| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09910438B1 |
Autonomous vehicle behavior when waiting for passengers
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle having one or more computing devices that may receive instructions to pick up a passenger at a location, determine when the vehicle is within a first distance of the location, provide a first notification that the vehicle is within the first distance, and stop the vehicle. When the vehicle is stopped, the computing device may initiate a countdown. When a client computing device associated with the passenger has not been authenticated, the computing devices may provide a second notification based on a first amount of time remaining in the countdown and a third notification indicating that the trip is cancelled based on a second amount of time remaining in the countdown less than the first amount of time. Once the third notification is provided, the computing devices move the vehicle from the where the vehicle is stopped without the passenger. |
| US09910437B2 |
Method and system for operating a motor vehicle
A method for operating a motor vehicle, including a first control unit, a second control unit configured separately from the first control unit and a surroundings sensor system for detecting motor vehicle surroundings, including: detecting the vehicle surroundings with the surroundings sensor system to ascertain surroundings data corresponding to the detected surroundings, checking with the first control unit based on the ascertained surroundings data, whether there is an object in the vehicle surroundings which could with a predetermined probability collide with the vehicle, to ascertain a first checking result, checking with the second control unit, based on the ascertained surroundings data, whether there is an object in the vehicle surroundings which could with a predetermined probability collide with the vehicle, to ascertain a second checking result, comparing the two checking results, driverless guidance of the vehicle, based on the comparison. Also described is a system, motor vehicle and computer program. |
| US09910434B1 |
Command for underground
A MAS for a machine that includes an implement, and a related method of controlling such machine is provided. The MAS may comprise a plurality of Vehicle ECMs, a local transceiver, an Ethernet LAN, a first CAN, an AECM, an environment monitoring system and an RSM. The AECM is configured to generate output control signals based, at least in part, on input from the environment monitoring system, and to transmit the output control signals to at least one of the Vehicle ECMs, wherein the output control signals control an operation of the machine. The MAS is configured to execute semi-autonomous functions of the machine based on input from the environment monitoring system. |
| US09910431B1 |
System and method for aggregate control of a remote control vehicle
A system for aggregate control of a remote control vehicle includes an aggregation and control server configured to receive user direction inputs from a plurality of electronic devices associated with spectators at an entertainment venue. Based on the user direction inputs and information and program instructions in data storage, the aggregation and control server generates control outputs communicated to the remote control vehicle via a remote control transmitter. |
| US09910430B2 |
K-nearest neighbor-based method and system to provide multi-variate analysis on tool process data
A server computer system creates a reference fingerprint for a first tool running a recipe. The server computer system uses reference data that pertains to the first tool performing within parameters to create the reference fingerprint. The reference fingerprint includes a target baseline and allowable ranges based on the target baseline. The server computer system determines whether sample data that is associated with a second tool running the recipe is performing within the parameters based on a comparison of the sample data to the reference fingerprint. The second tool can be the first tool or another tool of a same type as the first tool. The server computer system provides a classification of the second tool to at least one of a system or a user based on the comparison of the sample data to the reference fingerprint. The classification indicates whether the second tool is performing within the parameters. |
| US09910428B2 |
Electronic component mounting device, electronic component mounting system, and method for modifying setting information in electronic component mounting device and electronic component mounting system
Each of a plurality of tape feeders arranged in a component feed section includes a display part which displays setting information stored in a feeder storage part, an operation input part which displays the setting information in the display part and a modification process part which outputs a signal for modifying the setting information stored in a main body storage part and the feeder storage part in accordance with an input of a modification operation. The modification operation of the setting information can be carried out in a flexible form and with a good working property. |
| US09910427B2 |
Performing hierarchical data-driven inventory and warehouse management in manufacturing environments
A method, data processing system and computer program product for managing inventory used in a manufacturing operation to manufacture a product. The method includes a processor communicating with at least one database containing manufacturing operation data. Several inventory locations and components are identified within the manufacturing operation data. A current component inventory and space data, historical component usage data and a demand forecast are retrieved. A statistical analysis is performed upon the current component inventory and space data, the historical component usage data and the demand forecast to obtain a target inventory level range for each of the components at each of the inventory locations. An inventory level control chart is generated, based on the statistical analysis, for selected components associated with at least one inventory location. |
| US09910426B2 |
Device and method of controlling machine tool, to control synchronized operation of spindle axis and feed axis
A controller for controlling a synchronized operation of spindle and feed axes. A spindle-axis control section includes a section for making a spindle axis perform an accelerated rotation at maximum capacity from a process start position; sections for respectively detecting a maximum acceleration, a residual rotation amount and a current speed of the spindle axis; a section for making the spindle axis perform a decelerated rotation at maximum capacity to reach a target thread depth after the accelerated rotation; and a section for executing a torque-limiting during the accelerated rotation of the spindle axis, in such a manner that a torque command lower than a maximum torque command is given to the spindle axis at a start of acceleration, and thereafter the torque command is gradually increased so that the maximum torque command is given to the spindle axis when a predetermined time has elapsed. |
| US09910425B2 |
Method for creating custom orthopedic supports from computerized data inputs
Systems and methods of measuring feet and designing and creating orthopedic inserts are described. A leg length discrepancy of a user is measured and this data, along with foot size are input into a computer. The computer then creates a computer model of a custom shoe insert based on this information. The computer model is then sent to a 3D printer to print the insert. The insert consists of a base insert with partial correction, and several additional layers that are added successively over time until a full correction is obtained. This eliminates any pain associated with a fully corrective insert, and allows the body to adjust gradually to the correction. |
| US09910419B2 |
System and method of synchronizing time between multiple systems
Systems and methods for synchronizing time between multiple systems on a mining machine. The system includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) for controlling the mining machine and for transmitting a time to synchronize computer subsystems on the machine. The PLC includes a system clock that is programmed to operate on local time. A battery pack is connected to the PLC to allow the system clock to function continuously, even when the machine is turned off. Computer subsystems request and receive time updates from the PLC. A local time on each computer subsystem is determined based on the time update received from the PLC. Each computer subsystem includes a time zone parameter set to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and a Daylight Saving Time (DST) parameter that is disabled. Accordingly, the local time on each computer subsystem is set to the time update value received from the PLC. |
| US09910417B2 |
Method and system for utilizing a device's user location to monitor and control the device power usage
An autonomous system for managing power distribution to an electrically-powered device that includes a power controller module that includes power input and power output abilities and operably connected power switching abilities, wherein the power switching is configured for actuation by an integral power management module operably connected thereto, the integral power management module including integral actuation signal detection and actuation abilities configured for, in accordance with commands and operational parameters, upon detection of an actuation signal, actuation the integral power switching to alter power output through the power output from a first output level to a second output level. The system further includes memory for storing the commands an operational parameters, and wherein the actual signal include an identification component for identifying an actuating signal, and wherein the integral actuation signal detection and actuation is configured for, upon detecting signals other than actual signals, reacting other than in response to the actuation signal. |
| US09910411B2 |
Method and device for real-time differentiation of analog and digital signals
The controller includes a differentiating engine configured to receive an input signal value (ISV), wherein the ISV corresponds to state information for one selected from a group consisting of a controlled process and a user interface. The differentiating engine is further configured to determine an error between the ISV and an estimated input signal (EIS), estimate a frequency of the IS, select a plurality of pre-determined gains using the frequency, wherein at least one plurality of pre-determined gains is a suction control gain, determine a first estimated derivative of the input signal (EDIS) using the plurality of pre-determined gains and the error, and to output the first EDIS. |
| US09910409B2 |
Exhibition device and video picture exhibition method
In an exhibition device and a video picture exhibition method according to the present invention, at least one exhibition object for reinforcing the three-dimensional effect of a spatial image is disposed in a region other than an upper surface of an image-forming optical element (micromirror array) in an upper surface of an enclosure (case) of the device and at a position where a distance from the center of a virtual display area of the spatial image projected from a display to over the enclosure thereto is not greater than a diagonal length of the virtual display area or at a position where the distance is not greater than a maximum diameter of the virtual display area. This achieves the effective display of an impressive two-dimensional video picture appearing three-dimensional in association with the exhibition object disposed on the upper surface. |
| US09910407B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming system
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion; a discharge portion configured to discharge a recording material on which an image is formed by the image forming portion, wherein a delivery conveyance portion having a power source circuit is mountable in a space adjacent to the image forming portion and configured to convey the recording material to a post-processing apparatus; a detection unit configured to detect a temperature; a cooling unit configured to cool the image forming portion; and a control unit configured to control, in a case where the delivery conveyance portion is mounted, rotation of the cooling unit based on the temperature detected by the detection unit in a standby state in which an image forming operation is not performed. |
| US09910404B2 |
Process cartridge provided with contact portion for applying voltage to developing roller
A process cartridge includes: a developing unit; a drum unit; an urging member; and an electrically-conductive member. The developing unit includes a developing roller. The drum unit includes a photosensitive drum. The developing unit is pivotally movable relative to the drum unit about a pivot axis extending along the developing roller. The urging member is configured to urge the developing roller toward the photosensitive drum. The electrically-conductive member is provided at the developing unit and configured to apply voltage to the developing roller. The electrically-conductive member is made of an electrically-conductive resin. The electrically-conductive member includes a contact portion configured to contact an electric contact provided at an image forming apparatus. The pivot axis and the contact portion define a first distance therebetween. The pivot axis and the urging member define a second distance therebetween. The first distance is smaller than the second distance. |
| US09910397B2 |
Image forming apparatus with speed difference control
An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable image bearing drum; a toner image transfer device; a cleaning blade for cleaning the drum after transfer of the image; a rotatable furbrush provided downstream of the transfer device and upstream of the blade, the furbrush being rotatable counterdirectionally with respect to a peripheral movement of the drum; an executing portion for executing a first mode for forming an image on the transfer material on the basis of a signal inputted to the apparatus and a second mode for supplying a band of the toner to the blade; and a controller for controlling a peripheral speed difference between the drum and the furbrush, wherein the difference when the band of the toner passes the furbrush in the second mode is smaller than that when the toner on the drum after the image transfer passes the furbrush in the first mode. |
| US09910396B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an inlet to which a power cable can connect. The inlet is sandwiched and fixed by two plate members from a direction crossing to a connection direction of the power cable. |
| US09910391B2 |
Image heating apparatus
An image heating apparatus for heating an image formed on a recording material includes a tubular rotary member including a conductive layer, a magnetic core inserted into a hollow portion of the rotary member, a coil helically wound around an outer side of the magnetic core in the hollow portion, and a control unit configured to control a frequency of an alternating current flowing through the coil, in which the conductive layer generates heat by an electromagnetic induction in an alternating magnetic field formed when the alternating current flows through the coil, and the control unit controls the frequency in accordance with a size of the recording material. |
| US09910390B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a processor and heaters which heat a fixing member of an image fixing device. The processor calculates an application pattern for the heaters based on a temperature of the fixing member and generates a drive voltage by suitably selecting half waves from an AC waveform of an AC power supply according to the application pattern. When a duration of time the drive voltage is applied to a first heater in the application pattern having a duty cycle of a predetermined level or less exceeds a predetermined period of time, (i) the processor turns off the first heater and turns on a second heater with a different distribution, or (ii) the processor increases the duty cycle of the first heater and decreases a duty cycle of the second heater. |
| US09910385B2 |
Toner container
A toner container installed in an image forming apparatus includes a toner container main body having a predetermined length and in which toner is accommodated, a discharge port through which the toner is discharged from the toner container main body, a shutter which opens and closes the discharge port, a handle provided on the toner container main body, and a pressed portion provided on the toner container main body and which is pressed by the image forming apparatus to project the handle out from the image forming apparatus. |
| US09910383B2 |
Powder container and image forming apparatus
A powder container for an image forming apparatus includes: a rotatable powder storage storing powder; an opening on one end of the powder storage, through which a nozzle can be inserted; and a scooping portion to scoop up powder on an opening side, and supply the powder to a powder receiving hole of the nozzle when the powder storage rotates. The scooping portion includes a scooping surface extending inwardly from an inner wall surface of the powder storage and an inner end portion extending in a rotation axis direction of the powder storage, with an edge approximately parallel to the rotation axis. In a cross-section perpendicular to the rotation axis, the scooping surface is inclined toward an upstream side in a rotation direction of the powder storage with respect to a virtual line that passes through the rotation axis and is tangent to the edge of the inner end portion. |
| US09910375B2 |
Yellow toner and method for producing the same
A yellow toner is provided. The yellow toner includes toner particles containing a binder resin and a colorant containing at least one compound selected the group consisting of compounds given by the following formulae (1), (2), and (3) for used in a recording method such as an electrophotographic method, an electrostatic recording method, a magnetic recording method, or a toner jet method, and to a method for producing the toner: wherein in the formulae (1), (2), and (3) the R groups are as set forth in the specification. |
| US09910368B2 |
Patterning device manipulating system and lithographic apparatuses
A system (300) for supporting an exchangeable object (302) can include a movable structure (304) and an object holder (306) configured to be movable relative to the movable structure. The object holder can be configured to hold the exchangeable object. The system can also include a first actuator assembly (308) and second actuator assembly (316). The first actuator assembly can be configured to apply a force to the object holder to translate the exchangeable object generally along a plane. The second actuator assembly can be configured to apply a bending moment to the object holder. The exchangeable object can be a patterning device of a lithographic apparatus. |
| US09910364B2 |
Projection exposure apparatus including at least one mirror
A microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes: a projection lens for imaging mask structures via an exposure radiation including at least one optical element and at least one manipulator; a read-in device for reading in application-specific structure information defining at least one property of an angular distribution of the exposure radiation upon entering the projection lens; and a travel establishing device for establishing a travel command defining a change to be made in an optical effect of the at least one optical element by manipulation of a property of the optical element via the at least one manipulator along a travel. The travel establishing device is configured to establish the travel command in an at least two-stage optimization. |
| US09910363B2 |
Measurement apparatus, exposure apparatus, measurement method, and recording medium
According to one embodiment, in a measurement apparatus, a controller acquires a first signal waveform, a second signal waveform, and a third signal waveform. Among mth diffraction light and ±nth diffraction light, the first signal waveform is related to spatial distribution of light intensity about first interference light by interference of the ±nth diffraction light. The second signal waveform is related to spatial distribution of light intensity about second interference light by interference of the mth diffraction light and the +nth diffraction light. The third signal waveform is related to spatial distribution of light intensity about third interference light by interference of the mth diffraction light and the −nth diffraction light. The controller calculates a measurement error component based on a phase difference between the second signal waveform and the third signal waveform. The controller corrects the first signal waveform with using the calculated measurement error component. |
| US09910361B2 |
Exposure apparatus, exposure method, and device manufacturing method
A movement area of a stage includes first-fifth areas. In the first area, three of four heads except for a first head respectively face three of four sections of a scale member except for a first section. In the second area, three of four heads except for a second head respectively face three of four sections except for a second section of the scale member. In the third area, three of four heads except for a third head respectively face three of four sections except for a third section of the scale member. In the fourth area, three of four heads except for a fourth head respectively face three of four sections of the scale member. In the fifth area, the four heads respectively face the four sections. During exposure, the stage is moved from one of the first-fourth areas to another of those areas via the fifth area. |
| US09910360B2 |
Lighting system of a microlithographic projection exposure system and method for operating such a lighting system
An illumination system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes a light source operated in a pulsed fashion and an array of optical elements which are digitally switchable between two switching positions. The array may be produced using MEMS technology. |
| US09910354B2 |
Resist underlayer film-forming composition and method for forming resist pattern using the same
A composition for forming a resist underlayer film which make possible to form a desired high-adhesion resist pattern. A resist underlayer film-forming composition for lithography containing a polymer having the following structure Formula (1) or (2) at a terminal of a polymer chain, crosslinker, compound promoting crosslinking reaction, and organic solvent. (wherein R1 is a C1-6 alkyl group optionally having a substituent, phenyl group, pyridyl group, halogeno group, or hydroxy group, R2 is a hydrogen atom, a C1-6 alkyl group, hydroxy group, halogeno group, or ester group of —C(═O)O—X wherein X is a C1-6 alkyl group optionally having a substituent, R3 is a hydrogen atom, a C1-6 alkyl group, hydroxy group, or halogeno group, R4 is a direct bond or divalent C1-8 organic group, R5 is a divalent C1-8 organic group, A is an aromatic ring or heteroaromatic ring, t is 0 or 1, and u is 1 or 2.) |
| US09910352B2 |
Microstructure synthesis by flow lithography and polymerization
In a method for synthesizing polymeric microstructures, a monomer stream is flowed, at a selected flow rate, through a fluidic channel. At least one shaped pulse of illumination is projected to the monomer stream, defining in the monomer stream a shape of at least one microstructure corresponding to the illumination pulse shape while polymerizing that microstructure shape in the monomer stream by the illumination pulse. An article of manufacture includes a non-spheroidal polymeric microstructure that has a plurality of distinct material regions. |
| US09910351B2 |
Imprint apparatus and article manufacturing method
An apparatus for bringing a mold having a pattern region and a first mark into contact with an imprint material on a substrate having a second mark, includes a deforming mechanism configured to deform the mold such that a portion of the mold where the first mark is formed protrudes toward the substrate, a driving mechanism configured to adjust a distance between the mold and the substrate, and a detecting unit configured to detect, after the driving mechanism starts an operation of reducing the distance, the first mark and the second mark in a state in which the portion of the mold and the imprint material on the substrate are in contact with each other but a whole of the pattern region is not in contact with the imprint material. |
| US09910350B2 |
Method for repairing a mask
The present disclosure provides a method of repairing a mask. The method includes receiving a mask that includes a patterned feature, the patterned feature producing a phase-shift and having a transmittance; identifying a defect region on the mask; and forming a repair feature over the defect region on the mask, wherein forming the repair feature includes forming a first patterned material layer over the defect region and forming a second patterned material layer over the first patterned material layer to form the repair feature, the repair feature producing the phase-shift and having the transmittance. |
| US09910347B2 |
Image display apparatus and image generation method
An image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a solid-state light source, an emission unit, and a selection unit. The solid-state light source is capable of emitting first visible light having a predetermined wavelength range. The emission unit includes an illuminant that emits second visible light, the illuminant being excited by the first visible light emitted from the solid-state light source, the second visible light having a wavelength range different from that of the first visible light, the emission unit being capable of emitting combined light including the first and second visible light. The selection unit selects third visible light from the combined light, the third visible light including the first visible light and light in a predetermined part of wavelength range of the second visible light. |
| US09910344B2 |
In-ceiling or in-wall retracting camera platform system
A retractable camera platform system allows a mounted camera to be hidden while not in use. The system retracts a camera platform into a recess in the ceiling, wall and the like of a room, building, hallway or other structure. The system includes the camera platform that opens a lowering assembly having doors so that the camera may deploy when needed. The lowering assembly or cover hides the camera and the associated frame structure when not in use. Actuators and linear slide tracks raise and lower the camera as desired. The lowering assembly may be removed from the frame structure. |
| US09910343B2 |
Moderation of a driver assist camera environment by cooling fan
A system for moderating the environment surrounding a driver assist camera of a vehicle having a camera mounted within a housing, the housing adapted to be attached to a window of the vehicle. A fan is connected to the housing to force airflow through the housing to moderate the environment surrounding the camera. |
| US09910342B2 |
Camera heat sink
A camera includes a camera body having a camera lens structured on a front surface of the camera body and electronics internal to the camera body for capturing images via the camera lens. A thermally conductive material is thermally coupled to the electronics and exposed on an external face of the camera body. The thermally conductive material transfers heat produced by the electronics to the external face of the camera, and a removable heat sink removably couples to the thermally conductive material. The camera further includes a housing structured to at least partially enclose the camera body. The housing is structured to enable at least a portion of the removable heat sink to protrude through the housing. |
| US09910341B2 |
Shared image device designation
In certain aspects, receiving at least one motivating event at least partially at a processing shared image device. At least one designated attribute is transmitted at least partially from the processing shared image device, wherein the at least one designated attribute can be effected at least partially in response to the receiving the at least one motivating event at least partially at the processing shared image device. An obtained shared image is obtained at the processing shared image device that is obtained in accordance with the at least one motivating event, and is obtained at least partially in response to the transmitting the at least one designated attribute. The obtained shared image is processed to derive an at least one processed shared image at least partially at the processing shared image device. |
| US09910340B2 |
Cavity and quantum computer
According to one embodiment, a cavity with a cavity mode which is coupled to physical systems includes a spherical mirror and a plane mirror. The spherical mirror is provided at a birefringent crystal including the physical systems. The plane mirror is provided at the birefringent crystal opposite to the spherical mirror. The birefringent crystal has a first refractive index to light polarized in a first direction parallel to a polarization direction of the cavity mode on an optical axis of the cavity and a second refractive index to light polarized in a second direction parallel to the optical axis, the second refractive index being different from the first refractive index. A cavity length of the cavity and a mode waist radius of the cavity mode satisfy a specific condition. |
| US09910338B2 |
Electrically switchable multi-spot laser probe
In certain embodiments, a system may include a housing, one or more lenses, and a scanning system. The housing has an interior region. A lens is disposed within the interior region and transmits a light beam. The scanning system is disposed within the interior region and comprises a number of scanning cells, where each scanning cell comprises an electro-optical (EO) material. The scanning system performs the following for a number of iterations to yield a spot pattern: receive one or more voltages and electrically steer the light beam with the EO material from a current direction to a next direction in response to the voltages. |
| US09910334B2 |
Semiconductor device and fabrication method thereof
This invention provides a semiconductor device having high operation performance and high reliability. An LDD region 707 overlapping with a gate wiring is arranged in an n-channel TFT 802 forming a driving circuit, and a TFT structure highly resistant to hot carrier injection is achieved. LDD regions 717, 718, 719 and 720 not overlapping with a gate wiring are arranged in an n-channel TFT 804 forming a pixel unit. As a result, a TFT structure having a small OFF current value is achieved. In this instance, an element belonging to the Group 15 of the Periodic Table exists in a higher concentration in the LDD region 707 than in the LDD regions 717, 718, 719 and 720. |
| US09910333B2 |
Display device
A display device comprising a display panel having touch sensors and gate lines, a touch sensor driver configured to supply a touch driving signal to the touch sensors of the display panel during a touch sensor driving period, a gate driver configured to supply a gate pulse synchronized with a data voltage of an input image to the gate lines of the display panel during a display driving period and supply an alternating current (AC) signal having a same phase as the touch driving signal to the gate lines during the touch sensor driving period, and a modulator configured to supply the AC signal having the same phase as the touch driving signal to the gate driver during the touch sensor driving period. |
| US09910331B2 |
Display device
A display device is provided with a pixel and a dummy pixel including a gate line and a signal line. The dummy pixel includes the gate line and a dummy semiconductor layer crossing the gate line through an insulating layer. The dummy semiconductor layer is electrically separated from the dummy semiconductor layer of the dummy pixel adjacent in the Y direction dummy pixel. The dummy pixel further includes a dummy signal line extending in the Y direction. The dummy signal line is connected to the dummy semiconductor layer through a plurality of contact holes. The contact holes are arranged with the gate line interposed between them in plan view. |
| US09910329B2 |
Liquid crystal display device for cancelling out ripples generated the common electrode
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device according to an embodiment includes a liquid crystal panel in which a gate line, a dummy data line, and a data line are disposed, a timing controller configured to generate compensation data, a data driver configured to generate a compensation data voltage on the basis of the compensation data, provide the generated compensation data voltage to the dummy data line, and provide a data voltage for displaying an image to the data line, a common electrode configured to provide a common voltage to pixels of the liquid crystal panel, and a compensation capacitor positioned outside of a pixel array of the liquid crystal panel and charged upon receiving the compensation data voltage. |
| US09910328B2 |
Pixel array of liquid crystal display
A pixel array of a liquid crystal display is discussed. The pixel array can include a first pixel including a first pixel electrode charged to a first data voltage, an upper common electrode which is positioned opposite the first pixel electrode and forms an electric field, a lower common electrode applying a common voltage to the upper common electrode, and a first storage capacitor for holding the first data voltage during a predetermined period, and a second pixel including a second pixel electrode charged to a second data voltage, the upper common electrode, the lower common electrode, and a second storage capacitor for holding the second data voltage during a predetermined period. The first and second storage capacitors are located in a storage area between the first and second pixels, which are positioned adjacent to each other in a horizontal direction. |
| US09910325B2 |
Touch display device comprising a plurality of first and second common electrodes wherein the first common electrode includes first and second slits
According to one embodiment, a display device comprises image signal lines, scanning signal lines, pixels, a display area, pixel electrodes, and common electrodes. The common electrodes are configured to detect an object and to display an image in the display area. The common electrodes include first and second common electrodes which are arranged in a first direction. A first slit is provided between the first and second common electrodes. The first and second common electrodes are supplied a signal different from each other. A second slit is provided in the first common electrode. Each of the first slit and the second slit overlaps one of the image signal lines and extends in an extension direction in which the image signal line extends. |
| US09910322B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate; a second substrate positioned parallel to the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. A black matrix disposed on one of the first substrate and the second substrate and configured to define a pixel region. A lower pixel electrode on the first substrate corresponding to the pixel region. An upper insulating layer disposed on the lower pixel electrode and having at least one groove. An upper pixel electrode disposed on the upper insulating layer and receiving a data signal from a thin film transistor, the data signal applied from a data line. |
| US09910321B2 |
Display device
A display device is disclosed, which comprises: a first substrate comprising: a switch unit; and a pixel electrode electrically connecting to the switch unit and comprising: a first finger portion with a first inner edge; a second finger portion with a second inner edge and a first outer edge; a contacting portion electrically connecting to the switch unit; a first bending portion connecting the first finger portion and the contacting portion and having a third inner edge; and a second bending portion connecting the second finger portion and the contacting portion and having a fourth inner edge and a second outer edge, wherein a first angle included between a first extension line of the first inner edge and the third inner edge is smaller than a second angle included between a second extension line of the first outer edge and the second outer edge. |
| US09910319B2 |
Method of manufacturing curved liquid crystal display panel and apparatus for manufacturing curved liquid crystal display panel
A method for manufacturing a curved liquid crystal display panel includes bending a display member including at least one alignment layer at a predetermined curvature using a jig and forming an alignment axis in the alignment layer while the display member is bent using an alignment axis forming part. A control part is used to control an operation of the jig and the alignment axis forming part. |
| US09910318B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device and method of manufacturing the same are provided. The LCD comprises, a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and includes liquid crystal molecules, an alignment film disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the first substrate, a pixel electrode disposed between the alignment film and the first substrate, a photo-curable layer between the liquid crystal layer and the alignment films, a common electrode disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the second substrate, and a vertical alignment inducing layer between the common electrode and the liquid crystal layer. The vertical alignment inducing layer includes a self-aligned vertical alignment inducer, and the vertical alignment inducer includes a hydrophilic group, and an affinity liquid crystal group having high affinity with the liquid crystal molecules. |
| US09910316B2 |
Backlight unit and display device including backlight unit
A backlight unit including a frame including a bottom and a sidewall extending from the bottom; at least one substrate located on the frame, and a plurality of light sources mounted on the at least one substrate; and a reflecting sheet located on the at least one substrate, further the reflecting sheet includes a first sheet part located on the bottom, the first sheet part including a plurality of holes corresponding to the plurality of the light sources; and a second sheet part extended from the first sheet part, the second sheet part including a horizontal dot area located along a long side of the reflecting sheet and a vertical dot area located along a short side of the reflecting sheet, and at least one of the horizontal dot area and the vertical dot area comprising first areas and second areas, also the first areas correspond to outermost holes among the plurality of holes, and the second areas are located between the first areas, in addition the first areas and the second areas include a plurality of dot areas, further each of the dot areas includes a plurality of dots, also a size of dots included in one of the plurality of dot areas is different from a size of dots included in another of the plurality of dot areas in the first area, in addition a size of dots included in one of the plurality of dot areas is different from a size of dots included in another of the plurality of dot areas in the second area, further the first and second areas comprise first dot areas, the first dot areas are positioned at a same distance between a first distance and a second distance from a line, the line being an imaginary line connecting the outermost holes along at least one of the long side and the short side of the reflecting sheet, and also a size of dots included in the first dot area of the first area is greater than a size of dots included in the first dot area of the second area. |
| US09910315B2 |
Polarizing liquid crystal alignment layers and display
Display devices including one or more alignment layers with elongated polarizing agents are disclosed. The alignment layers may be configured to align liquid crystal molecules and polarize light applied to the alignment layers. Methods of making and using the display device are also disclosed, as well as methods of making the alignment layer. |
| US09910314B2 |
Liquid crystal display device having dual color filter patterns and manufacturing method thereof
There are provided a display device having dual color filter patterns and a manufacturing method thereof. The liquid crystal display device includes an array substrate including first color filter patterns, a counter substrate including second color filter patterns, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the array substrate and the counter substrate, wherein the first color filter patterns and the second color filter patterns include photoresists having different color coordinates. |
| US09910312B2 |
Liquid crystal display having an opening in a light shielding pattern and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display is provided. A liquid crystal display comprising a first substrate which comprises a display area and a non-display area, a second substrate which faces the first substrate, a sealing member which is disposed in the non-display area between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first substrate comprises a light-shielding pattern, a column spacer which is protruded from the light-shielding pattern toward the second substrate to maintain an interval between the first substrate and the second substrate, an opening which is disposed in the light-shielding pattern, and overlapping the sealing member. |
| US09910311B2 |
Display device with conductive wire and light-shielding pattern having different curvatures
A display device comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a display medium layer disposed between the first and second substrates, and a light-shielding pattern disposed between the first and second substrates. The second substrate comprises a plurality of conductive wires. One of the conductive wires is projected onto the light-shielding pattern along a first direction, thereby obtaining a projected line within the light-shielding pattern. The projected line comprises a curved portion and two extending portions respectively connected to two ends of the curved portion. A distance between an edge of the light-shielding pattern and the curved portion of the projected line along a second direction is not equal to a distance between the edge of the light-shielding pattern and one of the extending portions along the second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. |
| US09910309B2 |
Array substrate having a touch function and display device
The disclosure is related to an array substrate having a touch function and a display device. The display device comprises a plurality of touch electrodes arranged in an array, a plurality of pixel electrodes, a plurality of scan lines, and a plurality of data lines. The scan lines and the data lines intersect with each other to define pixel regions on the display device. Each of the pixel electrodes is arranged in the corresponding pixel region and electrically connects to the corresponding scan line and the corresponding data line. Each touch electrode corresponds to at least one pixel region; at least an opening portion is formed at the overlapping regions between each of the touch electrode and at least one of the scan lines and the data line to reduce the coupling capacitance. Through the above-described manner, the disclosure can effectively improve the precision of the touch screen. |
| US09910308B2 |
Display device
A display device is disclosed. The display device may comprise a display panel; a module cover positioned at a rear of the display panel; a plate fastened to a rear of the module cover; and a back cover coupled with the plate, wherein the plate includes: a body facing the rear of the module cover; and a protrusion projecting from the body, the protrusion which is space apart from the module cover, wherein the back cover includes: a side wall formed on an side of the back cover; and a latch projecting from an inner side of the side wall, the latch which is inserted into between the protrusion and the module cover. |
| US09910307B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a display panel including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, a middle frame which is disposed under the display panel and supports the non-display area, and a coupling unit disposed between the display panel and the middle frame where the coupling unit includes a first coupling member including a reference coupling part extending a predetermined direction and a plurality of branch coupling parts protruded from the reference coupling part and a second coupling member disposed between two branch coupling parts adjacent to each other among the branch coupling parts. |
| US09910306B2 |
Display device and set electronic device including the display device
A display device includes a display panel, a back light unit configured to provide light to the display panel, and a guide panel covering side surfaces of the display panel and the back light unit. The guide panel includes a dual partition wall structure of an inner partition wall and an outer partition wall, a first extension that is extending from and integral with the dual partition wall structure, and a second extension protruding in a direction perpendicular to the dual partition wall structure to be between the back light unit and the display panel. |
