructed view for passing aircraft. |
| US09879812B2 |
Valve access conduit assembly and method of installing the assembly
The combination of: an underground valve for a supply line and having an underground actuator through which a state of the valve can be changed to control flow within the supply line; and a conduit assembly embedded in ground material and defining an access passage through which above ground access can be obtained to the valve actuator. The conduit assembly has a housing defining a cavity in which at least a portion of the valve resides. The conduit assembly further has a valve base assembly configured to interact with: a) the housing; and b) at least one of: i) the valve; and ii) the supply line to maintain a desired relationship between the housing and the at least one of: i) the valve; and ii) the supply line. |
| US09879811B2 |
Quick-fit hydraulic or hydrodynamic coupling for pressurized fluids
The quick-fit coupling (1) for pressurized fluid comprises a valve body (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) and having an axial cavity (4) wherein a shutter stem (5) is axially movable with respect to the valve body in contrast to and by action of at least one elastic element (6) between a position for opening and a position for closing an axial passage of fluid through said cavity (4), the stem (5) being configured so as to be subjected by the fluid present in the cavity (4) to a resultant force having a substantially null component at least in an axial direction. |
| US09879805B2 |
Pipe coupling device and construction method therefor
A pipe coupling device includes a joint body, a C-shaped retaining ring that includes a flange part radially protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the retaining ring, a pressing plate that includes a recessed part configured to house the flange part, and includes a front wall configured to face a rear end of the flange part. The joint body, the retaining ring, and the pressing plate are coupled together in an axial direction. The flange part has a substantially rectangular shape extending along the axial direction, and an inclined surface is formed on at least one of the rear end and the front wall. An inner end of the inclined surface is positioned closer to the joint body than an outer end thereof. The inner end is closer to a center axis of the joint body than the outer end. A gap is formed between the rear end and the front wall. |
| US09879804B2 |
Duct coupler devices, systems, and related methods
Coupler devices, systems, and related methods for coupling ducts are provided. In some aspects, a duct coupling device includes a hollow body, at least one coupler seal disposed about an outer surface of the body, and a plurality of apertures extending through the body for facilitating the passage of a fluid and/or any other medium therethrough. A duct coupling system includes a duct coupling device with a sealing member, coupler transitions adapted to receive the duct coupling device, and a sealing member. The sealing member is configured to seal an annular space disposed between a first surface of the duct coupling device and a surface of one of the first and second ducts. A method of coupling ducts includes providing a first coupler transition on a first duct, providing a second coupler transition on a second duct, and providing a duct coupling device between the first and second coupler transitions. |
| US09879795B2 |
Additively manufactured gas distribution manifold
A manifold constructed by additive manufacturing for use in semiconductor processing tools is provided. The manifold may include a mixing chamber and portions of a plurality of flow paths with each flow path including a first fluid flow component interface, a second fluid flow component interface, a first tubular passage fluidically connecting the first mixing chamber with a first fluid flow component interface outlet of that flow path, and a second tubular passage fluidically connecting a first fluid flow component interface inlet of that flow path with a second fluid flow component interface outlet of that flow path. Each fluid flow component interface is configured to interface with a corresponding fluid flow component such that the corresponding fluid flow component, when installed, is able to interact with fluid flow between the fluid flow component interface inlet and the fluid flow component interface outlet. |
| US09879792B1 |
Pressure relief valve for cryogenic liquid containers
A relief valve for use in coupling to a vessel is disclosed. The valve includes a valve body having an inlet passage connected to a valve inlet, an outlet passage connected to a valve outlet, and an internal chamber. A valve seat is engageable with the inlet passage to close the valve inlet. A poppet is coupled to the valve seat, and a spring in the internal chamber is coupled to the poppet, the spring having a predetermined spring force. A vent passage in the valve body has a first end connected to the internal chamber and a second end connected to the outlet passage to permit release of pressure from the internal chamber through the valve outlet. The vent passage is formed at an oblique angle to both the inlet passage and the outlet passage. |
| US09879789B2 |
Ball valve seal
The disclosed embodiments include a ball valve seal having a main body and a seal finger extending from the main body, wherein the seal finger is configured to extend from the main body and contact and flex against an outer surface of a ball body of the ball valve seal when the ball valve is assembled. |
| US09879788B2 |
Valve that can be electromagnetically actuated
An electromagnetically actuated valve, in particular a pressure control valve of a slip-controllable vehicle brake system, includes a seat body with a valve seat, at least one inflow channel, and an outflow channel. The valve includes a shut-off element configured to avoid a hydraulic short circuit between the inflow channel and the outflow channel when the valve seat is closed. The shut-off element is equipped with flow-directing means. The flow-directing means prevent the partial flows from the inflow bores from hitting each other and direct the flow to a closing body, which controls the valve seat, in such a way that a transverse force is applied to the closing body when the closing body performs a stroke motion. The transverse force radially deflects the closing body during an opening or closing motion and causes an effect that stabilizes the stroke motion and dampens radial vibrations. |
| US09879785B1 |
PTFE flip seal for rotating shafts
A seal system includes a housing defining a bore having an inner bore surface. A rotating shaft is rotatably received in the bore and includes a recessed annular groove. A seal body has an unassembled form having a ring shape, wherein in an assembled state the seal member is received in the annular groove of the rotating shaft with the seal member flipped with a first side surface facing radially inward toward the annular groove and a second side surface facing radially outward toward the bore, the first side surface along a cylindrical outer diameter surface being lifted off of a bottom surface of the annular groove so that the second side surface along the outer diameter surface engages the inner bore surface while the second side surface along an inner diameter surface is spaced from the inner bore surface. |
| US09879784B2 |
Rotary seal assembly for accommodating radial deflection and tilting
In an apparatus having a housing, a housing bore, and a shaft rotatably extending through the housing bore, a rotary seal assembly which includes a seal carrier retainer connected with the housing and defining a cavity surrounding the shaft, a seal carrier positioned within the cavity of the seal carrier retainer, wherein the seal carrier is capable of an amount of radial deflection and tilting both relative to the seal carrier retainer and wherein the seal carrier is retained by the seal carrier retainer so that rotation of the seal carrier relative to the seal carrier retainer is prevented, a rotary shaft seal carried by the seal carrier between the seal carrier and the shaft, and a seal carrier seal interposed between the seal carrier and the seal carrier retainer. |
| US09879779B2 |
Self-retaining gasket
A self-retaining gasket including a main body, a first retention tab, and a second retention tab. The main body includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The main body defines a first aperture extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first retention tab and the second retention tab extend from the main body at the first aperture. |
| US09879776B2 |
Parking device
When an oil temperature Toil is equal to or lower than a threshold Toref, and when a vehicle is predicted to stop while traveling (a shift position is predicted to be operated to a parking position), restricted discharge processing is executed in which a magnetic lock device is turned ON and an on-off solenoid valve is turned OFF. Thus, discharge of hydraulic oil in an oil chamber is started while movement of a piston rod is restricted by the magnetic lock device. Then, when the vehicle stops and the shift position is changed to a parking position, the restriction on the movement of the piston rod is removed by turning OFF the magnetic lock device. |
| US09879774B2 |
Transmission with output torque sensor
An output shaft of a transmission is fixed to a planetary gearset carrier. Output torque is measured via a surface acoustic wave sensor affixed to a face of the carrier between two adjacent planet gears and radially inside a weld joining the carrier face to an opposite carrier face. In this location, the level of strain at typical transmission output torques produces a level of strain within the measuring range of a surface acoustic wave sensor. The sensor may be powered and signals communicated across an air gap defined by signal rings. Due the stable position and orientation of the carrier, a small, consistent air gap is possible. |
| US09879773B2 |
Gear shroud to passively lubricate gearbox component
A gearbox includes at least two engaged gears, with at least one of the two gears provided with a shroud positioned radially outwardly of the one gear. The shroud extends between circumferential ends which do not fully surround the one gear. An extension extends from the shroud to a component to be lubricated. A shroud is also disclosed. |
| US09879772B2 |
Power transfer device
A transaxle case with an overhanging portion that overhangs outward relative to a vertical line (a tangential line) that extends upward from a 90-degree rotated portion at a location rotated from the vertically lower portion of a differential ring gear by 90 degrees, and an extending rib that extends from the overhanging portion toward the center of rotation of the differential ring gear to the vicinity of the outer periphery of the differential ring gear, and the overhanging portion and the extending rib constitute a splattering space. The lower surface of the extending rib is formed as an inclined surface such that working oil is pushed toward a converter housing when working oil splattered to the splattering space collides against the lower surface. Consequently, working oil is caused to be splattered to the splattering space, collides against the lower surface of the extending rib, and pushed toward the converter housing. |
| US09879769B2 |
Torque converter clutch slip control
A powertrain includes a torque generative device and a torque converter having an impeller, a turbine and a torque converter clutch. A method to control torque converter slip includes a feedforward component and a feedback component. The feedforward component includes monitoring a reference slip, and actual slip, and a turbine speed of the torque converter, determining a desired turbine torque based upon the reference slip and the turbine speed, determining an actual turbine torque based upon the actual slip and the turbine speed, determining a feedforward torque converter clutch pressure command based upon the desired turbine torque, the actual turbine torque, a torque generative device torque, and a TCC gain, and determining feedforward torque converter clutch pressure command. The feedback component modifies the feedforward command pressure based on proportional plus integral plus differential (PID) slip feedback terms. |
| US09879760B2 |
Rotary actuator with shortest force path configuration
A parallel eccentric electro-mechanical actuator provides motive power and includes an electric prime mover that drives the reducer's pinion gear. This pinion drives minimum three star gears with stationary shaft bearings. Each shaft contains an eccentric which are completely in parallel with each other. These eccentrics can be thought of as parallel/in-phase driven crankshafts. Each eccentric drives the parallel eccentric (PE) gear through a bearing. The PE gear exhibits a circular motion (without rotation) which in itself is unbalanced. The crankshafts have another eccentric which create an opposite inertia force to balance that of the PE gear. The PE gear contains an external toothed gear on its periphery. It meshes with the internal teeth of the output ring gear. The relative motion between the PE gear and the ring gear is that the PE gear rolls inside the ring gear. This relative motion is called hypo-cycloidal motion. |
| US09879756B2 |
Link unit
A link unit includes two outer chain plates and an assembling pin. Each of the outer chain plates has a first end section, and a second end section spaced apart from the first end section. The first end section of each of the outer chain plates has a through hole. The second end section of each of the outer chain plates has a connecting hole that has a first hole portion, a second hole portion, and a neck portion located between the first and second hole portions. The assembling pin is inserted removably through the connecting hole of each of the outer chain plates, and is capable of being prevented from moving past the neck portion of each of the outer chain plates so as to be positioned in the second hole portion of each of the outer chain plates. |
| US09879754B2 |
Belt splicing apparatus and method
A portable conveyor belt splicing apparatus is provided that includes an upper press assembly and a lower press assembly which include, respectively, upper and lower platen assemblies. The upper and lower press assemblies may each include a forced air cooling system for rapidly cooling platens of the platen assemblies. The upper and lower press assemblies may include insulating assemblies with resilient members that support the upper and lower press assemblies. The resilient members provide structural support and insulate the platens from the frame which reduces the power required to heat the platens. In one form, the apparatus includes a power supply circuit that can alternate between providing power to upper and lower heaters in response to the apparatus being connected to different types of standard power supplies. Further, the power supply circuit permits the use of a single recipe for a particular belt irrespective of the type of power supply. |
| US09879751B2 |
Torsional vibration damping arrangement for the powertrain of a vehicle
A torsional vibration damping arrangement has parallel first torque and second torque transmission paths that proceed from an input region, a coupling arrangement that communicates with an output region for superposing the torques conducted via the two paths, and a phase shifter arrangement for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities conducted via the first torque transmission path relative to rotational irregularities of the second torque transmission path. The planet gear carrier has at least one base element with a first planet gear bearing location and a second planet gear bearing location. The first planet gear bearing location is positioned at the base element on a first pitch circle diameter and the second planet gear bearing location is positioned at the base element on a second pitch circle diameter, and the first pitch circle diameter and the second pitch circle diameter differ from one another. |
| US09879748B2 |
Two position valve with face seal and pressure relief port
A shock absorber has a housing with a piston rod assembly disposed therein. A first rod guide member is secured within a first portion of the housing so as to be concentrically disposed about at least a portion of the piston rod assembly. A second rod guide member is secured within the housing adjacent the first rod guide member so as to be concentrically disposed about at least another portion of the piston rod assembly. A digital valve assembly is disposed within the second rod guide member and fluidly couples chambers within the shock absorber. |
| US09879746B2 |
