Document Document Title
US09927874B2 Input apparatus and control method for input apparatus
An input apparatus has a touch sensor 11 configured to receive an input, a load detection unit 12 configured to detect a pressure load on a touch face 11a of the touch sensor 11, a tactile sensation providing unit 13 configured to vibrate the touch face 11a, and a control unit 15 configured to control drive of the tactile sensation providing unit 13, when the pressure load detected by the load detection unit 12 satisfies a standard to provide a tactile sensation, such that a click sensation is provided to an object (means) pressing the touch face 11a. Thereby, a realistic click sensation similar to that obtained when a push-button switch is operated is provided when an operator operates the touch sensor.
US09927870B2 Virtual reality system with control command gestures
A virtual reality system that uses gestures to obtain commands from a user. Embodiments may use sensors mounted on a virtual reality headset to detect head movements, and may recognize selected head motions as gestures associated with commands. Commands associated with gestures may modify the user's virtual reality experience, for example by selecting or modifying a virtual world or by altering the user's viewpoint within the virtual world. Embodiments may define specific gestures to place the system into command mode or user input mode, for example to temporarily disable normal head tracking within the virtual environment. Embodiments may also recognize gestures of other body parts, such as wrist movements measured by a smart watch.
US09927869B2 Apparatus for outputting virtual keyboard and method of controlling the same
Disclosed is an apparatus for outputting a virtual keyboard, the apparatus including: a virtual keyboard image output unit determining coordinates of a virtual keyboard image by using hand information of a user and outputting the virtual keyboard image; a contact recognition unit determining a contact state by using collision information between a virtual physical collider associated with an end point of a user's finger and a virtual physical collider associated with each virtual key of the virtual keyboard image; a keyboard input unit providing multiple input values for a single virtual key; and a feedback output unit outputting respective feedback for the multiple input values. Accordingly, input convenience and efficiency may be provided by outputting the virtual keyboard in a three dimensional virtual space and reproducing an input method using a keyboard form that is similar to the real world.
US09927867B2 Method and apparatus for processing an image based on detected information
A method and apparatus for processing an image based on detected information are provided. The method includes obtaining information relating to properties of the image, property information related to the image; obtaining ambient environment information of a display device for displaying the image; and processing the image based on the property information and the ambient environment information.
US09927866B2 Method and system for optimizing a core voltage level and enhancing frequency performance of individual subcomponents for reducing power consumption within a PCD
A method and system for optimizing a core voltage level of a portable computing device (“PCD”) and enhancing frequency performance of individual subcomponents are disclosed. A plurality of voltage values is determined for a plurality of subcomponents within the PCD. Next, a reduced set of voltage values may be calculated with a voltage aggregator based on the plurality of voltage values. An optimized voltage level for a shared power domain may then be determined by a voltage optimizer within the PCD from the reduced set of voltage values. A shared power domain may then be set to the optimized voltage level. Subsequently, an operating frequency of each subcomponent may be optimized with a frequency performance enhancer based on the optimized voltage level. An optimal power collapse duration may also be calculated by the frequency performance enhancer and set for each subcomponent from the optimal frequency.
US09927864B2 Multiple link power allocation system
A multiple link power allocation system includes a powered IHS coupled to a powering IHS by a plurality of networking cables that transmit data and power to provide a plurality of data/power links. The powering IHS may detect that the data/power links are connected to the powered IHS, determine a total power amount needed by the powered IHS, and provide the total power amount to the powered IHS using the data/power links. The powered IHS may detect the connection of an initial data/power link, enable a first powered IHS function mode and, in response, draw a first power amount through the initial data/power link. The powered IHS may also detect the connection of subsequent data/power link(s), enable a second powered IHS function mode and, in response, draw a second power amount through the initial data/power link and the subsequent data/power link(s) that is greater than the first power amount.
US09927861B2 Information processing apparatus operable in power saving mode and method for controlling the same
In an information processing apparatus operable in a power saving mode, a sub CPU reads out initial screen data pre-stored in a nonvolatile memory, and displays it on a display screen when the information processing apparatus returns from the power saving mode. Further, the sub CPU detects coordinate data of an area touched by a user on the initial screen, and stores it into the nonvolatile memory. Simultaneously, a main CPU performs startup processing such as setting the whole apparatus. After completing the startup processing, the main CPU reads out the coordinate data stored in the nonvolatile memory, identifies a function selected by the user, and performs an identified operation. Further, the main CPU generates display screen data corresponding to a determination of the function selected by the user to transfer it to an operation unit controller, and transmits a screen switching instruction to the operation unit controller.
US09927860B2 Method for reducing power consumption of memory system, and memory controller
A method for reducing power consumption of a memory system and a memory controller are provided. The method for reducing power consumption of a memory system includes: determining whether a dynamic random access memory DRAM memory module with a low access frequency exists in a memory system; when a DRAM memory module with a low access frequency exists, transfer, according to a size of a working set in the memory system, page data that does not belong to the working set to a non-volatile memory NVM memory module, where the page data that does not belong to the working set is page data that does not need to be accessed when a process runs within preset time.
US09927859B2 Internal communication interconnect scalability
Interconnect frequency control technologies of adjusting an operating frequency of a communication interconnect between an integrated circuit comprising multiple functional hardware units are described. A power management unit (PMU) is configured to collect workload data from the functional hardware units and determine a workload metric from the workload data. The PMU adjusts an operating frequency of the communication interconnect in view of the workload metric.
US09927856B2 Handling a failure in a system with distributed control of power and thermal management
Component power consumption is collected from each of a plurality of controllers of a node having a plurality of components. The component power consumption is provided to each of the plurality of controllers. A power differential is determined as a difference between a power cap for an apparatus and a total power consumption for the apparatus based, at least in part, on the component power consumption. A proportion of the total power consumption corresponding to the at least one component associated with the at least one component controller is determined. A local power budget is computed for the at least one component based, at least in part, on the power differential and the proportion of the total power consumption corresponding to the at least one component. A failure associated with the at least one component controller or the at least one component is determined.
US09927854B2 Power sequencing circuitry and methods for systems using contactless communication units
Embodiments discussed herein refer to systems, methods, and circuits for conforming to power up sequencing rules of a conventional hard-wired data connection even though the hard-wired data connection that would ordinarily exist between two data controllers has been replaced with one or more contactless connectors. A consequence of replacing the hard-wired connection with a contactless connector is that the data controllers no longer directly control the power sequencing between the controllers because they are not able to directly communicate with each other over the hard-wired data connections. Power sequence assist circuitry may be used to assists the data controllers in establishing a link in accordance with the power sequencing rules of a particular wired interface despite the intentionally broken hard-wired data connection between the two controllers by instructing the contactless connectors to communicate with their respective data controllers in compliance with the power sequencing rules.
US09927851B2 Storage drive carrier module
An example carrier module may comprise a carrier board, which may include a storage drive interface. The storage drive interface may engage with a storage drive so the storage drive can electrically communicate with the storage drive interface. The carrier board may further include an adapter connector in electrical communication with the storage drive interface. The adapter connector may removably engage with a complementary adapter receiver and may include multiple signal pins, and a ground pin and a power pin which are longer than the signal pins. The pins may facilitate electrical communication between the adapter receiver and the adapter connector. The carrier board may also include a power storage component in electrical communication with the storage drive interface and the adapter connector. The power storage component may receive and store a power input from the adapter receiver and may provide the power input to the storage drive interface.
US09927849B1 Apparatus for covering connection port assembly
An apparatus for covering a connection port assembly is disposed on a motherboard, and includes a door frame and a shielding plate. The door frame includes two support members, a connecting member, and a latch on the connecting member. A fixed end of each support members is fixed on the motherboard. Connecting ends of the two support members are connected to the connecting member to define an accommodating area for disposing the connection port assembly. The shielding plate includes an upper flange and a plate body. The plate body has one or more opening, an upper edge, and a lower edge. A signal connection surface of the connection port assembly is exposed via the opening. The upper flange is extending from the upper edge and has a latch hole. The latch is engaged into the latch hole to fix the shielding plate to the door frame.
US09927848B2 Housing used in monitor of industrial computer, monitor used in industrial computer, and industrial computer
A housing for a monitor of an industrial computer is installed in/on a plate and includes a basic section, a frame section, an engagement element, a spring element, a guide element and a fixing element. The frame section is attached on the plate. The engagement element optionally moves from an unlocked position where the engagement element is detached from engagement with the plate to a locked position where the engagement element is engaged with the plate in a shape fitting manner. The spring element pretensions the engagement element in a direction toward the locked position. The engagement element is linearly guided along the guide element. The fixing element fixes the engagement element at the unlocked position or the locked position, and is releasable, so that the engagement element automatically moves from the unlocked position to the locked position by means of the spring element.
US09927845B1 Hinge assembly
An apparatus can include a processor; an electronic component accessible by the processor; a first housing attached to a first axle that includes a first gear where the first housing includes the processor; a second housing attached to a second axle that includes a second gear where the second housing includes the electronic component accessible by the processor; and a hinge assembly that includes an intermediate axle that includes a first intermediate gear that meshes with the first gear, a second intermediate gear that meshes with the second gear, a first bridge component that securely positions the first axle parallel to the intermediate axle and a second bridge component that securely positions the second axle parallel to the intermediate axle.
US09927836B2 Electricity generator
The present application concerns handheld electrical generators for charging mobile electronic devices. In one representative embodiment, a manually powered generator for charging a mobile device comprises a first magnet array having a plurality of magnets arrayed in an annular formation on a first surface, a second magnet array having a plurality of magnets arrayed in an annular formation on a second surface positioned opposite the first surface, and a torque input member. The generator further comprises a rotor having a serpentine trace of conductive material disposed between the first and second magnet arrays. The generator is configured to be incorporated into a handheld case or shell for containing the mobile device.
US09927832B2 Input device having a reduced border region
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide an input device. The input device includes a first plurality of sensor electrodes disposed substantially parallel to each other and a second plurality of sensor electrodes disposed substantially perpendicular to the first plurality of sensor electrodes. An areal extent of the first and second sensor electrodes defines a sensor region. The input devices further includes a plurality of routing traces disposed within the sensor region of the input device. A first sensor electrode included in the first plurality of sensor electrodes is coupled to a first routing trace included in the plurality of routing traces, and the first routing trace is routed through a second sensor electrode included in the first plurality of sensor electrodes.
US09927828B2 System and method for a linear voltage regulator
According to an embodiment, a voltage regulator includes a linear voltage regulator (LVR) and a transient feedback circuit. The LVR a primary feedback loop, an input terminal configured to receive an input voltage, and an output terminal configured to output a regulated voltage. The transient feedback circuit is coupled to the output terminal and the primary feedback loop, and is configured to provide a first current with a first polarity to the primary feedback loop when current flowing through the output terminal is increasing.
US09927826B2 Electric appliance monitor method and electric appliance monitor system
An electric appliance monitor method and an monitor system are provided. The method includes the following steps. In a sampling period, data of an electric appliance is transmitted to a cloud server, and a load boundary is determined. The electric appliance is detected to obtain a measured power factor, a measured root-mean-square voltage and a measured power. Further, a supply frequency of an electric supply is recognized. Based on the measured data, a real part and an imaginary part of the load current related to a reflection coefficient of the electric appliance during the current usage state is calculated. On a real-imaginary current coordinate system, the load boundary and a coordinated point representing to the real part and imaginary part of the load current are displayed. Whether to execute a protection process is determined according to the load boundary, the real part and the imaginary part of the load current.
US09927816B2 System and method for operating a follower vehicle in a vehicle platoon
A method for operating a follower vehicle in a vehicle platoon includes determining, during operation, whether the follower vehicle is operating in a normal state or an abnormal state based on an operation condition of a component of the follower vehicle, or a communication between the follower vehicle and a preceding vehicle in the vehicle platoon. The method further includes selecting a first control mode if the follower vehicle is in the normal state and a second control mode if the follower vehicle is in the abnormal state so as to control movement of the follower vehicle using the selected control mode. In the first control mode, the follower vehicle uses communication data received from the preceding vehicle in the vehicle platoon to control its movement. In the second control mode, the follower vehicle uses data obtained by one or more of its sensors to control its movement.
US09927802B2 Cutting data generator, cutting apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable medium
A cutting data generator includes an editing unit configured to edit a plurality of figures into a desirable pattern and a control device. The control device is configured to detect superposition of outlines of the figures adjacent to each other and/or an intersection of the outlines of the adjacent figures and to generate cutting data including a first cut line which is an outline of the pattern and a second cut line which is the detected superposed outline and/or a line segment between the intersections, the first cut line being a line along which the pattern is cut out of a sheet, the second cut line being a groove-shaped or perforated line.
US09927801B2 Automatic method for milling complex channel-shaped cavities via coupling flank-milling positions
Methods and devices for milling a channel-shaped cavity by a five-axis computer numerical control (CNC) machine by selecting a workpiece to be machined, determining cutting tool flow along the channel-shaped cavity, determining cutting tool in-depth penetration, determining a trochoid path, and determining auxiliary movements.
US09927798B2 Mobile connectivity and control of semiconductor manufacturing equipment
Integration of semiconductor tool maintenance operations on mobile devices to allow technicians to more accurately perform semiconductor tool maintenance and to allow more accurate analysis of data to improve maintenance procedures to be more repeatable, consistent, and efficient. Remote control of maintenance operations for the semiconductor tool via a portable electronic device decreases the time required to service semiconductor tools and thus increase throughput.
US09927797B2 Safety compliance for mobile drive units
Techniques for making a physical area safe for a human to enter when mobile drive units (e.g., robots) are operating in the physical area are described. A management device may send an activity message to the mobile drive units instructing the mobile drive units to perform a set of activities. If a human is detected in the physical area, the management device may stop sending the activity command. If the mobile drive units do not receive the activity command, the mobile drive units may stop performing the set of activities. After the management device determines that the human has left the physical area, the management device may resume sending the activity message.
US09927788B2 Software lockout coordination between a process control system and an asset management system
A process control system coordinates with an associated asset management system to implement a plant safety mechanism and, in particular, to prevent unintended changes to, or otherwise undesired operation of, one or more process control equipment resources in a process plant. A maintenance technician uses the asset management system to request access to one or more of the process control equipment resources. A process operator receives the request via the process control system and grants or denies the request. Process control equipment resources for which a process operator grants a request are inoperable, in part or in whole, by the process control system. Upon completion of the maintenance task, the maintenance technician requests to return control of the process control equipment resource to the process operator. The return is complete when the process operator acknowledges the return of the resource to the process control system.
US09927786B2 Expandable and collapsible shape element for a programmable shape surface
An expandable and collapsible structure comprising at least two first members and a second member. Each first member includes two plates rotatably connected at an edge of each of the two plates. One of the two plates of each of the first members is adapted to be slidably coupled with the second member. When the two plates of each of the pair of first members are disposed in a non-parallel configuration, the structure is disposed in an expanded state and when the two plates of each of the first members are disposed in a parallel configuration, the structure is disposed in a collapsed state.
US09927785B2 Device control method and system thereof
The present disclosure provides a device control method, which comprises capturing, by a portable device, a first image of a specific area containing a number of electronic devices connected to a communication network; transmitting a connection signal to a selected electronic device on a device list containing all the electronic devices connected to a communication network; determining whether the selected electronic device is in the first image captured based on whether a response has been received from the selected electronic device; identifying the selected electronic device on the device list and the relative position of the selected electronic device on the first image captured upon determined that the selected electronic device is in the first image; and continuing the device identification process until all the connected electronic devices on the device list has been verified, to identify the relative positions of all electronic devices contained in the first image.
US09927784B2 Ubiquitous computing methods and apparatus
Ubiquitous computing methods and apparatus are disclosed. An example method includes determining a first setting to control an actuator; setting a first record in a record list, the first record including the first setting, a first immediacy of the first setting, and a first priority of the first setting; determining a second setting; setting a second record in the record list, the second record including the second setting, a second immediacy of the second setting, and a second priority of the second setting, the second priority being lower than the first priority; selecting the first record from the record list based on the first priority being higher than the second priority; deleting the second record from the record list based on the second immediacy; and outputting the first setting to control the actuator when a current setting of the actuator is different than the first setting.
US09927783B2 Analog signal processing using a correlator digital filter
A control system for controlling operation of an electric appliance is provided. The control system includes a correlator digital filter configured to receive input signals including at least one target signal associated with operation of the electric appliance and extract the target signal from the input signal. The control system also includes a controller operatively coupled with the correlator digital filter and the electric appliance, where the controller is configured to receive the extracted target signal from the correlator digital filter.
US09927781B2 Management of a graphical user interface to be displayed on a display of an image forming apparatus
A management apparatus according to embodiments is configured to manage a processing apparatus having an operation display. The management apparatus includes a request acquisition unit configured to receive a request for screen information used to generate an operation display, from the processing apparatus, a function acquisition unit configured to acquire from the processing apparatus function information indicating one or more functions supported by the processing apparatus, a generating unit configured to generate, based on the function information, the screen information such that a function not supported by the processing apparatus cannot be selected on the operation display, and a provision unit configured to provide the screen information generated by the generating unit to the processing apparatus.
US09927779B2 Power sourcing equipment and method of detecting inrush fault errors
A method includes monitoring total energy supplied, during a power-on phase, to a power field effect transistor (FET) coupled to a network port of a power sourcing equipment (PSE) device using a controller. The method further includes detecting an error when the total energy exceeds a pre-determined threshold.
US09927778B2 Method and system for managing power sharing of a plurality of charging stations sharing the same portion of an electrical network
A method and system are disclosed for managing power sharing of a plurality of charging stations sharing the same portion of an electrical network, the method comprising detecting an event at a charging station of the plurality of charging stations; determining if a charging configuration is acceptable with the event and if the charging configuration is not acceptable, modifying the charging configuration accordingly.