| US09910301B2 |
Switchable optical filter apparatus with light
An apparatus comprising a switchable optical filter comprising a layer of switchable material, the switchable material comprising a photochromic/thermochromic, a photochromic/photochromic, or a photochromic/electrochromic compound; a first light source providing light of a wavelength that causes the switchable material to transition from a faded state to a dark state, or a dark state to a faded state; and a switch for controlling activation of the first light source. |
| US09910295B2 |
Partial corneal conjunctival contact lens
A contact lens system, including a peripheral conjunctival cover portion including a shell curved and sized to substantially overly a conjunctiva of an eye. The conjunctival cover portion defines a full thickness central opening therethrough. The central opening is positioned within the conjunctival cover and sized to expose at least a portion of a cornea of the eye. The contact lens system further includes a central contact lens portion that is substantially equivalent in size to the central opening and positioned or positionable at the central opening. |
| US09910286B2 |
TwinScope 3-D viewer
A stereoscope is used for viewing a stereographic pair of images that are placed side-by-side on a card or presented on a digital screen. A lens board has left and right apertures defining a horizontal base line. A pair of prismatic lenses are fitted into the left and right apertures, respectively. A stem or handle projects from the lens board in the plane of the lens board midway between the apertures and perpendicular to the base line. A removable opaque synthetic rubber hood is fitted onto the lens board and has eye covers of generally tubular shape. |
| US09910284B1 |
Optical systems for head-worn computers
Aspects of the present disclosure relate a head-worn computer with a see-through display wherein computer content is presented to a user wearing the head-worn computer and through which the user sees a surrounding environment, wherein the see-through display generates image light comprised of narrow bandwidths of red, green and blue light and wherein the see-through display further includes a tristimulus notch mirror positioned to reflect the image light towards the user's eye, and wherein the tristimulus notch mirror reflects less than a full width half max of the red image light. |
| US09910280B2 |
Display device
A display device includes: a display portion; and a storage member configured to house the display portion and including an opening through which the display portion passes, wherein the display device further includes: a plurality of cover members configured to cover the opening and to travel from the opening to a region of the storage member adjacent to the opening so as to be overlapped with each other at the region; travel control means configured to cause the plurality of cover members to transfer to a covering position in which the opening is closed by the plurality of cover members, and also to a overlapping position in which the plurality of cover members are overlapped with each other, and configured to cause the display portion to transfer to rise-up and storage positions; and only one drive source configured to drive the travel control means. |
| US09910276B2 |
Diffractive optical elements with graded edges
In an optical system that includes a waveguide with multiple diffractive optical elements (DOEs) incorporating diffraction gratings, light exiting a trailing edge of an upstream DOE enters a leading edge of a downstream DOE. One or more of the DOEs may include a leading and/or a trailing edge that have a graded profile. At a graded trailing edge of an upstream DOE, grating height smoothly decreases from full height to shallow height as a function of the proximity to the trailing edge. At a graded leading edge of the downstream DOE grating height smoothly increases from shallow height to full height as a function of distance away from the leading edge. By reducing a sharp boundary at the interface between the upstream and downstream DOEs, the graded profiles of the DOE edges enable optical resolution to be maintained decreasing sensitivity to misalignment between the DOEs that may occur during manufacturing. |
| US09910275B2 |
Image processing for head mounted display devices
Various devices, arrangements and methods for managing communications using a head mounted display device are described. In one aspect, tracking data is generated at least in part by one or more sensors in a head mounted display (HMD) device. The tracking data indicates one or more facial movements of a user wearing the HMD device. A patch image is obtained based on the tracking data. The patch image is merged with a facial image. Various embodiments relate to the HMD device and other methods for generating and using the patch and facial images. |
| US09910272B2 |
Integrated camera mounting and image window cleaning device
An integrated camera mounting and image window cleaning device includes a mounting bracket, a housing and a seal provided between the housing and the mounting bracket. A delivery channel extends around the outer periphery of the image window of the camera allowing the delivery of cleaning fluid which flows across the entire image window for cleaning. |
| US09910268B2 |
Spatial light modulator, photolithographing apparatus, exposure apparatus, and method of manufacturing device
A spatial light modulator comprises, a first light modulation element having a substrate, a reflecting mirror, a movable portion displaced relative to the substrate while supporting the reflecting mirror, and a top electrode adsorbing the movable portion by electrostatic force between the movable portion and the top electrode in a position farther away from the substrate than the movable portion, a second light modulation element placed adjacent to the first light modulation element in the substrate, having a reflecting mirror, a movable portion displaced relative to the substrate while supporting the reflecting mirror, and a top electrode adsorbing the movable portion by electrostatic force between the movable portion and the top electrode in a position farther away from the substrate than the movable portion, and electrode supporting portions commonly supporting the top electrodes of the first light modulation element and the second light modulation element relative to the substrate. |
| US09910262B2 |
Actuator control device, optical module, electronic apparatus, and actuator control method
A spectroscopic measurement apparatus includes an electrostatic actuator that is driven by applying a drive voltage, a gap detector that detects a dimension of a gap, a closed loop system that controls the drive voltage applied to the electrostatic actuator depending on a detection signal from the gap detector, and a gain setting unit that sets a gain in the closed loop system depending on drive characteristics of electrostatic actuator based on the detection signal of the gap detector. |
| US09910257B2 |
Stereoscopic microscope
Stereoscopic instruments for viewing stereoscopic images of objects at a range of magnifications are described. The stereoscopic instruments are arranged to provide an optical beam comprising light received from an object over a given angular range, and to split the optical beam into left and right optical beams each traversing a respective optical path. The left and right optical paths each transmit a sub-beam over a respective angular range, the respective angular ranges thereby defining a first angular relationship between the respective sub-beams. Each optical path comprises a first angle adjustment means for adjusting the first angular relationship. Some embodiments also include a means for transmitting images formed from the left and right sub-beams, the images having a second angular relationship related to a vergence angle at which a user's eyes view the object. By controlling the relative angles defined by first and second angular relationships, a degree of stereoscopy with which the user can view the object can be varied. |
| US09910249B2 |
Optical system for camera
Disclosed herein is an optical system for a camera. The optical system for a camera includes: a first lens having positive refractive power and a meniscus shape concave toward an image; a second lens having negative refractive power and a shape concave toward the image; a third lens having the positive refractive power and a shape convex toward an object; a fourth lens having the positive refractive power and a shape convex toward the image; and a fifth lens having the negative refractive power, a shape convex toward the object and concave to the image, and one or more inflection point provided on an image surface. |
| US09910246B2 |
In-flight auto focus method and system for tunable liquid crystal optical element
An auto-focus system employing a tunable liquid crystal lens is provided that collects images at different optical power values as the liquid crystal molecules are excited between a ground state and a maximum optical power state tracking image focus scores. An image is acquired at a desired optical power value less than maximum optical power established with the liquid crystal molecules closer a fully excited state than the maximum optical power state having the same image focus score. This drive signal employed during image acquisition uses more power than was used to achieve the same optical power value during the auto-focus scan, while actively driving the liquid crystal molecules is fast. A pause due to image transfer/processing delays after acquisition is employed to allow slow relaxation of the liquid crystal molecules back to the ground state in preparation for a subsequent focus search. |
| US09910243B2 |
Lens interchangeable type camera, interchangeable lens, and control method for lens
A lens interchangeable type camera system, comprising an interchangeable lens and a camera body, comprising a first control section that carries out manual focus control by detecting rotation direction and rotation amount of an operation member, in accordance with a manual focus mode command from a mode setting at a time when the operation member is at the first position, and a second control section that, when the operation member is at a second position, irrespective of a command from a mode setting section, notifies a detection result of a first detection section to the camera body, detects rotational position of the operation member using a third detection section, and forcibly carries out manual focus control based on a rotation position, wherein the lens interchangeable type camera system further comprises a function restriction section that sets operation of the second control section to valid or invalid. |
| US09910242B2 |
Universal electronic exchanger system for eyepieces, especially for telescopes
Universal electronic exchange system for eyepieces, especially for coupling to telescopes or similar, which comprises: an automated rotary device provided with a rotary plate of the revolver type provided with a plurality of eyepiece holders intended to receive different sizes of eyepieces, and actuation means for said rotary plate, an electronic unit for selecting the eyepiece to be used capable of receiving a selection signal generated by a user, determining the aligned position in respect to the optical axis and sending a command signal to an electronic unit for controlling the rotation and stopping of the rotary plate, which in turn is capable of processing the speed, angular path of rotation, and stopping position of the eyepiece to be used, and sending a command signal to the actuation means of said rotary plate for positioning and aligning with precision said eyepiece with the optical axis. |
| US09910231B2 |
Stacked cage optical module heat relay system
An apparatus comprising a cage for pluggable optical modules including a bay having a first port stacked with a second port, the bay having an opening between the first and second port; a heat collector module in the opening comprising a first contact plate adjacent to the first port bottom and provided in the first port and configured to contact a first optical module in the first port, a second contact plate adjacent to the second port top and provided in the second port and configured to contact a second optical module insertable in the second port, a cold plate between the first and second contact plates, compressible thermal material layers between the contact plates and the cold plate; and a heat pipe having a first portion in thermal contact with the cold plate and a second portion extending beyond the stacked cage and in thermal contact with a radiator. |
| US09910230B2 |
Integrally formed coupling module
An integrally formed coupling module is provided. In the module, a total internal reflective surface reflects a first optical signal emitted by a laser to form a second optical signal, the second optical signal is output to the medium air interface, a medium air interface refracts the second optical signal to form a third optical signal, the third optical signal is output from air to the air medium interface, an air medium interface refracts the third optical signal to form a fourth optical signal, and then the fourth optical signal is output to an optical fiber. In addition, a refractive angle at which the medium air interface performs refraction to form the third optical signal is equal to an incidence angle at which the third optical signal is output to the air medium interface, and a first incident surface and a second incident surface are mutually perpendicular in space. |
| US09910222B1 |
Multimode fiber optical power splitter
A compact configuration of a multiport fiber array and a multi-surface optical lens constitutes a low modal noise multimode fiber optical power splitter. In a digital optical system, modal noise manifests itself in modal dependent intensity noise and modal dependent timing jitter. A compact two-part end coupling design improves both properties and is more cost effective, making it a suitable solution for future high bit rate optical system applications. |
| US09910219B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
First, half etching is performed to a semiconductor layer formed on an insulating layer to form trenches at positions of slab-portion regions in which slab portions are to be formed. After filling the trenches with an insulating film, a resist mask which covers the semiconductor layer at a projecting-portion region in which a projecting portion is to be formed and whose pattern ends are located on upper surfaces of the insulating films is formed on upper surfaces of the semiconductor layer and the insulating film, and full etching is performed to the semiconductor layer with using the resist mask and the insulating film as an etching mask, thereby forming an optical waveguide constituted of the projecting portion and the slab portions. Thereafter, a first interlayer insulating film is formed to cover the optical waveguide. |
| US09910211B2 |
Light guide and keyboard backlight
A backlit system comprises a base panel, a plurality of keys disposed on the base panel, a substantially planar light guide panel disposed between the base panel and the plurality of keys, at least one light source disposed on the light guide panel, and at least one light management feature disposed on the light guide panel. The at least one light management feature is configured to at least partially reflect incident light within the light guide panel. |
| US09910203B2 |
Light source module and backlight unit having the same
A light source including a circuit board, at least one light emitting device mounted on the circuit board by flip-chip bonding or surface mount technology (SMT), and a reflective portion formed on the circuit board and enclosing the light emitting device. The reflective portion formed on the circuit board reflects light emitted from the light emitting device in one direction, to reduce light loss while focusing light in a desired direction. |
| US09910202B2 |
Back light unit
The present invention relates to a structure of an edge-type back light unit, particularly to a structure comprising a light source receiving part, which receives a light source such as LED formed to the central direction of an optical plate at one side or the other side of the optical plate.The present invention has excellent optical property and has an effect of wide application to various LCDs because it comprises a light source receiving part, which can install a printed circuit board mounting the light source such as LED to an embedded form in an edge-type back light unit. |
| US09910196B2 |
Dye compound, ink, and resist composition for color filter
The present invention provides a dye compound excellent in both chroma and light fastness, an ink, and a resist composition for a color filter.The present invention provides an ink and a resist composition for a color filter, in which each of the ink and the resist composition contains a pyridone azo compound having a specific structure. |
| US09910195B2 |
Optical wavelength dispersion device and method of manufacturing the same
An optical wavelength dispersion device includes a first substrate, an input unit formed on the first substrate having a slit for receiving an optical signal, a grating formed on the first substrate for producing a diffracted light beams from the optical signal, a first optical reflector formed on the first substrate for reflecting the diffracted light beams from the grating for outputting, and a second substrate covered on the top of the input unit and the grating, wherein the input unit, the grating and the first optical reflector are formed from a photo-resist layer by high energy light source exposure. |
| US09910194B2 |
Retroreflective articles including optically active areas and optically inactive areas
This disclosure generally relates to retroreflective articles and methods of making such articles. |
| US09910193B2 |
Reflective optical element and EUV lithography appliance
A reflective optical element and an EUV lithography appliance containing one such element are provided, the appliance displaying a low propensity to contamination. The reflective optical element has a protective layer system includes at least two layers. The optical characteristics of the protective layer system are between those of a spacer and an absorber, or correspond to those of a spacer. The selection of a material with the smallest possible imaginary part and a real part which is as close to 1 as possible in terms of the refractive index leads to a plateau-type reflectivity course according to the thickness of the protective layer system between two thicknesses d1 and d2. The thickness of the protective layer system is selected in such a way that it is less than d2. |
| US09910190B2 |
Poly(oxazoline-co-ethyleneimine)-epichlorohydrin copolymers and uses thereof
The invention is related to poly(2-oxazoline-co-ethyleneimine)-epichlorohydrin copolymers and chemically-modified derivatives thereof as well as their uses in formation of non-silicone hydrogel coatings on silicone hydrogel contact lenses. |
| US09910185B2 |
Pulsed chemical neutron source
Various embodiments include systems and methods to provide a pulsed chemical neutron source. The pulsed chemical neutron source can be used in well logging applications. Apparatus can be arranged to generate neutrons from a chemical neutron emitter and to pass the neutrons through an aperture of a neutron shield when the chemical neutron emitter aligns with the aperture such that the neutrons are substantially blocked by the neutron shield when the chemical neutron emitter is unaligned with the aperture. In various embodiments, movement of one or more of the chemical neutron emitter or the neutron shield can be controlled such that the aperture and the chemical neutron emitter operatively align with each other during a selected portion of the movement, generating pulses of neutrons output from the neutron shield. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US09910176B2 |
Method and system of a controllable tail buoy
Controllable tail buoy. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: towing a sensor streamer and tail buoy through water, the sensor streamer defining a proximal end and a distal end with the tail buoy coupled to the distal end, and the towing with the sensor streamer and the tail buoy submerged; and during the towing controlling depth of the distal end of the sensor streamer at least in part by the tail buoy; and steering the distal end of the sensor streamer at least in part by the tail buoy. |
| US09910174B2 |
Seismic imaging apparatus and method for performing iterative application of direct waveform inversion
A seismic imaging technology, and more specifically, an imaging technology for modelling a subsurface structure by updating a velocity model of each frequency band in the ascending, descending order or any random order of frequencyThe purpose of the present disclosure is to directly compute the difference between the velocity of the actual subsurface velocity and an initial guess of the velocity.According to one aspect of the present invention, a seismic imaging apparatus for performing iterative application of the direct waveform inversion to image a subsurface structure of an area to be measured may include a waveform inverter to update a reference velocity model while changing a frequency band in a set order, by using parameter perturbation that is obtained from a virtual scattering source and an updated reference wavefield. |
| US09910173B2 |
Saturation end-point adjustment
A method can include receiving fluid saturation data for fluid saturation parameters associated with permeabilities of a multidimensional spatial model of a geologic environment; adjusting at least a portion of the fluid saturation data to provide adjusted fluid saturation data by optimizing a quadratic function subject to linear constraints; and simulating flow of fluid using the adjusted fluid saturation data for fluid saturation parameters associated with permeabilities and the multidimensional spatial model of the geologic environment. |
| US09910169B2 |
Radiation imaging apparatus, radiation imaging system, and irradiation start detection method
A radiation imaging apparatus includes a pixel array having a plurality of pixels configured to detect radiation, a detector configured to detect radiation irradiation, and a controller. In a case in which a measured value obtained by using the detector exceeds a threshold in one range out of a positive range and a negative range with respect to a reference value, the controller controls a radiation image capturing operation by determining that the radiation irradiation has started. The controller changes the threshold in accordance with the measured value of the other range out of the positive range and the negative range. |
| US09910166B2 |
Redundant charged particle state determination apparatus and method of use thereof
The invention comprises a system for redundantly determining the state of a charged particle beam, such as beam position, direction, energy, and/or intensity. For example, the charged particle beam state is determined: (1) in an extraction system from a synchrotron, (2) in a charged particle beam transport path, and/or (3) at or about a patient undergoing charged particle cancer therapy using one or more film layers designed to emit photons upon passage of a charged particle beam, which yields information on position and/or intensity of the charged particle beam. The emitted photons are used to calculate position, direction, and/or intensity of the treatment beam in imaging and/or during tumor treatment. |
| US09910162B2 |
Calibrating in single photon emission computed tomography with multi-emission energies
For calibration (24) for quantitative SPECT, a multiple energy emission source (11) is used for calibration. The planar sensitivities and/or uniformities are determined at different emission energies based on detections from the multiple energy emission source. For estimating (32) the activity concentration, sensitivities and/or uniformities based on measures (26) at different emission energies increase accuracy. The multiple energy emission source (11) may alternatively or additionally be used to calibrate (40) a dose calibrator (15). |
| US09910160B2 |
Detecting and removing spoofing signals
A method for detecting and removing spoofing signals may include receiving, by a navigation or communications device, a radio frequency (RF) signal and performing an anti-spoofing assessment to detect a presence of a spoofing signal associated with the RF signal. The method may additionally include generating a replica of the spoofing signal in response to the spoofing signal being detected and subtracting the replica of the spoofing signal from the RF signal to provide a residual non-spoofed signal. The method may further include decoding the residual non-spoofed signal by the navigation or communications device. |
| US09910158B2 |
Position determination of a cellular device using carrier phase smoothing
A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) chipset embedded within the cellular device is accessed. The GNSS chipset calculates raw observables that include raw pseudoranges and carrier phase information. The raw observables are extracted from the GNSS chipset for processing elsewhere in the cellular device outside of the GNSS chipset. Smoothed pseudoranges are provided by smoothing the raw pseudoranges based on the carrier phase information. The accessing, the extracting and the providing are performed by one or more hardware processors located in the cellular device and outside of the GNSS chipset. |
| US09910157B2 |
Vehicle and lane detection method for the vehicle
A vehicle that detects a lane using measurement data of a lidar sensor and a lane detection method are provided. The vehicle includes a distance sensor and a processor that is configured to determine data that indicates a road lane among data obtained by the distance sensor. Additionally, the processor accumulates the determined lane data using vehicle speed information and determines the road lane using the accumulated lane data. |
| US09910156B2 |
Using optical proxy light to aim redirected light at a target using heliostats
The present invention is directed to systems, devices and methods utilizing a proxy device that indicates directional aspects of redirected light from a corresponding light redirecting element by the position of one or more redirected light beams in one or more directions or coordinates on such a proxy device. The position characteristics of light redirected from the proxy device correlate to the aim of the light redirecting element associated with the proxy. This allows the proxy information to be used to accurately determine and control the aim of the light redirecting element. |
| US09910155B2 |
Tilted image plane lidar
Embodiments herein provide for improved range response in lidar systems. In one embodiment, a lidar system includes a laser, and a detector. First optics direct light from the laser on a beam path along a first optical axis of the first optics. Second optics image the light from the beam path onto a second plane that is substantially normal to the first plane. The second optics have a second optical axis that differs from the first optical axis. The first and the second optical axes lie in a same first plane. A first line in the first plane intersects a second line in the second plane at an acute angle. The first line is perpendicular to the first optical axis. A spatial filter configured in or near the second plane filters the light from the second optics onto the detector. |
| US09910152B2 |
User interfaces for electronic devices
An electronic device comprises a transmitter 6 for transmitting ultrasonic signals, a receiver 8 for receiving reflections 20 of said ultrasonic signals, wherein the device is adapted to control a function thereof in dependence on said received reflections, the device further comprising means for providing to a user an indication 14 of the presence of signals or noise which could interfere with said reflections. |
| US09910149B2 |
Method for mapping the surroundings of a vehicle
A method for mapping surroundings of a vehicle, objects in the surroundings of the vehicle being detected with the aid of sensors and particular detected objects being described by two coordinate points and also by a position fuzziness assigned to the particular coordinate point, the coordinate points and the position fuzziness values being stored in an interface in the form of data which may be accessed by driver assistance systems of the vehicle. A method is also described for ascertaining the collision probability of a vehicle with an object, in which the surroundings of the vehicle are initially mapped using the method for mapping the surroundings of a vehicle, a travel path to be traveled by the vehicle is ascertained in a subsequent step, and the degree of overlap between the object and the travel path and also the collision probability are finally determined, taking the position fuzziness into account. |
| US09910146B2 |
Measuring apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a target object
A measuring apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a target object includes a receiving device having a primary mirror and a secondary mirror; a first detector for detecting first electromagnetic radiation having a first wavelength and a second detector for detecting second electromagnetic radiation having a second wavelength. The primary mirror is designed to reflect the first electromagnetic radiation and the second electromagnetic radiation and to direct the radiation onto a focal region. The secondary mirror is arranged between the primary mirror and the focal region and is designed to reflect only the second electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the second detector. The first detector is arranged behind the secondary mirror in the focal region of the primary mirror. |
| US09910145B2 |
Wireless communication system, a radar system and a method for determining a position information of an object
A wireless communication system includes a first semiconductor module and a second semiconductor module. The first semiconductor module includes a semiconductor die connected to an antenna structure. The semiconductor die of the first semiconductor module and the antenna structure of the first semiconductor module are arranged within a common package. The semiconductor die of the first semiconductor module includes a transmitter module configured to transmit the wireless communication signal through the antenna structure of the first semiconductor module. The second semiconductor module includes a semiconductor die connected to an antenna structure. The semiconductor die of the second semiconductor module includes a receiver module configured to receive the wireless communication signal through the antenna structure of the second semiconductor module from the first semiconductor module. |
| US09910136B2 |
System for filtering LiDAR data in vehicle and method thereof
A system and method for filtering LiDAR data is provided. The system includes a LiDAR data collector that is configured to collect the LiDAR data from a LiDAR and store the LiDAR data in a matrix structure. A noise point determiner is configured to determine whether a first filtering condition for determining whether a point within a predetermined reference distance in the LiDAR data is present, a second filtering condition for determining whether a present point adjacent to a left and right by a reference of a reference point in the matrix structure is a first reference value or less, and a third filtering condition for determining whether a present point adjacent to a top and bottom by the reference of the reference point is a second reference value or less are satisfied. |
| US09910133B2 |
Systems and methods for cascading radar chips having a low leakage buffer
A cascaded radar sensor arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement includes a first buffer and a second buffer. The first buffer is within a first radar chip and includes a switch and is configured to mitigate a first leakage signal in the disabled mode. The second buffer is within a second radar chip and has a disabled mode. The second radar chip is cascaded with the first radar chip. A control unit is coupled to the first radar chip and the second radar chip and is configured to set the disabled mode for the first buffer. |
| US09910132B2 |
Systems and methods for coherent signal fusion for time and frequency estimation
A signal processing system is provided. The signal processing system includes a transmission architecture configured to transmit first and second signals, and a receiver architecture including an antenna configured to receive the signals, and a coherent signal fusion processing device communicatively coupled to the antenna. The processing device is configured to generate a broadband analog signal that contains the first and second signals, digitize the broadband analog signal, isolate first and second signals of interest, estimate, relative to a reference template, at least one of a time difference of arrival and a frequency difference of arrival for at least one of the first and second signals of interest, and determine a location of at least one of the transmission architecture and the receiver architecture based on the estimated at least one of a time difference of arrival and a frequency difference of arrival. |
| US09910130B2 |
Geo-location using known target co-calibration
Systems, methods, and apparatus for geo-location using known target co-calibration are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a method for geo-location of a target involves receiving, by at least three elements on a vehicle, at least one station signal from at least one station in a known direction from the vehicle. The method further involves calculating, by at least one processor, a roll estimate and a pitch estimate of the vehicle using at least one station signal. Also, the method involves receiving, by at least three elements on the vehicle, at least one target signal from the target. Further, the method involves calculating, by at least one processor, an azimuth direction and an elevation direction of the target using the roll estimate, the pitch estimate, and at least one target signal. |
| US09910129B1 |
Method and apparatus for calibrating transmit delay and receive delay
A method of calibrating analog transceiver delay includes generating a signal in a portion of a first device to arrive at a first known time at analog transmit circuitry of the first device, transmitting the signal from the analog transmit circuitry of the first device, receiving the transmitted signal, and deriving transceiver delay from the received signal. The transmitting may be performed via a closed loop to analog receiver circuitry of the first device, detecting the signal at a second known time at an output of the analog receiver circuitry of the first device. The transmitting also may be performed wirelessly to receiver circuitry of a second device placed at a predetermined distance from the first device, detecting the received signal at a second known time at the receiver circuitry of the second device. Transceiver delay can be determined from transit time and apportioned between transmit delay and receive delay. |
| US09910127B2 |
Apparatus and method for pointing light sources
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to provide a control system for the purpose of redirecting light from a source onto a target. The present invention appreciates that the diffraction pattern for light that is both diffracted and re-directed by a heliostat is a function of how the light redirecting element is aimed. This means that the aim of the light redirecting element can be precisely determined once the aim of the diffracted light is known. Advantageously, the characteristics of diffracted light indicative of how the diffracted light is aimed can be determined from locations outside the zone of concentrated illumination in which sensors are at undue risk. This, in turn, means that diffracted light characteristics can be detected at a safe location, and this information can then be used to help precisely aim the light redirecting element onto the desired target, such as a receiver in a CSP system. The aim of the diffracted light is thus an accurate proxy for the light beam to be aimed at the receiver. |
| US09910123B2 |
Calibration module for a tester and tester
A calibration module for a tester, for testing a device under test, includes a pair of RF-channel terminals, a calibration device, a pair of measurement terminals and a mode selector. The pair of RF-channels terminals is configured to send or receive measurement signals to or from an RF-channel of the tester. The calibration device is configured to perform a calibration of the RF-channel based on the measurement signals sent to, or received from, the RF-channel. The pair of measurement terminals is configured to send or receive measurement signals to or from the device under test. The mode selector is configured to connect, in a calibration phase, the pair or RF-channel terminals to the calibration device for calibrating the RF-channel and to connect, in a measurement phase, the pair of RF-channel terminals to the pair of measurement terminals for routing measurement signals from the RF-channel to the device under test or vice versa. |
| US09910122B2 |
Calibration of a magnetic sensor
The invention relates to a magnetic sensor which is designed for checking value documents, and to a method for calibrating the magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor has different calibrating parameters for hard-magnetic and soft-magnetic magnetic regions, with which parameters the magnetic sensor can correct the detected magnetic signals of a value document, in order to compensate the magnetic sensor's measurement deviations in dependence on the type of the respectively detected magnetic region. For calibration, the magnetic sensor detects calibration measurement values of a calibration medium which is transported past the sensor. By means of the calibration measurement values the function of the magnetic sensor is tested. Where applicable, there is effected after the calibration an adjustment of the sensor using the calibration measurement values, upon which adjustment the calibrating parameters for hard-magnetic and/or soft-magnetic magnetic regions are determined from the detected calibration measurement values of the calibration medium. |
| US09910121B2 |
Apparatus and method for diagnosing failure of current sensor of battery system for eco-friendly vehicle
Provided are apparatuses and methods for diagnosing failure of a current sensor of a battery system for an eco-friendly vehicle. One apparatus for diagnosing failure of a current sensor of a battery system for an eco-friendly vehicle includes a high voltage battery, a current sensor configured to measure a current output from the high voltage battery, and a controller configured to measure an offset current through the current sensor when an ignition key is turned off or turned on, and diagnose failure of the current sensor on the basis of the measured offset current. |
| US09910118B2 |
Systems and methods for cartesian dynamic imaging
Systems and methods for Cartesian dynamic imaging are disclosed. In one aspect, in accordance with one example embodiment, a method includes acquiring magnetic resonance data for an area of interest of a subject that is associated with one or more physiological activities of the subject and performing image reconstruction comprising Kalman filtering or smoothing on Cartesian images associated with the acquired magnetic resonance data. Performing the image reconstruction includes increasing at least one of spatial and temporal resolution of the Cartesian images. |
| US09910117B2 |
Method and apparatus to generate magnetic resonance image data of an examination subject
In the magnetic resonance image data acquisition and apparatus, raw magnetic resonance data are acquired at multiple points along a trajectory in k-space from first and second magnetic resonance echo signals caused by a radio-frequency excitation pulse. The course of the trajectory in k-space is established by adjusting a magnetic field value of a gradient magnetic field. The gradient magnetic field has a field value of a first point in time of the trajectory curve and a subsequently modified and at a layer second point in time, the gradient magnetic field has the same field value as that said first point in time. The second point in time is before or during the acquisition of the raw magnetic resonance data of the first magnetic resonance echo signal. The shift value for the trajectory is determined and the trajectory is shifted according to this shift value, and an image is reconstructed from the shifted raw magnetic resonance data of the trajectory. |
| US09910115B2 |
System and method for portable magnetic resonance imaging using a rotating array of magnets
A portable magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system that uses static magnetic field inhomogeneities in the main magnet for encoding the spatial location of nuclear spins is provided. Also provided is a spatial-encoding scheme for a low-field, low-power consumption, light-weight, and easily transportable MRI system. In general, the portable MRI system spatially encodes images using spatial inhomogeneities in the polarizing magnetic field rather than using gradient fields. Thus, an inhomogeneous static field is used to polarize, readout, and encode an image of the object. To provide spatial encoding, the magnet is rotated around the object to generate a number of differently encoded measurements. An image is then reconstructed by solving for the object most consistent with the data. |
| US09910112B2 |
Noise suppression for MRI signals directly sampled and digitized in imaging room
According to one embodiment, an MRI apparatus includes a data acquisition unit and an image generation unit. The data acquisition unit acquires an analog MR signal from an object and converts the analog MR signal into a digital MR signal. The image generation unit generates MR image data based on the digital MR signal. The data acquisition unit includes an AD converter, a signal processing part and a noise suppression part. The AD converter converts the analog MR signal, before a down conversion, into the digital MR signal, inside an imaging room. The signal processing part performs signal processing of the digital MR signal, inside the imaging room or outside the imaging room. The noise suppression part suppresses a noise arising caused by a conversion from the analog MR signal, before the down conversion, into the digital MR signal. |
| US09910110B2 |
Medical imaging device comprising a housing unit that has a casing shell and method for producing a casing shell of the medical imaging device
A medical imaging device is presented. The medical image device includes a detection unit and a housing unit that surrounds the detection unit. The housing unit has at least one casing shell. The at least one casing shell includes a netlike supporting structure unit and an elastic spring-mass unit. The netlike supporting structure unit is at least partially embedded within the elastic spring-mass unit. |
| US09910109B2 |
Personal radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation exposimetry
A method and system for determining a whole-body averaged specific absorption ratio (SARwb) in a person comprises positioning an exposimeter on the person's body and providing a chamber forming an electromagnetic (EM) cavity and comprising a radiofrequency emitter and receiver; determining a first reverberation time of decay of EM power and a free-space incident power density in the chamber when the person is absent, and determining, a second reverberation time of decay of EM power in the chamber and a reference received power, received by the exposimeter, when the person is present in the chamber; and determining an absorption cross section of the person taking the first and second reverberation time and a volume of the chamber into account, determining a calibration factor relating a received power on the exposimeter to the SARwb, measuring a received power using the exposimeter, and determining the SARwb by applying the calibration factor. |
| US09910105B2 |
DNV magnetic field detector
A system for magnetic detection includes a nitrogen vacancy (NV) diamond material comprising a plurality of NV centers, a radio frequency (RF) excitation source configured to provide RF excitation to the NV diamond material, an optical excitation source configured to provide optical excitation to the NV diamond material, an optical detector configured to receive an optical signal emitted by the NV diamond material, and a controller. The optical signal is based on hyperfine states of the NV diamond material. The controller is configured to detect a gradient of the optical signal based on the hyperfine states emitted by the NV diamond material. |
| US09910104B2 |
DNV magnetic field detector
A system for magnetic detection includes a nitrogen vacancy (NV) diamond material comprising a plurality of NV centers, a radio frequency (RF) excitation source configured to provide RF excitation to the NV diamond material, an optical excitation source configured to provide optical excitation to the NV diamond material, an optical detector configured to receive an optical signal emitted by the NV diamond material, and a controller. The optical signal is based on hyperfine states of the NV diamond material. The controller is configured to detect a gradient of the optical signal based on the hyperfine states emitted by the NV diamond material. |