Rod guide system and method with multiple solenoid valve cartridges and multiple pressure regulated valve assemblies
The present disclosure relates to a shock absorber having a pressure tube forming a pressure chamber. A piston rod is disposed within the pressure chamber. A reserve tube defines a reserve chamber adjacent the pressure tube. A rod guide assembly is concentrically disposed about the piston rod and the pressure chamber and houses a plurality of digital valves. Each one of the digital valves includes a component which is moveable between an open state and a closed state, and thus helps to control a fluid flow between the pressure chamber and the reserve chamber. An electronic control system is disposed on a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) and controls actuation of the digital valves. At least one additional valve is associated with one of the digital valves for further controlling a flow of fluid between the pressure chamber and the reserve chamber. |
| US09879739B2 |
Electric park brake for a multiple piston caliper
A brake system comprising: (a) a body assembly comprising: (i) an outboard side, (ii) an inboard side, (iii) a bridge extending between and connecting the inboard side and the outboard side, and (iv) two or more piston assemblies located entirely on the outboard side, entirely on the inboard side, or located both on the inboard side and the outboard side; and (b) an electric brake assembly comprising: (i) one or more differential assemblies in communication with the body assembly and each of the two or more piston assemblies; wherein the one or more differential assemblies provide power equally to each of the two or more piston assemblies so that each of the piston assemblies are moved axially in unison until a resistance of one of the two or more piston assemblies becomes higher than a remainder of the two or more piston assemblies and the one or more differential assemblies transfer power from the piston assembly with the higher resistance to the remainder of piston assemblies with a lower resistance so that the piston assembly with the higher resistance ceases to move and additional power is supplied to the remainder of the piston assemblies. |
| US09879738B2 |
Torque plate for heavy-duty vehicles
A torque plate for heavy-duty vehicles includes a reduced size and structural features that enable the torque plate to be used in conjunction with a reduced diameter brake rotor. The torque plate is rigidly attached to an axle of the heavy-duty vehicle. The torque plate includes an axle ring that is formed with a thickness and an opening for receiving the axle, in which the axle ring engages an outer diameter of the axle. Each one of a pair of bodies is formed with a thickness and extends radially outwardly in opposite directions from the axle ring. Each body thickness is less than the axle ring thickness. Each one of a pair of carrier mounting bosses extends radially outwardly from a respective one of the bodies. The torque plate also includes a pair of anti-lock braking system sensor mounting bosses, and a pair of splash guard mounting bosses. |
| US09879727B2 |
Two lip seal
A seal for a bearing assembly, including: a longitudinal axis; a first portion arranged to engage an outer ring for the bearing assembly; and a second portion extending radially inward and in a first axial direction from the first portion. The second portion includes: a first lip arranged to contact a rotatable shaft passing through the bearing assembly; and a second lip located past the first lip in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction, and arranged to be separated, in a radial direction, from the rotatable shaft by a first distance. |
| US09879723B2 |
Countershaft
A countershaft as disclosed herein may include one or more bearing zones along its axial length. Each bearing zone may include one or more radial holes in fluid communication with one or more grooves, respectively, and one or more axial channels formed along the longitudinal length of the countershaft. Each groove may be positioned adjacent an interface between a rotating member and a non-rotating member and include one or more features therein, such as a profile and/or taper. |
| US09879722B2 |
Low shear modulus transition shim for elastomeric bearing bonding in torsional applications
A bearing assembly comprises a bearing, a shim disposed within the bearing, and a component disposed within the shim. The shim comprises a first material, the component comprises a second material, and the first material has an elastic modulus value that is lower than an elastic modulus value of the second material. An apparatus comprises an elastomeric bearing, a fiberglass shim, and a steel spindle that is connected to the elastomeric bearing through the shim. A method for reducing strain in an adhesive layer that connects a bearing to a component comprises selecting a shim material having an elastic modulus value that is less than an elastic modulus value of the component and providing instructions to connect the component to the shim by placing the adhesive layer between an outer surface of the component and an inner surface of the shim. |
| US09879718B2 |
Sliding bearing and method for manufacturing 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 first 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 first flange member to the half bearing member. When staking marks formed on both sides of at least one of the plurality of recesses are viewed in a radial direction of the associated shaft, a volume of a deformed portion near a staking mark located outside in a circumferential direction is smaller than a volume of a deformed portion close to a staking mark located inside. |
| US09879716B2 |
Swivel attachment and branch line restraint
A swivel attachment and/or branch line restraint device with angular versatility and mobility for facilitating connection of installation components to support a pipe or other load relative to a support surface is provided. Advantageously, embodiments of the device provide a plurality of rotational or swivel degrees of freedom, which are substantially independently controllable, for its mating portions, which respectively engage corresponding mating portions of other installation components. The device embodiments can desirably be configured in male-female, male-male or female-female arrangements to enhance device utility and/or versatility, thereby advantageously allowing for use in a myriad of applications and installations, such as construction, utilities and the like, among others, to reliably support loads. |
| US09879711B2 |
Wheel bolt cap
A decorative cap and fastener for fastening a wheel to a hub of a vehicle are provided. The fastener includes a fastener head including an outer surface and an internal surface defining a cavity. The cap includes an end wall having an external surface and an internal surface. The cap further includes a side wall extending from an outer periphery of the end wall. The cap also includes a central member extending longitudinally from the internal surface of the end wall within the side wall. |
| US09879707B2 |
Component-part driving mechanism
This component-part driving mechanism changes the relative position of a second member with respect to a first member and is provided with: a contact section that is provided to the first member; a biasing section that is an elastic lip that is provided to the second member and that accumulates biasing force as a result of changes in the distance between the contact section and the elastic lip, said biasing force serving to change the relative position in a predetermined direction; and a state maintenance section that maintains a state in which the elastic lip is in contact with the contact section. The relative position of the contact section and the elastic lip is made to change in the predetermined direction as a result of repeated accumulation and release of biasing force that is caused by vibration of the elastic lip relative to the contact section. |
| US09879706B2 |
High-capacity radial fit coupling bolts
A high capacity radial-fit coupling bolt (or “expanding sleeve bolt”) has a pair of tapered sleeves about a shank of a bolt to which can be applied a tensioning load. An extrudable ring, or a compression ring, is interposed between a head nut or head flange at one end of the shank, and one end of an inner sleeve. A tensioning load is applied to the shank, the inner sleeve causing the outer sleeve to expand diametrically. At a preset load limit, the extrudable ring is extruded through at least one bore in a drive piston between the head nut and the extrudable ring, to allow shank to move relative to the inner sleeve until the tensioning load is fully applied. Alternatively, a drive member is provided between the head nut or head flange and the compression ring, and at a preset limit, the compression ring allows the shank to move relative to inner sleeve until the tensioning load is fully applied. The preset limit will typically correspond to the force required to fully expand the outer sleeve. |
| US09879704B2 |
Systems and methods for assembling aircraft wing skins
In one embodiment, a system includes a first end effector configured to press a selected area of an aircraft wing skin panel against a corresponding area of an underlying wing support structure with a downward force, drill a hole within the selected area, the hole extending through the skin panel and the support structure, and insert an elongated shaft of a fastener into the hole. The system includes a mechanism configured to locate the first end effector relative to the selected area. The system can further include a second end effector configured to press the corresponding area of the support structure against the selected area of the skin panel with an upward force that is opposite in direction to the downward force, and a mechanism configured to locate the second end effector relative to the corresponding area of the support structure. |
| US09879702B2 |
Integrated implement downforce control systems, methods, and apparatus
A downforce controller for an agricultural implement having a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder is configured to be coupled to an agricultural row unit and an agricultural toolbar for transmitting a net downforce between the agricultural toolbar and the agricultural row unit. A first pressure in the first chamber of the cylinder and a second pressure in the second chamber of the cylinder having counteracting effects on the net downforce. A manifold coupled to the cylinder is in fluid communication with the first chamber. A pressure control valve supported by the manifold is in fluid communication with the manifold and the first chamber. |
| US09879699B2 |
Venturi devices with dual Venturi flow paths
Venturi devices and systems incorporating the Venturi devices are disclosed. The Venturi devices have a body defining a passageway that has a motive section and a discharge section spaced a distance apart from one another to define a Venturi gap. Both the motive section and the discharge section converge toward the Venturi gap. Also, the body defines a first suction port and a second suction port generally opposite one another that are each in fluid communication with the Venturi gap. The Venturi gap is generally wider proximate both the first suction port and the second suction port than at a generally central point therebetween. In a system, the Venturi device has its motive section fluidly connected to a source of motive pressure and one or both of the first and second suction ports in fluid communication with a device requiring vacuum. |
| US09879697B2 |
Hydrofoil impeller
A hydrofoil impeller wherein the tip edge is straight and has a right angle with a radius extending from the central axis to the tip edge. In the central hub and in each of the blades the number of holes in each group of first and second holes is at least five. The pattern in which the holes are arranged in each of the respective groups of holes is elliptical having a center and a major axis which is substantially parallel to the radius and placed at a distance therefrom. The leading edge is, in the direction of rotation, behind an imaginary radial line intersecting the central axis of the shaft and the center of the ellipse, the leading edge being at an angle of 50°±2° in relation to the radial line. The area of the blade is divided into four planar portions by three straight bends. |
| US09879689B2 |
Turbocharger rotating assembly
A system can include a shaft and turbine wheel assembly that includes a seal portion; a bearing assembly that includes an outer race and rolling elements that rotatably support the shaft and turbine wheel assembly; a sleeve that includes an outer diameter and a through bore that includes a first inner diameter that accommodates an outer diameter of the outer race of the bearing assembly and a second, smaller inner diameter that accommodates an outer diameter of the seal portion of the shaft and turbine wheel assembly; and a center housing that includes a compressor side, a turbine side and a bore that includes a turbine side bore diameter that accommodates the outer diameter of the sleeve. |
| US09879687B2 |
Variable geometry system turbocharger and method of manufacturing housing for variable geometry system turbocharger
A reservoir groove for storing condensate water is formed on a lower part side of a link chamber inside a turbine housing. The reservoir groove is formed such that, assuming that water vapor contained in an exhaust gas retained inside the link chamber is completely condensed and liquefied after an engine stops its operation, a height position of a reference water surface of the condensate water stored in a reservoir area, which includes a space inside the reservoir groove in the link chamber, is lower than a height position of a lowermost part of the link mechanism. |
| US09879684B2 |
Apparatus and method for shielding a controlled pressure environment
An apparatus for shielding a controlled pressure environment, including a shield assembly with: a gate disc arranged for location in a chamber and including a first continuous surface facing an opening in the chamber and including an outer circumference extending past the opening in a radial direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis passing through the chamber and the opening; and an at least one actuator arranged to displace the gate disc in an axial direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The opening is arranged for connection to an inlet of a vacuum pump. In an example embodiment, the thermal system attains and maintains thermal equilibrium in the chamber and/or to shields the chamber from unwanted thermal affects by heating or cooling the gate disc to offset cooling or heat generated by the vacuum pump. For example, the gate disc is cooled to offset heat generated by a turbo-molecular pump. |
| US09879683B2 |
Gas blower
A gas blower includes a housing, a motor and a resilient sealing member for safety improvement. The housing has a receiving space and receives a fan wheel inside the receiving space, and the housing has an inlet and an outlet in communication with the receiving space. The motor has a base and a shaft. The base couples with the housing, and the shaft rotatably couples with the base and firmly connects with the fan wheel. The resilient sealing member is arranged between the housing and the base and is in a ring shape. The resilient sealing member has a central through hole for the shaft to extend through, a radial extending portion extending in radial directions of the shaft, a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, with the first and second surfaces abutting against the housing and the base respectively. |
| US09879682B1 |
Inflating unit for use with an inflatable object
A unit for inflating an inflatable object includes a first sub-system for initially inflating the inflatable object and a second sub-system for automatically adding air to the inflatable object when the air pressure within the object falls below a predetermined threshold after inflation. The air pressure within the inflatable object is monitored and measured by an electric pressure sensor that communicates with a PC circuit board. The unit allows air into and out of the inflatable object using a solenoid configured to open and close a valve. The first and second sub-systems are both contained within the same housing affixed to the inflatable object and use the same solenoid and valve to add air into the inflatable object. |
| US09879679B2 |
Scroll compressor
