| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09885676B2 |
Method for the measurement of a measurement object by means of X-ray fluorescence
A method for measurement of the thickness of thin layers or determination of an element concentration of a measurement object. A primary beam is directed from an X-ray radiation source onto the measurement object. A secondary radiation emitted by the measurement object is detected by a detector and is relayed to an evaluation device. The primary beam is moved within a grid surface which is divided into grid partial surfaces as well as subdivided into at least one line and at least one column. For each grid partial surface a primary beam is directed onto the grid surface. A measuring spot of the primary beam fills at least the grid point. A lateral dimension of the measurement surface is detected and compared to the size of the measuring spot of the primary beam appearing on the measurement object, for size determination of the measurement surface of the measurement object. |
| US09885675B2 |
Ionizing radiation detection apparatus
An ionizing radiation detection apparatus of the present disclosure includes a first drift electrode disposed inside a chamber and a first detection unit disposed inside the chamber so as to oppose the first drift electrode, wherein the first detection unit is configured to detect a first ionization electron produced through Compton scattering caused by an incident γ-ray inside the scattering gas, and a second drift electrode configured to emit a reference X-ray upon being excited by the incident γ-ray with a second detection unit disposed so as to oppose the second drift electrode and configured to detect a second ionization electron produced as the reference X-ray is photoelectrically absorbed by the scattering gas, and a control unit configured to compensate for a change in an amplification factor of a signal output from each of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. |
| US09885669B2 |
Method of inspecting a substrate
A method of inspecting a substrate is disclosed. The method is performed by a substrate-inspecting apparatus having at least one projecting module projecting a patterned light onto a substrate fixed on a stage and an inspecting module with a camera capturing an image, and inspecting a plurality of inspection regions of the substrate step by step. The method comprises, setting an inspection order of the inspecting regions according to a lengthwise direction of the substrate, estimating height displacement of a target inspection region by using a tendency information regarding at least one previous inspection region that is already inspected, adjusting height of the inspecting module by using the estimated height displacement of the target inspection region, and inspecting the target inspection region by using the inspecting module of which height is adjusted. Therefore, inspection time is reduced. |
| US09885667B2 |
Can body inspection apparatus and method
A can body inspection apparatus which prevents a drop in resistance to noise while enabling high speed inspection is provided. It is comprised of a light source control means (21, 22) for turning on the light source unit a predetermined number of times of two times or more at predetermined timings at which light can be taken in by the light-detection unit through the open end face of the can body W which is moving along the path of conveyance W, a detection signal integrating means 23 for integrating signal values based on the detection signal which is output from the light-detection unit 15 due to on operations of the light source unit 10, and a condition judging means 24 for using an integrated value which is obtained by the detection signal integrating means 23 as the basis to judge the condition of the can body. |
| US09885664B2 |
Detection method for assessing the efficiency of a cleaning operation
A method of assessing the efficiency of a cleaning operation and assessing likely residual contamination on substrates after a cleaning operation. |
| US09885659B1 |
Method to determine connector metal wear via flouresence
Method and apparatus for determining a quality or characteristic of connectors in electronic components is provided. Methods include applying a UV-responsive indicator solution active for Pd, Ni, or Cu to a connector on an electrical component; irradiating the connector with UV radiation; detecting a response to the UV radiation; and determining a quality of the connector based on the response to the UV radiation. Apparatus includes an enclosure; a support; a dispenser oriented toward the substrate support; a source of UV-responsive indicator solution active for Pd, Ni, or Cu ions fluidly coupled to the dispenser; a UV source coupled to the enclosure; and a radiation sensor positioned to detect light inside the enclosure. |
| US09885658B2 |
Method for manufacturing biochip having improved fluorescent signal sensing properties and biochip manufactured by the same
A method for manufacturing a biochip having improved fluorescent signal sensing properties, and a biochip manufactured by the manufacturing method. A filter layer is provided between a bio-layer and a light sensor layer so as to remove noise generated by stray light during a bio-reaction process. Thereby, the sensitivity of the light sensor layer can be enhanced. |
| US09885654B2 |
Single device for gas and flame detection, imaging and measurement
A device images radiation from a scene. The scene can include two materials with spectral characteristics in different radiation wavelength regions. A static filtering arrangement includes two filters with different passbands corresponding to the two wavelength regions. An image forming optic forms an image of the scene on a detector. The radiation from the scene is imaged simultaneously through an f-number of less than 1.5 onto two detector pixel subsets. The imaged radiation on one pixel subset includes radiation in one wavelength region. The imaged radiation on the other pixel subset includes radiation in the other wavelength region. Electronic circuitry produces a pixel signal from each detector pixel. The pixel signals include information associated with absorption or emission of radiation in one of the respective wavelength regions by the two materials. The electronic circuitry determines the presence or absence of each of the two materials based on the pixel signals. |
| US09885653B1 |
Device for the analysis of an anesthesia ventilation gas as well as anesthesia ventilator
A device analyzes an anesthesia ventilation gas with an infrared radiation source and includes a gas cuvette, a Fabry-Perot interferometer with a band pass filter function, adjustable with respect to a central transmission wavelength as a function of a control signal, a detector providing a measured signal and a computing and control unit providing the control signal and detecting the measured signal. The computing and control unit is configured to actuate the Fabry-Perot interferometer in a first operating mode by the control signal such that the central transmission wavelength scans a predefined wavelength range, to detect a presence in the ventilation gas sample potential types of anesthetic gases based on the measured signal. In a second operating mode, the control unit controls the central transmission wavelength within a subrange of the predefined wavelength range and determines a plurality of concentration values at consecutive times for detected types of anesthetic gases. |
| US09885652B2 |
Miniaturized multiwell plate reader for phenotypic screening
A multi-well plate reader including an emitter assembly having a plurality of emitters and a receptor assembly including a plurality of receptors separated by at least one spacer element such that a multi-well plate can be inserted between the emitter assembly and the receptor assembly. The emitters and receptors are paired and arranged in parallel arrays such that electromagnetic radiation can be transmitted through each well of the multi-well plate to a corresponding receptor to determine the opacity of the biological material contained within the well. Each well of the multi-well plate can be evaluated by a different emitter receptor pair allowing the entire multi-well plate to be efficiently monitored at a high throughput. |
| US09885649B2 |
Particle measuring apparatus and particle measuring method
A particle measuring apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first supply part that introduces first gas. A second supply part introduces second gas having been filtered. A light source irradiates mixture gas including the first gas and the second gas with light. A light detector detects reflected light from the mixture gas and measures number of particles contained in the mixture gas. A pump sucks the mixture gas. |
| US09885643B2 |
Reagent for clarifying emulsions and method of clarification
A novel reagent for clarification of an emulsion containing a salt and first and second surfactants is used in a method of clarifying emulsions which may contain inorganic, organic or biological particles to be measured. The reagent may be proved as kit of parts for in situ preparation thereof. |
| US09885640B2 |
Particle impactor with selective height adjustment
Provided are impactors for detecting biologics having an adjustable separation distance between an impact surface and the intake aperture, including the exit of the intake aperture. The impactor has a sampling head having at least one intake aperture and an exit, an impactor base comprising an impact surface, wherein the impact surface opposibly faces the sampling head exit and is separated from the exit by a separation distance. The separation distance is continuously adjustable between a minimum separation distance and a maximum separation distance and can accommodate impact surfaces having different heights by positioning the impact surface, irrespective of height of the impact surface, at an optimal separation distance from the sample intake aperture, such as by a rotation-type mechanism with a change in distance indication provided to a user by a separation distance step indicator. |
| US09885632B2 |
Optical instrument for locating at least one characteristic point of an ophthalmic lens
An instrument has a light-emitting and light-receiving assembly including an image capture unit and image processing unit; a backscatterer and an opening provided therein; a support for receiving an ophthalmic lens between the assembly and backscatterer, the assembly, support and backscatterer placed so that an incident light beam traverses the lens, strikes the backscatterer, returns and re-traverses the lens to arrive at the capture unit; the light-receiving assembly, the support, backscatterer and opening configured so that the assembly receives light from the beam; and the opening and a drive device for cyclically driving and making the backscatterer perform an identical movement in each cycle, configured so that a fixed zone opposite the backscatterer includes at least one part of which, over the course of a cycle, every point is at times perpendicular to the opening and at times perpendicular to a solid portion part of the backscatterer. |
| US09885631B2 |
Optical instrument for identifying and locating micro-etching on an ophthalmic lens
An optical instrument includes: a collimation element (30) having a focal distance; a point light source (25-27) with a wavelength of between 700 and 1000 nm and a diameter less than or equal to a fiftieth of the focal distance, placed at a first focus of the collimation element, so that the light becomes a beam (20) of collimated light; a backscatterer (12); a support for receiving an ophthalmic lens (14), with the collimation element, support and backscatterer being placed so that the beam of collimated light encounters the lens location (15) where micro-etching is present; an image analyzing element (32) and an image capture element (31) linked to the analyzing element and including an objective lens (35) placed at a second focus of the collimation element, which objective lens is developed to provide the analyzing element with images of the backscatterer in order to identify and locate the micro-etching. |
| US09885625B2 |
Air pump with pressure gauge having indicators on different sides and movable between use positions thereof
An air pump includes a barrel and a pumping device moving with respect to the barrel when the air pump is operated. A joint assembly fluidly connecting to the air pump is disposed on the barrel and includes a first hole to receive air from the air pump, a connecting device including a rotatable adaptor, and a second hole extending through the rotatable adaptor and fluidly connecting to the first hole. A pressure gauge connects to the joint assembly on the rotatable adaptor, includes an air inlet hole fluidly connecting to the second hole, has a first side thereof including a first dial with a first measuring range and a second side thereof including a second dial with a second measuring range different from the first measuring range, and is rotatable between use positions thereof. |
| US09885619B2 |
Pump-power-independent double slope-assisted distributed and fast brillouin fiber-optic sensor
A method of stimulated Brillouin scattering is proposed in which both slopes of the BGS spectrum are probed to achieve immunity to pump power variations. Suitably applied, the technique can maintain all the benefits of the known Slope-Assisted-BOTDA technique, while using the same setup but at the cost of halving the sampling speed. the method may include: obtaining a reference Brillouin gain spectrum (BGS) representative of steady state or average conditions in various locations of the optical fiber along its length; generating, based on the reference BGS, a probe wave being a complex waveform comprising a first and second set of waveforms, each set having waveforms tailored to match an opposite slope of the reference BGS, at the various locations; performing stimulated Brillouin scattering at the various locations by applying a pump pulse wave to the probe wave; and deducing the local Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) at the various locations. |
| US09885617B2 |
Contact type internal thermometer
Provided is a contact type internal thermometer including: a measurement surface that is brought into contact with a measurement object; a first temperature sensor stack including a first measurement surface side temperature sensor and a first back surface side temperature sensor arranged on opposite sides of a first thermal resistor; a second temperature sensor stack including a second measurement surface side temperature sensor and a second back surface side temperature sensor arranged on opposite sides of a second thermal resistor; and a controller configured to calculate an internal temperature of the measurement object based on measurement results of the respective temperature sensors, in which the controller has a first mode of calculating the internal temperature based on a heat conduction equation in a non-steady state, and a second mode of calculating the internal temperature based on a heat conduction equation in a steady state. |
| US09885614B2 |
Method and apparatus for multifrequency optical comb generation
A method and a system for measuring an optical asynchronous sample signal. The system for measuring an optical asynchronous sampling signal comprises a pulsed optical source capable of emitting two optical pulse sequences with different repetition frequencies, a signal optical path, a reference optical path, and a detection device. Since the optical asynchronous sampling signal can be measured by merely using one pulsed optical source, the complexity and cost of the system are reduced. A multi-frequency optical comb system using the pulsed optical source and a method for implementing the multi-frequency optical comb are further disclosed. |
| US09885608B2 |
Passive infrared detector
An infrared detector (301) is provided which comprises a pyroelectric detector (303) having first and second sensing elements (345), an aperture stop (311), and a Fresnel lens array (305). The detector may be used as a passive infrared sensor unit for detecting intrusion into large openings. |
| US09885601B2 |
Optical detecting device having a light tight component to be a direct touch surface capable of preventing light leakage
An optical detecting device includes a light source, an optical detecting component, a package structure and a light tight component. The light source outputs a sampling signal to project onto an external object. The optical detecting component is disposed by the light source and has an interval relative to the light source. The optical detecting component receives the sampling signal reflected from the external object. The package structure covers the optical detecting component and the light source, and includes an illuminating surface unit and an incident surface unit respectively corresponding to the light source and the optical detecting component, and further includes an isolation component disposed between the illuminating surface unit and the emerging surface unit. The light tight component is disposed on the isolation component to obstruct transmission path of the sampling signal from the illuminating surface unit to the incident surface without reflection by the external object. |
| US09885599B2 |
Nozzle adapter for volumetric test and measurement apparatus
A nozzle adapter assembly is provided for adapting use of nozzles on liquid dispensing pumps with test and measurement equipment such as liquid provers, test measures and liquid proving systems. The adapter can be used with automatic shut-off nozzles through which the liquid may normally be dispensed. |
| US09885593B2 |
Method for verifying the reliability of measurement data of an ultrasonic flow measurement based on the travel-time difference method and ultrasonic flow measurement device
A method for verifying the reliability of ascertained measurement data of an ultrasonic, flow measurement made according to the travel-time difference method, wherein an ultrasonic flow measuring device having at least two ultrasonic transducers is used to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals inclined in or counter to a flow direction of a measured medium. A first ultrasound disturbance signal is registered within a first time window before receiving a first ultrasound wanted signal, and a second ultrasound disturbance signal is registered within a second time window before receiving a second ultrasound wanted signal. A quality criterion is ascertained for evaluating the measurement uncertainty of a measured value proportional to the travel-time difference ascertained from the first and second ultrasound wanted signals, wherein the ascertaining of the quality criterion includes a difference forming between the first and second disturbance signals. |
| US09885592B2 |
Fiber optic backscatter sensing systems and methods of operating the same
A fiber optic sensing system is provided. The fiber optic sensing system includes: at least one fiber optic transducer; an optical backscatter interrogator for interrogating backscatter optical signals from the at least one fiber optic transducer; and an optical fiber between the optical backscatter interrogator and the at least one fiber optic transducer. |
| US09885591B2 |
Low etendue light source for fiber optic sensors in high temperature environments
A fiber optic sensor to determine a property in an environment with a temperature exceeding 150 degrees Celsius includes a light source to emit broadband light, an etendue of the light source being less than 1000 square micro meter-steradians (μm2 sr), and an optical fiber to carry incident light based on the broadband light and a reflection resulting from the incident light. A photodetector detects a resultant light based on the reflection and outputs an electrical signal, and a processor processes the electrical signal from the photodetector to determine the property. |
| US09885590B2 |
Method for ascertaining a position of a rotor of an electrical machine
A method for ascertaining a position of a rotor relative to a stator of an electrical machine having a permanently excited rotor and a plurality of windings for the stator or vice versa; in response to an energization of at least one of the windings, a change in an inductance of the winding being ascertained; and, on the basis of the change in the inductance of the winding, the position of the rotor being ascertained relative to the stator. |
| US09885589B2 |
Wheel circuit using electromagnetic induction and electronic pen including the same
A wheel circuit using electromagnetic induction and an electronic pen are provided. The wheel circuit includes a rotary encoder configured to be rotated according to a user operation and includes at least one port, a resonant unit configured to be coupled with a port of the at least one port, and at least one capacitor including one end which is coupled with at least one other port which is not coupled with the resonant unit among the at least one port. The at least one capacitor has a capacitance different from each other, wherein at least one other capacitor of the at least one capacitor is connected to the resonant unit according to rotation of the rotary encoder to vary a resonant frequency. |
| US09885585B1 |
Route based search
A route may be created and provided to a client. A stopping point along the route is received, and a search is performed for at least one point of interest according to the stopping point. Further, a route is created and provided to a client, and at least one stopping point associated with the route is identified based on at least one of a distance along the route, an indication of a place on a map, a category search, and a key word search. |
| US09885583B2 |
Method, apparatus, and computer program product for providing access to a media item based at least in part on a route
An apparatus for providing access to a media item based at least in part on a route may include a processor. The processor may be configured to receive a start location of a mobile device. The processor may be further configured to receive a route. In this regard, the route may have been determined based at least in part on points of interest and the start location. The processor may be further configured to provide for access to a media item if a current location of the mobile device remains on the route. Associated methods and computer program products may also be provided. |
| US09885580B2 |
Navigation apparatus, simulation apparatus, moving device and navigation method
A navigation method for a navigating apparatus of a moving device, including obtaining weight information that includes a plurality of weight coefficients and storing the weight information, detecting one or a plurality of paths through which the moving device is capable of moving, acquiring information regarding a position of a destination with respect to the moving device as destination positional information, acquiring information regarding characteristics of topography in surroundings of the moving device as topographical characteristics information, calculating worth correlation information regarding the one or plurality of detected paths to the destination using the acquired destination positional information, the acquired topographical characteristics information and the stored weight information, and estimating a worth score of each of the one or plurality of paths to the destination based on the calculated worth correlation information. |
| US09885576B2 |
Angular velocity sensor
An angular velocity sensor includes: a frame including a pair of first beams extending in a first direction and opposed to each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a pair of second beams extending in the second direction and opposed to each other in the first direction, and connections between those pairs; a drive unit that vibrates the frame in a first plane, to which the first and second directions belong, in a vibration mode in which when one pair of those pairs move closer to each other, the other move away from each other, and vice versa; a first detector that detects, based on the amount of deformation of the frame in the first plane, an angular velocity around an axis of a third direction orthogonal to the first plane; and a support mechanism including a base portion and joint portions. |
| US09885575B2 |
Vehicle positioning
The invention relates to an inertial unit for being attached to a rotatable part of a vehicle, the rotatable part being coupled to a power equipment of the vehicle, the inertial unit including: at least one acceleration sensor and/or at least one magnetometer arranged to detect a tilting angle of the rotatable part, and/or at least one counter device arranged to detect rotations of the rotatable part, and at least one gyroscope arranged to detect directions at a rim level of the rotatable part for providing angular information for positioning. |
| US09885573B2 |
Method, device and computer programme for extracting information about one or more spatial objects
A computer program for the extraction of information about one or more spatial objects by a person, which program is designed for analyzing the sequence of images in real time, using image analysis techniques, and extracting information about said one or more objects, and communicating at least part of said information to the person in real time via the output means; wherein the information about said one or more objects comprises at least: the spatial position of said one or more objects; the spatial distance between two objects; the spatial relative angle between two essentially linear objects; and/or an indication regarding the realized accuracy of the extracted information. |
| US09885570B2 |
Electronic circuit for acousto-optoelectronic angle indication and level gauge thereof
The present invention discloses an electronic circuit for acousto-optoelectronic angle indication and a level gauge thereof. The electronic circuit for acousto-optoelectronic angle indication comprises a main control circuit (a), a power circuit (b), a key circuit (c), a sensor module circuit (d), an LED indicator module circuit (e), a buzzer module circuit (f) and a data storage module (g). The control circuit (a) comprises a microcontroller (U2), a capacitor (C2), a capacitor (C3), a capacitor (C4), a capacitor (C5), a capacitor (C6), a capacitor (C8), an electrolytic capacitor (E1), a resistor (R11), a resistor (R12) and a resistor (R20). The invention realizes an acousto-optoelectronically indicated design circuit device with high precision, so that the current angular value state can be accurately displayed through acoustic and photoelectric changes by simply placing a measuring device on a test plane. |
| US09885569B2 |
Passive altimeter
A passive altimeter includes an imaging device, a groundspeed system, an image processing device operatively connected to receive an indication of groundspeed from the groundspeed system and to receive at least a first image from the imaging device taken at a first position and a second image from the imaging device taken at a second position spaced apart from the first position. The image processing device is configured to compare the first image and the second image to determine an altitude above ground using the indication of groundspeed from the groundspeed system. |
| US09885567B2 |
Substrate placement detection in semiconductor equipment using thermal response characteristics
Methods and apparatus for determining proper placement of a substrate upon a substrate support in a process chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method for detecting substrate placement in a process chamber includes placing a substrate on a support surface of a substrate support within the process chamber; modifying a pressure within the chamber to create a detection pressure within the chamber; sensing a first temperature of the substrate support; monitoring a thermal response characteristic of the substrate support after placing the substrate on the substrate support; comparing the thermal response characteristic to a predetermined response characteristic; and determining whether the substrate is placed correctly based upon the comparison of the thermal response characteristic to the predetermined response characteristic. |
| US09885563B2 |
Dynamic digital fringe projection techniques for measuring warpage
Dynamic digital fringe projection (DDFP) techniques for measuring warpage. The DDFP technique generates a dynamic fringe pattern, in which a proper fringe intensity distribution is dynamically determined based on the surface reflectance of an unpainted sample in order to obtain better fringe image contrasts. The DDFP technique includes the automatic segmentation method to segment the chip package and PWB regions in an unpainted PWB assembly PWBA image. It also includes calibration methods to compensate the mismatches in coordinates and intensities between the projected and captured images. |
| US09885559B2 |
Method and apparatus for following an operator and locking onto a retroreflector with a laser tracker
A method for measuring three-dimensional (3D) coordinates includes providing a retroreflector and a laser tracker. In a first instance, an operator gives a follow-operator command. The laser tracker responds by following movement of the operator. In a second instance, the operator gives a lock-on command. The laser tracker responds by steering a beam of light onto the retroreflector. |
| US09885547B1 |
Target with indicia
A target has a body with an internal indicia and external indicia and a top portion which is opposite from the target base and surrounds one or more apertures. The internal indicia provide the target with a visual indicator upon impact and adaptable uses. The external indicia aid in identifying the target for use in cognitive shooting drills. The aperture has an axis that is perpendicular to the centerline of the body, and the target base and apertures opposite from the target base allow the marksman to stand the target on its own, secure it to an object, or suspend the target from an object. |
| US09885546B2 |
Multi-contact type position detection apparatus for target board
A multi-contact type position detection apparatus for a target board includes a first membrane board having a plurality of first signal lines formed in a first direction, a second membrane board having a plurality of second signal lines formed in a second direction, and a plurality of dots which are formed on the first membrane board or the second membrane board such that the first membrane plate and the second membrane plate are spaced at a predetermined distance from each other, wherein the plurality of dots can be arranged at a distance of “k/2±A (A is 1%˜2% of k)” when a magnetic body diameter of a pin attached on the target board is “kmm”. |
| US09885545B2 |
Disruptor device simulation system
A disruptor device simulation system is described. Embodiments of the of the simulation system include a disruptor device, one or more training cartridges, and a simulator system. The disruptor device can be loaded with training cartridges and implemented in a training scenario. The training cartridges can include a pair of infrared lasers and an infrared emitter. The simulator system can alter the training scenario based detecting pulses of light generated by the lasers and signals from the infrared emitter. In one embodiment, the simulator system can be adapted to determine when a trigger of the disruptor device is pulled and when an arc switch of the disruptor device is pressed. The simulator system can include a sensor adapted to detect the pulses of light generated by the pair of lasers. The simulator system can further include a receiver adapted to detect signals generated by the emitter. |
| US09885544B2 |
Applique armor and mounting system
Applique armor has a mounting plate with a channel that receives flanged beam mounted on a structure to be protected. A box is attached to the mounting plate opposite the channel. The box contains an open cell layer. When applied to a structure, adjacent mounting plates interlock using mortise and tenon, and mounting plates arranged one behind another overlap with boxes on neighboring mounting plates to eliminate gaps in the armor. |
| US09885543B2 |
Mechanically-adaptive, armor link/linkage (MAAL)
An armor system and method for the protection of an environment. The armor system includes at least one, and generally a plurality of flexible strands, a first strand support system, and a control subsystem. The control subsystem is configured to manually or automatically adapt the configuration of the armor system in response to a ballistic threat. The armor system may further include at least one of a drift gap and a spall catcher positioned between the flexible strand and the environment to be protected. The configuration can include activating a wave shape along the flexible strand. The configuration can include multiple layers of the flexible strands. The flexible strands may be implemented as a curtain. The strands may be deployed into an open-top container. |
| US09885539B2 |
Ballistic responder shield
A ballistic shield is detachably attachable to a weapon. The shield may be manipulated into a deployed configuration, a gun rest configuration, and a storage configuration. The shield has a shield body with a rigid upper portion, a flexible lower portion, and a quick release connector. That shield may also have a visor attachable to the shield that extends above the rigid upper portion of the shield. The quick release is secured to the shield body for removable connection of the weapon. The flexible lower portion drapes from the rigid upper portion when in the deployed configuration where the weapon is connected to the shield and the responder aims the weapon in a shooting position. |
| US09885537B2 |
Projectile launcher with trigger assist
A projectile launcher including a receiver with a breech proximate to a barrel. A valve assembly is provided that allows selective flow between a source of compressed gas and the breech. A trigger is provided that is movable between a first position and a second position. The launcher includes a firing assembly configured to actuate the valve assembly responsive to the trigger being in the second position. In some embodiments, the firing assembly includes a trigger assist feature configured to cycle the firing assembly in a fully automatic manner when the trigger is in the second position without reciprocating the trigger during the firing cycle. In some embodiments, the receiver includes an opening with a puncture mechanism dimensioned to receive a magazine. |
| US09885536B2 |
Magnetically-chambered fully automatic air gun
In an open chamber air gun, a round is gravity fed or magnetically fed into the open chamber and falls into the magnetic flux lines of a magnet disposed at the chamber. Due to the magnet, the round is pulled securely into the chamber and then remains momentarily held in place, blocking much of the air behind it and thus increasing the air pressure driving it. When the round moves down the barrel from the breech toward the muzzle, it quickly leaves the vicinity of the magnet and the magnetic drag ceases, after which the air pressure is free to drive the round to full velocity. High rates of fire and muzzle velocities are achieved with moderate air pressure and an action with no moving parts. |
| US09885534B2 |
Multipurpose firearm butt securing device and methodology
Consistent with various embodiments, a firearm securing apparatus comprises a first surface configured and arranged to secure the apparatus to a support structure. Sidewalls extend away from the support structure and are configured and arranged to surround and support the butt of a firearm. A securing component is configured and arranged to prevent removal of the butt of the firearm from between the sidewalls. |
| US09885531B2 |
Semi-automatic firearm rapid-fire accessory
Devices, systems, and methods of manufacturing are disclosed with regard to a rapid-fire accessory for a semi-automatic firearm. The rapid-fire accessory may include a trigger guard mount and a trigger actuator. The trigger guard mount may attach the rapid-fire accessory to the semi-automatic firearm. The trigger guard mount may include a mounting channel for receiving a trigger guard of the semi-automatic firearm. When mounted in the mounting channel, the trigger guard guides a sliding movement of the trigger guard mount forward and rearward relative to the trigger guard. The trigger actuator may engage a trigger of the semi-automatic firearm. The trigger actuator may be fixed relative to the mounting channel and configured to pull the trigger when the trigger guard slides forward in the mounting channel. |
| US09885529B2 |
Contoured cam pin for a rotating bolt
The present disclosure pertains generally to cam pins for rotating bolt firearms. In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides cam pins having a curved profile along a portion of the cam pin that contacts sides of a cam slot in a bolt carrier. Kits, bolt carrier group assemblies, and firearms are also disclosed. |
| US09885527B2 |
Manifold assembly and heat exchanger having manifold assembly
Disclosed are a header assembly and a heat exchanger. The header assembly includes: a header; a distribution member disposed in the header and having a distribution opening; a regulating member disposed movably at the distribution member and configured to regulate the distribution opening; and a driving member configured to magnetically drive the regulating member to move so as to regulate the distribution opening. By means of changing the position of the driving member, the header assembly and the heat exchanger are capable of changing the position of the regulating member via magnetic force, thereby regulating the distribution opening. Therefore, requirements under different operating conditions can be satisfied, and the applicability and distributing effect for refrigerant are improved. |
| US09885526B2 |
Cooling system for vehicle sensor modules
A cooling system for a vehicle sensor module includes an active internal gas circulation system and a cold plate. The sensor module includes a light detector sensor disposed in a sealed housing. The housing is at least partially transparent. A cold plate is disposed on an end of the housing, and seals the housing. The active internal gas circulation system is disposed within the housing, and defines a first fluid flow path across the cold plate. |
| US09885519B2 |
Method and installation for drying a damp web
An installation for drying a web of non-woven material includes a fan (6), a heating oven (3), an outlet pipe (C2) which puts the outlet of the oven (3) in communication with the intake of the fan (6), a branch pipe (C3) branching from the inlet pipe (C1) upstream of the heat source (4) putting the pipe (C1) in communication with the inlet of a drying device (10, 11), a pipe (C4) for the extraction of air from the drying device (10, 11) and a humidity level probe (13) mounted in the extraction pipe (C4). |
| US09885516B2 |
Vacuum insulated door structure and method for the creation thereof
A vacuum insulated door structure includes a first wall having a first edge and a barrier layer, a second wall having a second barrier layer and a second edge coupled to the first wall member proximate the first perimetrical edge. The second wall includes at least four inner side walls and a back wall that defines a second wall offset. At least one tubular member extends between the first wall member and the second wall offset, wherein an inner conduit surface of the tubular member provides fluid communication between the first wall outer facing surface and the second wall outer facing surface. A cavity insulation material is disposed within a cavity volume defined between the first and second walls, wherein the cavity volume is hermetically sealed, and wherein the cavity volume includes an at least partial vacuum. |
| US09885513B2 |
Specialty cooling features using extruded evaporator
An appliance includes a co-extruded evaporator in thermal communication with a compartment. The co-extruded evaporator includes main and support channels in thermal communication that share a common wall. A main cooling loop is in fluid communication with the main channel. A plurality of co-extruded fins are disposed proximate and in thermal communication with the main and support channels. A coolant is disposed in the main channel and the main cooling loop. A thermally conductive media is selectively disposed in the support channel in fluid and thermal communication with the main channel. The thermally conductive media is chosen from the group consisting of a support channel coolant, wherein the appliance includes a second cooling loop in fluid communication with the support channel, a thermal storage material in thermal communication with the compartment, and a defrost fluid, wherein the appliance includes a defrost circuit in fluid communication with the support channel. |
| US09885512B2 |
Apparatus and method for regulating air flow to a garnish in a cooler
An apparatus selectively distributes air flow through a cooler to maintain cool air over garnish in the cooler. A cooler cavity includes a lower region where the air is generated, and an upper region where a cooler lid performs the dual purpose job of regulating access to the garnish and controlling a vent for directional air flow throughout the cooler. A container of garnish rests between the upper and lower regions. A vent positions adjacently to the container. A fulcrum extends from the vent. A force, such as the cooler lid, presses down on one end of the vent to tilt the vent between the closed and the open positions. The container and the vent form a barrier between the upper and lower regions from the closed position. The vent guides air flow from the lower to the upper region, and over the garnish from the open position. |
| US09885511B2 |
Dispenser device for ice and water, components thereof and process of cleaning same
A low profile ice maker/dispenser and water dispenser having a high ice making capacity, for ice nugget manufacture is provided, wherein ice nuggets are metered out of a storage bin via a nugget dispenser outlet, and whereby water is dispensed via a water dispenser outlet. A refrigeration cycle is used, wherein an auger compresses ice on a wall of an evaporator and delivers the ice to the ice bin, breaking it into nuggets along the way. An outer wall of the evaporator is comprised of part of the water reservoir. A baffle in the ice bin facilitates metering of the amount of ice discharged. The system comprises a closed system that enables efficient cleaning of the system. |
| US09885510B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a main body including a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment, a door, and an ice maker disposed in the freezing compartment. The refrigerator also includes an ice bank disposed on the door, an ice transfer device configured to transfer ice made in the ice maker to the ice bank, and an ice chute that connects the ice transfer device to the ice bank. The ice transfer device includes a housing in which ice separated from the ice maker drops and a transfer member accommodated within the housing and configured to transfer ice from the housing into the ice chute. The ice transfer device also includes an ice unit configured to reduce ice jamming or damage caused by interference with the transfer member. |
| US09885509B2 |
Method for controlling gas pressure in cooling plant
A method for monitoring gas pressure in a heat rejecting heat exchanger in a cooling circuit is disclosed. The present capacity of one or more compressors in the cooling circuit compared to a maximum capacity of the one or more compressors is established. If the present capacity of the one or more compressors is at least at a level corresponding to a pre-set percentage of the maximum capacity, a period of time elapsed from a point in time where the compressor capacity reached said level is established. If the established period of time has a duration which is longer than a pre-set period of time, then it is concluding that the cooling medium is in a gas loop operational mode, allowing an operator or a controller to adjust operation of the cooling plant such that the cooling medium is brought out of the gas loop operational mode. |
| US09885508B2 |
Discharge pressure calculation from torque in an HVAC system
A method for determining discharge pressure for a compressor operatively connected to a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator in a serial relationship, includes receiving information indicative of a compressor torque or compressor current; and determining a discharge pressure in response to the receiving of the information. |
| US09885507B2 |
Protection and diagnostic module for a refrigeration system
A system is provided and may include a compressor functioning in a refrigeration circuit. An ambient temperature sensor may produce a signal indicative of an ambient temperature. Processing circuitry may calculate an energy efficiency rating of the refrigeration circuit and may generate a relationship of the calculated energy efficiency rating and ambient temperature. The processing circuitry may compare the calculated energy efficiency rating to a base energy efficiency rating to determine if a fault condition exists. |
| US09885506B2 |
Expansion valve