| US09910102B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for monitoring and management of a power distribution system
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for monitoring and management of a power distribution system are disclosed. In one example, the method includes receiving sensory measurement data captured by a mobile inspection device during an inspection of power distribution system elements in a power distribution system. The method further includes processing the received sensory measurement data to derive fault identification data that indicates a fault condition existing in one or more of the power distribution system elements and utilizing the derived fault identification data to update a network model of the power distribution system. |
| US09910101B2 |
Method for managing battery of electronic device and electronic device performing the same
A method for displaying battery information of an electronic device is provided. The method includes obtaining an operating history about one or more operations performed by the electronic device; determining a power use ratio about each of the one or more operations, based on the operating history; and determining an available time period for which a battery supplying power to the electronic device is capable to supply power to the electronic device, based on the power use ratio and a remaining capacity of the battery. |
| US09910100B2 |
Battery characteristic determining device for a vehicle
A battery characteristic determining device includes a control module and a processing module. The control module outputs a control signal when a battery module is in a charging state and an SOC (state of charge) of the battery module reaches a predetermined target value, so as to result in change of a current of the battery module to a predetermined test value for a predetermined test time period. The predetermined test value is such that the change of the current causes a voltage of the battery module to decrease in the predetermined test time period. The processing module obtains a voltage variation of the battery module in the predetermined test time period, and a C rate of the battery module with reference to the voltage variation. |
| US09910099B2 |
Battery monitoring device, power storage system, and control system
A controller of a battery monitoring apparatus, said controller calculating the amount of heat generated inside a battery on the basis of information about the electric current which flows out of or flows into the battery. Furthermore, the controller calculates the amount of heat discharged from the surface of the battery, said amount being calculated on the basis of temperature information about at least one from among the surface of the battery and a substance in the vicinity of the battery. In addition, the controller calculates the temperature inside the battery on the basis of information about the amount of heat generated, and information about the amount of heat discharged. |
| US09910098B2 |
Arrangement for measuring a single cell in a rechargeable battery pack and rechargeable battery pack comprising such an arrangement
An arrangement for measuring a single cell in a rechargeable battery pack is described, and which includes a plurality of cells coupled in a series circuit, and wherein adjacent cells are electrically coupled to a connecting branch, and a measuring device comprising a switch is provided, and which selectively electrically connects one connecting branch to a measuring input of the measuring device. |
| US09910097B2 |
Battery monitoring system using time-based signals
Systems and methods for monitoring a battery stack having a plurality of cells are provided. One system includes a plurality of time delay circuits. Each of the time delay circuits is electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of cells. The time delay circuits are configured to execute a time delay in response to receiving a trigger signal and output a time delay marking signal indicating that the time delay has elapsed. The time delay is based on a voltage of the cell(s) to which the respective time delay circuit is electrically coupled. The system further includes a control circuit configured to receive the time delay marking signal from each of the time delay circuits and, for each received time delay marking signal, to determine the voltage of the at least one of the plurality of cells associated with the respective time delay marking signal. |
| US09910095B2 |
Voltage measurement for multiple cell battery pack
A method and apparatus to detect cell voltage of each of a plurality of battery cells in a rechargeable battery pack is disclosed. The method comprises generating a square wave form with a positive phase and a negative phase, sending the square wave form to a first circuit that is connected to a battery cell and to a second circuit with matching components of the first circuit, and finally driving a matching voltage of the second circuit to become equivalent to the battery cell voltage for measurement. |
| US09910094B2 |
System and method for improving chemical efficiency of a battery in a flow measurement system
Systems and methods for powering a measurement system are provided. In some aspects, a system includes a high energy density electric cell, storing energy for powering the measurement system; a rechargeable electric cell, being charged by the high energy density electric cell and providing high current bursts to the measurement system; and a charging control device, coupled between the high energy density electric cell and the rechargeable electric cell, and enabling the high energy density electric cell to charge the rechargeable electric cell. The high energy density electric cell operates at a current which allows the high energy density electric cell to be in its optimal zone of chemical efficiency. |
| US09910089B2 |
Inspection unit, probe card, inspection device, and control system for inspection device
An inspection unit in which a probe card is united with a connection body via a vacuum chamber. It prevents flatness of tips of probes provided on the probe card from worsening when the probe card is united with a connection body by suction force (negative pressure) of the vacuum chamber. The inspection unit includes a probe card with probes on a first surface and a connection body united with a second surface of the probe card via a first vacuum chamber. The first chamber is formed with a plurality of chambers. |
| US09910083B2 |
Rectifier diode fault detection in brushless exciters
A method of detecting a diode fault in an AC signal rectifier circuit, the AC signal rectifier circuit including a plurality of diodes, and being arranged to supply a rectified output voltage to a load, wherein the method includes the steps of deriving an operating value indicative of the ratio of the voltage magnitudes of a first harmonic frequency and another harmonic frequency of the rectified output voltage across the load; and determining whether a fault has occurred in one or more diodes on the basis of the derived operating value. The first harmonic frequency is preferably the fundamental harmonic frequency, and/or the another harmonic frequency is preferably the 6th harmonic frequency. |
| US09910082B2 |
Apparatus, methods and systems for measuring and detecting electrical discharge
The invention relates to an apparatus, method and system for measuring and optionally detecting an electrical discharge having a discharge magnitude, wherein the electrical discharge causes a corresponding emission of optical radiation. The apparatus embodies the system and method in accordance with the invention, wherein the method comprises measuring electrical discharge by firstly storing pre-determined calibration data comprising calibrated quantitative measurement values associated with magnitudes of electrical discharge and detector parameters corresponding thereto, the detector parameters being operating parameters associated with the optical detector, receiving and processing a particular detector parameter with the stored calibration data to detect an electrical discharge, and determine a quantitative measurement associated with the magnitude of the detected electrical discharge. |
| US09910075B2 |
Overvoltage detection circuit for detecting an overvoltage spike from an external power supply
An overvoltage detection circuit coupled to an external power supply via a voltage supply line and comprising a transistor comprising first terminal coupled to the voltage supply line, second terminal coupled to the first terminal via a resistor, the second terminal coupled to a parasitic capacitor, the transistor configured to receive an overvoltage spike from the external power supply on the first terminal, and provide an output voltage on third terminal of the transistor to indicate detection of the overvoltage spike when it has a duration less than a time constant based on the resistor and the parasitic capacitor and amplitude that exceeds a threshold voltage of the transistor. The overvoltage detection circuit further comprises a monitor circuit configured to receive the output voltage from the transistor and provide a digital signal providing a notification of the detected overvoltage spike from the external power supply on the voltage supply line. |
| US09910072B2 |
Power-supply voltage sensing device
A power-supply voltage sensing device is disclosed, which relates to a technology for detecting a level of an external power-supply voltage during a test mode. The power-supply voltage sensing device includes a reference voltage trimming unit configured to trim a reference voltage in response to a code signal, a power-supply voltage detection unit configured to select one of a power-supply voltage and an external power-supply voltage in response to a test signal, compare the external power-supply voltage with the reference voltage, and output a detection signal according to the result of comparison, and a reference voltage control unit configured to output the code signal in response to the detection signal. |
| US09910069B1 |
Biasing method and device construction for a spring probe
A device for testing integrated circuits utilizing a compression spring that has one longitudinal centerline that is concentric to the housing of the test probe and terminates in a number of reduced diameter coil windings that are non-concentric to the housing so as to provide a side load to the probe. |
| US09910067B2 |
Apparatus and method for terminating probe apparatus of semiconductor wafer
A probe apparatus and method of terminating a probe that probes a semiconductor device with a signal cable from a tester side by side at a proximal end of the probe and a distal end of the signal cable. In one embodiment, the probe apparatus includes: a chassis; a dielectric block mounted in the chassis for retaining the probe, the probe extending on the chassis from a proximal end of the probe to the dielectric block, extending through the dielectric block, and projecting from the dielectric block towards the semiconductor device at a distal end of the probe; and a terminating apparatus, mounted in the chassis, for terminating the proximal end of the probe with a distal end of the signal cable side by side. |
| US09910064B2 |
Force measurement with real-time baseline determination
An atomic force microscope (AFM) and corresponding method to provide low force (sub-20 pN) AFM control and mechanical property measurement is provided. The preferred embodiments employ real-time false deflection correction/discrimination by adaptively modifying the drive ramp to accommodate to deflection artifacts. |
| US09910063B2 |
Magnetometer as an orientation sensor
Included are methods and systems for marine geophysical surveying. A system includes a streamer; a sensor package coupled to the streamer, wherein the sensor package comprises a primary orientation sensor and a complimentary orientation sensor, wherein the complimentary orientation sensor comprises a magnetometer, wherein the primary orientation sensor and the complimentary orientation sensor are capable of collecting data indicative of the orientation of the streamer; and geophysical sensors distributed on the streamer. |
| US09910062B2 |
Systems and methods for extracting system parameters from nonlinear periodic signals from sensors
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for extracting system parameters from nonlinear periodic signals from sensors. A sensor such as an inertial device includes a first structure and a second structure that is springedly coupled to the first structure. The sensor is configured to generate an output voltage based on a current between the first and second structures. Monotonic motion of the second structure relative to the first structure causes a reversal in direction of the current. |
| US09910055B2 |
Vibration angular velocity sensor
A vibration angular velocity sensor includes a substrate and a vibrator. The vibrator includes support members, linear drive beams, and a plurality of weight portions connected by the drive beams. The vibrator vibrates the plurality of weight portions by bending of the drive beams. The vibrator is fixed to the substrate through the support members at fixed points of the drive beam. A spring property of the support members is smaller than a spring property of the drive beams. |
| US09910054B2 |
System and method for processing samples
An analytical laboratory system and method for processing samples is disclosed. The system includes a manager unit, as well as an aliquotter unit and a centrifuge unit. |
| US09910051B2 |
Fluorogenic pH sensitive dyes and their method of use
A new class of pH sensitive fluorescent dyes and assays relating thereto are described. The dyes and assays are particularly suited for biological applications including phagocytosis and monitoring intracellular processes. The pH sensitive fluorescent dyes of the present invention include compounds of Formula I: wherein the variables are described throughout the application. |
| US09910049B2 |
Detection of misfolded amyloid beta protein
Methods and kits are provided for amplifying and detecting Aβ proteins from samples, for example, from patients having Alzheimer's Disease. For example, a method for determining a presence of a soluble, misfolded Aβ protein may include contacting the sample with a monomeric, folded Aβ protein to form an incubation mixture; conducting an incubation cycle two or more times on the incubation mixture effective to form an amplified portion of misfolded Aβ protein; incubating the incubation mixture effective to cause misfolding and/or aggregation of at least a portion of the monomeric, folded Aβ protein; physically disrupting the incubation mixture effective to at least partly de-aggregate at least a portion of a misfolded Aβ aggregate present; and determining the presence of the soluble, misfolded Aβ protein in the sample by detecting at least a portion of the amplified portion of misfolded Aβ protein. |
| US09910048B2 |
Method for detection of aggregates in biological samples
The present invention provides a method for detecting protein aggregates in a biological sample, and uses thereof. |
| US09910036B2 |
Method and device for combined detection of viral and bacterial infections
A lateral flow assay detects and differentiates between viral and bacterial infections. A combined point of care diagnostic device tests markers for viral infection and markers for bacterial infection, to effectively assist in the rapid differentiation of viral and bacterial infections. In one preferred embodiment, the bacterial marker is CRP. In another preferred embodiment, the viral marker is MxA. In some embodiments, it is unnecessary to lyse the cells in the sample prior to applying it to the device. |
| US09910031B2 |
Compositions and methods for modulating c-Rel-dependent cytokine production
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for modulating c-Rel-dependent cytokine production without materially altering the level of expression of NFκB and/or the amount of IκB. The present invention is also directed to screening for modulators of c-Rel activity as determined by assaying for altered subcellular localization of c-Rel but where the level of expression of NFκB and/or the amount of IκB is materially unaltered. |
| US09910029B2 |
Breath detection device, mobile terminal and time display device
A breath detection device includes a breath-blowing unit in which breath is blown; a deflection amount sensor that detects pressure of the breath-blowing unit; a temperature sensor that detects a physical amount (temperature) different from the pressure of the breath-blowing unit; a storage unit that stores a determination reference which is a reference to determine whether or not breath is blown into the breath-blowing unit; and a determination unit that compares a detection result which is detected by the deflection amount sensor and the temperature sensor with the determination reference, and determines whether or not breath is blown into the breath-blowing unit. |
| US09910028B2 |
Point of care sepsis assay device and method
Disclosed is a point of care sepsis assay comprising a disposable assay cartridge with a sample inlet for a blood sample, a filter to isolate blood plasma, a source of multivalent cations to cause a turbidity change in the plasma sample and a transparent window to measure the change in turbidity and the use of said assay in the diagnosis of sepsis. |
| US09910018B2 |
Microfabricated ultrasonic transducers and related apparatus and methods
Micromachined ultrasonic transducers integrated with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) substrates are described, as well as methods of fabricating such devices. Fabrication may involve two separate wafer bonding steps. Wafer bonding may be used to fabricate sealed cavities in a substrate. Wafer bonding may also be used to bond the substrate to another substrate, such as a CMOS wafer. At least the second wafer bonding may be performed at a low temperature. |
| US09910017B2 |
Microfabricated ultrasonic transducers and related apparatus and methods
Micromachined ultrasonic transducers integrated with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) substrates are described, as well as methods of fabricating such devices. Fabrication may involve two separate wafer bonding steps. Wafer bonding may be used to fabricate sealed cavities in a substrate. Wafer bonding may also be used to bond the substrate to another substrate, such as a CMOS wafer. At least the second wafer bonding may be performed at a low temperature. |
| US09910015B2 |
Sensor array chip with piezoelectric transducer including inkjet forming method
A method of forming a functionalized sensor array includes providing a substrate having at least one sensor array chip including a plurality of sensor structures. The sensor structures include a piezoelectric layer interposed between upper and lower electrodes and positioned across an area of the sensor array chip in a spatial arrangement. An inkjet cartridge chip is also provided having a plurality of microfluidic channels including a fill side having a plurality of fill side orifices and a dispense side having a plurality of dispense nozzles, wherein two or more of the plurality of microchannels are loaded with different sensing materials, and wherein locations of the plurality of dispense nozzles are matched to the spatial arrangement. The plurality of dispense nozzles are aligned to the plurality of sensor structures, and the plurality of dispense nozzles are actuated to deposit the different sensing materials on the plurality of sensor structures. |
| US09910012B2 |
Methods for real-time sampling of reaction products
Methods for analyzing reaction products from an assay chamber (11) in a microfluidic device comprise the steps of (I) moving a sample from the chamber (11) into a load channel (12), towards a separation channel (4), and (III) analyzing the sample present at an intersection (16) of the load channel (12) and the separation channel (4), by electrophoretic separation in the separation channel (4). During this separation, the step of (II) moving a next sample inside the load channel, towards a preload channel (13), is carried out. |
| US09910008B2 |
Methods for generating pH/ionic concentration gradient near electrode surfaces for modulating biomolecular interactions
Device and methods for use in a biosensor comprising a multisite array of test sites, the device and methods being useful for modulating the binding interactions between a (biomolecular) probe or detection agent and an analyte of interest by modulating the pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor. An electrochemically active agent that is suitable for use in biological buffers for changing the pH of the biological buffers. Method for changing the pH of biological buffers using the electrochemically active agents. The methods of modulating the binding interactions provided in a biosensor, analytic methods for more accurately controlling and measuring the pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor, and analytic methods for more accurately measuring an analyte of interest in a biological sample. |
| US09910006B2 |
Method for manufacturing a glass assembly and apparatus for executing the method
A method for manufacturing a glass assembly comprises the steps: lowering of a dip pipe that gas may flow through vertically to the surface of a glass melt; determining when the surface of the glass melt is encountered by the dip pipe end showing towards the glass melt by detecting an increase of the gas pressure found inside the dip pipe; continued lowering of the dip pipe until a predetermined depth of entry of the dip pipe end showing towards the glass melt is reached; obtaining a predetermined pressure inside the dip pipe while the dip pipe first stays at the given immersion depth for the given duration and after the predetermined duration is completed, is lifted with a given speed vertically to the surface of the glass melt, thus creating a gas bubble in the glass melt whose walls are attached to the end of the dip pipe; continued lifting of the dip pipe vertically to the surface of the glass melt until the gas bubble is separated from the glass melt, with the wall of the gas bubble remaining at the dip pipe end as a closing film; and setting, especially controlling and/or adjusting of the pressure inside the dip pipe based on the geometry of the film closing the end of the dip pipe as determined by an image capturing device. |
| US09910001B2 |
Fragment detection method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for detecting machined substrate fragments by thermography. A heat source applies heat to a surface of machined component, the surface providing access to one or more internal chambers within an interior space of the component. The application of heat is sufficient in temperature and duration to cause a fragment temperature elevation rate in at least one machined substrate fragment present in at least one internal chamber that is greater than temperature elevation rate of the component. An IR detection device operably connected to a visual output device captures the IR signal from the component surface following the application of heat and outputs a thermal image of the component. Heat elevation points within the thermal image correspond with the presence of machined substrate fragments within at least one internal chamber of the component. |
| US09909990B1 |
Native fluorescence detection methods, devices, and systems for organic compounds
Naphthalene, benzene, toluene, xylene, and other volatile organic compounds VOCs have been identified as serious health hazards. Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and apparatus for near-real-time in-situ detection and accumulated dose measurement of exposure to naphthalene vapor and other hazardous gaseous VOCs. The methods and apparatus employ excitation of fluorophors native or endogenous to compounds of interest using light sources emitting in the ultraviolet below 300 nm and measurement of native fluorescence emissions in distinct wavebands above the excitation wavelength. The apparatus of some embodiments are cell-phone-sized sensor/dosimeter “badges” to be worn by personnel potentially exposed to hazardous VOCs. The badge sensor of some embodiments provides both real time detection and data logging of exposure to naphthalene or other VOCs of interest from which both instantaneous and accumulated dose can be determined. |
| US09909988B2 |
Light intensity detector and detection method
The invention intends to accurately measure a concentration of an object. An optical sensor (1) includes a detection light source (10) that emits measuring light, a light detection unit (40) that detects light intensity of the measuring light, which has been changed due to a change in optical characteristics of an object detection member (20), and a reference light source (11) that emits reference light. Light intensity of the reference light is detected by the light detection unit (40) without being affected by the change in the optical characteristics of the object detection member. The two light sources are arranged under the same environment. |
| US09909987B1 |
Systems, methods, and software for determining spatially variable distributions of the dielectric properties of a material
Systems, methods, and software for measuring the spatially variable relative dielectric permittivity of materials along a linear or otherwise configured sensor element, and more specifically the spatial variability of soil moisture in one dimension as inferred from the dielectric profile of the soil matrix surrounding a linear sensor element. Various methods described herein combine advances in the processing of time domain reflectometry data with innovations in physical sensing apparatuses. These advancements enable high temporal (and thus spatial) resolution of electrical reflectance continuously along an insulated waveguide that is permanently emplaced in contact with adjacent soils. The spatially resolved reflectance is directly related to impedance changes along the waveguide that are dominated by electrical permittivity contrast due to variations in soil moisture. Various methods described herein are thus able to monitor soil moisture in profile with high spatial resolution. |
| US09909986B2 |
Thickness determination and layer characterization using terahertz scanning reflectometry
A terahertz scanning reflectometer system is described herein for in-situ measurement of polymer coating thickness, semiconductor wafer's surface sub-surface inspection in a non-destructive and non-invasive fashion with very high resolution (e.g., 25 nm or lower) and spectral profiling and imaging of surface and sub-surface of biological tissues (e.g., skin) in a non-invasive fashion. |
| US09909983B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving measurement accuracy
An optical system (10) includes an arrangement for splitting a source beam into a measurement beam and a reference beam. The reference beam is reflected off a reflective element (42) which mounted on a delay line (44). A target (35) scatters the radiation from the measurement beam. The scattered radiation and the reference beam are brought to interfere on a detector (40) by calibrating the delay line (44). The detected interference pattern is Fourier-transformed and filtered to select a region of interest around a side-band of the Fourier-transformed interference pattern in order to remove noise caused by stray radiation that hits the detector. |
| US09909973B2 |
Flowcell systems and methods for particle analysis in blood samples
The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, compositions, and methods for analyzing a sample containing particles. In some aspects the system comprises an analyzer which may be a visual analyzer. In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a particle imaging system comprising a flowcell through which a sample containing particles is caused to flow, and a high optical resolution imaging device which captures images for image analysis of samples. Other compositions, methods and features of this disclosure are disclosed herein. |
| US09909969B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample using microstructured surfaces
Method for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample. The method can include providing a container including a microstructured surface, and centrifuging the container toward the microstructured surface to form a sediment and a supernatant of the sample. Following centrifugation, the container can be inverted to decant at least a portion of the supernatant of the sample from the second portion, such that a concentrate (e.g., including the sediment) of the sample is retained in the microstructured surface. The concentrate can then be interrogated in the microstructured surface for the analyte of interest. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second portion can be substantially transparent, such that the concentrate can be interrogated from the outside of the container, without requiring that the container be opened prior to interrogation. |
| US09909968B2 |
Methods, devices, and systems for measuring physical properties of fluid
Disclosed herein are devices for measuring, at one or more time points, one or more properties or changes in properties of a fluid sample. The devices may comprise a chamber defining an internal volume of the device suitable for receiving and retaining the fluid sample; a plurality of layers, the plurality comprising at least a first layer below the chamber, at least a second layer above the chamber, and a substrate layer between the first and second layers, wherein: the substrate layer is linked to at least one suspended element located within the chamber; the suspended element is linked to the substrate layer by at least two compliant structures located within the chamber; and the suspended element is configured to oscillate upon application of an actuating signal to at least one electrically conductive path, which runs across at least two of the compliant structures and the suspended element. Related methods and uses are also disclosed. |
| US09909962B2 |
Device and method for controlling the temperature in a moving fluid in a laboratory sample processing system
A temperature control device and method are provided for an analytical system for performing laboratory protocols. The device includes a well within a housing configured to receive a biological specimen according to a predetermined sample process. The specimen is suspended by a holding device in the well. A thermal element is provided in heat exchange communication with fluid in the well. A temperature sensor is located in the well at a location to be covered and uncovered by rocking motion of fluid in the well. A controller, in communication with the thermal element, the temperature sensor, and an agitation system, is operative to control the thermal element in correlation with temperature data, for example, peak temperature data, from the temperature sensor. |
| US09909961B2 |
Analytic substrate coating apparatus and method
An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production. |
| US09909958B2 |
Transparent frozen soil and preparation method and application thereof
The present invention discloses a transparent frozen soil, which is prepared from a fluorine-containing polymer, ice particles and a colorless pore fluid by steps of preparing materials, blending, vacuuming, consolidating, and freezing. The fluorine-containing polymer is poly[4,5-difluoro-2,2bis(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-dioxole-co-tetrafluoroethylene], with the refractive index of 1.31, the particle diameter ≦0.074 mm, and the density of 2.1-2.3 g/cm3. The present invention also provides the application of above transparent frozen soil in the frozen soil directional blasting model test and the frozen soil road embankment model thaw-slumping landslide test. The transparent frozen soil prepared by the present invention can well simulate the properties of natural transparent frozen clay, is effectively used in model tests in the geotechnical engineering, with accurate measurement results, and can realize the visualization of the internal deformation of a soil body, and it is low in the expense, and simple in the operation. |
| US09909955B2 |
Uses of hydrophobic aggregates and methods for performing those uses
A method of collecting a urine sample including appropriately locating hydrophobic sand with respect to the urine sample. Use of the hydrophobic sand including providing a barrier in the form of at least one layer of the sand; and collecting a urine sample by appropriately locating the sand with respect to the urine. |
| US09909944B2 |
Thin film sensor
A sensor (1) comprising a membrane, an isolation layer (3) arranged on the membrane, measuring electronics comprising a thin film circuit (4), e.g. in the form of a Wheatstone bridge, deposited on the isolation layer (3), and a power supply (14) arranged to supply a quasi-DC voltage to the thin film circuit (4) is disclosed. The sensor (1) is cost effective to manufacture, due to the thin film circuit (4), and corrosion effects are avoided, without having to apply a coating or passivation layer onto the thin film circuit (4), due to the quasi-DC voltage being supplied to the thin film circuit (4). |
| US09909943B2 |
Device for inspecting braking mechanism for electric motor, and inspection method
A device can prevent a failure in the actuation of a braking mechanism, which is caused by adhesion of adhesive substances. The device includes a heating part for heating the braking mechanism, a heat controller for controlling a heating operation of the heating part, a brake controller for actuating the braking mechanism when the heat controller stops the heating operation, and the temperature of the braking mechanism decreases, an actuation delay measuring part for measuring an actuation delay of the braking mechanism when the brake controller actuates the braking mechanism, and a comparison part for comparing the actuation delay measured by the actuation delay measuring part with a reference value of the actuation delay of the braking mechanism. |
| US09909942B2 |
Acceleration-sensing electrochemical pressure sensor compositions
An accelerometer 100 which includes a bracket 110, a pair of electrodes 210/220/230/240/250, a first electrically conductive foam 120, a second electrically conductive foam 130, wherein the first electrically conductive foam and the second electrically conductive foam are inserted between the pair of electrodes and the bracket. |
| US09909937B2 |
Method of identifying and reducing lateral force of a coil spring
A method of monitoring lateral force of a coil spring having a body and opposing end coils is disclosed. A fixture includes a base defining a planar surface with a shaft that extends from said planar surface at a normal angle to said planar surface. An axis defined by the coil spring is aligned with the shaft. Angular displacement from the shaft of an end coil is measured, and the angular displacement is correlated with a lateral force value. |
| US09909934B2 |
Systems and methods for calibrating a temperature detection module
A determination is made if a temperature of a system has exceeded a hot threshold or a cold threshold. At room temperature, a first adjustment is determined for first nominal settings. The first nominal settings are for a first input to a first comparator. At room temperature, a second adjustment is determined for second nominal settings. The second nominal settings are for a first input to a second comparator. The temperature is monitored, during normal operation of the system, using a temperature dependent voltage with the first comparator adjusted with the first adjustment and second comparator adjusted with the second adjustment. |
| US09909933B2 |
Eutectic based continuous thermal sensing element including fiber wrapped center conductor
A eutectic sensing element includes an electrically conductive core extending along a first axis to define a length. The core is coated with a coated with a eutectic material formulated to provide desirable thermal response characteristics. The eutectic sensing element further includes an insulating fiber layer disposed on an external surface of the electrically conductive. The insulating fiber layer includes a strand that extends along the length of the electrically conductive core. |
| US09909930B2 |
Multi-sensor assembly with tempature sensors having different thermal profiles
One example discloses a multi-sensor assembly, comprising: a first temperature sensor, having a first thermal profile; a second temperature sensor, having a second thermal profile different from the first thermal profile; wherein the first and second temperature sensors are mounted on a set of lead-frames; wherein the first and second temperature sensors include a first heat path input coupled to an ambient environment, and a second heat path input coupled to at least one of the lead-frames; and wherein the first and second sensors and set of lead-frames are included in a single multi-sensor assembly. Another example discloses a method of manufacture for the multi-sensor assembly. |
| US09909929B2 |
Temperature sensor and process of manufacturing same
A temperature sensor includes a temperature detecting section including a temperature-sensitive element, a cylindrical housing disposed on a proximal end side of the temperature detecting section, a connector member disposed on a proximal end side of the housing, and a buffer member which is elastically deformable and disposed between the connector member and the housing. The connector member includes a connector counter surface located on a side of the housing in an axial direction along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The housing includes a housing counter surface located opposite to the connector counter surface. The housing counter surface and the connector counter surface are separated from each other so that a gap is present therebetween. The buffer member is disposed deformably in the gap so that the connector member and the housing are movable relative to each other in the axial direction. |
| US09909928B2 |
Wireless thermometer on a film-like substrate using quartz vibrator
A wireless thermometer is provided, which measures a deep temperature with high accuracy and has an improved communication distance. A wireless thermometer includes a flat film-like substrate. A quartz crystal vibrator and an antenna are disposed on a principal surface of the substrate. A quartz crystal vibrator and an antenna are disposed on the other principal surface of the substrate. A winding conductor of the antenna is substantially symmetrical with a winding conductor of the antenna with respect to the substrate. A lead conductor of the antenna is connected to the winding conductor at one end and is connected to the quartz crystal vibrator at the other end. A central portion of the lead conductor is bent. By folding the central portion, the quartz crystal vibrator can be positioned opposite the quartz crystal vibrator with a heat insulator interposed there between. |
| US09909927B1 |
Optical attenuation coefficient meter
An attenuation meter is provided for use in a water environment. In operation, a transmitter of the meter transmits a laser pulse focused to a size at a predetermined range. A receiver of the meter images a focused spot to minimize unwanted light back scattering and avoid diffractive spreading within the back scattering region. Filtering the angular region can further reject scattered light. The filtered light is received, measured and processed by a oscilloscope as pulse averages. The meter also includes a photodetector to measure a diffuse attenuation coefficient. The output voltage of the photodetector is measured and processed by the oscilloscope that produces an average voltage over a preset number of pulses. A controller best fits voltage to time dependence to produce the diffuse attenuation coefficient. Only the shape of the receiver time dependence is required to provide the diffuse attenuation coefficient measurement. |
| US09909925B2 |
Apparatus and method to measure temperature of 3D semiconductor structures via laser diffraction
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to apparatus for and methods of measuring and monitoring the temperature of a substrate having a 3D feature thereon. The apparatus include a light source for irradiating a substrate having a 3D feature thereon, a focus lens for gathering and focusing reflected light, and an emissometer for detecting the emissivity of the focused reflected light. The apparatus may also include a beam splitter and an imaging device. The imaging device provides a magnified image of the diffraction pattern of the reflected light. The method includes irradiating a substrate having a 3D feature thereon with light, and focusing reflected light with a focusing lens. The focused light is then directed to a sensor and the emissivity of the substrate is measured. The reflected light may also impinge upon an imaging device to generate a magnified image of the diffraction pattern of the reflected light. |
| US09909919B2 |
Pyranometer
The invention provides a pyranometer with a fast response time, a reduced offset amount, and reduced impacts from harsh outside environment and an enhanced long-term stability, as well as an excellent cosine response. The pyranometer has: a silicon-based thermopile sensor, which is sealed airtight in a CAN package and positioned opposed to the receiving surface of the thermopile sensor; and diffusing member that is positioned so as to be opposed to a receiving surface of the thermopile. |
| US09909914B2 |
Ringed meter rollers and slide cutoff system
A system includes an agricultural metering system a meter roller configured to meter product from an agricultural product storage compartment to a product distribution system via rotation of the meter roller. The meter roller includes a first meter roller segment having a first plurality of flutes and a corresponding first plurality of recesses, and a second meter roller segment having a second plurality of flutes and a corresponding second plurality of recesses. The first meter roller segment includes a first profile, the second meter roller includes a second profile, and the first profile is different from the second profile. The system also has a dividing ring axially positioned between the first meter roller segment and the second meter roller segment. |
| US09909911B2 |
Multiphase flow measurement using electromagnetic sensors
A method for determining a phase composition of a multiphase mixture flowing through a pipe is presented. The method includes exciting one or more patch antennas configured to operate over the range of frequencies. Further, the method includes acquiring at least one of a transmitted signal and a reflected signal over the range of frequencies from the one or more patch antennas. Moreover, the method includes estimating the phase composition of the multiphase mixture based on a group delay determined from at least one of the transmitted signal and the reflected signal. A system for determining a phase composition of a multiphase mixture flowing through a pipe is also presented. |
| US09909910B2 |
Tomographic and sonar-based processing using electrical probing of a flowing fluid to determine flow rate
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about electrical responses to a transiting flow perturbation in at least three planes of a fluid flowing in a pipe, tank, cell or vessel sensed using a tomographic processing technique; and determine a flow rate of the fluid flowing in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel using a combined tomography and SONAR-based algorithm and signal processing technique, based at least partly on the signaling received. |
| US09909908B2 |
Profiles for streamlining calibration test
A calibrator has profiles for holding locators for items in a tree-like database of smart device that monitors a process. The calibrator is connected to the smart device and obtains tag and other identity information to find the profile for the smart device. When a profile is located, the calibrator displays a list of calibration setup items and favorite items and loads the items on the list into the calibrator as default inputs or settings. |
| US09909907B2 |
Double quadrature with adaptive phase shift for improved phase reference performance
A method for correcting a timing error in a test and measurement instrument. The method includes receiving a clock signal at each of four samplers. The first clock signal is sampled at the first sampler at a first phase, the second clock signal is sampled at the second sampler at a second phase that is 90 degrees offset from the first phase, the third clock signal is sampled at the third sampler at a third phase that is 45 degrees offset from the first phase, and the fourth clock signal is sampled at the fourth sampler at a fourth phase that is 90 degrees offset from the third phase. Each of the outputs from the samplers are digitized and a timing correction is calculated based on the digitized outputs from the digitized outputs. |
| US09909906B2 |
Indicating device with dial plate having grooves
A dial plate is in a disc shape. A pointer body is located at a center of the dial plate and rotational relative to the dial plate. The dial plate has a plurality of grooves extending radially outward from the center. The pointer body is configured to emit light radially outward to illuminate one of the grooves to produce a linear illumination extending linearly outward from the pointer body. |
| US09909905B2 |
Multi-part air data probe assembly to facilitate rapid replacement