A scroll compressor is provided, in which a fixed side discharge opening is formed eccentric from a geometrical center of an orbiting scroll toward an orbiting side discharge opening, so as to overlap the orbiting side discharge opening across a relatively wide area. This may reduce flow resistance between the orbiting side discharge opening and the fixed side discharge opening. Accordingly, a refrigerant compressed in a final compression chamber may be rapidly discharged without being blocked by an upper frame, while maintaining a proper discharge pressure. Since uniform pressure may be maintained in compression chambers positioned at both sides of the scroll compressor, input losses due to over-compression may be reduced. |
| US09879675B2 |
Rotary compressor and refrigerating cycle apparatus
According to one embodiment, a rotary compressor accommodating an electric motor portion and a compression mechanism portion in a sealed case, wherein the compression mechanism portion comprises a cylinder, a roller, and a vane. The vane is disposed by stacking two divided vanes in a height direction of the cylinder, which is an axis direction of the rotation axis, and where a height dimension of one divided vane is H, and a minute gap between a height dimension of the cylinder and a height dimension of the two stacked divided vanes is L, a proportion of the minute gap L to the vane height dimension H per one divided vane is 0.001 |
| US09879673B2 |
Scroll compressor
A scroll compressor (10), comprising a fixed scroll (150), a movable scroll (160) and a drive shaft (30); the scroll compressor (10) further comprises a movable scroll counterweight (40); the movable scroll counterweight (40) is configured to rotate with the drive shaft (30); and the centrifugal force of the movable scroll counterweight (40) caused by the rotation acts on the hub (162) of the movable scroll (160). The above structure can effectively reduce the impact of the centrifugal force of the movable scroll on the radial seal of a scroll component, thus achieving proper radial sealing force between the fixed scroll and the movable scroll at any rotating speed. |
| US09879672B2 |
Gerotor pump for a vehicle
A gerotor pump has a pump housing defining a chamber and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. An outer gear member is supported for rotation within the chamber about a first axis, the outer gear member having a series of internal teeth. An inner gear member or inner rotor is rotatably supported within the outer gear member about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis. The inner gear member defining a series of external teeth interposed with a series of external pockets. The inner gear member defines a fluid passage therethrough to fluidly connect two nonadjacent pockets, with another pocket independent of fluid passages. The fluid passage is configured to disrupt harmonics during operation to reduce pressure ripples and associated tonal noise. |
| US09879665B2 |
Portable electric inflator
A portable electric inflator includes an electric air compressor, a pressure gauge, and a box for accommodating the electric air compressor and the pressure gauge. The box defines therein a generally L-shaped space for accommodating a cooling fan, a motor, a main frame with a transmission mechanism, a cylinder with a piston body, and an air storage tank of the electric air compressor. The motor defines two openings at its surrounding wall and multiple downstream through holes at its bottom wall. The main frame is provided with a peripheral wall and beveled radial braces and defines two through holes to facilitate the airflow passing through the main frame. The cooling fan can draw outside air to enter the box and smoothly flow along the generally L-shaped space to quickly dissipate the heat generated by the electric air compressor, whereby the performance and safety of the inflator can be increased. |
| US09879662B2 |
Inline pump assembly and method
A pump assembly and methods of use and conversion including a sealed housing, at least one in-tank, not sealed pump contained in the sealed housing, an outlet check valve inside each pump, and an over pressure relief passage formed around the pumps in the sealed housing. The pump assembly may also include a common fuel inlet, a common fuel outlet; at least two of the pumps, a compact design, a mounting bracket, a sealed electrical inlet, a pre filter, a post filter, a pressure regulator, a returnless fuel supply, a pressure regulator, a return line. |
| US09879659B2 |
Support for reciprocating pump
A skid for supporting a reciprocating pump assembly, the reciprocating pump assembly including a power end frame assembly having a pair of end plates and a plurality of middle plates disposed between the end plates. The end plates each have at least a pair of feet and the middle plates each having at least one foot. The skid includes a base and a plurality of pads extending from the base. At least a portion of the plurality of pads correspond to the end plate feet and at least another portion of the plurality of pads correspond to the at least one foot of each middle plate. |
| US09879652B2 |
Adjustment device for adjusting an angle of incidence of a rotor blade of a wind power plant
The invention concerns an adjusting device for adjusting the pitch angle of a rotor blade of a wind power installation including an adjusting motor for moving the rotor blade through the pitch angle, an actuating unit for actuating the adjusting motor with electric current, wherein the actuating unit is connected to an electric power supply network, and an emergency power supply device for supplying and actuating the adjusting motor with electric current in the event of a failure of the electric power supply network, wherein the emergency power supply device has an electric storage means for storing electric energy to provide the electric current for actuation of the adjusting motor and wherein the actuating unit is adapted to charge up the electric storage means of the emergency power supply device with electric energy. |
| US09879651B2 |
Vane device for a turbine apparatus
A vane device is adapted for use in a turbine apparatus, and includes a rotary shaft and a plurality of angularly spaced-apart vane units. The rotary shaft is rotatable in a rotational direction. The vane units are connected to the rotary shaft. Each of the vane units includes a grid frame and a plurality of spaced-apart cup members. The grid frame is connected to the rotary shaft. The cup members are arranged in an array and are connected to the grid frame. Each of the cup members has an inner surface that defines a receiving space, and an outer surface that is opposite to the inner surface and that faces toward the rotational direction. |
| US09879642B2 |
Straddle type vehicle
In a straddle type vehicle including a body frame, a power unit supported to the body frame, and a throttle body connected to the power unit and adjusting the intake air amount, a gyro sensor for detecting behavior of the vehicle is arranged in the throttle body. |
| US09879641B2 |
Heater control apparatus and heater control method of fuel filter for vehicle
A heater control apparatus of a fuel filter for a vehicle includes a heater mounted within a fuel filter; a relay for a heater power source supplying or interrupting power of a battery to or from the heater; a fuel temperature detection sensor mounted on an engine and detecting a temperature of a fuel; and an engine electronic control unit (ECU) for switching on and off the relay based on a detection signal of the fuel temperature detection sensor. |
| US09879639B2 |
Systems and methods for purging a fuel vapor canister
A method for an engine is presented, wherein during a first condition, pressurized gas from an engine coolant degas bottle to an ejector positioned in a vent line coupled to a fuel vapor canister; and the contents of the fuel vapor canister are purged to an engine intake. The ejector may draw atmospheric air into the fuel vapor canister, thus enabling purging of the fuel vapor canister even when an engine intake vacuum is below a threshold. In this way, boosted engines and other engines configured to operate with reduced intake vacuum may execute canister purging events that are independent of engine intake pressure. |
| US09879626B1 |
Engine condensation control system and method
A system and method for controlling condensation formation in an engine having EGR and forced induction includes a controller for determining a water vapor mass fraction of an exhaust stream based on a water vapor mass fraction of an intake stream and water vapor from combustion. An estimated condensation temperature (CT) is determined for a current EGR level based on the water vapor mass fractions and is compared to an intake stream temperature upstream of the compressor inlet. The controller commands the current EGR level as a maximum EGR level upon determining the intake stream temperature is less than the CT, and an increase in the current EGR level upon determining the intake stream temperature is greater than the CT. An air charge temperature (ACT) of the forced induction system may be controlled based on utilizing a target ACT as the CT to be controlled by a coolant pump. |
| US09879625B2 |
Variable displacement engine control system and method
Methods and systems are provided for improving the performance of a variable displacement engine. Split injection and spark retard may be used in active cylinders during a VDE mode to heat an exhaust catalyst and extend the duration of VDE mode operation. Split injection and spark retard may also be used in reactivated cylinders at a time of cylinder reactivation to improve restart combustion stability. |
| US09879624B2 |
Controlling device for internal combustion engine
In response to decrease of a requested torque to a reference value or smaller, a value of a virtual air-fuel ratio that is used in calculation of a target air amount for achieving the requested torque is changed from a first air-fuel ratio to a second air-fuel ratio that is leaner than the first air-fuel ratio. The target air amount is calculated backwards from the requested torque by using the virtual air-fuel ratio. After the value of the virtual air-fuel ratio is changed from the first air-fuel ratio to the second air-fuel ratio, the target air-fuel ratio is switched from the first air-fuel ratio to the second air-fuel ratio. A target EGR rate is calculated by using the virtual air-fuel ratio. The target EGR rate is preferably determined by minimum value selection between a first target value of an EGR rate that is calculated by using the virtual air-fuel ratio, and a second target value of the EGR rate that is calculated by using the target air-fuel ratio. |
| US09879617B2 |
Control apparatus of engine
A control apparatus of an engine comprises: fuel injection control device that controlling injection amounts of fuel injected from a first fuel injection valve, which injects fuel into an intake path of the engine, and a second fuel injection valve, which injects fuel into a combustion chamber of the engine, in accordance with the operating state of the engine; and valve control device that changes the open/closed state of the waste gate valve in accordance with the injection amounts of fuel injected from the first fuel injection valve and the second fuel injection valve. The fuel injection control device increases the injection amount of fuel injected from the second fuel injection valve in accordance with an increase in the load or speed of the engine. The valve control device changes the open/closed state of the waste gate valve in the sequence of an opening direction, a closing direction, and an opening direction as the injection amount of fuel injected from the second fuel injection valve increases. |
| US09879615B2 |
Machine-specific probabilistic control in gas turbine tuning for power output-emissions parameters, related control systems, computer program products and methods
A system includes: a computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by: commanding each GT to a base load level; commanding each GT to adjust a respective power output to match a nominal power output value, and subsequently measuring an actual emissions value for each GT; adjusting an operating condition of each GT based upon a difference between the respective measured actual emissions value and a nominal emissions value at the ambient condition; updating a pre-existing emissions model for each GT based upon the adjusted operating condition; running a set of operating conditions on each GT and measuring an updated emissions value; and refining the updated pre-existing emissions model based upon a difference between the updated emissions value and the updated pre-existing emissions model. |
| US09879608B2 |
Oil loss protection for a fan drive gear system
A fan drive gear system includes at least one intermediate gear that includes an axial gear passage for receiving and conveying a fluid suitable for cooling and/or lubricating. At least a first axial end of the intermediate gear includes a first fluid storage trap for capturing fluid entering and/or exiting the gear passage and storing the fluid therein during powered operation of the fan drive gear system. The fluid is capable of being passively supplied to the intermediate gear passage during an interrupted power event. |
| US09879604B2 |
Cooling passages for a mid-turbine frame
A mid-turbine frame for a gas turbine engine includes an inner frame case. A bearing support member is located adjacent the inner frame case. At least one spoke is attached to the inner frame case. At least one spoke includes a cooling airflow passage that extends through the inner frame case and the bearing support member. |
| US09879602B2 |
Compressed air bleed supply for buffer system
A gas turbine engine includes a fan, a compressor section fluidly connected to the fan, a combustor fluidly connected to the compressor section, a turbine section fluidly connected to the combustor, and a buffer system. The buffer system includes a heat exchanger having a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet, and a second outlet. The first outlet is configured to provide a cooled pressurized fluid. The buffer system includes first and second air sources that are selectively fluidly coupled to the first inlet, and a third air source that are fluidly coupled to the second inlet. Multiple fluid-supplied areas are located remotely from one another and are fluidly coupled to the first outlet. The multiple fluid-supplied areas include a bearing compartment. A method and a buffer system are also disclosed. |
| US09879598B2 |
Diagnosis device
A diagnosis device diagnoses a cooler adapted to cool a fluid flowing through intake and exhaust systems of an engine, and includes: a downstream temperature sensor for detecting a fluid temperature downstream of the cooler; a fluid temperature calculation unit for calculating a fluid temperature upstream of the cooler based on a fluid state quantity; a sensor output value calculation unit for assuming an upstream temperature sensor configured to detect a fluid temperature upstream of the cooler, reflecting a sensor response delay in the calculated fluid temperature, and calculating an estimated sensor output value of the upstream temperature sensor; and a cooler diagnosis unit for diagnosing the cooling efficiency of the cooler based on an actual sensor input value entered from the downstream temperature sensor and the calculated estimated sensor output value. |
| US09879597B2 |
Speed reduced driven turbocharger
Disclosed is a speed reduced driven turbocharger that utilizes a step-down roller that is coupled to a turbo shaft with a traction interface. Either a flat or a shaped traction interface can be used. The step-down roller mechanically actuates either a mechanical or hydraulic transmission, or can be mechanically coupled to an electric motor/generator. |
| US09879596B1 |
Actuator assembly having at least one driven gear coupled to a housing
An actuator assembly moves an output shaft. The actuator assembly includes a housing having at least first, second, and third sections at least partially defining first and second cavities, with the third section between the first and second sections. A motor assembly has a rotatable drive shaft and is coupled to the third section. The motor assembly is at least partially disposed in the first cavity and the drive shaft is at least partially disposed in the second cavity. At least one drive gear is within the second cavity and is fixed to the drive shaft. At least one driven gear is within the second cavity and is coupled with the output shaft. The at least one driven gear is coupled to the third section of the housing and is rotatably coupled with the at least one drive gear to transmit rotation from the drive shaft to the output shaft. |
| US09879595B2 |
Exhaust control apparatus for engine