US09927777B2 Method and apparatus for operating a domestic appliance and domestic appliance
A method for operating a domestic appliance to reduce consumption of one or more operating resources includes receiving data about a temporal cost profile of the operating resources, having a first time interval with low costs and a second time interval with high costs, comparing a operating time period with the first time interval and determining a point in time for starting operation as a function of a result of the comparison, when the operating time period is longer than the first time interval, determining a temporal program segment with a higher consumption than other program segments based on a temporal consumption profile that describes consumption as a function of time during operation, and determining the point in time for starting the operation such that the program segment with the higher consumption falls within the first time interval.
US09927775B1 Binary stochastic time-to-digital converter and method
A method and apparatus for determining a difference between signal edges in two signals includes a multiple stage converter where each stage determines which of the two signals has an earlier signal edge, outputs a value corresponding to that determination, and then applies a delay to the earlier signal that is equal to half of the delay applied by the next previous stage. The stages examine smaller and smaller intervals to the sought-after signal edge. Each stage includes a plurality of logic elements. If all logic elements in the stage output the same signal, the edge position is clear. If some of the logic elements in the stage vote differently than others in the state due to differences in setup time for the different elements, the edge location has been found within the sensing band of the stage.
US09927774B2 Pill dispensing watch
A pill dispensing watch with a wrist watch assembly that includes a housing that encloses a time keeping apparatus as well as a plurality of pill storage drawers and microprocessor controlled electro mechanical drawer extending assemblies that allow the user to set the time for a pill taking event and for the pill retaining drawers to each open at the time the pill needs to be taken. A micro USB port built into the watch housing lets the user plug the on board microprocessor into a standard computer so that the user can program the times that the drawers need to open and an audio alarm needs to sound. In one embodiment the watch housing includes two of the drawers extending from the left side of the watch housing and two drawers extending from the right side of the watch housing.
US09927773B2 Natural escapement
An escapement mechanism including a stop member between a resonator and two escape wheel sets each subjected to a torque, and each including a magnetized or ferromagnetic track over a period. The stop member includes at least one magnetized or ferromagnetic pole shoe, transversely movable with respect to travel of a surface of the track. The pole shoe or the track creates a magnetic field between the pole shoe and the surface, and the pole shoe is confronted by a magnetic field barrier on the track just before each transverse motion of the stop member actuated by the period action of the resonator. The escape wheel sets are each arranged to cooperate alternately with the stop member, and are connected to each other by a direct kinematic connection.
US09927771B2 Self-winding mechanism for watches
Watch comprising a case containing an energy accumulator recharged by a winding mechanism, this watch is arranged to receive, attached to the case or in immediate proximity thereto, an additional self-winding mechanism arranged to be worn by a user at the same time as the watch and comprising a transmitter wheel set arranged for contactless cooperation with a receiver wheel set comprised in the winding mechanism, by remote interaction under the action of a field in the air-gap between the transmitter wheel set and the receiver wheel set, the intensity of the field and the maximum air-gap distance being defined to transmit to the receiver wheel set, to recharge the energy accumulator, a torque or a force imparted by a user to the transmitter wheel set, and the additional self-winding mechanism is removable and portable with respect to the case.
US09927768B2 Crum chip and image forming device for communicating mutually, and method thereof
An image forming device is provided. The device includes a main body which includes a main controller controlling operations of the image forming device, a consumable unit mounted on the main body to enable communication with the main controller, and a CRUM chip which is provided in the consumable unit and stores usage information of the consumable unit and characteristics information. The main controller and the CRUM chip transmit and receive signals which include data and integrity detection data between each other. The integrity detection data is generated by accumulating and reflecting integrity detection data included in a previous signal.
US09927766B2 Removable unit and image forming apparatus therewith
A removable unit has a first unit removably attached to an image forming apparatus, a second unit held by being removably attached to the first unit, and a cover member. The cover member is supported pivotably on the first unit, and can be located selectively either in a first position overlapping, or a second position not overlapping, the attachment/removal path of the second unit. When the cover member pivots from the first position to a third position pivoted through a predetermined angle from the first position toward the second position, from the first unit a reaction force acts on the cover member to restrict its pivoting toward the second position and, when the cover member pivots from the second position to the third position, from the first unit a reaction force acts on the cover member to restrict its pivoting toward the first position.
US09927761B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a transfer member, a cleaning member, and an executing portion configured to execute a supplying operation for forming a predetermined toner image on the image bearing member during non-image formation and then supplying toner of the predetermined toner image to the contact portion. The executing portion executes the supplying operation with a forming condition of the predetermined toner image preset on the basis of information preset on contact pressure applied by the cleaning member to the image bearing member.
US09927760B2 Development processing device
A slit nozzle is moved by a nozzle lifting/lowering mechanism and a nozzle sliding mechanism relative to substrates held in a substantially horizontal attitude by spin chucks. A development liquid is discharged on each substrate from a discharge port of the slit nozzle such that development processing for the substrate is performed. After the development liquid is discharged, the slit nozzle is moved to a waiting position excluding positions over the substrates held by the spin chucks. In waiting pods provided at the waiting positions, cleaning processing for the slit nozzle is performed by a cleaning liquid with gas bubbles mixed therein.
US09927757B2 Toner density sensor and image forming device
A toner density sensor includes: a light emitting element configured to radiate light; a light receiving element configured to receive the light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected from a detection object; a substrate whereon the light emitting element and the light receiving element are surface mounted; a case covering the light emitting element and the light receiving element; an optical path configured parallel to the substrate for light generated from the light emitting element; a groove provided in the substrate from the end part of the substrate in the direction light travels from the light emitting element to between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, the groove recessed from the mounting surface in the thickness direction of the substrate; and an insert provided to the case and configured for insertion into the groove.
US09927756B2 Image forming apparatus, image formation system, density-unevenness correction method and recording medium
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section; a density detection section configured to detect the density of toner image formed on an image bearing member in a sub scanning direction; and a density-unevenness correction section configured to calculate a first correction amount based on the detection result of the density detection section and calculate a second correction amount different from the first correction amount in phase.
US09927750B2 Image forming apparatus
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, including: a fixing device including a heater and a presser; a discharge-roller unit including a first frame and a discharge roller pair; and an arm supporting the heater or the presser, wherein, when the first frame is located at a first position, a nip position of the discharge roller pair is located at a first nip position and the arm supports the heater or the presser at a first press-contact position such that the heater and the presser are held in pressing contact at a predetermined pressure, and wherein, when the first frame is located at a second position, the nip position is located at a second nip position shifted from the first nip position and the arm supports the heater or the presser at a second press-contact position such that the heater and the presser are held in pressing contact at a lower pressure.
US09927743B2 Fixing device with a variable rotational drive
A fixing device is equipped with a lower pressure roller, an upper pressure roller and a fixing belt which fix a toner image onto a sheet, by holding and conveying the sheet by a nip portion, and a control unit which controls rotation of the lower pressure roller. The control unit periodically changes a velocity of rotational drive of the lower pressure roller, at a frequency of which a period is shorter than a time needed for the sheet to pass through the nip portion, when the sheet passes through the nip portion.
US09927742B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including: a toner image forming unit forming a toner image on an intermediate transfer member; a transfer member transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer member to a recording material in a transfer portion; a driving source applying driving force to the transfer member independently of an intermediate transfer member driving source; an execution unit correcting image misalignment on the basis of a detection result of a test toner image on the intermediate transfer member when no toner image exists in the transfer portion; a container storing the recording material; and an input unit associating the container with a group related to basic weight and surface properties of the recording material. The apparatus includes a driving unit driving the driving source at a speed corresponding to the group if the recording material stored in the container associated with the group is used for image formation.
US09927741B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an intermediary transfer member, a toner image forming unit, a rotatable transfer member, a cleaning unit, a feeding unit, a feeding portion and an executing portion configured to execute a supplying operation for supplying a supplying toner image to a cleaning portion. The executing portion forms the supplying toner image at a position including a position different from a position where an adjusting toner image for adjusting an image forming condition is formed, with respect to a widthwise direction crossing a movement direction of an intermediary transfer member provided in contact with the rotatable transfer member. The executing portion performs the supplying operation at least one time in a double-sided image forming job and does not perform the supplying operation in a single-sided image forming job.
US09927740B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable bottle which is detachably attached to an apparatus main body and which stores toner, the rotatable bottle having a discharge port from which the stored toner is discharged, a shutter which is disposed on the bottle, and which opens and closes the discharge port, and an engaging member, which is movably disposed on the apparatus main body, and which is able to engage the shutter. The image forming apparatus further includes a driving portion which transfers a driving force to the rotatable bottle, and an opening mechanism which is configured to open the shutter by the driving force from the driving portion.
US09927739B2 Powder container, image forming apparatus, and nozzle receiver
According to an embodiment, when a nozzle insertion member is detached from a powder container, an engaging portion and an engaged portion are disengaged from each other by resiliently displacing the engaging portion in a direction in which the engaging portion is disengaged from the engaged portion. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a stress applied to the powder container and the nozzle insertion member at the time of attachment and detachment of the nozzle insertion member. Consequently, it becomes possible to easily detach the nozzle insertion member from the powder container.
US09927737B2 Developing apparatus and process cartridge
There is provided a developing apparatus including a conveyance member configured to bend in contact with an inner wall of a conveyance chamber and convey developer, a portion configured to bend the conveyance member, and a first releasing portion configured to release the bending of the conveyance member, a deforming portion configured to bend the conveyance member moved and released from the first releasing portion, and a second releasing portion configured to release the bending of the conveyance member on the downstream side of the deforming portion in the rotational direction of the conveyance member.
US09927731B2 Image forming apparatus having an electrifying member for electrifying an image carrier
An image forming apparatus includes a high voltage generating circuit, a voltage controller, a current detector, and a recovery process controller. If two inflection points (O and P) exist, which exist on a characteristic curve indicating a relationship between the voltage value and the current value when the frequency of the AC voltage is set as a first frequency or when a photosensitive drum is rotated at a first linear speed, the recovery process is performed if a potential difference between a first inter-inflection-point voltage (OP) between inflection points and a second inter-inflection-point voltage (OP′) between inflection points (O′ and P′) when setting a second frequency different from the first frequency, or a potential difference between the first voltage and a third inter-inflection-point voltage (OP″) between inflection points (O″ and P″) when setting a second linear speed different from the first linear speed becomes a predetermined value or less.
US09927730B2 Image forming apparatus that effects removal of residual toner
The length of a developer bearing portion of a developing device is longer than the length of a transfer roller in the rotation axis direction of a photosensitive drum. The width of a light irradiation opening of a charge eliminating device is shorter than the length of the transfer roller in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum.
US09927729B2 Toner and producing method therefor
A toner for developing an electrostatic latent image, the toner includes, a toner parent particle containing a binder resin, the binder resin including a crystalline resin and a hybrid resin, the hybrid resin having a main chain and a side chain, either one of or both of the main chain and the side chain including a unit derived from a crystal nucleating agent, and the crystal nucleating agent being one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, 1-tetracosanol, 1-hexacosanol, octacosanol, palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, and lignoceric acid.
US09927726B2 Polarization independent interferometer
Apparatus, systems, and methods are used for detecting the alignment of a feature on a substrate using a polarization independent interferometer. The apparatus, system, and methods include optical elements that receive light that has diffracted or scattered from a mark on a substrate. The optical elements may split the diffracted light into multiple subbeams of light which are detected by one or more detectors. The diffracted light may be combined optically or during processing after detection. The system may determine alignment and/or overlay based on the received diffracted light having any polarization angle or state.
US09927722B2 Method and apparatus for inspection and metrology
A method and apparatus for position control of a component relative to a surface is disclosed. The method may include calculating an estimated effect of, or derived from, Casimir force acting between the component and the surface, and compensating positioning of the component relative to the surface using the estimated effect.
US09927721B2 Object positioning system, control system, lithographic apparatus, object positioning method and device manufacturing method
An object positioning system including a movable object, an actuator system and a control system. The moveable object is moveable relative to a reference. The actuator system is configured to apply a force to the object at a force application location on the object in order to move the moveable object relative to the reference. The control system is configured to position a point of interest of the object relative to the reference. The control system is configured to drive the actuator system based on a parameter representing a spatial relationship between the force application location and the point of interest. The parameter is dependent on a further parameter representing a position of the object relative to the reference.
US09927712B2 Spatial light modulation element module, photolithographing apparatus, exposure apparatus, method of manufacturing spatial light modulation element module and method of manufacturing device
A spatial light modulation element module having a large area is manufactured. A spatial light modulation element module comprising a base member and a plurality of spatial light modulation element arrays, wherein each of the plurality of spatial light modulation element arrays has a light modulation element which modulates and emits at least one of the intensity and the phase of an incident light, and the base member maintains the plurality of spatial light modulation element arrays in a predetermined relative position in a bare chip state. In the above-described spatial light modulation element module, the plurality of spatial light modulation element arrays may be in a staggered arrangement in at least 1 direction.
US09927711B2 Actuation mechanism, optical apparatus and lithography apparatus
An actuator to displace, for example a mirror, provides movement with at least two degrees of freedom by varying the currents in two electromagnets (370). A moving part includes a permanent magnet (362) with a magnetic face constrained to move over a working area lying substantially in a first plane perpendicular to a direction of magnetization of the magnet. The electromagnets have pole faces lying substantially in a second plane closely parallel to the first plane, each pole face substantially filling a quadrant of the area traversed by the face of the moving magnet. A ferromagnetic shield (820) is provided around the moving part and has at least one interruption (822) to reduce the influence of adjacent actuators or stray fields while also minimizing attraction between the permanent magnet (362) and the shield (820).
US09927710B2 Image forming device and dot pattern determining method
An image forming device in which a plurality of nozzles are aligned in a designated alignment direction, wherein a plurality of pixels constituting a formed image includes dot omission pixels continuous in a scan direction by a defective nozzle included in the plurality of nozzles, and neighboring pixels within a designated distance in the alignment direction from the dot omission pixels, the image forming device comprising a pattern determining unit configured to determine a dot pattern after supplementation formed on neighboring pixels within designated range based on at least the number of dots to be formed on the pixels within the designated range including a portion of the dot omission pixels and a portion of the neighboring pixels according to recording data before supplementation of dots by the defective nozzle, and a pattern forming unit configured to form the dot pattern after supplementation.
US09927697B2 Mask blank, method of manufacturing mask blank and method of manufacturing transfer mask
Provided is a mask blank, including: a resist layer formed by a chemically amplified resist; a protective layer formed to coat the resist layer; and a buffer layer provided between the resist layer and the protective layer, wherein the protective layer contains an acidic substance, a basic substance, and a salt generated by a reaction between the acidic substance and the basic substance, and the buffer layer has a portion which is a surface layer portion of a pre-coated resist layer before being coated by the protective layer, and in which the pre-coated resist layer and the protective layer 4 are in contact with each other, and this portion is formed by receiving the acidic substance, the basic substance, and the salt moved from the protective layer 4.
US09927696B2 Method to reduce line waviness
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an exposure pattern alteration software application which manipulates exposure polygons having lines with angles substantially close to angles of symmetry of a hex close pack arrangement, which suffer from long jogs. Long jogs present themselves as high edge placement error regions. As such, the exposure pattern alteration software application provides for line wave reduction by serrating polygon edges at affected angles to reduce edge placement errors during maskless lithography patterning in a manufacturing process.
US09927695B2 Halftone phase shift mask blank, halftone phase shift mask, and pattern exposure method
In a halftone phase shift mask blank comprising a transparent substrate and a halftone phase shift film thereon, the halftone phase shift film is composed of a silicon base material consisting of silicon, nitrogen and 0-6 at % of oxygen, has a refractive index n of at least 2.4, an extinction coefficient k of 0.4-0.7, and a thickness of 40-67 nm. The halftone phase shift film is thin enough to be advantageous for photomask pattern formation, has chemical resistance against chemical cleaning, and maintains a necessary phase shift for phase shift function and a necessary transmittance for halftone function.
US09927694B2 Pattern data generation method, pattern data generation device, and mask
A pattern data generation method includes setting drawing pattern data based on design pattern data including first and second pattern regions. The drawing pattern data includes third and fourth pattern regions. The method includes setting the width of the third pattern region to a third width. The method includes setting first and second irradiation amount data based on the drawing pattern data. The method includes calculating a first thickness of the first pattern region and a second thickness of the second pattern region based on the first irradiation amount data, and calculating a third thickness of the third pattern region based on the second irradiation amount data. The method includes calculating, based on the first to third widths and the first to third thicknesses, a range of a first exposed region exposed onto a patterning substrate.
US09927692B2 Reflective photomask and production method therefor
A reflective photomask includes: a substrate; a multilayer reflection film formed on the substrate and reflecting exposure light including light with a wavelength of about 5 nm to 15 nm for lithography; an absorption film formed on the multilayer reflection film and absorbing the exposure light, and formed therein with a circuit pattern or a circuit pattern forming region where the circuit pattern is formed; a shading region formed by removing part of the multilayer reflection film and the absorption film on the substrate, on an outer peripheral side of the circuit pattern or the circuit pattern forming region to shade part of the exposure light reflected by the multilayer reflection film; and a plurality of projections formed at a pitch of about 3000 nm or less on part of a surface of the substrate exposed in the shading region, and suppressing reflection of out-of-band light with a wavelength of about 140 nm to 800 nm included in the exposure light and incident on the shading region.
US09927690B2 Projection screen
A projection screen, adapted to receive an image beam, includes a transparent substrate, optical pillar structures, a light-scattering layer, Fresnel structures and a light-absorption layer. The transparent substrate has first surface and second surface opposing to each other. The optical pillar structures are located at the first surface, and between the light-scattering layer and the transparent substrate. Each optical pillar structure is arranged along the first direction. The Fresnel structures are located at the second surface, and disposed between the transparent substrate and the light-absorption layer. Each Fresnel structure has a reflective surface and a transmissive surface connected to the reflective surface. The image beam sequentially passes through the light-scattering layer, the optical pillar structures, the transparent substrate and travels to the reflective surfaces, and the image beam is reflected by the reflective surfaces and outputs from the projection screen. The half-gain angle in the first direction falls within 40°-85°.