A multi-part air data probe sensor assembly facilitating rapid replacement is provided. One example air data probe sensor assembly comprises a mount plate interface including at least one mount plate electrical connector configured to mate with electrical lines of an aircraft and at least one mount plate pneumatic connector configured to mate with pneumatic tubes of an aircraft; and a detachable sensor body having at least one sensor electrical connector that is coupled with the at least one mount plate electrical connector and at least one sensor pneumatic connector that is coupled with the at least one mount plate pneumatic connector; and a mechanical seal provided between the mount plate interface and the detachable sensor body, wherein the mechanical seal is composed of a moisture blocking material. |
| US09909901B2 |
Systems and methods to manage and control renewable distributed energy resources
A system for analyzing energy usage measures one or more parameters indicative of energy usage for a plurality of sub-circuits, where the sampling rate for the measuring is substantially continuous, and automatically transmits information related to at least one of the measured parameters at a rate that enables monitoring of current energy usage. The system further detects a significant change in a measured parameter, determines whether the significant change in the measured parameter is caused by a change in energy usage, and automatically transmits information related to the significant change in the measured parameter caused by the change in energy usage after detecting the significant change. |
| US09909899B2 |
Mobile terminal and control method for the mobile terminal
The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal capable of providing POI information suitable to user environments and a control method thereof, and a mobile terminal according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display unit configured to display map data; and a controller configured to detect user preference information associated with a place from the plurality of communication terminals, detect POI information from a server, detect candidate POI information based on the detected POI information and the user preference information, detect representative POI information from the candidate POI information based on user schedule information, and display the representative POI information on the map data. |
| US09909896B2 |
Live branded dynamic mapping
A live dynamic map that provides for increased convenience for a user at a venue is disclosed. The live dynamic map may be branded for a venue, shows points of interest and paths between locations, includes a messaging capability, and allows users to be social with one another as well as venue management. Live branded mapping may allow for similar engagement on a region-by-region, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, or even brand-by-brand basis. By engaging on a hyper-local level, the present mapping platform can better target user and payload delivering and improve upon business to consumer brand engagement. |
| US09909895B2 |
Adaptive audio guidance navigation
In a method for providing adaptive audio guidance, determining, by one or more processors, a route of a computing device, wherein the route is from an initial location of the computing device to a destination. Determining, by one or more processors, an estimated time of arrival at which the computing device would arrive at the destination. Prompting, by one or more processors, a user to input a desired arrival time. Determining, by one or more processors, whether to provide audio guidance based on a determination of whether the estimated time of arrival is within a pre-determined time period before the desired arrival time. |
| US09909894B2 |
Componentized junction models
In one embodiment, a method is provided for componentized junction models. A plurality of road junction configurations are defined with a different set of road segment models corresponding to each of the plurality of road junction configurations. One of the plurality of road junction configurations are selected for a route through a physical road junction. A model of the physical road junction is generated by assembling the set of road segment models corresponding to the selected road junction configuration. The three-dimensional model of the physical road junction is rendered. |
| US09909893B2 |
Intelligent blind guiding device
The present disclosure provides an intelligent blind guiding device, wherein a satellite positioning module is configured to acquire a location information representative of a user's location; an ultrasonic module is configured to acquire an obstacle information by detecting surrounding obstacles; a positioning analysis module is configured to acquire a revised location information; a voice input module is configured to acquire a destination information; a central processing unit is configured to determine a travel solution; and a prompt module is configured to broadcast the travel solution. The present disclosure may realize a precise positioning, and provide an optional travel mode for a blind person. |
| US09909888B2 |
Notifying a mobile body that the mobile body is approaching particular area
A method for notifying a mobile body that the mobile body is approaching a particular area comprising calculating a plurality of areas where the mobile body may arrive on the basis of dynamic map information; calculating, for each event occurring in the plurality of areas, an arriving probability of arriving at a region affected by the event; extracting an avoidance position for enabling the mobile body to avoid arriving at the region affected by the event; calculating an encountering probability of meeting the region affected by the event on the basis of a reliability of the event, the arriving probability, and the avoidance position, and notifying the mobile body of the encountering probability. |
| US09909881B2 |
Data mining in a digital map database to identify insufficient superelevation along roads and enabling precautionary actions in a vehicle
Disclosed is a feature for a vehicle that enables taking precautionary actions in response to conditions on the road network around or ahead of the vehicle, in particular, a curved portion of a road with insufficient superelevation. A database that represents the road network is used to determine locations where curved sections of roads have insufficient superelevation (banking), i.e., where the superelevation is below a threshold. Then, precautionary action data is added to the database to indicate a location at which a precautionary action is to be taken about the location of insufficient superelevation. A precautionary action system installed in a vehicle uses this database, or a database derived therefrom, in combination with a positioning system to determine when the vehicle is at a location that corresponds to the location of a precautionary action. When the vehicle is at such a location, a precautionary action is taken by a vehicle system as the vehicle is approaching a location of insufficient superelevation. |
| US09909880B2 |
Automated wayfinding of an accessible route
Embodiments of the invention relate to selecting a path for navigation based on path accessibility. A set of one or more paths is generated, with each path including path elements associated with path traversal. A list of preference data is stored. A set of accessible paths is dynamically calculated, which includes evaluating elements of each path of the generated set against the list of preference data. The set of accessible paths is converted into a path selection. The path selection is navigated, which includes visually displaying the path selection. |
| US09909873B2 |
MEMS gyroscope for determining rotational movements about an x, y, and/or z axis
The invention relates to a MEMS gyroscope for detecting rotational motions about an x-, y-, and/or z-axis, in particular a 3-D sensor, containing a substrate, several, at least two, preferably four, drive masses (2) that are movable radially with respect to a center and drive elements (7) for the oscillating vibration of the drive masses (2) in order to generate Coriolis forces on the drive masses (2) in the event of rotation of the substrate about the x-, y-, and/or z-axis. The oscillating drive masses (2) are connected to at least one further non-oscillating sensor mass (3) that however can be rotated about the x-, y-, and/or z-axis together with the oscillating drive masses (2) on the substrate. Sensor elements (9, 10) are used to detect deflections of the sensor mass (3) and/or drive masses (2) in relation to the substrate due to the generated Coriolis forces. At least two, preferably four anchors (5) are used to rotatably fasten the sensor mass (3) to the substrate by means of springs (4). |
| US09909870B2 |
Level including removable end caps
A level includes a frame supporting a plurality of vials and having an aperture disposed on an end of the level. The level also includes an end cap assembly detachably coupled to the end of the frame. The end cap assembly includes an end cap and a retainer. A portion of the end cap is received in the aperture and is maintained in engagement with the frame by the retainer. |
| US09909866B2 |
Synthetic digital sextant for navigation
Technology for determining a position of a platform is described. A location of a horizon line can be determined using a sensor onboard the platform. One or more celestial objects in the sky can be detected using the sensor onboard the platform. Differential angular measurements between the horizon line and at least one of the celestial objects in the sky can be determined over a duration of time. The position of the platform can be determined based on the differential angular measurements between the horizon line and the celestial objects. |
| US09909865B2 |
Method for determining errors in a rotation position determination system
A method for determining one or more errors of a rotational position establishment system is provided. More particularly, a rotary apparatus having first and second parts that rotate relative to one another about a rotation axis of the rotary apparatus is used to determine one or more rotation errors. A rotation position determination system is used to determine rotation position errors from the rotation positions of the rotary apparatus or a change in the rotation position of the rotary apparatus, and from rotation positions of a reference rotary apparatus or a change in the rotation position of the reference rotary apparatus. |
| US09909861B2 |
Method and device for detecting the edge profile of bottles or similar containers
The invention relates to a method and device for detecting the edge profile of bottles or similar containers that are moved past a measuring and/or receiving region of a measuring and/or receiving system, using at least one opto-electric receiver on one side of the measuring and/or receiving region and using at least one light-emitting device on the side located opposite of the receiver in the measuring and/or receiving region. |
| US09909859B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring visual range using geometrical information of an image and an image pattern recognition technique
The present invention relates to a measurement system for calculating visual range using perspective and geometrical information of an image captured by a camera, CCTV, camcorder, or other imaging device and a method for measuring visual range from a non-linear function through pattern recognition on an image. The present measurement system and method may make up for uncertainty due to assumption that aerosol is evenly distributed and limit to measurement space in the optimal measurement method, thus offering more objective data. |
| US09909854B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
A plurality of cross section images which can be included in the range of a specific error occurring when specifying a correspondence cross section in a three-dimensional medical image of an object corresponding to a cross section of interest of the object are acquired from the three-dimensional medical image. The acquired cross section images are displayed on a display screen. |
| US09909853B2 |
Calibration and monitoring of an angle measuring system for electrical machines
An electrical machine includes an angular position transducer for identifying a first rotation angle of a rotor; a stator winding for generating a magnetic field; a voltage measuring instrument for sensing a pole wheel voltage at the ends of the stator winding upon a rotation of the rotor; and an identification circuit for identifying a second rotation angle from the pole wheel voltage and for identifying an angle difference between the first and the second rotation angle. |
| US09909852B2 |
Operation position detection apparatus and vehicular apparatus
An operation position detection apparatus includes: an operation body including front and back side operation surfaces; a casing; three strain generating bodies on at least one operation surface, wherein each strain generating body includes a connection section connected to the operation body, a fixed section fixed to the casing, and a displacement transmission surface displaceable by a pushing pressure to each operation surface; a distortion detection section arranged on each displacement transmission surface and detecting a distortion of the displacement transmission surface; and an operation position calculation section detecting which of the front side operation surface and the back side operation surface is pushed, the magnitude of the operation force generated by the pushing pressure, and an operation position of the pushing pressure, according to a detected distortion. |
| US09909851B2 |
Automatically aligning chassis guides
A system for positioning a vehicle chassis in which tires are mounted on an axle associated with the chassis is provided. The system includes first and second tire guides spaced apart from one another in which the first and second tire guides are configured to opposedly face one another. The system further includes tire guide sections joined to form each of the first and second tire guides. Each tire guide section is adjustable within a range such that a distance between opposing tire guide sections may be adjusted. The tire guide sections are adjusted based on the position of the tires mounted on the axle associated with the chassis. |
| US09909849B2 |
Method and system for measuring medication and automatic loading of a database
A system and method for measuring medication includes providing a graphical user interface (GUI) including a representation of a medication or a medication container. An indication to measure at least one dimension of the medication or the medication container is provided in the GUI. At least one signal including at least one measured dimension of the medication or the medication container is received by one or more processors that process and store the at least one measured dimension. The at least one measured dimension is provided in the GUI in association with the indication to measure the at least one dimension of the medication or the medication container. |
| US09909836B2 |
Rifle handguard system
The rifle handguard system may include a barrel nut configured to fasten to an upper receiver of a rifle and further configured to carry a rifle barrel. The system may also include a rifle handguard having a muzzle end and a receiver end. The receiver end may be shaped to receive the barrel nut. The receiver end may further include means for affixing the rifle handguard to the barrel nut via friction between an inner surface of the rifle handguard and an outer surface of the barrel nut. |
| US09909835B1 |
Recoil abatement stock with reduced rattle
A recoil reduction system for a firearm. In some embodiments, the recoil reduction includes buffer tube housed within a buttstock, and a deformable structure for setting a clearance tolerance between the buffer tube and the buttstock to reduce lateral play while enabling smooth translation therebetween. In some embodiments, a guide pin and/or skid projections provide interference between the sliding components of the recoil reduction system when in a battery configuration, while releasing the interference during a recoil event. |
| US09909830B1 |
Modular firearm grip cover assembly with sighting device
A grip cover assembly for a handgrip of a firearm may include modular side panels joined by a resilient finger bridge. Openings may be formed between the finger bridge and the side panels to expose a portion of the underlying handgrip surface. A laser sighting device may be housed in one of the side panels, with an adjustable laser emitter having a substantially vertical orientation. A laser beam emitted by the laser emitter may be redirected to a substantially horizontal beam path by a reflector, also housed in the side panel. |
| US09909823B2 |
Thermal conductivity control devices
A system for controlling thermal conductivity between two thermal masses is disclosed. The system includes a first conduction body in thermal contact with a heat source and a second conduction body in contact with a heat sink. A thermal expansion component operatively connects to the first conduction body and moves the body between first and second positions at a predetermined temperature. In the first position the first conduction body is spaced apart from the second conduction body, thermally isolating the heat source from the heat sink. In the second position the first conduction body thermally contacts the second conduction body, and conducts heat from the heat source, through the conduction bodies and into the heat sink. Related methods are also described. |
| US09909822B2 |
Channel guide distributor
A channel guide distributor of a heat exchanger including a flanged body, a nozzle fluidly connected to the flanged body, a diffuser fluidly connected to the nozzle, a pin operably connected to the nozzle, a cone operably connected to the nozzle and a post removably connected to the flanged body and configured to receive the diffuser. The post having a tubular portion, an open end, a closed end, an inner surface, an outer surface, a post longitudinal axis, and twenty-four apertures in the tubular portion. The apertures are aligned linearly along the post longitudinal axis and equidistantly spaced. A diameter of the outer surface of the tubular portion is about 1.156±0.003 inches (2.936±0.01 centimeters). |
| US09909820B2 |
Fluid heat exchange systems
A fluid heat exchanger includes: a heat spreader plate including an intended heat generating component contact region; a plurality of microchannels for directing heat transfer fluid over the heat spreader plate, the plurality of microchannels each having a first end and an opposite end and each of the plurality of microchannels extending substantially parallel with each other microchannel and each of the plurality of microchannels having a continuous channel flow path between their first end and their opposite end; a fluid inlet opening for the plurality of microchannels and positioned between the microchannel first and opposite ends, a first fluid outlet opening from the plurality of microchannels at each of the microchannel first ends; and an opposite fluid outlet opening from the plurality of microchannels at each of the microchannel opposite ends, the fluid inlet opening and the first and opposite fluid outlet openings providing that any flow of heat transfer fluid that passes into the plurality of microchannels, flows along the full length of each of the plurality of microchannels in two directions outwardly from the fluid inlet opening. A method of cooling a heat generating component uses a fluid heat exchanger that splits a mass flow of coolant. |
| US09909819B2 |
Evaporator tube having an optimised external structure
A metal heat exchanger tube for the evaporation of liquids on the outside of the tube, having a tube axis, a tube wall, and integrally formed ribs that run circumferentially on the outside of the tube. The ribs have a rib foot, rib flanks, and a rib tip, wherein the rib foot projects substantially radially from the tube wall. A respective groove is located between every two ribs that are adjacent to one another in the axial direction. At least first, second, and third lateral material projections, which are formed from the material of the ribs, are arranged on a first, second, and third level on the rib flanks in such a way that the grooves are largely covered by all of the material projections. The first, second, and third lateral material projections are formed on levels that are in each case differently spaced apart from the tube wall in the radial direction. |
| US09909817B2 |
Cooling element
The invention relates to a cooling element (11) comprising: a fluid channel (1) providing a pulsating heat pipe, a first evaporator (14) for receiving heat from electric components (15) and for passing the heat into fluid in the fluid channel (1), and a first condenser (18) for receiving fluid from the first evaporator (14) via the fluid channel (1) and for cooling fluid in the fluid channel. In order to obtain an even temperature distribution at the first evaporator (14) an adiabatic zone where the temperature of the fluid in the fluid channel (1) remains unchanged or a cooling zone, with a second condenser (20) cooling fluid in the fluid channel (1), separates the first evaporator (14) from the loops (6) in the second end (12) of the fluid channel. |
| US09909816B2 |
Thermal management system
A system is disclosed. The system includes a thermally conductive enclosure bounding an interior cavity, a metallic cell wall structure disposed within the cavity, in thermal communication with the enclosure, and defining a plurality of cells, and a phase change material disposed within the cells and in thermal communication with the cell walls. The plurality of cells have a cell width less than about 5 millimeters, and the cell wall thickness of the cell wall structure is in a range from about 0.25 millimeter to about 1 millimeter. |
| US09909809B2 |
Heat treatment apparatus and method of controlling the same
The heat treatment apparatus includes: a processing chamber which accommodates a processing object; a heating unit which heats the processing object accommodated in the processing chamber; a temperature detecting unit which detects an internal temperature of the processing chamber; and a controller which sets a second setting temperature identical to as a temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit when the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit falls below a predetermined first setting temperature due to an external disturbance; controls the heating unit so that a third setting temperature between the second setting temperature and the first setting temperature becomes identical to the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit; and controls the heating unit so that the first setting temperature becomes identical to the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit after the third setting temperature becomes identical to the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit. |
| US09909808B2 |
System and method for degassing molten metal
A system for adding gas to and transferring molten metal from a vessel and into one or more of a ladle, ingot mold, launder, feed die cast machine or other structure is disclosed. The system includes at least a vessel for containing molten metal, an overflow (or dividing) wall, a device or structure, such as a molten metal pump, for generating a stream of molten metal, and one or more gas-release devices. |
| US09909803B2 |
Cryogenic separation of synthesis gas
A process and apparatus for separating a feed containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, and optionally nitrogen to form a product gas having a desired H2:CO molar ratio and optionally a hydrogen product gas and a carbon monoxide product gas. The feed is partially condensed to form a hydrogen-enriched vapor fraction and a carbon monoxide-enriched liquid fraction. The hydrogen-enriched vapor fraction and carbon monoxide-enriched liquid fraction are combined in a regulated manner to form an admixture, which is cryogenically separated to form the product mixture having the desired H2:CO molar ratio. |
| US09909802B2 |
Smart storage of temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals
A refrigerator and/or freezer unit and system for storing, monitoring, and maintaining a supply of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical products in compliance with regulatory requirements. The unit contains compartments for each product type in multiple controlled temperature zones with sensors and readers to track product status and content. A user interface device in communication with an application service provider provides the user with a secure access to the content of the unit and product information. The application service provider provides the user with web accessed optimal management of product inventory. |
| US09909799B2 |
Refrigeration apparatus
Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus (1) comprising at least one receptacle (42) within which an article (44) can be placed for temperature-controlled storage. The apparatus (1) has a reservoir (10) within which fluid is contained, the reservoir (10) having a cooling region in thermal communication with the at least one receptacle (42). The reservoir (10) includes a headspace containing fluid that is, in use, higher than the at least one receptacle (42). The apparatus (1) has cooling means (30) for cooling fluid within the headspace. The or each receptacle (42) comprises a tube or pouch having an opening defined by an aperture (40) disposed in a wall of the reservoir (10) and extending inwardly into the cooling region so as to be submerged therein. |
| US09909797B2 |
Insulated container
The insulated container having a support that separates the ice, food, and drinks from the melted ice water to prevent damage to the food items. The ice, food, and drinks are placed on top of the flat upper surface of the removable support. The removable support has an inflatable bladder on the underside designed to look like downwardly positioned semi-cylindrical ridges, having apertures between the ridges in a foldable spine that allows the melting ice water to drain past the top surface, at the edges of the bladder and through the apertures of the removable support into the voids between the semi-cylindrical ridges below. |
| US09909796B2 |
Snow making method and apparatus
A snow making system, suitable for making man-made snow for ski-runs or ski-slopes, uses a snow making machine, where ice is converted into snow-like particles and directed in an upwardly-directed stream, into which a spray or mist of water droplets is introduced. The snow-like particles operate as nucleating agents for the water droplets to convert the droplets into flakes of snow. The flakes of snow may be introduced into the snow making machine, converted into snow-like particles and be incorporated into the stream to produce further flakes of snow. The flakes of snow can be “recycled” to the snow making machine until the desired quantity of snow has been produced. The system enables snow to be made at ambient air temperatures just above, or below, the freezing point of water. |
| US09909793B2 |
Expansion valve and vibration-proof spring
An expansion valve includes a vibration-proof spring that develops the sliding resistance by biasing a shaft. The vibration-proof spring includes a base portion constituted by a circular plate having a hole, through which the actuating rod can be inserted, in the central region, a plurality of spring portions, which is installed upright on the base portion and which is so formed as to come in contact with the periphery of the actuating rod, and a plurality of supporting pieces, which extend outward from the base portion and which is formed so that the supporting pieces can be stopped by the body. The supporting piece is structured such that the supporting piece includes a low-rigidity portion whose rigidity is lower than that of the base portion. |
| US09909787B2 |
Pulse tube refrigerator/cryocooler apparatus
A pulse tube refrigerator/cryocooler apparatus including: an inlet for receiving a cyclically moving volume of gas; a regenerator device fluidly connected to the inlet for storing and recovering thermal energy from the gas; a pulse tube fluidly connected to the regenerator; and a conduit fluidly connected at one end to the pulse tube and fluidly connected at its opposite end to a container, said container providing a storage volume for gas, wherein apparatus is configured such that the cyclically moving gas enters the regenerator in a direction parallel to its elongate axis. |
| US09909785B2 |
Heat pump device with simultaneous use of air and geothermal heat sources
A heat pump device that collects heat both air and geothermal heat sources, and a controller determines, by comparing the temperature of an additional heat source and the current refrigerant temperature, whether or not to switch to simultaneous operation when there is insufficient capacity during single operation. During heating operation, the operation is switched to simultaneous operation if the temperature of the additional heat source is greater than the current refrigerant temperature, and single operation is continued if the temperature of the additional heat source is no greater than the current refrigerant temperature. As another determination method for during heating operation, the refrigerant temperature after addition of geothermal heat source is estimated and the heat pump is switched to simultaneous operation if the estimated refrigerant temperature is greater than the current refrigerant temperature. Single operation is continued if the estimated refrigerant temperature is no greater than the current refrigerant temperature. |
| US09909783B2 |
Twisted conduit for geothermal heat exchange
A geothermal heat exchange apparatus which is a flexible assembly of a plurality of pipes twisted on a central conduit. The central conduit has a tubular structure. The plurality of pipes is twisted around the central conduit. The plurality of pipes is connects to an external environmental conditioning apparatus that supplies a heat exchange liquid for the transfer of heat through the plurality of pipes. The geothermal heat exchange apparatus is adapted for positioning in a hole in the earth for the exchange of heat. |
| US09909782B2 |
Self-contained heat-exchanger for electricity generation
A method of harnessing geothermal energy to produce electricity by lowering a geothermal generator deep into a pre-drilled well bore below the Earth's surface. The Self Contained In-Ground Geothermal Generator (SCI-GGG) includes a boiler, a turbine compartment, an electricity generator, a condenser and produces electricity down at the heat sources and transports it up to the ground surface by cable. The Self Contained Heat Exchanger (SCHE) is integral part of (SCI-GGG) system and can function independently. It consists of a closed loop system with two heat exchangers. No pollution is emitted during production process. There is no need for hydro-thermal reservoirs although not limited to hot rocks. It can be implemented in many different applications. The SCHE also includes an in-line water pump operatively coupled to the closed loop system and can be used in many different applications. |
| US09909781B2 |
Solar cell roof tiles
A panel (105) is provided for utilizing solar energy, especially in the form of panels designed as roof tiles (101), wherein the heat is transferred from panel to fluid or vice versa. On this panel one or more solar cell panels (107) can be provided so that it is cooled effectively during operation, while heat energy simultaneously may be utilized. Panels, for example designed as roof tiles, individually or assembled, are mounted on roofing battens (110) suitable for the purpose, and connected to electrical connection points and bushings for fluid transport. The roofing battens (110) are mounted on furring ring strips (112) in the usual way. Some furring strips are used for connection of electrical conductors in the flooring battens (112) and any fluid circuits in the flooring battens (110). The construction facilitates installing and maintenance. |
| US09909780B2 |
System control for tank recovery
The present invention is a system for tank recovery comprising a tankless having an outlet and a storage tank that is operatively connected to the tankless. A pump is operatively connected to the tankless and the pump is operatively connected to the storage tank. A first thermistor is in thermal communication with the outlet of the tankless. The first thermistor measures a first temperature of the outlet of the tankless when the pump is active. A second thermistor is in thermal communication with the storage tank. The second thermistor measures a second temperature of the storage tank. A controller has a stored default temperature for the tankless. The controller receives the measured second temperature from the second thermistor. The controller compares the stored default temperature for the tankless to the measured second temperature from the second thermistor. The controller sends a first signal to activate the pump when the difference between the stored temperature and the measured second temperature is greater than a first set temperature. |
| US09909779B2 |
Method of manufacturing a set of heat exchange cells and set of heat exchange cells thus obtained
A method is described of manufacturing a set of heat exchange cells (1a-1d) having a thermal power falling within a predetermined range of minimum and maximum values, each heat exchange cell (1a-1d) comprising at least one heat exchanger (2) mounted in a respective containment casing (5), wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) providing a single containment casing (5) of a plurality of heat exchange cells (1a-1d) of the set, the casing (5) having a constant axial extension as the thermal power of the cell (1a-1d) varies within the range of thermal power values and equal to the axial extension of the cell having the minimum thermal power within the range of thermal power values; b) providing a plurality of helically-shaped heat exchangers (2) each having a thermal power falling within said range of minimum and maximum values and each comprising at least one tubular duct (3) for the flow of a first heat transfer fluid coiled about a longitudinal axis (X-X) of the helix according to a plurality of coils; c) mounting within said single containment casing (5) at least one helically-shaped heat exchanger (2) of the plurality of heat exchangers (2) of the set; wherein the plurality of heat exchangers (2) of the set has an internal diameter that is substantially constant as the thermal power of the heat exchanger (2) varies within the range of thermal power values; and wherein the tubular duct (3) of the heat exchanger (2) has a radial extension of the coils proportional to the thermal power of the heat exchanger (2) and such to maintain substantially constant the axial extension of the heat exchanger (2) as its thermal power varies and equal to the axial extension of the heat exchanger (2) having the minimum thermal power within the range of thermal power values of the set. |
| US09909776B2 |
Air conditioner
An air conditioner includes an indoor device that is controlled by a remote controller and an outdoor device that is connected to the indoor device. The outdoor device is configured to include an outdoor-device state-quantity acquisition unit (a compressor-data acquisition unit and a heat-exchanger-data acquisition unit) that acquires an outdoor-device state quantity indicating a state quantity, acquired during maintenance and during a test run, of a component included in the outdoor device. The indoor device is configured to include an indoor-device state-quantity acquisition unit (a heat-exchanger-data acquisition unit) that acquires an indoor-device state quantity indicating a state quantity, acquired during maintenance and during a test run, of a component included in the indoor device, and a storage unit that stores therein the outdoor-device state quantity and the indoor-device state quantity. |
| US09909771B2 |
Mass airflow measuring system for a building having a sensor assembly mounted to an interior wall of an air conduit
A mass airflow measuring system includes an air conduit and a sensor assembly mounted to the air conduit, including a unitary one-piece first section which in cross section defines a first channel, a second channel and a wall separating the two channels. A second section has similar components. A unitary one-piece corner section, in cross section includes four legs, each defining a respective channel. A respective leg is mounted in a respective one of the channels of the first and second sections to communicate the sections with each other through the channels defined in the corner section legs. A sensor housing is mounted to one of the sections and includes an inlet opening communicating with the first channel and an exit opening communicating with the second channel. A mass airflow sensor communicates with a sample channel defined in the housing. |
| US09909770B2 |
Outdoor fan and indoor blower controller for heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and method of operation thereof
An HVAC controller, a method of operating an HVAC controller and an HVAC system employing the controller or the method. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) a processor couplable to at least two refrigerant pressure sensors via separate data paths to receive input signals therefrom and further couplable to a compressor stage and a condenser fan to provide output signals thereto, and (2) memory coupled to the processor and storing a software program having program instructions capable of causing the processor to command the compressor stage or the condenser fan to turn on irrespective of a state of an input signal generated by either of the at least two refrigerant pressure sensors, and generate an error message at least partially depending upon whether or not a high pressure shutdown occurs after the processor commands the compressor stage or the fan to turn on. |
| US09909767B2 |
Filtration materials using fiber blends that contain strategically shaped fibers and/or charge control agents
A filtration material comprising a blend of polypropylene and acrylic fibers of round, flat, dog bone, oval or kidney bean shape in any size from 0.08 to 3.3 Dtex. A preferred blend contains about 50 weight percent polypropylene fibers and about 50 weight percent acrylic fibers. The fibers can be blended ranging from 90:10 to 10:90 polypropylene to acrylic. The shape contains 25 weight percent round, flat, oval, dog bone and kidney bean shapes. The fiber blend contains 25 weight percent of at least one size between 0.08 and 3.3 Dtex. Electret fibers incorporated within these blends have 0.02 to 33 weight percent of a charge control agent. These fibers can be used in producing electret material by corona or triboelectric charging methods. |
| US09909764B2 |
Cooking appliance and method for limiting cooking utensil temperatures using dual control modes
Cooking appliances and methods for operating cooking appliances are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for operating a cooking appliance is provided. The method includes providing power to the heating source according to a first control mode; determining whether to transition from the first control mode to a second control mode and, if so, then providing power to the heating source according to the second control mode. The method further includes determining whether to transition to the first control mode and, if so, then returning to providing power to the heating source according to the first control mode. The cooking appliances and methods include features for limiting cooking utensil temperatures using dual control modes. |
| US09909758B2 |
Gas burner with improved primary air duct
Gas burner, particularly for household cooking appliances, with an horizontal or vertical gas supply conduit (1), a burner body with one more flame crowns, an horizontal or vertical Venturi (4), a nozzle (5) to inject the gas flow from said gas conduit into said Venturi pipe and, means to provide the primary air flow which include a tubular conduit which is coaxial and placed outside said gas conduit, and an opening to allow the gas flow, placed between said nozzle and the inlet of the Venturi pipe. The coaxial conduit draws the respective air flow from a zone inside the body of said cooking appliance, and said opening allows the passage of the respective primary air flow sucked and coming from over the appliance top surface (12). In order to stir the primary air flow passing through said coaxial conduit, a plurality of radial wings (10A) is arranged, said wings being shaped either planar or helical, and being connected on the outer surface of said gas supply conduit. |
| US09909752B2 |
LED lamp with a flexible heat sink
An LED lamp uses a flexible metal belt as a heat sink. At least one light emitting diode is attached to a circuit board that is mounted on a heat conducting member. The flexible heat sink is attached to the heat conducting member, such that heat generated by the light emitting diode and circuit board is conducted to the flexible heat sink. The flexible heat sink can be deformed to fit in a variety of spaces. The flexible heat sink dissipates the heat generated by the LED lamp without the need for a fan. The flexible heat sink may be made from braided copper fabric or even a plurality of flexible metal sheets. |
| US09909747B2 |
Vehicle lighting assembly with retractable cover providing daylight running lamp
A vehicle lighting assembly configured as a headlamp is provided. The vehicle lighting assembly includes a housing defining a light output window and a light source arranged to direct light through the light output window. The vehicle lighting assembly also includes a retractable cover actuatable between open and closed positions. The cover covers the light output window in the closed position to define a light image pattern for light output. The assembly also includes a retractable cover actuatable between an open position to output headlamp lighting and a closed position to output daylight running lamp lighting, wherein fewer LEDs are activated to generate the daylight running lamp lighting as compared to the headlamp lighting. |
| US09909746B2 |
Illumination device
An illumination device includes a light source configured to emit laser light, a transmission part configured to transmit the laser light emitted from the light source, and a lighting appliance configured to convert a wavelength of the laser light transmitted through the transmission part and to emit illumination light. The transmission part includes a rail-shaped guide part extending in a linear shape along a transmission direction of the laser light. The lighting appliance is configured to be mounted in an arbitrary position of the guide part. |
| US09909744B2 |
Portable lighting devices with multiuse lanyards and detachable lanyards
Apparatus and methods for attaching portable lighting devices to objects/surface are provided. In some embodiments, an elastic lanyard is anchored to a body portion of a portable lighting device and a free closed loop portion can be looped around an object, and/or a channel formed on the body portion. In some embodiments, the channel is formed on a base of the body portion and the elastic lanyard can be stretched about an object disposed between a bottom surface of the base and the lanyard. In other embodiments, a lanyard is anchored to a detachable member that is magnetically attachable to a body portion of the portable lighting device. |
| US09909742B2 |
Compact environmentally isolated cylindrical platform for optical components
A compact, environmentally isolated platform for mounting optical components, comprising a plurality of similarly shaped substantially flat plates, an enclosing structural element, and an interior structural element. The similarly shaped substantially flat plates define planes generally parallel to each other. The enclosing structural element is shaped to generally contain the plurality of similarly shaped substantially flat plates with an interior surface shaped to accommodate the perimeters of the plurality of similarly shaped substantially flat plates, and surrounds the perimeters of the plurality of similarly shaped substantially flat plates. The interior structural element passes through or connecting at least two of the plurality of similarly shaped substantially flat plates to provide structural support. |
| US09909739B2 |
LED bulb or LED night light having a moving projection image
An LED light device includes an LED night light or LED bulb having a moving projection image. The movement effect is obtained by (1) causing LEDs to illuminate with a time difference, (2) using a magnetic field force to cause a film, opening, printed piece, or slide to move, shake, spin, rotate, or vibrate, or (3) using a motor or movement to cause the film/opening/printed piece/slide or a projection-lens to move, shake, spin, rotate, or vibrate. Light beams from an LED light source pass through the film/opening/printed piece/slide and then through a projection lens that causes a tiny lighted image to become a bigger or more colorful moving projected image having a wider viewing angle. |
| US09909735B2 |
Lens and light-emitting device employing same
The present disclosure relates to a lens. The lens includes a bottom surface, a top surface, and a side surface. The top surface is opposite to the bottom surface. The center of the bottom surface is recessed towards the top surface to form a light incident groove. The top surface is recessed towards the bottom surface to form a light-emitting groove. The side surface is connected between the bottom surface and the top surface. The side surface defines a microstructure, and the side surface is fully covered by the microstructure. |