An exhaust control apparatus for an engine is provided. The apparatus includes a turbocharger, a high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) device, a low-pressure EGR device, and a flap controller. The turbocharger includes a turbine, a compressor, and movable flaps, and rotates the turbine by exhaust gas to drive the compressor so as to boost intake air. The high-pressure EGR device recirculates, within a first engine operating range, the exhaust gas from a position of an exhaust passage upstream of the turbine to a position of an intake passage downstream of the compressor. The low-pressure EGR device recirculates, within a second engine operating range, the exhaust gas from a position of the exhaust passage downstream of the turbine to a position of the intake passage upstream of the compressor. The flap controller controls flap openings. |
| US09879590B2 |
Direct injection diesel engine
A fuel injection nozzle disposed in a center of a reentrant cavity combustion chamber has first and second nozzle hole groups whose inclination angles with respect to a cylinder center axis line are different. A nozzle hole diameter of the second nozzle hole group is larger than that of the first one. First and second nozzle holes are alternately arranged in a circumferential direction. A glow plug projects, in a height direction of the cylinder, up to a height of a spray center axis line (F2) of the second nozzle hole directed at a lower side. Therefore the glow plug can contact fuel masses formed by sprays from both the first and second nozzle holes. The glow plug is positioned between spray center axis lines (F1, F2) in the circumferential direction, and positioned at a swirl downstream side of spray center axis line (F2). |
| US09879589B2 |
Initialization sequence for a vehicle grille shutter
A method of initializing operation of a shutter arranged relative to a grille opening in a vehicle having a power-plant includes detecting a start-up of the power-plant. The method also includes sensing a temperature of ambient air. The method also includes commanding the shutter to achieve a fully-opened position when the temperature of ambient air is above a predetermined value such that a flow of ambient air to the power-plant through the grille opening is substantially unrestricted. The method additionally includes commanding the shutter to achieve a fully-closed position when a temperature of the power-plant is maintained below a threshold value such that the flow of ambient air through the grille opening to the power-plant is substantially blocked. A vehicle using a controller configured to perform the above method is also provided. |
| US09879588B2 |
Engine oil supply apparatus
An engine oil supply apparatus includes: a cylinder block; a shaft supporting member which bears a crank journal of a crank shaft in cooperation with a journal supporting wall section; and a nozzle which injects oil to a piston. The cylinder block includes a first oil supply path which extends in a cylinder bank direction at a position of one side section of the cylinder in a width direction that is perpendicular to the cylinder bank direction, a branch oil path which branches from the first oil supply path at a position of the journal supporting wall section and which supplies oil to a crank bearing section by which the crank journal is borne, and a second oil supply path which extends in the cylinder bank direction at a position further outward than the first oil supply path in the width direction and which supplies oil to the nozzle. |
| US09879586B2 |
Abnormality detection device for exhaust gas purification apparatus
An object of the present invention is to distinguish and detect an abnormality of SCRF and an abnormality of a diffusing device in a system in which a diffusing device is provided for an exhaust gas passage between a filter (SCRF) including an SCR catalyst carried thereon and a reducing agent addition valve. In the present invention, it is judged that which one of abnormalities of any clogging-up of SCRF caused by PM, any breakage of SCRF, and any abnormality of a diffusing device occurs, on the basis of at least any one of a difference between a NOx purification rate of an SCR catalyst carried on SCRF and a predetermined NOx purification rate and a difference between a PM amount flowing out from SCRF and a predetermined outflow PM amount, when a difference, which is provided between an exhaust gas pressure difference as a difference between an exhaust gas pressure on an upstream side from a reducing agent addition valve and an exhaust gas pressure on a downstream side from SCRF and a predetermined exhaust gas pressure difference, exceeds a certain amount. |
| US09879584B2 |
Catalyst device, element box for a catalytic device, and handling tool for handling the element box
The catalytic converter apparatus has at least one element box which extends in a longitudinal direction and which has a first pair of first side walls which lie opposite one another, and a second pair of second side walls which lie opposite one another, and two open end sides which lie opposite one another in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of catalytic converter plates are arranged in the element box, which catalytic converter plates are oriented parallel to the first side walls, merely one part of the side walls having a rail which extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction on at least one of the end sides, on which rail the catalytic converter plates are supported. As a result, the flow properties of the element box are improved and the risk of dust deposits is avoided. |
| US09879581B2 |
After-treatment system
An after-treatment system includes, in series along an exhaust gas flow direction through the after-treatment system: a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) delivery device, a soot-reducing device and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst. |
| US09879575B2 |
System for lubricating valve assembly of engine
A system for lubricating a valve assembly of an engine. The system includes a valve bridge having a base portion is disposed on a guide rod. The guide rod is received within a hole defined in the base portion of the valve bridge to define a chamber and to receive lubricant in the chamber. The valve bridge includes an arm that is engaged with a valve stem. The valve bridge includes a passage in fluidly communicating with the chamber and an end of the arm. The system includes a valve disposed around the valve stem and valve stem guide. The valve seal includes a lip member that abuts an outer surface of the valve stem to control a flow of the lubricant from the passage to a gap defined between the valve stem and the valve stem guide. |
| US09879574B2 |
Valve opening and closing timing control apparatus
A valve opening and closing timing control apparatus includes a torsion coil spring provided at an accommodation chamber which is defined by a front member provided at a drive-side rotational member and a tubular void provided at a driven-side rotational member, the torsion coil spring engaging with the front member and the driven-side rotational member to bias the driven-side rotational member in an advanced or a retarded angle direction relative to the driven-side rotational member and an oil reservoir portion defined by an outer surface of the torsion coil spring facing the driven-side rotational member and at least one recess portion provided at the driven-side rotational member, the recess portion being provided in a radially outer direction from a position at a radially outer side than an inner diameter of the torsion coil spring and at a radially inner side than an outer diameter of the torsion coil spring. |
| US09879569B2 |
Method for operating a waste heat utilization device
A method and a device for operating a waste heat utilization device for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The waste heat utilization device contains a waste heat utilization circuit in which a working medium circulates. A conveyor, an evaporator, an expansion machine, and a condenser are disposed in the waste heat utilization circuit. A basic adjustment of the waste heat utilization circuit is provided, which as a function of a heat input into the working medium adjusts the mass flow rate at the conveyor and/or the ratio between high pressure and low pressure at the expansion machine. In addition, a pilot control is provided which recognizes a change of the operating point of the internal combustion engine and, when the operating point is changed, controls the condensation output of the condenser in accordance with a mass distribution of the working medium in the waste heat utilization circuit optimized to the new operating point. |
| US09879568B2 |
Method for energy saving
Method for coupling a first heat-requiring industrial process to a second cold-requiring industrial process, whereby a first circuit for energy recovery (1) from the first industrial process transfers heat to a second circuit for cold production (2) for the second industrial process, wherein the first circuit for energy recovery (1) the energy carrier is a binary mixture of water and ammonia that has two-phases and is compressed by a compressor (7) specifically suitable for compressing a two-phase fluid such as a compressor with a Lysholm rotor or equipped with vanes, whereby all or part of the liquid phase evaporates as a result of compression such that overheating does not occur and such that less working energy must be supplied. |
| US09879565B2 |
Enclosed jacking insert
A case assembly is provided. The case assembly comprises a first flange and a spot face in the first flange. The spot face has a D-shaped perimeter. A jacking insert is disposed in the spot face and has a D-shaped geometry. A threaded cylinder extends from the jacking insert into the first flange. A jacking insert is also provided. The jacking insert comprises a flat portion having a D-shaped geometry and a cylindrical portion having an internal thread configured to interface with a bolt. |
| US09879561B2 |
Turbomachine comprising a plurality of fixed radial blades mounted upstream of the fan
A bypass turbine engine including: an inner casing, an inter-duct casing and an outer casing so as to define a primary duct between the inter-duct casing and the inner casing, and a secondary duct between the inter-duct casing and the outer casing; a rotary shaft including, at an upstream end, a movable fan with radial blades of which the free ends face the outer casing to compress an air flow at least in the secondary duct; a plurality of variable-pitch radial stator vanes mounted upstream of the movable fan so as to deflect the incident axial air prior to it being axially rectified by the movable fan in the secondary duct; and a system for individually adjusting the pitch of the radial vanes including a single control ring and rods for connecting the control ring to each of said radial vanes, is provided. |
| US09879557B2 |
Inner stage turbine seal for gas turbine engine
A turbine section of a gas turbine engine includes a seal that extends between a vane platform and a Blade Outer Air Seal. |
| US09879555B2 |
Turbine combustion system transition seals
Respective seals (54, 78) for the upper and lower spans (48A, 48B) of an exit frame (48) of a turbine combustion system transition piece (28). Each seal has a first strip (55, 79) and a second strip (66, 88) of a sealing material. The two strips of each seal are attached together along a common edge. The second strip is flexible, generally parallel to the first strip, and has a bead (72, 90) along its free edge. This forms a spring clamp that clamps a rail (68, 86) of the exit frame between the bead and the first strip of each seal. A tab extends axially aft from the first strip of each seal for insertion into a circumferential slot (58, 82) in a turbine inlet support structure (52, 76), thus sealing the transition piece (46) to the turbine inlet for efficient turbine operation. |
| US09879554B2 |
Crimped insert for improved turbine vane internal cooling
An insert tube of a turbine vane is disclosed. The insert tube includes a pressure side wall, a suction side wall opposite and spaced apart from the pressure side wall, a leading edge, and a trailing edge opposite the leading edge. The insert tube includes a plurality of cooling channels spaced along the pressure side wall. The insert tube includes an indented portion located between the trailing edge and the pressure side wall. |
| US09879553B2 |
Fixed blade assembly usable in exhaust pump, and exhaust pump provided with same
Provided are a stator blade assembly advantageous for improving the evacuation performance by shortening the evacuation time, and an exhaust pump provided with such a stator blade assembly. Inner and outer stator blade bases of a plurality of stator blades are supported by frames. A projecting portion protruding from the frame supporting the inner stator blade base, or from the frame supporting the outer stator blade base, or from both of the frames is provided in a gap in the vicinity of the inner or outer stator blade base between one of the supported stator blades and the stator blade transversely adjacent thereto. |
| US09879549B2 |
Aircraft engine annular shroud comprising an opening for the insertion of blades
An aircraft engine annular shroud includes, on its internal surface, a peripheral annular groove able to accept a plurality of blade roots; an insertion opening for inserting the blade roots into the annular groove; and a closure device for closing off the insertion opening. |
| US09879541B2 |
Rotor blade with a segmented supporting structure and method for manufacturing the rotor blade
A rotor blade with a supporting structure, wherein the rotor blade has a rotor blade base section and a rotor blade tip section, is provided. The supporting structure includes a first supporting segment for supporting the rotor blade base section and at least a second supporting segment for supporting the rotor blade tip section. Furthermore, the supporting structure includes the first supporting segment and the second supporting segment along the rotor blade longitudinal direction. The first supporting segment is joined to the second supporting segment in a supporting structure transition section, wherein the supporting structure transition section is located in between the rotor blade base section and the rotor blade tip section. Finally, the first supporting segment and/or the second supporting segment include a fiber material. A method for manufacturing the rotor blade is also provided. |
| US09879537B2 |
Gas turbine engine axial compressor rear hub
A gas turbine engine includes an axial high pressure compressor includes a rear hub disposed aft of an aft rotor segment. The rear hub includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a sealing face, wherein the sealing face is sealingly engaged with the aft rotor segment, and in fluid communication with the cooling channel. The cooling channels are configured to delivery air to contact the inner surface of the rear hub. |
| US09879535B2 |
Laser net shape manufactured component using an adaptive toolpath deposition method
A laser net shape manufactured BLISK, compressor blade, turbine blade or turbine component including a plurality of overlapping predetermined variable bead widths of a material defining a first material layer, a plurality of overlapping predetermined variable bead widths of a material deposited on top of the first material layer, forming a second material layer; and additional material layers deposited on top of the first material layer and the second material layer. The variable bead width of the deposited material is controlled to maintain the approximately constant percent of bead width overlap. A first 2 to 100 deposited powder layers are deposited by a first laser power and the remaining powder layers are deposited by a laser power that is ramped down over the course of depositing the remaining powder layers. In addition, disclosed is A BLISK, compressor blade, turbine blade or turbine component formed by a method. |
| US09879534B2 |
Rotary piston and cylinder devices
A transmission assembly for a rotary piston and cylinder device, comprising a first gear (120) and a gear sub-assembly (15, 16, 17, 18, 19), the first gear connectable to a rotatably mounted shutter (12) of the device, and the first gear extending from a side of the shutter, and the first gear connected to the gear sub-assembly which converts rotation to an axis of rotation different to that of the shutter. |
| US09879533B2 |
Spring return apparatus for an axial piston machine of swash plate design for elastically prestressing sliding pads against the swash plate, and axial piston machine having a spring return apparatus of this type