An expansion valve according to one embodiment includes a body having a valve hole, a valve element which opens and closes a valve section by moving toward and away from the valve hole, and a shaft one end side of which connects to a drive section and the other end side of which connects to the valve element through the valve hole, the shaft transmitting the drive force, generated by the drive section, to the valve element. Here, the shaft is so provided as to run through an insertion hole formed axially with the valve hole in the body. The insertion hole is formed in the body by a cutting work, and has a support that supports the shaft and a diameter-enlarged part that is open to a downstream side of the valve hole and whose diameter is larger than that of the support. |
| US09885505B2 |
Method for configuring the size of a heat transfer surface
A method is disclosed for producing a heat exchanger having at least one heat transfer surface, wherein the heat is used in a thermodynamic process that uses a fluid that is condensed, expanded, evaporated, and compressed in a cycle process. The area of the heat transfer surface may be dimensioned with respect to a minimum surface area measurement of the heat transfer surface, the minimum surface area measurement being required at least for transmitting a minimum heat quantity to the fluid used with the heat exchanger in order to prevent a condensation of the fluid before, during, and after the compression process. The area of the heat transfer surface may be dimensioned based on a correlation between the molar mass of the fluid and the minimum surface area measurement of the heat transfer surface. |
| US09885493B2 |
Air cooled faraday shield and methods for using the same
A processing chamber and a Faraday shield system for use in a plasma processing chambers are provided. One system includes a disk structure defining a Faraday shield, and the disk structure has a process side and a back side. The disk structure extends between a center region to a periphery region. The disk structure resides within the processing volume. The system also includes a hub having an internal plenum for passing a flow of air received from an input conduit and removing the flow of air from an output conduit. The hub has an interface surface that is coupled to the back side of the disk structure at the center region. A fluid delivery control is coupled to the input conduit of the hub. The fluid delivery control is configured with a flow rate regulator. The regulated air can be amplified or compressed dry air (CDA). |
| US09885492B2 |
Methods systems and tools for determining a wiring configuration for an HVAC controller
A wiring configuration tool may be configured to determine a new wiring configuration for a replacement HVAC controller based, at least in part, on the existing wiring configuration for a current HVAC controller and, for example, the make and model of the replacement HVAC controller. The wiring configuration tool may be hosted by a server that provides a user interface for interacting with the user. The user may access the wiring configuration tool via a web services interface, a smart phone application or in any other suitable manner. |
| US09885491B2 |
Management apparatus for air-conditioning apparatus and management system for air-conditioning apparatus
A management apparatus for an air-conditioning apparatus configured to manage a plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses configured to condition air in an air-conditioning target space includes: a management-side communication unit to receive data of arrival locations and arrival times in the space transmitted from a plurality of terminal devices; and a management-side arithmetic unit configured to perform totaling based on the data of the arrival locations and the arrival times received by the management-side communication unit, and to perform a process of determining an order in which operation is started in the plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses. Operation is performed in order, and thus a steep increase in power consumption can be reduced. |
| US09885489B2 |
HVAC systems
A system includes a heat pump configured to match a working heat transfer fluid temperature to a fluid temperature set-point, a fluid pump in fluid communication with the heat pump through the heat transfer fluid and configured to match the heat transfer fluid pressure/flow to a fluid pressure/flow set-point, at least one heat exchanger in fluid communication with the fluid pump, and a supervisory controller in signal communication with the at least one heat exchanger, the fluid pump, and the heat pump. The at least one heat exchanger includes a proportional valve and a return air temperature gauge configured to monitor return air temperature associated therewith. The supervisory controller is configured to vary the fluid temperature set-point and vary the fluid pressure/flow set-point based upon a position of the proportional valve and the return air temperature. |
| US09885483B2 |
Thermostat
A thermostat for cooking appliances powered by gas includes a body defining an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit that receive a gas flow from a supply source and to supply it to a gas burner, and a chamber having a substantially cylindrical shape that is in fluid communication with the inlet conduit, and also with the outlet conduit either directly, through a main opening formed at one end thereof, or indirectly, through a secondary conduit formed in the body of the thermostat. The gas flows into the outlet conduit bypassing the main opening. A one-piece valve adjusting the gas flow rate is coaxially fitted in the chamber and guided by its peripheral walls. These features make the structural configuration of the thermostat body and its conduits is much more compact, functional and less expensive than in thermostats known in the art. |
| US09885478B1 |
Process for generating combustible gas from organic feedstock and reactors therefor
The present invention provides a method of generating combustible gas from organic feedstock, such as the organic components of municipal waste, and a reactor therefor. The feedstock is processed through a plurality of reaction zones within the reactor, wherein the environment of each of the zones facilitates physical or chemical reactions that work to transform the organic feedstock into one or more combustible gases that can be burned for energy production. |
| US09885473B2 |
Germicidal heating apparatus using superheated vapor
A germicidal heating apparatus comprising a water supply part for supplying water, an superheated vapor generation part for generating superheated vapor by using the water supplied from the water supply part, and a blower for blowing the superheated vapor generated by the superheated vapor generation part through a discharge opening, characterized in that the superheated vapor generation part includes an annular vessel for receiving the water from the water supply part, and a spiral sheath heater arranged on the whole inside peripheral surface of the annular vessel, the upper end of the inside wall of the annular vessel being bent closely contacting the outside wall so as both to prevent leakage of the water contained in the annular vessel and to discharge the vapor generated by the heat of the sheath heater. |
| US09885472B2 |
Illuminating ventilator
An illuminating ventilator includes a case, a lamp and a power supply module. A first air opening and a second air opening are respectively formed on two sides of the case. The case includes an air channel having two ends respectively communicating with the first air opening and the second air opening. The fan is disposed in the case and is arranged in the air channel. The lamp is detachably attached to the case. The power supply module includes an AC input terminal, a first DC output terminal and a second DC output terminal. The first DC output terminal is electrically connected with the fan, and the second DC output terminal is electrically connected with the lamp. As such, the illuminating ventilator is provided with improved installation convenience, reduced production cost and reduced difficulty of maintaining and repairing. |
| US09885470B1 |
Illuminant handrail
An illuminant handrail includes a rod and two fixing seats respectively fixed to two ends of the rod. A fastener is mounted to a bottom of and extends downward from each fixing seat. Two illuminating devices are respectively mounted to the bottoms of the fixing seats. Each illuminating device includes a lamp seat receiving an illuminating unit. The lamp seat of each illuminating device is transparent and includes a top wall and a peripheral wall connected to the top wall. The top wall includes a fixing hole through which one of the fasteners extends. Each illuminating unit includes a lighting unit and a circuit board. Each illuminating unit is mounted between the fixing hole and the peripheral wall of one of the two illuminating devices. The light rays emitted by the illuminating devices transmit through the lamp seats to indicate the position of the handrail. |
| US09885461B2 |
Homogenization system for an LED luminaire
A remotely directable luminaire with an improved color LED homogenization system for LED luminaires employing a plurality of LED arrays where an array employs a plurality of discrete peak LED groups and dichroic mirrors maximized for transmission/reflection of around the groups of LED's discrete peaks to generate a directional homogenized color light beam with additive color mixing. |
| US09885460B2 |
Light assembly
A light assembly includes a case, a light member, an adjustment unit and a reflection unit. The light member is located on the support member at the center of the case, and the adjustment unit and the reflection unit are located within the case. The reflection unit includes multiple first reflection members, and multiple second reflection members. The light member is located at the position surrounded by the respective root portions of the first and second reflection members. The first and second reflection members are pivoted relative to the light member when the adjustment unit is operated. |
| US09885459B2 |
Pattern projection using micro-lenses
An illumination assembly includes a light source, which is configured to emit optical radiation. A transparency containing a plurality of micro-lenses, which are arranged in a non-uniform pattern and are configured to focus the optical radiation to form, at a focal plane, respective focal spots in the non-uniform pattern. Optics are configured to project the non-uniform pattern of the focal spots from the focal plane onto an object. |
| US09885455B2 |
Vehicle lamp
The vehicle lamp of the present disclosure includes a substrate, a heat dissipating member, a reflector, and a fastening member. The reflector includes a boss portion that protrudes toward the heat dissipating member side and includes a fastening hole. The substrate includes a first opening. The heat dissipating member is in contact with the substrate to be thermally conductive with the substrate and includes a first portion that includes a second opening, a second portion that is more spaced apart from the reflector than the first portion to include an insertion hole and a fastening seat surface, and a connecting portion that connects the first portion and the second portion to each other. The boss portion passes through the first opening and the second opening and abuts to the second portion such that the fastening hole and the insertion hole overlap with each other. |
| US09885452B2 |
3D swing simulation electronic candle lamp
A 3D swing simulation electronic candle lamp includes a retaining device and a swing device. The swing device is installed on the retaining device. The swing device is able to swing in an upright direction. A fake flame is provided and retained on the swing device. The beneficial effect of the present invention is that the fake flame is provided and retained on the swing device and the swing device is installed on the retaining device, enabling the fake flame to swing freely in an upright direction along with the swing device so as to imitate the swing effect of a real flame. |
| US09885450B2 |
Light emitting apparatus
Provided is a light emitting apparatus. The light emitting apparatus includes a substrate; a light emitting device on the substrate; a fluorescent layer formed on the substrate and the light emitting device to surround the light emitting device; an encapsulant resin layer formed on the substrate and the fluorescent layer to surround the fluorescent layer; and a lens disposed on the light emitting device and supported by the substrate, wherein the lens includes a lens body having a first recess formed at a center of a top surface of the lens body and a second recess formed at a center of a bottom surface of the lens body, and a lens supporter provided at the bottom surface of the lens body to support the lens body such that the lens body is spaced apart from the substrate. |
| US09885445B2 |
Locking-unlocking structure for guiding forward lifting of lifting body by repeating pushing action
A locking-unlocking structure for guiding forward lifting of a lifting body lifted by repeating a pushing action is provided. The locking-unlocking structure includes an actuation guide unit provided at a center thereof therein with a stop groove to guide stop of a lifting body in a lifting state, having a lifting line and a falling line branching downward from the stop groove, and fixedly coupled to a fixing body, and an actuation unit comprising a lifting plate having a stop protrusion, which is mounted in the stop groove of the actuation guide unit or circulates along the lifting line and the falling line, and coupled to the lifting body movably left and right. The guide protrusion protrudes from the falling line of the actuation guide unit while being inclined downward along the falling line to block an entrance so that the stop protrusion of the lifting plate is prevented from entering the falling line when the lifting plate of the actuation unit is lifted. The guide protrusion is provided in an elastic member to be elastically actuated when the stop protrusion of the lifting plate falls along the falling line. |
| US09885444B1 |
Slacks valet mechanism for a lavatory
A slacks valet mechanism, to prevent the slacks of a user of a lavatory stall toilet from becoming soiled by preventing its contact with the floor, includes an arm coupled to the stall door/wall, being movable between stowed and deployed positions. The stowed arm is proximate to the lavatory door, and the deployed arm has a portion proximate to the toilet, to thereon receive the lowered slacks to prevent soiling. A simple stop means substantially limits travel into the deployed position. Another embodiment uses tension spring(s) for the stop, thereby permitting break-away arm pivoting beyond normal deployment, if it is inadvertently stepped upon, to prevent damage thereto. A dual-pivotable coupling with the stall door facilitates arm rotation, in case it is kicked, to further prevent damage. A two-section arm provides for more ergonomic support for the user's slacks, when seated. Peelable layers on the arm provide further sanitary protection. |
| US09885439B2 |
Pipe joint
In a pipe joint, a tapered male screw thread is provided at one end and a joint connection section which is connected to a joint section is provided at the other end. The tapered male screw thread has a length adapted so that, when the tapered male screw thread has been fastened to a tapered female screw thread formed in an end cap, the entire length is engaged with the tapered female screw thread, and the sealing effect is obtained by a seal member. |
| US09885434B2 |
Bulkhead fitting assembly and method of making
A method of making a bulkhead fitting assembly may include joining a tube to a thermal shell of a mounting flange, the mounting flange shaped to be attached to a bulkhead and including an adapter; forming the thermal shell to have a portion spaced away from the tube to form an air pocket between the tube and the thermal shell adjacent the mounting flange; and placing a bushing on the adapter such that the bushing completes a current path from the tube to the adapter, from the adapter to the bushing, and from the bushing to the bulkhead. |
| US09885430B1 |
Suspended pipe assembly
A suspended pipe assembly comprising a first suspended pipe, a second suspended pipe, a third suspended pipe, and a number of suspenders for suspending the pipes from an elevated pipe or pipes of a mobile irrigation system or other fluid distribution system. The first suspended pipe and second suspended pipe are connected together via a fixed joint. The second suspended pipe and third suspended pipe are connected together via a live joint such that the second suspended pipe and third suspended pipe can expand longitudinally relative to each other. Additional suspended pipes can be connected to each other via alternating fixed and live joints. The suspenders allow the suspended pipes to expand longitudinally relative to the elevated pipe and prevents the suspended pipes from warping side-to-side. |
| US09885426B2 |
Adjustable operating rod for a hydrant
An adjustable operating rod assembly is provided. In one embodiment a telescoping rod and tube are provided such that the length of the operating rod can be selectively adjusted in order to accommodate fluid inlet pipes of various lengths and regardless of manufacturer. |
| US09885425B2 |
Valve system
A valve system has a main body including a valve element that controls flow of fluid between a plurality of ports and an operation unit capable of being detachably attached to the main body. The main body includes: a driving element that is operated from the outside by a magnetic force and directly or indirectly drives the valve element; and a first housing that houses the valve element and the driving element and is watertight in a state where pipes are connected to the plurality of ports. The operation unit includes: an operation element that generates a magnetic field that operates the driving element; and a second housing that houses the operation element, when attached to the first housing, the operation element and the driving element being in a facing state via part of a wall of the first housing and part of a wall of the second housing. |
| US09885422B2 |
Check valve having a friction free replaceable valve insert check assembly
A check valve has a friction-free replaceable valve insert check assembly. The check assembly includes a poppet on which a spring is mounted engaging an axially moveable seat which in turn engages a seat on the inner end of the poppet biased into engagement by the spring. Upon separation of the inner and outer valve bodies the insert check assembly will freely separate from the valve body for inspection or replacement. |
| US09885421B2 |
High cycle and speed valve
A high cycle and speed valve (10) includes a body (12), a valve seat (20) fixed within the body, and a diaphragm (24) that moves between a closed position in which the diaphragm is forced against the valve seat, and an open position in which the diaphragm is released from the valve seat. The valve seat includes a static section (40) that is secured within the body, and a dynamic section (42) that is compressed by the diaphragm when the diaphragm is in the closed position. The static section includes a radially extending flange (44) that is received in a recess (46) formed in the body to secure the static section in the body. The valve includes a body cavity relief space (52) into which the dynamic section compresses in the closed position. The valve further includes a cap (26) that has a dry film lubricant layer (58) that serves as a dry lubricant between the cap and the diaphragm. |
| US09885420B2 |
Gate valve
An embodiment includes a gate valve comprising: a valve body including a cavity coupled to a channel having proximal and distal portions; a gate to seal and unseal the channel; proximal and distal seats adjacent the gate; wherein (a) the proximal seat traverses towards the gate and stops at a first position when the gate is closing and the proximal channel portion is more highly pressurized than the cavity, and (b) the distal seat slides away from the gate and stops at a second position when the gate is closing and the cavity is more heavily pressurized than the distal channel portion. Other embodiments are described herein. |
| US09885414B2 |
Lubrication device for belt-driven continuously variable transmission
A lubrication device for a belt-driven continuously variable transmission is provided. The lubrication device comprises a stabilizer 24 brought into contact to a straight portion of a belt 6 between the pulleys to suppress vibrations of the belt. The stabilizer 24 comprises openings 31, 32, 33 and 34 oriented to each contact point between a sheave 7, 8, 13 or 14 and the belt 6 to apply oil thereto, while being allowed to pivot and twist in response to a change in posture of the belt 6 resulting from a speed change operation to keep the opening oriented to the contact point. |
| US09885412B2 |
Power transfer device
A differential case of a differential gear has a pair of openings formed facing each other on an axis X that is orthogonal to a rotational axis of a differential ring gear. A reservoir plate (partitioning member) that partitions a space in a transmission case into a differential chamber and a working oil storage chamber has a tubular portion that surrounds a part of the differential case. The tubular portion has a discharge hole formed so as to be able to face the pair of openings as the differential case is rotated about the rotational axis. |
| US09885406B2 |
Hydrokinetic torque coupling device for a motor vehicle
The disclosure describes a hydrokinetic torque coupling device for a motor vehicle. The coupling device includes a torque input element (11) intended to be coupled to a crankshaft (1), an impeller wheel (3) rotationally coupled to the torque input element (11) and able to hydrokinetically drive a turbine wheel (4). The turbine wheel, in turn, drives a torque output element (8) intended to be coupled to a transmission input shaft (2). The device further includes a clutch (10) able to rotationally couple and uncouple the torque input element (11) and the torque output element (8) between engaged and disengaged positions. When the clutch is in an engaged position, torque passes from the torque input element (11) to the torque output element (8) through an included damper system (18, 22). |
| US09885404B2 |
Power transfer device
A front support includes a second boss portion which extends toward a chain drive mechanism and to which a stator shaft is fixed. The second boss portion is inserted into a tubular portion of an impeller hub through a drive sprocket. An oil passage that communicates with a fluid transmission chamber is defined between the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion and the outer peripheral surface of the stator shaft. A seal member that restricts an inflow of working oil from the oil passage is interposed between the tubular portion and the second boss portion. A shaft-side oil groove and a recessed portion which communicate with an in-case oil passage formed in the front support and the oil passage are formed between the second boss portion and the stator shaft. |
| US09885400B2 |
Balancer device of engine and motorcycle
There is provided a balancer device of an engine, configured to reduce rotation vibrations of the engine. A crankshaft is provided with a primary drive gear. A countershaft is provided with a primary driven gear meshed with the primary drive gear. A plurality of balancer shafts are provided with balancer driven gears meshed with the primary drive gear. |
| US09885392B2 |
Shut off valve in a hydraulic disc coupling for an AWD vehicle
A shut-off valve for shutting-off a supply at will, wherein the shut-off valve comprises an axially movable valve slide, provided with a transverse valve flange for cooperation with a fixed valve seat, the slide being aetuatable in a closing direction by spring force and in an opening direction by a hydraulically operated ball, having an actuation end position in a sealing ball seat. |
| US09885390B2 |
Sliding shaft and steering device
In a sliding shaft, an outer circumferential surface of a male shaft is coated with a resin coating layer formed by a fluidized bed powder coating method by using a powder coating material containing a base resin and an aliphatic compound. A steering device includes this sliding shaft as an intermediate shaft transmitting steering force. |
| US09885389B2 |
Coupling of shafts using variable-profile splines
A device for coupling two shafts by a gear mechanism includes a coupling part ending one of the two shafts. The coupling part is fitted concentrically into a complementary coupling part ending the other shaft. Splines of the coupling part have a constant profile along a median zone of the coupling part and which, in a first zone in continuation of the median zone, has a smaller thickness, between flanks of a spline, than a maximum thickness of the same spline in the median zone. Splines of the coupling part continue, beyond the first zone, as far as a centering zone on the same side as the first zone. The splines and the spline bottoms have, in the coupling zone between the centering zone and the first zone, a profile that continuously couples the splines and the spline bottoms to the surface of the centering zone. |
| US09885388B2 |
Linear motion assembly
A linear motion assembly including a component having a longitudinal axis and adapted to translate along the longitudinal axis, and a bearing comprising a spiral body including a substrate and a low friction material, wherein the bearing extends around the component and provides a low friction interface for translation of the component, and wherein the bearing is adapted to prevent longitudinal translation of the component in a locked condition and permit longitudinal translation of the component in an unlocked condition. In an embodiment, the bearing is adapted to transition between the locked and unlocked conditions upon circumferential translation of an axial end of the spiral body, longitudinal translation of an axial end of the spiral body, or a combination thereof. |
| US09885381B2 |
Extrusion-type connecting rod, extrusion apparatus for connecting rod and manufacturing method for extrusion-type connecting rod
The present invention relates to an extrusion-type connecting rod which is installed between a piston and a crank and can convert the reciprocating motion of the piston into the rotary motion of a crank shaft, an extrusion apparatus for a connecting rod, and a manufacturing method for the extrusion-type connecting rod. The extrusion-type connecting rod may comprise: a first big end having a portion of a crank shaft hole formed on one side and having a seam-line divided surface, which comprises a seam line formed at the time of extrusion, formed on the other side; a second big end, being extrusion-molded simultaneously with the first big end, having the other portion of the crank shaft hole formed on one side, and having a seam-line divided surface, which comprises a seam line formed at the time of extrusion, formed so as to contact the seam-line divided surface of the first big end; a connection part which is extrusion-molded integrally with the second big end; and a small end which is extrusion-molded integrally with the connection part. |
| US09885380B2 |
Crosshead component of large diesel engine
Disclosed is a crosshead component of a large diesel engine. The crosshead component consists of a crosshead pin (1), slide blocks (2), wear-resisting plates (3), sealing covers (4), and a sleeve (5), and has a structure with H-shaped cross and longitudinal sections. The crosshead pin (1) is a cylinder provided with petal-shaped through holes. The slide blocks (2) are respectively fitted on and connected to outer circles of left and right ends of the crosshead pin (1). The sleeve (5) is inserted in and connected to the petal-shaped through holes (112) of the crosshead pin (1) to form oil inlet/return way cavities. Left and right end surfaces of the crosshead pin (1) are respectively connected to the sealing covers (4) for sealing the oil way cavities. Front and back ends of the slide blocks (2) are respectively connected to the wear-resisting plates (3). The crosshead component has excellent interchangeability, economy and convenience. |
| US09885376B1 |
Rotary connector devices, connector assemblies and method of use
A connector assembly comprises a base part that defines a throughhole receiving a bolt and a connector device having a rear portion that fits through the throughhole in the base part, and a front portion that does not fit through the throughhole in the base part. The rear portion of the connector device defines a bolt hole for engaging with a bolt extending through the throughhole in the base part. The front portion of the connector device defines an access opening aligned with the bolt hole in the rear portion. The rear portion is configured with an engagement surface structure engaged with a forming wall structure of the throughhole in the base part upon movement of the connector device relative to the throughhole. |
| US09885374B2 |
Hydraulic system of a vehicle
A hydraulic system of a vehicle is provided, said system including:a first hydraulic circuit (1) having a first pressure source (2) and at least a first hydraulic consumer (3, 4),a second hydraulic circuit (5) having a second pressure source (6) and at least a second hydraulic consumer (7),connecting means (10, 11) allowing a flow of hydraulic fluid at least from said first hydraulic circuit (1) to said second hydraulic circuit (5),and control means (16) for controlling operation of said hydraulic consumers (3, 4, 7). Such a hydraulic system should allow safe operation of a vehicle with low energy consumption of the hydraulic system. To this end said control means (16) are connected to summation demand means (12), said summation demand means (12) controlling flow of hydraulic fluid from at least said first hydraulic circuit (1) to said second hydraulic circuit (5), said summation demand means (12) being connected to operation mode signal means (17) outputting an operation mode signal indicative of an operation mode of said vehicle, wherein said summation demand means (12) allow or block flow of hydraulic fluid from one hydraulic circuit (1) to another hydraulic circuit (5) in dependency of said operation mode signal. |
| US09885372B2 |
System and method for a rotor advancing tool
A system includes an isobaric pressure exchanger (IPX) that includes a housing and a rotor disposed within the housing. The system also includes a rotor advancing tool configured to engage and to move the rotor while the rotor is within the housing. The housing includes an opening that enables the rotor advancing tool to extend through the opening to engage and move the rotor. |
| US09885371B2 |
Row of aerofoil members
A row of aerofoil members for an axial compressor, the row comprises a circumferentially extending endwall and a plurality of aerofoils extending radially from the endwall. The endwall is profiled to include an acceleration region and a deceleration region in a location that corresponds to a position of peak fluid pressure. The acceleration region is provided upstream of the deceleration region such that fluid flow through the compressor and adjacent the endwall is accelerated and then decelerated so as to reduce the peak fluid pressure. |
| US09885366B2 |
Ceiling fan having a single fan blade
A ceiling fan including a motor having a rotating flange; a single integrally formed fan blade, wherein the fan blade includes two substantially equally weighted wing portions disposed opposite each other; and a center portion disposed between and integrally formed with the two wing portions and having a passageway therethrough, wherein the passageway is sized such that the fan motor fits at least partially within the passageway; and means for attaching the center portion of the fan blade to the rotating flange of the motor is provided. |
| US09885363B2 |
Cap for submersible pump
The cap for suspension of submersible pump with a pressure pipe and a cable with a cover with central axial hole and circular collar, with conical inner surface narrowing towards central hole, and clamping flange with central hole, sealing rubber ring of rubber cross-section installed between conical surface of collar of cover and flat side of flange. Bolts with nuts are installed in coaxial holes of cover for fixation of ring on the outer side of casing pipe of the well. Central hole of clamping flange has diameter smaller than mean diameter of rubber ring, while smaller diameter of conical surface of collar of cover is made with diameter exceeding mean diameter of rubber ring. Increased reliability and durability is provided by elimination of possibility of edge of the flange hole to cut into the rubber ring. |
| US09885361B2 |
Centrifugal fan for devices including refrigerators
A centrifugal fan for a refrigerator can include a plurality of vanes arranged radially about a central a shaft; a ring-shaped shroud coupled to the vanes and having a curved portion with a predetermined radius or curvature and also having an angled portion with a predetermined gradient or angle relative to the curved portion; and a bottom surface coupled to the vanes on the side opposite the shroud; where a ratio (r/R) of an inner diameter r, which is the shortest distance between the vane and the shaft, and an outer diameter R, which is the longest distance between the vane and the shaft, is approximately 0.69±0.01. |
| US09885358B2 |
Three stage scroll vacuum pump
A three stage vacuum pump has three stages of fixed scrolls and orbiting scrolls that operate simultaneously. A motor drives the second orbiting scroll within the third fixed scroll upon three equally spaced idlers. One idler then transmits rotation and torque into the second stage. The second orbiting scroll has involutes upon both surfaces to engage the second fixed scroll inwardly and the first fixed scroll outwardly. The first fixed scroll has fins upon its back that extend into the atmosphere to transfer heat to air cool the pump. This pump also has a fan accelerating heat transfer. The pump operates the scrolls directly from a motor or from a motor and magnetic coupling so that the atmosphere does not infiltrate the pump. |
| US09885357B2 |
Hermetic compressor and vapor compression-type refrigeration cycle device including the hermetic compressor
A hermetic compressor includes a hermetic container having a bottom portion in which lubricating oil is stored and an electric motor including a stator and a rotator. The hermetic compressor further includes a drive shaft attached to the rotator and a compression mechanism for compressing refrigerant by using rotation of the drive shaft. The hermetic compressor also includes a rotary pressure increasing mechanism for increasing a pressure of refrigerant gas, the rotary pressure increasing mechanism being arranged on the rotator, and a cylindrical lateral wall for partitioning a space above the electric motor into an outer space and an inner space in a manner that the a cylindrical lateral wall surrounds the rotary pressure increasing mechanism. Finally, the hermetic compressor includes a discharge pipe for allowing the refrigerant to flow out from the inner space into an external circuit that is external to the hermetic container. |
| US09885355B2 |
Pump apparatus and marine vessel propelling machine
A pump apparatus includes a shaft, a first pump, and a second pump. The first pump includes a first driving gear disposed on the shaft in a first phase and rotatable with the shaft to feed a first operating fluid. The second pump includes a second driving gear disposed on the shaft in a second phase shifted from the first phase. The second driving gear is coaxial with the first driving gear and rotatable with the shaft to feed a second operating fluid. |
| US09885353B2 |
Pressure relief mechanism for linear actuator well pump
A reciprocating well pump assembly has a barrel and a piston reciprocally carried within the barrel between up stroke and down stroke positions. A travelling valve moves with the piston and has a closed position during the up stroke an open position during the down stroke. A relief port extends from a bore of the piston below the travelling valve into the barrel. A valve sleeve mounted around the body of the travelling valve is axially movable between a closed position, closing the tubular body relief port, and an open position, communicating well fluid in the barrel with the well fluid in the bore of the piston. When nearing the top of the stroke, the valve sleeve abuts a stop in the barrel. Continued upward movement of the piston causes the valve sleeve to open the relief port. |
| US09885352B2 |
Selectable valve of a delivery system
A delivery system for a sensor chip includes a plurality of selectable ports arranged on a first assembly. Each of the selectable ports is in communication with a separate channel. The delivery system includes a second assembly movable in relation to the first assembly. The second assembly has a channel that is mechanically connectable to different ones of the plurality of selectable ports on the first assembly by motion of the second assembly relative to the first assembly. The delivery system includes a mechanical interface configured to engage a separate actuator so that relative motion of the first assembly and the second assembly is affected by the actuator. |
| US09885350B2 |
Water pump control system
A water pump control system is provided for vacuum excavation equipment. The water pump control system includes a control circuit for controlling a hydraulic actuation circuit configured to control a water pump circuit such that a water pressure produced by the water pump circuit does not exceed a desired water pressure. The hydraulic actuation circuit can include a proportional hydraulic valve, and the control circuit controls a water pump speed by monitoring a water pressure and adjusting an electric current flowing into the proportional valve to meet the desired water pressure. The control circuit can include a pressure transducer mounted to the water pump circuit to monitor the water pressure in real-time. |
| US09885349B2 |
Pumping unit and counterbalance system for pumping units
A counterbalance system may include an outrigger support structure, a first elongated outrigger member, and a second elongated outrigger member. The outrigger support structure is adapted to be mounted in an operating position on a walking beam of a pumping unit. The first elongated outrigger member is connected to the outrigger support structure at a first lateral side of the counterbalance system. The second outrigger member is also connected to the outrigger support structure, but is connected at a second lateral side of the counterbalance system. A first suspension element may be connected to the first outrigger member and a second suspension element may be connected to the second outrigger member. Suitable counterbalance weights may be connected to the first suspension element while additional counterbalance weights may be connected to the second suspension element. These counterbalance weights connected to the first and second suspension elements may be used to counterbalance the weight on the downhole weight on the walking beam. |
| US09885348B2 |
Reciprocation pump and a dialysis apparatus equipped with the reciprocation pump
A reciprocation pump has a supply liquid-side sub-pumping chamber arranged adjacent to the supply liquid-side pumping chamber at an external side. A waste liquid-side sub-pumping chamber is arranged adjacent to the waste liquid-side pumping chamber at an external side. A rod extends through the supply liquid-side sub-pumping chamber, the supply liquid-side pumping chamber, the waste liquid-side pumping chamber and the waste liquid-side sub-pumping chamber. The rod is connected to the reciprocation mechanism and the driving source to transmit a driving force of the driving source to the reciprocation mechanism. Sealing members are arranged, respectively, in walls through which the rod extends to partition the supply liquid-side pumping chamber and the supply liquid-side sub-pumping chamber as well as the waste liquid-side pumping chamber and the waste liquid-side sub-pumping chamber. |
| US09885346B2 |
Matrix controlled shape memory actuator array
A shape memory actuator system is provided that includes a shape memory actuator having a body made of a shape memory material, with individual power conductors interfaced with a first portion of the body, and one or more individual ground conductors interfaced with a second portion of the body in physical contact with the first portion of the body. A power source provides power to the individual power conductors. A controller is provided for controlling a resistive heating current connection sufficient to impart shape memory to the body between the individual power conductors and the one or more individual ground conductors with the proviso that the ground conductors are physically separated from the individual power conductors. A novel shape memory article results. A method for controlling a shape memory actuator and forming a shape memory article are also provided. |
| US09885345B2 |
Scalable multi-element shape memory alloy rotary motor
A scalable multi-element shape memory alloy (SMA) rotary motor employs a plurality of SMA tubes. A ratcheting gear transmission couples the plurality of SMA tubes in parallel to a common output. A controller provides power to a plurality of heaters associated with each of the plurality of SMA tubes, sequentially heating selected heaters to provide continuous rotational motion of the common output. |
| US09885344B2 |
Energy recovery device
The present application relates to the field of energy recovery and in particular to the use of shape memory alloys (SMA) for same. An energy recovery device is provided which comprises a one way drive mechanism for incrementally winding a spring. An SMA engine comprising a length of SMA material is fixed at a first end and connected at a second end to the one way drive mechanism. The SMA engine is housed in an immersion chamber and adapted to be sequentially filled with fluid to allow heating and/or cooling of the SMA engine to enable high frequency contractions and expansion. An output transmission is provided which is coupled to and driven by the spring. In this manner, repeated contractions of the SMA material incrementally wind the spring to store energy. The spring is restrained by a release mechanism which may be activated to allow the spring to drive an output transmission. |
| US09885343B2 |
Blade for a wind turbine, and a servicing unit for a blade
A blade for a wind turbine comprises a substantially hollow shell which comprises an opening which extends along at least part of the length of the blade, and a servicing unit displaceable along the blade shell, at least partly arranged inside the shell and comprising an arm adapted to project out of the shell through the opening. |
| US09885342B2 |
Rotating system for a wind turbine
Provided are first and second mutually rotatable elements and a bearing arrangement associated therewith including at least one single film-like chamber formed between the first and second elements, a number of fluid injectors for injecting fluid into the hydraulic chamber and a control device for separately controlling the pressure of the fluid injected by the injectors depending at least on loads on the first element or the second element. A driving device is also provided for driving at least one of the elements in rotation, including hydraulic chambers which volume is defined by the relative position of the first and second elements and a pump device for filling the chamber with fluid to rotate the elements. |
| US09885339B2 |
Horizontal axis troposkein tensioned blade fluid turbine
A fluid power-generating system operatively disposed between a first support and a second support, the system characterized by an absence of a centrally disposed rotor member, and including a machine capable of acting as a motor and as a generator, the machine coupled to the first support; a flexible wing(s) having an arcuate shape, a distal end coupled to the machine and a proximal end coupled to the second support, for catching and passing a flowing fluid; a tensioned balancing system coupled to the supports for stabilizing operation of the power-generating system; and a rigid strut(s) disposed between each flexible wing and the balancing system for supporting each flexible wing. |
| US09885336B2 |
Wave power generation system
There is provided a wave power generation system comprising: first and second floating members to generate a floating force, wherein the first and second floating members are spaced from each other; first and second frames respectively coupled to the first and floating members; a pendulum swayably coupled to the first and second frames, wherein the pendulum is disposed between the first and second frames; a physical power converter operatively coupled to the first and second frames and operatively coupled to the first connection bars, wherein the physical power converter is configured to convert a pendulum movement force of the pendulum to a rotation force; a first wire operatively coupled to the physical power converter; a gearbox disposed on a land and operatively coupled to the wire, wherein the gearbox is configured to receive the rotation force from the first wire and to generate a continuous rotation force using first and second weights and one-way clutch. |