US09927689B2 Illumination device
An illumination device includes an image element configured to convert light incident thereon to image light and to output the image light, a first light path extending to pass through the image element, and a second light path extending without passing through the image element. The first light path and the second light path are configured to project lights passing therethrough, respectively, on an object existing outside the illumination device.
US09927685B2 Illumination system having light-splitting unit and projection apparatus
An illumination system including an excitation light source module configured to emit an excitation beam, a wavelength conversion device, and a light-splitting unit on a transmission path of the excitation beam and between the excitation light source module and the wavelength conversion device is provided. The light-splitting unit includes a transparent substrate and a first optical film with a hole through which the excitation beam is transmitted to the wavelength conversion device. A wavelength conversion area and a diffusion area of the wavelength conversion device cut into the transmission path by turns. The wavelength conversion area converts the excitation beam into a conversion beam transmitted to the light-splitting unit. The diffusion area reflects the excitation beam to the light-splitting unit; the first optical film reflects the excitation beam coming from the diffusion area. Wavelengths of the conversion beam and excitation beam are different. A projection apparatus is also provided.
US09927684B2 Projection optical system and image projector
A projection optical system projects onto a projection surface an image ray bundle formed on an image display element, and includes a transmissive optical system positioned on a side of an emission surface of the image display element and having positive power, and a reflective optical system including at least one mirror for reflecting, toward the projection surface, light rays emitted from the transmissive optical system. The transmissive optical system includes at least one positive lens disposed closer to the image display element than an aperture stop, along with first and second positive lenses having a meniscus shape, and a negative lens disposed therebetween, which are closer to the projection surface than the aperture stop is. During focusing, spacing between the first positive lens and the negative lens and spacing between the second positive lens and the negative lens remain unchanged.
US09927681B2 Tri-axis closed-loop anti-shake structure
Provided is a lens driving device which includes: a lens holder including a coil; a frame for receiving the lens holder; a driving circuit board disposed below the frame; a plurality of first conductive elastic bodies disposed in a manner to keep the lens holder moving in a Z-axis direction; and a plurality of second conductive elastic bodies disposed in a manner to keep the frame moving in a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The lens driving device further comprises a plurality of electrical contact-oriented Z-axis position sensor. The Z-axis position sensor senses the motion of the lens holder in the Z-axis direction. An electronic circuit between a portion of the plurality of electrical contacts and the coil of the lens holder comprises a Molded Interconnect Device and a portion of the first conductive elastic bodies. The Molded Interconnect Device is disposed on the frame.
US09927678B2 Variable optical attenuator comprising a switchable polarization grating
Embodiments of the present invention provide a variable optical attenuator. The variable optical attenuator includes: a collimator, a switchable polarization grating, a reflector, and a voltage controller for adjusting a voltage between electrodes at both ends of a liquid crystal layer of the switchable polarization grating, where the collimator, the switchable polarization grating, and the reflector are disposed successively; the collimator is configured to receive incident light and output the incident light to the switchable polarization grating; the switchable polarization grating is configured to diffract the incident light for one time and then perform emission onto the reflector; the switchable polarization grating is further configured to diffract, for one time, a beam reflected back by the reflector, and then emit resulting diffracted light; and the collimator is further configured to receive the diffracted light and output the diffracted light.
US09927672B2 Multicolored pressure sensitive liquid crystal device
A multicolored pressure sensitive liquid crystal device includes a first transparent substrate that is flexible on which pressure is applied and a second substrate spaced apart from the first substrate. Also included are electrically conductive layers, one of which is in contact with the first substrate and is transparent and another of which is in contact with the second substrate. The electrically conductive layers are separated from each other. Also included is a pressure sensitive liquid crystal layer including cholesteric liquid crystal disposed between the electrically conductive layers. The liquid crystal layer includes at least first and second color regions. The first color region reflects light of a first color and the second color region reflects light of a second color. The pressure applied to the substrate results in a change in reflectance of the liquid crystal. In another aspect, the liquid crystal layer can include at least first and second regions that differ from each other in terms of a characteristic selected from the group consisting of wavelength of reflection, reflectivity, linewidth, electrooptic response, pressure sensitivity and combinations thereof.
US09927668B2 Array substrate, display panel, and display device
The present disclosure provides an array substrate. The array substrate includes a plurality of thin film transistors configured in an array arrangement, a plurality of common electrodes, a plurality of mutually insulated pixel electrodes coupled to the common electrodes, and a plurality of metal pads coupled to the common electrodes and configured in a layer different from the common electrodes or the pixel electrodes. The metal pads are electrically connected to drain electrodes of the thin film transistors and pixel electrodes. An orthogonal projection of a metal pad on the array substrate overlaps with at least a portion of an orthogonal projection of a corresponding common electrode on the array substrate.
US09927662B2 Liquid crystal display having improved curing characteristics
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid crystal display including: a substrate; a thin film transistor disposed on the substrate to be connected to a gate line extending in a first direction and a data line extending in a second direction; a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor; a roof layer positioned over the pixel electrode; a liquid crystal layer disposed in a plurality of microcavities formed between the pixel electrode and the roof layer; an inorganic insulating layer disposed to overlap the microcavities; and an overcoat disposed on the roof layer, wherein the inorganic insulating layer includes a first portion overlapping the roof layer and a second portion that does not overlap the roof layer, and a length of the second portion in the second direction is about 20 μm or more.
US09927661B2 Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display includes: a first substrate on which a display area and a non-display area disposed around the display area are defined; a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate; a common electrode disposed on the second substrate; a common power supply line disposed in the non-display area of the first substrate to provide a common voltage; and a spacer disposed on the common power supply line to connect the common power supply line and the common electrode, where the spacer includes a conductive ball, and the conductive ball includes a heating solution.
US09927658B2 Active matrix substrate, liquid crystal panel, and method for manufacturing active matrix substrate
An active matrix substrate for a liquid crystal panel of an FFS mode includes a plurality of connecting units in a connecting region in order to electrically connect a common electrode, a first common main wiring 31, and a second common main wiring 32. The connecting unit includes a contact hole 41 that connects a connecting electrode 37 and the first common main wiring 31, the connecting electrode 37 formed integrally with the common electrode, and a contact hole 42 that connects the connecting electrode 37 and the second common main wiring 32. An amorphous Si film 122 of the second common main wiring 32 is formed larger than a main conductor part 131 of the second common main wiring 32 in a position of the contact hole 41, and is covered with SiNx films 151, 152 that are protective insulating films. This prevents the connecting electrode from having a step disconnection at a pattern end of the common main wiring.
US09927657B2 Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device including a TFT substrate with display and peripheral regions. The display region has pixels each having a pixel electrode and a TFT. A counter substrate opposes the TFT substrate and has a color filter formed at a position corresponding to a position at which the pixel electrode is formed above the TFT substrate. The method includes coating, outside of the display region of the TFT substrate, a second alignment film in the shape of a frame, and coating, in the display region, a first alignment film that dries more slowly than the second alignment film. The first and second alignment films are in contact, and the second alignment film is thicker than the first alignment film.
US09927656B2 Liquid crystal panel and polarizing laminate for use in the liquid crystal panel
A liquid crystal panel which is capable of significantly reducing a thickness thereof as compared to conventional liquid crystal panels, and, when used in a liquid crystal display device using a liquid crystal cell such as an IPS-type liquid crystal cell, reducing oblique light leakage in a black state of the liquid crystal display device to enhance contrast.
US09927655B2 Display panel comprising first and second compensation films wherein each of the films has phase delays in periphery areas that are different than phase delays of center areas, method for fabricating the same, and display device comprising the same
The present invention provides a display panel, a method for fabricating the same and a display device. The display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate which are assembled in an aligned manner. A first compensation film is provided on at least one side of the first substrate, a second compensation film is provided on at least one side of the second substrate, and the first compensation film and the second compensation film are used for compensating for phase delays of periphery areas of the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively, so that the phase delays of the periphery areas of the first substrate and the second substrate are the same as the phase delays of respective center areas thereof.
US09927654B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
It is an object to provide a display device of which image display can be favorably recognized. Another object is to provide a manufacturing method of the display device with high productivity. Over a substrate, a pixel electrode that reflects incident light through a liquid crystal layer, a light-transmitting pixel electrode, and a structure whose side surface is covered with a reflective layer and which is positioned to overlap with the light-transmitting pixel electrode are provided. The structure is formed over a light-transmitting etching-stop layer, and the etching-stop layer remains below the structure as a light-transmitting layer.
US09927653B2 Method of manufacturing optical film
To provide a method of manufacturing an optical film formed on a plastic substrate. There is provided a method of manufacturing an optical film including the steps of laminating a separation layer and an optical filter on a first substrate, separating the optical filter from the first substrate, attaching the optical filter to a second substrate. Since the optical film manufactured according to the invention has flexibility, it can be provided on a portion or a display device having a curved surface. Further, the optical film is not processed at high temperatures, and hence, an optical film having high yield with high reliability can be formed. Furthermore, an optical film having an excellent impact resistance property can be formed.
US09927650B1 Display assembly with an opaque layer
Displays are described. One display having a reflective display, a light guide, and a light guide cover. The light guide is disposed on a top side of the reflective display. The light guide cover is disposed on the light guide. The light guide cover includes: a cover glass disposed above the light guide; an opaque layer, disposed above the cover glass and around an edge of the reflective display that absorbs light reflected off the reflective display; and a white ink layer disposed above the opaque layer.
US09927646B2 Display device having an adhesive layer
According to one embodiment, a display device comprises a display panel, a metal layer, a coat layer, a cover member and an adhesive layer. The display panel comprises a principal surface including a display area in which an image is displayed. The metal layer is provided on the principal surface. The coat layer covers the metal layer and is in contact with the principal surface. The cover member faces the coat layer. The adhesive layer bonds the cover member to the coat layer and continuously covers the principal surface and at least a part of an outer edge of the coat layer.
US09927642B2 Vehicle display unit
A display unit for a vehicle includes a screen module and a cover. A bracket supports the screen module and the cover. The bracket extends between the screen module and the cover and includes an attachment portion configured to engage the vehicle. The bracket also includes a heat sink adjacent the screen module for dissipating heat from the screen module during operation.
US09927641B2 Flexible display panel including a curved display surface and display apparatus including the flexible display panel
A flexible display panel includes a flexible substrate including a first region including a display region and having a curved display surface, and a plurality of non-display regions that is located outside the display region and including a second region located outside the first region and folded in a direction different from a display direction of the first region, and an encapsulation member for encapsulating the display region along the curved display surface.
US09927637B2 Optical waveguide element
To reduce the optical loss, lower the driving voltage, produce a smaller product, and simplify the production process, an embodiment of the present invention includes a rib waveguide core (101) having a rib region (101r) and two slab regions (101s), where a depletion layer (113) is so formed as to extend from the rib region (101r) to the two slab regions (101s).
US09927633B2 Friction stabilized contact lenses
A contact lens incorporating one or more surface modified zones on the anterior surface of the lens may be utilized to generate a friction driven rotational force when the upper and/or lower eyelids pass over the one or more regions during blinking. A small difference in the coefficient of friction between the modified and unmodified regions of the lens may result in an equivalent rotational force to that of a thickness gradient lens. This small difference in the coefficient of friction produces a means to orient and stabilize the contact lens on eye.
US09927628B2 Image display apparatus
An image display apparatus includes a reflector and a plurality of projectors. The reflector is provided to cover a field. A plurality of viewing regions are set in an auditorium to be arranged in a circumferential direction of the field. The plurality of projectors are provided to respectively correspond to the plurality of these viewing regions. Each projector emits a light ray group including a plurality of light rays towards the reflector. The reflector includes a plurality of retroreflective elements, and reflects and diffuses the light ray group emitted from each projector towards a corresponding viewing region.
US09927627B2 Layered glass assembly for optical light beam projection with 3D effects on seamless surfaces
A layered glass assembly for optical light beam projection with three-dimensional depth perception for a vehicle includes: a display surface glass having a first refractive index and being configured to refract a first section of a light beam at a first interface; a first transition structure configured to refract a second section of the light beam at a second interface; a filler structure having a second refractive index and being configured to refract a third section of the light beam at a third interface; a second transition structure configured to refract a fourth section of the light beam at a fourth interface; and a front glass having a third refractive index and being configured to project the refracted light beam so as to generate the three-dimensional depth perception.
US09927620B2 System for flat-top intensity laser sheet beam generation
Systems and techniques are disclosed for flat-top intensity laser sheet beam generation. The system includes a source of light directed at a first optical component arranged to receive the light and generate spherical aberration (e.g., third order positive aberration) in the light rays. The spherical aberration results in positive aberrations in the light in a first plane and also results in the light being substantially collimated in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. In some cases, the source of light is provided from a laser diode and the first optical component is one of an aspherical lens and a spherical lens. The system also includes a second optical component for focusing the light in the second plane. In some cases, the second optical component is a cylindrical lens.
US09927619B2 Pupillary adjustable head mounted device
Embodiments of the present disclosure related to a head mounted display (HMD) that enable adjustment of lenses for a particular consumer. In some example embodiments, the HMD enables up to three-degrees of freedom of lens alignment with a consumer's pupils. For example, the HMD includes an actuation device or rotatable disc, both of which are in slidable engagement with at least one elongated members. Ends of the elongated members are coupled to a mirror/lens such that actuation of the actuation device or rotation of the disc translates the elongated member along an axis, which is in general alignment with a pupillary distance (PD) of the consumer. Additionally, the elongated members include mirror/lens interfaces to which the lenses are coupled. The mirror/lens interfaces are slidably and rotatably coupled to the elongated members thereby providing additional degrees of freedom for movement of the lenses.
US09927615B2 Compact augmented reality glasses with folded imaging optics
Some implementations of augmented reality glasses disclosed herein include an eyeglass substrate, two or more display elements, image optics configured for coupling light from the display elements into the eyeglass substrate and beam-splitting optics configured for directing light from the eyeglass substrate towards a viewer's eye and for allowing partial light from the real-world scene to arrive at a viewer's eye. The image optics may include one or more image optics lenses formed in the eyeglass substrate and may be positioned out of a line of sight of the viewer's eye when the viewer is wearing the augmented reality glasses. The image optics may be capable of coupling light from the display elements toward the beam-splitting optics along folded light paths caused by internal reflection within the eyeglass substrate.
US09927614B2 Augmented reality display system with variable focus
A near-eye optical display system that may be utilized in augmented reality applications and devices includes a diffractive waveguide having diffractive optical elements (DOEs) configured for in-coupling, exit pupil expansion, and out-coupling. An electrically-modulated tunable liquid crystal (LC) lens is located between the diffractive grating and the eyes of the user. A polarizing filter is located on the other side of the diffractive grating so that light from the real world enters the system with a particular polarization state, for example, TM-polarized. The tunable LC lens is configured to impart variable focus on light that has an opposite polarization state, for example TE-polarized. The optical display system is arranged to be polarization-sensitive so that virtual images from an imager are out-coupled from the diffractive waveguide with TE-polarization. The tunable LC lens may thus impart variable focus to the virtual images due to the lens' sensitivity to TE-polarization.
US09927611B2 Wearable laser based display method and system
The present invention is directed to wearable display technologies. More specifically, various embodiments of the present invention provide wearable augmented reality glasses incorporating projection display systems where one or more laser diodes are used as light source for illustrating images with optical delivery to the eye using transparent waveguides. In one set of embodiments, the present invention provides wearable augmented reality glasses incorporating projector systems that utilize transparent waveguides and blue and/or green laser fabricated using gallium nitride containing material. In another set of embodiments, the present invention provides wearable augmented reality glasses incorporating projection systems having digital lighting processing engines illuminated by blue and/or green laser devices with optical delivery to the eye using transparent waveguides. In one embodiment, the present invention provides wearable augmented reality glasses incorporating a 3D display system with optical delivery to the eye using transparent waveguides. There are other embodiments as well.
US09927603B2 Confocal scanning microscope, operating method for same and method for manipulating a sample
A switch which reduces the voltage between the photocathode and the first dynode in the activated switching state compared to the deactivated switching state and a control unit which is adapted to move a target spot, which can be illuminated by means of the light source, over a scanning field by means of a deflecting unit. The control unit activates the switch when the target spot enters a given region of the scanning field and deactivates the switch when the target spot exits the region.
US09927599B1 Optical camera lens
The present disclosure relates to the field of optical lens, and discloses an optical camera lens, which includes: an aperture, a first lens having positive refraction power, a second lens having negative refraction power, a third lens having negative refraction power, a fourth lens having positive refraction power and a fifth lens having negative refraction power, which satisfy following relational expressions: 17
US09927595B2 Lens assembly
A lens assembly includes a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens and a fifth lens. The first lens is with positive refractive power. The second lens is with negative refractive power. The third lens is with positive refractive power. The fourth lens is a meniscus lens and includes a concave surface facing the object side and a convex surface facing the image side. The fifth lens includes a concave surface facing the image side. The first lens and the third lens are made of the same material and an Abbe number of the first lens is the same as an Abbe number of the third lens. An Abbe number of the first lens, an Abbe number of the third lens and an Abbe number of the fifth lens are greater than an Abbe number of the second lens.
US09927593B2 Optical fibers deployment in the last mile
A method for connecting a number of users with at least one signal bearing optical fiber contained in an optical cable. The method includes: a) interrupting the signal bearing optical fiber at a first branch point, obtaining a first optical fiber segment upstream of the branch point and a second optical fiber segment downstream of the branch point; b) providing an optical splitter at the branch point, the optical splitter including an input and two outputs; c) coupling the first optical fiber segment with the input of the optical splitter; d) coupling a first output of the optical splitter with a first user; e) coupling a second output of the optical splitter with a downstream optical fiber segment of an interrupted optical fiber contained in the optical cable; and f) coupling the downstream optical fiber segment with at least one further user at a further branch point downstream the first branch point.