A spring return apparatus for elastically prestressing sliding pads against a sliding bearing face of an axial piston machine. The sliding pads are positioned on working pistons mounted axially movably in cylinders of a cylinder barrel that drives a drive shaft including a spring plate and a supporting plate. The spring plate includes a ring region surrounding a central opening, and levers extending radially from the ring region. The levers are arranged spaced apart or distributed uniformly in the circumferential direction, and are elastically flexible and/or elastically pivotable in the axial direction. Every two adjacent levers delimit a receiving region for receiving a tapered section of a working piston or a sliding pad. The supporting plate has a circular ring-shaped supporting region configured to support radially outer end sections of the levers if the supporting plate is arranged concentrically with respect to and axially adjacently to the spring plate. |
| US09879530B2 |
Method and system of selecting hydrocarbon wells for well testing
Selecting hydrocarbon wells for well testing. The selecting may include identifying hydrocarbon wells whose last well test took place prior to a predetermined date; identifying hydrocarbon wells with a parameter that exceeds a predetermined threshold; and selecting a predetermined number of hydrocarbon wells from the wells identified. |
| US09879529B2 |
Apparatus for generating pulses in fluid during drilling of wellbores
In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a drilling assembly is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a flow control device that further includes: a fluid flow path having an inlet and an outlet; an electromagnetic circuit that includes a closing member made from a soft magnetic or magnetic material as a part of the electromagnetic circuit, wherein the closing member moves from a first open position to a second closed position to close the fluid flow path to produce a pressure pulse in a fluid flowing through the fluid flow path when the electromagnetic circuit is formed. |
| US09879528B2 |
Solenoid actuator for mud pulse telemetry
An actuator for a mud pulse telemetry tool. The actuator includes a solenoid-based servo valve with a coil shaft responsive to data transmitted by a data processor. The coil shaft is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. Movement of the coil shaft to the extended position moves a poppet to close a servo orifice thereby preventing mud flow to a main mud pulse valve of the mud pulse telemetry tool. Movement of the coil shaft to the retracted position moves the poppet to open the servo orifice thereby allowing mud flow to actuate the main mud pulse valve. The poppet is connected to a poppet shaft and the poppet shaft cooperates with the coil shaft in a slide hammer mechanism to amplify force provided by the coil shaft against the poppet shaft with linear movement of the coil shaft to the extended position and to the retracted position. |
| US09879522B2 |
Determining minimum miscibility pressure of an oil compositon with a fluid
Various embodiments disclosed relate to methods and apparatuses for determining a minimum miscibility pressure of a fluid with and oil composition. In various embodiments, the method can include placing a fluid into a pressure chamber at a first pressure. The pressure chamber can include at least one capillary tube having one end disposed in an oil composition in the pressure chamber. The fluid can include at least one of a gas, a liquid, and a supercritical fluid. The method can include measuring a height of the oil composition in at least one of the capillary tubes. The method can include repeating the measuring for at least one cycle using a second pressure different than the first pressure. The method can include determining the minimum miscibility pressure of the oil composition with the fluid by extrapolating from the two or more measurements. |
| US09879521B2 |
Well ranging apparatus, systems, and methods
Disclosed embodiments include well ranging apparatus, systems, and methods which operate to measure electromagnetic field strength components associated with an electromagnetic field originating at a first well, via direct transmission or backscatter transmission, using at least one ranging electromagnetic field strength sensor attached to a housing, to provide ranging measurements. Further activities may include obtaining distorting field strength measurements using one or more reference electromagnetic field strength sensors, which may form or be attached in a closed loop path around the housing; and determining an approximate range between the first well and a second well in which the ranging electromagnetic field strength sensors are disposed, based on the ranging measurements and the distorting field strength measurements. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US09879516B2 |
Multi-well solution mining exploitation of an evaporite mineral stratum
A method for in situ solution mining of a mineral from an underground evaporite stratum using a set of wells in fluid communication with at least one mineral cavity with some wells operated in solvent injection mode and other wells operated in brine production mode and optionally with some inactive wells, comprising switching the operation mode of one or more wells. The evaporite mineral preferably comprises trona. The at least one cavity may be formed by directionally drilled uncased boreholes or by lithological displacement of the evaporite stratum at a weak interface with an underlying insoluble stratum by application of a lifting hydraulic pressure to create an interfacial gap. The extracted brine can be processed to make valuable products such as soda ash and/or any derivatives thereof. This method can provide more uniform dissolution of mineral in the cavity, minimize flow channeling, minimize sodium bicarbonate blinding for solution mining of incongruent trona ore, and/or may avoid uneven deposit of insolubles. |
| US09879514B2 |
Hydraulic fracturing system and method
A hydraulic fracturing system and method for enhancing effective permeability of earth formations to increase hydrocarbon production, enhance operation efficiency by reducing fluid entry friction due to tortuosity and perforation, and to open perforations that are either unopened or not effective using traditional techniques, by varying a pump rate and/or a flow rate to a wellbore. |
| US09879512B2 |
Additives for improving hydrocarbon recovery
Processes for recovering hydrocarbons from subterranean formations are disclosed. The hydrocarbon can be contacted with water or steam and one or more additives, and subsequently recovered. The hydrocarbon can be selected from the group consisting of heavy or light crude oil, bitumen, an oil sand ore, a tar sand ore and combinations thereof. The additive can be, for example, a fluorinated hydrocarbon, one or more alcohols, combinations of alcohols, and combinations of one or more alcohols and one or more fluorinated hydrocarbons. Compositions or mixtures including hydrocarbons, water or steam, and additives are also disclosed. |
| US09879510B2 |
Pump and control system for distributing fluid
A pump and control system for distributing a fluid from a source location to one or more remote locations. At least one of the remote locations can be at an elevation higher than that of the source location. The system may have a power source, a controller, and one or more fluid storage vessels. The system also may have a distribution piping and one or more monitoring devices to sense fluid pressure corresponding to fluid fill levels in the one or more fluid storage vessels. The system additionally can have a pump that automatically provides fluid to the one or more fluid storage vessels at the remote locations through the distribution piping. |
| US09879509B2 |
Gas lift nozzle valve
The present invention relates to the design of a nozzle valve (GL) for gas lifting that can be used in place of conventional orifice valves (VO).The gas lift nozzle valve (GL) according to the present invention has a body (1) with admission orifices (2), and, immediately below these, a slight recess (3) in the internal diameter of the body where a convergent nozzle (4) is fitted to regulate the gas flow passing through the inside of the nozzle valve (GL) towards the outlet (5) of the latter. |
| US09879508B2 |
Wireline assisted coiled tubing portion and method for operation of such a coiled tubing portion
A wireline-assisted coiled-tubing portion is arranged to be lowered into a well in a ground. The wireline-assisted coiled-tubing portion comprises a coiled-tubing portion, the coiled-tubing portion in its entirety being arranged to be lowered into the well; and a wire which is attached to an, in the position of application, upper portion of the coiled-tubing portion, the wire extending from the coiled-tubing portion to the opening of the well at a surface, and the wire being arranged to transmit electrical energy and electrical signals. The coiled tubing portion, in its upper portion, is provided with an upper activatable sealing element arranged to seal an annulus between the coiled-tubing portion and the well; in its upper portion, is provided with at least one opening connecting the interior of the coiled-tubing portion to the surroundings of the coiled-tubing portion; in a lower portion, is provided with an activatable sealing element arranged to seal an annulus between the coiled-tubing portion and the well, the sealing element creating a lower zone below the sealing element; and in its lower portion, is provided with a tool allowing fluid flow-through so that the lower zone may be in fluid communication with the annulus through the tool, the interior of the coiled-tubing portion and the opening. A method for the controlled conveyance of a fluid in a well, and a use of a coiled-tubing portion are described as well. |
| US09879507B2 |
Adaptive stimulation system
Adaptive stimulation systems combine impulse-generated swept-frequency stimulation vibration with cyclically-varying hydraulic pressure to provide adaptive down-hole stimulation. Swept-frequency stimulation vibration arises from cyclical shifts of the power spectral density (PSD) of each stimulator's fluid interface vibration (via closed-loop control of the rebound cycle time and/or the fluid interface's effective elastic modulus). PSD's are adjusted for resonance excitation and fracturing of geologic materials at varying distances from a wellbore, closed-loop control incorporating backscatter vibration from stimulated geologic material. One or more stimulators generate vibration in bursts comprising a plurality of vibration frequencies. Timed signals from a programmable controller affect directional propagation of combined vibration wave fronts from a stimulator array. As fracturing proceeds to smaller (e.g., proppant-sized) fragments having higher resonant frequencies, PSD's are up-shifted, increasing relative stimulation vibration power in higher frequencies. Progressive stimulation is thereby optimized, facilitating plain-water (or liquefied propane) fracs with self-generated proppant. |
| US09879506B2 |
Transverse flow downhole power generator
An example well system includes a base pipe having an interior and defining one or more flow ports, the base pipe being positionable within a wellbore adjacent a subterranean formation. A flow path for a fluid extends between the interior of the base pipe, through the one or more flow ports, and to an exterior of the base pipe. A transverse turbine is positioned in the flow path, the transverse turbine including a rotor and a plurality of blades positioned to receive a flow of the fluid perpendicular to a rotational axis of the rotor. A generator includes one or more magnets rotatable with rotation of the transverse turbine and one or more coil windings mounted on a stator. The flow of the fluid rotates the transverse turbine and rotation of the transverse turbine generates electrical power in the generator. |
| US09879500B2 |
Well treatment method by disintegrating elastic material by contacting seal member for downhole tools comprising elastic material with well treatment fluid
A well treatment method characterized by disintegrating an elastic material by contacting a seal member for downhole tools comprising the elastic material with a well treatment fluid (acids such as hydrochloric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, and hydrofluoric acid, alkalis, hot water, steam, organic solvents, and the like). |
| US09879498B2 |
Shear block design for blowout preventer
Present embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a blowout preventer having a ram unit designed to shear wellbore tubulars with a range of diameters. The ram unit may include a first shear block having a first blade profile, and a second shear block having a second blade profile. The blade profiles may each feature an angled portion for contacting the wellbore tubular. The angled portion of the first blade profile may be a different size (e.g., width dimension) than the angled portion of the second blade profile. This may enable the larger angled portion to support a smaller tubular while contact points on the smaller angled portion apply a force for shearing the tubular. With larger tubulars, an initial edge of the blade profile with the smaller angled portion may support the tubular while contact points on the larger angled portion apply a force for shearing the tubular. |
| US09879489B2 |
Floating gas trap system using agitation
A gas trap system for releasing gas-phase fluids is provided herein. The gas trap system is designed to reside within a return fluids tank, such as at a drill site. The gas trap system first includes a gas trap. The gas trap is configured to agitate drilling fluids in the return tank, and then to release gases during agitation. Liquids are circulated and released through a liquids exhaust port while gases are released through a gas exhaust port near the top of the gas trap. The gas trap system is configured to float along vertical guide rods in response to changes in height, weight and viscosity of the drilling fluids in the return tank. A method of capturing gaseous phase fluids from a fluid return is also provided herein. The fluid return is preferably drilling fluids at a drill site. |
| US09879486B2 |
Portable pipe handling system
A portable pipe handling apparatus and method includes providing a support structure adapted to support a pipe stand along a pipe stand building axis associated therewith, and inclining the pipe stand building axis so that an upper end of the axis is adjacent a top drive in a drilling rig mast and so that the pipe stand translation trajectory which is substantially co-axial with the pipe stand building axis intersects a hand-off window between the top drive and the pipe stand building axis. |
| US09879482B2 |
Expandable diameter drill bit
An expandable diameter drill bit includes a cutting blade having receiving and contacting ends, the receiving end having a pivot shaft and the contacting end having a tip. A drill bit includes a drill head body having an upper attachment portion and a lower body portion, the lower body portion defining a blade opening for receiving the receiving end of the cutting blade and a bolt receiving hole on opposing sides transverse the blade opening. The drill bit includes a torsion spring, a first blade leg, and a second body leg. The blade bolt passes through the bolt receiving holes and the pivot shaft and secured with a set screw. The first blade leg is coupled to the cutting blade with a spring retainer bolt, the second body leg is coupled to the drill head body, and the torsion spring biases the blade outwardly from the drill head body. |
| US09879481B2 |
Adjustable base extender for a ladder
A base extending mechanism is provided for a ladder in the form of pivotable lower leg sections which can be independently rotated outwards to provide a wider ladder base. This extension of the ladder base is complementary to and supported by a compatible ladder levelling mechanism. |
| US09879477B2 |
Light blocking element for a covering for an architectural opening
A light blocking element is movably coupled to and recessed into one of a first rail and a movable rail, and, when the movable rail moves to a position closest to the first rail, the light-blocking element enters into a recess in the other of said first rail and said movable rail and thereby is recessed into both said first rail and said movable rail. |
| US09879476B2 |
Cordless curtain
A cordless curtain includes a stretchable component, a movable guide-line sliding assembly, a guide-line fixing seat assembly and a traction cord. One end of the stretchable component is fixed, and another end of the stretchable component is connected to the guide-line sliding assembly; the position of the guide-line fixing seat assembly is fixed and the guide-line fixing seat assembly is connected to the guide-line sliding assembly via the traction cord. |
| US09879473B1 |
Storm shield for bathing structure