| US09885326B2 |
Secondary fuel injection system and method for diesel engines
A secondary fueling system for a diesel internal combustion engine includes an injector which injects an oxygen-containing secondary fuel into the engine's air intake system, a pump which pumps the secondary fuel to the injector, a sensor which senses pressure in the air intake system, and a secondary fuel controller which receives output signals from the sensor and pump, operator inputs for the engine, and data signals pertaining to operation of the engine from the main engine controller, determines an injection amount of the secondary fuel based thereon, and controls the pump based on the determined injection amount. A position of the injector in the engine's air intake system is distant from the engine's intake valves and is based on the engine's displacement, e.g., it relates to approximately equal to one quarter of the engine's displacement. |
| US09885325B2 |
Air intake chamber for saddled vehicle
An air intake chamber is disposed at a location downstream of a supercharger and upstream of a throttle body. The air intake chamber serves to accumulate an intake air pressurized by the supercharger. This air intake chamber includes a confronting portion, which has an outlet and overlaps the throttle body, and a connecting portion that connects between the confronting portion and a discharge port of the supercharger. The connecting portion has an outlet side opening set to be larger than an inlet side opening thereof. |
| US09885321B2 |
Multi-cylinder internal combustion engine
This multi-cylinder internal combustion engine (1) is provided with an EGR device (30) containing an EGR cooler (27), a valve overlap period in which valve opening periods of intake valves (20) and exhaust valves (21) overlap one another is set, and the multi-cylinder internal combustion engine (1) has four cylinders (2). The multi-cylinder internal combustion engine (1) comprises: four exhaust side branch conduits (15), one provided for each of the cylinders (2); a storage tank (31) configured to store condensed water (CW) generated by the EGR cooler (27); and four condensed water introduction conduits (33), one provided for each of the exhaust side branch conduits (15) and communicating the exhaust side branch conduit (15) with the storage tank (31). |
| US09885318B2 |
Mixing assembly
An embodiment of a mixing assembly for mixing at least two fluids, comprises a housing and an injector body disposed concentrically therein, a vorticing element disposed about the injector body, and a compression element disposed about an outlet of the injector body. The housing is disposed for passage of a first fluid therethrough. The injector body being disposed within the housing and further disposed for the introduction of a second fluid within the flow path of the first fluid. |
| US09885317B2 |
System and method for combusting volatile vapors
A system for combusting volatile vapors includes a carburetor having intake valves for receiving base fuel from a fuel source, ambient combustion air, and volatile vapors from a vapor source. A plurality of sensors measure and generate sensor data based on a respective plurality of physical properties associated with the carburetor and associate combustion engine operation. One or more programmable controllers receive the sensor data and control the intake valves to regulate respective ratios of the fuel, air, volatile vapors drawn through the carburetor based on the received sensor data. To increase the burn of volatile vapors, an engine loading system automatically operated by the controller(s) applies an automatically adjustable braking load on the engine. The load level applied is based on the sensor data and commensurate with maintaining stable engine running conditions. The loading system decreases time necessary to remediate a site. |
| US09885316B2 |
Actuating device including a primary locking device
The invention relates to an actuating device comprising: —a first element (7), —a second element (8) able to move translationally with respect to the first element (7), and —a locking device (6) comprising a catch (18, 20) able to move between a deployed position and a retracted position, the catch (18-20) being positioned with respect to the first element (7) in such a way that when the catch (18-20) is in a deployed position, the catch (18-20) allows the second element (8) to move with respect to the first element (7) in a first range of movement (A) and prevents the second element (8) from moving with respect to the first element (7) in a second range of movement (B), and when the catch (18-20) is in the retracted position, the catch (18-20) allows the second element to move with respect to the first element (7) in the second range of movement (B). This device is particularly suited to allowing actuation of a thrust reverser system and of a system that regulates air flow through an aircraft propulsion unit. |
| US09885314B2 |
Dual-cam bellcrank mechanism
A method and system for imparting a linear motion to a flexible shaft is disclosed. The system includes a bellcrank having a first arm, a second arm, and a first pivot pin therebetween. The system further includes an actuating device coupled to the first arm and configured to apply a force to cause the bellcrank to rotate about the first pivot pin. Still further, the system includes a second pivot pin coupled to a rod-end of the flexible shaft and further coupled to a slotted hole on the second arm. Yet still further, the system includes a follower surface on the rod-end of the flexible shaft and configured to slide on a cam surface machined on the second arm. Upon application of the force to the first arm, the flexible shaft moves in a substantially linear motion. |
| US09885312B2 |
Piston for internal combustion engine
A piston for an internal combustion engine includes a piston body. The piston body includes a head, two side walls, two skirts, and a reinforcement member. The head includes a recessed crown. Each side wall includes a pin boss configured to support a piston pin. The two skirts are respectively located at a thrust side with respect to an axis of the piston pin and an anti-thrust side with respect to the axis of the piston pin. The reinforcement member includes two legs and a connecting portion connecting upper ends of the two legs. The two legs are respectively insert-casted in the two skirts. The connecting portion is insert-casted in the head. |
| US09885311B2 |
Method for manufacturing cylinder block and cylinder block
A thermally sprayed coating is formed on an inner surface of a cylinder bore of a cylinder block by using a thermal spray gun. The thermal spray gun is reciprocated along an axial direction in the cylinder bore while being rotated, and injects melted droplets generated by melting a wire made of a ferrous material from a nozzle at its end. At this time, a moving speed of the thermal spray gun along the axial direction into the cylinder bore is made equal-to or larger-than a predetermined value, and the number of reciprocating cycles of the thermal spray gun along the axial direction into the cylinder bore is made equal-to or larger-than a predetermined value. |
| US09885310B2 |
System and methods for fuel pressure control
Methods and systems are provided for operating a lift pump of an engine fuel system. In one example, a method may comprise closed loop operating a lift pump of a fuel system based on a difference between a desired fuel rail pressure and an estimated fuel rail pressure, and open loop operating the lift pump to the desired fuel rail pressure in response to a fuel flow rate in a direction of a fuel rail through a check valve positioned between the lift pump and the fuel rail decreasing to a threshold. Thus, outputs from a fuel rail pressure sensor may not be used to adjust lift pump operation when an amount of fuel flowing to the fuel rail decreases to a threshold. |
| US09885309B1 |
Methods and systems for dual fuel injection
Methods and a system are provided for controlling fuel injection in a vehicle engine. The system specifically relates to an engine fueled with both port and direct fuel injectors. In one example, a method may include delivering a first portion of fuel via port injection during a first injection window, and subsequently delivering a second portion of fuel directly during a second injection window before the engine exits cranking speeds. |
| US09885306B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
Respective learned values of four parameters, that are an intake valve working angle deviation amount, an exhaust valve working angle deviation amount, an intake valve timing deviation amount and an exhaust pressure loss deviation amount, are calculated based on learned values of an intake valve flow rate error that are obtained under at least four different operating conditions. A correction amount with respect to an intake valve flow rate that is calculated with an intake valve model equation is calculated based on respective learned values of the four parameters using an intake valve flow rate error model equation in which coefficients are represented by functions of state quantities of an engine that include an engine speed and an intake pipe pressure. |
| US09885303B2 |
Control device for diesel engine
A control device for a diesel engine includes a variable geometry supercharger with a variable supercharge pressure mechanism and an EGR valve configured to adjust an EGR gas amount. In the control device, when the diesel engine is determined to be accelerating, a maximum exhaust pressure is set such that an increased amount of an engine torque by increasing a fuel injection amount in association with acceleration is greater than an increased amount of pumping loss increased with increasing exhaust pressure due to an actuation of the variable supercharge pressure mechanism in association with acceleration. A target control variable for the variable supercharge pressure mechanism and a target control variable for the EGR valve are controlled on the basis of the maximum exhaust pressure. |
| US09885302B2 |
Method for regenerating a NOx storage catalytic converter
Methods and systems are provided for regenerating a NOx storage catalytic converter of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine comprising selectively switchable cylinders. During permissible engine operating conditions, the switchable cylinders may be deactivated in order to regenerate the NOx storage catalytic converter using the rich exhaust from the active cylinders blended with un-combusted gas from the deactivated cylinders. |
| US09885300B2 |
Method and system for controlling engine using combustion pressure sensor
A method for controlling an engine which comprises a combustion pressure sensor includes receiving a combustion pressure signal from the combustion pressure sensor. An Indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) deviation for each cylinder and an IMEP deviation for each driving cycle for the engine are calculated based on a combustion pressure according to the received combustion pressure signal. A main injection timing is set based on a difference between the calculated IMEP deviations for the each cylinder and a difference between the calculated IMEP deviations for the each driving cycle. The engine runs by injecting a fuel according to the set main injection timing. |
| US09885298B2 |
Fuel injection control device for engine
An electronic control unit includes a seat temperature calculating unit, a supply amount control unit, and a concentration acquiring unit. The seat temperature calculating unit calculates a simulated temperature of an exhaust valve seat. When the simulated temperature of the exhaust valve seat becomes equal to or higher than a threshold temperature, the supply amount control unit starts fuel increase control of increasing a lower limit value of an amount of fuel to be supplied into a cylinder to a larger value than that before the simulated temperature becomes equal to or higher than the threshold temperature. The concentration acquiring unit acquires an ethanol concentration of the fuel. In the fuel increase control, the supply amount control unit makes the amount of increase in the lower limit value larger as the ethanol concentration of the fuel acquired by the concentration acquiring unit is higher. |
| US09885296B2 |
Method and system for vacuum generation using a throttle body comprising a slidable throttle valve
Various systems and methods are described for generating vacuum within an engine intake. A system may comprise an intake throttle including a slidable throttle valve, where the throttle valve may comprise a hollow interior passage, which in turn may be coupled to a vacuum consumption device. When vacuum is demanded by the vacuum consumption device, the throttle valve may be displaced downstream within the throttle to decrease airflow through the throttle and vacuum may be generated at tip of the throttle valve by flowing intake air between the throttle valve and a throttle fixture. |
| US09885293B2 |
Control apparatus of engine
In a control apparatus of an engine having a first fuel injection valve for injecting fuel into an intake path of the engine, a second fuel injection valve for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of the engine, a supercharger for supercharging intake air for the engine, and a waste gate valve for opening and closing an exhaust bypass passage for bypassing a turbine of the supercharger, the waste gate valve is controlled to act in an opening direction in accordance with an increase in the injection amount of fuel injected from the second fuel injection valve, in a region where the injection amount of fuel from the second fuel injection valve is larger than the injection amount of fuel from the first fuel injection valve. |
| US09885290B2 |
Erosion suppression system and method in an exhaust gas recirculation gas turbine system
In an embodiment, a method includes flowing an exhaust gas from a turbine of a gas turbine system to an exhaust gas compressor of the gas turbine system via an exhaust recirculation path; evaluating moist flow parameters of the exhaust gas within an inlet section of the exhaust gas compressor using a controller comprising non-transitory media programmed with instructions and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions; and modulating cooling of the exhaust gas within the exhaust recirculation path, heating of the exhaust gas within the inlet section of the exhaust gas compressor, or both, based on the evaluation. |
| US09885289B2 |
Aircraft propulsion architecture integrating an energy recovery system
A drive system of at least one rotor of an aircraft via electrical energy in addition to or as a replacement of a mechanical system. The electrical energy is provided at least in part by at least one device for recovering thermal energy from hot gases of an internal combustion engine of the aircraft. |
| US09885288B2 |
Anti-windmilling starter generator
An APU has a gas turbine engine and a starter generator to be selectively driven by the gas turbine engine. A sensor senses windmilling of components associated with the starter generator. A lock feature limits rotation within the starter generator when windmilling is sensed. A method of operation is also disclosed. |
| US09885285B2 |
Gas turbine engine nacelle
A nacelle for a turbofan gas turbine engine is provided. An inner wall of the nacelle defines an air intake which directs air into the fan section of the engine. The intake has, in flow series, an intake lip, a throat and a diffuser. The diffuser has, in flow series, first and second flow conditioning sections over both of which the flow cross-sectional area of the diffuser increases with increasing downstream distance from the throat. In addition, over the second section the nacelle inner wall lies substantially on a surface of an oblique circular cone having an apex which is offset from the centerline of the engine. |
| US09885282B2 |
Turbofan engine bearing and gearbox arrangement
A turbofan engine (20) has a fan shaft (120) coupling a fan drive gear system (60) to the fan (28). A low spool comprises a low pressure turbine (50) and a low shaft (56) coupling the low pressure turbine to the fan drive gear system. A core spool comprises a high pressure turbine (46), a compressor (44), and a core shaft (52) coupling the high pressure turbine to the core spool compressor. A first bearing (150) engages the fan shaft, the first bearing being a thrust bearing. A second bearing (160) engages the fan shaft on an opposite side of the fan drive gear system from the first bearing, the second bearing being a roller bearing. A third bearing (180) engages the low spool shaft and the fan shaft. |
| US09885274B2 |
Oil jet system for internal combustion engine, and control method for oil jet system
In an oil jet system that directs an oil jet toward a back face of a piston, when a coolant temperature of an engine has increased to a predetermined temperature in a stopped state of the oil jet, the piston is cooled by starting the oil jet. When a lubricating oil temperature of the engine has decreased to a predetermined temperature in an operated state of the oil jet, a delay time is determined based on a variation amount in engine rotation speed and a variation amount in intake air filling factor during a predetermined period, and the oil jet is stopped after a lapse of the delay time. |
| US09885264B2 |
Electronic oil pump
A method of controlling an engine includes the steps of: applying a current to the electromagnetic coil to move the at least one piston from the fully retracted position toward the full stroke position; sending a signal to an electronic control unit (ECU) when the at least one piston reaches the full stroke position; determining a time taken to reach the full stroke position from the fully retracted position based on the signal; determining a power-on time based on the determined time taken to reach the full stroke position from the fully retracted position; and returning the at least one piston to the fully retracted position by stopping to apply the current to the electromagnetic coil once the power-on time has elapsed. |
| US09885263B2 |
Compression-release engine brake system for lost motion rocker arm assembly and method of operation thereof
A compression-release brake system is provided that includes a lost motion exhaust rocker assembly, an actuation piston, and a reset device. The actuation piston includes an actuation piston body that is slidably received by the rocker arm to define a piston cavity in the rocker arm and is movable between piston retracted and extended positions. The actuation piston is configured to be operatively associated with the exhaust valve to permit unseating of the exhaust valve from the seated state. An actuation piston check valve is configured to move between closed and open positions to permit hydraulic fluid flow through an actuation piston communication port to the piston cavity. The reset device includes a reset check valve and a reset pressure control spring for applying a biasing force to the reset check valve to urge the reset check valve toward an open position. |
| US09885260B2 |
Methods and system for operating an exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine
Systems and methods for operating exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine with poppet exhaust valves are described. The systems and methods provide for locking exhaust valves in a closed state when the exhaust valves are in mechanical communication with a base circle of a camshaft lobe. Locking the exhaust valves in a closed state may reduce the possibility of exhaust pressures opening the exhaust valves at times they may not be desired to be open. |
| US09885258B2 |
Latch interface for a valve actuating device
A novel latch seat for a switching rocker arm assembly used in variable valve actuation (VVA) systems for internal combustion engines. The seat is formed interactively in the assembled switching rocker arm using a novel fixture and press. The press interactively creates a curved dimple of the correct curvature, position and depth while measuring several lash dimensions. Since the latch seat is formed on the assembled rocker arm assembly, the latch seat depth is designed to account for the inaccuracies in the rocker arm assembly parts which create lash. Therefore all of the parts may be made with less precision since the latch seat is sized to compensate for the inaccuracies of all of the parts. The rocker arm assembly parts now may be manufactured to less stringent standards, but result in a rocker arm assembly with same accuracy of rocker arm assemblies manufactured to previous standards. |
| US09885257B2 |
Flexibly operable power plant and method for the operation thereof
One embodiment relates to a power plant having a large steam generator, which is equipped with hydrocarbon-fired burners and/or with a gas turbine and which has a water/steam circuit connected thereto, and comprising at least one device for generating a CO2-rich gas flow, wherein the electrical power output of the electricity-generating part, of the power plant to the electrical grid is subject to power regulation controlled, at the power grid side. Some embodiments relate to a flexible operating method for the power plant that is fired with hydrocarbon-containing fuel, which operating method permits in particular a rapid adaptation of the power plant output to the power demands from the grid. |
| US09885256B2 |
Method for optimization of control and fault analysis in a thermal power plant
An exemplary control system performs a control and fault analysis method in a thermal power plant using plant data specifications during normal operation of the plant. The method includes obtaining information for at least one set point from the plant data specification which includes a list of process parameters and process outputs. One or more control loops are controlled by providing set points for control based on the information obtained for the at least one set point to operate the thermal power plant and identifying gaps in controlling the one or more control loops in the thermal power plant specification and at least one set point is iteratively manipulated to meet the demand. Further, the plant data specification is updated based on the manipulated at least one set point used to meet the demand, and the updated plant data specification is used for controlling the plant to meet the demand. |
| US09885255B2 |
System for positioning of equipment
Systems for the positioning of equipment are disclosed. A system of the present disclosure can provide an apparatus including: a height adjustable table; an arm support structure coupled to and positioned above the height adjustable table; a length adjustable arm slidably connected to the arm support structure, the length adjustable arm being configured to support a piece of equipment; and an equipment support bracket coupled to the length adjustable arm configured to removably attach the piece of equipment. |
| US09885245B2 |
Turbine nozzles and cooling systems for cooling slip joints therein
Turbine nozzles and cooling systems for cooling slip joints therein are provided. The turbine nozzle has an endwall, a vane coupled to the endwall, a slip joint, and a plurality of airfoil quenching holes that cooperate with a plurality of endwall cooling holes. The vane comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge interconnected by a pressure sidewall and a suction sidewall and an end portion. The slip joint is between the end portion and the endwall. The airfoil quenching holes are defined through the pressure sidewall in the end portion. The endwall cooling holes are defined through the endwall along the pressure sidewall and in proximity to the leading edge. The airfoil quenching holes and endwall cooling holes are disposed adjacent the slip joint. |
| US09885241B2 |
Screw tool for turbomachine rotor balancing
A tool and method for inserting an externally threaded object into a threaded receiving hole and removing and externally threaded object from the receiving hole. The tool is provided with an outer body that has a holding portion to hold the externally threaded object during insertion or removal. The holding portion may be a thread that corresponds with the thread of the externally threaded object. The tool also has a tightening body inside the outer body that has an engagement portion for engaging a corresponding engageable portion of the externally threaded body. The tightening body is rotated within the outer body to tighten or loosen the externally threaded body. During insertion or removal, the externally threaded body is securely held by the holding portion of the outer body. |
| US09885239B2 |
Method and system for generating energy during the expansion of natural process gas
Provided is a method for energy recuperation in the expansion of processed natural gas before the delivery of the latter to an acetylene production plant (H). The method includes delivery of heated processed natural gas to an expansion device and expansion of the processed natural gas in the expansion device to a pressure of 2 bar to 8 bar. The expansion device is a piston expansion machine which is operated by the expansion of the processed natural gas and which generates energy. Also provided is a plant for energy recuperation in the expansion of processed natural gas. |
| US09885238B2 |
Method of preventing leakage of air inside underground cavern
The water-insoluble filler in the form of bubbles is provided into the underground cavern. Then, the filler thus provided is allowed to adhere to a bottom surface and a lower wall surface of the underground cavern to permeate thereinto. Subsequently, the filler having permeated is cured. Here, the water-insoluble filler in the form of bubbles may be provided again into the underground cavern. Moreover, water is poured into the underground cavern to float up the filler. The filler having floated up is allowed to adhere to an upper wall surface and a ceiling surface of the underground cavern to permeate thereinto. Thereafter, the filler having permeated is cured. Here, when the filler is allowed to permeate an inner surface of the underground cavern, a pressure inside the underground cavern may be increased. Additionally, when the filler is cured, a temperature inside the underground cavern may be increased. |
| US09885237B2 |
Apparatus and method for monitoring health of articulating machinery
An apparatus for acquiring repeatable and trendable performance data for monitoring the health of an articulating machine includes sensors, a programmable logic controller, a machinery monitoring system, and a display device. The sensors collect performance data as the machine performs prescribed motions. The programmable logic controller includes memory for storing motion predicate values that indicate motion conditions to be achieved as predicates to analysis of performance data as the machine performs the prescribed motions. A processor in the programmable logic controller compares the performance data to the motion predicate values to determine whether the motion conditions are being achieved as the machine performs the particular prescribed motion. A processor in the machinery monitoring system calculates analysis parameter values that indicate the health of the machine. These calculations are made using performance data collected while the motion conditions are being achieved. The display device prompts an operator to operate the machine to perform each of the prescribed motions until data has been collected for the prescribed motions. |
| US09885235B2 |
Multi-phase fluid flow profile measurement
Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for analyzing multi-phase fluid flow profile and flow field distribution by utilizing heating wires and thermal sensing arrays to detect transient thermal response and generate a dynamic temperature profile. The thermal sensing arrays include a plurality of thermal sensors disposed linearly along the length of the array. The multi-point dynamic temperature profile is used to determine fluid rate, velocity, flow patterns, and flow field distribution. |
| US09885234B2 |
System and method for measuring temperature using an opto-analytical device
In one embodiment, a method includes drilling a wellbore in a formation with a drilling tool. The method further includes receiving electromagnetic radiation using an opto-analytical device coupled to the drilling tool. The method also includes detecting a temperature associated with drilling the wellbore based on the received electromagnetic radiation. |
| US09885233B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for multi zone monitoring in boreholes
A multi-zone monitoring system allowing simultaneous measurement of separate zones of multi-zone wellbore formations comprising a multi-component umbilical containing both electrical lines and a hydraulic fluid lines, an inflatable isolation packer that can traverse through the wellbore and be inflated with hydraulic fluid to seal off a portion of the wellbore wherein the inflatable isolation packer is connected to a hydraulic line of the multi-component umbilical, wherein the inflatable isolation packer further comprises: one or more cable bypass feed throughs for the umbilical's electric and hydraulic fluid lines, wherein the hydraulic line is attached to the inflatable isolation packer with compression fittings. A method of monitoring geologic formations in a wellbore comprising attaching a plurality of inflatable isolation packers at predetermined distance to an umbilical containing a hydraulic line for inflating each packer, monitoring each connection of the hydraulic line to each inflatable isolation packer, attaching monitoring equipment to the umbilical at predetermined distances to the umbilical, lowering the equipment and inflatable isolation packers down a wellbore using the umbilical, and monitoring the equipment and each hydraulic line connection at a surface. |
| US09885231B2 |
Methods and apparatus for reducing stick-slip
A method and apparatus for estimating the instantaneous rotational speed of a bottom hole assembly at the lower end of a drill string. In one embodiment, a method includes driving the drill string by a drilling mechanism at the upper end of the drill string. A fundamental frequency of stick-slip oscillations suffered by the drill string is estimated. Variations in a drive torque of the drilling mechanism are determined. Known torsional compliance of the drill string is combined with the variations in the drive torque. An output signal representing the instantaneous rotational speed is provided. |
| US09885230B2 |
Pad drilling method for drilling multiple wells and a multi-well pad system employing the same
A well pad having a plurality of wells is described. The well pad has two parallel rows or linear arrays of well pairs, mirrored to each other in both a W-E direction and a S-N direction orthogonal to the W-E direction. Each row of well pairs comprises an inner row of injection wells and an outer row of production wells. A plurality of wellhead connection modules and a piping module are deployed between the two rows of well pairs. Each wellhead connection module is connected to one, two three or four well pairs. The piping module connects the wellhead connection modules to a central processing facility. |
| US09885229B2 |
Disappearing expandable cladding
Perforations in an existing borehole are covered with an expandable clad or elongated tubular that is expanded on location with the expansion equipment then removed. The clad is made of a disintegrating material such as a controlled electrolytic material known as CEM and is expanded into position to cover the existing perforations. One or more plugs are run in with perforating guns and the plugs set with the guns moved away from the set plug and fired to make new perforation. After each new perforation is made a ball is delivered to the plug to isolate a portion of the well and the new perforations are treated such as in a fracturing or another operation. Over time or with exposure to well fluids or temperatures the clad disintegrates and the original well drift diameter is regained so that subsequent production or injection is not impeded. |
| US09885226B2 |
Heat exchange in downhole apparatus using core-shell nanoparticles
In one aspect, a method of extracting heat from a downhole device is disclosed, which method, in one non-limiting embodiment, may include: providing a heat exchange fluid that includes a base fluid and core-shell nanoparticles therein; circulating the heat exchange fluid in the downhole device proximate to a heat-generating element of the downhole to cause the core of the core-shell nanoparticles to melt to extract heat from the downhole device and then enabling the heat exchange fluid to cool down to cause the core of the core shell nanoparticles to solidify for recirculation of the heat exchange fluid proximate to the heat-generating element. |
| US09885224B2 |
Burst sleeve and positive indication for fracture sleeve opening
A downhole tool, such as a sliding sleeve, deploys on a tubing string in a borehole. The tool has a housing with an internal bore and at least one port communicating outside the housing. An insert disposed in the bore can move from a closed position to an opened position relative to the port so fluid can be communicated to the borehole. A burst band disposed outside the housing at the port can break away from the housing in response to a particular pressure level communicated through the open port. In particular, the insert can have a seat that engages a deployed plug or ball. The insert shifts open when a first level of applied pressure against the seated ball shears the insert free. This can give a first indication that the insert has moved open. Then, a second level of pressure can be detected when the burst band breaks as a second indication that the insert is opened. |
| US09885223B2 |
Methods for formulating a cement slurry for use in a subterranean salt formation
Methods of formulating a cement slurry for use in a subterranean salt formation, including methods for formulating a cement slurry capable of providing long-term zonal isolation within a subterranean salt formation. The methods also take into account the effects of treatment fluids on the cement slurry, such as drilling fluids, spacer fluids, flush fluids, or other relevant fluids used to perform a subterranean formation operation. |
| US09885222B2 |
Stage tool apparatus and components for same
A stage tool apparatus and components for same are described. In several exemplary embodiments, the stage tool apparatus is part of tubular string or casing positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore. |
| US09885212B2 |
Downhole oscillator
An exemplary embodiment of the downhole oscillator includes an outer housing at least partially surrounding a motor and a removably coupled eccentric member. The motor at least partially drives the rotation of the eccentric member thereby producing oscillations or vibrations along the outer diameter of at least a portion of the downhole assembly. The motor's action is at least partly facilitated by expulsion of fluid from the drill string through the motor and onto the outer housing interior such that the force of the fluid produces rotation in the motor. Rotation may be enhanced through similar expulsion of fluid from the eccentric member. Alternatively, the fluid may be expelled from the motor and/or eccentric member against the wellbore thereby providing the desired rotation. A method of use may include providing an outer housing, motor capable of producing rotational movement, and eccentric member and coupling same. |
| US09885209B2 |
Light-control assembly
A light-control assembly including a modular beam with a plurality of adjacent circular bores separated by web portions, and a series of light-controlling members with laterally compliant edge structures mounted in the beam so that the edge structures accommodate the webs between the bores when the light-controlling members are closed to achieve enhanced, blackout or near blackout light-blocking along the edges of the light-controlling members. |
| US09885207B2 |
Automatic open-close device for fittings
An automatic open-close device for use with a fitting, the device may include a rack secured to the fitting; a pinion structured to mesh with the rack; a turn-driving mechanism structured to drive the pinion to turn; and a holding member structured to rotatably hold the pinion. The holding member may be movable between a meshing position in which the rack and the pinion are engaged and a disengaging position in which the rack and the pinion are disengaged. The rack and the pinion may be configured such that, when the holding member is in the meshing position and the driving mechanism drives the pinion to turn, the fitting opens and closes. |
| US09885206B2 |
Sliding door self-closing device
Disclosed is a sliding door self-closing device configured to automatically close a door moving along a rail straightly aligned with an extension rail. The sliding door self-closing device includes a damper configured to move along the rail to automatically close the door and smoothen a closing speed, and a roller assembly pivotably connected to a front end of the damper to move along the rail and provided to be rotatable at the front end of the damper by a predetermined angle. Therefore, it is possible to ensure appropriate driving along the rail even when the rail is deformed. In addition, it is possible to easily remove the damper and the roller assembly through a short space of the extension rail. |
| US09885205B2 |
Damping device for the damping of the opening movement of a moveable furniture part
A damping device for the damping of the opening movement of a movable furniture part comprises: a fixed base unit with a furniture body of a piece of furniture; a movable base unit having the movable furniture part; and a damping unit comprising a first and a second damping component which are movable relative to one another when performing a damping function, of which the first damping component is arranged on the one base unit and as it approaches the movable base unit an impact takes place in the final position of said base unit between the second damping component and the other base unit, thereby triggering the damping function the first damping component is movably mounted on the allocated base unit such that on impact it can be displaced from a standby position into a working position supported by a stop in which the damping function can be performed. |
| US09885202B2 |
Refrigerator comprising a plastic front frame
The invention relates to a refrigerating device having a cooled goods compartment and a door. The cooled goods compartment is provided with a front frame that is made of a low heat-conducting material such as plastic or similar and is backed by a first magnet. A door seal that is fitted with a second magnet seals against the front frame in the closed position of the door. Opposite first poles of the two poles of each magnet face the contact area between the seal and the front frame while second poles face away from the contact area. |
| US09885201B2 |
Lock device for linear motion rod
A lock device body includes a brake member fastening a rod to lock the rod, a piston that press-opens a pair of pressure-bearing sections of the brake member by using an expansion member to unlock the rod, and an operation element for manually operating the piston, the operation element includes a shaft threaded in a screw hole, a pressure plate formed on one end of the shaft and located in the pressure chamber, and a sealing member disposed on the pressure plate. When the shaft is threaded into a lock release position, an operation end becomes an unextending state while the pressure plate displaces the piston to the lock release position, and, when the shaft is threaded back to a lock position, the operation end extends from the screw hole to the outside while the sealing member seals the screw hole to isolate the screw hole from the pressure chamber. |
| US09885192B2 |
Spa cover
A spa cover comprising: a) a bladder section having a length and a width approximating that of a water spa; b) a plurality of elongated and generally parallel structures affixed to and substantially spanning the width of the bladder section; c) a plurality of flexible rods affixed to the bladder section and under sufficient tension to compress and create an arc over the width of the bladder section; and d) a cover supported by the flexible rods; wherein the rods and the elongated structures are spaced sufficiently to allow the bladder section and the cover to be rolled lengthwise. |
| US09885190B1 |
Safety system for controlling fluid flow into a suction line
A safety system includes a sleeve fitted within a pool's suction line at its inlet. The sleeve terminates with a plate that resides within the suction line. The plate has holes formed therethrough. A housing defining distinct channels is fitted in the sleeve so that the distinct channels lie within the sleeve. Each of the distinct channels has a first opening on one end thereof and a second opening on another end thereof. The second openings reside in the sleeve. The first openings are in fluid communication with the water in the pool, and are distributed around a periphery of an area of the housing that prevents coverage of all the first openings when a human interacts therewith. A first sensor is coupled to the sleeve to sense pressure therein, and a second pressure sensor is coupled to the plate to sense pressure in one of the plates' holes. |
| US09885186B2 |
Joint structure for assembling floorboards
A joint structure includes a first floorboard and a second floorboard. The first floorboard and the second floorboard each includes: a top surface; a bottom surface; a first side surface; a second side surface; a third side surface; a fourth side surface; a first beveled tenon, the first beveled tenon including a first tenon face facing upwards; a first beveled mortise, the first beveled mortise including a first mortise face facing upwards; a second beveled tenon, the second beveled tenon including a second tenon face facing downwards; and a second beveled mortise, the second beveled mortise including a second mortise face facing downwards. The top surface is disposed substantially parallel to the bottom surface. The first side surface, the second side surface, the third side surface, and the fourth side surface are disposed substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface. |
| US09885183B1 |
De-icing material dispenser attachment device and method of using the same
A dispenser attachment device configured to attach to a conventional snow roof rake tool having a handle, the dispenser attachment device including a reservoir compartment to store and release a de-icing material, an attachment member configured to detachably couple to the tool, and a stabilizer having an upper member and a lower member extending therefrom to stabilize the reservoir compartment when releasing the de-icing material, wherein the reservoir compartment stores the de-icing material when in a first position and dispenses the de-icing material when the reservoir compartment is rotated to a second position. |
| US09885181B2 |
Bent reinforcement rod having improved mechanical strength at the bending point thereof, and method for producing same
The invention relates to a bent rod having improved mechanical strength at the bending point thereof, characterized in that it is made from a bundle of twisted fibers that are secured together using a binder matrix preferably consisting of a thermosetting resin. The invention also relates to a method and device for producing said rod. |
| US09885180B2 |
Load transfer device
A load transfer device is provided to connect concrete elements including, but not limited to, sandwich and double wall panel wythes, roof, floor, balcony and canopy members, and pavement. The device may be used to connect and transfer loads between the components of sandwich and double wall panels. The device includes two load transfer members positioned at an angle with respect to one another. Additionally provided are a retention housing for retaining one or more load transfer members at their angled positions and a depth locating means for retaining one or more load transfer members at their proper depth. Also provided are sandwich wall panels and double wall panels employing the load transfer device and methods for manufacturing sandwich wall panels and double wall panels employing the disclosed load transfer device. |
| US09885177B2 |
Masonry wall assembly
The present invention includes a method and a unit for a masonry wall system, each unit comprising a face shell wherein the interior surface has a transverse axis running from the top surface to the bottom surface of the face shell, and one or more webs having a front end and a rear end, wherein the rear end of each web is integral with or attached to the interior surface of the face shell along the transverse axis. The method for wall construction further comprising positioning one or more vertical reinforcement rods or tendons with one end embedded in a wall-foundation and laying a layer wall units on the wall-foundation such that the one or more webs of the layers of wall units are aligned, and the vertical reinforcement rods or tendons run through or are adjacent to the webs of the wall units. |
| US09885172B2 |
Building structure including balcony