| US09909726B2 |
Battery life extender for portable lighting
A battery life extender (12) for a portable lighting device (10) employs a reconfigurable mechanism operable to selectively electrically isolate one or more batteries (20) from a circuit having a parasitic power drain. For example, a lighting device (10) includes a light generating element (14), at least one battery (20), a user operated switch (16) configured to control delivery of electrical power from the at least one battery (20) to the light generating element (14), and a housing assembly (18) supporting the at least one battery (20) and the light generating element (14). The user operated switch (16) can impart a parasitic power drain. The housing assembly (18) is reconfigurable to: (a) a first configuration in which the user operated switch (16) is electrically connected to the at least one battery (20), and (b) a second configuration in which the at least one battery (20) is electrically isolated and the at least one battery (20) is retained by the housing assembly (18). |
| US09909725B2 |
Flexible light-emitting device
An object of this invention is to provide a highly portable light-emitting device or a highly browsable light-emitting device. The light-emitting device includes a joint portion, and a plurality of light-emitting units apart from each other with the joint portion positioned therebetween. The joint portion and the light-emitting units are flexible. The joint portion can be bent to a curvature radius smaller than a curvature radius to which the light-emitting unit can be bent. The light-emitting unit is supplied with a signal through a side not adjacent to the joint portion or is supplied with a signal by wireless communication. |
| US09909721B1 |
Replaceable led lamp
A replaceable LED lamp is configured to be mounted on a lamp bracket, the lamp bracket includes a lamp bracket bottom wall and two lamp bracket sidewalls extending from opposite sides of the lamp bracket bottom wall along the same direction, the replaceable LED lamp includes: a lamp housing; a power drive mounted on a surface of the lamp housing facing the lamp bracket; a lamp strip mounted on a surface of the lamp housing opposite to the lamp bracket; two latching edges fixed to opposite sides of the lamp housing; a lampshade covering the lamp strip; and a plurality of mounting plates connecting the lamp housing to the lamp bracket; wherein each latching edge defines a latching groove, the lampshade includes two latching lugs on opposite sides thereof, the latching lug is plugged in the latching groove. |
| US09909718B2 |
Multiple-leg discharge boot for slurry distribution
A multi-leg discharge boot can include an inlet conduit and first and second outlet conduits separated by a junction portion. The inlet conduit includes an entry segment, a transition segment and a heel portion disposed therebetween. The inlet conduit can include an inlet end and a junction end. A junction portion is disposed at the junction end of the inlet conduit between first and second junction openings. The junction portion includes a substantially planar wall region that is substantially perpendicular to a main flow discharge axis. |
| US09909715B2 |
Transmission pump
This invention provides both a pump and a lubrication and cooling system with a pump which includes a pump housing, a rotor, a relief valve and a bypass valve. The relief valve is configured to relieve pump pressure when the pump pressure is indicative of an abnormal restriction of flow. The bypass valve is configured to direct fluid flow from an outlet chamber of the pump to an intake chamber of the pump when pressure in the outlet chamber is at a value associated with a predetermined speed of rotor rotation. |
| US09909712B1 |
Supporting an object at a window of a building by applying opposing forces to an interior surface and an exterior surface of the building with a first member and second member joined about their intermediate sections
An apparatus for supporting an object at a window of a building comprises a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member extends along at least a partial width of the window and abuts an interior surface of the building. The first member is configured to support the object by exerting an outward force on the interior surface of the building in response to a downward force exerted by the object. The first member also comprises at least two sections extending from the interior of the building to the exterior of the building. These sections may extend from the interior of the building to the exterior of the building about respective distal ends of the first member. The sum of the forces applied on the surfaces of the building are sufficient to secure the object to the building. |
| US09909708B1 |
Preventing disturbances of underground conduit
A protective mat for covering buried conduit in the form of a rectangular structure comprising upper and lower sections wherein the upper section includes elongated members, a sheet structure that includes a plurality of downward facing open cells, or an open grid or grating and wherein the lower section includes elongated members, a sheet structure that includes a plurality of upward facing cells, or an open grid or grating; a forward end that includes one or more protruding elements; and a rearward end that includes one or more recesses that are configured and dimension for receiving the protruding element(s) of a similarly configured adjacent mat. Thus, the protruding element(s) and recess(es) are associated with and located on the lower section of the mat such that the protruding element(s) of one mat can be inserted in the recess(es) of and adjacent mat to interlock the mats together. |
| US09909706B2 |
Branch structures of electrically-heated pipe-in-pipe flowlines
A flowline branch structure (10) has at least one inner branch assembly with an inner flowline branch and at least one inner flowline pipe attached to and communicating with the inner flowline branch. At least one outer branch assembly (12) of the flowline branch structure has an outer branch housing disposed around the inner flowline branch and at least one outer pipe (14) disposed around the inner flowline pipe and attached to the outer branch housing. A generally annular space is defined between the inner and outer branch assemblies. At least one wiring element including an electrical heating element is disposed in the sealed space on an outer side of the inner branch assembly. The, or each, wiring element extends in one continuous length across an interface between the inner flowline pipe and the inner flowline branch. This reduces the number of connections necessary to create the flowline branch structure. |
| US09909704B2 |
Non-welded apparatus for providing access to the interior of an enclosure and methods for use thereof
Disclosed is a mechanical clamp useful for providing access to the interior of an enclosure such as a pressure vessel. The mechanical clamp is an apparatus having a cap having a convex side and a concave side wherein the concave side is adapted for positioning adjacent the wall of the enclosure. The apparatus further includes at least one rod attached securely in the cap for passing through at least one hole in the wall of the enclosure wherein each rod has a first end attached securely in the cap and a second end and each rod is threaded along a portion of the rod including the second end. The apparatus further includes a nut for attaching to the second end of each rod for securing the cap in place adjacent to the wall of the enclosure. An opening is provided in the cap so that a probe can be passed there through. Methods for applying the mechanical clamp are also disclosed. |
| US09909702B2 |
Quick connect system for automotive fluid transport lines
A quick connect system for joining two fluid lines has a receiver with a first end mounted to a first line, a center section to receive a tip of a second line, and a second end defining a cylindrical sleeve spaced from the second line. A snap retainer comprises a plurality of molded stave members and a tension band. Each stave member extends longitudinally from a collar section to a clip section. The stave members are arranged cylindrically to define a socket to receive the cylindrical sleeve. The tension band is secured over the collar sections to retain the stave members on the second line with the clip sections cantilevered over the tip. The clip sections each includes a hook that snaps over an external lug on the receiver so that a resilient seal is compressed between the cylindrical sleeve and the tip of the second fluid line. |
| US09909701B2 |
Tube couplings
A tube coupling to receive and hold a tube includes a coupling body (10) having a throughway to receive a portion of a tube. A collet (17) in the coupling body has legs (21) with outer surfaces that engage with a tapered surface (24) in the coupling body which urges the legs inwardly to resist withdrawal of the tube. A biasing member (26) provides a biasing force without the tube inserted to urge the legs axially onto the tapered surface. The collet (17) can grip a large variety of pipe diameters. The coupling may be supplied with a number of inserts (30A-D) for sealing with the inner diameter of a pipe, the inserts having different diameters. A tool (50) for preparing the end of a pipe to receive the coupling is also contemplated. |
| US09909698B2 |
Spherical flange joint
According to one embodiment, a flange joint for joining a first pipe to a second pipe includes an adapter coupled to the first pipe. The adapter includes a convex surface. The flange joint also includes a gasket with a first concave surface and a second convex surface. The first concave surface of the gasket is matingly engageable with the convex surface of the adapter. The second convex surface is matingly engageable with the second pipe. The gasket is supported on the first pipe. The flange joint further includes a clamp that includes a concave surface that is matingly engageable with the second pipe to secure the gasket to the adapter. |
| US09909695B2 |
Joint lock ring system for lined pipes
A joint ring system for lined pipes includes a first pipe and a second pipe joined end-to-end, each pipe having an interior lining covering substantially all of an interior wall of the respective pipe. A first ring is disposed within and substantially flush with the joined end of the first pipe, and a second ring is disposed within and substantially flush with the joined end of the second pipe. The first ring is configured to create a first circumferential pressure seal against the interior wall of the first pipe, and the second ring is configured to create a second circumferential pressure seal against the interior wall of the second pipe. At least one of the first ring and the second ring is configured to create a pipe joint pressure seal against the other ring. |
| US09909694B2 |
Flexible pipe having a carcass layer
Flexible pipe body for transporting fluids from a sub-sea location includes a carcass layer comprising adjacent interlocked annular elements each comprising a body portion that extends around an inner circumference of a bore region and a channel region provided within the body. A method of manufacturing flexible pipe body is also disclosed. |
| US09909693B2 |
Concrete reinforcement elements and structures
A prong is configured for use with a concrete reinforcement element and includes first and second legs positioned opposite first and second sides of the prong and a bridge portion connecting distal ends the legs, where the bridge portion forms a first end of the prong. The legs extend from the bridge portion to a second end of the prong opposite the first end, and each of the legs has a proximal end at the second end of the prong. The proximal end of the first leg is bent toward the second leg, and the proximal end of the second leg is bent toward the first leg, such that the proximal ends of the legs overlap each other. Inner surfaces of the proximal ends of the legs define engagement surfaces configured to engage a tie wire, enabling the proximal ends to be connected to the tie wire. |
| US09909687B2 |
Position indicator for valves
A device for indicating the status of a valve includes a position indicator, wherein the position indicator includes a monitoring element, and a communication element. A method for indicating the status of at least one valve includes monitoring positions of a device enclosed by a first valve with a position indicator and communicating the positions of the device enclosed by the first valve with a communications element. |
| US09909686B2 |
Valve comprising a tappet and a sensor
A valve comprises a tappet and a sensor for detecting an adjustment stroke of the tappet, in particular an inductive sensor, wherein the sensor comprises a signal transmitter which comprises a coil, of which the coil axis (S) is substantially in parallel with the axis (A) of the tappet. |
| US09909684B2 |
Lever type switch valve
A lever type switch valve has a switch chamber with three sections in the axial direction including, two outlet cavities at two ends and an inlet cavity in the central section. The outer end of each outlet cavity in the axial direction has a slide section; an inner protruding ring is disposed between two ends of the inlet cavity and the outlet cavities; a spindle of dumbbell shape, the spindle is slidably coupled to the inner side of the switch chamber axially; the spindle has three sections in the axial direction that are two pistons at two ends and a flowing section in the central section; the piston has a big outer end and a small inner end. The outer ends of the pistons are slidably coupled to the slide section in sealing way, the axial length of the outlet cavity is larger than the axial direction of the piston. |
| US09909683B2 |
Compact-actuator gear set
A gearbox assembly for an actuator is provided. The gearbox assembly includes a rack, a spur pinion, a bevel pinion, and a bevel gear. Vertical translation of the rack causes rotation of the spur pinion and bevel pinion around a horizontal axis. The rotation of the bevel pinion causes rotation of the bevel gear around a vertical axis. The gearbox assembly may be coupled to a movable member of a valve so that actuation of the gearbox assembly moves the movable member. Systems including the gearbox assembly and methods of operation are also disclosed. |
| US09909682B2 |
Fluid-actuated flow control valves
An apparatus is described for controlling a flow of a fluid therethrough while the apparatus is connected to a source of control fluid. The apparatus includes an input, a valve seat, a diaphragm, an output, and a diaphragm control space. The diaphragm control space is partially defined by the diaphragm, and includes a control fluid inlet and a control fluid outlet. The apparatus is operative to independently control a flow of control fluid into the diaphragm control space through the control fluid inlet and a flow of control fluid out of the diaphragm control space through the control fluid outlet. A deflection of the diaphragm in relation to the valve seat is responsive to a pressure of the control fluid in the diaphragm control space. The deflection of the diaphragm in relation to the valve seat is operative to control a fluidic flow resistance between the input and the output. |
| US09909681B2 |
Diaphragm actuator for a control valve
A diaphragm actuator (10, 40) for a control valve is shown including an actuator housing (12, 42), in which a diaphragm (14, 44) including a diaphragm disk (16, 46) is sealingly fitted thus forming a pressure chamber (20, 50), and furthermore at least one spring (24, 54) is provided which rests against the diaphragm disk (16, 46) and the actuator housing (12, 42), with the diaphragm disk (16, 46) being connected to a valve stem (22, 52) for actuating a valve body. At least two springs (26, 56) are provided and are disposed one after another in an axial direction between the actuator housing (12, 42) and the diaphragm disk (16, 46), with a spring seat element (28, 58) linearly guided by at least one linear guiding element (30, 60) being provided between the at least two springs (26, 56). |
| US09909679B2 |
Valve having electro-mechanical actuator and a control device with a delay circuit
A valve device having a valve housing, through which passes a fluid channel, in which are formed a valve seat and a valve member which is accommodated such that it can be moved relative to the valve seat, having an electromechanical actuator for moving the valve member between at least two functional positions in order to influence a free cross-section of the fluid channel, and having a control device, which is designed for activating the actuator depending on a control signal and includes a delay circuit which, in the case of the valve being switched off, is designed for a time-delayed movement of the valve member into a switch-off position. The delay circuit includes an electrical energy store which, in the case of the valve being switched off, is designed for energy-independent movement of the valve member into the switch-off position. |
| US09909677B2 |
Faucet component with coating
A component for a faucet includes a substrate including alumina and a first material provided over at least a portion of the substrate. The first material includes titanium and carbon. The component also includes a second material provided over the first material, the second material including carbon and having carbon sp3 bonding of at least 40 percent. |
| US09909674B2 |
Pulse-width-regulating valve
A pulse-width-regulating valve is for the regulation of a fluid flow or a fluid pressure. The pulse-width-regulating valve comprises a cut-off valve connected in series with an inflow valve, at least one of the cut-off valve and the inflow valve being provided with an axially displaceable or rotatable valve element which has an opening position or a closing position at a distance from a starting position of the valve element. A method of operating a pulse-width-regulating valve comprises: regulating a valve gear device by a valve synchronizer, in accordance with at least two displacement curves; and by one or more valve actuators, displacing or rotating corresponding valve elements arranged in the pulse-width-regulating valve. |
| US09909673B2 |
Gas turbine engine fluid supply system having at least one airbag, and method for maintaining non-interrupted circulating turbomachine fluid flow during a non-positive G-force event
A fluid supply system for providing a turbomachine fluid to a component of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The fluid supply system includes a fluid container, a moveable barrier, and an airbag. The moveable barrier fluidly divides the fluid container into a first portion and a second portion. The moveable barrier is moveable between a flow-permitting position and a flow-restricting position. The turbomachine fluid experiences a circulating flow between the component and the second portion of fluid container when the moveable barrier is in the flow-permitting position. The circulating flow is at least partially impeded by the moveable barrier when the moveable barrier is in the flow-restricting position. The airbag is positioned within the first portion of the fluid container. The airbag is selectively operable to move the moveable barrier from the flow-permitting position to the flow-restricting position. |
| US09909672B2 |
Severe service valve
Severe service industrial valves having at least one valve ball and seat that can be repaired or replaced while the valve remains connected in-line with inlet and outlet pipe lines. |
| US09909667B2 |
Seal for pressurized fluid and open interface gap
A seal is adapted to be received in an annular groove in a first member and is compressed against a groove bottom by a second member that defines a gap between the first and second members. The seal includes a reinforcement member and an elastomer body over-molded on the reinforcement member. The reinforcement member is disposed on an outboard side of the elastomer body and the elastomer body extends both above and below the reinforcement member. The compression of the seal causes the elastomer body to deform such that the reinforcement member provides a reinforcement substantially along the entire gap to prevent the elastomer body of the seal from being extruded through the gap. |
| US09909664B2 |
Method for controlling a transmission of a motor vehicle
A method for controlling a motor vehicle transmission (11) is disclosed in which a sensor (18) used to produce an indication of position of a selector (17) is calibrated such that positioning the selector (17) at a peak force feedback position produced by a peak and trough force feedback mechanism (24) connected to the selector (17) will always result in the selection of a drive mode of the transmission (11). |
| US09909662B2 |
Method and control device for operating an automatic transmission
A method for operating an automatic transmission includes shifting the automatic transmission to a substitute gear if, after adjusting a first one of at least one positive-locking shift element towards a closed configuration, the first one of the at least one positive-locking shift element occupies an intermediate position. The first one of the at least one positive-locking shift element does not participate in the transmission of power in the substitute gear. A related transmission control device for an automatic transmission is also provided. |
| US09909652B2 |
Chain transmission device for driving camshafts
A chain transmission device for driving camshafts includes a chain including a loose side chain portion, and the chain is trained around the crank sprocket and the cam sprockets. A chain guide is mounted on the outer side of the loose side chain portion so as to be pivotable about one of the two end portions of the chain guide, and the chain guide has a plurality of rotatable rollers. An adjustment force is applied to the other of the two end portions of the chain guide by a chain tensioner such that the chain guide is biased toward the chain, so that the rollers of the chain guide can guide the chain by rolling. The winding angle of the portion of the chain located on the outer periphery of the roller located closest to the crank sprocket is set to be 170 degrees or greater so as to reduce noise. |
| US09909651B2 |
Planetary gear system for a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle
A planetary transmission for a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle, featuring three coupled planetary gear sets (RS1, RS2, RS3), characterized in that, with a first planetary gear set (RS1), one of the two elements of ring gear (HR1) or planetary carrier (PT1) is connectable to a fixed-housing component (GH) and is connectable or connectable in drive terms to a rotor (RO) of the electric motor (EM), that the other of the two elements of ring gear (HR1) or planetary carrier (PT1) of the first planetary gear set (RS1) is connected to one of the two elements of ring gear (HR3) or planetary carrier (PT3) of a third planetary gear set (RS3), that the sun gear (SR1) of the first planetary gear set (RS1) is connected to a transmission input shaft (GE) and is connectable to one of the two elements of ring gear (HR3) or planetary carrier (PT3) of the third planetary gear set (RS3), and two of the elements of ring gear (HR1), planetary carrier (PT1), sun gear (SR1) of the first planetary gear set (RS1) are connectable to each other, that, with a second planetary gear set (RS2), one of the two elements of ring gear (HR2) or planetary carrier (PT2) is connected or connected in drive terms to one of the two elements of ring gear (HR3) or planetary carrier (PT3) of the third planetary gear set (RS3), that the other of the two elements of ring gear (HR2) or planetary carrier (PT2) of the second planetary gear set (RS2) is connected in drive terms to a transmission output (GA), that the sun gear (SR2) of the second planetary gear set (RS2) is connected to the rotor (RO) of the electric motor (EM), that two of the elements of ring gear (HR2), planetary carrier (PT2), sun gear (SR2) of the second planetary gear set (RS2) are connectable to each other, and that, with the third planetary gear set (RS3), its sun gear (SR3) is connected or connectable to the fixed-housing component (GH). |
| US09909649B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least nine forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. |
| US09909648B2 |
Anti-backlash worm gear assembly and machining tool position calibration device using same
A calibration device is used for calibrating a position of a cutting tool relative to a machine rotation axis, such as for setting the position of the small boring tool for a CNC machine. The device includes a body with a machine contact surface, a tool contact surface, a machine rotation axis locating surface and a worm access opening. An anti-backlash worm gear assembly is mounted in the body and includes a worm in contact with the wheel. A bubble level is attached to rotate with the wheel with respect to the body responsive to rotation of the worm. At least one anti-backlash wedge is biased into contact with the worm. |
| US09909647B2 |
V-belt and production method therefor
A V-belt (B) includes a rubber composition forming a portion (11) to be V-shaped side faces (110). Organic nanofibers (16) and organic short fibers (17) are included in the rubber composition, and oriented along a belt width. In the rubber composition, a ratio of a storage modulus in a grain direction to a storage modulus in cross-grain direction is 5 or greater. |
| US09909646B2 |
Dynamic damper for drive shaft
A dynamic damper for a drive shaft may include a mass part fixed to the drive shaft, and a clamping band fixing the mass part to the drive shaft, to attenuate vibration and noise of the drive shaft, in which the clamping band may include a metallic inner banding member disposed on an outer surface of the drive shaft to correct a decrease in damping frequency when a temperature is increased, and an annular outer banding member disposed outside the inner banding member and pressing the inner banding member against the drive shaft to increase rigidity of the damper when the temperature is increased. |
| US09909643B2 |
Torque transmission device for a motor vehicle
A torque transmission device for a motor vehicle, having a torque input element, a torque output element, and at least one pair of elastic members mounted between the torque input and output elements and counteracting rotation of input and output elements with respect to one another. The elastic members are arranged serially by means of a phasing member so that the elastic members deform in phase with one another. The stiffness K1 of the elastic member mounted between the torque input element and the phasing member is less than the stiffness K2 of the elastic member mounted between the phasing member and the torque output element, the ratio K2/K1 being equal to at least 2. One elastic member of the at least one pair of elastic members includes two coaxial helical springs mounted one inside the other. |
| US09909638B2 |
Hydraulic suspension damper with hydro-mechanical stroke stop
A hydraulic suspension damper includes a tube having an opened end and a closed end defining a compartment. A main piston is disposed in the compartment dividing the compartment into a compression chamber and a rebound chamber. A piston rod is attached to the main piston. A rod guide is disposed at said opened end. A stroke stop arrangement includes an insert and an additional piston attached to the piston rod. The insert has a narrowed section including an inner surface defining at least one recess between the distal end and the rod guide and extends axially along the insert in fluid communication with the compression chamber for allowing working liquid flow from the rebound chamber to the compression chamber during the rebound stroke. The at least one recess includes three recesses disposed equidistantly and spaced from one another. |
| US09909637B2 |
Damper device
A damper device includes a stator, a rotor, and a viscous fluid imparting a resistance to a rotation or a relative rotation of the rotor, and forms a braking force by the resistance. In the rotor, an annular seal portion made of soft synthetic resin is provided by integral molding. The stator includes an annular space in which the viscous fluid is filled, and a main member portion of the rotor is housed in the annular space. The annular seal portion comprises an outside annular portion provided in an outer circumferential portion of the rotor; an inside annular portion provided in an inner circumferential portion of the rotor; and a connection portion therebetween. |
| US09909635B2 |
Parking brake actuator
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a parking brake actuator which includes a motor; a worm gear connected to the motor to transmit a power; a worm wheel engaged with the worm gear; a drive shaft coupled to the worm wheel, wherein a parking cable is connected to the drive shaft; a power transmission gear including a first gear coupled to a rotational shaft of the motor and a second gear which is coupled to a rotational shaft of the worm gear and connected to the first gear to transmit the power; and a housing including a first accommodation portion disposed at one side of a reference line which is formed perpendicular to the rotational shaft of the motor and passes through the first gear to accommodate the motor, a second accommodation portion disposed at another side of the reference line to accommodate the worm gear so that the rotational shaft of the worm gear is parallel to the rotational shaft of the motor, and a third accommodation portion disposed at the other side of the reference line to accommodate the worm wheel, thus providing an advantageous effect in which motors of various sizes may be applied without machining a separate housing to correspond to each of the sizes of motor or changing sizes or the number of teeth of gears. |
| US09909633B2 |
Braking force generation device of vehicle
A braking force generation device of a vehicle includes a rotary member, a frictional member, a pressing device, and a self-discharge type static charge eliminator provided on a surface of a particular member. The self-discharge type static charge eliminator changes air around the self-discharge type static charge eliminator into negative air ions, according to the quantity of positive charge carried by the particular member, and eliminate charge by causing the negative air ions to attract the positive charges of the particular member for neutralization, so as to reduce a quantity of charge of the particular member, and thereby reduce a quantity of charge of the lubricant. |
| US09909628B2 |
Transmitter for a synchronising assembly of a manual transmission and a method for producing a transmitter
A transmitter for a synchronizing assembly of a manual transmission has a transmitter disk and at least one clutch disk which is arranged on a side surface of the transmitter disk. The clutch disk and the transmitter disk are fixedly connected together by local welding points. A method for producing a transmitter for a synchronizing assembly of a manual transmission consists of providing a clutch disk and a transmitter disk. Then, the clutch disk and the transmitter disk are fastened together by means of projection welding. Finally, the thus formed assembly is hardened. |
| US09909623B2 |
Bearing lubrication system
A bearing lubrication apparatus for use with a piece of rotating equipment includes a lubrication device having a bearing chamber with bearings located in the bearing chamber, a mist generating unit positioned below the bearing chamber and being in fluid communication with the bearing chamber, at least one mist inlet directed into the bearing chamber and being in fluid communication with the mist generating unit, and a coalescing unit adjacent the bearing chamber. |
| US09909620B2 |
Radial roller cage with centerline guidance
A cage for a radial bearing assembly with rolling elements is provided. The cage includes a first and second rims, and webs extend between the rims to define pockets that receive rolling elements. Each of the webs includes first and second rolling element guide surfaces that face a first adjacent one of the pockets and third and fourth guide surfaces that face a second adjacent one of the pockets. These guide surfaces are located at a pitch circle adapted to coincide with a centerline of the rolling elements located in the pockets. The webs have first and second radially inner retention tabs that respectively face the first and second adjacent ones of the pockets. The first retention tab is located axially between the first and second guide surfaces and the second retention tab is located axially between the third and fourth guide surfaces. The retention tabs are located radially inside the pitch circle. |
| US09909619B2 |
Free-floating shaft for gas turbine engines
A hybrid bearing system for gas turbine engines is disclosed. The hybrid bearing system comprises ball/roller bearings and air bearings. For horizontal applications, compressed air injected into the air bearing provides a lift force such that enables the rotating shaft for the turbine to float freely. The compressed air is also employed to cool the ball/roller bearings. Hence, given the reduced friction on the ball/roller bearings due to the free-floating shaft, as well as the air cooling of the ball/roller bearings, typical lubrication systems are not necessary. For vertical applications, the compressed air provides cooling to the ball/roller bearings which renders the need for conventional lubrication systems unnecessary. |
| US09909616B2 |
Ball joint
A ball joint includes a bearing seat in the form of a resin ball seat provided within a seat-accommodating portion of a metal socket for slidably and rotatably receiving a ball portion of a ball stud. An end portion of the seat-accommodating portion through which the stud portion passes extends towards the stud portion beyond the spherical center of the ball portion. The ball seat has a covering portion formed on the outer side of a seat opening portion of a ball-accommodating portion which has a spherical shape conforming to a sliding surface of the ball portion of the ball stud. The covering portion is formed by bending the seat opening portion such that it covers the outer periphery of the opening portion of the seat-accommodating portion of the socket. |
| US09909612B2 |
Seal structure
A seal structure includes: a longitudinal member; and an elastic member having an insertion part into which the longitudinal member is inserted and which is brought into close contact with the outer circumference of the longitudinal member. The insertion part includes: a tubular part having openings on both ends; an insertion hole which is connected to both of the openings and through which the longitudinal member is inserted; and a seal part for sealing the longitudinal member in the inner wall of the insertion hole. The seal part has: first projections that can closely contact, in the circumferential direction, the longitudinal member inserted into the insertion hole; and second projections that can contact, on the outer circumference of the longitudinal member, the longitudinal member inserted into the insertion hole. |
| US09909611B2 |
Thumb tab actuator for sling snaphook
A thumb tab actuator for a firearm sling snap-hook is provided. The thumb tab actuator includes a body having a surface that engages a lever of a snap-hook that pivots in a first plane. The actuator body is adapted to be removably mounted to the lever, and the body includes a tab extending outwardly in a second plane transverse to the first plane when the body is mounted to the lever, such that the lever pivots in response to a force exerted on the tab. A user may couple the thumb tab to the snap-hook via a screw or other fastener. In some embodiments, the thumb tab includes a second tab for an ambidextrous configuration. |
| US09909610B2 |
Heat resistant fastening systems
A heat resistant washer for a heat resistant fastening system and a heat resistant fastening system is provided. The heat resistant washer includes a fire retardant material, and a housing that includes a base and a flange, with a throughbore defined through the base to receive a fastener. The housing defines a cavity adjacent to the throughbore and at least one guide. The fire retardant material is disposed within the cavity and the at least one guide directs the fire retardant material in an active state out of the cavity. |
| US09909609B2 |
Systems and methods for preloading a bearing and aligning a lock nut
A lock nut system includes a nut, a keeper engagement with the nut to inhibit movement of the keeper relative to the nut, and a keeper retaining member. The keeper has a radially inner side configured to engage a shaft to inhibit rotational movement of the nut relative to the shaft when the keeper engages the nut and a radially inner side engages the shaft. The keeper retaining member is secured to the keeper and is engageable with the nut to hold a keeper axially such that keeper is engaged with the nut. A cover member is located on an opposite side of the keeper retaining member relative to the nut and engaged to the keeper retaining member to inhibit a separation of the cover member from the keeper retaining member in such that that the separation of the cover member from the keeper retaining member provides a visual indication to a user. |
| US09909605B2 |
Hybrid joint manufacturing
A method for forming a joint between a fiber reinforced composite component and a metallic component and a joint are provided. The metallic component and the composite component each define a joint surface for mating with the joint surface of the other to join the two components together and the composite component defines a free surface opposed to the joint surface thereof. The joint surface of the metallic component defines an array of pins extending therefrom with each pin defining a pin head at an end distal from the joint surface. The method includes the steps of pressing together the joint surfaces of the two components whereby to cause the array of pins to penetrate through the fiber reinforcing material, and modifying the effective cross sectional shape of the pin heads whereby to increase the constraint applied to the composite component against peeling of the composite component from the joint surface of the metallic component. |
| US09909602B2 |
Surface plasma actuator
A surface plasma actuator includes a conducting wire attached to a surface of a target object and electrically insulated from the target object. Surface plasma is generated along a neighborhood of the conducting wire by applying a pulse voltage between the conducting wire and a conductive portion on a side of the target object. An induced gas flow is generated by the surface plasma. |
| US09909601B2 |
Motor control
A motor control system includes a piston chamber and a piston assembly disposed within the piston chamber to move therein between first and second positions. A magnet is coupled to the piston assembly to move therewith and a sensor is axially mounted with respect to the piston assembly to generate a continuous output signal corresponding to a position of the magnet relative to the sensor. The motor control system also includes a controller for processing the output signal from the sensor to monitor continuously the position of the piston assembly within the piston chamber and for actuating the piston assembly to move in an upstroke toward the first position and in a downstroke toward the second position. |
| US09909597B2 |
Supersonic compressor with separator
A fluid processing device may include a rotatable shaft, a driver configured to drive the rotatable shaft, a separator installed on the rotatable shaft, and a supersonic compressor fluidly communicating with the separator. |
| US09909592B2 |
Vacuum pump
A vacuum pump has a working space, a bearing space, a dividing wall arranged between the working space and the bearing space and at least one rotor shaft which extends through the dividing wall and which forms a gap with the dividing wall and having a blocking device for blocking between the working space and the bearing space. The blocking device is formed by a Siegbahn pump stage which is configured for providing a pump action passing through the gap between the working space and the bearing space. |
| US09909590B1 |
Compact ceiling fans
Compact ceiling fans having fan blades with a longitudinal axis extending substantially vertically and ceiling fans having one or more fan blades are extend under the housing of the fan across the span of the fan and are suspended only at the distal ends of radially extending arms. |
| US09909588B2 |
Axial-flow pumps and related methods
Miniature (mesoscale) axial-flow pumps including an inlet guide, a stator spaced apart from the inlet guide, and a rotor rotatably disposed between the inlet guide and the stator. |
| US09909587B2 |
Refrigerant filling rotary compressor
A refrigerant filling rotary compressor includes a shell, a compressing mechanism, an injection tube and an injection valve assembly. The compressing mechanism includes a cylinder, a main bearing, an auxiliary bearing, a crank shaft, a piston and a sliding vane. An inner wall of the cylinder chamber of the cylinder is formed with a filling mouth, and the cylinder is provided with a filling channel with a filling hole. The injection valve assembly is in a closed state when a pressure inside the cylinder chamber is higher than that in the filling hole so as to separate the filling hole from the filling mouth, and the injection valve assembly is in an open state when the pressure inside the cylinder chamber is lower than that in the filling hole so as to communicate the filling hole with the filling mouth, in which when the injection valve assembly is in the closed state, a space between the injection valve assembly and the filling mouth where a compressed gas exists is termed a clearance volume formed by the injection valve assembly, and a ratio between the clearance volume formed by the injection valve assembly and a reserve volume of the cylinder ranges from 0.3% to 1.5%. |
| US09909586B2 |
Crankshaft with aligned drive and counterweight locating features
A scroll compressor includes a housing, and scroll compressor bodies disposed in the housing. The scroll bodies include a first and second scroll bodies. The first and second scroll bodies have respective bases and respective scroll ribs that project from the respective bases, wherein the scroll ribs mutually engage. The second scroll body is movable relative to the first scroll body for compressing fluid. A drive unit rotates a drive shaft to drive the second scroll body in an orbital path. The drive shaft has an eccentric drive configured to engage a corresponding drive hub on the second scroll body. The eccentric drive has a drive surface acting on the corresponding drive hub in a first plane. The drive shaft has a locating feature for a counterweight. The locating feature is aligned in either the first plane or a second plane parallel to the first plane. |
| US09909580B2 |
Reduced torque valve cover lock assembly
A valve cover lock assembly for a pump having a fluid end module can include a ring adapted to couple to the module, an insert comprising a plurality of segments, and a cone adapted to couple with the insert, wherein the ring comprises a first coupler and the insert comprises a second coupler configured to couple with the first coupler, wherein the cone is configured to move one or more of the plurality of segments when the cone is moved, and wherein the first and second couplers are adapted to at least partially resist movement of the insert. A method of locking a valve cover can include coupling a ring to a valve cover opening, disposing an insert comprising a plurality of segments at least partially within the ring, coupling an actuator to the insert, and coupling the insert to the ring. |
| US09909564B2 |
Supervision of controller instability in a wind turbine
A wind turbine including a controller configured to periodically enter an Eigen frequency detection mode in which the controller gain is incremented in a controlled manner to detect the Eigen frequencies. During normal operations, the controller output may be monitored to detect the Eigen frequency which, if detected, may allow damage control operations to be undertaken. |
| US09909562B2 |
Wind turbine blade control method
A control method for a wind turbine, in particular for a wind turbine blade is described. The control method makes use of the blade mode shapes, or natural vibration shapes, of the blade to detect the excitement level of the blade natural vibrations, and controls active lift devices on the blade in an effort to reduce the excitement levels, to reduce loading in the blade and the overall wind turbine structure. There is also provided a method of designing a wind turbine blade for use in such a method. |
| US09909559B2 |
Uptower wind turbine component replacement
A method for performing uptower maintenance of a wind turbine in order to replace the main bearing on the turbine shaft is disclosed. Embodiments of this method to perform maintenance may include installing a rotor lock to resist rotation of the main shaft during maintenance, providing a lifting device in order to elevate the main shaft, removing the main bearing from its main bearing housing, and installing a replacement split main bearing. A crane may also be installed uptower to assist in the maintenance. |
| US09909558B2 |
Installing blades in a wind turbine and wind turbine lifting systems