US09927586B1 Two-part optical coupling subassembly for monitoring optical output power in optical transceiver
A two-part optical coupling subassembly includes a main lens formed with a cavity, the main lens including two surfaces formed in the cavity and oppositely inclined at an off-vertical angle from a central vertical plane of the cavity such that the two surfaces are symmetric with respect to the central vertical plane; a beam router embedded in the cavity, the beam router including first and second beam router surfaces lying on the two surfaces of the main lens respectively, and a partially reflective coating on at least one of the beam router surfaces; and a transparent adhesive provided between the two lens surfaces and the first and second beam router surfaces.
US09927579B1 De-rotating mechanism for off-axis fiber optic rotary joint
The current invention is to disclose a de-rotating mechanism for off-axis fiber optic rotary joints. Dove prism is a de-rotating mechanism and is widely used for on-axis fiber optic rotary joints. But optic de-rotating mechanism is not available when there is a through bore along the rotational axis and optical light paths would not be allowed to path through the central area along the rotational axis. The hollow de-rotating mechanism in the current invention mainly includes a plural of fiber optic collimator patch cords, which are elaborately arranged on the circumference of said de-rotating mechanism following a special rule. The current invention eliminates the photodiodes in most prior published patents and make it possible to build a true passive, bi-directional fiber optic rotary joint without the limitation to the through bore diameters.
US09927578B2 Fiber optic rotary connector
A fiber optic rotary connector providing communication between a first fiber optical bundle and a second fiber optical bundle rotating relative to said first bundle. The fiber optic rotary connector includes a K-mirror comprised of at least three mirror components and a set of gears adapted to rotate said K-mirror at a rotation rate equal to one half of the second bundle rotation rate. In a preferred embodiment the set of gears is a set of magnetic gears. And in another preferred embodiment the set of gears is a set of mechanical gears. Normally the first fiber optic bundle is stationary, but it may be rotating at a slower rate than the second bundle. In preferred embodiments the K mirror is comprised of three flat mirrors and two of the flat mirrors are positioned at about 30 degrees relative to the third flat mirror.
US09927576B2 Optical modules for wavelength multiplexing
Embodiments of the present invention provide optical modules which input and output wavelength multiplexed optical signals to and from an optical waveguide, and a manufacturing method thereof. In one embodiment, an optical module comprises light emitting and light receiving element pairs that are positioned on grooves of one or more optical waveguides, where each light emitting and light receiving element pair corresponds to a different wavelength of light. Each light emitting and light receiving element pair includes an optical pin comprising an inclined surface and a light selecting filter that are configured to reflect light of a corresponding wavelength from an optical waveguide to the light receiving element, and from the light emitting element to the optical waveguide.
US09927574B2 Optical component with angled-facet waveguide
An optical component includes a component body, and at least one angled-facet waveguide formed in the component body, wherein the angled-facet waveguide is substantially mirror-symmetrical in shape relative to a line at or near the center of the angled-facet waveguide.
US09927572B1 Hybrid photonic device structures
Examples include hybrid silicon photonic device structures. Some examples include a method of integrating a photodetector with a photonic device on a silicon wafer to make a hybrid silicon photonic device structure. A dielectric layer is established on the silicon wafer. A pit is formed in a portion of the dielectric layer and the silicon wafer, wherein a bottom of the pit is silicon. A germanium layer is grown in the pit such that a top of the germanium layer is lower than a top of the silicon wafer. The germanium layer comprises the photodetector. A photonic device material that comprises the photonic device is bonded to the silicon wafer without planarization of the silicon wafer.
US09927571B2 Illumination device
An illumination device for illuminating at least one spatial light modulator device. At least one light source device with at least one light source illuminates the at least one spatial light modulator device; a light guiding element through which light emanating from the light source propagates; and at least one light decoupling element arranged on top or inside of the light guiding element. The at least one light decoupling element decouples of a wave field of the light which propagating in the light guiding element into the direction of the spatial light modulator device. The light guiding element has a refractive index which is lower than or at least equal to the refractive index of the at least one light decoupling element. The entrance angle of the wave field entering the light decoupling element is determined by the difference between the refractive indices according to a particular equation.
US09927566B2 Electromagnetic induction antenna plate, back-light and display device
Embodiments of the invention provides an electromagnetic induction antenna plate, a backlight and a display device, and the electromagnetic induction antenna plate comprises a wiring layer and a fixing structure for attaching the wiring layer to a back plate of a backlight, wherein the wiring layer comprises a first surface facing the back plate and a second surface coated with a reflective material and facing a light guide plate of the backlight when mounted to the backlight.
US09927563B2 Liquid crystal panel and manufacturing method of the same
Provided are a liquid crystal panel and a method of manufacturing method of manufacturing a liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel includes a first transparent substrate; a second transparent substrate; and a liquid crystal layer formed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate. The first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate have transparency in a visible light region and an ultraviolet absorptive property. At least one of the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate includes a structure arranged in a predetermined region thereof, where the structure transmits ultraviolet rays in a specific wavelength range.
US09927562B2 NVIS color filter and a liquid crystal display device including the same
A night vision imaging system (NVIS) compatible liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a backlight and an LCD panel. The LCD panel includes a color filter including a plurality of colored pixels. Each of the colored pixels in the plurality of colored pixels incorporates a near infrared (NIR) filter, capable of substantially blocking emissions from the backlight, including NIR emission between 650 nm and 930 nm, while maintaining high transmission of bands of visible light for producing a full color visual image.
US09927561B2 Display panel and pixel structure
A display panel is provided by the present disclosure. The display panel includes a plurality of repeatedly arranged display units each having an array of sub-pixels displaying a plurality of colors. In the display panel, a plurality of sub-pixels b displaying a first color are arranged in a first spatial isotropic configuration in the display panel, and a plurality of sub-pixels d displaying a second color are arranged in a second spatial isotropic configuration in the display panel. At least one of the first color and the second color contributes most to display resolution among the plurality of colors.
US09927559B2 Wavelength-controlled directivity of all-dielectric optical nano-antennas
The disclosure relates to wavelength-controlled directivity of all-dielectric optical nanoantennas. One example embodiment is an optical nanoantenna for directionally scattering light in a visible or a near-infrared spectral range. The optical nanoantenna includes a substrate. The optical nanoantenna also includes an antenna structure disposed on the substrate. The antenna structure includes a dielectric material having a refractive index that is higher than a refractive index of the substrate and a refractive index of a surrounding medium. The antenna structure includes a structure having two distinct end portions. The antenna structure is asymmetric with respect to at least one mirror reflection in a plane that is orthogonal to a plane of the substrate.
US09927557B2 Eyeglass lens
An aspect of the present invention relates to an eyeglass lens comprising a lens substrate and a vapor-deposited film either directly or indirectly on the lens substrate, wherein the vapor-deposited film is an oxide film of metal selected from the group consisting of zirconium and tantalum, with a proportion accounted for by regions observed in a streaky shape, in a columnar shape, or in a lump shape in a cross-sectional image of the vapor-deposited film obtained by a transmission electron microscope of equal to or less than 20%.
US09927556B2 Nanostructure material methods and devices
In one aspect, structures are provided that comprise (a) a one-dimensional periodic plurality of layers, wherein at least two of the layers have a refractive index differential sufficient to provide effective contrast; and (b) one or more light-emitting nanostructure materials effectively positioned with respect to the refractive index differential interface, wherein the structure provides a polarized output emission.
US09927553B2 Miniaturized optical proximity sensor
An optical sensor, optical system, and proximity sensor are disclosed. An illustrative proximity sensor is disclosed to include a light source and a photodetector including a photo-sensitive area that receives incident light and converts the received incident light into an electrical signal. The light source and photodetector are positioned diagonally relative to one another, thereby enabling the devices to be positioned closer together on a body or substrate.
US09927552B2 System and method for eccentering correction
A system for generating eccentering corrected response includes a logging tool configured to examine a material filled in an annular space to generate a tool response. The material is filled in an annular space formed by an outer conduit and an inner conduit disposed in the outer conduit. The logging tool is disposed in an inner conduit. The tool response includes scattered gamma ray photon counts distorted by a radial shift of the logging tool. The system includes a data transmission device coupled to a plurality of detectors and configured to transmit data detected by the plurality of detectors. The system also includes a computer processor linked to the data transmission device and configured to receive the tool response. The computer processor is configured to process the tool response and generate an eccentered corrected response by correcting effects of the radial shift in the tool response using eccentering correction technique.
US09927546B2 Phase-synchronized buried object transmitter and locator methods and apparatus
Buried object locator systems including transmitters and associated buried object locators using phase-synchronized signals are disclosed. A transmitter may generate output current signals that are phase-synchronized with a corresponding locator for improved utility locating.
US09927542B2 Removing ring down effects from sonic waveforms
An illustrative acoustic range finding method including deploying a tool downhole, transmitting a first acoustic waveform with a transmitting acoustic transducer of the tool, receiving a second acoustic waveform with a receiving acoustic transducer of the tool, removing a deterministic waveform from the second acoustic waveform to obtain an echo waveform, and deriving a measurement from said echo waveform.
US09927540B2 Method for determining a collision free sail path of at least one vessel of a fleet of vessels, corresponding device, computer program product and non-transitory computer-readable carrier medium
A method is provided for determining a sail path of vessels on a map representative of a marine geographic area, to perform a turn between a start point and an end point, each vessel having a turn radius, the start point, respectively the end point, being associated with a start, respectively an end, circle, the sail path being curvilinear and composed of arcs and straight segments. The method includes: detecting obstacles likely to interfere with at least one vessel; encompassing obstacles into a curvilinear geometric form; determining a sail path of the vessel by minimizing, under constraints, a cost function comprising: a first term representative of the length of arcs making up the sail path and a second term representative of the length of straight segments making up the sail path, taking into account the start and end circles and the curvilinear geometric forms, and a third term of penalization of distance separating the sail path to be determined, at any point of the sail path, and at least one disturbing object.
US09927538B2 Method of producing a radiometric physical phantom of a biological organism and physical phantom produced by this method
A method of producing a radiometric physical phantom of a biological organism to be irradiated or already irradiated having at least two volumes of appreciably different biological tissues comprises a step of determining a radiological three-dimensional model on the basis of anatomical three-dimensional image(s) of the organism, a step of producing a material framework of the phantom with the aid of a 3D printer, and a step of filling the enclosures of the framework with gels.
US09927537B2 Systems and methods for positron emission tomography signal isolation
A positron emission tomography (PET) photosensor output circuit configured to be operably coupled to a PET photosensor system is provided that includes a plurality of regional circuit portions and a summing portion. Each regional circuit portion is configured to be operably coupled to a corresponding photosensor system region and includes an input portion, a first branch, and a second branch. The first branch includes a delay unit and a switch. The second branch includes a sensor unit configured to place the switch in a closed position when a signal received via the input portion satisfies a threshold and to place the switch in an open position when the signal received via the input portion does not satisfy the threshold. The summing portion is configured to receive corresponding regional circuit outputs from the regional circuit portions, and to combine the regional circuit outputs to provide a summed output.
US09927525B2 Golf ball locating system
Disclosed is a golf ball locating system that includes a golf ball having a control circuit therein. The control circuit includes a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a radio frequency transmitter, one or more antennas, and a rechargeable battery. The golf ball is capable of transmitting a signal to a smartphone or similar mobile electronic device having a related software application thereon. The software application indicates the position of the golf ball relative to the user. The software application preferably displays a map of the golf course, and indicates the position of the ball on the course. As the user approaches the golf ball, the mobile electronic device will produce an audible alert, such as a tone, with increasing frequency as the golfer nears his or her golf ball. In this way, a user can easily locate his or her golf ball while golfing.
US09927524B2 Lidar imager
A lidar imager for acquiring a range image of a scene comprises a light source for emitting a light beam, a scanning device for scanning the light beam across the scene and a light sensor for receiving light reflected from the scene. The scanning device comprises a spatial light modulator (SLM) configured to display holograms that deflect the light beam into different directions within the scene to be imaged.
US09927517B1 Apparatus and methods for sensing rainfall
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a rainfall sensor having a rainfall analyzer configured to induce transmitted electromagnetic waves that are guided by a transmission medium to propagate along the transmission medium, wherein the transmitted electromagnetic waves propagate without requiring an electrical return path, wherein the rainfall analyzer receives reflected electromagnetic waves from the transmission medium in response to the transmitted electromagnetic waves and wherein the rainfall analyzer analyzes the reflected electromagnetic waves and generates rainfall data in response thereto. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09927514B2 Method and system for the remote monitoring of the two/three-dimensional field of displacements and vibrations of objects/structures
A method and system for remote monitoring of a two/three-dimensional field of displacements and vibrations of an object, the method including transmitting of a plurality of radar waves by a plurality of corresponding radar devices positioned at a predefined distance from a plurality of corresponding receiver devices applied on the object, obtaining a first distance value between each radar device and the corresponding receiver or target device, the first distance value being affected by an error consisting of the sum between an electromagnetic propagation disturbance in the atmosphere of the radar waves and a reciprocal interference between the single receiver or target devices and one or more fixed reflectors positioned in the proximity of the receiver devices, and obtaining, simultaneously with respect to the first distance value, a second distance value between each radar device and a plurality of corresponding calibration devices positioned at predefined distances from said radar devices.
US09927512B2 Method and system for ultrasonic signaling, ranging and location tracking
An indoor ultrasonic location tracking system that can utilize standard audio speakers to provide indoor ranging information to modern mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. The method uses a communication scheme based on linearly increasing frequency modulated chirps in the audio bandwidth just above the human hearing frequency range where mobile devices are still sensitive. The method uses gradual frequency and amplitude changes that minimize human perceivable (psychoacoustic) artifacts derived from the non-ideal impulse response of audio speakers. Chirps also benefit from Pulse Compression, which improves ranging resolution and resilience to both Doppler shifts and multi-path propagation that plague indoor environments. The method supports the decoding of multiple unique identifier packets simultaneously. A Time-Difference-of-Arrival pseudo-ranging technique allows for localization without explicit synchronization with the broadcasting infrastructure. An alternate received signal strength indicator based localization technique allows less accurate localization at the benefit of sparser transmission infrastructure.
US09927511B1 Location communication system and method
A system configured to provide detailed location information to a user in an emergency by communicating with one or more communication devices having unique identifiers.
US09927510B2 Star tracker
A star tracker determines a location or orientation of an object, such as a space vehicle, by observing unpolarized light from one or more stars or other relatively bright navigational marks, without imaging optics, pixelated imaging sensors or associated pixel readout electronics. An angle of incidence of the light is determined by comparing signals from two or more differently polarized optical sensors. The star tracker may be fabricated on a thin substrate. Some embodiments have vertical profiles of essentially just their optical sensors. Some embodiments include micro-baffles to limit field of view of the optical sensors.
US09927509B2 Non-contact type current sensor and associated methods
A current measurement device is provided for use with a measurement target having a conductive path. The current measurement device includes a non-contact current sensor to be positioned adjacent the conductive path of the measurement target. A calibration current superimposing unit, including a first electrode and a second electrode to be positioned in contact with the conductive path of the measurement target, is configured to output a calibration current to flow through the conductive path between the first electrode and the second electrode. A controller, coupled to the non-contact current sensor and the calibration current superimposing unit, is configured to control the output of the calibration current from the calibration current superimposing unit, and is configured to sample a signal from the non-contact current sensor positioned adjacent the conductive path of the measurement target.
US09927501B2 Atomic magnetometer and operating method of the same
Provided are an atomic magnetometer and an operating method of the same. The atomic magnetometer includes a vapor cell receiving a circularly polarized pump beam and a linearly polarized probe beam and containing an alkali metal vapor, a detector adapted to receive the probe beam passing through the vapor cell to measure magneto-optical rotation of the probe beam, a feedback coil to establish a negative feedback magnetic field signal orthogonal to a first plane defined by traveling directions of the probe beam and the pump beam and provide the negative feedback magnetic field signal to the vapor cell, and a feedback amplifier adapted to provide feedback current to the feedback coil such that the negative feedback magnetic field proportional to a measurement magnetic field is established. The measurement magnetic field of a measurement target provides magneto-optical rotation of the probe beam in the vapor cell.
US09927500B2 Device for generating a magnetic field profile which meets the requirements for MPI and for MRI
Device for alternating examination of a measurement object (103) by means of MPI and MRI within a magnetic system is characterized in that the magnetic system has a specified magnetic field profile, which is not temporally variable during the alternating examination, and both magnetic field generating elements (101,102; 201,202; 801a,801b,811,812) generate a magnetic field portion, in the first examination region (104) and in the second examination region (105), which is essential for the MRI operation and for the MPI operation, and in that there is a transport apparatus (106) by means of which the measurement object can be moved out of the first examination region and into the second examination region and/or vice versa. The total space requirement for both modalities is thus reduced and the complexity of an integrally designed hybrid system is minimized.
US09927497B2 Sensor apparatus, production method for a sensor apparatus having at least one magnetic core and method for determining a field strength of a magnetic field in at least one spatial direction
A sensor apparatus having at least one magnet core, on at least one carrier surface, which encompasses at least one soft magnetic material and for which a respective longitudinal center plane, which is oriented perpendicularly to the carrier surface and divides the respective magnet core into two halves having an identical mass, is definable, at least one coil being on, around, and/or adjacent to the at least one magnet core, the at least one magnet core having in its interior sub-regions by which an initiation of a magnetization reversal of the respective magnet core is targetedly locally controllable since a drive energy to be applied for propagation of a magnetic domain wall is elevated. Also described is a manufacturing method for a sensor apparatus having at least one magnet core, and a method for ascertaining a field strength of a magnetic field in at least one spatial direction.