A storm shield apparatus for protecting persons, animals, or property within a bathing structure includes a retractable shield that is selectively moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The shield is moveable along first and second tracks. In some embodiments, the first and second tracks are disposed on the bathing structure, and the shield includes a plurality of nesting arcuate shield sections. In other embodiments, the tracks are positioned on opposing longitudinal end walls proximate the bathing structure, and the shield rolls over the bathing structure along the tracks. A trough with multiple panels may be positioned under the bathing structure to provide an additional barrier to prevent flying debris from penetrating the bathing structure from its sides, longitudinal ends or bottom. The trough mates with the shield in some embodiments to form a protective enclosure. |
| US09879468B2 |
Security display case
The present invention is a security display case comprising: an enclosure having a plurality of sidewalls defining a safe portion, one of the sidewalls having an opening formed therein; at least a pair of panels hingedly attached over the opening of the enclosure, at least one first locking mechanism disposed on a first panel of the at least a pair of panels and a second locking mechanism disposed on a second panel of the at least a pair of panels; a display housing moveable in and out of the safe portion of the enclosure; at least one locking assembly mounted within the enclosure to facilitate locking and unlocking the display housing within the enclosure; and a control system for operating the movement of the display housing and the locking assembly. |
| US09879467B2 |
Secure access mirror
A discreet mirrored cabinet is disclosed. Items can be secured inside by a locking mechanism, and security is enhanced by concealing the locked cabinet behind a mirror. The cabinet may include additional features such as an automated camera for capturing images when items are added or removed from the cabinet, and electric power can be provided to, for example, charge electronic device while they are securely stored in the locked cabinet. |
| US09879464B2 |
Automated window closure system
An automated window closure system for a vehicle and an associated method are provided. The automated window closure system includes a multi-action switch that is electrically connected to a window controller. The multi-action switch has a deactivated state, a first activated state, and second activated state. In operation, the window controller receives information including a window open indicator and a window closed indicator. The window controller initiates a window opening routine when the multi-action switch is in the first activated position. The window controller initiates a window closing routine when the multi-action switch is in the second activated position and the window open indicator is received. Finally, the window controller initiates a window vent routine when the multi-action switch is placed in the second activated state and the window closed indicator is received. |
| US09879461B2 |
Partition and closing system for partition
A partition door system includes a partition door, a stile, and a closing mechanism coupling the partition door to the stile, such that the closing mechanism provides a force for closing the door relative to the stile. A first magnet is at the partition door proximate the stile, and a second magnet is at the stile proximate the door. A partition door including a magnet, a stile including a magnet and a method of operating the same are also provided. |
| US09879455B2 |
Slip resistant glass hinge system
A slip resistant hinge system for doors and, in particular, frameless glass doors, is provided. The hinge includes a dovetail-shaped central raised portion that minimizes or prevents the possibility of the glass slipping when secured to the hinge. The dovetail-shaped central raised portion can be designed as part of the hinge or can be created by inserts positioned around the central raised portion of the hinge. In operation, a corresponding dovetail-shaped opening is cut into the door for receiving the hinge. |
| US09879451B2 |
Handle device having a mechanical return mechanism
The invention relates to a handle device (10) for a lock unit (12) for a movable door (11) or the like on a vehicle, comprising a handle part (51) which is movably mounted relative to a door (11) of the vehicle and which can be displaced between a rest position (Ia) and an operating position (Ib,c), the handle part (51) being flush with the exterior of the door (11.5) in the rest position (IA) and projecting from the exterior of the door (11.5) in the operating position (Ib,c). The handle part (51) can be actuated to open the door (10) when in the operating position (Ib,c). An actuating unit (33) is used to transfer the handle part (51) at least from the rest position (Ia) to a first operating position (IB). According to the invention, the actuating unit (33) is pivotably mounted. |
| US09879442B2 |
Drilling rig column racker and methods of erecting same
Methods for erecting a drilling structure on a drilling rig include hoisting a first end of a column racker with a support carried by a mast on the drilling rig while the column racker is in a first position, and advancing a second end of a column racker along a solid surface toward the mast while simultaneously hoisting the first end of the column racker to move the column racker toward a second position that is closer to vertical than the first position. Other methods include raising a first end of a column racker with a ground-based, powered lift structure, and introducing the first end of the column racker to the rig floor while supporting the weight of the column racker with the ground-based, powered lift structure. |
| US09879441B2 |
Modular monopole tower foundation
A portable and modular foundation that can be utilized to support a monopole includes a central hub and a plurality of legs. A proximal end of each leg is removably attached to the central hub. A plurality of floor panels extends from proximate the hub to a perimeter of the foundation and define a substantially uninterrupted floor. With the plurality of floor panels attached to the legs, the foundation can optionally be buried where the soil or other material is positioned on top of the floor panels to provide the necessary ballast to allow the foundation to retain a monopole with a piece of equipment in an elevated position. Alternatively, if the foundation is to be utilized above ground, a plurality of wall panels can be attached to the floor panels and the legs with braces to retain the wall panels in a substantially vertical position. The plurality of wall panels forms a substantially continuous wall about a perimeter of foundation such that ballast can be placed therein. |
| US09879440B2 |
Fiber reinforced resin polymer mortar pole
Poles of this invention have an annular body with a wall structure comprising a number of fiber reinforced resin layers, which can be positioned to form an inside and/or outside portion of the wall structure. A portion of the layers are oriented longitudinally within the wall structure, and the wall structure also includes radially-oriented fiber reinforced resin layers. The pole includes one or more layers or a core of a composite material or polymer mortar disposed within one or more locations of the wall structure, e.g., as an intermediate layer and/or as part of the wall inside and/or outside portion. The pole can include an outside surface resistant to ultra violet radiation. Poles of this invention can be formed using a continuous process on a rotating mandrel, making use of differently positioned stations to form the different portions of the pole as the fabrication is moved axially along the mandrel. |
| US09879434B2 |
Flooring module
A flooring module (100) for forming a temporary access floor comprises a base component (1) defining a cruciform channel formation (3, 4) for receiving cabling or the like. The channels (3, 4) have a floor (1A) defined by the base component and a removable channel cover (2). The channel cover (2) comprises one or more channel cover components for covering the channel formation, such that the channel formation and channel cover may combine to provide a closed channel for the cabling or the like. Removal of the cover (2) allows access to the channel formation from above, in use. The sides of the base component (1) define module connector clips (20, 21) for engaging with corresponding module connector clips on adjacent modules to lock the modules together in an array. The base component (1) defines retaining formations (13, 14) for engaging with and retaining the channel cover components over the channel formation. The channel cover (2) engages against one or more of the module connector clips (20, 21) when in the clips are in the closed position so as to limit deflection of the module connector clips (20, 21) and thus prevent disengagement of the module clips from the module clips of an adjacent flooring module in an array of flooring modules. The sides of the module preferably also include a plurality of levelling clips (41, 42) which define upward and downward facing engagement faces to prevent vertical misalignment of the modules. |
| US09879429B2 |
Inside corner piece for rain gutters and method of manufacture
An inside corner piece for a rainwater gutter system having an angled front wall extending at a 45 degree angle to increase the amount of water able to be collected by the corner piece, with each end of a main section of the front wall having an angled out wing section slidably receiving an end of one of the straight gutter sections. The manufacturing method minimizes scrap by the shape of a blank used to form the corner piece. |
| US09879427B2 |
Modified permanent cap
A permanent stressed end cap for a post tensioned concrete member includes a grout retention feature adapted to retain a filler material within a void formed by a pocket former. The grout retention feature may be a generally knob or mushroom shaped, hex-headed, or square body extending from the cap. The grout retention feature may include one or more protrusions extending from the exterior of the cap. The grout retention feature may include one or more surface textures on the exterior of the cap. |
| US09879421B2 |
Fire-resistant angle and related assemblies
A fire-resistance angle piece and related assemblies include at least one multi-layer portion, which can provide an insulation space and/or a sacrificial layer of the angle piece. The angle piece can comprise vent openings to a space between adjacent layers of the angle piece. In some configurations, adjacent layers of the angle piece can be sealed to one another, such as along an edge portion that can be opposite the vent openings (if present) and/or a fold of the angle piece or other closed end that creates adjacent layers. Intumescent may or may not be included on the angle piece. |
| US09879419B2 |
Jam assembly for use in association with an insulation system for buildings
A method of installing an insulation system proximate a jamb having steps of: providing a stud member adjacent an opening in a wall; providing and positioning an angle jamb member having a front panel portion and a side panel portion; extending a fastener through the angle jamb and into the stud member; providing a plurality of spaced apart bracket members; positioning and attaching the bracket members in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the stud member; and positioning each of a plurality of insulation panels between adjacently positioned and spaced apart bracket members. |
| US09879418B2 |
Wall element, wall section comprising said wall element and a method for building said wall section
The present invention relates to a wall element comprising an upper element extending along an upper edge, a lower element extending along a lower edge, a first and second side element each comprising a substantially rectangular cross section, the first side element extending along a first side between the upper and lower element, the second side element extending along a second side between the upper and lower element and a substantially rectangular board arranged on an outer side and attached to said the upper element, lower element and first side element. The upper and lower element comprise a first edge coinciding with the first side and a second edge coinciding with the second side, wherein the first and second edge are arranged in an angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the outer side, and the first and second side elements extending parallel to the plane, perpendicular to the board and having a total extension in the plane corresponding to the extension of the upper and lower element in the plane, wherein the first side element bears against the board and the second side element extends from the inside of the wall element. The invention further relates to a wall section comprising the wall element and a method for building the wall section. |
| US09879417B2 |
Rigidity-controllable seismic-isolation support utilizing gravitational negative rigidity
A stiffness-controllable earthquake-isolation support using negative gravity stiffness, which comprises an upper plate connected to an upper structure, a lower plate connected to a base structure at the bottom, K supporting columns arranged longitudinally between the upper and lower plates, with the supporting columns respectively connected with the upper and lower plates through a ball hinge, and L elastic connecting plates arranged laterally between the supporting columns, wherein K≧3, L≧N×K and N≧1. The earthquake-isolation support, the supporting column and the ball hinges at both ends of the supporting column form, under the action of gravity of the upper structure, the negative gravity stiffness that causes the upper structure to deviate from the equilibrium position, and the frame structure restores the upper structure to the equilibrium position, with the stiffness of the earthquake-isolation support adjustable. |
| US09879415B2 |
Resilient bearing
A resilient bearing to be positioned between a first structure and a second structure including a central connection point for connecting the resilient bearing to the first structure and a plurality of limbs extending outwardly from the central connection point to distal connection points.The resilient bearing may be formed from a single piece of elastic material adapted to dampen forces due to environmental events. A functional property of the elastic material may vary along at least some of the plurality of limbs. The angle between each of at least some of the plurality of limbs and the second structure may be between 20 and 70 degrees. |
| US09879413B2 |
Modular structural system
The invention relates to a modular structural system obtained from the combination, in sliding engagement form, of generically elongated elements A, B, C, D having sections whose perimeter is provided with protrusions and recesses which, in the spatial development of the elements A, B, C, D, form sliding channels or tracks for mutual sliding of the elements which form the structural system. The structural system may also be provided with node elements C shaped so as to have two parallel opposite surfaces, one of which is provided with sliding channels or tracks for mutual male/female engagement in corresponding sliding channels or tracks and the other surface of which is provided with a permanent or releasable connection with other elements A, B, C, D at a connection angle of 0 |
| US09879412B2 |
Pin joint type structural member made of double steel pipe for restraining buckling thereof
A pin joint type structural member, made of double steel pipe consisting of a main pipe and a stiffening pipe, restrains buckling so as to be stable under axial compressive force. A clearance between the stiffening pipe 2 and the reinforcing member is determined so that a ratio (Pc2/Pc2) of the reinforcing member contact force with the stiffening pipe inner surface at the end 4b of a counter-clevis side, to the reinforcing member contact force with the stiffening pipe inner surface at the end 4a of the clevis side may be 0.40 to 0.65 when the reinforcing member 4 inclines to the main pipe 1 due to the axial force acting on the main pipe 1. In addition, a length Lin that the stiffening pipe 2 overlaps with the reinforcing member 4 is at least 1.1 times as large as the reinforcing member outer diameter at the overlapping portion. |
| US09879410B2 |
Cold bathing water to toilet diverting apparatus