Methods for installing blades of a wind turbine are provided. The method comprises: providing a blade holder, wherein the blade holder comprises a connection element adapted to be attached to a mounting surfaces and a lifting equipment attachment, the blade holder being provided with a steering mechanism. Then, the blade holder is attached to the blade. The blade holder is hoisted with the blade towards the rotor hub with lifting equipment. The blade holder is attached to the mounting surface of the hub using the connection element. The rotor hub is rotated using the weight of the blade holder and the blade to a first desired position for mounting the blade to the rotor hub. The blade holder is detached from the hub. Then, the blade may be mounted to the rotor hub. A wind turbine blade holder for holding a blade and for use in lifting the blade is also provided. |
| US09909556B2 |
System for collecting energy from a moving mass
A system comprising a tunnel implement for immersion in a moving mass. Energy from the moving mass passing through said tunnel implement is converted to rotational force. A collector device is provided having open and collapsed states, wherein the open state resists the moving mass. A rotational converting device converts the rotational force to constant singular direction. An input shaft is turned bidirectionally by the rotational force and two gears driven by the input shaft in opposite rotational directions, the gears separately attached to idler gears causing output gears attached to the idler gears to engage an output shaft in a same rotational direction. A bidirectional drive motor device drives a pulley device in a predetermined direction. A sensor device senses the position of the collector device. A trigger device is configured to activate said sensor device to indicate the collector device position and state, whether opened or collapsed. |
| US09909553B2 |
Runner device for a hydraulic fluid flow machine
A runner device (1) for a hydraulic fluid flow machine is described, the runner (1) including a runner hub (2) and a number of vanes (4) distributed around the center axis (S) of the runner (1), the vanes (4) being releasably connected to the runner (1) by means of bases (41) that complementarily fit grooves (21) in the runner hub (2), characterized by the grooves (21) in the runner hub (2) extending, at least at one of the outer edge portion (23) or the inner edge portion (25) of the runner hub, respectively all the way out to or all the way in to the edge portion (23, 25), whereby the bases (41) may extend radially out to or in to at least one of the outer edge portion (23) or the inner edge portion (25), respectively, of the runner hub (2). A method of providing a runner (1) for a hydraulic fluid flow machine is described as well. |
| US09909543B2 |
Air intake system for a work vehicle with enhanced pre-cleaner serviceability
An air intake system for a work vehicle may generally include an intake duct defining a passageway for directing air in a flow direction through the system. The duct may also include a pre-cleaner slot defined between inner and outer surfaces of the duct and a support ledge extending circumferentially around at least a portion of an inner perimeter of the duct. The system may also include a pre-cleaner configured to be installed within the intake duct by inserting the pre-cleaner through the pre-cleaner slot in a direction extending generally perpendicular to the flow direction. In addition, the air intake system may include a cover configured to be coupled to the intake duct such that the cover extends over the pre-cleaner slot when the pre-cleaner is installed within the intake duct. |
| US09909540B2 |
Method and device for operating an internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine includes at least one cylinder, an exhaust gas tract having a measuring device, and a tank ventilation system having a purge air line, which provides pneumatic communication between the tank ventilation system and the cylinder. The purge air line has a sensor for ascertaining a hydrocarbon content of a gas flow from the tank ventilation system to the at least one cylinder. Fuel metering into the cylinder is controlled dependent on the ascertained hydrocarbon content. An exhaust gas characteristic of an exhaust gas flow that flows in the exhaust gas tract is detected by the measuring device and compared with a specified target value. If the ascertained difference between the detected exhaust gas characteristic and the specified target value exceeds a specified threshold, a test is carried out to determine whether the sensor has a malfunction. |
| US09909539B2 |
Pressure control apparatus of fuel tank for vehicle
In pressure increasing control for raising a pressure within a sealed type fuel tank from an excessive negative pressure to a low negative pressure, an opening or closing operation of a sealing valve, when the interior of a vehicle is very quiet, may cause the working noise thereof to be transmitted to a passenger, thereby deteriorating the noise characteristic. When the pressure within a fuel tank is below a predetermined negative pressure near a saturated vapor pressure of the fuel and an interior noise level is equal to or greater than a threshold value, a controller may operate a sealing valve to thereby raise the pressure of the fuel tank to a normal negative pressure region which may be higher than the predetermined negative pressure. |
| US09909536B2 |
Gas valve
A gas valve, in particular a metering valve for a gaseous medium, having a valve washer (10) which is arranged in the gas valve so as to be able to move with respect to a longitudinal axis (8), and having a valve plate (12) with a valve seat (19) formed thereon, wherein the valve washer (10) interacts with the valve seat (19) for opening and closing the gas valve, and having a first circumferential sealing edge (30) between the valve seat (19) and the valve washer (10). The valve washer (10) has a central opening (13) through which the gaseous medium passes, wherein the first circumferential sealing edge (30) surrounds the central opening (13) and wherein, in the central opening (13), there is formed a first pressure face (25) upon which the gaseous medium acts in the closing direction. Furthermore, there is arranged on the valve washer (10) a second pressure face (26) which is formed radially outside the first circumferential sealing edge (30) and on which the gaseous medium also acts. The first pressure face (25) and the second pressure face (26) are connected via a connection passage (15; 17; 24) formed in the valve plate (12). |
| US09909534B2 |
Carbureted engine having an adjustable fuel to air ratio
A simple engine, comprises (1) a cylinder, and a spark plug in the cylinder; (2) a carburetor, fluidly connected to the cylinder; (3) a primary air intake path, fluidly connecting atmosphere to the carburetor; (4) a carburetor bypass air intake path, fluidly connecting air to the cylinder without passing through the carburetor; and (5) a valve, along the carburetor bypass air intake path, for controlling the flow of air through the carburetor bypass air intake path. |
| US09909532B2 |
Exhaust liner flange cooling
A liner portion has an exhaust liner portion with an inner face extending to an outward extending flange. Cooling grooves formed in the flange have a radially outward inlet point and a radially inner outlet point. A flow area at the inlet point is smaller than the flow area at the outlet point. |
| US09909531B2 |
Engine and thrust reverser actuation system
A thrust reverser actuation system for a jet engine having a turbine engine surrounded by a nacelle to define an annular air flow path between the turbine engine and the nacelle, with a thrust reverser having a movable element to reverse the direction of at least a portion of the air flow along the air flow path, where the thrust reverser actuation system includes a hydraulic actuator configured to be operably coupled to the movable element, and a remote actuator that controls the inhibit function of the hydraulic system. |
| US09909527B2 |
Hybrid induction welding process applied to piston manufacturing
A hybrid induction welded piston including an upper piston part welded to a lower piston part is provided. The piston is produced by induction heating the upper piston part and the lower piston part, and bringing the parts together to a part growth compensated position. The method then includes rotating the upper piston part 17 to 34 degrees clockwise and then 17 to 34 degrees counterclockwise. In addition to controlling the axial position and degree of rotation, the force applied to the piston parts is controlled so that preferably no flash is formed in a narrow cooling chamber of the piston. During the rotating steps, the pressure gradually increases to a maximum level which occurs while the upper piston part is rotating in the second direction. The piston includes a homogenous metallurgical bond across the weld and no indentation on the outer surface at the weld prior to machining. |
| US09909526B2 |
Monobloc piston with a low friction skirt
A piston for an internal combustion engine has an upper crown portion with a pair of pin bosses depending therefrom, wherein the pin bosses have pin bores axially aligned along a central pin bore axis. A pair of laterally spaced skirt portions are fixedly attached to the pin bosses and depend to a lowermost free edge. At least one of the skirt portions has a recess extending upwardly from the lowermost free edge beyond the central axis of the pin bores. |
| US09909525B2 |
Water jacket for engine
A water jacket apparatus for an engine may include a block water jacket provided in the cylinder block, interposing the combustion chamber therebetween, a head water jacket provided in the cylinder head corresponding to the combustion chamber, and an insert member portioning the block water jacket into an upper block water jacket and a lower block water jacket by being inserted into an upper portion of the block water jacket, and enabling the upper block water jacket to be interworked with the head water jacket. |
| US09909520B2 |
Device and method for controlling internal combustion engine
A control device for an internal combustion engine including a variable compression ratio mechanism arranged to vary a relative position relationship between a piston and a cylinder, and thereby to vary a mechanical compression ratio, and a fuel injection valve arranged to directly inject a fuel within a combustion chamber, the control device includes: at least in an engine high load region including a full open, the compression ratio at an exhaust upper dead center being controlled to a low compression ratio, a fuel injection start timing of the fuel in which an air-fuel mixture is formed within the combustion chamber, and which is ignited by an ignition plug being set before an exhaust upper dead center so that a fuel injection period crosses an upper dead center. |
| US09909518B2 |
Method for controlling the speed of an internal combustion engine
A method for controlling the speed of an internal combustion engine and a speed control circuit for carrying out the method. For controlling, fuel energy is used as an output variable. The control units are calculated in accordance with a stationary proportion gain which is calculated proportionally to the fuel energy and inversely proportional to the engine speed. |
| US09909512B2 |
Hybrid vehicle and control method for hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle includes a controller that executes catalyst warm-up control for warming up a catalyst, including first control that operates an internal combustion engine at a first operating point, and second control, after executing the first control, that operates the engine at a second operating point irrespective of driving force required to propel the vehicle. Engine output at the second point is larger than engine output at the first point. Ignition timing of the engine at the time when the first control is executed is controlled to a retarded side with respect to an ignition timing of the engine at the time when the second control is executed. When the second control is executed, at least one of a valve lift of an intake valve and a valve operating angle of the intake valve increases as charging of an electrical storage device is more limited. |
| US09909511B2 |
Electronic governor system and load sensing system
An electronic governor system includes a motor, a transmission coupled to the motor, a throttle plate coupled to the transmission, the throttle plate movable to multiple positions between closed and wide-open, wherein power is supplied to the motor to move the throttle pate to a desired position and wherein power is not supplied to the motor to maintain the throttle plate in the desired position. |
| US09909509B2 |
Gas turbine fuel supply method and arrangement
A gas turbine fuel supply method and arrangement is provided. The method of controlling a supply of a fuel to a combustor of a gas turbine having a compressor upstream of the combustor, the method including: supplying the fuel to the combustor; obtaining an inlet air pressure (PT7) at a compressor inlet; obtaining an inlet air temperature (Tinlet) at the compressor inlet; obtaining an outlet air pressure (PT8) at a compressor outlet; estimating a heat input (HIengmodel, HIexpected) of the fuel supplied to the combustor based on the inlet air pressure (PT7), the inlet air temperature (Tinlet) and the outlet air pressure (PT8); comparing the estimated heat input (HIengmodel, HIexpected) with a demanded heat input (FFDEM) to derive an error signal; and controlling a fuel valve regulating the supply of the fuel to the combustor based on the error signal. |
| US09909507B2 |
Control system for can-to-can variation in combustor system and related method
A control system for a combustor system including a plurality of can combustors, each can combustor accommodating combustion of a plurality of combustion fluids in a combustion chamber thereof is provided. The control system may include a calculator calculating: a) a pressure drop for each respective can combustor of the plurality of can combustors between a selected combustion fluid upstream of the combustion chamber and a combustion flow within the combustion chamber of the respective can combustor, and b) a differential between the respective pressure drop for each of the plurality of can combustors and an average pressure drop across all of the plurality of can combustors. The differentials identify can-to-can variation. A controller can modify a combustion parameter of at least one can combustor to reduce the differential for the at least one can combustor. The system can work iteratively to reduce can-to-can variation. |
| US09909500B2 |
Self-purging fuel nozzle system for a gas turbine engine
A self-purge system includes an additively manufactured purge valve assembly in communication with a fuel passage to selectively purge the fuel passage. |
| US09909497B2 |
Combined stability and customer bleed with dirt, water and ice rejection
A compressor section of a gas turbine engine includes a bleed port having a flow splitter therein so as to define a downstream bleed channel having a downstream inlet and an upstream bleed channel having an upstream inlet that is positioned radially outward from the downstream inlet. |
| US09909495B2 |
Gas turbine engine with distributed fans with drive control
A gas turbine engine comprises a plurality of fan rotors. A gas generator comprises at least one compressor rotor, at least one gas generator turbine rotor, a combustion section, and a fan drive turbine downstream of at least one gas generator turbine rotor. A shaft is configured to be driven by the fan drive turbine. The shaft engages gears to drive the plurality of fan rotors. A system controls the amount of power supplied to the plurality of fan rotors. A method of operating a gas turbine engine is also disclosed. |
| US09909492B2 |
Opposed piston internal combustion engine with inviscid layer sealing
An opposed-piston engine that forms an inviscid layer between pistons and the respective cylinder walls. In an aspect, the opposed-piston engine utilizes a Scotch yoke assembly that includes rigidly connected opposed combustion pistons. In an aspect, the Scotch yoke assembly is configured to transfer power from the combustion pistons to a crankshaft assembly. In an aspect, the crankshaft assembly can be configured to have dual flywheels that are internal to the engine, and can be configured to assist with an exhaust system, a detonation system, and/or a lubrication system. |
| US09909490B2 |
Methods and systems for boost control
Methods and systems are provided for pressure control in a boosted engine system. A variable geometry turbine (VGT) geometry, and/or wastegate (WG), and/or an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve opening is adjusted at least based on a difference between the exhaust pressure and an intake pressure in order to reduce the difference between exhaust and intake manifold pressures, thereby reducing pumping work losses. |
| US09909489B1 |
Piston fluid passages for reduced soot
An internal combustion engine may have an engine block having a plurality of cylinders. The internal combustion engine may also have a piston reciprocatingly mounted with each cylinder and defining a combustion chamber therebetween. The internal combustion engine may also be configured with a fuel injector communicating fuel to the combustion chamber, the fuel creating a plurality of flame plumes when ignited. The internal combustion engine may also have a piston crown extending from the piston and defining a piston bowl, the piston crown including a circumferential wall terminating in a top ledge. Further, the internal combustion engine may include a plurality of fluid passageways in the piston crown, each fluid passageway including an ingress in the top ledge and an egress in the circumferential wall proximate the piston bowl. |
| US09909487B2 |
Systems and methods for an engine cooling system expansion reservoir
Methods and systems are provided for an expansion reservoir for an engine cooling system. In one example, a cooling system may include a first cooling circuit and a second cooling circuit, the second cooling circuit configured to operate at a different temperature than the first cooling circuit, wherein the expansion reservoir is configured to receive coolant from and return coolant to the first and second cooling circuits. The expansion reservoir may further comprise one or more valves arranged so as to control the flow of coolant from the second cooling circuit to the expansion reservoir and/or from the expansion reservoir to the second cooling circuit depending on the temperature of the coolant. |
| US09909485B2 |
Cooling fan module and system
A cooling fan module includes a frame, and a fan impeller having a plurality of fan impeller blades is located in an opening of the frame. The fan impeller blades are connected to a base portion of an outer fan ring. A lip portion of the outer fan ring extends from the base portion radially outward, and a leading end of the lip portion is turned in direction to the downstream side of the frame. A recirculating flow guiding device includes a plurality of guide vanes located on an upstream side of the frame and around the opening of the frame. An air gap is provided between the outer fan ring and the frame. A recirculating flow travels from downstream side of the cooling fan module through the air gap, and is turned by the leading end of the lip portion into the recirculating flow guiding device. |
| US09909478B2 |
Mixer for exhaust aftertreatment systems
A swirl mixer for mixing a reducing agent with exhaust gas in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment system is described. The swirl mixer may comprise a base permitting a flow of the reducing agent and the exhaust gas therethrough, and three arrays of fins projecting from the base in a direction of flow of the exhaust gas. The three arrays of fins may be arranged in a triangular configuration about a center of the mixer to induce a swirl motion to the reducing agent and the exhaust gas flowing through the mixer. The fins in each of the arrays may be oriented in a common direction that is rotated by about 60° from the common direction of the fins in an adjacent array. |
| US09909477B2 |
Method for providing a liquid additive
A method for operating a device for providing a liquid additive having at least one suction point for removing liquid additive from a tank, a valve-free conveying line extending from the suction point to a supply unit, and a valve-free displacement pump, the displacement pump being configured to convey the liquid additive from the tank via the suction point along the conveying line to the supply unit, the displacement unit having at least one seal of the conveying line, displaceable along the conveying line for conveying the liquid additive, includes: a) detecting a stoppage of operation of the device; b) establishing a position of the seal within the positive-displacement pump; and c) changing the position of the seal if the position of the seal does not correspond to a provided park position of the seal. |
| US09909475B2 |
EGR cooler
There is provided an EGR cooler having a core portion in which a large number of flat tubes through which exhaust gases pass are stacked one on another in an interior of a hollow cylindrical shell to be joined to the shell for heat exchange between the exhaust gases and a cooling fluid which flows around the tubes, a cylindrical inlet header which is joined to an upstream side of the shell in relation to a gas flow at one end thereof, and a cylindrical outlet header which is joined to a downstream side of the core portion in relation to the gas flow at one end thereof, characterized in that the inlet header and the outlet header are joined to an outer surface of the shell, and the tubes are joined to an inner surface of the shell at those joint portions. |
| US09909473B2 |
Method and system for gas particulate filter
Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing a particulate filter located in an exhaust runner of an engine cylinder. In one example, a method may include flowing exhaust from a first cylinder through a first particulate filter in a first runner, and flowing exhaust from a second cylinder through a second particulate filter in a second runner. The method may further include adjusting engine operation in response to particulate filter degradation, the particulate filter degradation distinguishing between degradation of the first and second particulate filters based on an exhaust pressure pulsation timing relative to combustion events. |
| US09909467B2 |
Continuous variable valve timing apparatus and engine provided with the same
A continuously variable valve timing apparatus may include a camshaft, a plurality of wheels mounted to the camshaft, of which a wheel key is formed thereto respectively, a plurality of cam portions of which a cam and a cam key are formed thereto respectively, of which the camshaft is inserted thereto, of which relative phase angle with respect to the camshaft is variable, a plurality of inner brackets connected with the each wheel key and the each cam key, a plurality of a slider housings of which the each inner bracket is rotatably inserted thereto respectively, and rotatably configured around a hinge hole formed an upper side of a cam cap and a control portion selectively moving the slider housings to change relative position of a rotation center of the inner brackets. |
| US09909465B2 |
Camshaft adjusting device, combustion engine and assembly method
A camshaft adjustment device comprising an electromagnetic actuator (3) having an armature that can be adjusted axially along an adjustment axis (5) for actuating a hydraulic valve for camshaft adjustment, and fastening means for fastening the actuator (3) on an engine element (3), wherein the fastening means comprise spring means (12), which tension the actuator (3) against the engine element (2) in a securing position (13), wherein the fastening means have positive-fitting means (8) as an anti-twist device for preventing a twisting movement of the actuator (3) in an installation position (7) relatively to the engine element (2), which are constructed and arranged in such a manner that the actuator (3) can be moved to the engine element (2) by means of a pure translational installation movement and wherein the spring means (12) in the securing position (13) bar a de-installation path for a purely translational de-installation movement of the actuator (3) opposite to the installation movement in such a manner that the same cannot be de-installed oppositely to the purely translational installation direction. |
| US09909464B2 |
Intermediate phase adjustment apparatus of CVVT
An intermediate phase adjustment apparatus of intermediate phase continuous variable valve timing includes chambers and a diverter valve balancing oil pressure between the chambers. The chamber includes an advancing chamber and a retarding chamber formed between a rotor and a stator and supplied with oil through an oil channel. The diverter valve balances oil pressure between the chambers by sliding along an oil line through which the oil moves only in one direction between the chambers so that the oil selectively moves from a chamber having higher pressure to a chamber having lower pressure due to a pressure difference. |
| US09909458B2 |
Instrumentation boss for fan containment case
A method for installing a mounting hole through a wall of a fan case of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The method may comprise: 1) installing a pilot hole through the wall of the fan case at an angle perpendicular to an outer surface of the wall, 2) inserting a boss through the pilot hole, 3) bonding the boss to the wall of the fan case, and 4) installing the mounting hole through the boss at an off-axis angle with respect to the angle perpendicular to the outer surface of the wall. |
| US09909456B2 |
Nozzle ring
An exemplary nozzle ring has two fastening rings and a plurality of guide vanes, wherein holes are provided in one of the fastening rings for accommodating pins of the guide vanes, and openings are provided in the other fastening ring for accommodating positioning aids on the guide vanes. |
| US09909454B2 |
Exhaust-gas turbocharger
An exhaust-gas turbocharger (1) having a compressor (2) which has a compressor housing (3), a turbine (4) which has a turbine housing (5), a bearing housing (6) between the compressor housing (3) and the turbine housing (5), and a control capsule (7) which has a housing (8) on which is provided a retaining device (9) which interacts with a fastening device (10) on the turbocharger in order to fix the control capsule (6) to the compressor housing (3), the turbine housing (5) or the bearing housing (6). The retaining device (9) is arranged on an outer circumferential region (11) of the control capsule (7), and the fastening device (10) fixes the retaining device (9) in a non-positively locking manner. |
| US09909453B2 |
Lubrication system for a turbine engine
A lubrication system for a gas turbine engine includes a tank, a circulation pump, and a heat exchanger. The circulation pump generates a flow of lubricant from the tank to, e.g., a power gear box of the gas turbine engine and the heat exchanger removes an amount of heat from such flow of lubricant provided to the power gear box. The lubrication system also includes one or more valves in the flow of lubricant for controlling a flowrate and/or temperature of the lubricant provided to, e.g., the power gear box to increase an efficiency and/or durability of the power gear box. |
| US09909449B2 |
Wind turbine
Wind turbine comprising a rotor having a hub carrying one or more blades, an air intake and a nacelle, the hub being rotatably mounted on a frame and the frame extending forward into the hub, wherein an air flow passage is provided between an inside portion of the hub and the nacelle via at least one first opening to the hub. |
| US09909447B2 |
Method for manufacturing a turbomachine casing from a composite material and associated casing
A method for manufacturing a turbomachine casing from composite material including: creating a semi-rigid protective layer from dry glass fibers that protects against galvanic corrosion, arranging the protective layer on a profiled mandrel by applying the protective layer against the annular radial flange thereof, forming and densifying the fibrous reinforcement on the mandrel while covering the protective layer. |
| US09909446B2 |
Self-locking plug
A compact, highly-reusable, self-locking includes a body component, a flexible beam finger component with a plurality of axially-oriented flexible beam fingers and one or more outwardly extending tabs, an annular detent ring component including a plurality of detents in radial alignment with the plurality of flexible beam fingers, and a biasing component engaging the flange of the flexible beam finger component and the annular detent ring component for providing a biasing force to urge the flexible finger beam component in a direction of a central, longitudinal axis of the self-locking plug. The flexible beam finger component moves relative to the annular detent ring component when the body component is rotated about the central, longitudinal axis, A, of the self-locking plug, thereby causing the plurality of flexible beam fingers to travel across the plurality of detents and cause elastic deformation of the flexible beam fingers. |
| US09909444B2 |
Measurement installation for blade failure testing in a turbomachine
A turbomachine fitted with a device for gathering the information recorded during operation of the former by a strain gauge positioned on a fan blade borne by a fan disc of the turbomachine, the device including a hollow cylindrical pipe positioned inside one of the rotating shafts of the turbomachine in order to guide at least one wire for transmitting this information, wherein the device further includes a part for attaching the pipe to the rotating shaft. |
| US09909440B2 |
Interlocking hole pattern seal
A seal for a turbomachine is disclosed. The seal assembly includes a rotatable shaft having a stepped outer circumferential surface that defines one or more annular protrusions axially-spaced thereon. A seal is radially-offset from the rotatable shaft and has one or more annular recesses that extend radially-outward from the inner circumferential surface of the seal. A plurality of holes are defined in both the inner circumferential surface and the one or more annular recesses of the seal, the one or more annular recesses being axially-spaced from each other and configured to receive the one or more annular protrusions in an interlocking fit. |
| US09909439B2 |
Gas turbine rotor blade and gas turbine rotor
A gas turbine rotor and blade include a root portion, a platform and airfoil portion arranged along a span direction of the rotor blade, the platform located between the root and airfoil portion. The platform has an upstream and downstream side, side faces which extend from upstream to downstream side, an axial groove in each side face extends perpendicular to the span direction with a minor component of extension in span direction. A radial groove in each side face extends towards the axial groove with a component of extension in span direction and a component of extension perpendicular to the span direction. The radial groove has a first end that shows away from the axial groove and a second end that shows towards the axial groove. The second end is located a distance from the axial groove forming a groove free section between the second end and axial groove. |
| US09909438B2 |
Hydrodynamic carbon face seal pressure booster
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a system associated with an engine of an aircraft, the system comprising: a fluid source that is configured to provide a fluid at a first pressure value, a carbon seal, a seal plate that includes at least one lift-off feature that interfaces to the carbon seal, and a pressure boosting mechanism configured to obtain the fluid from the fluid source, increase the pressure of the fluid to a second pressure value, and provide the fluid at the second pressure value to the at least one lift-off feature. |
| US09909434B2 |
Integrated strut-vane nozzle (ISV) with uneven vane axial chords
An integrated strut and turbine vane nozzle (ISV) comprising: inner and outer duct walls defining a flow passage therebetween, an array of circumferentially spaced-apart struts extending radially across the flow passage, and an array of circumferentially spaced-apart vanes extending radially across the flow passage. At least one of the struts is aligned in the circumferential direction with an associated one of the vanes and forms therewith an integrated strut-vane airfoil. The adjacent vanes on opposed sides of the integrated strut-vane airfoil have uneven axial chords relative to the other vanes. |
| US09909432B2 |
Gas turbine transition piece aft frame assemblies with cooling channels and methods for manufacturing the same
Aft frame assemblies for a gas turbine transition pieces include a body comprising an exterior surface and a plurality of interior surfaces, one or more exterior cooling holes disposed on the exterior surface of the body for capturing compressor discharge air outside of the transition piece, and a supplemental component bonded to at least one of the plurality of interior surfaces of the body. At least one cooling channel is at least partially defined by the supplemental component and the interior surface that the supplemental component is bonded to, wherein the at least one cooling channel fluidly connects at least one of the one or more exterior cooling holes to one or more interior cooling outlets that discharge the compressor discharge air captured from the at least one of the one or more exterior cooling holes. |
| US09909428B2 |
Turbine buckets with high hot hardness shroud-cutting deposits
Turbine buckets include a pressure side, a suction side opposite the pressure side, and a bucket squealer tip attached to the pressure side and the suction side. The bucket squealer tip includes a plurality of high hot hardness shroud-cutting deposits deposited on its exterior surface that have a hardness of at least about 1100 kg mm−2 and a melting temperature of at least about 1500° C. |
| US09909424B2 |
Assembly of a balance weight with a rotor element
The balance weight is fixed to the flange of a rotor element by a pre-fixing screw with a conical head engaged into a conical counterbore having a shape complementary to the flange, which places the weight at a very accurate position before permanently fixing it by a clamping stud. |
| US09909421B2 |
Mixing system for an exhaust gases after-treatment arrangement
A mixing system includes a pipe having a longitudinal axis, in which exhaust gases can flow in a flow direction, a nozzle designed to inject a fluid inside the pipe from an injection inlet arranged in the pipe wall, according to an injection direction, a first mixing device positioned inside the pipe upstream from the injection inlet, the first mixing device including a peripheral portion including blades capable of creating a peripheral swirl along the pipe wall, and a central portion designed to create substantially no turbulence, and a second mixing device positioned inside the pipe downstream from the injection inlet, the second mixing device including a central portion including blades capable of creating a swirl inside the pipe. |
| US09909415B2 |
Method and apparatus for analyzing mixing of a fluid in a conduit
An apparatus for mixing fluids within a conduit and monitoring performance of the mixing is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a conduit and a fluid mixer coupled to the conduit for mixing fluid flowing through a bore of the conduit. The apparatus also includes multiple sensors for measuring a characteristic of the fluid at different locations in the bore of the conduit downstream from the fluid mixer. A controller of the apparatus can monitor performance of the fluid mixer in mixing the fluid flowing through the bore of the conduit based on the measured characteristic of the fluid at the different locations in the bore of the conduit downstream from the fluid mixer. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed. |
| US09909414B2 |
Fracture characterization using directional electromagnetic resistivity measurements
A disclosed fracture characterization method includes: collecting three-dimensional resistivity measurements of a volume surrounding an open borehole; analyzing the measurements to determine parameters describing fractures in the volume; and providing a report to a user based at least in part on said parameters. A fluid with a contrasting resistivity is employed to make the fractures detectable by a directional electromagnetic logging tool in the borehole. Illustrative parameters include fracture direction, height, extent, length, and thickness. The resistivity measurements can be augmented using a borehole wall image logging tool. Also disclosed are fracturing methods that include: positioning a directional electromagnetic logging tool proximate to a formation; fracturing the formation; monitoring fracture progression with said tool; and halting the fracturing when measurements by said tool indicate that a predetermined set of criteria have been satisfied. |
| US09909412B2 |
Determining seismic sensor orientation in a wellbore
A well-logging tool includes a magnetic field logging tool and a borehole seismic array, which includes a plurality of seismic sensor devices coupled together in series. Each seismic sensor device includes a sensor housing and at least one seismic sensor carried by the sensor housing. A magnetometer is carried by the sensor housing to sense the local magnetic field. A controller cooperates with the magnetic field logging tool to generate a log of the local magnetic field relative to the true earth geographic pole. The controller cooperates with the borehole seismic array to determine an orientation of each seismic sensor device based upon the respective sensed local magnetic field and log of the local magnetic field relative to the earth geographic pole. |
| US09909406B2 |
Automated delivery of wellbore construction services
A system and a method to providing a drilling service are described. The system includes a processor to identify two or more tasks associated with the service and one or more procedures associated with each of the one or more tasks. The system also includes an output interface to output commands to complete the one or more procedures associated with each of the two or more tasks, the commands being directed to actors that complete the one or more procedures, the actors including a downhole tool, a surface tool, or a human operator. |
| US09909401B2 |
Method of flash-cooling produced water and heating steam generator feedwater
An oil recovery process where produced water is cooled through a flash evaporization process and the resulting vapor is utilized to heat steam generator feedwater. |
| US09909394B1 |
Device for gripping an object in a constrained space
A gripper assembly for gripping coiled tubing with lower and upper ball carriers. A first gripper portion and a second gripper portion each have a channel for a bore through the gripper portions. Gripper portions can rotate in relation to each other. Rotation causes the gripper portion to close around an object that passes through the bore. With a translational force, the gripper portions rotate relative to each other to grasp an object. |
| US09909390B2 |
Stage tool with lower tubing isolation
A stage tool includes an isolation mechanism for isolating the lower bore of a completion string. The isolation mechanism is initially in a deactivated configuration until sufficient hydraulic pressure is applied, at which time, the isolating mechanism is activated to isolate the lower bore from cement ingress. Concurrently or subsequently, a stage tool may be opened to facilitate cementing of an annulus between the completion string and the wellbore. After cementing, the isolation mechanism, or portions thereof, may be drilled out to re-establish flow through the stage tool. |
| US09909387B2 |
Semi-autonomous insert valve for well system
Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to a semi-autonomous insert valve. The semi-autonomous insert valve includes a body, a closure mechanism coupled to the body, an autonomous actuation mechanism coupled to the body, and a control system disposed in the body. The body engages an inner wall of a subsurface safety valve and causes a subsurface safety valve closure mechanism to open, allowing fluid to flow toward the surface of the wellbore. The closure mechanism selectively allows fluid to flow toward the surface of the wellbore. The autonomous actuation mechanism actuates the closure mechanism independently from a subsurface safety valve actuation mechanism that actuates the subsurface safety valve closure mechanism. The control sub-system includes one or more transceiving devices that can wirelessly communicate signals. The control sub-system closes the closure mechanism in response to losing signal communication between the transceiving devices and a signal source. |
| US09909385B2 |
Rotating wellhead hanger assemblies
Rotating wellhead hanger assemblies are provided. In one embodiment, a wellhead hanger assembly includes a casing hanger and a casing hanger running tool coupled to the casing hanger. An exterior surface of the casing hanger includes a recess and the casing hanger running tool includes a dog that extends inward from the casing hanger running tool into the recess of the exterior surface of the casing hanger. Engagement of the dog with the recess of the casing hanger facilitates synchronous rotation of the casing hanger and its running tool. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed. |
| US09909379B2 |
Large-width/diameter riser segment lowerable through a rotary of a drilling rig
This disclosure includes auxiliary-line riser segment assemblies (e.g., with isolation units) that are suitable for managed pressure drilling (MPD) and that can be lowered (e.g., when connected to other riser segment assemblies) through a rotary of a drilling rig. Some embodiments are configured to have portions of the auxiliary lines connected (e.g., without welding) below the rotary. |
| US09909377B2 |
Underwater drilling device and method for procuring and analyzing ground samples of a bed of a body of water
The invention relates to underwater drilling for procuring and analyzing ground samples of a bed of a body of water. An underwater drilling device placed onto a bed of the body of water. By a drill drive a drill rod composed of at least one tubular drill rod element is drilled into the bed of the body of water in a first drilling step, wherein a drill core is received in a receiving part in the tubular drill rod element. The receiving part with the drill core is deposited in a storage place of a storage area on the base frame. Subsequently, one further drilling step is carried out with a further drill rod element. By means of sensor means at least one physical and/or chemical property of the drill core is determined. data on the storage place of the drill core in the second storage area. |
| US09909376B2 |
Latching assembly for wellbore logging tools and method of use
A latching assembly for wellbore logging tools includes a bottom hole assembly to be disposed on a distal end of a drill string. The bottom hole assembly includes a landing sub having a bore with a latching mechanism that includes latch jaws and bias springs. The latch jaws can receive a landing shoulder. The biasing spring has a closing arm and an opening arm to respectively close and open the latch jaws. The bottom hole assembly includes a tool string that includes the landing shoulder for engaging with the latch jaw of the landing sub, the biasing spring, and a logging assembly that includes at least one logging tool for obtaining and storing data about at least one geologic formation penetrated by the wellbore. |
| US09909373B2 |
Well rod string penetration adjustment apparatus and method
An apparatus and method to raise and lower a well rod string is provided. The apparatus includes a top plate that engages a temporary polished rod clamp and lifting means and legs affixed to a well head. The lifting means provide elevation of the well rod string to adjust the position of the polished rod clamp relative to the carrier bar of a pumping unit. |
| US09909372B2 |
Well casing stop collar
A stop collar for pipes or shafts is provided for restricting objects from sliding lengthwise along the length of a pipe or shaft. The stop collar is ring-shaped and includes a leading edge which is angled from perpendicular to the pipe's longitudinal axis. The angled leading edge provides the leading edge with a proximal engagement point and a distal engagement point. Longitudinal force on the distal engagement point, by an object such as a tool or sensor, causes the stop collar to cock relative to the pipe or shaft. This cocking of the stop collar effects a braking function to prevent the stop collar from sliding longitudinally along the pipe. |
| US09909366B1 |
Cutting element apparatuses and drill bits so equipped
A cutting element assembly for use on a rotary drill bit for forming a borehole in a subterranean formation. A cutting element assembly includes a cutting element having a substrate. The cutting element assembly additionally includes a superabrasive material bonded to the substrate. The substrate extends from an end surface to a back surface. A base member is also coupled to the back surface of the substrate. Additionally, a recess is defined in the base member and a structural element is coupled to the base member. The cutting element assembly also includes a biasing element configured to selectively bias the structural element. |