A building structure with a balcony includes a beam with an upward facing cavity. The beam includes an opening in which a cantilevered section is received. The cantilevered section has a proximal end that is positioned in the cavity and a poured bonding structure fills the cavity. |
| US09885165B2 |
Deck drain and method of manufacture
Embodiments of the present invention include apparatus and methods relating to a drainage channel comprising two half members further comprising overhangs extending away from the half member along the length of the half member, wherein the overhang features alternating protrusions and recesses at regular distances along the length of the overhang and wherein the first half member and the second half member are joined together by the recesses of the first half member receiving the protrusions of the second half member and the recesses of the second half member receiving the protrusions of the first half member; and wherein the interior edges of the first half member and the second half member define a channel. |
| US09885155B2 |
Modified vinylamine containing polymers and their use in papermaking
A graft copolymer composition of a vinyl monomer and a functionalized vinylamine-containing base polymer and a method of preparing the graft copolymer. It also relates to a paper product made using the composition as a papermaking additive. |
| US09885154B2 |
Fibrous media
A multi-faceted family of non-woven webs that can take the form of a filter media, an adaptable forming process and a machine capable of making the range of media are disclosed. The filter medium can have a first surface and a second surface defining a thickness. The medium can comprise a region having a gradient. Such a gradient is formed by having a medium wherein the concentration of a fiber, a property or other component varies from one surface to the next surface. The gradient region of the media can comprise the entire thickness of the medium or can comprise a region that comprises a portion of the media thickness. The media are characterized by the presence of a continuous change of the fiber concentration or property within the region. A non-woven web can also be made comprising a planar fiber structure having a gradient. Such a web can comprise fibers having diameters that can range from 1 to 40 microns and a second fiber having a diameter that can range from 0.5 microns to about 5 microns. The gradient can change in the cross machine (x-dimension) or across the thickness (z-dimension) increasing or decreasing in either direction. The media of the invention can be used in a variety of applications for the purpose of removing particulates from a variety of gas use on liquid media. Further, the filtered medium of the invention used in a variety of filter element types including flat media, pleated media, flat panel filters, cylindrical spin-on filters, z media pleated filters and other embodiments wherein the gradient provides useful properties. Methods or processes or an apparatuses for forming a nonwoven medium comprising controllable characteristic within the medium are disclosed. The term medium (plural media) refers to a web made of fiber having variable or controlled structure and physical properties. |
| US09885147B2 |
Reproducible sample preparation method for quantitative stain detection
A stain-barrier is described along with methods of its application to a fabric. The stain barrier can be applied to fabric samples and limits the amount of fabric with which deposited liquid is able to interact. This stain barrier reduces unwanted variability between samples of different dilution or fabric type so that limits of stain detection can be assigned more accurately and precisely and stain detection techniques can be transparently compared. |
| US09885138B2 |
Laundry treatment apparatus
There is disclosed a laundry treatment apparatus including, a cabinet comprising a laundry entrance hole configured to load laundry into the cabinet, a tub provided in the cabinet and configured to store washing water therein, the tub comprising a tub hole in communication with the laundry entrance hole, a drum rotatably provided in the tub and configured to receive the laundry loaded via the tub hole, a detergent supply unit provided under the laundry entrance hole, in communication with the tub, and configured to store detergent therein, and a water supply unit configured to supply water to the detergent supply unit. |
| US09885137B2 |
Washing machine and method of controlling the washing machine
A washing machine and a method of controlling the washing machine are provided. In the washing machine and the method of controlling the washing machine, a liquid detergent is automatically supplied into a washing tub, thereby improving user convenience. In addition, in the washing machine and the method of controlling the washing machine, a liquid detergent is supplied into the washing tub by water circulated by a circulation unit. Thus, no liquid detergent remains in a liquid detergent supply path, and the liquid detergent supply path can be prevented from being blocked due to the solidification of a liquid detergent. |
| US09885133B2 |
Penetration system for fabric and method for manufacturing fabric using same
A permeation system for permeating a wetting agent into fabric includes a fabric supply part; a permeation part provided with a permeation device and a height adjustment device; a drying part; and a collecting part for winding the fabric, which has passed through the drying part, around a collecting roll, thereby obtaining functional fabric of uniform quality and increasing productivity of the fabric into which the wetting agent is permeated. A method for manufacturing fabric includes adjusting the height of the permeation paddle contacting the fabric; supplying the fabric; supplying a wetting agent to be permeated into the fabric; rotating the permeation roller and the permeation paddle to permeate the wetting agent into the fabric; drying the fabric into which the wetting agent is permeated; and collecting the fabric. |
| US09885128B2 |
Energy-absorbing textile material
A textile material exhibiting enhanced energy absorption (e.g., enhanced near-infrared energy absorption) and, optionally, flame resistance. The textile material comprises a textile substrate and a finish disposed on at least one surface of the textile substrate. The finish comprises a binder and an energy-absorbing agent. A method for protecting an individual from infrared radiation that can be generated during an arc flash comprises the step of positioning a textile material between an individual and an apparatus capable of producing an arc flash. |
| US09885124B2 |
Method of growing high quality, thick SiC epitaxial films by eliminating silicon gas phase nucleation and suppressing parasitic deposition
Methods for forming an epilayer on a surface of a substrate are generally provided. For example, a substrate can be positioned within a hot wall CVD chamber (e.g., onto a susceptor within the CVD chamber). At least two source gases can then be introduced into the hot wall CVD chamber such that, upon decomposition, fluorine atoms, carbon atoms, and silicon atoms are present within the CVD chamber. The epilayer comprising SiC can then be grown on the surface of the substrate in the presence of the fluorine atoms. |
| US09885122B2 |
Method of manufacturing silicon single crystal
The invention provides a method of manufacturing an N-type silicon single crystal having a resistivity of 0.05 Ωcm or less and a crystal orientation of <100> by a Czochralski method, including: bringing a seed crystal into contact with a melt doped with a dopant in a crucible; forming a cone while adjusting a taper angle θ such that a ratio of the total of individual lengths of areas each having a taper angle θ ranging from 25° to 45° to length L of a cone side surface is 20% or less, where θ being formed between a growth direction of the silicon single crystal and the cone side surface when the cone is seen in a diameter direction of the silicon single crystal; and successively forming a straight body. The method can inhibit the generation of dislocations during the cone formation without reducing the yield and productivity. |
| US09885121B2 |
High pressure reactor and method of growing group III nitride crystals in supercritical ammonia
Provided is a high-pressure reactor suitable for a high-pressure process using supercritical ammonia grow bulk crystal of group III nitride having lateral dimension larger than 2 inches or to form various transition metal nitrides. The reactor has nutrient distributed along the reactor's longitudinal axis and seed material positioned at the reactor's inner wall and along the reactor's longitudinal axis. Nutrient diffuses through supercritical ammonia from the reactor's longitudinal axis and deposits on the seed material positioned by the reactor's inner wall. Both the nutrient and seed material are heated by the same heater. Material growth can primarily be due to material diffusion through supercritical ammonia. This configuration and methodology reduce convective movement of supercritical ammonia due to temperature differential, providing a more quiescent environment in which group III nitride or transition metal nitride is formed. |
| US09885120B2 |
Apparatus and a method of generating bubbles and foams
The prior arts generate bubbles with fixed characteristics of the gas in the bubbles. The invention proposes an apparatus of generating bubbles and a method thereof. The apparatus comprising: a first unit (10) configured to determine at least one characteristic of a gas in the bubbles; a second unit (12) configured to generate the bubbles, comprising: an electrolyzer (120) configured to electrolyze an electrolyte to generate the gas in the electrolyte, thereby generating bubbles; and a controller (14), configured to control the second unit to generate the bubbles according to the at least one characteristic of the gas. In embodiments of the invention, the generation is controllable with respect to the gas in the bubble based on the practical requirement of the gas, and is more flexible and with wide applicability. |
| US09885119B2 |
Electrochemical and photoelectrochemical reduction of furfurals
Electrochemical cells and photoelectrochemical cells for the reduction of furfurals are provided. Also provided are methods of using the cells to carry out the reduction reactions. Using the cells and methods, furfurals can be converted into furan alcohols or linear ketones. |
| US09885118B2 |
Template forming method, template, and template base material
According to one embodiment, a template forming method is provided. In the template forming method, a template pattern is formed on a first surface of a substrate. A high liquid repellent property portion is formed in a region different from the template pattern on a side of the first surface of the substrate. The high liquid repellent property portion has a higher contacting angle with respect to a resist than a portion without the high liquid repellent property portion formed therein. |
| US09885111B2 |
Bromine-sensitized solar photolysis of carbon dioxide
There is described a process for depositing carbon on a surface, comprising, while contacting a mixture of CO2 and Br2 with a polar substrate presenting apposed surfaces, exposing a sufficient area of said mixture in the region of said apposed surfaces to light of sufficient intensity and frequency to result in deposition of carbon on at least some of said apposed surfaces. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US09885107B2 |
Method for continuously forming noble metal film and method for continuously manufacturing electronic component
The purpose of the present invention is to prevent a drop in secondary electron emission characteristics due to the inside wall of a chamber being covered by a noble metal film continuously formed by plasma sputtering, and so generate and maintain the plasma. After a noble metal film is formed on a given substrate and before a film is formed on a subsequent substrate, a secondary electron emission film comprising a material having a secondary electron emission coefficient higher than that of the noble metal is formed on the inner wall of the chamber. |
| US09885105B2 |
Mask stack and method of controlling the same
A mask stack and a method of controlling the mask stack are disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes installing, in the mask stack, a first cassette comprising masks that have not been used in a deposition process and a second cassette comprising an accommodation space which is empty. The method also includes using, in the deposition process, at least one mask from the masks included in the first cassette. The method further includes inserting, into the accommodation space of the second cassette, the at least one mask used in the deposition process. |
| US09885099B2 |
Ferritic stainless steel sheet
To provide a ferritic stainless steel sheet which has high scale spalling even at a high temperature around 1000° C. Provided is a ferritic stainless steel sheet having excellent Mn-containing oxide film-forming ability and scale spalling ability, containing, in terms of mass %: C: 0.001 to 0.020%, N: 0.001 to 0.020%, Si: 0.10 to 0.40%, Mn: 0.20 to 1.00%, Cr: 16.0 to 20.0%, Nb: 0.30 to 0.80%, Mo: 1.80 to 2.40%, W: 0.05 to 1.40%, Cu: 1.00 to 2.50%, and B: 0.0003 to 0.0030%, in which the above-mentioned components are contained satisfying the formula (1) below, and the balance is composed of Fe and inevitable impurities. At least one of N, Al, V, Mg, Sn, Co, Zr, Hf, and Ta may be added in a predetermined content range. 3≦(5×Mo)/(3×Mn)≦20 (1) |
| US09885096B2 |
Method and apparatus for high temperature production of metals
Carbothermic reduction of magnesium oxide at approximately 2200 degrees Kelvin yields a high temperature mixture of magnesium vapors and carbon monoxide gas. Previous processes have sought to cool or alter the mixture to cause the yield of pure magnesium, which is then used in subsequent processes for its reducing properties. The present invention takes advantage of the stability and inertness of carbon monoxide at elevated temperatures enabling the magnesium vapor/carbon monoxide gas mixture from the carbothermic process to be used directly for the production of other metals at high temperatures. For example, Chromium oxide or chloride, manganese oxide or chloride, zinc oxide or chloride or sulfide, and several other metal compounds can be reduced by the magnesium vapor/carbon monoxide gas mixture at temperatures high enough to prevent the gas mixture from back-reacting to magnesium oxide and carbon. |
| US09885091B2 |
Primer set for detecting bovine leukemia virus and use thereof
A forward primer of a primer set in accordance with the present invention for detecting BLV is a mixture of (1) a first primer consisting of a polynucleotide including 15 or more successive bases including the 16th C in the base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and (2) a second primer consisting of a plurality of kinds of polynucleotides including at least the first to 15th bases in the base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. Two or more of M, N, Y, K, and D which are included in the second primer are each a degenerate base which specifies two or more kinds of bases, and the second primer includes at least 10 kinds of polynucleotides including at least the first to 15th bases in the base sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 12. |
| US09885088B2 |
Rapid phenotypic diagnosis of pathogens and drug resistance using transcriptional expression signatures
The specification relates generally to methods of detecting, diagnosing, and/or identifying pathogens, e.g., infectious disease pathogens and determining their drug sensitivity and appropriate methods of treatment. This invention also relates generally to methods of monitoring pathogen infection in individual subjects as well as larger populations of subjects. |
| US09885079B2 |
Nanopore-based polymer analysis with mutually-quenching fluorescent labels
The invention is directed to a method for determining a monomer sequence of a polymer that is translocated through a nanopore. Monomers of the polymer are labeled with fluorescent labels such that in free solution fluorescent labels of adjacent monomers substantially quench each other and wherein the nanopore constrains fluorescent labels within its bore into a constrained state wherein no detectable fluorescent signal can be generated. By exciting the fluorescent label of each monomer as it exits the nanopore and transitions from a constrained state to a quenched state with an adjacent fluorescent label, a fluorescent signal can be generated by the exiting fluorescent label that allows its monomer to be identified, thereby permitting a monomer sequence to be determined from a sequence of fluorescent signals as the polymer translocates through the nanopore. |
| US09885071B2 |
Polymer enhancement of enzymatic activity
Provided herein are methods for enhancing enzymatic activity using certain polymers that may be optionally attached to an enzyme. The polymers may be thermally-responsive polymers, including poly N-isopropylacrylamide or poly N-isopropylmethacrylamide. The polymer may also be a copolymer with at least two different monomer residues. The monomer residues may have a structure of formula (I): wherein R1, RA and RB are as described herein. Examples of such monomer residues may include N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) or N-isopropylmethacrylamide (NIPMa). The polymer may include additional monomer residues, such as aminooxy-bearing methacrylamide monomer residues that can be modified to vary the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the polymer. |
| US09885066B2 |
Organic acid pathway
The invention relates to the use of a cytosolic citric acid synthase for the heterologous production of citrate outside the mitochondrion of a micro-organism or algae, wherein the protein is selected from A. niger An08g10920, An01g09940, An09g03570, or an ortholog of these genes. Such production is achieved by introducing the nucleic acid encoding such a protein into a suitable host cell. Preferably the protein is A. niger An08g10920, An01g09940, An09g03570 or an ortholog thereof, more particularly, wherein such an ortholog is chosen from the group of proteins listed in FIG. 9 and proteins having a percentage identity of 70%, more preferably 75%, more preferably 80%, more preferably 85%, more preferably 90%, more preferably 95%, more preferably 98%, more preferably 99% with An08g10920, An01g09940 or An09g03570. |
| US09885065B2 |
Methods for succinate production
Provided herein are genetically modified yeast cells for the production of succinate, methods of making these yeast cells, and methods of using these cells to produce succinate. |
| US09885062B2 |
Ethanol yield with reduction of biomass accumulation in the recombinant strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae overexpressing alkaline phosphate
Described herein is a method to increase ethanol yield during alcoholic fermentation by expression a truncated versions of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae PHO8 gene coding for vacuolar or cytosolic form of alkaline phosphatase, which expression lowers biomass accumulation while diverting greater carbon to ethanol production. Also described are as nucleic acid sequences and vectors for expression of the PHO8 gene and strains carrying the same. Strains containing intact PHO8 gene encoding vacuolar form of alkaline phosphatase, had slightly lower intracellular ATP levels with insignificant changes in biomass accumulation and up to 13% increase in ethanol production. |
| US09885057B2 |
RAAV-based compositions and methods for treating alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiencies
The invention relates to isolated nucleic acids and rAAV-based compositions, methods and kits useful for treating genetic diseases (e.g., alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency). |
| US09885055B2 |
Chloroplasts engineered to express pharmaceutical proteins
Vaccines for conferring immunity in mammals to infective pathogens are provided, as well as vectors and methods for plastid transformation of plants to produce protective antigens and vaccines for oral delivery. The vaccines are operative by parenteral administration as well. The invention also extends to the transformed plants, plant parts, and seeds and progeny thereof. The invention is applicable to monocot and dicot plants. |
| US09885052B2 |
Method for the oral/mucosal vaccination by means of recombinant yeasts
Recombinant yeast cells are produced which are used for vaccination, among other uses for the oral vaccination by feeding. |
| US09885050B2 |
Molecular affinity clamp technology and uses thereof
The invention provides a molecular affinity clamp. The architecture of the affinity clamp is modular with two biorecognition modules, each capable of binding a target motif. The first biorecognition module has a recognition domain that possesses inherent or natural specificity for the target motif. The second biorecognition module also has a recognition domain that binds the motif. The two biorecognition modules are tethered together either directly, e.g., via a peptide bond between the two modules, or indirectly, e.g., via a linker moiety or linker. |
| US09885049B2 |
Modulation of pre-MRNA using splice modulating oligonucleotides as therapeutic agents in the treatment of disease
The present invention encompasses a class of compounds known as splice modulating oligonucleotides (SMOs) that modulate pre-mRNA splicing, thereby affecting expression and functionality of a specific protein in a cell. The present invention further provides compositions and methods for modulating pre-mRNA splicing using a SMO of the invention to abrogate disease-causing mutations in a protein. Accordingly, the present invention provides compositions and methods of treating a subject at risk of, susceptible to, or having a disease, disorder, or condition associated with aberrant or unwanted target pre-mRNA expression or activity. |
| US09885040B2 |
SMN2 element 1 antisense compositions and methods and uses thereof
The invention provides methods and compositions for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In one aspect of the invention, a series of compositions comprising an antisense oligonucleotide targeting the Element 1 site on the SMN2 pre-mRNA and a Morpholino backbone is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, a method of treating SMA patients by modulating the splicing of SMN2 pre-mRNA to increase the amount of full-length SMN is disclosed. Certain embodiments of the inventive method comprise administering an E1-targeting antisense oligonucleotide, such as Morpholino based antisense oligonucleotide, to a SMA subject. |
| US09885039B2 |
Methods for treating apolipoprotein E4-associated disorders
The present disclosure provides a method of increasing the functionality of a GABAergic interneuron in the hilus of the hippocampus of an individual having at least one apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) allele. The method generally involves reducing tau levels in the interneuron. |
| US09885037B2 |
Chiral control
The present invention relates to chirally controlled oligonucleotides, chirally controlled oligonucleotide compositions, and the method of making and using the same. The invention specifically encompasses the identification of the source of certain problems with prior methodologies for preparing chiral oligonucleotides, including problems that prohibit preparation of fully chirally controlled compositions, particularly compositions comprising a plurality of oligonucleotide types. In some embodiments, the present invention provides chirally controlled oligonucleotide compositions. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of making chirally controlled oligonucleotides and chirally controlled oligonucleotide compositions. |
| US09885031B2 |
Galvanotaxis assay for quantitative assessment of the metastatic potential of cancer cells
An apparatus and method for accelerating and/or inhibiting the migration of cells by applying a time-varying magnetic field to induce eddy currents that promote electrotaxis (galvanotaxis) of cells without the need for chemokines or glucose. The present invention can also be used to study and quantify the metastatic potential of different cell lines. |
| US09885030B2 |
Polynucleotide for recombinant expression of sucrose isomerase
The present invention is directed towards genetic modification of native gene encoding for sucrose isomerase and isomaltulose synthase to substantially increase the expression level of these enzymes and use of said enzymes in a process to produce rare disaccharides such as isomaltulose and trehalulose. Also disclosed in the present invention is expression constructs comprising the modified genes and a host cells to express the same. |
| US09885025B2 |
Phi29 DNA polymerase mutants having increased thermostability and processivity
Mutants of bacteriophage phi29 DNA polymerase with increased protein stability and increased half-life, compared to wild type DNA polymerase. The disclosed mutants are more stable in reaction mixtures with or without DNA. The inventive phi29 DNA polymerase mutants generate more amplification product. The inventive phi29 DNA polymerase mutants amplify genomic DNA with less bias compared to wild type DNA polymerase. Selected mutations increase the affinity of polymerase for DNA template. |
| US09885023B2 |
Cytochrome P450 and cytochrome P450 reductase polypeptides, encoding nucleic acid molecules and uses thereof
Provided are cytochrome P450 polypeptides, including cytochrome P450 santalene oxidase polypeptides, cytochrome P450 bergamotene oxidase polypeptides and cytochrome P450 reductase polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules encoding the cytochrome P450 polypeptides. Cells containing the nucleic acids and/or the polypeptides are provided as are methods for producing terpenes, such as santalols and bergamotols, by culturing the cells. |
| US09885018B1 |
High efficiency reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes
Pro-fibrotic signaling potently antagonizes cardiac reprogramming. Inhibition of pro-fibrotic signaling using small molecules that target the transforming growth factor-β/SMAD, or Rho kinase leads to conversion of approximately 60% of fibroblasts into beating cardiomyocytes. Conversely, over-activation of these pro-fibrotic signaling networks inhibits cardiac reprogramming. Using the disclosed methods, fibroblasts are converted to spontaneously contracting cardiomyocytes in less than two weeks. |
| US09885017B2 |
Compositions and methods to immunize against hepatitis C virus
Compositions comprising viral antigens and antigenic peptides corresponding to or derived from Hepatitis C virus (HCV) proteins or fragments thereof, fused to heavy and/or light chain of antibodies, or fragments thereof specific for dendritic cells (DCs) are described herein. Included herein are immunostimulatory compositions (HCV vaccines, HCV antigen presenting dendritic cells, etc.) and methods for increasing effectiveness of HCV antigen presentation by an antigen presenting cell, for a treatment, a prophylaxis or a combination thereof against hepatitis C in a human subject, and methods of providing immunostimulation by activation of one or more dendritic cells, methods to treat or prevent hepatitis C. |
| US09885015B2 |
Chemical reprogramming of human glial cells into neurons with small molecule cocktail
Provided are compositions, articles and methods that relate to promoting neurogenesis or neuroregeneration in mammalian nervous system. Embodiments relate to use of groups of compounds that contain Crizotinib (Cri), Flurbiprofen, Lithium Chloride (Li), Vitamin C (VC), Ceritinib (Cer) or Pirfenidone (PFD). In certain implementations glial cells are converted into functional neurons. |
| US09885014B2 |
Re-conditioned serum-free culture medium composition obtained by culturing mammalian cells in Fibromodulin
The present invention provides pluripotent stem cell like (PSCL) cells or clones, a culture medium therefore, and a supernatant thereof, and methods of making and using the same. |
| US09885010B2 |
Apparatus and method for aging liquids
A rectangular or cylindrical container made of stainless steel or another liquid-impervious material has a plurality of openings formed in the side wall(s). Wooden boards, made of scarce white oak or other wood used for aging and flavoring beverages, are fitted into the openings and sealed so that their inside surfaces contact the liquid in the container. The inside surfaces have cross-grain cuts such as saw cuts or holes, which are used to enhance the infusion of beverage liquid into the wood to age the beverage rapidly and flavorfully. When one batch is finished, the used boards are removed and new ones are fitted into the openings and used to treat another batch. Thus, the use of wood, which can be scarce and expensive, is minimized. |
| US09885003B2 |
Lubricant additive compositions containing thiophosphates and thiophosphate derivatives
The invention relates to thiophosphates and derivatives thereof useful as antiwear additive components, lubricant additive compositions and lubricant compositions each comprising such compounds, methods for making and using the same, including methods of lubricating machines and machine parts and methods of extending the useful life of elastomeric seal components of such machines. |
| US09885001B2 |
Fuel additive composition and related methods
Fuel additive compositions include a plurality of metal nanoparticles and a carrier that is dispersible in a hydrocarbon fuel. The metal nanoparticles can be spherical-shaped and/or coral-shaped metal nanoparticles. The carrier can be liquid, gel or solid and can be readily miscible or soluble in a hydrocarbon fuel such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, or fuel oil. The carrier can be a solid carrier configured to allow the hydrocarbon fuel to dissolve the solid carrier in order to release and disperse the metal nanoparticles within the hydrocarbon fuel. |
| US09884998B2 |
Method of suppressing metal contamination of synthesis gas production apparatus
A synthesis gas production apparatus (reformer) to be used for a synthesis gas production step in a GTL (gas-to-liquid) process is prevented from being contaminated by metal components. A method of suppressing metal contamination of a synthesis gas production apparatus operating for a GTL process that includes a synthesis gas production step of producing synthesis gas by causing natural gas and gas containing steam and/or carbon dioxide to react with each other for reforming in a synthesis gas production apparatus in which, at the time of separating and collecting a carbon dioxide contained in the synthesis gas produced in the synthesis gas production step and recycling the separated and collected carbon dioxide as source gas for the reforming reaction in the synthesis gas production step, a nickel concentration in the recycled carbon dioxide is not higher than 0.05 ppmv. |
| US09884996B2 |
Bulge-resistant coke drum
A coke drum apparatus including: a cylindrical section; a cap connected to an upper end of the cylindrical section; a bottom, and a knuckle connecting the bottom and the cylindrical section. The cylindrical section includes a plurality of arcuate segments attached together by vertical welds. Each arcuate segment includes a plurality of arcuate plates attached together by circumferential welds. The circumferential welds of each arcuate segment are offset from the circumferential welds of each adjacent arcuate segment. |
| US09884993B2 |
Highly luminescent nanostructures and methods of producing same
Highly luminescent nanostructures, particularly highly luminescent quantum dots, are provided. The nanostructures have high photoluminescence quantum yields and in certain embodiments emit light at particular wavelengths and have a narrow size distribution. The nanostructures can comprise ligands, including C5-C8 carboxylic acid ligands employed during shell formation and/or dicarboxylic or polycarboxylic acid ligands provided after synthesis. Processes for producing such highly luminescent nanostructures are also provided, including methods for enriching nanostructure cores with indium and techniques for shell synthesis. |
| US09884992B2 |
Optical sheet and backlight unit having the optical sheet
In an optical sheet and a backlight unit comprising same, the optical sheet comprises: a first transparent film, a first barrier layer; and an light conversion layer, wherein the first barrier layer is formed on one surface of the first transparent film, the light conversion layer is formed on top of the first barrier layer, and wherein at least one of a light-emitting composite including a wax particle and a nano light-emitting body that is disposed inside the wax particle, and a fluorescent particle is dispersed. |
| US09884991B2 |
Phosphor, preparing method for phosphor, and light emitting device
A phosphor is disclosed, including a formula of A3-aCeaQ5-eEeO12. The A, the Q and the E independently comprise elements aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), indium (In), scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), lutetium (Lu), or a combination thereof. Ce is cerium. O is oxygen. 0 |
| US09884988B2 |
Methods and compositions for use in oil and/or gas wells
Methods and compositions comprising an emulsion or a microemulsion for use in various aspects of the life cycle of an oil and/or gas well are provided. In some embodiments, the emulsion or the microemulsion comprises water, a solvent, and a surfactant, and optionally, one or more additives. |
| US09884985B2 |
Cement oil-based mud spacer formulation
A spacer fluid made of a viscosity thinner, a weighting agent, an antifoaming agent, and a non-ionic surfactant in a base aqueous fluid is disclosed. In some instances, the viscosity thinner is a sulfomethylated tannin, the weighting agent is barium sulfate, the antifoaming agent is a silicone, and the non-ionic surfactant is an ethoxylated alcohol. A method of treating a well bore annulus in preparation of introducing water-based cement slurry into a well bore using the spacer fluid is disclosed. A method of using the spacer fluid to position a first fluid into a well bore annulus of a well bore containing a second fluid is disclosed. A method for fluidly isolating at least a portion of a well bore annulus in a well bore containing an oil-based drilling fluid using water-based cement slurry and the spacer fluid is disclosed. |
| US09884981B2 |
Polyol compositions for hot melt adhesives
Disclosed are polyether and polyesters polyol condensations. The polyols are uniquely suited for ease of manufacture and improved adhesive characteristics particularly for low surface energy materials. The materials can be used in urethane adhesives. |
| US09884979B2 |
Temporary adhesion method and method for producing thin wafer
The present invention is a temporary adhesion method for temporarily bonding a support and a wafer via a temporary adhesive material, including attaching the wafer to the support via the temporary adhesive material including a complex temporary adhesive material layer that consists of a thermoplastic resin layer (A) exhibiting a storage modulus E′ of 1 to 500 MPa and a tensile rupture strength of 5 to 50 MPa at 25° C. and a thermosetting polymer layer (B) exhibiting a storage modulus E′ of 1 to 1000 MPa and a tensile rupture strength of 1 to 50 MPa at 25° C. after curing, wherein the attaching is performed by forming the layer (A) on the front surface of the wafer from a liquid composition (A′), forming the layer (B) on the support by laminating a film resin (B′), and then heating the wafer and the support under reduced pressure, or forming the layer (A) on the front surface of the wafer from the liquid composition (A′), forming the layer (B) on the layer (A) by laminating the film resin (B′), and then heating the wafer and the support under reduced pressure, and heat curing the layer (B). This temporary adhesion method facilitates temporary adhesion and separation and can increase productivity of thin wafers. |
| US09884978B2 |
Directed self-assembly
The disclosure provides methods for directed self-assembly (DSA) of a block co-polymer (BCP). In one embodiment, a method includes: forming an oxide spacer along each of a first sidewall and a second sidewall of a cavity in a semiconductor substrate; forming a neutral layer between the oxide spacers and along a bottom of the cavity; and removing the oxide spacers to expose the first and second sidewalls and a portion of the bottom of the cavity adjacent the first and second sidewalls. |
| US09884974B2 |
Ink compositions
An ink composition includes a fluid and a plurality of microcapsules suspended in the fluid. The fluid includes a first chemical compound that exhibits a first color characteristic in a first pH range and exhibits a second color characteristic in a second pH range, where the first color characteristic is visually distinct from the second color characteristic. A second chemical compound is contained within the microcapsules, such that rupturing at least a subset of the plurality of microcapsules releases the second chemical compound. Releasing the second chemical compound shifts a pH of the fluid from a first pH in the first pH range to a second pH in the second pH range. |
| US09884968B2 |
Associative acrylic thickening agent containing polyglycerols and its use to increase the open time of thin or thick films
The present invention relates to new acrylic associative thickening agents which, when polymerized in the presence of particular polyglycerols, ultimately result in an increase of the open time of the paint or of the thick coating in which they are incorporated. By so doing, painters and applicators will have more time to work the paint layers gradually or to correct imperfections such as paint droplets, traces of brushes and filling-knives. |
| US09884966B2 |
Bi- and tri-layer interfacial layers in perovskite material devices
Photovoltaic devices such as solar cells, hybrid solar cell-batteries, and other such devices may include an active layer disposed between two electrodes. The active layer may have perovskite material and other material such as mesoporous material, interfacial layers, thin-coat interfacial layers, and combinations thereof. The perovskite material may be photoactive. The perovskite material may be disposed between two or more other materials in the photovoltaic device. Inclusion of these materials in various arrangements within an active layer of a photovoltaic device may improve device performance. Other materials may be included to further improve device performance, such as, for example: additional perovskites, and additional interfacial layers. |
| US09884965B2 |
Functional group asphalt modifiers, methods of modifying asphalt, asphalt compositions and methods of making
An asphalt additive comprising a primary rheology modifying component and a secondary rheology modifying component, and asphalt compositions and products having such additive incorporated therein. The primary rheology modifying component is generally a polymer, and the secondary rheology modifying component may comprise a petroleum micro-wax. |
| US09884955B2 |
Hydroxylated-fullerene-containing solution, resin molding and resin composition each using the same, and method for producing each of the resin molding and the resin composition
A hydroxylated-fullerene-containing solution in which a hydroxylated fullerene is evenly nano-dispersed in a solvent removable at low temperature in a subsequent step is provided. The hydroxylated-fullerene-containing solution includes a continuous phase including a mixed solvent consisting essentially of tetrahydrofuran and water or including melted phenol, and at least one of a hydroxylated fullerene and a hydroxylated fullerene derivative that is dispersed as a dispersed phase in the continuous phase, wherein the number-standard average particle diameter of particles in the dispersed phase is 50 nm or less. This solution is applied onto a surface of a resin molding, and then tetrahydrofuran and water, as the mixed solvent, are removed to form a hydroxylated fullerene layer on the surface of the resin molding. Alternatively, this solution is mingled with a resin, and then the mixed solvent is removed to produce a hydroxylated-fullerene-containing resin composition. |
| US09884948B2 |
Porous materials and method of making porous materials
A porous material includes a polyhexahydrotriazine material. Pores in the porous material can be of various sizes including nanoscale sizes. The porous material may be used in a variety of applications, such as those requiring materials with a high strength-to-weight ratio. The porous material can include a filler material dispersed therein. The filler material can be, for example, a particle, a fiber, a fabric, or the like. In some examples, the filler material can be a carbon fiber or a carbon nanotube. A method of making a porous material includes forming a resin including a polyhemiaminal or polyhexahydrotriazine component and a polythioaminal component. The resin can be heated to promote segregation of the components into different phases with predominately one or the other component in each phase. Processing of the resin after phase segregation to decompose the polythioaminal component can form pores in the resin. |
| US09884946B2 |
Compositions containing tetrafluoropropene and carbon dioxide
Disclosed are compositions useful in a wide variety of applications, including heat transfer fluids which possess a highly desirable and unexpectedly superior combination of properties, and heat transfer systems and methods based on these fluids. The preferred heat transfer fluid comprises from about 1 to about 40 percent, on a weight basis, of carbon dioxide (CO2) and from about 99 to about 60 percent, on a weight basis, of a compound having the Formula I XCFzR3-z (I), where X is a C2 or a C3 unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, alkyl radical, each R is independently Cl, F, Br, I or H, and z is 1 to 3. A preferred compound of Formula I is tetrafluoropropene, particularly 1,1,1,3-tetrafluoropropene and/or 1,1,1,3-tetrafluoropropene. |
| US09884945B2 |
Melamine-polyol dispersions and uses thereof in manufacturing polyurethane
Melamine-polyol dispersions comprising ethoxylated alcohols of specific structures are disclosed. Such dispersions maintain their stability under stationary conditions for at least 24 hours and are useful in the manufacturing of polyurethane foams. The resulted polyurethane foams display more evenly-distributed flame retardant properties. |
| US09884943B2 |
No-releasing polymers and uses thereof
The present invention provides stable, photosensitive polymers that release NO response to intensity and wavelength of light, methods of making such polymers and methods using such polymers. |
| US09884937B2 |
Polymer compositions and methods
The present invention encompasses polyurethane compositions comprising aliphatic polycarbonate chains. In one aspect, the present invention encompasses polyurethane foams, thermoplastics and elastomers derived from aliphatic polycarbonate polyols and polyisocyanates wherein the polyol chains contain a primary repeating unit having a structure: In another aspect, the invention provides articles comprising the inventive foam and elastomer compositions as well as methods of making such compositions. |
| US09884934B2 |
Method for producing exfoliated graphite-polymer composite material
Provided is a production method which can attain exfoliating treatment of graphite and a process of grafting a polymer onto exfoliated graphite simultaneously and thus makes it possible to easily obtain an exfoliated graphite-polymer composite material in a short time. A method for producing an exfoliated graphite-polymer composite material includes a step of mixing graphite or primary exfoliated graphite, a depolymerizable monomer of which the polymer is decomposed by heating to generate radicals and also to form a monomer or an oligomer, or the polymer A of the monomer, or a polymer B which forms radicals at a temperature close to its decomposition temperature to obtain a mixture; and a heating step of putting the mixture in a non-open container to heat the mixture to a first temperature range from the ceiling temperature or higher to the onset decomposition temperature or lower, or to a temperature higher than the first temperature range. |
| US09884931B2 |
Vinylidene chloride copolymer latex and film for blister pack
Provided is a film for blister packs having barrier capability that is excellent in terms of impact resistance and thermal stability. Also provided is a vinylidene chloride polymer-containing latex that is ideal for producing the film. The coating layer of the film for a blister pack, and the latex, comprise a vinylidene chloride copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight, Mw, between 120,000 and 300,000 that is obtainable by emulsion polymerizing 70 to 95 parts by mass of vinylidene chloride and 30 to 5 parts by mass of one or more other monomer(s) copolymerizable with the vinylidene chloride, with the proviso that the total amount of vinylidene chloride and the other monomer(s) is 100 parts by mass). |
| US09884928B2 |
Polymers functionalized with activated nitrogen heterocycles containing a pendant functional group