US09927496B2 Apparatus and method for the contactless detection of vehicles
An apparatus and a method for the contactless detection of vehicles via one or more magnetometers for measuring the geomagnetic field, in which at least one magnetometer includes a device for measuring the gravitational field.
US09927493B2 Battery monitor system
A battery monitor system is provided for plural battery groups. The battery monitor system includes plural monitor modules for monitoring battery voltages of the battery groups and provided with a non-volatile memory for storing monitor data, which includes voltages of the monitor battery, and a monitor controller for communicating with the monitor modules and transmitting command signals to the monitor modules thereby to store the monitor data in the non-volatile memory. The monitor controller causes the non-volatile memory to store the monitor data therein, when communication with the monitor controller is disabled for a predetermined threshold period.
US09927492B2 Cell monitoring apparatus, battery monitoring apparatus, integrated circuit and method of monitoring a rechargeable cell
A cell monitoring apparatus includes a processor and memory arranged to execute code representing a linear time-invariant state transition model and a non-linear observation model are provided to model a rechargeable cell using at least a non-linear open circuit voltage, an internal resistance, a time-invariant distortion voltage across a reactive component block, and a distortion current component constituting an error of measurement of current flowing through the reactive component block. An estimator unit performs extended Kalman filtering in respect of the state transition model and the observation model using the input state data in order to generate output state data. The processor is arranged to evaluate a criterion associated with at least part of the output state data and to generate a control signal in response to evaluation of the criterion.
US09927491B2 IC and process shifting compressed data and loading scan paths
The disclosure describes novel methods and apparatuses for accessing test compression architectures (TCA) in a device using either a parallel or serial access technique. The serial access technique may be controlled by a device tester or by a JTAG controller. Further the disclosure provides an approach to access the TCA of a device when the device exists in a daisy-chain arrangement with other devices, such as in a customer's system. Additional embodiments are also provided and described in the disclosure.
US09927488B2 Package transfer unit and package management apparatus including the same
Probe card transfer units and probe card management apparatuses including the same may be provided. The transfer unit includes a hand part including grippers holding a package and a moving part moving the hand part. Each of the grippers includes at least one locking pin protruding from a holding bar, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the holding bar, to securely hold the package.
US09927487B2 Probe card having configurable structure for exchanging or swapping electronic components for impedance matching
A probe card having a configurable structure for exchanging/swapping electronic components for impedance matching is provided. In the probe card, an applied force is exerted on the electronic component so as to make the electronic component electrically connected with at least one conductive contact pad of a supporting unit. The supporting unit is a circuit board or a space transformer. In order to facilitate the exchange or swap of the electronic component, the applied force can be removed. The probe card includes a pressing plate which can be moved between a pressing position and a non-pressing position. The pressing plate has a pressing surface which is contacted with the top end of the electronic component while the pressing plate is in the pressing position. Therefore, the applied force can be generated or removed by changing the positioning of the pressing plate.
US09927486B2 Debug architecture
Roughly described, a method of restricting access of a debug controller to debug architecture on an integrated circuit chip, the debug architecture comprising an access controller, a plurality of peripheral circuits, and a shared hub, the shared hub being accessible by the access controller and the plurality of peripheral circuits, the method comprising: at the access controller, authenticating the debug controller; at the access controller, following authentication, assigning to the debug controller a set of access rights, the set of access rights granting the debug controller partial access to the debug architecture; and after assigning the set of access rights, allowing the debug controller access to the debug architecture as allowed by the set of access rights.
US09927481B2 Cable power loss determination for virtual metrology
A method for modeling cable loss is described. The method includes receiving a measurement of reverse power and forward power at a radio frequency (RF) generator. The method further includes computing theoretical power delivered to a matching network as a difference between the forward power and the reverse power and calculating a ratio of the reverse power to the forward power to generate an RF power reflection ratio. The method further includes identifying a cable power attenuation fraction based on a frequency of the RF generator and calculating a cable power loss as a function of the RF power reflection ratio, the cable power attenuation fraction, and the theoretical power. The method includes calculating actual power to be delivered to the impedance matching network based on the theoretical power and the cable power loss and sending the calculated actual power to the RF generator to generate an RF signal.
US09927480B2 System and method for probe heater health indication
A multi-function probe wire de-icing apparatus is described. The multi-function probe wire de-icing apparatus may include a multi-function probe wire, a main heater wire collocated with the multi-function probe wire, and a sacrificial wire deposed adjacent to the main heater wire. The sacrificial wire is configured to fail prior to the main heater wire failing.
US09927479B2 Sump/ejector pump monitor and sump/ejector pump failure warning system
A sump, ejector, or other pump monitor configured to monitor the amperage of electric current power supplied through the pump monitor to a pump and communicate one or more signals regarding the amperage or variations in amperage to a remote signal receiving device which indicate a predicted failure or actual failure of the pump. In various embodiments, the pump monitor operates with a remote pump failure warning system. The remote signal receiving device or remote pump failure warning system provides suitable warnings to one or more user access devices.
US09927477B1 Object identification system and method
An object identification system includes a guided surface waveguide probe that produces a guided surface wave that has a frequency-dependent illumination area in which one or more object identification tags are powered by the guided surface wave and outside of which other object identification tags are not powered by the guided surface wave; and a receiver at the illumination area, the receiver receiving return signals from the one or more object identification tags located in the illumination area, the return signals emitted by the object identification tags as an automated response to being powered by the guided surface wave.
US09927476B2 Two dimensional position sensor
A position sensor comprises first and second electrodes that generally extend in a first direction and are arranged in a pattern that defines a sensitive area, the second electrodes interleaved with the first electrodes in a second direction. The first electrodes comprise first, second, and third groups of elements, elements in the first, second, and third groups being connected to each other but not to elements in another group. The elements have shapes configured for adjacent elements in the first and second groups to co-extend in the first direction over a first portion of the sensitive area and to provide ratiometric capacitive signals with respect to each other in the first direction, and adjacent elements in the second and third groups to co-extend in the first direction over a second portion of the sensitive area and to provide ratiometric capacitive signals with respect to each other in the first direction.
US09927474B1 Phase identification on a grounded electrical power system
A method and device for sorting grounded electrical conductors according to phase. Different high-current pulsed sequences are applied to each of the electrical conductors of a first three-phase conductor in an electrical power network. Pulsed current sequences applied to the three electrical conductors of the first conductor, seeking an electrical ground, will be detectable on the electrical conductors of each of the conductors in parallel with the electrical conductors of the first conductor. A detector detects a magnetic-pulsed sequence associated with the current-pulsed sequences on the electrical conductors and matches it to one of the corresponding current-pulsed sequences on the electrical conductors of the first three-phase conductor, thereby decoding the sequence to identify the phases of each of the conductors. Each electrical conductor is then tagged with its phase before the conductor network is ungrounded and energized.
US09927473B2 Method for checking an exciting current of a synchronous machine in generator operation
The method includes operating the synchronous machine in idle operation; recording a phase voltage measured value of the synchronous machine; ascertaining a phase voltage expected value by allocating stored characteristics map values for the phase voltage, for the exciting current and the recorded rotational speed of the synchronous machine; and comparing the phase voltage expected value to the phase voltage measured value. Also described is a diagnostic device for carrying out this method, as well as a corresponding computer program product.
US09927472B2 Electrical protection slide
There is disclosed an electrical protection slide for mounting in an electrical meter center enclosing an electrically conductive component, the electrical meter center having a front. The electrical protection slide comprises a slope portion having a downward slope toward the front of the electrical meter center and a mating portion about the slope portion and being adapted for holding at least a portion of the slope portion within the electrical meter center above the electrically conductive component. The slope portion of the electrical protection slide provides electrical insulation and a mechanical barrier for the electrically conductive component from external elements falling thereon.
US09927470B2 Intelligent electronic device having a memory structure for preventing data loss upon power loss
An intelligent electronic device is provided including, inter alia, a processing unit configured to calculate energy consumed by at least one load and accumulate the calculated energy in a first volatile memory; the processing unit being configured to iteratively copy the accumulated energy from the first volatile memory to a first non-volatile memory after a first predetermined time period and copy the accumulated energy from the first volatile memory to a second non-violate memory after a second predetermined time period, wherein the first predetermined time period is longer than the second predetermined time period. The processing unit is further configured to copy the accumulated energy from the second non-violate memory to the first volatile memory upon startup or reset of the intelligent electronic device to avoid loss of data.
US09927469B2 Log-linear power detector
A power detector constituted of: a transconductance element arranged to output a rectified detection current, the magnitude thereof arranged to increase exponentially responsive to a linear increase in the amplitude of an input signal; and at least one p-n junction based device, a function of the rectified detection current arranged to flow there through. The output of the power detector is a function of the voltage across the at least one p-n junction based device.
US09927467B2 Estimating energy savings from building management system point lists
Software that uses actual, historic building management system (BMS) data and/or machine logic to estimate an amount of energy that would have been consumed (and saved) had the BMS been operated under the control of an energy management system (EMS). The software performs the following steps: (i) receiving first actual BMS information relating to operation of a first set of appliance(s) located in a first building during a first time interval; (ii) selecting a first proposed EMS rule set; and (iii) determining a first contrafactual energy resource use value based, at least in part, on the first actual BMS information, with the first contrafactual use value corresponding to an amount of energy resources that would have been consumed by the first set of appliance(s) if the BMS had operated the first set of appliance(s) under control of the first proposed EMS rule set.
US09927463B2 Wafer probe alignment
A water probe alignment system and method for aligning a probe to a chip wafer for testing a chip on the wafer are provided. At least two corners of the probe are adjustable in a same direction in relation to a primary corner of the probe. The alignment approach includes providing a grid of signal pins for corresponding contact pads of the chip under test, determining for each signal pin whether an electrical contact is established to a corresponding contact pad of the chip under contact force, and adjusting a position of each of the at least two corners by a corner individual delta position value with respect to the direction depending on a result of the determining in order to establish an electrical contact between each of the pins and the corresponding contact pads of the chip under test.
US09927456B2 Probe system, mixed primary reference probe for an aircraft, associated aircraft and measuring method
A probe system, mixed primary reference probe for an aircraft, associated aircraft and measuring method are disclosed. In one aspect, the probe system includes a base designed to be fastened on the cockpit of an aircraft, a plurality of regularly spaced static pressure taps, arranged through the base and designed to be connected to a pressure measurement device. The system includes at least one optical window transparent to laser radiation and inserted into the base.
US09927454B2 Wireless immersible anemometer for sailboats
A machine is disclosed for wind sensing on sailboats. Wind is important for sailing, but sailboats lean away from the wind when under sail. Vertical wind angles reduce the accuracy of existing anemometers. The cup blades disclosed here do not lose rotation speed when heeling over. Since it is now easy to have a sophisticated chartplotter display on a mobile device in waterproof case even on small boats, this waterproof wind sensor is a wireless “appcessory” that can talk to smartphones, tablets, computers, e-readers and marine electronics. The circuit board is encapsulated and is itself the wind direction arrow. A fluxgate compass on the circuit board provides wind direction. The apparatus is solar-powered, so there is no wiring to install or chafe. This allows a further inventive step for raising the anemometer using the mast track without needing to climb up or lower the mast.
US09927453B2 Dispensing device and dispensing method
In order to increase the accuracy of dispensing liquid from a sealed liquid holding container without increasing device complexity, pressures inside and outside the sealed liquid holding container are measured with a pressure sensor connected to a dispensing probe, and the amount of discharge operation of a pump is corrected in accordance with the measured pressures. The amount of operation of the pump is corrected by calculating the amount of deformation of a dispensing flow passageway due to pressure change.
US09927443B2 Risk assessment for therapeutic drugs
Methods to estimate safety and/or efficacy of therapeutic drugs, which include portable devices for anti-drug antibody (ADA) testing and databases containing anonymized data from humans and/or animal models, and related analyses, are provided. These methods and compositions can be used in various applications, including but not restricted to the following: uniform testing of patients for ADA; selection of therapeutic drug for patient treatment; evaluation of the need to change therapeutic drug or to apply tolerance regimens; selection of patients for clinical trials; comparison of therapeutic drugs marketed for a given disease and also gene therapy; scientific guidance for discovering and/or developing therapeutic drugs; postmarketing surveillance of therapeutic drugs.
US09927441B1 Combinatorial methods for aptamer based proteomics
A method for determining concentrations of target proteins in a protein sample can involve: (i) contacting the protein sample with an aptamer library to form a mixture; (ii) allowing the aptamers in the aptamer library to bind to the target proteins in the protein sample; (iii) removing the aptamers that have not been bound to a target protein in the mixture; and (iv) measuring the concentration each aptamer bound to proteins in the mixture. The concentration of a particular protein in the protein sample can be derived from the measurements of the concentrations of the aptamer or aptamers bound to that particular protein in the mixture.
US09927438B2 Materials and methods for assessing and mapping microbes and microbial biofilms on wounds
The subject invention provides point-of-care assays for assessing the topographical distribution of microbial biofilm and/or specific microorganisms in wounds.
US09927436B2 Reagent zone deposition pattern
An assay device includes: a liquid sample zone; a reagent zone downstream and in fluid communication with the sample zone that includes a reagent cell having a line of symmetry in the direction of fluid flow; a reagent material in the reagent cell, wherein the reagent material includes a first reagent material located at the axis of symmetry and is left-right symmetric, and a second and third reagent material having a substantially identical shape and volume and located in mirror locations from the line of symmetry; a detection zone in fluid communication with the reagent zone; and a wicking zone in fluid communication with the detection zone having a capacity to receive liquid sample flowing from the detection zone. The sample addition zone, the detection zone and the wicking zone define a fluid flow path.
US09927435B2 Multisite biosensor and associated method
A method of detecting a biomarker in one embodiment includes identifying a quantity of biomolecule types in a sample, exposing the sample to a plurality of test sites, wherein the number of test sites in the plurality of test sites is equal to or greater than the identified quantity of biomolecule types, establishing, for each of the plurality of test sites, a respective test environment, wherein the test environment for each of the plurality of test sites is different from the test environment for each of the other of the plurality of test sites, obtaining a detection signal associated with each of the plurality of test sites, and determining the concentration of one of the biomolecule types based upon the obtained detection signals.
US09927434B2 Multiplex microarray of serially deposited biomolecules on a microarray
Disclosed herein is a multiplex microarray having serially attached non-functionalized biomolecules attached to a polymer coating covering each electrode of an array of electrodes for assays and a method of making the multiplex microarray. The method comprises serially blocking the electrodes of the microarray with a blocking protein, electropolymerizing pyrrole or a functionalized pyrrole on the electrodes where the biomolecule is not present during polymerization, exposing the microarray to a biomolecular solution containing a non-functionalized biomolecule for attachment to the polymer coating, and then repeating the steps to form the multiplex microarray.
US09927432B2 Biosensor having decoupled capture chamber and detection chamber, using particle aggregation and size-separation
A biosensor using a decoupled microfluidic device, which has a capture chamber and a detection chamber separate from and in fluid communication with each other. The sensing method is based on particle aggregation via homogeneous reactions, by employing microparticles having antibodies on their surfaces which can form aggregates through antigen mediation. Either size-separation or magnetic based separation is used to separate aggregates from single microparticles; the aggregates are later dissociated and the resulting single microparticles are counted to measure the amount of the antigen. Another biosensor uses a decoupled microfluidic device with a capture chamber and a detection chamber, and a 3-D structure in the capture camber to increase immobilized antibody concentration. Immunoreaction efficiency is improved by increasing the number of antibody per reaction volume in the capture chamber.
US09927430B2 Pro-substrates for live cell applications
Provided are pro-substrates useful in assays of living cells. The pro-substrates can be used to detect the presence or absence of enzymes, such as luciferase, in living cells. The pro-substrates can be coelenterazine derivatives or analogs.
US09927429B2 Tropomyosin isoforms related to alzheimers disease and mild cognitive impairment
The present invention provides an in vitro method to aid the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), comprising determining the level of expression of one or more tropomyosin isoform(s) corresponding to P09493-3 and/or P09493-1 in a patient's sample. A kit comprising probes that bind to tropomyosin isoforms P09493-3 and P09493-1 is also provided.
US09927428B2 Gram-positive bacteria specific binding compounds
The present invention provides improved binding compounds capable of specifically binding Gram-positive bacteria. Binding compounds are provided that are fully human, enabling therapeutic applications in human individuals.
US09927423B2 LRRC8 proteins and protein complexes and methods for identification of channel modulators
The invention relates to a method for the identification of a channel modulator, such as an agonist or antagonist, that interacts with one or more or LRRC8A, LRRC8B, LRRC8C, LRRC8D and/or LRRC8E and/or protein complexes thereof. The invention further relates to an isolated heteromeric protein complex comprising one or more or LRRC8A, LRRC8B, LRRC8C, LRRC8D and/or LRRC8E for use in such methods, in addition to kits suitable for carrying out such methods. The invention therefore relate preferably to the use of LRRC8 proteins and complexes thereof for the identification of VRAC (VSOAC) modulators.
US09927420B2 Method of analyzing sintered density of uranium oxide (UOx) using spectrophotometer
Disclosed is a method of predicting, calculating, or analyzing the sintered density of uranium oxide (UOx) before uranium oxide is added in the pelletizing process during a process of manufacturing nuclear fuel, the method including measuring the chromaticity of ammonium diuranate using a spectrophotometer. The present invention provides a simple and highly reliable method of predicting the sintered density of uranium oxide (UOx), which overcomes the problem with a conventional technology where the sintered density of uranium oxide (UOx) can be analyzed only in a pellet state and a subsequent treatment process needs to be performed according to the analysis result.