| US09909363B1 |
Window blind with pressure sensor which activates light and sound in sequence
We disclose a window blind that includes a security feature. The disclosed window blind includes a plurality of slats, at least one of which includes a hollow core. The hollow core includes at least one pressure sensor, a controller, and a battery. The pressure sensor detects a change in pressure when an adjacent window or door is opened or broken. The controller may be connected to the pressure sensor and to multiple light fixtures and/or audio speakers throughout the building. Program code in the controller may receive instructions which include a defined order in which the controller sends a signal to each of the light fixtures and audio speakers causing them to actuate. |
| US09909361B2 |
Covering for an architectural opening having nested rollers
A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade secured to the outer roller, and a second shade secured to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer roller and opening to an interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable onto and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position. |
| US09909360B2 |
Batten spacers for shade systems
The present invention provides a shade assembly which comprises a shade fabric and a plurality of battens arranged vertically with respect to one another, each batten aligned horizontally along the fabric and forming a pleat therewith. A plurality of spacers are also provided which are coupled to and positioned adjacently to one of the plurality of battens in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the shade fabric. The plurality of spacers maintains the plurality of battens in a substantially vertical arrangement when the shade fabric is drawn into an open position. |
| US09909357B2 |
Opening and closing device
A door (1) includes a tabular main body (2), a liquid crystal device (4) which is disposed in an aperture portion formed in the main body (2), a handheld portion (3A) which is attached to the main body (2), and a touch sensor (3) which is attached to the handheld portion (3A). Because the touch sensor (3) is attached to the handheld portion (3A), when a person's hand touches the handheld portion (3A), the touch sensor (3) senses the person's hand. The liquid crystal device (4) is capable of varying between an invisible state and a visible state reversibly, and is made into a visible state in the case where the touch sensor (3) senses a person's hand. |
| US09909353B2 |
Adjustable sill pan system
An adjustable sill pan system that can be adjusted in the field to fit any type of entryway, while maintaining a moisture-tight seal between parts of the sill pan system, by virtue of a complementary gasket having slots that receive the entirety of an open edge of another part of the sill pan system. |
| US09909352B2 |
Prefabricated flashing product
A prefabricated flashing product for an opening in an exterior surface of a structure includes a generally planar flange shaped to conform to the exterior surface, the flange extending outwardly from an entire perimeter of an aperture therein that corresponds to the opening, and a return that seals to the flange about the aperture and extends substantially perpendicularly therefrom toward an inward direction of the opening. The flange and the return are monolithically formed of a waterproof material. A method of integrating a fenestration product into an opening of an exterior surface of a structure includes inserting the flashing product described above into the opening, and inserting the fenestration product at least partially into the aperture of the flashing product. |
| US09909350B2 |
Vehicular reflective optical sensor
The purpose of this invention is to provide a vehicular reflective optical sensor that has improved control reliability. Said vehicular reflective optical sensor is provided with a control unit (6) that: emits detection light (3) at prescribed intervals from a light-emitting unit (2) on an exterior panel of a vehicle towards a detection region (1) set outside said vehicle; tests for a threshold-exceeded state in which the amount of light in a light reflection (4) received from the detection region (1) by a light-receiving unit (5) exceeds a prescribed detection threshold; and, if it is detected that a detection target has entered the detection region (1), outputs a detection-confirmation signal. The control unit (6) uses, as the aforementioned detection threshold, the sum of a predetermined fixed value and an adjustment value comprising a summary statistic for the amounts of light in an appropriate number of light reflections (4) preceding the light reflection (4) on which the comparison is being performed. |
| US09909348B2 |
Leaf of a sliding window or sliding door
A leaf, of a sliding window or sliding door, has a top profile that is provided with at least one hardware component and which has a side profile perpendicular to the top profile, whereby the top of the top profile has a groove with undercut flanks extending in the longitudinal direction of the top profile, whereby the hardware component or hardware components is or are fastened to a first part of a connecting piece, whereby the first part has a shape that is at least partly complementary to the groove, the first part being held in the groove and locked in the longitudinal direction of the groove. |
| US09909347B2 |
System for controlling the doors of a power split tailgate
A power, split door system (12) for a vehicle (10), comprising a first vehicle door (14) arranged to articulate between a closed position and an open position; a second vehicle door (16) arranged to articulate between a closed position and an open position; first (40a, 40b) and second (42) drive means for moving the first and second doors, respectively, between the closed and open positions; and control means (18, 83, 85, 87) for controlling the first and second drive means so as to control movement of the first and second doors between the open and closed positions; wherein the control means is provided with positional information relating to each of the first and second vehicle doors; and wherein the control means is configured to ensure that each of the first and second vehicle doors do not attempt to simultaneously occupy the same space. The first and second doors may be configured such that in a closed position, the first and second doors partially overlap. |
| US09909346B2 |
Adjusting device
The invention relates to an adjusting device for moveably mounting a furniture part onto a furniture body, comprising an adjusting arm lever. A first lever of the adjusting arm lever can be moved with respect to a second lever of the adjusting arm lever from a mounted position into an operating position. The first lever can be locked in the locked position with respect to the second lever by means of an automatic locking device. |
| US09909344B2 |
Keyless vehicle door latch system with powered backup unlock feature
A keyless door latch system for doors of motor vehicles includes a backup electrical power supply to unlock the door latch in the event the primary power supply fails, thereby eliminating the need for a lock cylinder. The latch system includes a user input device having first and second user input features. The door latch system is configured to supply electrical power from the primary electrical power supply to unlock the latch upon actuation of the first user input feature, and to supply electrical power from the backup electrical power supply to unlock the latch upon actuation of the second user input feature. The user input device may comprise a wireless portable device that generates first and second wireless signals upon actuation of the first and second user input features, respectively. |
| US09909334B2 |
Pool cleaner with a protracted filter
A pool cleaning robot that may include a fluid inlet, a filter; a winding mechanism and a holding mechanism; wherein the winding mechanism is configured to perform a winding of the filter thereby removing a filter portion that was positioned in a filtering position and placing another filter portion, that was previously stored by the holding mechanism, in the filtering position; wherein the filter portion, when positioned in the filtering position, is configured to filter fluid that enters through the fluid inlet; and wherein the holding mechanism is configured to hold the filter and to store folded and unused filter portions. |
| US09909333B2 |
Swimming pool cleaner with hydrocyclonic particle separator and/or six-roller drive system
Exemplary embodiments are directed to pool cleaners, generally including a canister body, a filtering medium assembly and a cyclone block. The canister body includes an inner chamber within inner walls of the canister body. The filtering medium assembly can be disposed within the inner chamber of the canister body. The cyclone block can be disposed within the inner chamber of the canister body and can be at least partially surrounded by the filtering medium assembly. The cyclone block includes a plurality of individual cyclone containers. A first cyclonic flow can be generated between the inner walls of the canister body and the filtering medium assembly. A second cyclonic flow can be generated within each of the plurality of cyclone containers. |
| US09909331B1 |
Multi-purpose pool water circulation accelerator
An accelerator used for increasing water circulation velocity through a swimming pool's filtration/heating system. It comprises one or more rigid elongated and open-ended tubular sections; one end formed at a 90-degree angle into a flange inserts into the pool vacuum intake or skimmer port. The other end may be any variety of shapes, with multiple vents or openings. When the flange end is attached to the vacuum intake, the accelerator sits parallel to the pool wall with its base close to the pool bottom. The base may have protrusions perpendicular to the body to act as feet on the wall. The accelerator can be adjusted to variable lengths with sections locking into place with male and female adapters. The accelerator's sections should have small drilled holes at intervals along their length for the safety of pool equipment and swimmers. The lowest portion of the accelerator body has a drainage hole. |
| US09909330B2 |
Method and apparatus to fill and fire proof holes in concrete floors
The present apparatus and method relates in general to sealing a hole in a floor with a precast plug. A precast plug is created by pouring a wet aggregate mix into a form mold and thereafter inserting a pre formed rod into the uncured mixture, positioning it such that the center of the rod rests in the center of the form mold and the ends of the rod extend outward near the top of the form mold. The mix is then cured. The precast plug may then be transported to the hole that it is destined to fix. Grooves may be carved on either side of the hole to accommodate the rod's ends. The interior of the hole and the exterior of the plug may then be covered with a sealant, after which the plug may be inserted into the hole. Once the sealant cures, the hole is fully repaired. |
| US09909327B2 |
Wall formwork with coupling device
According to the invention a wall formwork (1, 2) for the production walls consisting of concrete having a coupling device (4, 10), by means of which the wall formwork (1, 2) may be coupled to another wall formwork which is arranged adjacent or above is provided. The coupling device (4, 10) is—preferably detachably—coupled to the wall formwork (1, 2) and is especially coupled to a supporting element (2) of the wall formwork (1, 2). By “coupled” it is meant that the coupling device (4, 10) may even kept coupled to the wall formwork (1, 2) when the coupling device (4, 10) will not be used for coupling the wall formwork (1, 2) to another wall formwork. By way of coupling between the coupling device (4, 10) and the wall formwork (1, 2), during installation, a coupling device (4, 10) will immediately be available, if the wall formwork (1, 2) is to be coupled to another wall formwork by the coupling device (4, 10). By this, assembling will be promoted. Also realization of disassembling may be promoted, since the coupling device (4, 10) does not have to be deposited nor handled separately. For disassembling detachment of the coupling device (4, 10) from the wall formwork (1, 2) which is arranged adjacent or above will be sufficient. |
| US09909326B2 |
Scaffolding
A scaffolding module comprising: a frame that, when in an erected configuration, defines an interior space; and a plurality of mounting regions that allow the module to be mounted with other said scaffolding modules, wherein when so mounted, the module frames are able to be interconnected to form a support structure for one or more scaffolding platforms. |
| US09909323B2 |
Multi-stage shock absorbing modular floor tile apparatus
Modular floor tiles and modular floor systems are described herein. A floor tile system includes a modular floor tile and a plurality of resilient support assemblies. The modular floor tile includes a top surface layer having a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of rigid support portions extending from the bottom surface. The resilient support assemblies are supported against the bottom surface and include an outer resilient support portion having a hollow interior, and an inner resilient support portion positioned centrally relative to the outer resilient support portion. |
| US09909319B1 |
Gutter cover
A gutter cover has a lip where fasteners attach the cover to a structure. An upper cover extends at a downward angle away from the structure while a folded section extends and a downward angle towards the structure. A covering section extends substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the folded section back towards the front of the gutter and has a number of apertures therein for filtering debris. A filtering mesh is located between the covering section and the folded section and may also filter debris. A connecting lip secures cover to the front of the gutter. |
| US09909311B2 |
Ceiling system
A ceiling system includes a grid support member, and first and second ceiling panels abutted at a joint. In the factory-supplied condition, each panel has a facing sheet already adhesively bonded to a central region of the panel. Perimeter portions of the facing are left un-bonded to an annular peripheral region of the surface surrounding the central region. This allows seams to be made in the field. The facing sheet comprises a cantilevered flap extending beyond a peripheral edge of the panel. During field installation, the flap of a first panel extends across the joint overlapping the second panel's un-bonded facing sheet in the peripheral region. The double thickness of facings is cut to form a seam laterally offset from the joint, which is concealed. A field applied or activated adhesive bonds the facing to the peripheral regions of each panel. A related installation method is disclosed. |
| US09909309B1 |
Glass anchoring system
A glass anchoring system, for securing a pair of adjacent panels of structural glass to a mid support beam and creating a walkable glass. Each panel has a fastening edge and has an upper pane, a middle pane, and a lower pane. The middle pane has a cutout along the fastening edge. A pair of blocks fit within the cutouts and are laminated within the panels. When the panels are positioned upon the mid support beam, the blocks face each other across a gap between the adjacent panels. A connecting bar extends across the gap and into both of the blocks. A bolt extends in the gap, downwardly through the connecting bar, and tightens against the connecting bar as it secures to the mid support beam. |
| US09909308B2 |
Composite beam having truss reinforcement embedded in concrete
The present invention relates to a composite beam in which a fabricated truss is embedded in the concrete, and more particularly, it relates to a composite beam in which the fabricated truss acts as a truss beam which endures the concrete weight and the construction load in the liquid phase before the curing of the concrete and acts as a main structural member together with the concrete after the curing of the concrete. |
| US09909307B2 |
Joint-free concrete
Method of forming a concrete slab to reduce or eliminate control joints includes preparing a substantially flat base, overlaying one or more barriers on top of the base, placing a concrete mixture on top of the barrier(s) and base to form a concrete slab, and allowing the concrete to cure without forming control joints. The base is prepared with a flatness of about ±¼ inch over 10 feet. A side edge is prepared along a periphery of the concrete slab by extending a vapor barrier from a bottom surface of the slab up the side edge toward a top surface of the slab and covering the side edge. A plurality of post-tensioning cables are positioned to extend through the slab and configured to compress and assist in controlling accelerated displacement of the concrete slab during curing and shrinkage. The concrete slab is formed of an evenly gradated and low slump concrete having high fiber content, minimized cement content, and maximized size of large aggregate. |
| US09909306B2 |
Manufactures, methods and structures to reduce energy transfer in building curtain walls
A manufacture and method for reducing thermal transfer through window systems has a composite window cap retainer. The retainer has a metal extrusion at least partially covered by a thermal spacer having reduced relative thermal conductivity. The thermal spacer is mechanically supported by the metal extrusion and mechanically intermediates and thermally insulates between the cap and the metal window structures to which the cap is secured, reducing thermal transfer between the inside and outside environments of a building. |
| US09909297B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating a liquid from other substances
An apparatus for separating a liquid from other substances comprises a first chamber; a second chamber; an inlet connected to the first chamber; an outlet connected to the second chamber; a bypass conduit passing from the inlet, through the first chamber, and into the second chamber; a passage between the first and second chambers and configured to allow the liquid to flow from the first chamber to the second chamber, the passage below the bypass conduit; wherein the bypass conduit comprises a first opening within the first chamber and a second opening in the second chamber; and wherein the bypass conduit is angled relative to a horizontal so that a lowest region of the second opening is higher, in relation to the horizontal, than a highest region of the first opening, such that liquid flow into the inlet, less than a treatment flow rate, flows entirely through the first opening. |
| US09909294B2 |
Check valve for an upwardly directed douche
A backflow inhibitor has a jet nozzle connectable to a flow entrance and has a capture part which captures the liquid jet that passes over a free jet path from the jet nozzle. The capture part is connectable or connected to a flow exit and to an outlet arranged below the free jet path. The outlet discharges a partial amount of liquid not captured by the capture part. The backflow inhibitor includes an insert cartridge which carries the jet nozzle and the capture part. In use, the insert cartridge is held such that the jet nozzle is connected to the flow entrance and the capture part is connected to the flow exit. The insert cartridge, in the cartridge section which is arranged between jet nozzle and capture part and which forms or delimits the free jet path, has at least one cartridge opening that can be connected to the outlet. |
| US09909290B2 |
Device for changing the jet shape of free-flowing products
A device for changing the jet shape of free-flowing products, in particular of foodstuffs, including: an inflow area for the free-flowing products to enter, an outflow area for the free-flowing products to exit, and several channels through which to pass the free-flowing products. Each channel includes an inlet allocated to the inflow area and an outlet allocated to the outflow area. The inlets together form an inflow surface with a width and height lying in the inflow area. The outlets together form an outflow surface with a width and height lying in the outflow area. In order to reduce splashing when filling packagings with a non-rotationally symmetrical cross section, the outflow surface is non-rotationally symmetrical. |
| US09909288B2 |
Plumbing fixture with mixing valve and controller
A showerhead that is configured to receive a supply of cold water and a supply of hot water. The showerhead includes a body, a mixing valve within the body that includes a first actuator within the mixing valve for controlling a first flow control valve within the mixing valve and a second actuator within the mixing valve for controlling a second flow control valve within the mixing valve, and a controller on or within the body that is configured to send a control signal to control actuation of the first actuator and the second actuator. |
| US09909285B2 |
Shroud retention system for a work tool
A shroud retention system for a work tool is disclosed. The shroud retention system may have an adapter attached to the work tool. The shroud retention system may further have a spring assembly attached to the adapter. The shroud retention system may also have a shroud, which may have a channel configured to slidably receive the adapter and the spring assembly. The channel may have a retainer slot. The shroud retention system may have a retainer plate disposed in the retainer slot. The retainer plate may be movable into a locked position by the spring assembly. |
| US09909281B2 |
Construction machine
In a backhoe that is a construction machine in which a swash plate angle of a variable capacity hydraulic pump driven by an engine is controlled based on a difference between an actual engine speed of the engine and a target engine speed calculated from an accelerator position, the engine is controlled through isochronous control when the actual engine speed of the engine is equal to or higher than a maximum torque engine speed with which a maximum torque of the engine is able to be output, and the engine is controlled through droop control when the actual engine speed of the engine is lower than the maximum torque engine speed with which the maximum torque of the engine is able to be output. |
| US09909277B2 |
In situ waste remediation methods and systems
Disclosed herein are in situ waste remediation methods and systems configured to hydraulically isolate waste material from groundwater. Methods for enclosing and/or remediating waste impoundments, landfills and the like using discrete in situ solidification/stabilization techniques are provided. The disclosed methods and systems provide containment techniques to create a vertical barrier to further isolate waste from groundwater and enhance geotechnical stability by increasing embankment strength, reducing saturated conditions and increasing the overall factor of safety for slope failure. |
| US09909273B2 |
Snow shovel with reversing element
A snow shovel with a tilting element includes an elongated support having upper and lower ends opposite the upper end and a blade having front and opposite rear portions. The blade is mounted at the lower end of the elongated support and is designed to be movable with a rotary motion between a first shoveling position and a second snow dumping position in which it is at least partially spaced from the elongated support. The blade pivots with respect to the elongated support at a substantial front-end portion thereof. The elongated support includes at least one pair of sliding elements shaped for crawling in use on the ground where the snow shovel rests. The snow shovel includes a rotating unit to rotate the blade operated by a connecting rod, the rotating unit being arranged to allow the blade to rotate between the first and second snow positions. |
| US09909272B2 |
Crash guard
A crash guard configured to resist intrusion of a vehicle from a traffic lane into an area and to resist intrusion into an area of debris caused by an impact of a vehicle into the crash guard or into another vehicle. |
| US09909270B1 |
Sign post cover
A sign post cover comprised of a series of segments that are stacked fit around a traffic control sign post. Segments have on a side facing the same direction as the sign on the sign post differing visual patterns that alternate between successive segments. A rear side of each segment includes an alternate pattern. This allows an observer from any direction to determine the nature of the sign and the direction which that sign faces. |
| US09909263B2 |
Method for guiding a device for inserting elements into the ground for the building of a structure; insertion device and associated vehicle
A method includes: taking a topographical survey of a plurality of geographical points near a structure to be built, the position of each point being determined in an absolute frame of reference XYZ; installing a plurality of reflectors, each reflector being placed at a geographical point of the topographical survey; measuring distances between reflectors and optical devices, using at least three optical devices fixed on a moving arm of an insertion device that bears an element to be inserted; computing, by trilateration, the absolute position of the arm of the insertion device from the measured distances and from the known position of each optical reflector; and moving the arm of the insertion device based on the computed absolute position, so as to bring the element to be inserted into a predetermined implantation position. |
| US09909257B2 |
Modified cellulose from chemical kraft fiber and methods of making and using the same
A modified kraft pulp fiber with unique properties is provided. The modified fiber can be a modified bleached kraft fiber that is almost indistinguishable from its conventional counterpart, except that it has a low degree of polymerization (DP). Methods for making the modified fiber and products made from it are also provided. The method can be a one step acidic, iron catalyzed peroxide treatment process that can be incorporated into a single stage of a multi-stage bleaching process. The products can be chemical cellulose feedstocks, microcrystalline cellulose feedstocks, fluff pulps and products made from them. |
| US09909253B2 |
Random mat, shaped product of fiber reinforced composite material, and carbon fiber mat
There is provided a random mat including carbon fibers having an average fiber length of from 3 mm to 100 mm and a thermoplastic resin, wherein a fiber areal weight of the carbon fibers is from 25 to 10,000 g/m2, a proportion of carbon fiber bundles (A) constituted by single carbon filaments of a critical single fiber number or more defined by the formula (1) to the total amount of fibers in the random mat is from 40 to 99 Vol %, and an average number (N) of fibers in the carbon fiber bundles (A) satisfies the formula (2): critical single fiber number=600/D (1) 2.0×105/D2≦N<8.0×105/D2 (2) wherein D is an average fiber diameter (μm) of carbon fibers. |
| US09909252B2 |
Method and device for spreading a laundry item
For the purpose of delivering a laundry item (10) to an ironer, the laundry item (10) is spread, by opposite corners of a lateral edge (20), by means of spreader clips (18, 19). In this case, deformations, or “ear formation” may occur at the corner regions (12, 13) of the laundry item (10) that are gripped by the spreader clips (18, 19). This “ear formation” is mostly irreversible, and in the long term results in damage to the laundry items (10). The invention creates a method and a device by which the laundry item (10) is delivered to an ironer in a gentle manner. For this purpose, at least one corner region (12, 13) of the laundry item (10) that is gripped by a spreader clip (18, 19) is captured by an imaging means as the laundry item (10) is being spread. |
| US09909251B2 |
Clothes dryer with dielectric flanged exhaust duct
The improved dryer output exhaust duct of the present invention is comprised of a nonconductive, high temperature polymer to form a dielectric exhaust output duct. The dielectric dryer exhaust duct prevents the travelling of electrical current from an inadvertently energized dryer chassis to the attached flexible ducting and thus prevents the ducting from overheating or melting from the electrical current or igniting flammable materials nearby or contained within the ducting. |
| US09909248B2 |
Washing machine appliance and lid assembly
A washing machine appliance and lid assembly is provided. Washing machine may include a cabinet, a basket, and a door. The cabinet may define an opening. The basket may be mounted within the cabinet. The basket may define a wash chamber beneath the opening to receive one or more clothing articles to be washed. Door may be pivotally attached to the cabinet. The door may be selectively movable between an open position permitting access to the opening and a closed position restricting access to the opening. The door may include an integral frame and a discrete panel. The integral frame may define an aperture above the wash chamber. |
| US09909246B2 |
Washing method
A washing method includes (a) continuously rotating a drum in one direction at a first speed such that laundry is lifted to a predetermined height and then falls, (b) accelerating the drum to rotate the drum at a second speed such that the laundry is moved in a state in which at least some of the laundry clings to the drum, and (c) spraying wash water into the drum during rotation of the drum at the second speed. |
| US09909244B2 |
Washing method and washing device
The invention relates to a method and a device for washing textile items to be washed, wherein the items to be washed and a washing liquid are introduced into a washing container. Then the washing container is dually asymmetrically centrifuged. During the dual asymmetrical centrifuging, the washing container is rotated about a first axis of rotation, which extends outside of the washing container, and simultaneously about a second axis of rotation, which extends through the washing container and is at an acute angle to the first axis of rotation. The washing process is thereby intensified and significantly accelerated. |
| US09909242B2 |
Automatic needle placement machine and automatic placement method
An automatic needle placement machine (1) and a placement method for needles (4) on needle boards (2) of non-woven needle machines has a holding apparatus (10) for the needle board (2), a needle removal apparatus (12) and a needle placement apparatus (13) for removing and placing needles (4) from and in receptacle openings (3) of the needle board. The holding, needle placement and needle removal apparatuses (10, 12, 13) can be moved and positioned in a linear manner and relative to each other by means of an automatic positioning apparatus (11, 16). The holding apparatus (10) for the needle board (2) has a multi-axis positioning apparatus (11), wherein the needle placement and needle removal apparatus (12, 13) are arranged in a relatively stationary manner on a frame (15) or on a machine frame (8). |
| US09909237B2 |
Non-kinking self-wrapping woven sleeve and method of construction thereof
A wrappable textile sleeve and method of construction thereof is provided. The wrappable textile sleeve includes an elongate wall extending along a longitudinal axis between opposite ends with lengthwise extending edges extending parallel or substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis between the opposite ends. The wall is woven from lengthwise extending warp yarns and circumferentially extending weft yarns. The weft yarns form a plurality of discrete annular bands, with adjacent bands having weft yarns of different diameters to provide the wall with discrete enhanced hoop strength regions and with discrete enhanced flexibility regions, where the enhanced hoop strength and enhanced flexibility regions alternate in adjacent relation with one another. |
| US09909228B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic current distribution control during electroplating
An apparatus for electroplating a layer of metal onto the surface of a wafer includes an auxiliary electrode that is configured to function both as an auxiliary cathode and an auxiliary anode during the course of electroplating. The apparatus further includes an ionic current collimator (e.g., a focus ring) configured to direct ionic current from the main anode to central portions of the wafer. The provided configuration effectively redistributes ionic current in the plating system allowing plating of uniform metal layers and mitigating the terminal effect. In one example, the auxiliary electrode functions as an auxiliary cathode in the beginning of electroplating when the terminal effect is pronounced, and subsequently is anodically biased. |
| US09909222B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for production of carbon, carbide electrodes, and carbon compositions
Method comprising providing at least one solid carbide chemical compound and reducing a metal cation with use of the solid carbide chemical compound. A method comprising producing elemental carbon material from the oxidation of carbide in at least one carbide chemical compound (e.g., calcium carbide) in at least one anode of an electrochemical cell apparatus, such as a galvanic cell apparatus. The cathode can be a variety of metals such as zinc or tin. The reaction can be carried out at room temperature and normal pressure. An external voltage also can be applied, and different forms of carbon can be produced depending on the reactants used and voltage applied. For carrying out the method, an apparatus comprising at least one galvanic cell comprising: at least one anode comprising at least one carbide chemical compound, and at least one cathode. For carrying out the method and constructing the apparatus, an electrode structure comprising at least one carbide chemical compound, wherein the carbide chemical compound is a salt-like carbide; and at least one electronically conductive element different from the carbide. Carbon compositions of various forms are also prepared by the methods and apparatus and with use of the electrode structure. Large pieces of pure carbon can be produced. Post-reaction processing of the carbon can be carried out such as exfoliation. |
| US09909219B2 |
Slurry biocide
The invention provides methods and compositions for addressing the problem of microorganism infestations and especially biocorrosion in slurry transporting pipelines. The method comprises treating pipeline fluid (especially plug fluid) with an oxidizing biocide in an amount higher than the oxidant demand of the pipeline and a non-oxidizing biocide in an amount less than 30% of the minimum necessary to sterilize the microbiological organisms. This treatment makes use of the unique characteristics of a slurry pipeline to eliminate microorganisms without harming the pipeline as would be expected by using an oxidizing biocide. |
| US09909217B2 |
Pump used in gasification system
A pump used in a gasification system, the pump comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a rotor supported within the housing for rotation relative to the housing, the rotor comprising a hub, a plurality of disks spaced apart by sections of the hub, and defining a plurality of transport channels for transporting solid carbonaceous feedstocks for the gasification system, and an interior feedstock facing surface adjacent to the solid carbonaceous feedstocks, wherein at least a portion of the interior feedstock facing surface is coated with a coating. |
| US09909216B2 |
Plating bath compositions for electroless plating of metals and metal alloys
The present invention relates to additives which may be employed in electroless metal and metal alloy plating baths and a process for use of said plating baths. Such additives reduce the plating rate and increase the stability of electroless plating baths and therefore, such electroless plating baths are particularly suitable for the deposition of said metal or metal alloys into recessed structures such as trenches and vias in printed circuit boards, IC substrates and semiconductor substrates. The electroless plating baths are further useful for metallization of display applications. |
| US09909214B2 |
Method for depositing dielectric film in trenches by PEALD
A method for depositing a dielectric film in a trench by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) includes depositing a dielectric film in a trench of a substrate by PEALD under conditions wherein the wet etch rate of the depositing film on a top surface of the substrate is substantially equivalent to or higher than the wet etch rate of the depositing film at a sidewall of the trench, wherein a precursor fed into the reaction space has —N(CH3)2 as a functional group. |
| US09909211B2 |
Vapor deposition of LiF thin films
A vapor deposition process for forming a thin film on a substrate in a reaction chamber where the process includes contacting the substrate with a fluoride precursor. The process results in the formation of a lithium fluoride thin film. |
| US09909205B2 |
Vapor deposition apparatus, vapor deposition method using vapor deposition apparatus, and device production method
A vapor deposition apparatus including: a chamber that holds an object on which a film is to be deposited through vapor deposition; a vapor deposition source that is disposed inside the chamber, the vapor deposition source having a housing that accommodates therein a vapor deposition material for the vapor deposition; and a heater that heats the vapor deposition material. The housing has a plurality of eject outlets and an air outlet that is openable and closable, the plurality of eject outlets connecting the inside of the housing with the outside of the housing and ejecting vapor of the vapor deposition material towards the object. |
| US09909203B2 |
Nano-aperture fabrication using template guided thermal dewetting
A method for fabrication of metal film with nanoapertures is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a nanopatterned template including a plurality of nanostructures, depositing of the metal film onto the nanopatterned template, and thermally induced dewetting of the metal film to define the nanoapertures in the metal film by diffusion and reflow of the metal film. |
| US09909202B2 |
Apparatus and methods for slurry aluminide coating repair
Methods for deposition of an aluminide coating on an alloy component positioned within a coating compartment of a retort chamber are provided. According to the method, the coating compartment is purged with an inert gas via a first gas line; a positive pressure is created within the coating compartment utilizing the inert gas; the coating compartment is heated to a deposition temperature; and at least one reactant gas is introduced into the coating compartment while at the positive pressure and the deposition temperature to form an aluminide coating on a surface of the alloy component. Retort coating apparatus are also provided. |
| US09909201B2 |
Consumer electronics machined housing using coating that exhibit metamorphic transformation
Various embodiments provide materials, parts, and methods useful for electronic devices. One embodiment includes providing a coating on at least one surface of a substrate, increasing an amorphicity of the coating, and incorporating the substrate including the coating having increased amorphicity into an electronic device. Another embodiment relates to frictionally transforming a coating from crystalline into amorphous to form a metamorphically transformed coating for an electronic device. Another embodiment relates to an electronic device part having a metamorphically transformed coating disposed on at least one surface thereof. |
| US09909200B2 |
Method of manufacturing Ni-base superalloy
There is provided a method of manufacturing an Ni-base superalloy which enables a uniform coat of a glass lubricant to be maintained even after heated to hot forging temperature. The method of manufacturing an Ni-base superalloy in which a forging stock containing an Ni-base superalloy, coated with a lubricant, is subjected to hot forging includes: a preliminary oxidation step of previously generating a Cr oxide coating film having a film thickness of 0.5 to 50 μm on the forging stock thereby to obtain a preliminarily oxidized material; a lubricant coating step of coating the preliminarily oxidized material with a glass lubricant containing borosilicate glass as a main component thereby to obtain a material to be forged; and a hot forging step of hot forging the material to be forged thereby to obtain a hot forged material. |
| US09909195B2 |
Method and apparatus for injecting water restraint layer of laser shock processing blade
A method and apparatus are provided for springing a homogeneous water confinement layer on the surface of a work piece during a laser shock peening process. The method and apparatus are particularly for suitable for forming a homogeneous water layer on a low curvature surface such as found on turbine blades. |
| US09909191B2 |
Oligonucleotide probe set and methods of microbiota profiling
Described herein is a set of oligonucleotide probes. Also included are methods of using the oligonucleotide probes in profiling the microbiota of the GI tract of a subject and methods of diagnosing or monitoring a disease or condition in a subject or predicting or assessing the risk of a subject developing a disease or condition. Kits comprising the oligonucleotide probe set described herein are also provided. |
| US09909190B2 |
Method for assisting detection of pancreatic cancer
Disclosed is the provision of a method for assisting the detection of pancreatic cancer, the method assisting the detection of pancreatic cancer with high accuracy. In the method for assisting the detection of pancreatic cancer, the amounts of (1) miR-122-5p and (2) at least one miRNA selected from the group consisting of miR-16-5p, miR-19b-3p and miR-25-3p, all of which are contained in a test sample separated from a living body, are used as indicators. A larger amount of miR-122-5p and a smaller amount of at least one miRNA selected from the group consisting of miR-16-5p, miR-19b-3p and miR-25-3p than those in a healthy individual indicates that the living body is more likely to have developed pancreatic cancer. |
| US09909189B2 |
Distinguishing PCA3 messenger RNA species in benign and malignant prostate tissues
This invention concerns the discovery of two distinct PCA3 mRNA sequences. One of these sequences corresponds to a short PCA3 mRNA molecule whereas the other PCA3 RNA molecule is longer as it comprises an additional sequence between exon 3 and exon 4a. The short RNA is associated with prostate cancer whereas the long RNA sequence is associated with a non-malignant state of the prostate. Based on the differential expression levels of these two PCA3 RNA sequences, protocols for the diagnosis of prostate disease are provided. The invention also relates to therapeutic approaches to prostate cancer. |
| US09909179B2 |
Single-cell nucleic acid analysis
The present invention provides methods for analysis of genomic DNA and/or RNA from small samples or even single cells. Methods for analyzing genomic DNA can entail whole genome amplification (WGA), followed by preamplification and amplification of selected target nucleic acids. Methods for analyzing RNA can entail reverse transcription of the desired RNA, followed by preamplification and amplification of selected target nucleic acids. |
| US09909176B2 |
Efficient deep sequencing and rapid genomic speciation of RNA viruses (vRNAseq)
A method for limited input whole genome sequencing of RNA viruses includes isolating a viral RNA sample, converting the viral RNA sample to a double-stranded viral cDNA sample, constructing a double-stranded viral cDNA amplicon library from the double-stranded viral cDNA sample, and sequencing the double-stranded viral cDNA amplicon library to obtain a double-stranded viral cDNA sample sequencing read. |
| US09909175B2 |
Analysing sequencing bias
The present invention relates to methods for determining the sequence bias of a sequencing technique. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods to reduce or enhance sequence bias during sequencing of nucleic acids via techniques involving adaptor ligations. Specifically the method relates to use of a degenerate RNA sequence to analyze sequence bias when generating small RNA libraries, and to the use of modified adaptors for cloning of small RNAs with degenerate or specific sequences to reduce or enhance sequencing bias, as well as various nucleic acid molecules relating thereto or derived therefrom. |
| US09909173B2 |
Biomolecular processing platform and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a device comprising a biomolecular processor. Each biomolecular processor has one or more bioreactor chambers defined by a solid substrate; a support structure within each bioreactor; a cleaving enzyme immobilized to the support structure and operatively positioned within the bioreactor chamber to cleave monomer or multimer units of a biopolymer molecule operatively engaged by the cleaving enzyme; and one or more time-of-flight channels formed in the solid substrate and fluidically coupled to said one or more bioreactor chambers. Each of the time-of-flight channels have two or more sensors including at least (i) a first sensor contacting the time-of-flight channel proximate to the input end of the channel and (ii) a second sensor contacting the time-of-flight channel proximate to the output end of channel. The present invention further relates to methods of sequencing and identifying biopolymer molecules using the device. |
| US09909171B2 |