A cold bathing water to toilet diverting apparatus includes a diverter that is configured to be fluidly couplable to a bathing water conduit. The diverter is positionable between a shut off valve and a spout each fluidly coupled to the bathing water conduit. An outlet conduit is fluidly coupled to the diverter. The diverter diverts water from the bathing water conduit and into the outlet conduit when the diverter detects water in the diverter having a temperature less than a threshold temperature. A storage tank is fluidly coupled to the outlet conduit to receive water from the diverter. An auxiliary conduit is fluidly coupled to the storage tank and is configured to be fluidly coupled to a toilet's water tank to allow the storage tank to supply water to the water tank through the auxiliary conduit. |
| US09879408B2 |
Device for changing the jet shape of free-flowing products
A device for changing the jet shape of free-flowing products, in particular of foodstuffs, including: an inflow area for the free-flowing products to enter, an outflow area for the free-flowing products to exit, and several channels through which to pass the free-flowing products. Each channel has an inlet allocated to the inflow area and an outlet allocated to the outflow area. Each inlet of a channel has a first cross sectional area. Each outlet of a channel has a second cross sectional area. In order to make it easy to adjust the shape and velocity profile of the filling jet, it is proposed that the second cross sectional area of at least one channel be larger than the first cross sectional area of this channel. |
| US09879402B2 |
Disconnectable method and system for seafloor mining
A system for seafloor mining comprising a vertical riser anchored to the seafloor; a mining machine to deliver seafloor ore to the vertical riser; a lifting system to pass the ore through the vertical riser; and a transport vessel removably connected to the vertical riser to receive ore from the vertical riser. |
| US09879399B2 |
Attachment system on a geotechnical anchor and reinforcing assembly using such an attachment
A reinforcing assembly for a building construction built in front of a foundation, the reinforcing assembly comprising a geotechnical anchor anchored into the foundation with a threaded end portion projecting out of the foundation, a draw nut attachment element screwed onto the end portion of the anchor, one or two clevises mounted on the end of the anchor behind the draw nut, the clevis comprising first and second eyes each having a hole traversed by the anchor, the two eyes being connected to each other by a body with a generally curved shape, a reinforcement passing through the recess delimited by the curved body of the clevis and the anchor, configured to be linked directly or indirectly to the facing of the construction erected in front of the existing foundation. |
| US09879389B1 |
Powered roller screed with adjustable handle for wet screed attachment
A cement screeding system in the form of a powered roller screed with a wet screed attachment. The wet screed attachment includes a wet screed shoe. A handle is rotationally isolated from the screed roller and is rigidly coupled to this wet screed shoe. As such, motion of this handle is transmitted to the wet screed shoe in a replicating fashion. |
| US09879385B2 |
Apparatus and related methods of paving a subsurface
Disclosed may be an intermediate surface for supporting a small paver, wherein the surface can also be used to exchange heat with the pavers. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be a tray defined by a frame with a lattice for supporting pavers. The tray preferably features a tubing track throughout the lattice to accommodate heat exchange tubing. In operation the tray may be positioned above a pedestal or directly on a subsurface. In embodiment, the tray may be outfitted with insulation and a metal plate so that heat may be exchanged with pedestals via fluid passing through tubing installed throughout the lattice. In a preferred embodiment, the tray features a slot in its corners for receiving a locking disk or locking slider. |
| US09879382B2 |
Multi-ply bath tissue with temporary wet strength resin and/or a particular lignin content
A multi-ply bath tissue includes cellulosic microfibers and wood pulp fibers. The bath tissue has sufficient temporary wet strength resin to provide an initial Finch Cup cross-machine direction (CD) wet tensile of from about 2.5 to about 20 g/3 in. per pound of basis weight, decaying to less than 65% of the initial value in less than 15 minutes after immersion of the tissue in water, and a caliper of at least 5 mils per 8 sheets per pound of basis weight. At least one of the plies includes a plurality of fiber-enriched hollow domed regions having a relatively high basis weight, a plurality of connecting regions having a relatively lower basis weight forming a network interconnecting the fiber-enriched hollow domed regions of the sheet, and a plurality of transition regions transitioning from the connecting regions into the fiber-enriched hollow domed regions. |
| US09879381B2 |
Preparation of polyvinylamide cellulose reactive adducts
The present disclosure is directed to a continuous process for preparing cellulose reactive adducts of polyvinylamide. |
| US09879380B2 |
Modified of improving dry strength and/or drainage of a paper or paperboard
A method of improving dry strength and/or drainage of a paper or paperboard by adding to a paper or paperboard furnish, a graft copolymer composition of a vinyl monomer and a functionalized vinylamine-containing base polymer graft copolymer. |
| US09879357B2 |
Methods and systems for thin film deposition processes
A system for depositing a film on a substrate comprises a lateral control shutter disposed between the substrate and a material source. The lateral control shutter is configured to block some predetermined portion of source material to prevent deposition of source material onto undesirable portion of the substrate. One of the lateral control shutter or the substrate moves with respect to the other to facilitate moving a lateral growth boundary originating from one or more seed crystals. A lateral epitaxial deposition across the substrate ensues, by having an advancing growth front that expands grain size and forms a single crystal film on the surface of the substrate. |
| US09879356B2 |
Method for delamination of ceramic hard material layers from steel and cemented carbide substrates
In order to improve a method for decoating of ceramic hard material layers from steel and cemented carbide substrates having a ceramic hard material layer on part of the surface thereof and to make it amenable to further applications, it is proposed that the workpieces (10) to be decoated be inserted—preferably with a part thereof without a ceramic hard material layer—into guard elements, preferably protective plugs, which fit in diameter and height, and be pressed into a holder (50), the holder with the workpieces (10) to be decoated be contacted with the plus pole of the current pulse driver, an either acidic or basic electrolytic bath be selected, the contacted holder be placed into the selected electrolytic bath (30), at least one electrode (20) be positioned at a predetermined distance from the holder and the latter be contacted with the negative pole of the power pulse generator (40), the decoating is performed by means of the current pulse driver, with endpoint detection being performed continuously or a control for decoating being conducted at time intervals. |
| US09879355B2 |
Method for anodizing parts made of an aluminum alloy
A method for anodizing a part made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy by immersing the part in an aqueous bath essentially comprising sulfuric acid at a concentration of 150 to 250 g/L and at a temperature of 5 to 25° C. A DC voltage according to a voltage profile comprising a voltage increased at a rate of 1 to 32 V/min is applied to the part. The voltage is maintained at a plateau voltage value of 12 to 20 V for a duration sufficient for obtaining, at the surface of the part, an anode layer having a thickness of 3 to 7 μm and/or a layer weight of 20 to 150 mg/dm2. |
| US09879351B2 |
Method for protecting components of a primary system of a boiling water reactor in particular from stress corrosion cracking
A method for protecting the components of the primary system of a boiling water reactor, especially against stress cracking corrosion, includes feeding a reducing agent into the primary coolant in order to reduce the number of substances having a oxidizing effect or in order to modify the electrochemical potential of the component surfaces covered with an oxide layer to negative values. An alcohol that can be oxidized in the conditions of a reactor is fed in as a reducing agent, preferably in a liquid form, into the primary coolant. The component surfaces are provided with a blank coating or a single intrinsic oxide coating. |
| US09879342B2 |
Lateral flow atomic layer deposition apparatus and atomic layer deposition method using the same
A lateral flow atomic layer deposition (ALD) apparatus has two gas inflow channels and two gas outflow channels that are connected to two gas outlets that are symmetrically formed based on a substrate in which a thin film is deposited, thereby differently guiding a flow direction of a gas flowing on the substrate. Therefore, uniformity of a deposited film is improved, compared with the conventional lateral flow ALD apparatus in which a supplied source gas and reaction gas constantly flow in only one direction on the substrate. |
| US09879332B2 |
Method of manufacturing high-strength steel sheet for a can
A method of manufacturing a high-strength steel sheet includes, on a mass percent basis, 0.03%-0.10% C, 0.01%-0.5% Si, 0.001%-0.100% P, 0.001%-0.020% S, 0.01%-0.10% Al, 0.005%-0.012% N, the balance being Fe and incidental impurities, and microstructures that do not contain a pearlite microstructure, wherein, when Mnf=Mn [% by mass]−1.71×S [% by mass], Mnf is 0.3 to 0.6, including: forming a slab by vertical-bending type continuous casting or bow type continuous casting, wherein surface temperature of a slab corner in a region where the slab undergoes bending deformation or unbending deformation is 800° C. or lower, or 900° C. or higher; forming a steel sheet by hot-rolling the slab followed by cold rolling; annealing the steel sheet after the cold rolling; and skinpass rolling at a draft of 3% or less after the annealing. |
| US09879329B2 |
Method for evaluation of viability of viruses with lymphotropism properties
Methods and techniques to increase the reliability of detecting virus infections, particularly lymphotropism, to eliminate false negative reactions in testing blood for the presence of lymphotropic viruses during enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and to better detect viruses with lymphotropism in biological materials having a concentration of virus particles lower than the sensitivity threshold of existing EIA and PCR methods, thereby making the techniques of the present invention more reliable. |
| US09879319B2 |
Modular nucleotide compositions and uses therefor
Nucleic acid compositions, methods of making and using such compositions that comprise modular functional groups that can be configured to provide desired functionality to different nucleotide types through a swappable and preferably non-covalent linkage component. Such compositions are useful in a variety of applications including nucleic acid analyses. |
| US09879317B2 |
Real-time PCR point mutation assays for detecting HIV-1 resistance to antiviral drugs
Disclosed are compositions including primers and probes, which are capable of interacting with the disclosed nucleic acids, such as the nucleic acids encoding the reverse transcriptase, protease, or integrase of HIV as disclosed herein. Thus, provided is an oligonucleotide comprising any one of the nucleotide sequences set for in SEQ ID NOS: 1-89, 96-122, and 124-141. Also provided are the oligonucleotides consisting of the nucleotides as set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 1-89, 96-122, and 124-141. Each of the disclosed oligonucleotides is a probe or a primer. Also provided are mixtures of primers and probes and for use in RT-PCR and primary PCR reactions disclosed herein. Provided are methods for the specific detection of several mutations in HIV simultaneously or sequentially. Mutations in the reverse transcriptase, protease, or integrase of HIV can be detected using the methods described herein. |
| US09879315B2 |
Direct, programmable detection of epigenetic DNA cytosine modifications using TAL effectors
Methods for the differentiation of a 5-hydroxymethyl modification of a cytosine residue of interest in a nucleic acid molecule from (i) a 5-methyl modification of the cytosine residue of interest or (ii) an unmodified cytosine residue of interest, the methods making use of the capability of transcription-activator-like effector (TALE) proteins to preferentially bind with strong affinity to nucleic acid sequences containing non-modified cytosine residues or 5-methyl modified cytosine residues, and to bind, if at all, with only strongly reduced affinity to nucleic acid sequences containing 5-hydroxymethyl modified cytosine residues. The present invention further relates to respective uses of TALE proteins for the differentiation of a 5-hydroxymethyl modification of a cytosine residue of interest in a nucleic acid molecule from (i) a 5-methyl modification of the cytosine residue of interest or (ii) the unmodified cytosine residue of interest. |
| US09879312B2 |
Selective enrichment of nucleic acids
Methods for the selective enrichment of nucleic acids. |
| US09879308B2 |
Apparatus for ex vivo microfluidic analysis of biologic samples
Systems and methods for culturing and monitoring, ex vivo, pharmacologic and metabolic response in a biological sample, including receiving at a fluidic apparatus the biological sample retrieved from the patient, retaining the biological sample within a channel of the fluidic apparatus, providing for the culture of the biological sample within the channel of the fluidic apparatus, flowing a fluid past the biological sample, retrieving and analyzing the fluid to determine a pharmacologic and/or metabolic response of the sample. |
| US09879303B2 |
Chromogenic glucuronidase substrates and uses
Chromogenic substrates for β-D-glucuronidase activity comprising monoglucuronides of some 1,2-dihydroxyaromatic derivatives. When cleaved these form soluble colored conjugates with multivalent metal ions such as iron ions. The substrates may be used in conjunction with chromogenic substrates for other enzymes in microbial detection and identification especially involving liquid media. Microbes can be grown in the presence of the substrates and the compounds providing the metal ion. The substrates are particularly useful for detecting β-D-glucuronidase-positive E. coli. Synthetic methods for making the compounds are described. |
| US09879302B2 |
Determining usability of analytical test strip
A system for determining usability of an analytical test strip includes a sample chamber to receive a fluid sample, a reagent in the sample chamber having a moisture-varying impedance, and two detection electrodes contacting the reagent. A test meter applies an AC waveform across the reagent via the detection electrodes while measuring an impedance of the reagent. A processor automatically determines whether the measured impedance of the reagent meets a dryness criterion. The meter includes a housing, a strip port connector, an impedance measurement circuit and the processor. A method for determining usability of a strip inserted in a hand held meter includes applying an AC waveform across a reagent of the strip and measuring a first electrical signal, and determining whether the strip meets the dryness criterion based on the first electrical signal. The test strip and ways of determining an analyte are also described. |
| US09879300B2 |
Method and array for identifying histone-code-related analytes
Disclosed embodiments concern an array for use in identifying or identifying and quantifying analytes in a sample using a macrocyclic sensor comprising a macrocyclic compound and a detectable moiety. The disclosed array may be used to discriminate among various analytes based on different features, such as post-translational modifications, isomeric post-translational modifications, and the peptide sequence around post-translational modifications. Also disclosed is a method for identifying analytes comprising a post-translational modification, as well as an enzymatic assay using the disclosed macrocyclic sensor. |
| US09879299B2 |
Method for monitoring and controlling cellular growth
The present disclosure is drawn to a device for monitoring and controlling live cells and associated methods. In an example, the device can include a plurality of elongated nanostructures affixed to a substrate. The elongated nanostructures can each have an attachment end and a free end opposite the attachment end. The free end includes a metal and the attachment end is affixed to the substrate. The device can further include a functionalization layer that is coated on the free end of at least a portion of the plurality of elongated nanostructures. The functionalization layer can be formulated to retain live cells, and the device can be configured to be used in conjunction with a detector, such as a Raman spectrometer, in order to monitor growth of live cells. |