US09927417B2 High reflectivity integrating cavity and optical amplification device
Disclosed is a high reflectivity integrating cavity and device to amplify and detect luminescent emissions produced by small concentrations of materials to be analyzed. Femto or nano molar concentrations of a material can be placed within the high reflectivity integrating cavity. At least the interior surface of the high reflectivity integrating cavity can comprise a coating that, at a designated wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, is transparent and non-absorbing to such designated wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. In addition to the isotropic field induced by the interior surface of the high reflectivity integrating cavity, the high reflectivity of the interior surface of the high reflectivity integrating cavity leads to very large effective optical path lengths within the interior of the high reflectivity integrating cavity, thereby amplifying the luminescent emissions produced by the sample.
US09927414B2 Method for determination of dietary fiber content by centrifugation
The amount of dietary fiber in a sample can be quantified by dissoluting the sample to produce a dietary fiber solution and then centrifuging the dietary fiber solution to produce a pellet and a supernatant liquid. After separating the supernatant liquid from the pellet, the pellet can be analyzed to determine a content of non-dietary fiber components in the pellet. The dietary fiber content in the pellet can be determined from the content of the non-dietary fiber components in the pellet. By using centrifugation to help isolate the dietary fiber in the sample, fiber loss may be minimized, leading to a more accurate determination of the content of dietary fiber in the sample.
US09927413B2 NOx sensor diagnostic system and method
Diagnostic processes for determining whether a NOx sensor is in a stuck-in-range failure mode may be performed when the NOx sensor reaches an operational temperature and before the oxygen pumps of the NOx sensor are activated and/or during operation. The processes may include interpreting values of a parameter indicative an amount of O2 and/or NOx measured by the NOx sensor. The processes include determining if the values of the parameter exceed a threshold value and indicating a failure of the NOx sensor responsive to the values not exceeding the threshold value. In some implementations, the processes may include increasing an amount of O2 in a chamber of the NOx sensor. Increasing the amount of O2 in the chamber of the NOx sensor may include deactivating an oxygen pump of the NOx sensor or reducing an amount of O2 removed via an oxygen pump of the NOx sensor.
US09927410B2 Method and system for detecting urine and/or feces
A method of detecting urine and/or feces is disclosed, which includes detecting the concentration of at least one gas component indicative of urine and the concentration of at least one gas component indicative of feces. The method also includes registering, for each gas component, a characteristic corresponding to the variation over time of the concentration of each gas component; comparing the registered characteristic with a predetermined characteristic for the corresponding gas component; indicating a presence of urine if the registered characteristic of at least one gas component indicative of urine generally conforms with the predetermined characteristic of the same gas component; and indicating a presence of feces if the registered characteristic of at least one gas component indicative of feces generally conforms to the predetermined characteristic of the same gas component. A system for detecting urine and/or feces is also disclosed.
US09927408B2 Methods for increasing sensitivity of detection and/or quantification of negatively charged analytes
The present technology provides methods for increasing sensitivity of detection and/or quantification of a negatively charged analyte, e.g., an oligonucleotide, using an analytical system that comprises liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The methods comprise passing an acidic solution through the analytical system, i.e., through a fluidic path from the mobile phase reservoir to the detector to remove or displace, at least in part, metal ions adsorbed to charged sites in the fluidic path.
US09927407B2 Positioning guides and ion sources
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to inserts and ion sources. In some examples, an insert can comprise a positioning guide configured to provide for visual positioning of a chromatography column under the positioning guide. In other examples, an ion source configured with an aperture to couple to a carrier tube to render the ion source non-removable from an instrument housing when the carrier tube is coupled to the ion source is described.
US09927406B1 Fluidless column oven for gas chromatography system
A system for performing gas chromatography analyzes in accordance with the present disclosure includes an analytical column and a column oven. The analytical column has an inlet portion coupled to an injector for receiving a material sample and an outlet portion coupled to a detector. The analytical column is adapted to direct the material sample from the injector to the detector. The column oven is adapted to heat the analytical column for separating constituent components of the material sample for detection by the detector.
US09927404B2 Phased array billet data evaluation software
A computer-implemented method for evaluating echo signals obtained from a phased array experiment on a billet is disclosed. The computer-implemented method may comprise collecting the echo signals from a pulser/receiver unit, correlating the echo signals with a position on a longitudinal axis and a circumferential angle of the billet, computing an amplitude for each of the echo signals, displaying the amplitudes as indications in a c-scan data plot at a computer display unit, and determining the signal-to-noise ratios of indications located in a region-of-interest box relative to noise in surrounding boxes in the c-scan data plot. The computer-implemented method may further comprise classifying each indication as rejectable, reportable, or insignificant based on its amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio. The computer-implemented method may find applications in quality control evaluations in the aircraft industry.
US09927403B1 Resonance inspection sorting module array
A resonance inspection tool is disclosed that may be configured to assign a part to a first classification (accepted part) or a second classification (rejected part) using a cluster combination array. Such a cluster combination array may be defined from a first cluster array having a plurality of first clusters (each being of the first classification), and from a second cluster array having a plurality of second clusters (each being of the second classification). One cluster combination array presents all possible combinations of the same first cluster from the first cluster array and each second cluster from the second cluster array, where each such cluster combination includes a corresponding sort. Another cluster combination array presents all possible combinations of the same second cluster from the second cluster array and each first cluster from the first cluster array, where each such cluster combination includes a corresponding sort.
US09927400B2 Field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer and method for separating mixture using the same
The present invention provides a field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer for selectively separating at least one kind of material from a mixture containing two or more kinds of materials. A filter included in the spectrometry comprises first—four plate-like electrodes each having a principal plane parallel to a direction from an ionizer toward a filter. The second plate-like electrode is located between the first plate-like electrode and the third plate-like electrode. The third plate-like electrode is located between the second plate-like electrode and the fourth plate-like electrode. The third and fourth plate-like electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second plate-like electrodes, respectively. An interspace is formed between two adjacent plate-like electrodes. The present invention provides a field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer having high separation ability.
US09927399B2 Capillary device for separation and analysis, microfluidic chip for separation and analysis, analysis method for proteins or peptides, electrophoresis instrument, and microfluidic chip electrophoresis instrument for separation and analysis
A method for analyzing a protein and a peptide, includes: providing a capillary for isoelectric focusing; providing a capillary device for separation and analysis having the capillary and a solid-phase extraction column being unified as a single tube-like structure; providing an electrophoresis instrument having the capillary device and the mechanism regulating the pressure difference at both ends of the capillary device; introducing a sample containing a target protein or peptide into the solid-phase extraction column to let the target protein or peptide be adsorbed on the column, and filling the capillary device with a carrier ampholyte solution; starting separation by isoelectric focusing after eluting the target protein or peptide by filling the solid-phase extraction column with electrode solution or acid or base solution, or after firstly eluting the target protein or peptide with an eluting solution containing carrier ampholyte and secondly filling the solid-phase extraction column with electrode solution or acid or base solution; and focusing the eluted target protein or peptide in the capillary for isoelectric focusing.
US09927398B2 Formation of layers of amphiphilic molecules
To form a layer separating two volumes of aqueous solution, there is used an apparatus comprising elements defining a chamber, the elements including a body of non-conductive material having formed therein at least one recess opening into the chamber, the recess containing an electrode. A pre-treatment coating of a hydrophobic fluid is applied to the body across the recess. Aqueous solution, having amphiphilic molecules added thereto, is flowed across the body to cover the recess so that aqueous solution is introduced into the recess from the chamber and a layer of the amphiphilic molecules forms across the recess separating a volume of aqueous solution introduced into the recess from the remaining volume of aqueous solution.
US09927397B1 Innovative nanopore sequencing technology including a self-assembled porous membrane
Methods and apparatus for long read, label-free, optical nanopore long chain molecule sequencing. In general, the present disclosure describes a novel sequencing technology based on the integration of nanochannels to deliver single long-chain molecules with widely spaced (>wavelength), ˜1-nm aperture “tortuous” nanopores that slow translocation sufficiently to provide massively parallel, single base resolution using optical techniques. A novel, directed self-assembly nanofabrication scheme using simple colloidal nanoparticles is used to form the nanopore arrays atop nanochannels that unfold the long chain molecules. At the surface of the nanoparticle array, strongly localized electromagnetic fields in engineered plasmonic/polaritonic structures allow for single base resolution using optical techniques.
US09927393B2 Methods and apparatus for measuring analytes
A method, computer program product, and system are provided to calibrate a sensor array with a plurality of sensors. The method can include sweeping a voltage of a reference electrode from a first voltage to a second voltage, where the reference electrode is in fluid communication with the sensor array. The output voltage of each of the plurality of sensors can be monitored at one or more voltages within the first and second voltages. An overall average gain of the plurality of sensors can be calculated at each of the one or more voltages. Further, an acquisition window for the sensor may can be determined. The acquisition window can include a maximum distribution of sensors that provides a maximal overall average gain at a particular reference electrode voltage.
US09927392B2 Sensing field effect transistor devices, systems in which they are incorporated, and methods of their fabrication
Embodiments of sensing devices include one or more integrated circuit (IC) die, a housing, and a fluid barrier material. Each IC die includes an electrode-bearing surface and a contact surface. One of the die includes an SFET with a sensing electrode proximate to the electrode-bearing surface. The same or a different die includes a reference electrode proximate to the electrode-bearing surface. The die(s) also include IC contacts at the contact surface(s), and conductive structures coupled between the SFET, the reference electrode, and the IC contacts. The housing includes a mounting surface, and housing contacts formed at the mounting surface. The IC contacts are coupled to the housing contacts. The fluid barrier material is positioned between the mounting surface and the IC die. The fluid barrier material provides a fluid barrier between the IC and housing contacts and a space that encompasses the sensing electrode and the reference electrode.
US09927389B2 Electrochemical sensors for testing water
An electrochemical sensor for the detection and analysis of an analyte in a solution is disclosed. The electrochemical sensor has an electrically non-conductive support; a plurality of electrodes on the support, each electrode having a first surface and an opposite second surface, said first surface facing towards the support and the second surface facing away from the support. The plurality of electrodes includes a reference electrode, a counter electrode, and a working electrode. The working electrode has a reagent composition containing a reagent for detecting an analyte applied directly to the second surface of the working electrode.
US09927387B2 Embedded strip lot autocalibration
An auto-calibration system for diagnostic test strips is described for presenting data individually carried on each test strip readable by a diagnostic meter. The test strip meter may provide a predetermined varying resistance on one strip or a plurality of varying resistances from strip lot to strip lot.
US09927386B2 Multiple-biosensor article
An article suitable for conducting one or more assays with an apparatus, e.g., a meter, for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample of biological fluid. The article contains a plurality of biosensors arranged in such a manner that each of the biosensors can be utilized before the article must be removed from the apparatus.
US09927381B2 Apparatus, systems and methods for local in situ measurement of corrosion condition information with contactless electrodes
A sensing device includes a pair of contactless electrodes for placement on a coating on a surface of a structure or within or between one or more coatings on or over the surface of the structure. The electrodes function as sensors when activated to generate a current flow through the electrodes at multiple different frequencies. The sensing device also includes contactless control circuitry co-located with or separate from the electrodes that transmits impedance data generated from the activated electrodes. The impedance data is associated with corrosion condition information of the structure and/or the one or more coatings. A data collection system and display system useable with the sensing device are also described.
US09927380B2 Detection device
There is provided a detection device including: a detection electrode that is arranged at a position on an arrangement plane near a tubular body; a drive electrode that is arranged on the arrangement plane; and a controller configured to generate lines of electric force between the detection electrode and the drive electrode and to detect a state of the tubular body by detecting lines of electric force entering the detection electrode.
US09927379B2 Thermoanalytical sensor, and method of manufacturing the sensor
A thermoanalytical sensor has a substrate, a measurement position, a temperature sensor unit, and an electrical contact pad. The temperature sensor unit senses the temperature at the measurement position. It is connected via the electrical contact pad to a metallic wire and thereby tied into an electronic circuit. The substrate is prepared with at least one measurement position, at least one temperature sensor unit and at least one electrical contact pad on a top side of the substrate. A passage in the substrate allows connection to the electrical contact pad. A metallic wire is inserted into the passage from the bottom side of the substrate and melted into a small ball on the upper end of the wire. A materially integral connection as a bonded joint between the upper end of the metallic wire and the electrical contact pad is made by applying pressure and heat to the metal ball.
US09927377B2 Agricultural sizer with item stabilizer belt
A sizing apparatus has input and output ends and a sampling window therebetween. Sizing means determines the size of each item passing through the sampling window. Singulating means arranges the items in a line and delivers them sequentially at the input end of the sizing apparatus. A lower conveyor belt extends through the sizing apparatus from the input end through the sampling window to the output end. The lower conveyor belt is translated at a speed sufficient to receive, transport, and maintain the items in sequential fashion. A flexible upper stabilizer belt is arranged above and generally in alignment with the lower conveyor belt, and is driven to match the speed of the lower conveyor belt. The upper stabilizer belt is suspended so as to engage the items incoming from said singulating means and to maintain loose contact with them until the items have passed through the sampling window.
US09927374B2 Optical scanning assembly and method of inspecting a channel
An optical scanning assembly for use in inspecting a channel is provided. The assembly includes a housing and an inspection probe that selectively advances from the housing along an axis. The probe includes a light source that directs light towards at least one side wall of the channel and a light detector that receives the light reflected from the side wall. The assembly further includes a controller in communication with the inspection probe. The controller obtains a first optical length measurement for the light reflected from the side wall when the inspection probe is in a first position along the axis within the channel, obtain a second optical length measurement for the light reflected from the side wall when the inspection probe is in a second position along the axis within the channel, and compare the first and second optical length measurements to determine variations in a geometry of the channel.
US09927373B2 Substrate processing apparatus, monitoring device of substrate processing apparatus, and monitoring method of substrate processing apparatus
Disclosed is monitoring device of monitoring a state of a substrate processing process in a substrate processing apparatus. The monitoring device includes: an imaging unit configured to image a processing state of the substrate processing process; a storage unit; a storage control unit configured to store a moving picture imaged by the imaging unit after adding a time stamp to the moving picture; a group classification unit configured to group a plurality of moving pictures stored in the storage unit into moving pictures of a normal group and moving pictures of a group other than the normal group; and a threshold generation unit configured to generate a threshold for detecting an abnormal moving picture based on the moving pictures of the normal group grouped by the group classification unit.
US09927368B1 Self-leveling inspection systems and methods
Self-leveling inspection systems for use in inspecting buried pipes or other cavities are disclosed. A camera head may include an image sensor, an orientation sensing module, and an image processing module configured to adjust an image or video provided from the image sensor, based at least in part on information provided from the orientation sensor, in the camera head.
US09927366B2 Spectroscopic sensor for thickness or weight measurement of thin plastic films
Continuous on-line thin film measurements employ a sensor having a spectrometer for interferometric measurements and a stack of single channel detectors for adsorption measurements. The stack is separated from the spectrometer, which analyzes radiation that emerges (transmitted pass or reflected from) the film, whereas the stack analyzes radiation that has passed through the film multiple times. The spectrometer is (i) positioned directly opposite the source of radiation so that it detects transmitted radiation or (ii) disposed on the same side of the film as is the source of radiation so that the spectrometer detects radiation that is specularly reflected from the film. The sensor includes a broadband radiation source emitting visible to far infrared light which propagates through a measurement cell defined by reflective surfaces exhibiting Lambertian-type scattering. The sensor is capable of measuring thin plastic films with thicknesses down to 1 micron or less.
US09927364B1 Line-scan Raman imaging method and apparatus for sample evaluation
A line-scan laser is directed to a sample so that a Raman-shifted light signal is emitted from the sample. An imaging spectrograph and associated camera and processor acquires the Raman-shifted light signal and processes the signal to thereby identify the composition of the sample.
US09927359B1 Gas detection device
The instant disclosure provides a gas detection device including a chamber module, a light emitting module and an optical sensing module. The chamber module comprises a light condensing chamber, a receiving chamber and a sampling chamber connected between the light condensing chamber and the receiving chamber. The light emitting module is disposed on the light condensing chamber for generating a light. The optical sensing module is disposed in the receiving chamber. The sampling chamber comprises a first open end, a second open end corresponding to the first open end, a first surface, and a second surface corresponding to the first surface, the first and second open ends are connected to the light condensing chamber and the receiving chamber respectively, the first surface and the second surface are disposed between the first open end and the second open end, and the first surface is not parallel to the second surface.
US09927356B2 Systems and methods for detecting gases, airborne compounds, and other particulates
Systems and methods for detecting gases, airborne compounds, and other particulates, are provided. The system detects materials of interest, including but not limited to, volatile organic compounds, aerosols, particulates, and biological and other pathogens in a three dimensional volume over an area of interest. The system detects the concentration of analytes of interest in the presence of atmospheric contaminants. Data points form a three-dimensional “point cloud” to which particle swarm optimization and feature extraction algorithms are applied, providing leak detection, mapping of chemical plumes, and short-term and long-term flux measurements, among other functions.
US09927355B2 Fourier domain terahertz coherence tomography (TCT)
A single-shot terahertz imaging system including an interferometer and a terahertz spectrometer. The interferometer includes a beam splitter configured to receive input terahertz radiation and output first terahertz radiation and second terahertz radiation, a sample configured to reflect the first terahertz radiation, and a mirror configured to reflect the second terahertz radiation. The beam splitter is further configured to receive the reflected first terahertz radiation and the reflected second terahertz radiation, and output interfered terahertz radiation. The terahertz spectrometer is configured to measure the interfered terahertz radiation and includes a frequency dispersive element configured to receive the interfered terahertz radiation and output spatially dispersed terahertz radiation, and a terahertz radiation detector configured to determine the intensity of the spatially dispersed terahertz radiation.