A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of (i) preparing a halosilane-activated nitrogen heterocycle containing a functional group, (ii) preparing a reactive polymer, and (iii) reacting the reactive polymer with the halosilane-activated nitrogen heterocycle containing a functional group. |
| US09884922B2 |
Hypromellose acetate succinate, method for producing the same and composition containing the same
Provided are hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) which exhibits high solubility and can suppress generation of undissolved materials when dissolved in a solvent; an HPMCAS-containing composition; and a method for producing the HPMCAS. More specifically, provided are HPMCAS having a ratio of 2-position MS to 3-position MS of 1.2 or less, wherein the 2-position MS means a molar substitution of hydroxypropyl group by which a hydrogen atom of a hydroxyl group on 2-position carbon of each glucose unit of the HPMCAS has been directly replaced, and the 3-position MS means a molar substitution of hydroxypropyl group by which a hydrogen atom of a hydroxyl group on 3-position carbon of each glucose unit of the HPMCAS has been directly replaced; a composition comprising the HPMCAS and a solvent; and the method for producing the HPMCAS. |
| US09884921B2 |
Bispecific heterodimeric diabodies and uses thereof
Bispecific heterodimeric diabody molecules and uses thereof in the treatment of cancer. The bispecific heterodimeric diabody molecules comprise two polypeptide chains that associate to form two epitope binding sites recognizing the P-cadherin tumor cell associated antigen and the CD3 T cell antigen. |
| US09884920B2 |
Antibodies specific for 4,6-diamino-5-(formamido)pyrimidine and uses thereof
The invention includes monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, and antigen-binding fragments thereof, having specific binding affinity for 4,6-diamino-5-(formylamino)pyrimidine (FAPY-adenine); hybridomas producing such antibodies; immunoconjugates comprising an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the invention coupled to a moiety; and in vitro and in vivo methods for using such antibodies, antibody fragments, and conjugates based on binding to FAPY-adenine; nucleic acids encoding the heavy and/or light chains of the antibodies; vectors comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding the heavy and/or light chains; host cells comprising and, optionally, expressing the nucleic acid sequences; and methods for the production of the aforementioned materials. |
| US09884918B2 |
HER2DELTA16 peptides
The present invention provides cyclic peptides comprising a dimer of peptides, each peptide comprising a sequence corresponding to the HER2 splice variant HER2Delta16, wherein the cyclic peptide is cyclized via a disulfide bond between the peptides and via an amino acid linking the peptides. The invention also provides methods of making antibodies that specifically bind to HER2Delta16 homodimers using said cyclic peptides. |
| US09884916B2 |
High affinity antibodies to human IL-6 receptor
A human antibody or an antigen-binding fragment which binds human IL-6 receptor (hIL-6R) with a KD of about 500 pM or less and blocks IL-6 activity with an IC50 of 200 pM or less, is provided. In preferred embodiments, the antibody the antibody or antigen-binding fragment binds hIL-6R with an affinity at least 2-fold higher relative to its binding monkey IL-6R. |
| US09884913B2 |
Antibody molecules to TIM-3 and uses thereof
Antibody molecules that specifically bind to TIM-3 are disclosed. The anti-TIM-3 antibody molecules can be used to treat, prevent and/or diagnose immune, cancerous, or infectious conditions and/or disorders. |
| US09884912B2 |
Antibodies to IL-6 and use thereof
The present invention is directed to antibodies and fragments thereof and humanized versions thereof having binding specificity for IL-6. Another embodiment of this invention relates to the antibodies described herein, and binding fragments thereof, comprising the sequences of the VH, VL and CDR polypeptides described herein, and the polynucleotides encoding them. The invention also contemplates conjugates of anti-IL-6 antibodies and binding fragments thereof conjugated to one or more functional or detectable moieties. The invention also contemplates methods of making said anti-IL-6 antibodies and binding fragments thereof. Embodiments of the invention also pertain to the use of anti-IL-6 antibodies, and binding fragments thereof, for the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with IL-6. These antibodies may bind at least one of soluble IL-6, cell surface expressed IL-6, IL-6/IL-6R and/or prevent the association of IL-6 and IL-6R, the association of IL-6/IL-6R and gp130 and or the formation of IL-6/IL-6R/gp130 multimers and thereby inhibit a biological effect associated with any of the foregoing. |
| US09884910B2 |
Anti-PDGF-C antibodies
The invention relates to antibodies binding to the PDGF-C antigen and capable of inhibiting binding of PDGF-C to the PDGFRα receptor and of inhibiting PDGFRα activation by PDGF-C. Applications of such antibodies are also disclosed. These include treatment of cancer. |
| US09884908B2 |
Methods for treating headache using antagonist antibodies directed against calcitonin gene-related peptide
The invention features methods for preventing or treating CGRP associated disorders such as vasomotor symptoms, including headaches (e.g., migraine, cluster headache, and tension headache) and hot flushes, by administering an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. Antagonist antibody G1 and antibodies derived from G1 directed to CGRP are also described. |
| US09884907B2 |
Methods for treating headache using antagonist antibodies directed against calcitonin gene-related peptide
The invention features methods for preventing or treating CGRP associated disorders such as vasomotor symptoms, including headaches (e.g., migraine, cluster headache, and tension headache) and hot flushes, by administering an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. Antagonist antibody G1 and antibodies derived from G1 directed to CGRP are also described. |
| US09884906B2 |
Humanized antibodies that recognize alpha-synuclein
The present application discloses humanized 9E4 antibodies. The antibodies bind to human alpha synuclein and can be used for immunotherapy of Lewy body disease. |
| US09884905B2 |
Bispecific HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies
In various embodiments, the present invention relates generally to using bispecific antibodies in the prevention and treatment of HIV. |
| US09884903B2 |
B7-H5, a costimulatory polypeptide
B7-H5 costimulatory polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, and methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids to enhance a T cell response are provided herein. |
| US09884902B2 |
CTLA-4 variants
Variants of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) with high affinity, potency and stability. Formulations of CTLA-4 variants at high concentration for subcutaneous or intravenous administration, e.g. at monthly or less frequent dosage intervals. Use of CTLA-4 variants for treating rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. Fusion of CTLA-4 with IgG Fc having improved stability and longer in vivo half-life. |
| US09884901B2 |
Long-acting polypeptides and methods of producing and administering same
A polypeptide and polynucleotides comprising at least two carboxy-terminal peptides (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to a non-human peptide-of-interest are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the non-human polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using both human and non-human polypeptides and polynucleotides are also disclosed. |
| US09884894B2 |
Fine epitope peptide capable of inducing cross-reactive antibodies among homologous proteins in human papilloma virus E6 protein
This invention relates to the minimal motif of an epitope on the E6 protein from human papilloma virus (HPV), and this minimal motif of the epitope induces a monoclonal antibody having cross-reactivity with some homologous proteins of HPVs. The inventors are the first to identify a fine antigenic epitope only existing conservatively on the E6 proteins of high risk HPV16, 33, 52 or 58). Therefore, the peptides comprising this epitope can be used to prepare immunogen or serological detection antigen against the HPV E6 proteins, or to prepare specific universal antibodies for a variety of high-risk/carcinogenic HPVs. |
| US09884882B2 |
Method for producing thiolane skeleton-type glycoconjugate, and thiolane skeleton-type glycoconjugate
There is provided a production method of a compound represented by the following formula (II) through a step of reacting a compound represented by the following General Formula (I) with a sulfur compound. In General Formulas (I) and (II), R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl group, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, an acyloxy group, an arylmethyloxy group, an allyloxy group, an arylmethyloxycarbonyloxy group, or an allyloxycarbonyloxy group, R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an acyloxy group, R5 represents an alkyl group or an aryl group, and X represents a leaving group. Here, in a case where R2 is a fluorine atom, an acyloxy group, an arylmethyloxy group, an allyloxy group, an arylmethyloxycarbonyloxy group, or an allyloxycarbonyloxy group, R3 is an acyloxy group. |
| US09884879B2 |
Method of synthesizing siloxane monomers and use thereof
A method for preparation and polymerization of siloxane monomers of Formula I is presented. The synthesis includes the selective reaction between silanol containing unit and alkoxy containing units in the presence of basic catalyst. The siloxane monomers of the invention can be used for preparation of siloxane polymers with good flexibility and cracking threshold, and functional sites, useful for applications requiring low metal content in semiconductor industry. |
| US09884873B2 |
Solid forms of an antiviral compound
Crystalline solid forms of methyl {(2S)-1-[(2S,5S)-2-(9-{2-[(2S,4S)-1-{(2R)-2-[(methoxycarbonyl)amino]-2-phenylacetyl}-4-(methoxymethyl)pyrrolidin-2-yl]-1H-imidazol-5-yl}-1,11-dihydroisochromeno[4′,3′:6,7]naphtho[1,2-d]imidazol-2-yl)-5-methylpyrrolidin-1-yl]-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl}carbamate (Compound I) were prepared and characterized in the solid state: Also provided are processes of manufacture and methods of using these crystalline forms. |
| US09884872B2 |
Organic compounds
Provided are PDE1 inhibitors of Formula I, processes for their production, their use as pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them. |
| US09884870B2 |
Polymorphic substance of yonkenafil hydrochloride, preparation method therefor, and composition and use thereof
The present application discloses an A-type polymorphic substance of yonkenafil hydrochloride and a preparation method, a composition and use thereof. The powder diffraction pattern of the A-type polymorphic substance of yonkenafil hydrochloride comprises diffraction peaks at three or more 2θ values selected from: 8.4±0.2°, 11.3±0.2°, 13.9±0.2°, 14.2±0.2°, 14.7±0.2°, 16.8±0.2°, 17.1±0.2°, 19.7±0.2°, 21.0±0.2°, 21.7±0.2°, 22.4±0.2°, 23.3±0.2°, 23.8±0.2°, 26.8±0.2°, 27.5±0.2°, 28.0±0.2°. |
| US09884858B2 |
Diaryl-azole compound
Provided is a diaryl-azole compound represented by formula (1) wherein R1-3 are C1-6 chain hydrocarbon, etc.; p=0-3; q=0-4; n=0-2; X is N, CH, etc.; Ar is phenyl, or 5-6-member aromatic heterocyclic ring; G is C1-6 chain hydrocarbon, etc.; and Het is a group selected from formulas (H1) (H2) (H3) described in the specification. The diaryl-azole compound of formula (1) has an excellent controlling effect against arthropod pests. Also provided are a control agent having an excellent controlling effect against arthropod pests, and a method for controlling arthropod pests in which the control agent is used. |
| US09884850B2 |
Pyrimidine hydroxy amide compounds as HDAC6 selective inhibitors
The present invention relates to pyrimidine hydroxy amide compounds, the use of such compounds in the inhibition of HDAC6, and the use of such compounds in the treatment of various diseases, disorders, or conditions related to HDAC6. |
| US09884849B2 |
Fluorinated benzofuranyl-pyrimidine derivatives containing a sulfoximine group
The present invention relates to fluorinated benzofuranyl-pyrimidine derivatives containing a sulfoximine group of general formula (I) as described and defined herein, and methods for their preparation, their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders, in particular of hyper-proliferative disorders and/or virally induced infectious diseases and/or of cardiovascular diseases. The invention further relates to intermediate compounds useful in the preparation of said compounds of general formula (I). |
| US09884848B2 |
Phenyl triazole derivative and its use for modulating the GABAA receptor complex
This invention relates to a novel phenyl triazole derivative, pharmaceutical compositions containing this compound, and methods of treatment therewith. The compound of the invention is in particular considered useful for the treatment of central nervous system diseases and disorders which are responsive to modulation of GABAA receptors containing the α5 subunit. |
| US09884847B2 |
Indazole retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor modulators and uses thereof
Provided herein are compounds of the formulas (I) and (II): as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the substituents are as those disclosed in the specification. These compounds, and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them, are useful for the treatment of Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Orphan Receptor regulated diseases and disorders. |
| US09884841B2 |
Small molecule inhibitors of Mcl-1 and uses thereof
This invention is in the field of medicinal chemistry. In particular, the invention relates to a new class of small-molecules having benzoic acid structure which function as inhibitors of Mcl-1 protein, and their use as therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. |
| US09884839B2 |
Inhibitors of 17Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases type 1 and type 2
Provided herein are non-steroidal 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and type 2 (17β-HSD1 and 17β-HSD2) inhibitors, their production and use, especially for the treatment and for prophylaxis of hormone-related diseases. |
| US09884838B2 |
Stabilized levulinic ester ketals
The invention describes methods of preparation and compositions of plasticizers. The plasticizers include at least 2 alkyl ketal ester moieties and have a molecular weight of greater than 300. In one aspect, the alkyl ketal ester moieties are levulinic ester ketals. Certain compositions contain at least one of an antioxidant, a UV stabilizer, a thermal stabilizer or mixtures thereof, present in the composition from about 0.01 to about 5.0 percent by weight of the total composition. |
| US09884836B2 |
2-substituted-5-hydroxy-4H-chromen-4-ones as novel ligands for the serotonin receptor 2B (5-HT2B)
A family of compounds which function as selective ligands for the serotonin receptor 2B (5-HT2B) is identified. Some of the compounds are synthetic non-natural ligands which have a relatively strong interaction with 5-HT2B compared to naturally occurring compounds (some of which are identified for the first time herein as ligands for 5-HT2B). Because the compounds, both naturally occurring and synthetically produced, function as ligands for 5-HT2B they will have application in, for example, the treatment and/or prevention of nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. |
| US09884833B2 |
Crystalline forms of neurotrophin mimetic compounds and their salts
The present invention includes crystalline forms of 2-amino-3-methyl-N-(2-morpholinoethyl)-pentanamide disulfate and crystalline forms of 2-amino-3-methyl-N-(2-morpholinoethyl)-pentanamide monosulfate. Furthermore, the present invention provides compositions comprising the crystalline forms and therapeutic use of the crystalline forms. In one embodiment, the crystalline compound is (2S,3S)-2-amino-3-methyl-N-(2-morpholinoethyl)-pentanamide. |
| US09884832B2 |
Inhibitors targeting drug-resistant influenza A
Provided are compounds according to formula (Ia) or (Ib) as described herein, that are capable of modulating the activity of influenza viruses (e.g., influenza A virus), for example, via interaction with the M2 transmembrane protein, and other similar viroporins. Also provided are methods for treating an influenza A-affected disease state or infection comprising administering a composition comprising one or more compounds according to according to formulas (Ia′) or (Ib), as described herein. |
| US09884826B2 |
Sulfonamide compounds and uses as TNAP inhibitors
Described herein are compounds that modulate the activity of TNAP. In some embodiments, the compounds described herein inhibit TNAP. In certain embodiments, the compounds described herein are useful in the treatment of conditions associated with hyper-mineralization. |
| US09884824B2 |
Methods of producing sulfilimine compounds
Methods of producing a sulfilimine compound, such as N-cyano-S-methyl-S-[1-(6-trifluoromethyl-3-pyridinyl)ethyl]sulfilimine or other substituted sulfilimine compound. The method includes combining a sulfide compound, cyanamide, a hypochlorite compound, and a base, and oxidizing the sulfide compound to form the sulfilimine compound. The sulfide compound may include a 2-trifluoromethyl-5-(1-substituted)alkyl-thiopyridine compound. The base may include sodium hydroxide. A buffer, such as a phosphate buffer, may, optionally, be used in the reaction. |
| US09884822B2 |
Process for the preparation of 1-hydroxy-6-substituted pyridones
Disclosed herein is a cost effective and environmentally friendly process to prepare 1-hydroxy-6-substituted pyridones from 2,6-dichloropyridine. The process includes the steps of (a) reacting 2,6-dichloropyridine with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid at a first temperature to produce a first intermediate containing (1) trifluoroacetic acid and (2) 2,6-dichloropyridine N-oxide and/or salts thereof; (b) adding sulfuric acid to the first intermediate to provide a second intermediate; (c) removing trifluoroacetic acid from the second intermediate to provide a composition containing 2,6-dichloropyridine N-oxide and/or salts thereof which is essentially free of trifluoroacetic acid; (d) reacting 2,6-dichloropyridine N-oxide and/or salts thereof from step (c) with RXH and a base wherein each R is independently a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group having between 1 and 20 carbon atoms, X is oxygen or sulfur, to produce a corresponding 2,6-disubstituted-pyridine N-oxide; and (e) heating the disubstituted compound thereby producing the 1-hydroxy-6-substituted pyridone. |
| US09884821B2 |
N1-cyclic amine-N5-substituted biguanide derivatives, methods of preparing the same and pharmaceutical composition comprising the same
The present invention provides an N1-cyclic amine-N5-substituted biguanide derivative compound represented by Formula 1, a method of preparing the same and a pharmaceutical composition including the biguanide derivative or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient. The biguanide derivatives have an effect of inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, cancer metastasis and cancer recurrence by activation of AMPK, even when administered in a small dose compared with conventional drugs. |
| US09884820B2 |
Pro-neurogenic compounds
This technology relates generally to compounds and methods for stimulating neurogenesis (e.g., post-natal neurogenesis, including post-natal hippocampal and hypothalamic neurogenesis) and/or protecting neuronal cell from cell death. Various compounds are disclosed herein. In vivo activity tests suggest that these compounds may have therapeutic benefits in neuropsychiatric and/or neurodegenerative diseases such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, normal aging, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, stroke, radiation therapy, chronic stress, abuse of a neuro-active drug, retinal degeneration, spinal cord injury, peripheral nerve injury, physiological weight loss associated with various conditions, as well as cognitive decline associated with normal aging, chemotherapy, and the like. |
| US09884812B2 |
Use of DDX3X inhibitors for the treatment of pneumovirus infections
The invention relates to a DDX3X inhibitor for use in the treatment of pneumovirus infection in a mammal, wherein the DDX3X inhibitor may be a compound of Formula (I) wherein y, Z, R1, X, L, Ra and Rb are as defined herein. The invention also relates to compounds of Formula (I). |
| US09884811B2 |
Fluid bed granulation of urea and related apparatus
A process for preparation of a granular urea product by granulating a urea solution in a fluidized bed, where the granulation process takes place along a substantially longitudinal growth path, from a granulation starting end (1S) to a product discharge end (1E) of said fluidized bed, and said urea solution enters the fluidized bed by means of several urea inputs (2A, 2B, 2C) taken from a main urea feed (2), where an additive (6) is mixed with said urea solution said additive has a non-uniform concentration in said urea inputs, so that at least two of said urea inputs have a different concentration of additive. |
| US09884807B2 |
Neprilysin inhibitors
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula XII: where Ra, Rb, R2, R7, and X are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compounds described herein are prodrugs of compounds having neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds; methods of using these compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing these compounds. |
| US09884806B2 |
Cyclic vinylogous amides as bromodomain inhibitors
Cyclic vinylogous amides of Formula I are disclosed The compounds are useful for treating diseases that arise from inappropriate activity of proteins containing an acetyl-lysine. The compositions comprise a genus of cyclic vinylogous amides that are inhibitors of bromodomain. |
| US09884797B2 |
Process for the preparation of 1-chloro-2,2-difluoroethane
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of 1-chloro-2,2-difluoroethane comprising the following stages: (i) dehydrofluorinating 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-chloroethane to form a product stream comprising 1-chloro-2,2-difluoroethylene, optionally separation of 1-chloro-2,2-difluoroethylene from the product stream and (ii) hydrogenating 1-chloro-2,2-difluoroethylene obtained in stage (i) to give 1-chloro-2,2-difluoroethane. |
| US09884793B2 |
Oligomerisation of ethylene
The present invention relates to a process for the oligomerisation of ethylene which comprises contacting ethylene with a transition metal-permethylpentalene complex, and a transition metal compound utilized therein. |
| US09884791B2 |
Fertilizer compositions comprising a cellulose nutrient component and methods for using same
Aspects of the invention include compositions for fertilizing and remediating soil. Compositions according to certain embodiments include a cellulose nutrient composition, a microbial blend composition, a source of nitrogen, a source of phosphorus and exotic micronutrients. Methods for using compositions of the invention to fertilize and remediate soil and kits having one or more compositions for fertilizing and remediating soil are also described. |
| US09884790B2 |
Cutting tool
A cutting tool includes a base material and a coating formed on the base material. The base material is a sintered body containing 30 to 80% by volume of cubic boron nitride, and a binder. The surface in contact with the coating, of the base material, has a plurality of convex portions made of the cubic boron nitride and a plurality of concave portions made of the binder. A surface roughness Rsub of the surface in contact with the base material, is 0.1 to 0.4 μm. A surface roughness Rsurf of an outermost surface of the coating is 0 to 0.15 μm. A surface roughness Rasurf of the outermost surface of the coating is 0 to 0.1 μm. The surface roughness Rsub of the surface in contact with the coating, of the base material, is greater than the surface roughness Rsurf of the outermost surface of the coating. |
| US09884788B2 |
Method for producing low porosity nonoxide ceramics
The present invention relates to a method of producing ultra-high melting point nonoxide ceramics with low porosity based on sintering at low temperatures of below about 1000° C. with low DC electric fields of less than about 100 V/cm. |
| US09884782B2 |
Treatment of glass surfaces for improved adhesion
A patterned article and a method of making the patterned article. The patterned article comprises a glass substrate and black matrix segments. The black matrix segments are in the form of a pattern and at least one of the segments has a line width of 8 μm or less. The article also comprises an adhesion agent positioned between the glass substrate and the black matrix segments. The adhesion agent provides at least one of: a total surface energy of 65 mN/m or less and at least a 30% reduction in surface polarity compared to a control untreated glass surface as determined by H2O and diiodomethane contact angle and application of the Wu model. |
| US09884781B2 |
Method for manufacturing float glass, and float glass
The present invention provides a tin alloy bath for a float bath, an apparatus for manufacturing a float glass, a method for manufacturing a float glass that can provide a high quality float glass in which defects due to coagulation and falling of a volatile tin component have been suppressed, and a float glass manufactured using those. The above-mentioned tin alloy bath for a float bath is a molten metal bath to be placed in the float bath for supplying molten glass to a liquid surface of the molten metal bath, thereby forming into a glass ribbon, and includes 1 mass % or more of copper with the remainder being unavoidable impurities and tin. |
| US09884779B2 |
Biological wastewater treatment and reuse utilizing sulfur compounds as electron carrier to minimize sludge production
Biological wastewater treatment of wastewater is performed by oxidizing organic carbon with sulfur or a sulfur compound as an electron carrier, and reducing the sulfur or sulfur compound to sulfide. The sulfide is oxidized with nitrate or oxygen. If necessary, ammonia is oxidized to nitrate and then reduced to nitrogen gas. The process is effective for saline waste water facilities, as well as non-saline waste water facilities. |
| US09884777B2 |
Seawater desalination method using arrangement optimization of reverse osmosis membrane modules
Disclosed is a seawater desalination method. The method includes reading parameters representing properties of one or more membranes constituting a membrane combination to be applied to each membrane module; calculating water flux and salt flux of the membrane modules based on the read parameters; calculating a volumetric flow rate imbalance and a total permeate flow rate of the membrane modules based on the calculated water flux and salt flux; and determining a membrane combination having a minimum volumetric flow rate imbalance and a maximum total permeate flow rate based on the calculated volumetric flow rate imbalance and total permeate flow rate. Thus, it is possible to achieve arrangement optimization of reverse osmosis membrane modules. |
| US09884771B1 |
Device and method for trapping non-aqueous-phase liquids prior to a permeable reactive barrier for the treatment of contaminated groundwater
A groundwater treatment system for collecting a non-aqueous-phase liquid (NAPL) in a flow path of contaminated water in a body of water, the contaminated water moving toward a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) including a treatment agent for treating the contaminated groundwater. The groundwater treatment system including a collection layer positioned up-gradient of the PRB and permeable to the NAPL and the contaminated water. The collection layer including a NAPL collecting element to inhibit the NAPL from flowing to the PRB. |
| US09884759B2 |
Thermoelement including a three-dimensional microstructure, and method for producing a thermoelement
A three-dimensional micro-structure has a plurality of adjacent micro-columns which are arranged at a distance from each other and essentially parallel in relation to the respective longitudinal extension. The micro-columns are made of at least one micro-column material having respectively an aspect ratio in the region of 20-1000 and respectively a micro-column diameter in the region of 0.1 μm-200 μm. A micro-column intermediate chamber is arranged between adjacent micro-columns having a micro-column distance selected from between the adjacent micro-columns in the region of 1 μm-100 μm. According to a method for producing the three-dimensional micro-structures: a) a template is provided with template material, b) the micro-column material is arranged in the column-like cavities, and c) the template is at least partially removed. |
| US09884758B2 |
Selective nitride outgassing process for MEMS cavity pressure control
The present disclosure relates to a MEMS package having an outgassing element configured to adjust a pressure within a hermetically sealed cavity by inducing outgassing of into the cavity, and an associated method. In some embodiments, the method is performed by forming an outgassing element within a passivation layer over a CMOS substrate and forming an outgassing resistive layer to cover the outgassing element. The outgassing resistive layer is removed from over the outgassing element, and the MEMS substrate is bonded to a front side of the CMOS substrate to enclose a first MEMS device within a first cavity and a second MEMS device within a second cavity. After removing the outgassing resistive layer, the outgassing element releases a gas into the second cavity to increase a second pressure of the second cavity to be greater than a first pressure of the first cavity. |
| US09884753B1 |
Multi-compartment beverage cooler
The multi-compartment beverage cooler is a portable insulated beverage cooler that is divided into a plurality of beverage chambers each of which is capable of containing storing multiple beverages and keeping them cool. The multi-compartment beverage cooler is comprised of a body, a divider structure, a plurality of dispensing spouts, and a removable lid. |
| US09884749B1 |
Sensor assembly, security system and passenger conveyor
A sensor assembly for a passenger conveying device, a safety system and the passenger conveying device, wherein the sensor assembly comprises an optical fiber disposed along a length of a skirt board of the passenger conveying device; a light source disposed at a first end of the optical fiber, light being incident into the optical fiber; and an optical receiver disposed at the first end of the optical fiber, the optical receiver receiving backwards scattered light from the optical fiber and being capable of sensing a signal indication of the backwards scattered light, wherein the optical fiber is associated with a sensing element such that the sensing element causes deformation of the optical fiber when the sensing element is subjected to pressure, and the optical receiver is capable of sensing a change in the signal indication of the backward scattered light caused by the deformation of the optical fiber. |
| US09884748B2 |
Elevator system
An elevator system includes a suspension traction device guided over at least one pulley and at least one counter pulley located adjacent to the pulley. The suspension traction device is guided between the pulley and the at least one counter pulley. |
| US09884745B2 |
Systems and methods for determining field orientation of magnetic components in a ropeless elevator system
A ropeless elevator system, a propulsion system, and a method for operating a ropeless propulsion system are disclosed. The ropeless elevator system may include an elevator car, a hoistway in which the elevator car travels, and a ropeless propulsion system. The ropeless propulsion system may include electrical windings energized by a power source, the electrical windings affixed to a stationary structure, the stationary structure associated with the hoistway, and a magnet, the magnet affixed to a moving structure, the moving structure associated with the elevator car, and interaction between the electrical windings and the magnet generates a thrust force on the elevator car traveling in the hoistway. The ropeless elevator system may further include an array of Hall effect sensors, the array of Hall effect sensors determining a sensed magnetic field, the sensed magnetic field being associated with electrical currents carried by the windings and used to determine a magnetic field orientation of the electrical currents carried by the windings with respect to the magnet. |
| US09884744B2 |
Ropeless high-rise elevator installation approach
A method (160) for constructing a building (92) with an elevator system (20) is disclosed. The method (160) may include forming a first hoistway (22) for the elevator system (20) within two adjacent levels (82, 84) of the building (92), installing a first stationary part (54) of a first linear permanent magnet motor within the first hoistway (22), placing a first elevator car (24) within the first hoistway (22), mounting a first moving part (52) of the first linear permanent magnet motor on the first elevator car (24), and using the first stationary part (54) and the first moving part (52) of the first linear permanent magnet motor to generate a vertical thrust force to move the first elevator car (24) within the first hoistway (22), the first elevator car (24) carrying at least one of passengers, equipment and materials for construction of upper levels of the elevator system (20) and the building (92). |
| US09884743B2 |
Ventilating apparatus for display of elevator hall door
The present invention relates to a ventilating apparatus for ventilating a display of a hall door with clean air, and the ventilating apparatus includes: a rectangular parallelepiped monitor box MB which is fixed onto a rear surface of a hall door D at a rear side of an opening 15 of the elevator hall door D made of metal, and protrudes at the rear side of the elevator hall door D to accommodate a monitor M; a monitor M which is fixed into the monitor box MB; a tempered glass plate 20 which is disposed at the rear side of the opening 15 of the elevator hall door D, and sized to cover the entire monitor to protect the monitor M from frontal impact; a plurality of inlets and outlets 52 and 54 which is formed at a central lateral portion D1 of the hall door D and connected to the interior of the monitor box MB; and two blower fans F1 and F2 which are installed in the monitor box MB between the monitor M and the inlets and outlets 52 and 54, and provide air, in which when the blower fans F1 and F2 operate, air in a building hallway or an elevator cage flows into the monitor box MB through the inlets 52 among the inlets and outlets 52 and 54, cools the monitor M, and then is discharged to the building hallway or the cage through the outlets 54 among the inlets and outlets 52 and 54. |
| US09884739B2 |
Method for removal of yarn, especially faulty yarn, from inter-storage of yarn at operating unit of textile machine and device for carrying out the method
The invention relates to a device and method for removal of yarn, especially faulty yarn, from an inter-storage at an operating unit of a textile machine. The yarn to be removed from the drum of the drum inter-storage is moved from the drum by a force exerted in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the drum towards the end of the drum and/or outside the drum, from where the yarn is sucked off. |
| US09884736B2 |
Conveying roller, and feeding unit and image forming apparatus provided therewith
A conveying roller has a rotary shaft portion, a roller supporting member, and a roller member. The rotary shaft portion is extendable/contractible. The roller supporting member has an interior space. The roller member is supported on the outer circumferential surface of the roller supporting member. The rotary shaft portion includes first and second shafts. The first shaft has one end part inserted into the interior space, and is movable axially relative to a first side surface. The first shaft has a regulating portion displaceable between a permitting position where the regulating portion permits the movement of the first shaft in the insertion direction relative to the roller supporting member without interfering with a rim of an opening and a restricting position where the regulating portion restricts the movement of the first shaft in the insertion direction relative to the roller supporting member by interfering with the rim. |
| US09884732B2 |
Device to feed products and to overturn them in an infeed line
The device includes a closed path, along which overturning members move, which are configured to pick the products in the entrance position and to release the products in the exit position. The overturning members are configured and arranged to perform, along a segment of the closed path included between the entrance position and the exit position, a rotation by about 90°, in order to overturn the products while translating them from the entrance position to the exit position along the segment of the path. |
| US09884731B2 |
Transportable drive-over conveyor system with folding and lifting mechanism
A transportable drive-over conveyor system includes a drive-over hopper for receiving material and having a belt-type conveyor for conveying the material, a transition section pivotally connected at an upstream end to the drive-over hopper, an auger mounted at a downstream end of the transition section. The transition section transfers the material from the belt-type conveyor to the auger. The system may include radially offset wheels that support and move the conveyor system. The system further includes a pair of foldable ramps having hooks. The system further includes a folding and lifting mechanism which may include cables connected to the hooks for folding the foldable ramps and then lifting the conveyor system by the ramps. |
| US09884729B1 |
Spring retainer for high angle conveyor
A high angle conveyor includes a frame, a lower conveyor belt, an upper conveyor belt, and a pressing assembly. The pressing assembly includes a bracket coupled to the frame, a roller supported on the bracket, a spring support coupled to the frame, a spring positioned between the bracket and the spring support, and a spring retainer coupling the spring to at least one selected from the group of the frame, the bracket, and the spring support. The spring urges the bracket and the roller toward the upper conveyor belt such that the pressing assembly biases the upper conveyor belt toward the lower conveyor belt. |
| US09884724B1 |
Conveyor belt and platform for conveyor belt
A surface platform for a conveyor belt includes a platform member having an upper surface and a rail member at one side of the upper surface. The upper surface has a first portion adjacent the rail member, a second portion adjacent the first portion, and a third portion adjacent the second portion. The second portion extends upward at a distance and in a direction such that when an article is placed on the platform member in contact with the rail the article extends to, and no further than, the second portion. The first portion may extend at least to a center of the platform member and may be horizontal. The second portion may extend upwardly less than a height of the rail member. |
| US09884721B2 |
Shipping order allocation apparatus
A shipping order allocation apparatus creates a group composed of shipping orders; acquires a time to start picking for the group; acquires blocks where articles included in the group are stored and calculates a total worktime for the picking of the group; determines whether the picking work for the group is completed by the earliest shipping time limit among shipping time limits of the shipping orders in the group, the time to start the picking, and the total worktime for the picking; calculates an evaluation value of the group for which the picking work is determined to be completed by the earliest shipping time limit, based on the blocks storing the articles included in the group; and determines whether to include the group in a result of allocation to groups, based on the evaluation value. |
| US09884719B2 |
Storage and retrieval system
A storage array in an automated storage and retrieval system includes storage spaces arrayed on racks along picking aisles, multiple level decks, where at least one deck communicates with each aisle, where the decks and aisles are configured to define a rolling surface for an autonomous transport vehicle at each level of the decks, racks along at least one aisle at each level are at multiple rack levels that are accessed from a respective rolling surface that is common to the multiple rack levels, and a vertical pitch between rack levels varies for a portion of a respective aisle, the vertical pitch between at least two rack levels of the portion of the respective aisle is related to another vertical pitch between at least two other rack levels of another aisle portion of the respective aisle so the vehicle effects multiple picks in ordered sequence in a common aisle pass. |
| US09884717B2 |
Package structure for agent for external application and method of fabricating package structure for agent for external application
[Purpose] The disclosure provides a package structure of an agent for skin external application, which is unfolded upon the opening of the package structure and very easily separated from the stack structure, and a method of fabricating the package structure for the agent for skin external application.[Constitution] An agent 2 for skin external application is interposed between a film-type base material 3 and a film-type cover material 4, the resultant product is folded by employing the cover material 4 as a folding surface, and the four-layer overlap material including the base material 3-the cover material 4-the cover material 4-the base material 3 provided at a peripheral portion of the folded structure is closed through thermal bonding. |
| US09884715B2 |
Food package with integrated RFID-tag and sensor
A container for containing a perishable substance has a container wall with an inner side and an outer side. The wall has an electrically conductive layer extending between the inner side and the outer side. The inner side faces the space containing the substance. The container comprises electronic circuitry having a sensor for sensing a physical property or condition of the substance, and an antenna for communicating an RF signal to a receiver, external to the container. The RF signal is indicative of the physical property or condition sensed. The sensor is positioned so as to be exposed to the space containing the substance in operational use of the container. The antenna is positioned at the outer side, or between the outer side and the electrically conductive layer, and is electrically isolated from the electrically conductive layer. |
| US09884711B2 |
Carton with internally attached literature with features enabling high speed carton filling
A product container formed from a continuous blank that permits the inclusion of literature from the product manufacturer or packager. The container contains structures that prevent the included literature from interfering with high-speed, automated filling of products into the container. |
| US09884709B1 |
Cloth band tie card apparatus and method
A tie-on headband positioning device using post and rail separated slots for compact spreading of headband material in a flat configuration providing compacted storage, shipping, and display of the headband. The device is likewise suitable for use with other elongated flexible bands other than headbands, such as scarves, socks, or hose. |
| US09884708B2 |
Anti-slip tie with wave springs
A tie includes a band that extends lengthwise from a first end to a second end. The tie also includes a housing, affixed near the second end, with a first opening to receive the first end of the band when the first end of the band is brought toward the housing in a loop. The housing includes: walls that enclose a space and have a stop toward the second end of the band; a first mass in the space; and a second mass placed in the space and between the first mass and the stop. When the first end is inserted into the housing, the first end passes under the first mass and the second mass and exerts a pull on the first mass toward the second mass. When the first mass is pulled toward the second mass, the second mass acts as a spring between the first mass and the stop and prevents the first mass from hitting the stop. |
| US09884706B1 |
Tamper evident drop dispensing closure
A one-piece dispensing closure for dispensing essential oils includes an integrally formed closure body, tubular dispensing spout, a hinged cap, a tamper-evident closure system and a latch for maintaining the cap in an open position. The cap is connected to the closure body by a living hinge to allow the user to selectively open and close the container. A tamper-evident tear strip is integrally formed with the closure body. A locking tab on the cap engages a shoulder on the tear strip to prevent opening of the cap without removing the tear strip. |
| US09884705B2 |
Cap for a container neck