Thermo-controllable high-density chips for multiplex analyses
The present invention provides miniaturized instruments for conducting chemical reactions where control of the reaction temperature is desired or required. Specifically, this invention provides chips and optical systems for performing and monitoring temperature-dependent chemical reactions. The apparatus and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for high-throughput and low-cost amplification of nucleic acids. |
| US09909168B2 |
Method of synthesizing nucleic acid
The present invention relates to an oligonucleotide having a novel structure and a method of synthesizing nucleic acid by using the same as a primer. This oligonucleotide is provided at the 5′-side of the primer with a nucleotide sequence substantially the same as a region synthesized with this primer as the origin of synthesis. The present invention realizes synthesis of nucleic acid based on an isothermal reaction with a simple constitution of reagents. Further, the present invention provides a method of synthesizing highly specific nucleic acid on the basis of this method of synthesizing nucleic acid. |
| US09909167B2 |
On-slide staining by primer extension
A method for analyzing planar sample is provided. In some cases the method comprises: (a) incubating the planar sample with a capture agent that is linked to an oligonucleotide, wherein the capture agent specifically binds to complementary sites in the planar sample; (b) reading a fluorescent signal caused by extension of a primer that is hybridized to the oligonucleotide, using fluorescence microscopy. Several implementations of the method, and multiplexed versions of the same, are also provided. |
| US09909166B2 |
Method and kit for the detection of nucleic acids
Method for the determination of the concentration of a type of specific nucleic acids (10) in a sample, wherein the sequences of the specific nucleic acid (10) at least partially match a reference sequence, and/or for the determination of the degree of the match of the sequences of specific nucleic acids (10) of a type in a sample (9) and a reference sequence, comprising the following steps: providing a first probe (1), which possesses a first oligonucleotide (3) on its surface; providing a second oligonucleotide (7), which is partially complementary to the first oligonucleotide (3) or to a first oligonucleotide adapter (20), which is partially complementary to the first oligonucleotide (3), and wherein the second oligonucleotide (7) is partially complementary to the reference sequence; combining of the first probe (1) and the second oligonucleotide (7) and—if applicable—the first oligonucleotide adapter (20) with the sample (9), wherein a specific nucleic acid (10) contained in the sample (9) can hybridize with the second oligonucleotide (7) and the second oligonucleotide (7) is activated by the hybridization. |
| US09909165B2 |
Nucleic acid preparation method
A method for processing a nucleic acid, in which the nucleic acid is exposed to an aqueous medium which includes a polyol in sufficient proportion for at least a portion of the nucleic acid to enter or remain in an extra-solution phase. Thus, a polyol may be used to bind a nucleic acid which is in solution to a solid support or to wash a nucleic acid on a solid support while maintaining it on the support. The polyol may for example be a C2-C10 alkanediol. |
| US09909162B2 |
Bacterial detection cartridge
Described herein are methods and apparatus for rapid detection of microorganisms in biological samples (e.g. blood) for analysis to determine the presence or absence of infectious microorganisms in the samples. The apparatus includes a cartridge with a lid and a tray, a mechanism for isolating a bulk sample into multiple smaller samples, and a sensor disposed on the tray to determine the presence or absence of microorganisms. The cartridge lid includes projections that, in a first position, allow for sample to distribute evenly in the cartridge tray and, in a second position, isolate the sample into multiple smaller volume samples. The apparatus and method shorten the time-to-detection of a microorganism in a sample and reduce the steps required from sample collection to microorganism detection. |
| US09909156B2 |
Lov-D acyltransferase mediated acylation
Methods for the improved acylation of chemical substrates using LovD acyltransferases, thioesters having acyl groups, and (i) thiol scavengers and/or (ii) precipitating agents are presented. An improved method for the production of simvastatin using (i) activated charcoal as a thiol scavenger and/or (ii) ammonium hydroxide as a precipitating agent is also presented. |
| US09909155B2 |
Structuring fats and methods of producing structuring fats
Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce oleaginous recombinant cells that produce triglyceride oils having desired fatty acid profiles and regiospecific or stereospecific profiles. Genes manipulated include those encoding stearoyl-ACP desturase, delta 12 fatty acid desaturase, acyl-ACP thioesterase, ketoacyl-ACP synthase, and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase. The oil produced can have enhanced oxidative or thermal stability, or can be useful as a frying oil, shortening, roll-in shortening, tempering fat, cocoa butter replacement, as a lubricant, or as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The fatty acid profile can be enriched in midchain profiles or the oil can be enriched in triglycerides of the saturated-unsaturated-saturated type. |
| US09909154B2 |
Methods for producing dicarboxylic acids
The present invention provides methods of producing dicarboxylic acids. The methods involve incubating a fatty acid or hydrocarbon substrate with an enzyme to produce a dicarboxylic acid product. The enzyme acts on the substrate to produce a product that has been both over-oxidized and has undergone cleavage of a C—C bond. In some embodiments the enzymes having these useful characteristics are mutants of a cytochrome P450 enzyme, for example an enzyme of the class CYP102 or a mutant thereof. The invention provides enzymes where these desirable characteristics can be found in a single enzyme, and thus in some embodiments the methods can be performed through the action of a single enzyme. |
| US09909152B2 |
Enhanced itaconic acid production in Aspergillus with increased LaeA expression
Fungi, such as Aspergillus niger, having a dolichyl-P-Man:Man(5)GlcNAc(2)-PP-dolichyl mannosyltransferase (Alg3) gene genetic inactivation, increased expression of a loss of aflR expression A (LaeA), or both, are described. In some examples, such mutants have several phenotypes, including an increased production of citric acid relative to the parental strain. Methods of using the disclosed fungi to make citric acid are also described, as are compositions and kits including the disclosed fungi. Further described are Aspergillus terreus fungi overexpressing the LaeA gene and the use of such fungi for the production of itaconic acid. |
| US09909151B2 |
Biological methods for preparing a fatty dicarboxylic acid
Provided are engineered microorganisms capable of producing fatty dicarboxylic acids and products expressed by such microorganisms. Also provided are biological methods for producing fatty dicarboxylic acids. |
| US09909143B2 |
Engineered subcellular compartments
This disclosure describes a cell that includes an engineered subcellular compartment that generally includes a proteinaceous shell that includes at least one bacterial microcompartment (BMC) polypeptide. In some embodiments, the engineered subcellular compartment can further include one or more targeted enzymes. We further describe methods of making and using such cells. |
| US09909142B2 |
Composition and methods for highly efficient gene transfer using AAV capsid variants
Compositions and methods for AAV mediated gene therapy are disclosed. AAV vectors comprise protein capsid variants comprising therapeutically beneficial transgenes. AAV variants are provided which exhibit increased transduction efficiency when compared to AAV serotypes (e.g., AAV1, AAV2, AAV8, AAV-rh74), which lack the modifications disclosed herein. Such improved vectors are useful for transduction of a variety of tissues. |
| US09909138B2 |
Drought resistance in plants: pectinesterase
The present invention relates to a new method for increasing drought resistance of a plant. The method encompasses the impairment of the expression of a gene or genes in said plant. In comparison to a plant not manipulated to impair the expression of said gene(s), the plants display improved drought resistance. Also provided are plants and plant products that can be obtained by the method according to the invention. |
| US09909137B2 |
Papaver somniferum strain with high concentration of thebaine
The present invention is directed to an improved poppy straw, concentrate of poppy straw and opium of Papaver somniferum for the production of thebaine containing little or no oripavine, codeine or morphine. The present invention also provides plants, stands and seeds of Papaver somniferum and methods for the production of thebaine. |
| US09909136B2 |
Methods and compositions for altering lignin composition in plants
The invention provides methods for decreasing lignin content in plants by reducing expression of a folylpolyglutamate synthetase 1 (FPGS1) coding sequence in the plant. Also provided are methods for reducing lignin content in a plant by down-regulation of FPGS1 expression in the plant. Nucleic acid molecules for modulation of FPGS1 expression and transgenic plants the same are also provided. Plants described herein may be used, for example, as improved biofuel feedstock and as highly digestible forage crops. Methods for processing plant tissue and for producing biofuels by utilizing such plants are also provided. |
| US09909135B2 |
Transgenic plants having altered DAHP synthase activity
The present invention provides transgenic plants comprising 3-Deoxy-D-Arabino-Heptulosonate 7-Phosphate (DAHP) Synthase that is insensitive to feedback inhibition, particularly to feedback inhibition by phenylalanine, producing increased amounts of the Shikimate pathway primary and secondary metabolites, including aromatic amino acids compared to corresponding non-transgenic plants. |
| US09909131B2 |
Optimal soybean loci
As disclosed herein, optimal native genomic loci of soybean plants have been identified that represent best sites for targeted insertion of exogenous sequences. |
| US09909127B2 |
Inhibitor for inhibiting avian influenza virus and a pharmaceutical composition containing the same
Provided is non-coded RNA of in-vivo infected microorganisms, parasitic microorganisms, symbiotic microorganisms and identification and application thereof. Also provided is a method of identifying the non-coded RNA of in-vivo pathogen sources. The invention also provided a pharmaceutical composition containing an inhibitor for specifically inhibiting or blocking a RNA sequence and a method to treat a pathogen infectious disease or parasitic disease by administering an inhibitor, which inhibits a non-coding RNA sequence derived from a pathogen in the body of an animal, to an animal subject in need thereof. |
| US09909126B2 |
Treatment of Adiponectin (ADIPOQ) related diseases by inhibition of natural antisense transcript to an Adiponectin (ADIPOQ)
The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of an Adiponectin (ADIPOQ), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of an Adiponectin (ADIPOQ). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of Adiponectins (ADIPOQ)s. |
| US09909124B2 |
Compounds and methods for modulating apolipoprotein C-III expression for improving a diabetic profile
Provided herein are improved compounds, compositions and associated methods for reducing expression of ApoCIII mRNA and protein in a subject having, or at risk of having, diabetes. Also provided herein are compounds, compositions and associated methods improving peripheral insulin sensitivity, a lipid profile and a diabetes profile as well as reducing free fatty acids and intramyocellular triglyceride deposition. |
| US09909119B2 |
Method for producing purified soybean oligosaccharide liquid
A method for producing a purified soybean oligosaccharide liquid according to the present invention is a method for producing a purified soybean oligosaccharide liquid from a soybean and/or a processed soybean product, comprising: the step (1) of mixing the soybean and/or the processed soybean product with a water-containing polar organic solvent that contains a polar organic solvent and water and then removing a generated precipitate to obtain a soybean oligosaccharide liquid that contains the water-containing polar organic solvent; the step (2) of removing the polar organic solvent from the soybean oligosaccharide liquid to obtain a soybean oligosaccharide suspension; the step (3) of mixing the soybean oligosaccharide suspension with cellulase to obtain a cellulase-treated soybean oligosaccharide suspension; and the step (4) of subjecting the cellulase-treated soybean oligosaccharide suspension to solid-liquid separation to obtain a purified soybean oligosaccharide liquid. |
| US09909118B2 |
Compositions, methods and kits for isolating nucleic acids from body fluids using anion exchange media
This invention provides compositions and methods for rapid separation, isolation and purification of nucleic acids from biological samples using anionic exchange media. The method can utilize commercially available strong or weak anion exchanger materials with selected solutions of known ionic strength for adsorption and elution. The instant method is particularly advantageous as it permits the purification and identification of shorter fragments of nucleic acids from bodily fluids which, until now, had not been identified. |
| US09909116B2 |
Systems and methods for magnetic guidance and patterning of materials
Systems and methods generally useful in medicine, cellular biology, nanotechnology, and cell culturing are discussed. In particular, at least in some embodiments, systems and methods for magnetic guidance and patterning of cells and materials are discussed. Some specific applications of these systems and methods may include levitated culturing of cells away from a surface, making and manipulating patterns of levitated cells, and patterning culturing of cells on a surface. Specifically, a method of culturing cells is presented. The method may comprise providing a plurality of cells, providing a magnetic field, and levitating at least some of the plurality of cells in the magnetic field, wherein the plurality of cells comprise magnetic nanoparticles. The method may also comprise maintaining the levitation for a time sufficient to permit cell growth to form an assembly. |
| US09909115B2 |
Heat-stable persephonella carbonic anhydrases and their use
The present invention relates to use of Persephonella carbonic anhydrase in CO2 extraction, e.g., from flue gas, natural gas, biogas or ambient air. The Persephonella carbonic anhydrases are especially well suited for these purpose due to their extreme thermostability. |
| US09909114B2 |
Vaccines comprising leishmania polypeptides for the treatment and diagnosis of leishmaniasis
Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis are disclosed. The compositions generally comprise polypeptides comprising Leishmania antigens as well as polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides. |
| US09909113B2 |
Purification of recombinant alpha galactosidase A
In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of purifying recombinant alpha-galactosidase A. The method includes obtaining a lysate from cells recombinantly expressing alpha-galactosidase A grown in a cell culture medium having non-precipitating phosphate; contacting said lysate with a first chromatography media that binds α-D-mannopyranosyl or α-D-glucopyranosyl; eluting alpha-galactosidase A from the first chromatography media to generate a first eluate having alpha-galactosidase A, wherein said eluting includes at least one elution pause between 4 and 16 hours; contacting the first eluate with a second chromatography media that binds galactose binding proteins; and eluting alpha-galactosidase A from said second chromatography media to generate a second eluate containing said recombinant alpha-galactosidase A. |
| US09909109B2 |
Lipase variants and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated lipase variants, comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions I86D,E,N,Q, E87C, I90D,E,Q, and N92D,E,Q of the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the variant has lipase activity. In some embodiments the present invention relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; methods of producing the variants; and compositions comprising the variants. The present invention also relates to methods of obtaining lipase variants; methods of cleaning; and use of lipase variants for cleaning. |
| US09909108B2 |
Preparations and methods for treating malignancies
Disclosed are therapeutic formulations comprising antibodies against the PEKRAEKIWK (SEQ ID NO:1) epitope of the monomeric isoform of A-protein and a physiologically acceptable carrier. Methods for the treatment of subjects using these therapeutic formulations are also disclosed. |
| US09909107B2 |
Brassica AHAS genes and gene alleles that provide resistance to imidazolinone herbicides
Plants, plant parts and plant seeds that are resistant to imidazolinone herbicides are provided. Plants are disclosed that contain a mutation in an AHAS gene. Specifically, plants are disclosed that contain a mutant AHAS gene allele of the Brassica juncea B genome. Two B. juncea AHAS gene sequences (BjAHAS-a and BjAHAS-b) and one B. nigra AHAS gene sequence (BngrAHAS) are disclosed. The sequence of the mutant allele, BjAHAS-bR, is also disclosed. Various methods are disclosed that include creation of mutant B. juncea lines, selection for herbicide resistant lines and determining the presence of the BjAHAS-bR mutant allele after crosses. |
| US09909106B2 |
Recombinant baculovirus expression vector and cell
A recombinant baculovirus expression vector or cell comprising an engineered baculovirus fp25k gene with one to three modified or mutated spots, the modified spots comprise the two 7-adenine mononucleotide repeats (MNR) and the 10th TTAA site. The invention also provides the method of making the vector and baculovirus. |
| US09909103B2 |
Tissue harvesting
The present disclosure relates to a tissue collection apparatus including a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a tissue scaffold suitable for disposal within the housing, the tissue scaffold configured to be loaded with the tissue under the application of an aspiration force applied through the tissue collection apparatus. |
| US09909101B2 |
Methods of perfusion culturing using a shake flask and microcarriers
Provided herein are methods of perfusion culturing an adherent mammalian cell using a shake flask and a plurality of microcarriers, and various methods that utilize these culturing methods. |
| US09909098B2 |
Methods of tissue-based diagnosis
The current invention provides methods, as well as compositions useful in such methods, involving application of energy to a tissue of interest to generate a liquefied sample comprising tissue constituents so as to provide for rapid tissue sampling, as well as qualitative and/or quantitative detection of analytes that may be part of tissue constituents (e.g., several types of biomolecules, drugs, and microbes). Determination of tissue composition can be used in a variety of applications, including diagnosis or prognosis of local as well as systemic diseases, evaluating bioavailability of therapeutics in different tissues following drug administration, forensic detection of drugs-of-abuse, evaluating changes in the tissue microenvironment following exposure to a harmful agent, and various other applications. |
| US09909091B1 |
Biochemical reactor with an unclogging pipe
This disclosure describes a biochemical reactor with an unclogging pipe. The biochemical reactor may include a tank configured to house immobilized carriers and fluid. The biochemical reactor may include a circulation conduit at least partially disposed within the tank. The circulation conduit may include a circulation inlet opening and a circulation outlet opening. The biochemical reactor may include one or more vanes disposed proximate to the circulation outlet opening. The one or more vanes may be configured to cause the immobilized carrier and the fluid exiting the circulation outlet opening to enter into a helical pattern. The biochemical reactor may include an unclogging pipe configured to clear clogging of the circulation conduit. The unclogging pipe may be disposed proximate to the circulation outlet opening. Clearing clogging of the circulation conduit may include directing a pressurized flow of air to the circulation conduit via the unclogging pipe. |
| US09909089B2 |
Wine pump-over device
A device for distributing a fermented liquid uniformly over a fermented cap includes a joint member, an impeller, a shaft and a flow conditioner. The joint member has a top opening, a bottom opening, a side opening, a through-opening extending from the top opening to the bottom opening and a side-through-opening extending from the side opening to the through-opening. The impeller includes a one-piece conical shaped body that has a central-through-opening. The shaft extends through the through-opening of the joint member and through the central-through-opening of the impeller. The flow conditioner extends from the bottom of the joint member and surrounds the shaft. The bottom of the flow conditioner is shaped to match the shape of the fermentation tank. |
| US09909087B2 |
Liquid cleaning compositions with improved enzyme compatibility and/or stability
In one embodiment, a cleaning composition includes a surfactant system having an invert structure; and at least one enzyme. |
| US09909077B2 |
Production of products from feedstocks containing free fatty acids
The present invention provides a method for producing a refined fatty acid alkyl ester (FAAE) product from feed-stocks containing free fatty acids. The method comprises glycerolysis and transesterification processes combined with end-product refining. Products produced from a transesterification reaction are separated into a crude FAAE stream and a crude glycerin stream. The crude glycerin stream is further processed to produce a glyceride stream from which additional FAAEs may be produced. |
| US09909075B2 |
Systems and methods for refining corrosive crudes
Systems and methods for refining conventional crude and heavy, corrosive, contaminant-laden carbonaceous crude (Opportunity Crude) in partially or totally separated streams or trains. |
| US09909072B2 |
Process for the production of bio-oil
The present disclosure relates to a process for the production of bio-oil which involves heating a mixture of a biomass slurry and a first catalyst composition at a temperature ranging from 200 to 350° C. and at a pressure ranging from 70 to 250 bars to obtain a mass containing crude bio oil, a residue and the catalyst; separating the crude bio oil from said mass to obtain a separated crude bio oil; extracting said separated crude bio oil with at least one solvent and evaporating said solvent to obtain a solvent free crude bio oil; subjecting said solvent free crude bio oil to reduction in the presence of a second catalyst composition and hydrogen source at temperature and pressure conditions similar to those employed for the conversion of bio mass into crude bio oil to obtain bio-oil. The second catalyst composition is the same as that of the first catalyst composition. The process also comprises a method step of recovering the first catalyst and reusing it either for preparing crude bio oil or bio oil or both. |
| US09909068B2 |
Integrated process for producing anode grade coke
The invention relates to processes for producing anode grade coke from whole crude oil. The invention is accomplished by first deasphalting a feedstock, followed by processing resulting DAO and asphalt fractions. The DAO fraction is hydrotreated or hydrocracked, resulting in removal of sulfur and hydrocarbons, which boil at temperatures over 370° C., and gasifying the asphalt portion in one embodiment. This embodiment includes subjecting hydrotreated and/or unconverted DAO fractions to delayed coking. In an alternate embodiment, rather than gasifying the asphalt portion, it is subjected to delayed coking in a separate reaction chamber. Any coke produced via delayed coking can be gasified. |
| US09909060B2 |
Phosphor, light-emitting device, image display device, pigment, and ultraviolet absorber
Provided are an oxynitride phosphor comprising a JEM crystal as a main component and being characterized by light-emitting properties (light emission color or excitation property, light emission spectrum) that is different from the known JEM phosphor, and an application thereof. The phosphor of the present invention comprises the JEM crystal activated with Eu and represented by MAl(Si, Al)6(O, N)10 (where the M element is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr, Eu, La, Sc, Y, and lanthanoid elements; and includes at least Eu as well as Ca and/or Sr). |
| US09909052B2 |
Using colloidal silica as isolator, diverter and blocking agent for subsurface geological applications
A system for blocking fast flow paths in geological formations includes preparing a solution of colloidal silica having a nonviscous phase and a solid gel phase. The solution of colloidal silica is injected into the geological formations while the solution of colloidal silica is in the nonviscous phase. The solution of colloidal silica is directed into the fast flow paths and reaches the solid gel phase in the fast flow paths thereby blocking flow of fluid in the fast paths. |
| US09909050B2 |
High density and high temperature emulsifier for use in an oil based drilling fluid system
An emulsifying composition for an oil based drilling fluid includes oleyl alcohol and a mixture of polymeric amides. The polymeric amides can be 1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-yl (E)-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate, (9E,9′E)-N,N′-(azanediylbis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enamide, (E)-12-hydroxy-N,N-bis(2-((E)-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enamido(ethyl)octadec-9-enamide, (Z)-4-(bis(2-((E)-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enamido)ethy)amino)-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid, 1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-yl(Z)-4-(bis(2-((E)-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enamido)ethy)amino)-4-oxobut-2-enoate, and N1,N1,N4,N4-tetrakis(2-((E)-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enamido)ethyl)maleamide. The method of forming the emulsifying composition includes reacting a fatty oil with diethylenetriamine and then maleic acid, and adding oleyl alcohol. The high density emulsifying composition is stable at high temperatures of drilling operations at greater depths in the wellbore. |
| US09909045B2 |
Compositions based on 2,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-1-ene
A composition including 2,3,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-1-ene as a mixture with one or more hydrocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, ether, hydrofluoroether or fluoroolefin compounds having a boiling point of less than or equal to 0° C. Also, the use of such a composition in heat transfer applications. Also, a heat transfer installation including a vapor compression circuit containing such a composition as heat-transfer fluid or containing a heat-transfer composition including such a composition, and also one or more additives chosen from lubricants, stabilizers, surfactants, tracers, fluorescers, odorous agents and solubilizers, and mixtures thereof. |
| US09909044B2 |
Protein-containing emulsions and adhesives, and manufacture and use thereof
This invention provides emulsions and adhesives comprising proteins that can be isolated from a variety of sources including renewable plant biomass, and methods of making and using such emulsions and adhesives. |
| US09909042B2 |
Two-part foamable adhesive with renewable content for fleece back membranes
An adhesive composition for use on a fleece-backed roofing substrate includes two components that are mixed prior to application on the fleece backed roofing substrate. The first component includes renewable polyol, catalyst, fumed silica, and surfactant. The renewable polyols are selected from any non-petroleum based polyol that is derived from a renewable source. The second component includes isocyanates, including renewable and non-renewable isocyanates. |
| US09909041B2 |
Resin systems for making composite products
Resin systems and methods for making and using same are provided. The resin system can include a first aqueous resin comprising at least two polymerized monomers and a second aqueous resin comprising at least two polymerized monomers. The first aqueous resin can be present in an amount of about 5 wt % to about 95 wt %, based on the total weight the resin system. The second aqueous resin can be present in an amount of about 5 wt % to about 95 wt %, based on the total weight the resin system. The at least two polymerized monomers of the first and second aqueous resins can be the same monomers. |
| US09909038B2 |
Adhesive compositions made from propylene-based polymers for elastic attachments
The present invention is related to an adhesive composition, wherein the adhesive composition comprises a polymer blend comprising a first propylene-based polymer, wherein the first propylene-based polymer is a homopolymer of propylene or a copolymer of propylene and ethylene or a C4 to C10 alpha-olefin, and a second propylene-based polymer, wherein the second propylene-based polymer is a homopolymer of propylene or a copolymer of propylene and ethylene or a C4 to C10 alpha-olefin; wherein the second propylene-based polymer is different than the first propylene-based polymer, and wherein the polymer blend has a melt viscosity, measured at 190° C. and determined according to ASTM D-3236, of about 1,000 cP to about 10,000 cP; and one or more tackifiers. |
| US09909035B1 |
Mountable articles, dual-adhesive-adhesive tape and mounting methods using them
A dual-adhesive double-sided adhesive tape, having a first double-sided tape that includes a first adhesive on each side of a first support and a second double-sided tape that has a second adhesive on each side of a second support. The first double-sided tape is attached to the release layer of the second double-sided tape. This dual-adhesive double-sided adhesive tape can be simply made by joining the first double-sided tape to a release layer of the second double-sided tape. The dual-adhesive double-sided adhesive tape of the present invention is suited for use in a method of mounting an article on a working surface. The article is provided with the dual-adhesive tape with the release liner of the first tape being removed so that the article can be temporarily mounted to determine the correct location before mounting the article by the second tape. |
| US09909034B2 |
Method for bonding fabric or sheet-type industrial materials to each other
The present invention relates to a method for bonding shoe textiles or industrial textiles to each other, the method including the steps of: melting an adhesive resin to apply the adhesive resin to the surface of a partial coating roller having a desired pattern engraved thereon, the adhesive resin being any one selected from the group consisting of urethane resin, an EVA resin, a nylon resin, and a polyester resin; transferring the melted adhesive resin applied to the partial coating roller to the textile; and bonding the textile to which the melted adhesive resin is transferred to another textile. |
| US09909031B1 |
Shingle roofing coating method and composition
A method and composition for generating a shingle roof coating is described. The method includes oxidizing an asphalt feedstock to a softening point greater than 205° F. and a penetration less than 15 dmm at 77° F. to generate an oxidized asphalt feedstock. The method then proceeds to mix an elastomeric polymer and an asphalt flux to generate a first concentrate. The first concentrate is then heated separately from the oxidized asphalt feedstock. The method then mixes the first concentrate with the oxidized asphalt feedstock and heats the combined first concentrate and the oxidized asphalt feedstock to generate the shingle roof coating. The amount of elastomeric polymer in the first concentrate is adjusted based on the type of asphalt feedstock such that the resulting shingle roof coating includes 0.5% to 6% by weight of the elastomeric polymer. |
| US09909029B2 |
Coating material compositions, coatings made therefrom and exhibiting high scratch resistance and good polishability, and use thereof
Disclosed are nonaqueous coating material compositions comprising (A) at least one polyhydroxyl-group-containing compound, (B) at least one polyisocyanate-group-containing compound having free or blocked isocyanate groups, and (D) at least one catalyst for the crosslinking of silane groups, where component (B) comprises at least one structural unit —NR—(X—SiR″x(OR′)3−x) (I), and at least one structural unit —N(X—SiR″x(OR′)3−x)n(X′—SiR″y(OR′)3−y)m (II), wherein in component (B) (i) more than 30 mol % and less than 70 mol % of the originally present isocyanate groups have undergone reaction to form structural units (I) and (II), (ii) more than 25 and less than 36 mol % of the originally present isocyanate groups have undergone reaction to form structural units (II), and (iii) component (B) has at least one polyisocyanate group-containing compound (B2) having free or blocked isocyanate groups and having an acyclic, aliphatic polyisocyanate parent structure. |
| US09909026B2 |
Hard coating film
Disclosed is a hard coating film with high impact resistance and superior physical properties, including high hardness, scratch resistance and transparency, and high processability. |
| US09909023B2 |
Inkjet ink for ceramic tile decoration
Embodiments of the invention combine pigmented and soluble salt digital ink technologies by dispersing water-soluble metal salts as particles in a non-aqueous inkjet ink fluid. The metal salts are dispersed as pigment-like particles, and not as a dissolved solute. |
| US09909020B2 |
Activation method using modifying agent
The present invention relates to a method of activating an organic coating to enhance adhesion of the coating to a further coating and/or to other entities comprising applying a solvent and a surface chemistry and/or surface topography modifying agent to the organic coating.The invention also relates to a coated substrate having an activated coating, wherein the adhesion of the coating to a further coating and/or other entities has been enhanced by application of a solvent and a surface chemistry and/or surface topography modifying agent to the coating.The invention further relates to an activation treatment for an organic coating to enhance adhesion of the coating to a further coating and/or to other entities comprising a solvent and a surface chemistry and/or surface topography modifying agent and a method for the preparation of the activation treatment. |
| US09909018B2 |
Shear thickening fluid containing carbon nanoparticles and shock absorbing material comprising same
Disclosed are a shear thickening fluid (STF) comprising solid particles and a dispersion medium, wherein the solid particles comprise silica particles as a first component and carbon nanoparticles as a second component and a method for preparing a shear thickening fluid, comprising mixing silica particles, a dispersion medium for silica particles, and a carbon nanoparticle dispersion. |
| US09909015B2 |
Flame retardant composition comprising graphene nanoplatelets
A flame retardant composition comprising graphene nanoplatelets and a condensation product of a sulfonated aromatic compound with formaldehyde, wherein the w/w ratio between the graphene and the condensation product is in the range of 1:15 to 4:1. The composition may be in the form of a water dispersion applied to the surface of the article to be treated.The composition has optimal flame retardant properties even when applied in relatively modest quantities. |
| US09909014B2 |
Stain repellent compositions and applications thereof
The present invention provides fluorinated compounds as well as dispersions of the fluorinated compounds. The fluorinated compounds described herein, in some embodiments, can be applied substrates such as textiles, including carpet and other floor coverings. |
| US09909012B2 |
Antimicrobial inks and sealants
Antimicrobial inks, sealants, coatings or varnishes that are manufactured in three distinct phases: Phase 1, which is an oil phase comprising Ethoxylate Alcohol Laureth 7, Didecyldimethylammonium chloride, Glutaric acid dialdehyde, Pinus sylvestris, Alkyldimemylberizylammonium chloride, Parachlorometaxylenol, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid, Hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic acid, Cetyl alcohol wax, Octadecenoic acid, Palmityl alcohol, and Epoxy-cis-9-octadecenoic acid; Phase 2, which is a micro-emulsion phase comprising Ethoxylate Alcohol Laureth-7, Cetyl alcohol wax, Pinus sylvestris, and Propan-2-ol and Phase 3, which combines the products of Phases 1 and 2 with a base to produce the ink, sealant, coating or varnish. |
| US09909011B2 |
Method for coating the surface of inorganic solid particles, especially titanium dioxide pigment particles
A method for coating the surface of inorganic solid particles in an aqueous suspension, particularly for coating titanium dioxide with SiO2 includes: a) disagglomeration of the solid particles contained in aqueous suspension, b) addition of a water-soluble precursor of the coating substance to the suspension, c) immediately following step b) homogenization of the suspension, where the temperature and pH value of the suspension do not change significantly in steps a) to c), d) feeding the slurry into a tank and precipitation of the coating substance onto the particle surface and, optionally, application of further coatings, and e) separation of the solid particles from the suspension. The method produces to a highly homogeneous and continuous skin on the particle surface, and to less separately precipitated coating substance. |
| US09909010B2 |
Pigments
The present invention relates to interference pigments based on multicoated flake-form substrates which have on the surface of the substrate a layer sequence comprising (A0) optionally a high-refractive-index coating consisting of a layer of TiO2, (A) a high-refractive-index coating consisting of a mixture of TiO2 and Fe2O3, which may optionally be doped with one or more further oxides, (B) a high-refractive-index layer consisting of SnO2, (C) a high-refractive-index coating which absorbs in the visible wavelength region, and optionally (D) an outer protective layer, and to the use thereof, in particular in paints, coatings, industrial coatings, automobile paints, automotive refinish paints, coil coating, powder coatings, printing inks, plastics, pigment pastes, pigment preparations and in dry preparations, such as, for example, granules. |
| US09909009B2 |
Environmental cold-mix adjustable-modulus pavement material and manufacturing method thereof
An environmental protection cold mixing type modulus-adjustable pavement material and preparation method thereof. Equal components of waterborne epoxy resin and waterborne curing agent are added in a container to obtain a waterborne epoxy resin mixture. Emulsified bitumen, the waterborne epoxy resin mixture, an emulsifying agent, a defoaming agent and a stabilizing agent are prepared according to a certain mass ratio; the emulsified bitumen is first added in the container, and the pH is regulated with hydrochloric acid to be 5.0 to 6.5; the above-mentioned other materials are added and stirred to make mixed liquid; a stator of a high-speed shearing machine is put into the mixed liquid, and the rotational speed is set as 350 to 500 rpm for about 20 to 40 min to obtain waterborne epoxy emulsified bituminous emulsion. B. Coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, fillers, cement and the waterborne epoxy emulsified bitumen obtained from the above-mentioned preparation are selected in proportion; and after the coarse aggregate, the fine aggregate and rubber powder are added in a stirring machine of asphalt mixture and stirred and the waterborne epoxy emulsified bitumen is added and stirred, the cement is added and stirred. |
| US09909006B2 |
Blends of polyetherimide sulfone and poly(arylene sulfide)
Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a compatible blend of i) 60 to 85 weight percent of a linear poly(arylene sulfide), ii) 15 to 40 weight percent of a polyetherimide sulfone; and iii) 1 to 3 weight percent of a novolac resin having an average of 2 or more epoxy groups per molecule. Weight percent is based on the total weight of the composition. An article made from the composition has a tensile strength greater than or equal to 70 megaPascals (MPa), as determined by ASTM D638, an impact strength of greater than or equal to 3 kiloJoules per square meter (kJ/m2), as determined by ASTM D256, and an elongation at break greater than or equal to 3 % as determined by ASTM D638. Methods of making the composition are also disclosed. |
| US09909003B2 |
Fire-retardant composite materials
A prepreg for the manufacture of a fiber-reinforced composite material, the prepreg including: i. an epoxy-resin matrix including: a. at least one non-halogenated epoxide-containing resin which has been chemically modified with at least one of a nitrogen- and/or phosphorous-containing molecule which has been chemically reacted with the epoxide-containing molecule; b. at least one toughening additive comprising an elastomeric or thermoplastic material chemically reacted with the at least one epoxide-containing resin; c. at least one mineral filler to provide fire-retardancy; and d. at least one catalyst for curing the epoxide-containing resin; and ii. a fibrous reinforcement at least partially impregnated by the epoxy resin matrix. |
| US09909001B2 |
Rubber composition and rubber product
A rubber composition includes, as essential components, an EDPM polymer, a carbon black, an electrical insulating amorphous or spindle-shaped filler, a softener, and a sulfur-based vulcanizing agent as essential components, and also includes, as an optical component, an electrical insulating plate-shaped filler. An obtained vulcanized product is satisfied with the following Equations (1) and (2): volume resistivity ≧1.0×106 Ω·cm (1) (M30<100° C.>/M30<23° C.>−1)×100≧−15% (2) where M30<23° C.> is a tensile stress at elongation of 30% as measured by a tensile test at 23° C., and M30<100° C.> is a tensile stress at elongation of 30% as measured by a tensile test at 100° C. |
| US09908999B2 |
Rubber tire-tread composition and passenger-vehicle pneumatic tire using same
There is provided a rubber tire-tread composition comprising (A) a rubber component comprising 45% by mass or higher of one or more isoprene-based rubbers selected from the group consisting of natural rubbers and synthetic isoprene rubbers, and (B) one or more C5/C9-based petroleum resins selected from the group consisting of aromatic-modified aliphatic petroleum resins and aliphatic-modified aromatic petroleum resins in an amount of 5 to 50 parts by mass, and (C) a fatty acid metal salt in an amount of 0.5 to 10 parts by mass of, both based on 100 parts by mass of the rubber component. |
| US09908994B2 |
Valve member
The present invention relates to a valve member for a dispenser valve for foam products, and in particular for a dispenser valve for polyurethane foam container, comprising a valve member that is moveable relative to a sealing. It also relates to such a dispenser valve and to a foam container.In order to provide alternative materials for valve members, it is proposed according to the invention that the valve member is made of plastic material filled with basalt particles in an amount between 1% and 60% by weight.It has been surprisingly found that valve members made of plastic filled with basalt particles in these amounts show improved properties, such as strength and abrasion rates, compared to non-filled plastics and compared to glass-filled plastics. |
| US09908993B1 |
Hybrid fiber layup and fiber-reinforced polymeric composites produced therefrom
Embodiments of a hybrid fiber layup used to form a fiber-reinforced polymeric composite, and a fiber-reinforced polymeric composite produced therefrom are disclosed. The hybrid fiber layup comprises one or more dry fiber strips and one or more prepreg fiber strips arranged side by side within each layer, wherein the prepreg fiber strips comprise fiber material impregnated with polymer resin and the dry fiber strips comprise fiber material without impregnated polymer resin. |
| US09908991B2 |
Organic pigment composition for color filters, method for producing the same, and color filter
An organic pigment composition that allows a colored item to have good color saturation and high resistance to a change in hue even when subjected to a thermal history for a prolonged period. A color filter includes an organic pigment composition for color filters in a pixel portion. The organic pigment composition for color filters includes an organic pigment (A) having an average primary particle size of 100 nm or less; and a copolymer (B) of a (meth)acrylic acid ester having a phosphate group and another (meth)acrylic acid ester having no phosphate group, the amount of a nonvolatile component of the copolymer (B) being 0.1 to 15 parts relative to 100 parts of the organic pigment (A) on a mass basis. |