US09927350B2 Thermal property microscopy with frequency domain thermoreflectance and uses thereof
The present invention relates to frequency domain thermoreflectance (FDTR) imaging of a thermophysical property or a set of thermophysical properties of a sample. A method comprises measuring the amplitude and/or phase of a beam of radiation reflected from a sample surface, while a heat source applied to the sample is modulated at at least two modulation frequencies simultaneously. Such measurement can be reiterated as a probe beam is scanned across the sample surface or a portion thereof. A 2D image or map of a thermophysical property or a set of thermophysical properties can be generated from data processing. Also provided herein is an apparatus for performing FDTR imaging.
US09927349B2 Method of producing through wiring substrate and method of producing device
In a method of producing a device in which an element structure is provided on a substrate including a through wiring, a through hole is formed so as to extend from a first surface of the substrate to a second surface of the substrate disposed on an opposite side of the substrate to the first surface, the through wiring is formed by filling the through hole with an electrically conductive material, and the element structure is formed on a first surface side. In the step of forming the through hole, a degree of surface irregularities of an inner wall of the through hole is larger on the first surface side than on a second surface side.
US09927343B2 Apparatus and method for determining a size of particles in a spray jet
An apparatus for detecting a size of particles in a spray jet includes a substantially square frame. A first emitter unit and a first detection unit, and a second emitter unit and a second detection unit, are respectively provided at opposite corners of the frame. Two light beams that cross each other in a focus are generated by the respective emitter units. Passage of a particle through the focus is detected based on light intensity signals from the first and second detection units. Using another set of light beams that cross each other and that are separated from the above-noted light beams in the direction of flight of the particle, passage of the particle through a second common focus can be detected. Particle velocity and particle size can be obtained based on the time difference between the passage of the particle through the two foci.
US09927342B2 Two station sample and washing system
Disclosed is a two station system for a flow cytometer that includes a sample station and a wash station. During washing, the user has access to the sample station to insert a new sample. This increases the efficiency of the workflow process. Rotary clamps are used to automatically clamp the sample station and wash station to the system. A low volume pressurized cavity is used to bring the pressure of the sample to a desired pressure, which further increases productivity of the system. A transparent body is provided in the sample station so a user can view the sample during the sampling process. A backwash process is used to clean the sample injection tube and the sample uptake tube. In addition, the wash station is designed to rinse the outer surface of the sample uptake tube.
US09927341B2 Vibrating member for a vibrating densitometer
A vibrating member (412) adapted for use in a vibrating densitometer (400) includes a base (407) and a vibrating tube portion (405) affixed to the base (407). The vibrating tube portion (405) includes a first arcuate portion (430a), a second arcuate portion (430b), a first non-arcuate portion (432a), and a second non-arcuate portion (432b). The first and second non-arcuate portions (432a, 432b) are located between the first and second arcuate portions (430a, 430b). The vibrating tube portion (405) is formed with an oblong cross-sectional shape having a major axis dimension that is greater than a minor axis dimension. The oblong cross-sectional shape increases a frequency separation between vibration modes in the vibrating tube portion (405).
US09927337B2 Systems and methods for determining adhesive strength
Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for determining adhesive strength of a sample label. For example, the present invention relates to a novel approach for examining the resistance to peel force required to remove a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) label from its intended substrate. This approach is encompassed by systems and methods which rely on the creation of one or any combination of at least four test strip types traced and cut from a label adhered to its intended substrate. The test strips may be oriented in at least three ways: along the machine direction of the label's face stock, along the cross direction of the label's face stock, and along an angle diagonal to the intersection of the machine and cross directions of the label's face stock, where the angle does not equal 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, or 360°. The test strips may be peeled in reference to the position along the label and to and from which they extend.
US09927333B2 Method for preparing a sample for chromatographic separation processes and systems for carrying out a sample preparation
The invention relates to a method for preparing a sample for chromatographic separation processes, in which a sample vessel (1) is partially filled with a substance to be examined and is closed, the substance to be examined is subjected to a thermo-chemical reaction in which at least one sample component is converted into another substance, and in which by means of a removing device samples are removed from the sample vessel (1) for analytical examination, characterized in that the sample vessel (1) forms a cavity, into which the substance to be examined is introduced as a core and a heating section for indirect heat transfer is applied along the filling of substance to be examined.
US09927323B2 System and method for monitoring the structural health of coupled bearings
Placement of structural health monitoring sensors within a coupled bearing assembly. An exemplary structural health monitoring system comprises first and second bearings configured for rotatable positioning along a structure, and a spacer positioned between the first and second bearings. The first and second bearings are placed against opposing sides of the spacer, and have a preload force engaging the respective first and second bearings against the opposing sides of the spacer. A plurality of sensors are coupled to the spacer so as to be positioned between the spacer and at least one of the first and second bearings, the sensors further coupled to at least one of the first and second bearings so as to be configured to monitor a structural health of the at least one of the first and second bearings.
US09927321B2 Film chamber and method for leak detection on a non-rigid specimen
The invention relates to a method for determining the rate of leakage on a non-rigid specimen, wherein the specimen is introduced to a film chamber which can be evacuated, having at least one wall region made of a flexible material and the pressure in the film chamber is reduced outside of the specimen. The pressure gradient within the film chamber outside of the specimen is measured. In order to increase the accuracy of the leak detection, an outer over-pressure is exerted on the flexible wall region during pressure measurement which exceeds the pressure in the film chamber and outside of the specimen and the pressure inside the specimen.
US09927319B2 Method for determining aircraft center of gravity independent of measuring the aircraft weight
A method which determines aircraft Center of Gravity independent of measuring the aircraft weight. The method is used in monitoring, measuring and computing the Center of Gravity of an aircraft utilizing pressurized, telescopic landing gear struts with axles. Pressure sensors are mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts to monitor, measure and record aircraft landing gear strut loads by way of pressure. Axle deflection sensors are mounted in relation to each of the landing gear axles to monitor, measure and record aircraft landing gear axle loads by way of deflection. Nose landing gear strut pressure and corresponding values from axle deflection sensors may be adjusted in correlation to the reduced size of the nose landing gear, as compared to the size of the main landing gear, allowing aircraft Center of Gravity to be determined from the combined measured main landing gear pressures in relation to a nose landing gear strut pressure measurements, or combined main landing gear axle deflection sensor in relation to a nose landing gear axle deflection sensor; without any determination of the aircraft weight.
US09927318B2 Systems and methods that allow for simultaneous sensor and signal conditioning circuit performance testing
A sensor system with performance compensation testing capability includes a sensor device, a resistance bridge, a signal conditioning circuit, a first test connector, and a second test connector. The resistance bridge circuit is disposed on the sensor device and includes an excitation terminal, a circuit common terminal, and two output terminals, and is configured, upon being energized, to supply a bridge output voltage across the two output terminals. The signal conditioning circuit is electrically coupled to the excitation terminal, the circuit common terminal, and the two output terminals, and is configured to supply a sensor output signal representative of bridge output voltage. The first test connector is electrically coupled to one of the two output terminals and is configured to be coupled to an impedance test device. The second test connector is electrically coupled to the circuit common terminal and is configured to be coupled to the impedance test device.
US09927316B2 MEMS chip, measuring element and pressure sensor for measuring a pressure
A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) chip for measuring a pressure in a pressure space includes a MEMS substrate having a measuring region, a contact-making region connected to the measuring region via lines and having contacts, and a bushing region disposed between the measuring region and the contact-making region. The MEMS substrate defines a cavity formed as a blind hole that defines an opening through one side of the MEMS substrate, the bottom of the blind hole forming a membrane. A measuring bridge includes piezoresistive elements disposed on that side of the membrane which faces away from the cavity's opening. A carrier substrate is disposed over the cavity's opening and bonded to the MEMS substrate in a two-dimensional manner to form a rod, with the result that the carrier substrate forms a bottom wall of the cavity spaced apart from the membrane.
US09927312B1 Motion base for displacing a force measurement assembly
A motion base for displacing a force measurement assembly is disclosed herein. The motion base includes a base assembly; a support structure configured to be coupled to the force measurement assembly; a rotatable coupling device, the rotatable coupling device rotatably coupling the support structure to the base assembly; and an actuation system, the actuation system including one or more actuators operatively coupled to the support structure, the one or more actuators configured to displace the support structure relative to the base assembly. In one or more embodiments, greater than 50% of the weight of the support structure is supported by the rotatable coupling device. Also, in one or more embodiments, the motion base may be used for displacing objects other than a force measurement assembly, such as for displacing a flight simulator or a virtual reality simulator.
US09927310B2 Strain sensor assembly
A strain sensor assembly is configured to detect one or more of forces applied to a structure having a recess. The strain sensor can include at least a pair of opposed strain gauge members that extend from the support member. Each strain gauge member defines a support portion carried by the support member and a biasing portion. The support portion includes at least one strain gauge sensor. The biasing portion is configured to bias against a wall of the recess of the structure when the strain sensor assembly is disposed in the recess. The strain sensor assembly is configured such that the at least a pair of strain gauge members form an interference fit with the wall of the recess when the strain sensor assembly is inserted in the recess.
US09927307B2 Probe
A temperature and pressure probe (40) comprising an elongate outer tube (42) and elongate inner tube (56). Each tube having a peripheral wall (44, 58), a first open end (46, 60) and a second closed end (48, 62); the outer tube thereby defining an outer cavity (52) and the inner tube defining an inner cavity (66). The inner tube is located wholly within the outer cavity and is spaced from the outer peripheral wall (44) and second end (48). A temperature sensor (70) is located in the inner cavity. A pressure sensor (68) is located in the outer cavity. A vent pipe (76) is coupled between the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall, the vent pipe having a first end open to the inner cavity (66) and a second end open to vent outside the probe (40).
US09927305B2 Method and apparatus for accurate detection of fever
The present invention relates to more accurate indication of fever. Temperature data from a large population of individuals are obtained and the temperature data are processed to determine a threshold, at a fever bump, above a normal range of distribution. The fever threshold, along with an individual's temperature, is used to indicate if the individual has a fever. Further, circadian information may be utilized to adjust the temperature data for an individual or the population of individuals.
US09927296B2 Alignment system for laser spectroscopy
An adjustable mount for an optical device in a laser spectroscopy system is provided. The adjustable mount includes body configured to mount to a process and a reflector mount having a feature configured to mount an optical device. An interface between the body and the reflector mount allows relative motion between the reflector mount and the body. At least one alignment device is configured to engage the reflector mount and the body to fix a position of the reflector mount relative to the body. An optical device is removably mounted to the reflector mount independent of the alignment device and is sealed to the reflector mount.
US09927291B2 Ambient luminosity level detection
The following steps are performed in connection with a photodiode circuit: a) resetting the photodiode circuit; b) determining when a photodiode voltage changes in response to illumination to reach a threshold; and c) updating a counter in response to the determination in step b). The steps a) to c) are repeated until an end of a measurement period is reached. The value of the counter at the end of the measurement period is then output to indicate an intensity of the illumination.
US09927285B2 Multi-unit data analyzer
A vibration analysis system including a sensor to be coupled to a machine to measure vibration data, a data acquisition and processing unit to communicate with the sensor to receive the measured vibration data from the sensor and to perform test operations on the received vibration data to calculate vibration parameters, and at least one control unit to transmit operation requests instructing the data acquisition and processing unit to start receiving the vibration data from the sensor, to perform test operations, and to transmit corresponding vibration parameters over a wireless communication link to the control unit. The data acquisition and processing unit includes a data management unit such that when the communication link is broken, the data acquisition and processing unit continues to perform the test operations, and when the communication link is reestablished, the data management unit transmits the vibration parameters to the control unit.
US09927284B2 Monolithic weighing system
A monolithic weighing system including a base (12), a load holder (26), which is articulated on the base (12) through a parallel link arrangement (16, 20), and a lever (28), which is articulated on the load holder (26) and which has an attachment point for a force compensating arrangement and a target area (32) for an optical position sensor (34). The target area (32) has a slotted diaphragm (36) in a thin walled lever section of the lever (28) in the deflection plane thereof. A position sensor pedestal (38a, b), which is integrally connected to the base (12), is arranged laterally adjacent to the target area (32). The position sensor pedestal has a pedestal aperture (40a, b), which extends perpendicularly to the deflection plane. The slotted diaphragm (36) of the target area (32) is laser-machined through the pedestal aperture (40a, b).
US09927276B2 Method and device for monitoring the flow of a liquid
Method and device for monitoring the flow of a liquid, in which method and device an electronic device (25) carried by an apparatus equipped with a turbine (17) that can be rotated by a stream of fluid comprises a means of detecting at least one determined angular position of said turbine that delivers an electric pulse each time the turbine passes through this angular position. A pulse counter may count the pulses delivered. An electric current generator connected to the turbine may power the electronic device. An electrical energy accumulator may be charged by the current generator and power the electronic device.
US09927274B2 Non-invasive fluid flow detection using digital accelerometers
A system for estimating fluid flow in a system including a pump and a fluid vessel operatively coupled to the pump via a conduit is described herein. The system comprises an accelerometer affixed to an exterior surface of the conduit, wherein the accelerometer is configured to generate signals representing physical movement of the conduit, and wherein the signals are suitable for estimating fluid flow in the conduit.
US09927271B2 System for identifying a sensor and measuring flow in a flow duct
A system or a method for measuring flow of fluid or gas, has a flow duct with at least two transducers which generate at least one beam of ultrasound in the flow duct in which ultrasound transducers are placed in a fixed positions in a duct for flowing air where the electronic device for analyzing signal from the transducers is performed in a handheld device. A transmitter circuit is permanently connected to the transducers and a receiver circuit is placed in a handheld device. The transmitter circuit has calibration data representing the actual placement of the transducers in relation to the actual duct, which calibration data is communicated by every connection to the receiver circuit. Hereby can be achieved that transducers can be permanently placed in ventilation ducts in buildings, where placement of ultrasound transducers for measurement and for calibration of measurement of an air stream is nearly impossible.
US09927270B2 Multiphase flowmeter
Method and apparatus for measuring properties of a flowing multiphase mixture uses a plurality of electrodes or plurality of microwave antennas to rapidly and repeatedly measure an electrical property of the multiphase mixture over a period of time. A computer processes the rapid and repeated measurements to determine a succession of values of permittivity and/or conductivity of a liquid phase of the multiphase mixture within the said period of time and further processes the succession of values of a permittivity and/or a conductivity of the liquid phase to determine at least one of a water-in-liquid-ratio and a liquid holdup of the multiphase mixture. A conduit for the multiphase flow possibly includes a Venturi and the processor takes pressure and differential pressure as further inputs to compute flow rates for each phase in the multiphase mixture.
US09927263B2 Intrusion detection system for an undersea environment
An intrusion detection system includes a suspended optical fiber having a neutral buoyancy and an optical time-domain reflectometer connected to the suspended optical fiber at an origin location. The suspended optical fiber is connected to a mooring at a first end of the suspended optical fiber and further includes at least one terminal end. The optical time-domain reflectometer includes a light source operable to emit an optical pulse of light into the suspended optical fiber from the origin location toward the terminal end, and a processor operable to receive an optical return signal from the terminal end of the suspended optical fiber or from a deformation created by a disturbance to the suspended optical fiber and to determine a location and a type of the disturbance based on an analysis of at least a time to receive the optical return signal and a magnitude of the optical return signal.
US09927262B2 High-resolution multi-turn sensing apparatus and methods
High-resolution multi-turn sensing apparatus and methods. A method can be implemented to sense a rotational position of a shaft having a longitudinal axis. Such a method can include determining a turn number of the shaft with a first magnet arranged in a non-contact manner with a first magnetic sensor to allow measurement of a linear position of the first magnet relative to the first magnetic sensor. The linear position can be representative of a turn number of the shaft. The method can further include determining an angular position of the shaft within a given turn with a second magnet positioned at an end of the shaft along the longitudinal axis and arranged relative to a second magnetic sensor. The method can further include combining the turn number with the angular position to generate one or more output signals representative of a measured rotational position of the shaft.
US09927259B2 Rotary position indicator for actuator
A rotary position indicator is configured to integrate with an actuator, wherein the rotary position indicator includes a first shaft and a second shaft in a nested arrangement, wherein the first and second shafts are configured to transfer linear motion of an actuation component of the actuator into a first rotational motion and a gear box configured to couple to the actuator, wherein the gear box is configured to transfer the first rotational motion to a second rotational motion of a position shaft.
US09927255B2 Method and device for controlling the display of information in two regions of a display area in a transportation device
In a method and a device for controlling the display on a display area of a display device in a transportation device, data are generated for the display of a background region and data for the display in a subregion of the display area. The display in the subregion covers the display of the background region, and the display content in the subregion displays at least a portion of the display content of the background region covered by the subregion in a different manner than in the background region. The subregion in the display is shifted relative to the display content of the background region, or the display content of the background region is shifted relative to the subregion, the display content in the subregion being updated in the process, so that, in the new relative position between the subregion and the display content of the background region, it continues to display at least a portion of the display content of the background region covered by the subregion in a different manner than in the background region.
US09927252B1 Safe routing for navigation systems
Examples provided herein describe a navigation system to identify routes that take safety considerations into account. The system accesses safety data from various sources and computes safety data for individual road segments of a map database at multiple times for each road segment. The road segment safety data is used when determining routes for requested trips, including estimating the times that the various road segments on the route will be traversed and determining the safety of each road segment at that time.
US09927251B2 Method and apparatus for detecting and correcting freeway-ramp-freeway situation in calculated route
A method detects a particular freeway-ramp-freeway situation in a calculated route and corrects the route by replacing the freeway-ramp-freeway situation with all-freeway segments. The method includes the steps of: establishing a calculated route to a destination; examining the calculated route to detect whether there is a first point where the calculated route exits a freeway and a second point where the calculated route enters a freeway; evaluating map data to determine whether the freeway exited and the freeway entered are the same freeway; and replacing road segments of the calculated route between the first point and the second point constituting the freeway-ramp-freeway situation with freeway segments between the first point and the second point, thereby avoiding the freeway-ramp-freeway situation.