A cap for sealing a container neck includes a first skirt section, and a second skirt section. The second skirt section includes a first axial end connected to the first skirt section, a second axial end opposite the first axial end and connected to an end wall of the cap, and an intermediate section extending axially between the first and second axial ends. The cap further includes a plurality of ribs distributed around the central axis and projecting in a radial direction from at least the intermediate section towards the central axis. Each rib includes an exterior radial end connected to an interior cylindrical surface of the intermediate section, and an interior radial end radially opposite the exterior radial end. The interior radial end has at least one protrusion projecting in a direction orthogonal to the radial direction. |
| US09884701B2 |
Ecology can end with pressure equalization port
An ecology stay-on tab beverage can end has a first curvilinear segment of frangible score severable to form a vent region and a pressure equalization port. A second curvilinear segment of frangible score has opposing terminal ends separated by a hinge segment of the center panel. The second curvilinear segment of frangible score is severable to form a pour opening. A lifting of a lift end of a tab actuates an opening sequence in which the first curvilinear segment of frangible score is severed causing the vent region and the pressure equalization port to form before the pour opening is completely formed. |
| US09884695B2 |
Compartment configured for presentation of stored articles
Storage units are described for storing articles. The storage units include a number of compartments, and the compartments include a receptacle, a lid, and a holding member. The receptacle receives the article via an opening, and the lid may move into and out of engagement with the opening so as to define an open position and a closed position. The holding member may be disposed on the lid and may be configured to releasably secure the article to the lid. Thus, in the closed position, the holding member and an article secured to the lid via the holding member may be received within the receptacle, whereas in the open position the article may be at least partially removed from the receptacle. Thus, when the lid is opened, the article is automatically presented to the user for dispensing the article from the compartment. |
| US09884694B2 |
Rear discharge mat rolling machine with wrapper
A mat rolling machine for rolling a mat having a leading edge and a trailing edge may include a frame, at least one first drive belt, a plurality of second drive belts, a plurality of third drive belts, and a plurality of fourth drive belts. The mat rolling machine may include a plurality of primary fingers and a plurality of secondary fingers having a smaller radius of curvature on a lower face than the plurality of primary fingers. The mat rolling machine may include at least one support member for guiding a mat along a path through the mat rolling machine, and at least one pusher for discharging a rolled mat from the rear of the mat rolling machine. The mat rolling machine may include a wrapper cartridge. The mat rolling machine may include a cutter mechanism. |
| US09884693B2 |
Enveloping aerodynamic decelerator
An inflatable aerodynamic deceleration method and system is provided for use with an atmospheric entry payload. The inflatable aerodynamic decelerator includes an inflatable envelope and an inflatant, wherein the inflatant is configured to fill the inflatable envelope to an inflated state such that the inflatable envelope surrounds the atmospheric entry payload, causing aerodynamic forces to decelerate the atmospheric entry payload. |
| US09884690B2 |
Methods and systems for conveying destination viability
Methods and systems are provided for facilitating analysis and selection of a destination for operating a vehicle. One exemplary method facilitating analysis of landing an aircraft at an airport involves displaying a map of the airport that includes a graphical representation of a runway at the airport, determining a runway viability parameter for the runway using current status information associated with one or more of the aircraft and the airport, and displaying indicia of the runway viability parameter on the map in graphical association with the graphical representation of the runway, thereby providing indication of the value or state of the runway viability parameter for that runway on the airport map. |
| US09884686B2 |
Aircraft including an engine attachment with a control surface
An aircraft including a fuselage extending along a longitudinal axis and having a rear end pointing reward of the aircraft, a main gear connected to the fuselage in a main gear position with respect to the longitudinal axis, and an engine for propelling the aircraft provided outside of the fuselage and attached to the fuselage via an attachment device between the main gear position and the rear end, wherein the engine generates a repulsive air stream streaming in the reverse direction. A surface element is moveably connected to the attachment device. The surface element moves between a neutral position at which it does not deflect the repulsive air stream, and a deflected position at which it deflects the repulsive air stream to assist aircraft rotation during take-off. |
| US09884683B2 |
Light program for interior lighting in an aircraft
In a method for producing a light program (22) for controlling lighting in an interior (80) of an aircraft (82) during a flight, a sequence list (2a, b) of phases of the day (4a-l) for a full day is set, wherein a time of day (6), a phase duration (8) and lighting data (La-l) for the lighting are assigned to each phase of the day (4a-l), the appropriate phase of the day (4a-l) is selected from the sequence list (2a, b) as first program section (14a) of a flight program (10) on the basis of the local time (12a) at which the flight starts and the proportional associated phase duration (8) is assigned to the first program section as section duration (16a), the appropriate phase of the day (4a-l) is selected from the sequence list (2a, b) as last program section (14b-e) of the flight program on the basis of the local time (12b) at which the flight lands and the proportional associated phase duration (8) is assigned to the last program section (14b-e) as section duration (16b-e), the flight program (10) between first program section (14a) and last program section (14b-e) is filled with the phases of the day (4a-l), lying therebetween as per the sequence list (2a, b), as program sections (14b-d) and the associated phase durations (8) are assigned to the program sections (14b-d) as section durations (16b-d), at least one of the section durations (16a-e) is scaled on the basis of a scaling prescription in such a way that the overall duration of the flight program (10) corresponds to the flight duration (TF), the flight program (10) runs in time during the flight on the basis of the elapsed flight time (t), wherein the lighting data (La-l) of the respective current program section (14a-e) are output as light program (22) at each instant of the flight time (t). |
| US09884681B2 |
Aerial vehicle with frame assemblies
Systems, devices, and methods for a transformable aerial vehicle are provided. In one aspect, a transformable aerial vehicle includes: a central body and at least two transformable frames assemblies respectively disposed on the central body, each of the at least two transformable frame assemblies having a proximal portion pivotally coupled to the central body and a distal portion; an actuation assembly mounted on the central body and configured to pivot the at least two frame assemblies to a plurality of different vertical angles relative to the central body; and a plurality of propulsion units mounted on the at least two transformable frame assemblies and operable to move the transformable aerial vehicle. |
| US09884677B2 |
Wing tip pod
A natural-laminar-flow swept transonic wing fitted with a wing tip pod for controlling the location of a wing shock in the wing tip region, such that the shock extends outboard substantially up to the wing tip without substantially sweeping forward toward the wing tip leading edge. |
| US09884675B2 |
System for changing the pitch of the blades of a propeller
A system includes a linear-displacement fluidic actuator coaxial with the propeller, and a transmission device connecting the actuator to the blades that are to be controlled. The transmission device includes at least two radial arms arranged symmetrically with respect to the actuator and connected, on the inside, to a translationally mobile part of the actuator and, on the outside, to a translationally movable rotary transmission ring which is connected to the pivot pins of the blades by intermediate connecting mechanisms that convert the translational movement of the rotary ring brought about by the actuator into a rotation of the blades of the propeller. |
| US09884673B2 |
Outboard motor switch device having remote handset system
A switch device includes an ENT switch for allowing a keyless controller to perform an authentication process, a S/S switch for manipulating start and stop of an engine, and a single common manipulating member for allowing a user to manipulate ON/OFF switching operations of the ENT switch and the S/S switch. The ENT switch and the S/S switch are switched between ON and OFF depending on a motion of the single common manipulating member. |
| US09884671B2 |
Marine propulsion system and method
A method for propulsion of a marine vessel, a liquid-directing system and a marine propulsion system are presented. Water-directing scoops are moved in a rearward direction while the scoops are dipping into the water. The scoops may be arranged about a hub. Water is scooped using a bottom edge and lower sides of each of the scoops. Each scoop has an open-faced concave interior and directs scooped water towards a centerline and towards a water exit region of the scoop. The water exit region remains above the local or apparent waterline while the water is scooped, directed and ejected. Water is ejected from the water exit region of the scoop in the rearward direction and at a relative exit velocity that is greater than a relative entrance velocity of water being scooped. Rearward ejection of the water expresses a forward thrust of the propulsion system. Other liquids may be used. |
| US09884669B2 |
Emergency detachable island rig and fire escape
The invention describes a partially submerged ‘Detachable Island Rig’ (DIR) locked on a permanent ‘under-water basement’, to be instantly detached upon a rig-fire. The electrical wiring and metal tubing (with intervening rubber tubing) are cut and sealed, before the DIR disengages also from adjacent stationary rig. For stationing back onto the base, submerged despite changing tides, the buoyant forces of DIR are countered by a system of double pulleys within the basement, when also the DIR is aligned to be locked to the permanent base. The DIR has provisions for immediate functions of a conduction platform, living quarters, a basement entry, steering station, and uniquely designed life-boats and lift-boats. The ‘water-seal’ of the basement entry, not destroyed upon a rig-fire, serves as an ideal ‘fire-escape’ model, a safe refuge within the rig. A Continuation-in-part application extensively details water-sealed fire-escape devices of off-shore rigs, including a conventional jack-up rig. |
| US09884668B2 |
Anchor cradle for handling and stowing fluke, return bar-type anchors
An anchor cradle for fluke, return bar-type anchors which provides an efficient means for handling and stowing said anchors. The cradle includes a first support bracket and a second support bracket, wherein each comprises a base plate, a wing plate, and a nose plate. The base plate for both the first support bracket and the second support bracket are mounted parallel and offset to each other and each are pivotably mounted to an arm of a boat winch. The wing plate interlocks with the flukes of the anchor and is adjacently connected along a top edge of the base plate. The wing plate for both the first support bracket and the second support bracket are oriented away from each other in order to create an anchor-receiving region. The nose plate reorients the anchor and is adjacently connected along a front edge of the base plate, forming a triangular-shaped nose portion. |
| US09884666B2 |
Hub gear
A multi-speed hub gear, comprising: an axle adapted to be fixed against rotation; a hub shell; a plurality of planetary gear sets, each comprising: a central gear concentrically fixed on the axle, a rotating gear carrier mounting at least one rotating gear to revolve around the center of the central gear; and a ring gear rotated by the at least one rotating gear; wherein a respective the ring gear of one of the sets is mechanically connected to a respective the rotating gear carrier of another of the sets such that the sets rotate in conjunction; and a gear shifter adapted to engage at least one of the sets to the hub shell while disengaging another of the sets from the hub shell. |
| US09884663B2 |
Modular formed nodes for vehicle chassis and their methods of use
A joint design to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The joint may connect carbon fiber tubes and may be designed with different shapes and configurations. The joint may include acceptor ports that may mate with a tube and simultaneously contact an inner surface and outer surface of the tube for a strong connection. The joint may also include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow. |
| US09884662B2 |
Suspension and lock-out systems for a partially tracked vehicle
A partially tracked utility vehicle and conversion are provided. The converted partially tracked utility vehicle has a chassis, front wheels, and a trailing link suspension. The trailing link suspension has a trailing link with a first end pivotably connected to the chassis and a second end pivotably connected to a walking beam at a walking beam pivot; a shock having a first end pivotably connected to a tension shaft and a second end pivotably connected to the trailing link; the walking beam further comprising a plurality of axle mounted bogey wheels for engaging a track of the partially tracked utility vehicle; a sprocket mounted to a traction drive of the utility vehicle for engaging and providing rotational power to the track; and an actuator attached to the chassis, the actuator having a shaft pivotably connected to the tension shaft and configured to rotate the tension shaft. |
| US09884661B2 |
Composite panel edge treatments and joints and cargo body having same
A cargo body includes sidewalls constructed of pairs of panels secured together at respective joints. Each of the plurality of panels is a composite panel having a core, an interior skin secured to a first side of the core facing the cargo receiving volume, and an exterior skin secured to a second opposite side. Each joint includes an interior splice plate and an exterior splice plate, and co-facing edge portions of the adjacent pair of panels are sandwiched between the interior and exterior splice places. Each edge portion defines a region of reduced core thickness in which a core thickness measured between the respective interior and exterior skins is less than a maximum core thickness. A recess is formed by the pair of interior or exterior skins to receive the corresponding splice plate, such that the corresponding one of the interior and exterior splice plate is nested into the recess. |
| US09884658B2 |
Vehicle body rear structure
A vehicle body rear structure includes a floor brace extending outward in a vehicle width direction in an inclined manner from a front floor, and a rear brace extending inward in the vehicle width direction in an inclined manner from a rear end portion of the floor brace. A rear end portion of the rear brace is connected with a support bracket. A front end portion of the rear brace and the rear end portion of the floor brace are connected with a left rear frame via a connecting member. The floor brace and the rear brace are arranged in a substantially V-shape in plan view. |
| US09884652B2 |
Reinforcement structure
The present disclosure relates to a reinforcement structure for a vehicle. The reinforcement structure has a main extension direction and comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises, or consists of, a more ductile material than the second portion. The first portion and the second portion are joined to each other in an overlap zone extending along the main extension direction, such that the first portion and the second portion extend parallel to each other along the main extension direction in the overlap zone. The present disclosure also concerns a vehicle comprising at least one such reinforcement structure. The disclosure further relates to a method for manufacturing a reinforcement structure. |
| US09884649B2 |
Lower vehicle-body structure of automotive vehicle
A single cross member extending in a vehicle width direction is provided between a portion of a side sill which is positioned near a center pillar and a tunnel portion. A pair of seat-rail mounting seats are provided at a lower portion of the tunnel portion to be spaced apart from the cross member in a vehicle longitudinal direction. A seat rail is rigidly connected to the pair of seat-rail mounting seats at its bottom face. Thereby, the lightweight, high rigidity, and quietness of the vehicle can be attained. |
| US09884646B2 |
Parking assist system and path determination method
A parking assist system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to: at the time of assisting in parking a vehicle to a parking area, determine a path from an initial position of the vehicle to a target position; generate a first circumference that passes through the initial position and that touches a traveling direction of the vehicle, as the path; determine a center position on the basis of a position of a rear corner of a parked vehicle ahead, a turning radius of the vehicle at a minimum turn and the target position; and generate a second circumference that has a center at the center position and that passes through the target position and touches both the traveling direction of the vehicle at the target position and the first circumference, as the path continuous with the first circumference. |
| US09884642B2 |
Steering device
In order to provide a steering device capable of inhibiting generation of abnormal sound without a complicated structure, the steering device is provided with a wheel gear connected to an output shaft which transmits an output to a turning wheel and a worm gear engaging with the wheel gear and capable of transmitting power generated by a motor to the wheel gear, and a rotational speed of the motor is made lower than that during normal operation, at the time driving of the stopped motor is started or at the time a rotational direction of the worm gear is reversed. |
| US09884638B1 |
Hand truck for percussion drum set and related accessories
Accordingly, a hand truck for percussion drums and related accessories of the invention enables storage, transport, protection, and control of a plurality of percussion drums and their related accessories. The hand truck for percussion drums and related accessories is comprised of a body panel consisting of individual drum compartments of varying dimensions sized to accommodate preselected percussion drums of corresponding varying dimensions which are protectively releasably received into the compartments thru the use of support strips. A cymbal storage rod assembly is included to facilitate the control and storage of a plurality of percussion cymbals. Said body panel further supporting a cover onto which a plurality of drum accessory and drum pedal storage compartments may be attached. Support brackets with end closures support the body panel each employing handles to facilitate maneuvering along with wheels on the front end to enable transport. |
| US09884628B1 |
Systems and methods for graduated response to impaired driving
Methods and systems for automatically detecting that a driver of a smart vehicle is impaired and subsequently performing a graduated response are provided. According to certain aspects, vehicle sensors may generate and transmit sensor data indicating that the driver of the smart vehicle is impaired. In response, the smart vehicle may analyze the data and determine a primary response to the indication of impairment. The primary response may be performed by the smart vehicle's control systems. Subsequently, the vehicle sensors may generate and transmit another set of sensor data indicating that the driver of the smart vehicle is impaired. In response, the smart vehicle may analyze the data and determine a secondary response to the indication of impairment. The secondary response may be performed by the smart vehicle's control systems. |
| US09884624B2 |
Travel control device
A travel control device 10 includes: an intersection stopped vehicle determining unit 12 that determines whether or not a forward vehicle is a stopped vehicle that is stopped at an intersection, based on distance information from the own vehicle to each forward vehicle acquired by a forward vehicle detection device 1, and distance information to the intersection existing ahead of the own vehicle acquired by a forward intersection distance acquisition device 2; and a vehicle stop position prediction unit 13 that predicts a stop position of the own vehicle at the intersection based on distance information of the stopped vehicle, when the forward vehicle is determined as the stopped vehicle. |
| US09884617B2 |
Control system for hybrid vehicle
A control system for a hybrid vehicle includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to, when any one of the following conditions iii) to vi) is satisfied, activate the oil pump to start supplying oil to a power split mechanism: iii) a required driving force becomes larger than or equal to a first pump changing value when a first drive mode is selected; iv) a vehicle speed becomes higher than or equal to a second pump changing value when the first drive mode is selected; v) the required driving force becomes smaller than or equal to a third pump changing value when the third drive mode is selected; and vi) the vehicle speed becomes lower than or equal to a fourth pump changing value when the third drive mode is selected. |
| US09884616B2 |
Method and system for controlling hybrid vehicle
A method and system for controlling a hybrid vehicle equipped with an air control valve are provided. The method includes collecting road information and determining a number of conversions between an engine operation mode and a motor driving mode based on the collected road information. Further, a degree of flap closing of the air control valve is restricted from being corrected when the predicted number of conversion is less than a predetermined threshold. The air control valve is adjusted for flap displacement upon closing of the flap when the predicted number of conversion is greater than the predetermined threshold and in which the degree of flap closing of the air control valve is corrected based on the detected flap displacement. |
| US09884615B2 |
Motor assistance for a hybrid vehicle based on predicted driving range
A method of providing assistance to an internal combustion engine for a vehicle using an electric motor coupled to the engine is provided. The method comprises predicting a driving range based on historical driving range data. The historical driving range data includes one or more distances that the vehicle was driven during one or more previous driving cycles. The method further comprises selectively operating the motor to provide assistance to the engine at predetermined operating conditions of the engine. The assistance provided to the engine at one or more of the predetermined operating conditions is determined based at least in part on the predicted driving range. |
| US09884612B2 |
Wiper blade device
The invention relates to a wiper blade device comprising a main unit (10) and an adapter unit (14) which can be connected to a wiper arm (12) and is secured in a form-locked manner to the main unit (10) in at least one mounted state. The wiper blade device comprises at least one form-lock recess (16) that extends at least from a first face (18) to a second face (20) of the main unit (10) or the adapter unit (14). |
| US09884609B2 |
Ratcheting web tightening apparatus for a multi-point motor vehicle seat restraint system
A web tightening apparatus is disclosed for a multi-point restraint harness having a web extendable about an occupant of a motor vehicle seat. A base frame is mounted between the seat and a floor of a motor vehicle, a web turning guide is mounted to and within the base frame with the web extending into the base frame and through the web turning guide, a ratcheting device is mounted to the base frame and has a handle, and a ratcheting web is coupled at one end to the web extending from the web turning guide and coupled at an opposite end to the ratcheting device. The ratcheting device is responsive to ratcheting actuation of the handle to draw the ratcheting web therein, wherein movement of the ratcheting web into the ratcheting device draws the web further into the base frame and thereby tightens the web about the occupant. |
| US09884608B1 |
Four and six-point seat belt systems
A seat belt assembly includes a first lap belt portion having an anchored end and a first plate, and a second lap belt portion having an anchored end and a second plate. A first shoulder belt having a retractor end and a buckle end extends through a first slot in the first plate between the retractor end and the buckle end. A second shoulder belt having a retractor end and a tongue end extends through a first slot in the second plate between the retractor end and the tongue end. The buckle end is fixedly attached to a buckle and the tongue end is fixedly attached to a tongue. The buckle and the tongue are releasably attachable. |
| US09884607B2 |
Seat belt retractor and seat belt device
To provide a seatbelt retractor and a seatbelt device that can suppress the occurrence of abnormal noise. A seatbelt retractor 1 includes a spool 2 that retracts webbing configured to restrain an occupant, a base frame 3 that houses the spool 2 rotatably, and a lock mechanism 4 that restricts rotation of the spool 2. The lock mechanism 4 includes a locking base 41, a pawl 42, a pawl spring 43, and a lock gear 44. The pawl 42 includes a first restraint portion 42a that restrains movement of the pawl 42 in one rotating direction of the spool 2 while being located inside an outer periphery of the locking base 41, and a second restraint portion 42b that restrains the movement of the pawl 42 in an opposite rotating direction of the spool 2 while the movement is retrained by the first restraint portion 42a. |
| US09884599B2 |
Vehicle front structure
A vehicle front structure includes a front frame member, a bumper beam (9) disposed at a front section of the vehicle in a vehicle width direction, a crush box (10) fixed to a rear surface of the bumper beam (9) and having a rear end portion coupled to a front end portion of the front frame member, and a corner reinforcement member (15) disposed at a corner portion formed between the rear surface of the bumper beam (9) and the side surface of the crush box (10), wherein an outer surface of the corner reinforcement member (15) is joined in a state in which the outer surface abuts the rear surface of the bumper beam (9) and the side surface of the crush box (10). |
| US09884592B2 |
Illuminating device capable of uniformly diffusing light beams and side view mirror assembly including same
An illuminating device (28) includes a light transmittable shield (38) having a first face (40) and a second face (42) spaced from the first face (40) in a direction. A chamber (43) is defined in the first face (40) and includes an operative face (46) spaced from the second face (42) in the direction. A plurality of refractive units (52) is provided on the operative face (46). Each refractive unit (52) includes a plurality refractive faces (54). Each refractive face (54) is at a non-parallel and non-perpendicular angle (55) to the operative face (46). Light diffusing particles (53) are disposed between the operative face (46) and the second face (42) and are located in the refractive units (52). At least one light emitting diode (34, 36) is fixed in relation to the light transmittable shield (38), is located in the chamber (43), and faces the operative face (46). |
| US09884589B2 |
System and method for assisting vehicle driving for using smart phone
A system and a method for assisting vehicle driving are provided. The system may select and use an imaging device among a plurality of imaging devices within a smart phone possessed by a driver or a passenger in a vehicle and assist in driving. A system includes a smart phone configured to capture an image in front of a vehicle and an inner image of the vehicle using the plurality of imaging devices within the smart phone and select one of the plurality of imaging devices. The system also includes a controller configured to analyze image information provided from the plurality of imaging devices to operate the smart phone or control the vehicle. |
| US09884587B2 |
Display device for vehicle
A display device for a vehicle includes a decorative member; a light source that emits light to the decorative member; and a virtual image generation unit that displays a virtual image between a driver of the vehicle and the decorative member. The light source is disposed closer to the driver than the decorative member, and is alternately switchable between a light-on state and a light-off state when the virtual image generation unit displays a virtual image. |
| US09884586B2 |
Vehicle lighting device
Disclosed is a vehicle lighting device intended to improve convenience and safety. A vehicle lighting device includes a light disposed in a vehicle interior, a controller controlling the light, and a detecting unit detecting position or motion of a detecting object by detecting a detection object at a plurality of positions, and the controller controls the light when the position or motion of the detection object is detected by the detecting unit. |
| US09884585B1 |
Exterior vehicle alerting system
An exterior alerting system for a vehicle. The system may include a sensor, a controller, and an alerting device. The sensors maybe configured to detect an object exterior to the vehicle. Additionally, the controller may be configured to receive a position of the object from the sensor, calculate a danger zone based on a trajectory of the vehicle and the position of the object, and generate at least one exterior alerting signal when the vehicle cannot avoid the danger zone. |
| US09884584B1 |
Telescoping beacon for a vehicle
An apparatus adapted to provide a locating means for a vehicle lost in a parking facility includes a telescoping device installed on the vehicle and is selectively activated by remote control. When activated, the apparatus will upwardly extend an illuminated beacon to provide a visual indication from a distance. |
| US09884583B2 |
Method and apparatus for operating a signal system, signal system, vehicle
A method for operating a signal system, in particular for a vehicle, a gaze direction of a user being monitored by way of at least one first sensor, a warning signal being outputted depending on the gaze direction detected. Provision is made that by way of at least one second sensor, an environment of the user is monitored for possible target objects, the detected gaze direction of the user being compared with the environment. When the gaze direction of the user points toward one of the possible target objects, that target object is designated as a selected target object and, depending on a triggering command of the user, the warning signal is outputted into the environment for the selected target object. |
| US09884578B2 |
Pick-up truck bed with rope tie-down cleats and method of manufacturing tie-down cleats
A tie-down assembly for a pick-up truck bed that includes a cleat including a base having first and second feet defining first and second fastener receiving holes, a body portion extending from an outer side of the feet, and first and second arms extending from the body portion that are spaced from the feet and define tie-down holes. Fasteners inserted into the first and second fastener holes secure the cleat to the pick-up truck bed. A method of making a tie-down cleat for a pick-up truck bed by extruding an elongated bar having a pair of feet portions connected by a body portion to a pair of arm portions. The elongated bar is cut into a plurality of planar cleat blanks and the cleat blanks are drilled to form fastener holes in the feet portions and tie-down holes in the arm portions. |
| US09884577B2 |
Vehicle crane
A crane system for loading and unloading stone slabs comprising: a front support structure including: a pair of vertical legs each secured at a bottom end to the bed or wall of a vehicle; a front horizontal cross beam secured to a top end of the vertical legs; a back support structure including: a pair of vertical legs each secured at a bottom end to the bed or wall of a vehicle; a back horizontal cross beam secured to a top end of the vertical legs; a pair of bracing members secured to the vertical legs and to each other to aid in the stabilization of the system; a horizontal lift beam slideably secured to the front and back horizontal cross beams; a trolley assembly slidably secured to the horizontal lift beam; and a hoist mechanism secured to the trolley assembly. |
| US09884575B2 |
Container having a spring-counter-balanced ramp wall
A container for transporting and storing landscaping materials includes a rectangular container body having a bottom wall, a pair of side walls, and an end wall which define an open-ended chamber; and a vertical ramp end wall that is pivotally displaceable between a normal vertical closed position, and a downwardly inclined loading position, which pivot arrangement includes a pair of horizontal pivot shafts arranged collinearly transversely of the container on opposite sides of the protruding ends of a pair of guide rails that extend longitudinally beneath the bottom wall. To afford manual operation of the massive ramp wall, a counter-balancing spring arrangement is provided including a pair of torsion springs mounted concentrically on these two pivot shafts for biasing the ramp wall from the loading position upwardly toward the closed position with an aggregate torque force that is generally equal to the weight of the ramp wall. |
| US09884572B2 |
Braking device
A braking device 3 includes an outer race 10, brake cams 20 each having a brake surface 21, and an output-side rotating member 30 disposed radially inward of the brake cams 20. The braking device 3 includes a spring 81 provided between at least one pair of brake cams 20 among three brake cams 20 so as to urge the pair of the brake cams 20 to be separated from each other. |
| US09884568B2 |
Control apparatus and control method of vehicle
A control apparatus for a vehicle including a three-phase AC motor and a power converter, the control apparatus includes an ECU. The ECU is configured to determine whether a rotation speed of the three-phase AC motor is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold and whether a stopping operation of the vehicle is performed, to determine that the vehicle stops when the rotation speed is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold and the stopping operation is performed, to determine whether the vehicle skids, and to switch a state of the power converter to a state where all on one side of the first and second switching elements are turned off and at least one on the other side of the first and second switching elements is turned on when the ECU determines that the vehicle stops and that the vehicle does not skid. |
| US09884567B2 |
Vehicle including fuel cell system
In a vehicle including a fuel cell system, an electronic control unit is configured to perform first processing in which a rotation speed of an air pump is controlled based on a torque command value and a rotation speed command value, and to perform, in the first processing, at least one of second processing in which the torque command value is set to be larger than the calculated torque command value when at least one of values of an accelerator position, required electric power, and the rotation speed command value or a change rate thereof is increased by a prescribed first value or more, and third processing in which the torque command value is set to be smaller than the calculated torque command value when at least one of the values or the change rate thereof is decreased by a prescribed second value or more. |
| US09884564B2 |
Electrically powered vehicle and power supply system
A detector may be a device for detecting insulation decrease of an electric system included in a vehicle. An external terminal may be configured to be connectable with a terminal of a power supply cable connected to a power supply device. A power supply relay, which may be provided between the external terminal and a power line, may be controlled by a vehicle ECU to be in a closed state during external power supply from the electrically powered vehicle to the power supply device. When the insulation decrease of the electric system is detected by the detector, the vehicle ECU may control the power supply relay to come into an open state. |
| US09884559B2 |
Device and method for controlling a high side DC/DC converter of a hybrid vehicle
A device and a method for controlling a high side DC/DC converter (HDC) of a hybrid vehicle are provided. The switching frequency of the HDC is variably adjusted based on situations of temperatures of an inductor and an IGBT switching element, which constitute the HDC, to maintain a balance between the temperatures of the inductor and the IGBT switching element. Accordingly, temperatures of the inductor and the IGBT switching element are detected, and the switching frequency of the HDC is variably adjusted based on a situation for each temperature of each element to maintain a balance between the temperatures of the inductor and the IGBT switching element, thereby improving the utilization rate of the IGBT switching element. |
| US09884552B2 |
Vehicle fluid handling systems
A fluid system for a vehicle is provided. The fluid system is configured to couple to a chassis of the vehicle. A frame assembly of the fluid system is configured to couple with the chassis directly or with another component that is coupled, directly or indirectly, with the chassis. A cowling of the fluid system can enclose a fuel pressure vessel and an auxiliary fluid vessel. The auxiliary fluid vessel is configured to be placed in fluid communication with the component powered or operated by the fluid therein. |
| US09884551B2 |
Cap
A cap includes a main body attached to an end part of a charging port for fuel gas. The main body includes an elastic deformable portion for locking the main body to the end part when the main body is attached to the end part. The cap further includes a cover covering at least part of the elastic deformable portion and surrounding the main body. The elastic deformable portion at least partially elastically deforms when the main body is attached to the end part and when the main body is detached from the end part. The cover is a separate member from the main body. When the elastic deformable portion elastically deforms, the cover applies force to the elastic deformable portion in a direction opposite from the deforming direction. |
| US09884550B2 |
Flapper valve with guide legs
A flapper valve assembly is provided for venting pressure in a tank. The flapper valve assembly includes a float assembly that is configured to be disposed within a valve housing. The float assembly may have a plurality of guide supports that extend from an end portion of the float assembly. A flapper member is movably supported on the float assembly. The flapper member may include a plurality of guide legs that correspond with the guide supports of the float assembly to maintain proper alignment of the flapper member relative to the float assembly. |
| US09884549B2 |
Wheel unit
The present disclosure relates to a wheel unit, which comprise: a motor; a pinion gear which is fixed to a rotating portion of the motor; a wheel which includes an annular ground surface and rotates about a final gear support shaft; a final gear made of a resin, which is fixed to the wheel directly or via another member and is disposed on one side in an axial direction with respect to the wheel; a speed reduction mechanism which decelerates rotation of the pinion gear and transmits the rotation to the final gear; and a gear case which accommodates the pinion gear, the speed reduction mechanism, and the final gear; wherein a rotation support portion which rotates along with the final gear and the wheel while being supported by the gear case directly or via another member is provided between the final gear and the wheel; and when viewed from one side in the axial direction, the final gear support shaft and a motor shaft are disposed in different positions, and the motor includes a rotor magnet on an outside of an armature in a radial direction. |
| US09884546B2 |
Cryogenic engine system
A system (100) comprises a cryogenic engine (16) and a power generation apparatus, wherein the cryogenic engine and the power generation apparatus are coupled with each other to permit the cryogenic engine (16) and the power generation apparatus to work co-operatively with each other in a synergistic manner. The cryogenic engine (16) and the power generation apparatus are mechanically and optionally thermally coupled with each other so that the output means is shared between the cryogenic engine (16) and the power generation apparatus and that the two systems can be operated in the most power efficient manner and may also thermally interact to the potential advantage of both performance and economy. |
| US09884540B1 |
Rolling tarp enclosure system
A support rail for a movable, flatbed trailer-mounted tarp enclosure system having a tarp cover, a plurality of substantially U-shaped bows connected to and supporting the tarp cover, and rolling carriages connected to lower ends of said bows and which roll along the support rail, the support rail including a first elongate rail section which is fixed to the trailer and extends substantially parallel to a cargo support surface of the trailer, a second elongate rail section which is movably connected to the trailer, and a support mechanism which connects the second elongate rail section to the trailer such that the second elongate rail section may be moved between a first position extending continuously to the first elongate rail section along a common axis and a second position parallel to but at a different level from the first elongate rail section. |
| US09884539B2 |
Diesel engine powered transportation refrigeration system
A transport refrigeration system (10) includes a refrigerant vapor compression transport unit (12) including a compressor (14). A drive unit is utilized to provide power to the compressor. The drive unit includes a diesel powered engine (32) and a diesel particulate filter in operable communication with the diesel powered engine to filter combustion particulates from an exhaust gas output from the diesel powered engine. An air control valve is in operable communication with the diesel powered engine to control a flow of air into an air inlet of the diesel powered engine, thereby controlling an exhaust gas temperature of the diesel engine to aid in regeneration of the diesel particulate filter. |
| US09884538B2 |
Turbo compound system for vehicle
The present disclosure relates to a turbo compound system for a vehicle which recovers emission gas energy of an engine, and particularly, to a turbo compound system for a vehicle which may recover emission gas energy and provide the energy to various auxiliary devices for a vehicle in various forms. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a turbo compound system for a vehicle in which recovered emission gas energy is transferred directly to auxiliary devices for a vehicle without passing through a crank shaft for a vehicle, thereby preventing deterioration of fuel efficiency or output reduction, and simplifying facility and control. |
| US09884535B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle includes an air conditioning system, a high voltage equipment, a cooling fan, and an intake duct. The air conditioning system is to condition air in an interior of the vehicle which has a vehicle height direction. The cooling fan is to send cooling air which has passed through the air conditioning system to the high voltage equipment. The cooling fan has an intake port. The intake duct is connected to the intake port from upward in the vehicle height direction to supply the cooling air to the cooling fan. A lowermost part of the intake port in the vehicle height direction is positioned higher than a lowermost surface of a duct flow path of the intake duct in the vehicle height direction. |
| US09884531B2 |
Automobile undercarriage component
An automobile undercarriage component is provided with a web and a rib. The rib is configured so as to comprise a first section that is a section having the widest width and a second section that has a narrower width than the first section, and the second section having a narrower rib width than the first section as a result of an inner wall surface of the second section that is continuously formed from the web being provided so as to be adjacent to a facing outer surface wall. |