| US09879287B2 |
Process for dry fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass
The process for the dry fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass of at least 50% by weight of lignins, cellulose and hemicelluloses. The biomass is fragmented to obtain an ultrafine powder. The process includes at least one step of separating a fraction enriched with cellulose and a fraction enriched with lignin, hemicelluloses and minerals by electrostatic sorting of the ultrafine particles. Preferably, the fraction separation step includes a step of triboelectrostatic charging of ultrafine particles and at least one step of deviating a path in the electric field of the charged particles to sort the particles. |
| US09879286B2 |
Method for the enzymatic production of isoprenol using mevalonate as a substrate
Described is a method for generating isoprenol through a biological process. More specifically, described is a method for producing isoprenol from mevalonate. |
| US09879285B2 |
Production of biogas from organic materials
Waste or organic material is compressed at a pressure sufficient to burst cells, for example 50 bar or more, and separated into a dry fraction and a wet fraction. The wet fraction is treated in an anaerobic digester to produce biogas after removing grit. The wet fraction is diluted, preferably with sludge, before it is degritted. Optionally, floatables are removed from the fraction before it is added to the digester. |
| US09879284B2 |
Method for obtaining natural extracts, oleoresins, condiments, colorants, flavoring substances and aromas from aromatic plant substances, alfalfa, flowers with pigments, and vegetables
A method for obtaining natural extracts, oleoresins, colorants flavors and aromas from aromatic plant substances, alfalfa, flowers with pigments, and vegetables, which includes washing the plant substances and vegetables, rinsing with water, milling and sifting the resulting product yielding a pulp phase and a cellulose phase. The pulp phase is transferred to fermentation tanks and a first centrifugation of the fermented pulp phase is then performed yielding two phases: phase (A) containing water, mineral salts and other water-soluble substances, with natural extracts, oleoresins, colorants, aromas and flavors and phase (B) in the form of a paste in which the moisture has been reduced to 50%, performing a second centrifugation of the mentioned phase (A), which causes the separation of natural extracts, oleoresins, colorants, aromas and flavors from the water and other water-soluble substances. |
| US09879274B2 |
Plant suitable for increasing production of phloem tissue and use of same
A method for producing a plant includes growing a plant from plant cells in which a promoter and a coding sequence under the control of the promoter have been artificially introduced; and selecting the plant in which an amount of phloem tissue is increased 2.0 times or more in comparison with a wild type plant of the same species. The promoter is a promoter for a gene encoding a protein having at least 60% identity with the amino acid sequence of tracheary element differentiation inhibitory factor (TDIF) receptor (TDR) of Arabidopsis thaliana. The coding sequence encodes either (i) a protein having three common sequences composed of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 3 in this order starting from the N-terminal side, or (ii) a protein having 95% or more identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:5. |
| US09879273B2 |
Compositions and methods for increasing methionine content in plants
Compositions and methods are provided for increasing methionine content in plants are disclosed. |
| US09879272B2 |
Nucleic acid sequences encoding transcription factors regulating alkaloid biosynthesis and their use in modifying plant metabolism
Plant metabolism and alkaloid levels can be regulated by transcription factors that regulate the nicotinic alkaloid biosynthetic pathway. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a transcription factor that negatively regulates alkaloid biosynthesis, such as nicotine biosynthesis. |
| US09879271B2 |
IRES elements for expression of polypeptides and methods of using the same
Compositions and methods for the expression of one or more coding sequences are provided which use an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) from Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) to facilitate translation and expression of a polypeptide from an mRNA strand. |
| US09879270B2 |
Constructs and methods for genome editing and genetic engineering of fungi and protists
Provided herein are constructs for genome editing or genetic engineering in fungi or protists, methods of using the constructs and media for use in selecting cells. The construct include a polynucleotide encoding a thymidine kinase operably connected to a promoter, suitably a constitutive promoter; a polynucleotide encoding an endonuclease operably connected to an inducible promoter; and a recognition site for the endonuclease. The constructs may also include selectable markers for use in selecting recombinations. |
| US09879266B2 |
Methods and compositions for selecting siRNA of improved functionality
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. Be selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed, including those directed to the nucleotide sequences for HAO1. |
| US09879265B2 |
Oligonucleotide conjugates
The present invention relates to oligomeric compounds and conjugates thereof that target Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) PCSK9 mRNA in a cell, leading to reduced expression of PCSK9. Reduction of PCSK9 expression is beneficial for a range of medical disorders, such as hypercholesterolemia and related disorders. |
| US09879260B2 |
Micro-RNA regulation of bone loss
The use of miR-34a and agonists thereof in the treatment of bone loss diseases is described. Such conditions include osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other bone wasting diseases. |
| US09879258B2 |
Treatment of insulin resistance through inhibitors of transcription factor TSC22D4
The present invention relates to modulators, in particular inhibitors, of TSC22D4 activity or expression and their uses for the prevention, treatment, and/or regulation of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and/or diabetes and/or for improving insulin sensitivity in mammal. The present invention further relates to screening methods in order to identify these modulators, the use of modulators as identified in the diagnosis of these diseases, as well as kits, comprising materials for performing the methods according to the present invention. |
| US09879256B2 |
Treatment of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) related diseases by inhibition of natural antisense transcript to HGF
The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of HGF. |
| US09879251B2 |
Microbial electrosynthetic cells
Methods are provided for microbial electrosynthesis of H2 and organic compounds such as methane and acetate. Method of producing mature electrosynthetic microbial populations by continuous culture is also provided. Microbial populations produced in accordance with the embodiments as shown to efficiently synthesize H2, methane and acetate in the presence of CO2 and a voltage potential. The production of biodegradable and renewable plastics from electricity and carbon dioxide is also disclosed. |
| US09879250B2 |
Protein-stabilizing agent and protein-stabilizing method
There is provided a protein stabilizer containing a compound represented by Formula (1) as an active ingredient. The protein stabilizer is capable of stabilizing a protein in a solution state for a long period of time without affecting an assay system, the protein being not limited to enzymes, labeling substances such as fluorescent substances and chemiluminescent substances, and assay target substances. There is also provided a protein stabilization method containing making the protein coexist with the compound represented by Formula (1) in a water-containing solution. In Formula (1), X is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and n is an integer of 3 to 17. |
| US09879248B2 |
Engineered microbes and methods for microbial oil overproduction from cellulosic materials
The invention relates to engineering microbial cells for utilization of cellulosic materials as a carbon source, including xylose. |
| US09879245B2 |
Polypeptides having beta-mannanase activity and methods of use
The present compositions and methods relate to a beta-mannanase from Bacillus hemicellulosilyticus, polynucleotides encoding the beta-mannanase, and methods of make and/or use thereof. Formulations containing the beta-mannanase are suitable for use in hydrolyzing lignocellulosic biomass substrates, especially those comprising a measurable level of galactoglucomannan (GGM) and/or glucomannan (GM). |
| US09879244B2 |
Xylanase variants and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to xylanase variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants. |
| US09879243B2 |
Culture medium for cell growth and transfection
The present invention is directed generally to cell culture media useful for introducing macromolecules and compounds (e.g., nucleic acid molecules) into cells (e.g., eukaryotic cells) in the presence of said media. Cells containing introduced materials can be further cultured in the media. In particular, the invention allows introduction of nucleic acid molecules (e.g., vectors) into cells (particularly eukaryotic cells) and expression of proteins encoded by the nucleic acid molecules in the cells. The invention obviates the need to change the cell culture medium each time a different procedure is performed with the cells (e.g., culturing cells vs. transfecting cells). The invention thus provides efficient and high throughput methods to transform/transfect culture and cells avoiding the need for multiple manipulations and transfers of cells during transfection and expression studies. |
| US09879238B2 |
Phytase
Polypeptides having phytase activity and polynucleotide sequences encoding the phytases are provided. The gene expresses the phytase at a level of at least 7 g/L to 40 g/L. The phytase have higher specific activity, retain activity at low pH, and retain activity at high temperature. The phytase can be used in a variety of compositions including food, feed, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning. |
| US09879237B2 |
DNA polymerases with increased 3′-mismatch discrimination
Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3′-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases. |
| US09879236B2 |
GGPS gene for promoting higher growth or biomass of plant and use thereof
A method for increasing growth or biomass of a plant in a shorter period of time, compared to a control plant, includes transforming a plant cell using a recombination vector including a geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GGPS) gene. A method for preparing a transgenic plant having higher growth or biomass in a shorter period of time, compared to a control plant, includes transforming a plant cell using the recombination vector having the GGPS gene. A composition for promoting higher growth or biomass of a plant, compared to a plant body, includes a GGPS gene. A plant or seed of the plant having higher growth or biomass, compared to the control plant, is prepared using the method. |
| US09879232B2 |
Attenuated vaccinia virus KVAC103 strain
The attenuated vaccinia virus strain KVAC103 was obtained by subculturing a vaccinia virus strain 103 times in VERO cells. The attenuated vaccinia virus strain KVAC103 has significantly low toxicity, shows reduced skin lesions, and, at the same time, induces effectively immune responses to poxvirus. Thus, it can be used as a poxvirus vaccine while causing less side effects. |
| US09879228B2 |
Methods and products for transfection
The present invention relates in part to methods for producing tissue-specific cells from patient samples, and to tissue-specific cells produced using these methods. Methods for reprogramming cells using RNA are disclosed. Therapeutics comprising cells produced using these methods are also disclosed. |
| US09879227B2 |
Diffusible factors and cancer cells
The present invention relates to modified cancer cells that are defective in the production of diffusible factors (e.g., growth factors), and to the use of such cells for impairing the growth of a population of human cells, in particular wherein the cells are human cancer cells and the population of cells is a neoplasm, tumor or cancer. The invention preferably comprises the step of modifying tumor cells by deleting or modifying endogenous genes that code for (or affect the production of), diffusible growth factors that promote cell survival and proliferation. |
| US09879223B2 |
Methods and systems for the reduction of leukocytes in a biological fluid
Methods and systems for removing leukocytes from a biological fluid are disclosed. The methods and systems include a chamber containing particles to which the leukocytes adhere. Such particles may carry an electrostatic charge. In one example, the particles comprise a polymer having an acid number of 5 or greater. |
| US09879217B2 |
Cryopreservation bags and method of use thereof for closed system, high capacity cell-banking
The disclosure provides a cell freezing and storage bag assembly and a method for using the assembly in banking eukaryotic cells for later seed train expansion. The bag is constructed principally of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) fabric, and is designed to be filled such that the cell suspension has a very thin cross-section. The bag design includes at least an inlet conduit and an outlet or inoculation conduit, which can be sterilely welded to the source of the eukaryotic cells. The use of at least two sterile-weldable conduits allows for “closed system” filling of the bags, which significantly reduces the risk of contamination relative to other cell-banking methods. The bag also include a sleeve, which can be thermo-welded to form an enclosure, which protects the inlet and outlet conduits against contamination and mechanical damage during freezing, storage and subsequent thawing. In the method, once each bag is filled, its corresponding inlet conduit is sealed, and both the inlet and outlet conduits are enclosed within the bag's sleeve. This closed system method obviates the need for sterile environments (e.g. laminar flow unit). |
| US09879215B2 |
Subject moving device
A subject moving device includes: a base; a head section provided with vertically movable rods and moving along a prescribed movement path above the base; a first container section which stores a subject of movement; a second container section which receives the subject of movement; a tip stocking section which holds a plurality of tips in a state where the plurality of tips are attachable to the rods, the tips being attachable to and detachable from the rods and being configured to suction the subject of movement and discharge the suctioned subject of movement in accordance with vertical movements of the rods; a tip discarding section which collects the tips having finished the suction and the discharge of the subject of movement and having been detached from the rods; and a control section which controls the vertical movements of the rods and the movement operations of the head section. |
| US09879209B2 |
Vertical palate wine making process
Multi-stage fermentation process for making red/white/rosé wines having a unique, unexpected and intense “vertical palate” (VP) of aroma, flavors and exceptional finish. The inventive VP wines are a blend of 3-4 feed stocks: I. Red: A) a primary and secondary fermented, barrel-aged must-based wine; B) a flashed-must, barrel-fermented, barrel-aged wine; C) a flashed-on-skin primary and secondary fermented, barrel-aged wine; or D) A+C; and II. White: A-1) a low solids, juice-based barrel fermented wine, and/or A-2) a low solids primary and secondary fermented, barrel or tank-aged wine; B) a flashed-juice, concentrated, barrel-fermented, barrel or tank-aged wine; C) a flashed-juice, concentrated, primary and secondary fermented, barrel or tank-aged wine; or D) A-2+C. Quantitative assays show the inventive VPP wines have 2-3× phenolic components as compared to traditional fermentation process wines. The inventive VP Process (VPP) may be applied to non-carbonated, carbonated and fortified wines, and post-processed to produce reduced-alcohol wine products. |