| US09884528B2 |
Autonomous driving device
An autonomous driving device including: vehicle side surroundings information detecting sensors; a left-right pair of extensions provided to a towing device, the extensions extending further to a vehicle width direction outside than a vehicle width direction outside end portion of the towed vehicle; a left-right pair of device side surroundings information detecting sensors, the device side surroundings information detecting sensors being respectively provided to the left-right pair of extensions and detecting surroundings information; and a control device controlling travelling of the autonomous vehicle based on detection results of the vehicle side surroundings information detecting sensors, and, in cases in which the device side surroundings information detecting sensors are electrically connected to the control device, controlling travelling of the autonomous vehicle based on the surroundings information detected by the device side surroundings information detecting sensors in addition to surroundings information detected by the vehicle side surroundings information detecting sensors. |
| US09884527B2 |
Skid aid
Annular tire overlay (11) for drawing onto the rolling surface of tires (40), which has a tread (17) on its outside and a gripping surface (15) on its inside, which tire overlay (11) is so designed that contact between the rolling surface of the tire (40) and the surfacing of the road is prevented by the tire overlay (11) when the tire overlay has been drawn onto a tire. The said tire overlay (11) is provided with a flange (21) which stops the tire overlay (11) from shifting in the axial direction of the wheel. Advantageously, the tire overlay is additionally stiffened by a flange (21) of planar form to keep the contact area on the surface below small. |
| US09884521B2 |
Run flat tire
In a side reinforcing type run flat tire, a minimum wall thickness portion is arranged between an end portion of each belt layer and a position at 70% of a tire cross-sectional height SH. A relationship between a thickness Gmin of the minimum wall thickness portion and a thickness Gmax of a maximum wall thickness portion 17 is 0.5×Gmax≦Gmin≦0.8×Gmax. A relationship between a length L min of a thin wall region and the tire cross-sectional height SH is 0.18×SH≦Lmin≦0.26×SH. A relationship among a weight Wr of a side reinforcing layer, a total weight Wt of the tire, and a tire flattening rate R is 0.08×Wt×(1−0.2×(1−R/50))≦Wr≦0.18×Wt×(1−0.2×(1−R/50)). A relationship between a thickness Ga at a rim check line position of an outer side rubber portion more to the outer side than a carcass layer and a maximum thickness Gb thereof is 0.8×Gb≦Ga≦1.0×Gb. |
| US09884517B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire, having in a tread surface thereof a pair of circumferential grooves formed on respective sides of the tire equatorial plane in the middle, a rib-like central land portion row demarcated by the circumferential grooves, and a plurality of lateral grooves extending between the central land portion row and each tread end, comprises in each half region of the tread: a row of first intermediate blocks each having a circumferential length D2 and demarcated by the lateral grooves, the corresponding circumferential groove, and first longitudinal grooves; and a row of second intermediate blocks demarcated by the lateral grooves, the first longitudinal grooves, and second longitudinal grooves, wherein facing openings of the first/second longitudinal grooves adjacent in the tire circumferential direction are offset from each other, and provided that D1 represents a circumferential distance between adjacent ends of the adjacent first and second intermediate blocks, D1≦D2/2. |
| US09884513B2 |
Universal rotating module
A universal rotating module is provided. The universal rotating module comprises a main body including a first portion and two second portions; a main shaft passing through the through groove to pivotally connected to the main body; two bearings sleeved on and pivotally connected to the second portions along the second direction, respectively; two rollers pivotally connected to the second portions along a third direction, respectively; two hemispherical casings fixed to the two bearings, respectively. The first portion includes a through groove extending along a first direction, and the two second portions protrude from opposite sides of the first portion along a second direction, respectively. Each of the hemispherical casing includes a through hole at the top, and a portion of each of the rollers is exposed out of the corresponding through hole. |
| US09884510B1 |
Pen combination
A pen-shaped apparatus includes a key ring, a stylus, an ink pen, and a flash drive in a preferred embodiment are configured to interconnect with each other to form a single unit. When assembled together, the flash drive fits into a bottom portion of the ink pen while the stylus is attached to a top of the pen. The compiled flash drive, ink pen, and stylus are collectively attached to a cap having a key ring feature that allows for convenient attachment of the device to a support structure. |
| US09884504B2 |
Rear face side substrate for thermal transfer image-receiving sheet, and thermal transfer sheet
A rear face side substrate for a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet has a first rear face side layer, a second rear face side layer, and a third rear face side layer layered in this order, wherein the first rear face side layer comprises a propylene-based polymer composition A containing at least a propylene-based polymer, the second rear face side layer comprises a propylene-based polymer composition B containing at least a propylene polymer, an antistatic agent and a masking agent, and the third rear face side layer comprises a propylene-based polymer composition (C) containing at least a propylene-based polymer, a three-dimensional center surface average roughness (SRa) of the third rear face side layer being in the range of 0.10 μm to 1.50 μm, and the first rear face side layer, the second rear face side layer and the third rear face side layer being biaxially oriented. |
| US09884502B2 |
Device for guiding an ink pad container and self-inking stamp
A device (1) for guiding an ink pad container (2) into and/or out of a receiving space (3) in the stamp housing (4) of a self-inking stamp (5), comprising a drawer-type receiving container (6) for the ink pad container (2) which comprises, on one side, a free access opening (11) for pushing out and/or pushing in the ink pad container (2). |
| US09884492B2 |
Image recording device
A first feeder contacts a first surface of a first sheet held in a first tray and feeds the first sheet toward a recording unit. A second feeder contacts a first surface of a second sheet held in a second tray and feeds the second sheet toward the recording unit. An inner member is disposed above a standing plate. An outer member comprises an upstream portion opposing the standing plate, and a downstream portion opposing the inner member. The inner member guides the first surface of the first sheet and the first surface of the second sheet. The standing plate guides the first surface of the second sheet. The upstream portion of the outer member guides a second surface of the second sheet, and the downstream portion guides a second surface of the first sheet and the second surface of the second sheet. The standing plate moves relative to the outer member. |
| US09884486B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus is provided and includes: a head that ejects ink onto a medium; a driver that relatively moves the positions of the head and the medium; a cover member that is positioned on the downstream side from the head in the movement direction of the medium relative to the head, so as to cover at least a portion of the medium; an air blowing fan that sends a drying air flow for drying ink ejected on the medium, into a gap between the medium and the cover member; and a cord type heater that heats at least one of the drying air flow and a preliminary air which is the previous stage of the drying air flow. An air-flow-direction changing wall part is provided so as to change the flow direction of the preliminary air which is the previous stage of the drying air flow, at least once. |
| US09884482B2 |
Liquid ejection head and liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection head in which, upon heating performed by a heating element, a bubble is formed in a liquid retained in a bubble forming chamber, the liquid is ejected, and the bubble disappears without any atmospheric communication. When a length L is a length of the heating element in a liquid supply direction, when viewing in a liquid ejection direction, a position of a center of gravity of an ejection port is spaced apart from a position of a center of gravity of the heating element by L/3.5 or more in the liquid ejection direction, and when a length of an ejecting portion in the liquid ejection direction is l and a length of the bubble forming chamber in the liquid ejection direction is h, l/h is 2 or smaller. |
| US09884479B2 |
Apparatus and method for control or monitoring a printing system
Embodiments of the present invention relate to control apparatus and methods of a printing system, for example, comprising an intermediate transfer member (ITM) and to user-related features of a printing system. Some embodiments relate to regulation of a velocity and/or tension and/or length of the ITM. Some embodiments relate to regulation of deposition of ink on the moving ITM. Some embodiments regulate to apparatus configured to alert a user of one or more events related to operation of the ITM. Some embodiments relate to a time-line GUI for visualizing and/or manipulating queued print jobs which may be employed. Some embodiments relate to a reversed augmented reality GUI for visualization and/or control of the printing system. In some embodiments, a display screen is mounted to a printer housing and/or able to control access to moving parts of a printing system. |
| US09884475B2 |
Machine for optical bonding, system and method of use thereof
An adhesive application valve comprising an applicator, a Z-axis actuator operably connected to the applicator, wherein the Z-axis actuator and the rotation device are each capable of moving independently of each other to position the applicator in a position to apply an amount of adhesive to a top substrate prior to bonding with a bottom substrate is provided. Furthermore, a machine comprising an end effector, and an adhesive application valve configured to apply an amount of adhesive onto the top substrate, the end effector configured to place the top substrate into a position of engagement with the adhesive application valve, and place the top substrate onto the bottom substrate to facilitate initial contact between the adhesive applied to the top substrate and a fill material applied to the bottom substrate is also provided. A method of optical bonding is further provided. |
| US09884471B2 |
Biodegradable sheet and an array of separable pouches for liquids
Disclosed is a biodegradable sheet prepared from biodegradable material, a process for preparing the biodegradable sheet and uses thereof. One of the disclosed uses of the biodegradable sheet is in the preparation of a flexible liquid receptacle. Disclosed also is a flexible liquid receptacle arranged as an array of several receptacle units that are attached to one another and that may be detached from one another by tearing along a perforated line created between each two receptacle units. The disclosed array may also include a hanger, thus allowing the array to be hung from any appropriate means. Further disclosed is a biodegradable sheet including at least one layer comprising about 15-25% w/w PLA and about 75-85% w/w PBSA. |
| US09884469B2 |
Laminated plastic substrate, and a production method for the same
The present invention provides a multilayered plastic substrate that simultaneously satisfies improvement in high temperature thermal deformation according to low linear expansion coefficient and excellent dimensional stability and excellent gas barrier property, and is capable of being used instead of a glass substrate that has brittleness and heavy disadvantages without a problem caused by a difference in linear expansion coefficient between layers, and a method for manufacturing the same. |
| US09884468B2 |
Tailor welded blank, manufacturing method thereof, and hot stamped component using tailor welded blank
Disclosed are a tailor welded blank and a manufacturing method thereof. The tailor welded blank is manufactured by connecting blank elements of different materials or thicknesses, thereby eliminating quality problems in a welded zone. A hot stamped component is manufactured by hot stamping the tailor welded blank formed by laser-welding blank elements made of coated steel plates having different strengths or thicknesses using a filler wire, wherein a laser-welded zone has a martensite structure. |
| US09884463B2 |
Article of footwear formed from two preforms and method and mold for manufacturing same
A method of manufacturing a midsole includes placing first and second preforms into a midsole recess of a mold, with first and second portions of the mold defining a first overflow chamber connected to the first recess; closing the mold by positioning the first and second portions in contact with one another; heating the mold for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature such that the first and second preforms melt and bond together to form a midsole, with a portion of each of the first and second preforms flowing into the first overflow chamber to form a first overflow portion; removing the midsole from the mold; allowing the midsole to expand; and cutting away the first overflow portion. |
| US09884462B2 |
Flexible middle layer for RFID patch on tires
A tire mountable apparatus and a method of fabricating a tire mountable apparatus is disclosed. The tire mountable apparatus includes a first layer, a second layer and a middle layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The tire mountable apparatus further includes an electrical device embedded in the middle layer of the tire mountable apparatus. The middle layer of the tire mountable apparatus completely surrounds the electrical device and is formed from a potting compound, The potting compound does not require exposure to heat, air, moisture, or light to clue and does not require solvent evaporation or outgassing of reaction products to cure. The tire mountable apparatus may be constructed by curing the potting compound between the first layer and the second layer. |
| US09884460B2 |
Material and applicator for pinhole and small defect repair
A method for finishing a repaired surface is described. The method includes wiping a sealer on the repaired surface to seal microporosity in the repaired surface, the sealer consisting essentially of a mixture of polymer, at least one filler, solvent, and optionally microspheres; and applying a top coat to the sealed surface without sanding the sealed surface, the top coat being free of visible pinholes. Sealers and tools for applying surface sealers are also described. |
| US09884459B2 |
Method and device for producing a mold
A device for producing a mold part. The device includes a first tool component and a second tool component. The first tool component has a first pressing surface and a first cavity. The second tool component has second pressing surface, a second cavity, and a nozzle configured to supply a liquefied synthetic material. The first and second cavities are configured to overlap at least partially in a cross-section perpendicular to the first and second pressing surfaces when the first and second pressing surface face each other. At least one of the first and second tool components is configured to be movable relative to another. |
| US09884457B1 |
Composite friction elements and pultrusion method of making same
A system for continuous process manufacturing of composite friction units uses one or more array gates with a plurality of cutouts each sized to receive one of a plurality of reinforcing fiber fabric therethrough. The system also uses a resin plenum with plenum chamber and a plurality of dispensing tube assemblies. Each of the plurality of dispensing tube assemblies corresponds to a different cutout and includes dispensing bores positioned to dispense resin onto one of the reinforcing fiber fabrics. The system also uses a forming die that receives the reinforcing fiber fabrics with the resin to form a composite panel as they pass through the forming die. |
| US09884456B2 |
Implantable layers and methods for altering one or more properties of implantable layers for use with fastening instruments
A method is disclosed for changing the spring rate of an implantable layer for use with a surgical instrument which includes the steps of obtaining an implantable layer having a first spring rate, wherein the implantable layer is at least partially comprised of a material having a glass transition temperature and a melting temperature, heating the implantable layer to a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature and lower than the melting temperature, deforming the implantable layer to change the first spring rate to a second spring rate, wherein the second spring rate is different than the first spring rate, allowing the implantable layer to cool below the glass transition temperature, and releasing the implantable layer. |
| US09884454B2 |
Method for producing an opening in a fiber composite component
A method is provided for introducing an opening on at least one component (B) of fiber composite material. The method includes introducing an opening (7) into the component (B) placed in a mold (1; 20). A form (4; 27) then is fashioned in the same mold (1; 20) in the vicinity of the opening. The method then includes filling a vicinity of the opening with plastic. The plastic forms a surround (5, 26) around the peripheral region of the component (B) that forms the opening (7). |
| US09884453B2 |
Dual roll fabric welding machine and method of operation
A dual roll fabric welding or seaming machine is configured to seam pieces of sheet material to one another as the pieces move downstream. The machine includes modular gantries and various actor devices which may be readily mounted on any of the gantries to interact with the moving sheet material to achieve various functions, such as seaming pieces of sheet material together, forming hems, applying grommets to the sheet material, printing on the sheet material, connecting reinforcement strips or ropes to the sheet material and cutting the sheet material. |
| US09884452B2 |
Substrate-bonding device and method of the same
A method of bonding substrates includes steps as follows. Providing a curved glass substrate and a flexible light-transmissive film; moving a roller to press the flexible light-transmissive film onto the curved glass substrate so that the flexible light-transmissive film matches a curvature of the curved glass substrate to gradually fit and bond onto the curved glass substrate; sensing the attaching level of at least one local area of the flexible light-transmissive film bonded on the curved glass substrate; and adjusting a press force exerted by the roller to the local area of the flexible light-transmissive film according to the attaching level during the flexible light-transmissive film is bonded onto the curved glass substrate. |
| US09884450B2 |
Device for three-dimensional fabrication with cavity filling
A three-dimensional printer is configured to fill interior cavities of a fabricated object with functional or aesthetic materials during fabrication. In general, a number of layers can be fabricated with an infill pattern that leaves void space within an exterior surface of the object. These void spaces can receive a second material such as an epoxy or adhesive that spans multiple layers of the object to increase structural integrity. Similarly, aesthetic materials may be used to add color, opacity, or other desired properties to a fabricated object. The void spaces can also or instead form molds that are filled with a build material to provide a fabricated object. |
| US09884448B2 |
Rectangular substrate for imprint lithography and making method
A rectangular substrate is prepared by providing a starting rectangular substrate having front and back surfaces and four side surfaces as ground, and pressing a rotary polishing pad perpendicularly against one side surface under a constant pressure, and relatively moving the rotary polishing pad and the substrate parallel to the side surface, for thereby polishing the side surface of the substrate. In the imprint lithography, the rectangular substrate is capable of controlling compression and pattern shape at a high accuracy and thus transferring a complex pattern of fine feature size to a recipient. |
| US09884447B2 |
Tools for making retroreflective articles
A tool for making retroreflective articles comprises (a) a substrate comprising a patterned surface comprising an array of microstructured retroreflective elements and (b) a welding seam through at least a portion of the array. An optically degraded area adjacent the welding seam on the patterned surface has a width of about 400 μm or less. |
| US09884444B2 |
Enhanced additive manufacturing with a reciprocating platen
An additive manufacturing extrusion head that includes a heated nozzle for accepting a feedstock and extruding the feedstock onto a substrate at a deposition plane, the nozzle having a longitudinal extrusion axis. A reciprocating platen surrounds the nozzle, the platen operable to reciprocate along the extrusion axis at or above the deposition plane as the nozzle extrudes feedstock onto the substrate; and wherein the platen flattens the extruded feedstock such that it does not protrude above the deposition plane as the extrusion head traverses over the substrate. |
| US09884443B2 |
System, method and article for siding corner
An injection molded product may include a corner shingle resembling a single course of tiles that differ in size. The corner shingle may be a semi-crystalline thermoplastic and having a wood grain direction. Streaks may be formed in the corner shingle that are substantially parallel to the wood grain direction. The streaks may extend through an interior of the corner shingle and appear as contrasting streaks on an exterior of the corner shingle to form a variegated wood grain appearance. In addition, an injection molded vestige may be formed in the corner shingle. The injection molded vestige may be located adjacent a perimeter of the corner shingle, and may comprise the location at which material entered an injection mold through a gate. |
| US09884441B2 |
Electron beam curable resin composition, resin frame for reflectors, reflector, semiconductor light emitting device, and method for producing molded body
Provided are an electron beam curable resin composition including polymethylpentene, and a crosslinking agent, in which the crosslinking agent has a saturated or unsaturated ring structure, at least one atom among atoms forming at least one ring is bonded to any allylic substituent of an allyl group, a methallyl group, an allyl group through a linking group, and a methallyl group through a linking group, and a molecular weight is 1,000 or less, a resin frame for reflectors using the resin composition, a reflector, and a molding method using the resin composition. |
| US09884438B2 |
Impact resistant door facing, method of forming impact resistant door facing, and door formed therewith
The present invention is directed to an impact resistant door facing. The facing includes a rectangular sheet of molded hardened polymeric material having first and second opposing major surfaces. A mat having a continuous structure is integrally molded into the sheet. The mat is sufficiently porous to allow the polymeric material to permeate the mat prior to the polymeric material having hardened. The mat is disposed within the sheet so that at least one of the major surfaces is unbroken. The present invention also relates to a method of forming the disclosed door facing, and a door formed therewith. |
| US09884437B2 |
Integral vasculature
A system and method is provided for creating a structure including a vasculature network. A film deposition device is configured to dispense droplets onto a surface of a substrate to form a curable fugitive pre-patterned liquid film on the surface of the substrate. An electrohydrodynamic film patterning (EHD-FP) device has a patterned electrode structure formed to generate an electric field and to subject the film on the surface of the substrate to the electric field. The film thereby being formed by the EHD-FP into patterned features in response to being subjected to the electric field. Then a casting system is configured to cover the patterned features in an epoxy to form patterned structures, wherein the patterned structures comprise a fugitive vasculature structure. |
| US09884434B2 |
Clip fixing jig
A clip fixing jig for fixing a clip member in a molding die for molding a seat pad has a wall part erected along a whole outer peripheral edge of a bottom part thereof. The wall part forms, above the bottom part, an accommodation space for accommodating extending parts. The clip fixing jig has fixing parts for detachably fixing a clip member, so that a clip member can be fixed to the clip fixing jig by inserting the clip member in the accommodation space. With a clip fixing jig provided in a molding die, a seat pad can be formed by insert molding, so that workability in clip member fixing work is improved. |
| US09884433B2 |
Method and device for heating an end section of a plastic pipe
The invention relates to a method and a device for heating an end section of a plastic pipe (1) to prepare for the formation of a sleeve on the plastic pipe, such that the end section can be heated to the deformation temperature of the plastic pipe or even higher by heating on the exterior by means of external heating jaws (2, 3) and on the interior by means of a heating mandrel (4) that can be inserted from the end into the plastic pipe (1). According to the invention, the end section is heated by means of a heating mandrel (4) with at least one first length section (6) and one second length section (5), such that the diameter along the first forward length section (6) is smaller than the internal diameter of the end section of the pipe, and the diameter of the heating mandrel (4) is increased over the second length section (5), which follows the first length section (6) toward the end of the heating mandrel (4), such that the end of the second length section (5) comes in contact with the interior of the end section of the pipe on heating the end section of the pipe, so that the end of the end section of the pipe to be heated is in contact with both the external heating jaws (2, 3) and the heating mandrel (4) when the pipe is heated. |
| US09884432B2 |
Method and system of utilizing a work tool on a suspended work platform
A method and system for performing work from a suspension work platform incorporating a work tool attached to an articulating arm system. |
| US09884427B2 |
Compact robotic wrist
An integrated multiaxial wrist and grasper system for use in a robotic tool can yaw, pitch and grasp via actuation of four independent cable ends of four cables. The tool includes a drive mechanism that effects movement of the multiaxial wrist and grasper via actuation of the cables that extend between the drive mechanism and the wrist. |
| US09884426B2 |
Boom utilized in a geometric end effector system
A boom has a cylindrical body with a coupling flange at each end. The body is manufactured from a carbon fiber material. During construction of the carbon fiber body, an electronic feedback mechanism is embedded into the carbon fiber. The electronic feedback mechanism may be a simple electronic strain gauge. Optionally, the feedback mechanism may include a fiber optic cable woven into the carbon fiber weave. |
| US09884413B2 |
Socket retaining tool using a spring-loaded keeper sleeve
A socket retaining tool for preventing separation of a socket from a drive shaft of a driving tool. A keeper sleeve is configured to accommodate insertion and reciprocal movement of a quick change adapter and a quick change sleeve under the action of a biasing member. The quick change adapter has a male end and an opposite female end. The male and female ends are constructed and arranged to be used with locking mechanisms such that the socket is connected to the male end, and the drive shaft is connected to the female end. A socket locking mechanism coupled to the male end is enclosed by the keeper sleeve, and a driver locking mechanism coupled to the female end is enclosed by the quick change sleeve, when the socket retaining tool is in a relaxed position, thereby avoiding unwanted release of the locking mechanisms. |
| US09884410B1 |
Supplement support system sleeve for a universal joint
A supplement support system sleeve. Descriptive of the tool part know as a Universal Joint that improves managing the flex when adapting parts are heavier than the resistance of the flex of the Universal Joint. Staying on the smooth surfaces with a directional system design to flex that includes a flex Stop with a per determined adjustment location within the tool part design. Offering limited resistance to the movement to no reduction to the tool part design values or intended use other then increasing the size when installed. Made from flexible material. |
| US09884405B2 |
Water jet peening device
According to the present invention, the distance between a spray nozzle and a surface to be constructed is kept constant, and the spray nozzle is moved smoothly to perform water jet peening in a suitable state of construction. A water jet peening device has a spray nozzle (8) for spraying a water jet, the spray nozzle being capable of moving along a predetermined movement trajectory so that a spray port (8a) of the spray nozzle points upward or downward. |
| US09884404B2 |
Buffing expanded foam items
Foam items may be buffed using particles such as particulate sodium bicarbonate in accordance with the present invention. Foam items may be, for example, expanded EVA foam items pre-formed into an intermediate size and shape. A skin layer may be formed during the expansion of the foam item to form an expanded foam item which may be entirely or partially removed by buffing the item using particles projected with selected buffing parameters. The buffing parameters may be varied based upon the thickness of at least a portion of the skin layer and/or the desired degree of moldability for the foam item after buffing. Particulate sodium bicarbonate or other types of particles used for buffing may be recycled and reused for further buffing of foam items. |
| US09884403B2 |
Machining arrangement for drilling at least one hole into a workpiece
A machining arrangement for drilling a hole into a front wall section of a workpiece by way of a machining jet, the front wall section being located in front of a rear wall section of the workpiece, as seen looking in a drilling direction, the rear wall section being disposed with an intermediate space at a distance from the front wall section, the machining arrangement being switchable between a continuous mode, in which the machining jet formed from liquid and abrasive material continuously impinges on the workpiece, and a pulsed mode, in which the machining jet is pulsed, so that the impingement of at least on of said liquid and said abrasive material on the workpiece is recurrently interrupted, the machining arrangement including a controller which is programmed and configured so that the hole is drilled at least partially in the pulsed mode. |
| US09884402B2 |
Device for diamond-burnishing of holes
Various kinds of finishing and hardening treatments of holes by methods of plastic surface deformation can find application in many branches of engineering industry. In particular for burnishing holes on a milling or drilling machine tool. A device for diamond-burnishing of holes increases the functional possibilities, improves the quality of the treated hole surface and the endurance of the burnishing tool, provides the opportunity for a precise regulation in order to get the necessary hole caliber, and uses the load of all the weights for obtaining the necessary pressing force. The device structure comprises a housing with a tapered stem, central and terminal arms with crossheads and shafts, bars with weights, a foot with a cylindrical body, and an arbor with a diamond-burnishing tool. |
| US09884393B2 |
Repair methods utilizing additively manufacturing for rotor blades and components
Methods for repairing surface of a metal substrate are provided, which can include preparing the surface of the metal substrate for repair; melt attaching a base layer onto the surface of the metal substrate; fusing a plurality of first layers of a first material via additive manufacturing to the base coating; forming an interlocking transition zone via additive manufacturing from the first material and a second material; and fusing a plurality of second layers of the second material via additive manufacturing on the interlocking transition zone. The interlocking transition zone can have a plurality of projections alternately extending from the plurality of first layers and the plurality of second layers, respectively, to undetachably couple the plurality of first layers to the plurality of second layers. A repaired metal substrate is also provided. |
| US09884391B2 |
Laser method with different laser beam areas within a beam and devices
Use of a laser beam (1) which has one external and one internal laser beam area (4,7) with different intensities enables a higher temperature gradient to be produced in the z-direction. |
| US09884390B2 |
Wafer producing method
A hexagonal single crystal wafer is produced from a hexagonal single crystal ingot. The wafer producing method includes a separation start point forming step of setting the focal point of a laser beam to the inside of the ingot at a predetermined depth from the upper surface of the ingot, which depth corresponds to the thickness of the wafer to be produced, and next applying the laser beam to the upper surface of the ingot while relatively moving the focal point and the ingot to thereby form a modified layer parallel to the upper surface of the ingot and cracks extending from the modified layer, thus forming a separation start point. A plate-shaped member having a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the wafer is separated from the ingot at the separation start point after performing the separation start point forming step, thus producing the wafer from the ingot. |
| US09884389B2 |
SiC ingot slicing method
Disclosed herein is an SiC ingot slicing method including: an initial separation layer formation step for scanning a focal point of a laser beam parallel to an end face of the SiC ingot along a scheduled separation plane, and forming a separation layer at a position at a distance from the end face; a repetition step for sequentially moving, after the initial separation layer formation step, the focal point by the distance equal to the thickness of an SiC plate from the separation layer toward the end face, scanning the focal point parallel to the end face, repeating the formation of the separation layer, and forming the plurality of separation layers; and a separation step for applying an external force to the plurality of separation layers formed by the repetition step, peeling off the SiC plates starting from the separation layers, and acquiring the plurality of SiC plates. |
| US09884387B2 |
Method and apparatus for the inductive high-frequency welding of metal products having different material thicknesses and/or material grades using at least two component induction conductors which are separable from one another
A method and a device for inductive radiofrequency welding of metal products, include heating by inducing radiofrequency currents with use of at least one induction conductor. The metal products and a welding zone are moved relative to one another, so that edge regions of the metal products to be welded are brought in contact in the welding zone and are welded together to form a weld seam. Metal products with different material thicknesses and/or material properties can be welded together because an induction conductor which heats the edge regions of the metal products is used which includes at least two mutually separable induction conductor components that are assigned to the respective metal product and are adapted thereto, and the edge regions to be welded are heated in a manner that is adjusted separately for the respective metal product. |
| US09884385B2 |
Method and apparatus for welding
A method and apparatus for welding include initiating a pulse welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power, maintaining the arc by providing CV type power. Then, pulse type welding power is provided. The method and system can be used to start short circuit, or other welding processes by providing short circuit power, or welding power of a given mode, instead of providing pulse power. Also, in one alternative, a method and system of initiating a pulse, short circuit, or given welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power at least until a pseudo-equilibrium for the arc is established. Then, providing welding power in a pulse, short circuit, or the given mode. |
| US09884382B2 |
Rotary tool for precision machining of a drilled hole in a workpiece, and method for precision machining of a drilled hole
In order to achieve as highly accurate an alignment of the frictional tool as possible and therefore as high a drilled hole quality as possible during the precision machining of a drilled hole, the cutting edges of the frictional tool are divided into two cutting groups, the cutting edges of which are spaced apart with respect to one another in each case by an axial spacing from one another. Here, the axial spacing is selected in such a way that, at a predefined first, slower feed speed, merely the cutting edges of the first cutting edge group are in engagement with the workpiece and, at a higher, predefined second feed speed, all cutting edges are in engagement with the workpiece. |
| US09884378B2 |
Cutting insert, cutting tool, and method of manufacturing machined product
A cutting insert according to an embodiment has a polygonal shaped upper surface, a lower surface, a side surface, and a cutting edge. The cutting edge has an arc-shaped first corner edge, an arc-shaped second corner edge, and a wiper edge located between the first corner edge and the second corner edge. The wiper edge has an arc-shaped first wiper edge and an arc-shaped second wiper edge located closer to the second corner edge than the first wiper edge. R0 |
| US09884377B2 |
Cutting insert and milling cutter
A cutting insert includes a first surface and a second surface each of which is polygonal and that face away from each other; a side surface that is continuous with the first surface and a side surface that is continuous with the second surface; a cutting edge formed along each of a ridge where the first surface and the side surface intersect and a ridge where the second surface and the side surface intersect; a bearing surface formed in each of a part the first surface and a part of the second surface adjacent to an insert center, the bearing surfaces disposed parallel to each other; and a recessed portion that separates the side surface that is continuous with the first surface from the side surface that is continuous with the second surface. The cutting edge includes three corner edges, a first cutting edge, and a second cutting edge, the first and second cutting edges being continuous with each other and located between each pair of the corner edges. A length of the first cutting edge is greater than that of the second cutting edge, an end portion of the first cutting edge adjacent to one of the corner edges is at a position higher than the bearing surface, and an end portion of the first cutting edge opposite to the end portion adjacent to the corner edge is at a position lower than the bearing surface. Each of the first surface, the second surface, and a cross section of the recessed portion has such a shape that outlines of the shape before and after rotation of the insert by 120° around the insert center are coincident with each other. The first surface and the second surface have the same shape, and the second cutting edge of the second surface is located at a corner at which the first cutting edge of the first surface is located. |
| US09884376B2 |
Milling burr
A milling burr for use in handheld machines has a shank and a cutting member of hard metal which is rigidly connected to said shank. The cutting member is provided with cutting teeth which extend in a first direction of twist. The cutting teeth are divided in cutting tooth portions by rows of tooth dividers extending in a second direction of twist. The cutting tooth portions and the tooth dividers are arranged one behind the other when seen in the peripheral direction in such a way that an overlap occurs in an in each case alternating manner when seen in the peripheral direction. |
| US09884374B2 |
Hole cutter with multiple fulcrums
A hole cutter can include a cylindrical blade body with a cutting edge and one or more axially-elongated apertures. Each axially-elongated aperture can include a first fulcrum axially spaced from the cutting edge, and a second fulcrum axially spaced further away from the cutting edge than the first fulcrum. The blade body can also include a third fulcrum defined by a second aperture different from the one or more axially-elongated apertures. The third fulcrum may be spaced closer to the cutting than the first and second fulcrums. A lever, such as a screw driver, can be inserted into the apertures and placed against each of the fulcrums to lever slugs out of the interior of the blade body. The third fulcrum may alternatively be defined by another axially-elongated aperture that is located a different distance from the cutting edge than the axially-elongated aperture containing the first and second fulcrums. |
| US09884370B2 |
System for forming perforations in a barrel section
A drilling system may include a plurality of robotic drilling units. Each one of the robotic drilling units may include a drill end effector positioned inside a barrel section. The barrel section may be configured as a composite sandwich structure having an inner face sheet. The robotic drilling units maybe operable in synchronized movement with one another to drill a plurality of perforations into the inner face sheet using the drill end effectors in a manner providing a predetermined percent-open-area of the inner face sheet. |
| US09884366B2 |
Closure plate, and a slide closure on the spout of a container containing molten metal
In a closure plate for a slide closure on the spout of a container containing molten metal, two outer longitudinal sides, a flow-through opening disposed on a central longitudinal axis of the closure plate and a closing surface passing from the latter are provided. There are formed on each of these two outer longitudinal sides, at least two shoulder surfaces serving as clamping surfaces or as centring surfaces of the closure plate which are at an angle to the longitudinal axis and tapering inward. At least on the shoulder surfaces on the side of the closing surface, adjoining outer sides are provided which are respectively at a smaller angle to the longitudinal axis than those of the shoulder surfaces. |
| US09884363B2 |
Variable diameter investment casting mold for casting of reticulated metal foams
A method to manufacture reticulated metal foam via a dual investment solid mold, includes pre-investing a precursor with a diluted pre-investment ceramic plaster to encapsulate the precursor; and investing the encapsulated precursor with a ceramic plaster within an mold of a varied cross-section. A varied cross-section mold includes a mold thickness adjacent to an outer periphery of a pattern at a top of the varied cross-section mold is between 200-500% a thickness between the outer periphery of the pattern at a base of the varied cross-section mold. A varied cross-section mold includes a trapezoidal prism shape with a pour cone in a top, the top larger than the base. |
| US09884361B2 |
Method for producing a shaft
A method for producing a shaft, in particular a balance shaft, crankshaft and the like, having at least one substantially annular bearing seat and at least one unbalance portion. The method includes the steps: provision of a shaft blank; formation of the at least one unbalance portion and of at least two opposite bearing seat side members by a forming process; and deformation of the at least two opposite bearing seat side members by a shell tool such that the bearing seat side members are bent together, whereby the at least one substantially annular bearing seat is formed. |
| US09884356B2 |
Wire drawing method
A process for drawing a steel wire, in which the wire has a carbon content by weight C of 0.4%≦C≦0.74%, includes an uninterrupted series of drawing steps. The drawing steps draw the wire from a diameter d′ to a diameter d, with d′ and d being expressed in mm, and with a true strain ε′ of the steel wire being given by ε′=2×ln(d′/d), with ε′>4. |
| US09884350B2 |
Reticle chuck cleaner
According to one embodiment, a reticle chuck cleaner for cleaning a reticle chuck of an EUV exposure apparatus includes a substrate having a shape to be carried to the reticle chuck of the EUV exposure apparatus, and an adhesive formed on one of the main surfaces of the substrate. |
| US09884346B2 |
High capacity separation of coarse ore minerals from waste minerals
Systems and methods for delivering mining material to a multimodal array of different types of sensors and classifying and sorting the mining material based on the data collected from the multimodal array of sensors. The arrays of different sensors sense the mining material and collect data which is subsequently used together to identify the composition of the material and make a determination as to whether to accept or reject the material as it passes off the terminal end of the material handling system. Diverters are positioned at the terminal end of the material handling system and are positioned in either an accept or reject position based on the data collected and processed to identify the composition of the mining material. |
| US09884345B2 |
Method and apparatuses for screening
A screening machine includes wall members, screen assembly guide members, a screen assembly and a compression assembly. The screen assembly includes a frame with a plurality of side members and a screen supported by the frame. The compression assembly is attached to at least one wall member and forms the screen assembly into a concave shape. |
| US09884344B2 |
Injection molded screening apparatuses and methods
Screening members, screening assemblies, methods for fabricating screening members and assemblies and methods for screening materials are provided for vibratory screening machines that incorporate the use of injection molded materials. Use of injection molded screen elements provide, inter alia, for: varying screening surface configurations; fast and relatively simple screen assembly fabrication; and a combination of outstanding screen assembly mechanical and electrical properties, including toughness, wear and chemical resistance. Embodiments of the present invention use a thermoplastic injection molded material. |
| US09884341B2 |
Methods of coating surfaces using initiated plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Disclosed is an organic coating with a high degree of global planarization. Further disclosed is an iPECVD-based method of coating a substrate with an organic layer having a high degree of global planarization. Disclosed is a flexible, alternating organic and inorganic multi-layer coating with low water permeability, a high-degree of transparency, and a high-degree of global planarization. Also disclosed is an iPECVD-based method of coating a substrate with the alternating organic and inorganic multi-layer coating. |
| US09884337B2 |
Coating device
A coating device comprises a base, a mounting bracket mounted to the base by a driving mechanism, a coating unit which comprises a supporting rack mounted to the mounting bracket and a nozzle mounted to the supporting rack, and the coating device further comprises a detecting device mounted to the supporting rack, which detects information about a distance between the nozzle and a surface of the substrate to be coated and information about an obstacle on a substrate in an advancing direction of the nozzle; a control unit, which controls to keep the distance to be a preset distance based on the detected distance information, and which controls to stop operation of the nozzle where an obstacle is detected on a region on the surface of the substrate between the detecting device and the nozzle. |
| US09884333B2 |
Self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions and methods of making and using same
The present invention relates to self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions and methods of making and using the same. Self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions are formed by admixing a dispersion concentrate including a chemical blowing agent and a compatible carrier (liquid or molten) with a molten base hot melt adhesive composition at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the chemical blowing agent. The resolidified material is processed through a device that heats the material above the decomposition temperature of the chemical agent and cools it below such temperature before being dispensed. The device preferably includes sensors and a controller configured to prevent the material from accumulating an adverse thermal history during processing. |
| US09884331B2 |
Bellows fluid seal
A bellow seal of a fluid dispensing system is disclosed. The bellow seal having a generally circular cross section includes a first end having a first diameter. The bellow seal further includes a second end having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter of the first end. The bellow seal further includes a contoured external surface extending between the first end and the second end. The external surface includes a cylindrical portion extending from the first end, an undulating portion, (which includes a convex portion extending from the cylindrical portion and a concave portion extending from the convex portion), and a tapered portion extending from the concave portion to the second end. The bellow seal further includes a flexible region defined between a first point located on the cylindrical portion and a second point located on the concave portion. |
| US09884327B2 |
Centrifugal separator having frame secured within a vessel
A centrifugal separator for separation of particles from a gas stream is disclosed. The centrifugal separator includes a self-supporting frame for mounting inside an existing vessel for guiding the gas stream. The frame comprises a holder configured to hold the frame at a position inside the vessel, and a first partition for dividing the vessel into a first section and a second section. The first section is upstream of the second section. The separator includes a gas inlet communicating with the first section, and a gas outlet communicating with the second section. A centrifugal rotor is arranged to be rotatably supported in the frame around a rotational axis, the rotor having a first and a second end portion and including a plurality of separation plates defining separation passages between the plates. The centrifugal separator is configured such that the first and second sections communicate via the separation passages of the rotor. |
| US09884326B2 |
Matrix for magnetic separator and magnetic separator
To provide matrix for magnetic separator capable of sorting magnetic and non-magnetic particles highly accurately and efficiently and enabling previous simulative recognition of correct magnetic force distribution in matrix space, and magnetic separator.Matrix for magnetic separator of present invention includes: entirely approximately wavelike plate-shaped magnetic walls each having orderly structure of wave-shaped bent sections continuously repeatedly formed in wave advancing direction and each having wave height h of ≦1 mm and approximately inverted V- or U-shape; and entirely approximately box-shaped housing part housing magnetic walls and having in opposite surfaces, introducing and discharging parts through which sorting target fluid containing magnetically-attractable substance magnetically-attractable to magnetic walls is passed thereinto/therefrom, magnetic walls arranged in juxtaposition such that convex shapes of wave-shaped bent sections in one magnetic wall face concave shapes thereof in another magnetic wall adjacent to one magnetic wall with constant interval therebetween. |
| US09884323B2 |
Paper shredder having interchangeable feed belt cartridges
An auto-feed paper shredder operates by using counter-rotating belts to grasp sheets of paper from the bottom of a stack of paper and push the sheet into a shredding mechanism. Successive sheets are pulled from the stack and shredded so that an entire stack of several hundred sheets can be shredded without operator intervention. The belts that accomplish the auto-feeding are housed in roller belt assemblies that can be easily removed from and reinserted into the paper shredder. In this way when the belts become worn and no longer effectively grasp the paper, the user simply removes the assembly and inserts a new one. The worn assemblies can be returned to the manufacturer to be refurbished. |
| US09884314B2 |
Catalyst composition and reactivation process useful for alkane dehydrogenations
A catalyst comprising a Group IIIA metal, a Group VIII noble metal, and an optional promoter metal, on a support selected from silica, alumina, silica-alumina compositions, rare earth modified alumina, and combinations thereof, doped with iron, a Group VIB metal, a Group VB metal, or a combination thereof, offers decreased reactivation time under air soak in comparison with otherwise identical catalysts. Reducing reactivation time may, in turn, reduce costs, both in inventory and capital. |
| US09884311B2 |
Activated carbon and coal combustion residue treatment system and method
A method for treating powdered activated carbon (PAC) and/or coal combustion residues (CCRs) by heating at least one of a spent PAC and/or a CCR to separate at least one heavy metal from the at least one of the spent PAC and/or the CCR to create a clean stream and a heavy metal stream, combining the heavy metal stream with a water soluble alkaline-earth metal sulfide to create a combined stream, and removing at least a portion of the at least one heavy metal from the combined stream. The heating may further include heating the at least one of the spent PAC and/or the CCR in an inert atmosphere. Further, the combining may include combining the heavy metal stream with the water soluble alkaline-earth metal sulfide and a catalyst and/or a surfactant or hyperdispersant. |
| US09884306B2 |
Convection-free flow-type reactor and flow-type synthesis method
A convection-free flow-type reactor includes a reactor body. The reactor body includes a reaction chamber to house a fluid. An inlet is in communication with the reaction chamber to allow input of a reactant fluid. An outlet is in communication with the reaction chamber to allow output of a product fluid. An energy beam source device provides an energy beam to irradiate the reactant fluid in the reaction chamber. The disclosure further provides a convection-free flow-type synthesis method. |
| US09884304B2 |
Immersion fixed bed reactor intensified by liquid flow
An immersion fixed bed reactor intensified by liquid flow contains a cylindrical tank internally installed with an annular cylindrical catalyst bed (ACCB) packed with solid catalysts is provided. The inner and outer walls of the ACCB are composed of two layers of stainless steel sheets with holes. The outer layer of stainless steel perforated with holes. The inner layer of catalyst contacting stainless steel is covered with stainless steel waved mesh in circumferential direction. The bottom of AACB is sealed with a steel plate by welding or a blind plate and the top of ACCB is fixed to cylindrical tank with a flange. The solid catalysts are packed in the ACCB. |
| US09884301B2 |
Mixing system for mixing soil with an additive in a batch mode
A mixing system for mixing ground or soil with an additive in a batch mode, the mixing system comprising: a moveable mixing device for mixing the ground with an additive, and moving mechanism, such as a moveable arm; a cargo body positioning area for receiving a cargo body; the cargo body positioning area and the moving mechanism being configured in position such that the mixing device can be positioned in the ground through an upper open side of the cargo body; the mixing system furthermore comprising information obtaining system for automated obtaining information regarding the load of the cargo body for allowing the mixing system to mix the ground with the additive, taking into account said information. |
| US09884300B2 |
Multi chamber mixing manifold
One or more embodiments relate to systems and methods for mixing of two or more fluids using a multi-chamber manifold. One or more embodiments relate to optimal mixing. |
| US09884290B2 |
Flue-gas purification and reclamation system and method thereof
A flue-gas purification system includes a flue-gas cycling system, a reactor, and an absorbent adding system having at least a catalytic absorbent, wherein the catalytic absorbent is being gasified for reacting with the flue-gas in the reactor in a homogenous gas-gas phase reacting manner. Therefore, the purification system has fast reaction rate between the pollutants of the flue-gas and the catalytic absorbent, which is preferably ammonia, to efficiently remove pollutants, so as to effectively purify the flue-gas. |
| US09884289B2 |
Regenerative recovery of contaminants from effluent gases
A contaminant gas is removed from a feed gas in two absorption and stripping circuits operated in tandem. The gas is first passed through a rich gas absorber producing a rich absorption liquor from which contaminant gas is stripped in a rich liquor stripper. A lean gas exiting the rich gas absorber is passed through a lean gas absorber, producing a lean absorption liquor from which contaminant gas is stripper in a lean liquor stripper. Regenerated absorption media exiting the respective strippers are recirculated to the respective absorbers. |
| US09884283B2 |
Method for treating sulphur-containing exhaust gases and device thereof
A method for treating sulfur-containing exhaust gases is provided, comprising the following steps: step i): mixing the sulfur-containing exhaust gases, air, and a hydrocarbon fuel, and controlling a reaction between the air and the hydrocarbon fuel therein, to obtain a procedure gas stream comprising the sulfur-containing exhaust gases, hydrogen, and carbon oxides; step ii): controlling a hydrogenation reaction between the hydrogen contained in the procedure gas stream and a sulfur-containing substance in the sulfur-containing exhaust gases, to obtain hydrogenated tail gases containing hydrogen sulfide; and step iii): absorbing the hydrogen sulfide contained in the hydrogenated tail gases with an absorbing agent to obtain purified tail gases. |
| US09884282B2 |
System and method for integrated adsorptive gas separation of combustion gases
An integrated fuel combustion system with adsorptive gas separation separates a portion of carbon dioxide from a combustion gas mixture and provides for recycle of separated carbon dioxide to the intake of the fuel combustor for combustion. A process for carbon dioxide separation and recycle includes: admitting combustion gas to an adsorptive gas separation system contactor containing adsorbent material; adsorbing a portion of carbon dioxide; recovering a first product gas depleted in carbon dioxide for release or use; desorbing carbon dioxide from the adsorbent material and recovering a desorbed second product gas enriched in carbon dioxide for sequestration or use; admitting a conditioning fluid into the contactor and desorbing a second portion of carbon dioxide to recover a carbon dioxide enriched conditioning stream; and recycling a portion of the carbon dioxide enriched conditioning stream to an inlet of fuel combustor to pass through the fuel combustor for combustion. |
| US09884281B2 |
Method to use ultrafine particulate matter detection and measurement to control air supply system contaminant delivery to the aircraft cabin environment
An environmental control system (ECS) having particulates in air therein includes a sensor, an air purification subsystem, and a controller in communication with the sensor and air purification subsystem. The sensor detects particulates in the air, and generates a particulate concentration signal. The controller: compares the particulate concentration signal to a predicted particulate concentration threshold that is based on one of a probability of odor detection, a probability of sensory irritancy detection, and a combination thereof. When the particulate concentration signal reaches the predicted particulate concentration threshold, the controller commands the air purification subsystem to alter a condition in the air containing the particulates. |
| US09884280B2 |
Filter element for separating particles from a particle-laden crude gas stream
The invention relates to a filter element. A base carrier is configured as a folded plate, wherein first passage openings are arranged proximate first folding edges and first connection elements are arranged proximate second folding edges. Attachments are configured as strips foldable in a longitudinal direction along a fold line with second passage openings and a first and a second longitudinal edge. Second connection elements proximate the first and the second longitudinal edge of each attachment are connected with the first connection elements of two adjacent second folding edges, and the second connection elements of the first longitudinal edge of one of the attachments and the second connection elements of the second longitudinal edge of an adjacent attachment are connected with the first connection elements of one of the second folding edges. |
| US09884278B2 |
Fluid flow controller and filter assembly with fluid flow controller
A filter assembly comprises a housing open at a first end and holding a filter element therein and an end plate secured to the housing and closing the first end and enclosing the filter element within the housing. The plate includes a first inlet opening, a second inlet opening, and an outlet opening. The filter assembly further includes a fluid flow controller disposed between an end of the filter element and the end plate. The flow controller includes a valve including a first portion cooperating with the first inlet opening and a second portion cooperating with the second inlet opening. The fluid flow controller further includes a spring-loaded valve seat in communication with the valve and providing resistance to movement of the first portion of the valve. |
| US09884277B2 |
Fluid filter with thermal control and pressure bypass
A filter assembly includes a filter media for filtering a fluid, and a valve having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for controlling a flow of the fluid through the filter assembly. The valve includes a thermally active element that changes shape between a first configuration and a second configuration in response to a temperature variation. When the thermally active element is in the first configuration the valve is open with the fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid outlet, and the thermally active element changes shape to the second configuration to close the valve. The thermally active element may move a valve poppet against a valve seat to close the valve. A pressure bypass is configured to open the valve in response to a pressure increase in the filter assembly above a threshold pressure when the thermally active element is in the second configuration. |
| US09884276B2 |
Filtration filter of electric discharge machine
A filter outer cylinder container is a hollow container, and a filter medium is mounted in the container. Fluid passage holes, opened in a side surface member of the filter outer cylinder container, are located at or above a fixed height from a bottom portion of the filter outer cylinder container, whereby a machining liquid is stored in the filter outer cylinder container, so that the filter medium can be always submerged in the machining liquid. |
| US09884271B2 |
Filter structure
A filter structure has a main body and a stirring member. The main body has a hollow containment space filled with a filtering material. A filtering mesh is disposed at a bottom side of the containment space. A first purifying opening is disposed at a top end of the main body. A second purifying opening is disposed at a lower sidewall position of the main body above the filtering mesh. A first cleaning opening and a second cleaning opening are disposed on the main body and respectively coupled to a first and second inner pipe. An outlet is disposed at a bottom of the main body. The stirring member has an upper cover corresponding to the first purifying opening of the main body. The upper cover further has a driving arm and a connecting rod, and the connecting rod has a plurality of stirring rods. |
| US09884270B2 |
Removal device
The present invention relates to a removal device for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a liquid conduit system or for removing a second liquid from a first liquid in the conduit system. The removal device includes a main channel for a main flow, the main channel having an entry and an exit which are configured to be connected to the conduit system, a housing which defines an inner space, at least one supply channel extending from the main channel to the inner space, at least one return channel extending from the inner space back to the main channel, directly or indirectly via a return chamber, at least one quiet zone in the inner space in which in use the liquid has a substantially smaller velocity than in the main channel. The quiet zone is configured to allow dirt particles or a relatively heavy liquid to settle at a lower end of the housing and/or gas bubbles or a relatively light liquid to rise to an upper end of the housing. The removal device further comprises means to remove dirt particles or relatively heavy liquid, and/or gas or relatively light liquid out of the housing. |
| US09884269B2 |
Methods and systems for selective hydrogen gas extraction for dissolved gas analysis applications
Systems and methods for selectively extracting hydrogen gas dissolved in oil are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a selectively permeable membrane provided at a point of contact between oil and a sensor chamber. The selectively permeable membrane has a hydrogen specificity and a thickness selected to minimize detection of further gasses dissolved in the oil by a hydrogen gas sensor cross-sensitive to the further gasses. The selectively permeable membrane can include polyimide. The further gasses include carbon monoxide, acetylene, and ethylene. The system can include a further membrane and a porous metal disc. The porous metal disc is bound to the selectively permeable membrane by using the further membrane as an adhesive layer and by applying pressure and temperature. The porous metal disc supports the selectively permeable membrane and the further membrane against pressure of the oil when exposed to a vacuum. The further membrane includes fluorohydrocarbons. |
| US09884268B2 |
Porous material and devices for performing separations, filtrations, and catalysis and EK pumps, and methods of making and using the same
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a porous monolith polymeric composition having utility in catalysis, chromatography, filtration, and electro-kinetic pumps, devices incorporating such composition and methods of making and using such monoliths. In some embodiments the monoliths can include a skeletal core having a substantially homogeneous polymeric composition of two or more organic silane monomers and pores that define an interstitial volume in the skeletal core. The pores can include macropores and less than 5% of the interstitial volume can be mesopores. Such monoliths can, in some embodiments, be disposed in a housing having at least one wall that defines a chamber such that all fluid flowing into the chamber passes through the pores of the monolith. |
| US09884267B2 |
Preparative separation-purification system for controlling the passage of solution therein
An eluate-collecting mechanism is constructed, including: a collection passage and having an inlet to be inserted into and removed from the upper end of a trap column and an outlet to be inserted into and removed from a collection container; a support member for supporting the collection passage in such a manner that the inlet is fixed while the outlet is vertically movable; a contact part provided at the outlet to come in contact with the collection container when the outlet is inserted into this container; and an elastic member for pressing the outlet downward so that a tip of the outlet is lower than the tip of the inlet, the elastic member being compressed when the support member and the collection container are brought closer to each other while keeping the contact part in contact with the container. |
| US09884266B2 |
Fluoropolymer pneumatically/hydraulically actuated liquid chromatographic system for use with harsh reagents
The invention provides a high-performance liquid chromatography system, said system is controlled in temperature by running a fluid in sleeves that surround the different parts of the system. All parts in contact with the fluid are made in fluoropolymer, carbon-filled fluoropolymer, or carbon-fiber fluoropolymer. The system comprises at least one reagent reservoir; at least one mixing chamber, wherein the contents of the at least one reagent reservoir are combined; at least one pump that transfers the contents of the at least one reservoir to the mixing chamber; and at least one modular elution column, wherein the at least one modular elution column contains a temperature control means; a sample injection system connected to an injection loop or 3-way valve to inject the sample solutions in the modular elution columns, at least one manifold or X-Y moving stage to distribute the eluted volumes in different receptacles; at least one return line to automatically reinject selected elution fractions at the top of the column; wherein all moving components of the said system are fluid actuated. |
| US09884265B2 |
Multi-effect solar distiller with multiple heat sources
The present invention relates to an multi-effect solar distiller with multiple heat sources. More particularly, the present invention relates to an multi-effect solar distiller with multiple heat sources capable of evaporating and distilling sea water using the solar thermal energy, evaporating the sea water using waste heat generated from a power generation facility in addition to the solar thermal energy, evaporating and distilling the sea water even by condensation heat generated at the time of condensing steam, and using a plurality of absorption reflectors to allow non-used sunlight to maximally evaporate the sea water by being reflected from the sea water surface. |
| US09884263B1 |
User identification and tracking system for artificial cave obstacle course
An artificial cave has various features that resemble speleothems (e.g., stalactites, stalagmites, etc.) found in real subterranean caves. Human users may pass through the artificial cave, with each user wearing a wearable transceiver that broadcasts a signal code unique to that user. Fixed transceivers throughout the cave can detect and identify any user who is sufficiently close to that fixed transceiver. Other components of the system collect user identification information from the fixed transceivers for any of several possible purposes (e.g., identifying which user was probably responsible for inappropriate interaction with a speleothem that is adjacent to a given fixed transceiver, where all of the various user of the cave are currently located in the cave, etc.). A count of users currently in the artificial cave passageway may be maintained and used for a number of purposes. Similarly, human detectors may be employed near the system and/or in the artificial cave passage for any of several different purposes. |
| US09884259B2 |
Electronic multiuser screen platform, especially for games, and method of checking authorization for the execution of programs such as games
The invention concerns an electronic platform-screen comprising (a) a globally flat case (200); electronic processing, storage and interface means housed in the case; (c) a flat screen display (110) arranged at an upper surface (202) of the case; and (d) a plurality of user-interface elements (300) for several users, distributed around the display screen and connected to the interface means housed in the case. The invention also concerns a method for controlling clearance for executing downloaded programmes such as games. The invention is applicable in particular to electronic games involving several players. |
| US09884258B2 |
Automatic sharing of engaging gameplay moments from mobile
In a communication device comprising an operating system platform, which is operable to provide wired and/or wireless communication, and gaming, automatically detecting by the operating system platform, occurrence of one or more engaging gameplay moments for a corresponding game. For one or more users, the operating system platform may be operable to monitor one or more variables for the game to detect the occurrence of the one or more engaging gameplay moments. The operating system platform may be operable to detect whether to share information related to the one or more engaging gameplay moments with one or more social networking destinations. |
| US09884257B2 |
Method for preventing misoperations of intelligent terminal, and intelligent terminal
One aspect of the invention is directed to a method for preventing misoperations of an intelligent terminal, which includes detecting gesture operation information of a touch screen corresponding to a location around a non-player-controlled character (NPC) in a game; determining whether the detected gesture operation information includes first gesture information; and shielding game characters of non-NPC when the detected gesture operation information contains the first gesture information. The method can prevent a misoperation of the intelligent terminal, thereby improving user experience. |
| US09884252B2 |
Game program, control method for computer, and computer
There is provided a computer that can implement an operation object display output function, a target object display output function, and a form determination function. The operation object display output function can be a function of outputting operation object display information with which an operation object having a certain form is displayed so as to be visible from a certain direction in a graphical scene of a game having three-dimensional information. The target object display output function can be a function of outputting target object display information with which a target object having a form relating to the certain form is displayed. The form determination function may be a function of determining whether the operation object and the target object correspond to each other by comparing the form of the operation object with the form of the target object. |
| US09884249B2 |
Game system with interactive show control
An interactive game system that stage lighting style cues as part of the game, where the stage lighting cues cause external stage lighting equipment to create effects that are based on outputs from the game. Steerable lights can be steered to the player and sounds can be created that are directed to the player. A simulation system can also simulate the actions that occur. The computer assigns teams. |
| US09884242B2 |
Glove with expansion zones along sides of fingers
A glove, particularly for golf, is provided with a gusset of expandable material which extends along the finger stalls of the glove from the web between the finger stalls to a selected distance from the distal end of the fingers, the glove having a non-expandable material wrap around the fingers thereby providing an expansion zone that extends along the length of the fingers to a selected distance from the tip end of the distal phalanxes of the fingers. |
| US09884241B2 |
Partial fingered gloves for football or golf play
According to the various features characteristics and embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides partially fingered gloves and the use of said gloves, intended to increase the overall performance in sports activities including but limited to football and golf. Because of its unique finger configurations, grip enhancers, and/or its hand protective properties, the present invention makes a glove now operable on a football quarterback's throwing hand and on golfers dominant hand, for example. |
| US09884239B2 |
Portable, extensible, exercise weight support device with safety features
An exercise weight support device includes a retractable belt with an upper end for attachment to a ceiling or other overhanging support structure to enable suspension therefrom of the exercise weight support device, a cradle and/or one or more hooks to enable the weight support device to be used to suspend a free weight from the ceiling or other overhanging support structure, a retracting reel mechanism attached to the lower end of the belt to selectively retract or pay out the belt to selectively enable vertical movement of the free weight to a desired height, and a trigger handle co-located with the retracting reel mechanism and operable to selectively disallow lowering of the free weight when the trigger handle is not continuously operated by a lifter performing a lifting exercise. |
| US09884234B1 |
Aerodynamic golf club
An aerodynamic golf club has a club head connected to an elongated shaft. The club head has a central section and contiguous thereto, a separated pair of flanking sections on opposite sides of the central section. The central section has a striking face in front and a rear surface in back. The pair of flanking sections each has a leading face in front and a trailing surface in back. The leading face of each of the flanking sections has a plurality of inlets. The trailing surface of each of the flanking sections has a plurality of outlets. Each of the flanking sections has a plurality of distinct channels. Each of the channels runs from a corresponding one of the plurality of inlets to an associated one of the plurality of outlets. The central section has an exposed top surface and an exposed bottom surface. Each of the top surface and the bottom surface extends up to the pair of flanking sections. The central section is impervious between its top surface and its bottom surface to internal airflow. The central section is impervious to internal airflow at the striking surface and above and below the striking surface. |
| US09884232B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for golf product reconfiguration
A computer program is disclosed for reconfiguring a property-adjustable golf club. The program receives data input corresponding to a current configuration of an adjustable feature of the golf club, and data input corresponding to trajectory adjustment information. Based on the data input, reconfiguration information is generated, and outputted, that corresponds to one of a plurality of configurations of the adjustable feature of the golf club. |
| US09884230B2 |
Golf club irons including backing material behind ball striking face
Golf clubs and golf club heads, such as iron heads, may include an iron body and a ball striking plate engaged with the iron body. The ball striking plate may include a face layer and a backing layer. The face layer of the ball striking plate may be formed of a metal material, while the backing layer may be formed of a polymeric material. The backing layer isolates the face layer from the iron body. In some arrangements, the backing layer of the insert may be visible at the top, the bottom, the side and/or the front surfaces of the iron head. Methods for making such iron devices are also described. |
| US09884228B2 |
Racket-stringing machine
A device is provided for stringing a racket having a racket frame with holes in the racket frame. The device includes a frame and a cradle rotationally coupled to the frame and configured to mechanically secure the racket via the racket frame. The device also includes multiple elements coupled to at least one of the frame and cradle, including a grasping element configured to engage a string and modify the position and/or tension of the string, a clamp configured to engage the string and maintain the position and tension of the string, an imagining device, and a processor, the processor capable of receiving information from the imaging device indicative of a racket position, hole position, and/or string position, and providing instructions for operating the grasping element, clamp, and/or cradle. |
| US09884227B2 |
Sport balls and methods of manufacturing the sport balls
A sport ball may include a casing that forms an exterior surface of the sport ball. The casing may incorporate a plurality of joined panels, including a closure panel. In addition, the ball may include a backing layer located radially inward of the closure panel, the backing layer extending beyond a peripheral boundary of the closure panel and at least partially overlapping with one or more panels adjacent to the closure panel. The backing layer may also include an opening located radially inward of the closure panel, the opening being smaller than the surface area of the closure panel. Also, the ball may include a bladder located radially inward of the backing layer, the bladder including a valve for introducing fluid into the ball, the valve extending through the opening and through the closure panel. |
| US09884226B2 |
Golf ball
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball excellent in hitting durability. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and at least one cover layer covering the spherical core, wherein at least a part of the spherical core is formed from a rubber composition containing (a) a base rubber, (b) a co-crosslinking agent, (c) a crosslinking initiator, and (x) an olefin-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, and a content of (x) the olefin-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer in the rubber composition ranges from 0.5 part by mass to 7.0 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of (a) the base rubber. |
| US09884225B2 |
Golf ball resin composition and golf ball
An object of the present invention is to provide a material for obtaining a golf ball having excellent shot feeling and flight distance. The present invention provides a golf ball resin composition having a ratio (flexural elastic modulus/slab hardness) of a flexural elastic modulus (MPa) to a slab hardness (Shore D hardness) in a range from 3 to 5, and containing, as a resin component, (A) a polyamide resin, (B) at least one selected from the group consisting of (b-1) a binary copolymer, (b-2) a metal ion-neutralized product of a binary copolymer, (b-3) a ternary copolymer and (b-4) a metal ion-neutralized product of a ternary copolymer, and (C) a thermoplastic elastomer. |
| US09884222B2 |
Multifunctional treadmill
A multifunctional treadmill is provided with a platform on the running deck. A reception cavity is formed on a top of the platform, the reception cavity has a sensor and an operating board tiltably mounted on one side of the reception cavity. When the operating board is released for the reception cavity, the treadmill is in a standard speed mode. When the user wants to exercise and work or do other activities at the same time, the user can store the operating board into the reception cavity so that the operating board and a top surface of the platform become a workbench. Simultaneously, the sensor is triggered and the treadmill changes to a low speed mode. Thus, the safety may be improved by forcefully restricting the speed of the running deck. |
| US09884220B2 |
Potable cable resistance pulley exercise equipment and related methods
A portable exercise apparatus having a base, at least two handle assemblies, and a cable wrapped between at least one flywheel within the base, wherein the cable is attached to a handle assembly and is affixed to a spring mechanism configured to provide resistance against the pulling of the handle assemblies. The load provided by the spring mechanism can be adjusted to accommodate more or less resistance for the user. The exercise apparatus is compact and can be used in a standing or sitting position. |
| US09884218B2 |
Retractable jump rope
A jump rope includes an elongated flexible member (e.g., a rope) that extends between two handle arrangements. The elongated flexible member can be stored within the handle arrangements. For example, each handle arrangement can hold a spool on which a portion of the flexible member can be wound. The portions of the flexible member can be automatically retracted within the handles. |
| US09884217B2 |
Jump rope handle and method of assembling same
An improved jump rope handle and method of assembling the same. The jump rope handle includes a head. The head includes a channel, a set hole perpendicular to the channel, and a set mechanism adjustably insertable into the set hole. The jump rope handle further includes a grip. The grip includes a cylindrical member, first and second bearings arranged along the cylindrical member, an inner bushing arranged along the cylindrical member between the first and second bearings, and a sleeve around said inner bushing, said bushing being fixedly attached to an inner surface of the grip. An end portion of the cylindrical member is fixedly attached to the head whereby the cylindrical member and the head rotate together about a same axis. The channel of the head is configured to receive a rope. The set mechanism is configured to be inserted into the set hole to secure the rope. |
| US09884215B2 |
Fire suppression system actuation apparatus and system
A fire suppression system may comprise a shape memory actuation system. The shape memory actuation system may be configured as a retainer that retains a plug and/or a disk. The shape memory actuation system may be a shape memory plug that is configured to discharge from a vessel exhaust port. The shape memory actuation system may be deployable in response to an electrical stimulus (e.g., resistive heating causing the shape memory alloy to have a temperature exceeding a transition temperature). |
| US09884213B2 |
Thermal valve in upstream oil and gas
A storage system includes a storage tank adapted to store a fluid therein, a flame arrestor being positioned downstream from the storage tank, a thermal valve being positioned downstream from the flame arrestor, and a flare stack being positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the thermal valve. An outlet port of the storage tank is in fluid communication with an inlet port of the flame arrestor, and an outlet port of the flame arrestor is in fluid communication with an inlet port of the thermal valve. A flow path is formed between the storage tank and the flare stack via the flame arrestor and the thermal valve. The thermal valve has a cross-sectional area along a direction of the flow path which is substantially vacant of physical detonation-inducing obstructions. |
| US09884204B1 |
LED matrix for subcutaneous fat reduction with an efficient cooling surface
A device that reduces subcutaneous adipose tissue using a matrix of LEDs to heat and destroy fat cells. The surface facing the patient's skin may be a plate of thermally conductive material such as copper or aluminum, with apertures for the LEDs. Fat reduction may be optimized using infrared LEDs with peak spectral power in the range of 920 nm to 950 nm. The device may include multiple light emitting sections connected with flexible couplings so that the device can conform to curved body shapes; treatment surfaces of individual sections may also be curved. Sections may include cooling mechanisms to cool both the LEDs and the plate facing the patient's skin, such as thermoelectric cooling elements and air or water circulation. A user interface may provide monitoring and control of treatment parameters. The device may incorporate ultraviolet LEDs to facilitate removal of an adhesive attaching the device to the patient. |
| US09884202B2 |
Device for light based skin treatment
A device (10) for light based skin treatment is provided. The device (10) comprises a light source (18) for providing an incident light beam (21) for treating a skin (30), optical elements for focusing the incident light beam (21) in a focal point (22) inside the skin (30), and a skin interface element (11) for, during use of the device (10), providing optical coupling of the incident light beam (21) from the device (10) into the skin (30). The skin interface element (11) comprises a transparent exit window (12) for allowing the incident light beam (21) to leave the device (10), on top of the exit window (12), a transparent mixture (13) of a polar substance and an apolar substance, and on top of the transparent mixture (13), a transparent foil (14), the transparent foil (14) being more hydrophobic than the exit window (12). |
| US09884201B2 |
Apparatus and methods for determining a property of a tissue
An apparatus for determining a thermal property of tissue includes a base unit with one or more energy source and at least two, preferably detachable, leads. The distal end of each lead, which is introduced into the tissue to be treated, has at least two longitudinally spaced temperature measuring elements to measure surrounding tissue temperature and at least two longitudinally spaced electrode surfaces for applying current to the tissue. Each distal end is also provided with an element which uses energy emitted by the sources of energy to heat up the surrounding tissue. The base unit has computing elements, current generating elements for generating an alternating current, and conductance determining elements for determining the tissue conductance between pairs of electrode surfaces based on the alternating current applied by the current generating elements to the tissue. Methods for using the device and leads for use in the device are also described. |