US09927249B2 Interactive applications using data from light sensory networks
In various example embodiments, a system and method for interactive applications that use location-based information from a light sensor network are presented. In example embodiments, data indicating a destination location inside a geofence is received. The geofence represents a boundary around multiple private beacon nodes, which are associated with a light sensor network, and their associated beacon communications ranges. Navigation and tracking outside the geofence is based on at least one of global positioning system (GPS) signals and beacon signals received by the mobile device from at least one public beacon device within a beacon communications range of the mobile device located outside the geofence. Navigation and tracking inside the geofence is based on the beacon signals received by the mobile device from at least one private beacon node within the beacon communications range of the mobile device located inside the geofence and a virtual map including an area within the geofence.
US09927243B2 Method and system for adjusting the descent trajectory of an aircraft
A system comprising an adjustment unit installed in an aircraft and configured to adjust a descent trajectory and associated prediction calculations as a function of an adjustment parameter. The system comprises information processing units for automatically calculating, on the ground and from recorded flight data, an effective value of a calculation parameter, and a corresponding theoretical value of the calculation parameter, with the help of an auxiliary performance database which is identical to a performance database installed in the aircraft, for identical flight conditions, and for deriving therefrom the adjustment parameter that will be used subsequently by the adjustment unit.
US09927242B2 Method and system for guidance of off-road vehicles
A method and system for guidance of an off-road vehicle comprises a crop row sensor for sensing position data for one or more crop rows. A primary guidance path of the vehicle is determined based on the sensed position data for the one or more crop rows if there not a material gap in the crop row for the current location of the vehicle. Alternately or cumulatively, a secondary guidance path of the vehicle is determined based on a historic path heading of the vehicle if there is the material gap in a crop row for a current location of the vehicle.
US09927240B2 Method for testing the functionality of a rotation rate sensor
A method for testing the functionality of a rotation rate sensor, the rotation rate sensor including a substrate and a micromechanical structure oscillatory with respect to the substrate having a first drive element, a second drive element and at least one Coriolis element, the Coriolis element being excitable to at least one oscillation mode by the first drive element and/or by the second drive element, a detection signal being detected as a function of a force action to be detected on the Coriolis element, the rotation rate sensor being operable optionally in a normal mode or in a self-test mode, the first drive element and the second drive element being driven in the normal mode, characterized in that in the self-test mode, the first drive element or the second drive element is driven optionally exclusively.
US09927239B2 Micromachined cross-hatch vibratory gyroscopes
One-axis and two-axis vibratory gyroscopes include a unitary resonator structure conceptually having four beams interconnected in a cross-hatch configuration. While each beam can be considered a unitary piece of material, each beam's attachment to two cross beams conceptually divides the resonant beam into a central section between the attachment points and two tail sections aft of the attachment points. The attachment points are preferably nodal points of the beam with respect to both a drive mode shape and a sense mode shape of the beam for the resonant mode in which the resonator is configured to operate. Thus, the location where two beams intersect is preferably a nodal point for both beams. The tail sections of each beam allow the resonant mode of the resonator to be carefully configured.
US09927235B2 Interactive turret robot
One embodiment provides an apparatus that includes a plurality of wheels configured to rotate in either of two rotational directions about an axis of rotation. The apparatus further includes a turret portion disposed between the two wheels and rotatable about the axis of rotation in either of the two rotational directions and independently of the plurality of wheels. Additionally, the apparatus includes a motor configured to provide torque to the plurality of wheels and the turret portion. The motor can cause each of the plurality of wheels to rotate independently in either of the two rotational directions when operating in a first rotational speed mode. The motor can also cause the turret portion to rotate in either of the two rotational directions independently of the plurality of wheels when operating in a second rotational speed mode which is faster relative to the first rotational speed mode.
US09927234B2 Position-measuring device and method for operating the same
A position-measuring device includes a module configured to vary a signal period of a position-dependent sinusoidal analog scanning signal. A conversion unit is configured to receive the sinusoidal analog scanning signal and to generate therefrom a sinusoidal digital output signal having a varied signal period compared to the sinusoidal analog scanning signal. A digital-to-analog converter is configured to generate, from the sinusoidal digital output signal, a sinusoidal analog output signal having a varied signal period. The conversion unit is configured to change an operating mode in dependence upon a frequency of the sinusoidal analog scanning signal in such a way that in a case of higher frequencies of the sinusoidal analog scanning signal, the sinusoidal digital output signal is fed to the digital-to-analog converter at a higher output rate and with a smaller word width than in a case of lower frequencies of the sinusoidal analog scanning signal.
US09927230B2 Method and apparatus for detecting the fitness for circulation of a value document
A method for detecting the fitness for circulation of a value document, includes the steps of: a) carrying out a measurement of the thickness on a tactile structure of the value document, and b) comparing the measured thickness with a previously known target thickness of the tactile structure in order to establish the fitness for circulation.
US09927225B2 Measuring dynamic displacement
Disclosed are methods of measuring dynamic displacement of an object. The methods include capturing a plurality of images of a dynamically moving object. The object may include one or two color-patterned target(s) that include two rows and two columns of two contrasting colors (e.g., colors with a difference in hue values of approximately 180). The methods include identifying a reference point of the object (e.g., a center of a color-patterned target or a midpoint between the centers of two color-patterned targets) and measuring the dynamic movement (displacement) of the reference point over time. The images may be captured by a smartphone camera and the smartphone may identify and measure the dynamic movement of the reference point. In view of the constraints of smartphone hardware capabilities, the images may be cropped and/or not displayed to enable the smartphone to process the images and measure the dynamic displacement in real time.
US09927224B2 Thickness measuring apparatus and thickness measuring method
A thickness measuring apparatus and a thickness measuring method. The thickness measuring apparatus includes a light source outputting an extended monochromatic light with coherence; a collimating lens converting output light of the light source into incident beam of parallel ray; a beam splitter reflecting and providing the incident beam to a measurement target and transmitting first reflection light reflected on a top surface of the measurement target and second reflection light reflected on a bottom surface of the measurement target; an imaging lens disposed between the measurement target and the beam splitter with a predetermined focal distance to receive and provide the incident beam to a measurement position of the measurement target disposed on the focal distance; a camera photographing an interference fringe formed by the first and second reflection lights and outputting an interference fringe image; and a processing part.
US09927223B2 Distance image acquisition apparatus and distance image acquisition method
The distance image acquisition apparatus (10) includes a projection unit (12) which projects a first pattern of structured light distributed in a two-dimensional manner with respect to a subject within a distance measurement region, a light modulation unit (22) which spatially modulates the first pattern projected from the projection unit (12), an imaging unit (14) which is provided in parallel with and apart from the projection unit (12) by a baseline length, and captures an image including the first pattern reflected from the subject within the distance measurement region, a pattern extraction unit (20A) which extracts the first pattern spatially modulated by the light modulation unit (22) from the image captured by the imaging unit (14), and a distance image acquisition unit (20B) which acquires a distance image indicating a distance of the subject within the distance measurement region based on the first pattern.
US09927219B2 Primer insert for a polymer ammunition cartridge casing
The present invention includes a metal primer insert for a polymeric ammunition cartridge having a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a substantially cylindrical coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface, a primer flash aperture positioned in the primer recess to extend through the bottom surface, and a flange that extends circumferentially about an outer edge of the top surface, wherein the flange is adapted to receive a polymer overmolding that covers an circumferential surface and the primer flash aperture to form a primer flash hole.
US09927218B1 Firearm magazine holder
Systems and methods for carrying a firearm magazine are disclosed. More specifically, an apparatus and method for substantially securely carrying a firearm magazine substantially concealed in a clothing pocket is provided.
US09927217B1 Attitude control system
An attitude control system for a guided missile includes a gas generator, an accumulator coupled to the gas generator, and a valve positioned between the gas generator and the accumulator. The gas generator contains propellant that burns to provide hot gas to pressurize the accumulator. The valve is opened to recharge the accumulator with hot gas and closed when it is full. A vent valve can be included to extinguish the propellant in the gas generator. The accumulator can be coupled to thrusters that use the stored hot gas to adjust the attitude of the guided missile.
US09927216B2 Target system
A target system includes a blocking plate with one or more openings through which bullets are fired and one or more targets for being struck by the bullets disposed behind the blocking plate and generally in line with the one or more openings. The target system includes a slotted bracket which limits the range of movement of the target after it has been struck by a projectile. The slotted bracket also provides for tool-less attachment and removal of the targets from the blocking plate.
US09927209B2 Portable light with multiple light sources
A light for mounting on an implement is provided. In particular, a light configured to be releasably attached to a firearm is provided. The light includes first and second light elements. A selector switch is operable to select which of the two light elements is energized when a primary switch is actuated.
US09927205B2 Vortex ring-producing gun with recoiling nozzle
A vortex ring producing gun includes a body defining a first interior volume. The vortex ring producing gun includes a movable nozzle coupled with the body, comprising at least one nozzle opening, and defining a second interior volume. The vortex ring producing gun includes one or more conduits providing fluid communication between said first interior volume and said second interior volume. The vortex ring producing gun includes an energy storage element configured to bias the movable nozzle in a first direction. The vortex ring producing gun includes a latching key configured to hold the movable nozzle in a retained position against the bias from the energy storage element. The vortex ring producing gun includes a movable cocking/firing element configured to interact with the body, the energy storage element, the latching key, and the movable nozzle to selectively cock or fire the vortex ring-producing gun.
US09927203B1 Launching device
Devices for launching objects have a bow structure including a first structural element having a handle and a pair of risers extending outwardly from the handle. A second structural element extends outwardly and away from the handle and has a support member positioned to rest against a forearm of a user. A pouch is movably attached to the bow and is configured to accommodate placement of a desired object to be launched therein. One or more elastomeric bands extend between the pouch and peripheral ends of the first and second risers and thereby attach the pouch to the bow and operate to provide an energizing force when stretched to launch an object within the pouch. In an example, the object to be launched is a water balloon that is at least about 50 percent disposed within the pouch when in a pre-launch state.
US09927202B2 Ambidextrous rifle system
An ambidextrous rifle system, method and apparatus are provided. The rifle system may comprise a receiver configured to receive and carry a switch bolt system. The switch bolt system may comprise a first bolt and a second bolt. The first bolt may be configured for a right handed shooter. The second bolt may be configured for a left handed shooter. The first bolt and the second bolt may be moveable within the receiver between the battery and out of battery positions.
US09927201B2 Barrel coupling for firearm
The invention relates to the firearm hardware, namely to barrel coupling for firearm. Due to the new muzzle adapter construction, clamping mechanism, which consists of a separator with cams and a clamping sleeve, it makes it possible to mount muzzle accessories to the barrels without any special preparation. The separator is manufactured as a casing with a plurality of cam sockets and a plurality of elongated L-shaped cams insertable into the said sockets with the longer part of the cam shaped to match the socket. The new barrel coupling is more reliable and more durable, it is comfortable and easy to install and remove.
US09927199B1 Rifle assmebly
A rifle assembly for a two-stage trigger includes a rifle arranged with an upper receiver and a lower receiver. A pistol grip is joined to the lower receiver and further has a pistol grip lower edge. A trigger housing further has a trigger housing lower receiver portion immediately adjacent to the lower receiver. The trigger housing lower receiver portion is immediately adjacent to a trigger housing magazine well portion and a trigger housing pistol grip portion. A bow trigger extends through a trigger housing lower receiver portion and into the lower receiver. The bow trigger has a cylindrical housing that is partially filled with a filler. A trigger stub is centrally located in the cylindrical housing. Moving a pressure point up or down on the cylindrical housing effectively changes the rifle from a single stage style fast shooting trigger to a slower shooting long range two stage trigger with a lower trigger pull weight.
US09927198B2 Trigger mechanism for a firearm
A trigger mechanism for a firearm provides modified and/or adjustable trigger pull length, reduced sear pressure, reduced reset trigger slap, and/or improved engagement of the trigger safety.
US09927197B1 Trigger mechanism for a firearm
A trigger mechanism includes a hammer element that has a ready position, an intermediate position, and a fired position. The hammer element includes a hammer sear and a notch positioned at a front of the hammer element. The trigger mechanism includes a trigger element has a ready position that retains the hammer element in the ready position. The trigger mechanism also includes a fired position that releases the hammer element. The trigger element includes a trigger sear that includes a hammer sear engagement zone and a notch engagement zone. When the hammer element is in the ready position, the trigger sear at least partially engages the hammer sear at the hammer sear engagement zone. When the hammer element is in the intermediate positon, the trigger sear at least partially engages the notch at the notch engagement zone and not at the hammer sear engagement zone.
US09927188B2 Metamaterials-enhanced passive radiative cooling panel
A low-cost passive radiative cooling panel includes an emitter layer disposed under an upper reflective layer, where the emitter layer includes metamaterial nanostructures (e.g., tapered nanopores) configured to dissipate heat in the form of radiant energy that is transmitted through the reflective layer into cold near-space. In an embodiment the emitter layer includes ultra-black material configured to emit, with an emissivity close to unity, radiant energy having wavelengths/frequencies that fall within known atmospheric transparency windows (e.g., 8-13 μm or 16-28 μm). In a practical embodiment the emitter layer is formed using a modified Anodic Aluminum Oxide (AAO) self-assembly technique followed by electroless plating that forms metal-plated tapered nanopores. The reflective layer includes a distributed Bragg reflector configured to reflect at least 94% of incident solar light while passing the emitted radiant energy, and in some embodiments is implemented using a low-cost, commercially available solar mirror film.
US09927185B1 System for cooling down boiling vessels
A system for cooling down a boiling vessel, such as a pot, including at least a first length of tubing encircling an outer wall of the pipe, and having a fluid flow bore through its length, supported by opposing handles of the pot; a connector for engaging an end of a water line to the first length of tubing; a source of water introduced into the first length of tubing, under pressure, so that the water travels through the entire first length of tubing; a plurality of flow openings spaced along the walls of the first length of tubing, so that water is sprayed from the openings against the outer wall of the pot from both the first length of tubing, to cool the pot along its entire outer wall. There may be further provided additional lengths of tubing spraying water against the pot wall and a collection pan positioned below the pot to collect water flowing off of the wall of the pot, so that the water can flow from the pan into a hose to direct the water to a point away from the boiling pot.
US09927182B2 Heat exchanger tube, heat exchanger tube bundle, heat exchanger comprising such a bundle and method for producing a plate of a heat exchanger tube
A tube (2) of a heat exchanger (1) is intended to allow an exchange of heat between a first fluid and a second fluid flowing in contact with the tube (2). The tube (2) comprises an upper plate (22) and a lower plate (21) positioned facing one another and defining an internal space (25) in the tube (2) in which the first fluid is able to circulate. Each of the plates (21, 22) comprises a bottom (23) and at least one edge (24). The plates (21, 22) are in contact with one another at the edge (24). The tube (2) comprises a deflection screen (30) secured to the edge (24), with the deflection screen (30) comprising a first wall (31) extending transversely to the bottoms (23) and arranged to deflect the second fluid toward the bottoms (23). The invention also relates to a bundle of such tubes and to a heat exchanger comprising such a bundle, and to a method for producing a heat exchanger tube plate.
US09927179B2 Heat exchange system
Provided is a heat exchanger, and more particularly, a heat exchanger including a pair of header tanks formed in parallel, spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, a plurality of tubes having both ends fixed to the pair of header tanks to form a channel for a heat exchange medium; a plurality of fins fixed to abut between the tubes, and a plurality of louvers formed at the fins to contact air passing through the circumference of the fins, in which the louvers are formed to be asymmetrical to each other based on a center in a width direction of the fin or louver columns formed at one side or the other side of the fin in an asymmetrical form are alternately formed in a length direction of the fins to improve a flow of cooling air, thereby improving a heat radiation performance.
US09927178B1 Cooling process and system for dry cooling power plants
A seasonal process that captures stores and uses water in an ambient temperature-dependent manner to improve the efficiency of a natural gas power plant, comprising: (a) providing a natural gas power plant, the natural gas power plant having a flue gas stream, a cooling tower, and a gas turbine; (b) providing a water collection system; (c) providing a water storage facility; wherein the flue gas stream comprises uncondensed water vapor; wherein the water collection system is operably connected to the flue gas stream and the flue gas stream is directed to flow, at least in part, into the water collection system; wherein the water collection system is operably connected to the water storage facility; wherein the water storage facility is operably connected to the cooling tower and the water storage facility is operably connected to the gas turbine; wherein the process comprises the following steps of condensing flue gas water or using water that has been condensed from the flue gas stream based on outdoor ambient dry bulb temperature: (I) Only condensing water from the flue gas stream to produce a condensed water stream if outdoor ambient dry bulb temperature is less than 85° F.; (II) Only using condensed water to spray cool the cooling tower if outdoor ambient dry bulb temperature is at least 85° F.; (III) Only using condensed water to fog cool the gas turbine if outdoor ambient dry bulb temperature is at least 55° F.; wherein condensed water that is not immediately used to cool the cooling tower or to fog cool the gas turbine is stored in the water storage facility; and wherein the process uses a total amount of water on an annual basis to cool the cooling tower and to fog cool the gas turbine that does not exceed the annual amount of water condensed from the flue gas stream. Optionally, the process has a cooling tower that is a dry cooling tower and condensed water is used to spray cool the dry cooling tower, or the cooling tower is a wet cooling tower, or the cooling tower is a hybrid wet-dry cooling tower. The process may further comprise a water collection system having a three stage desiccant cycle and a calcium chloride desiccant that recovers at least about 60 wt % of the water from the flue gas, operates at or above ambient pressure or comprises plastic piping or plastic vessels. Or the process may further comprise using a water collection system having at least one direct contact condensing column that recovers at least about 60 wt % of the water from the flue gas, operates at or above ambient pressure or comprises plastic piping or plastic vessels. Or the process may further comprise using a water collection system having at least one direct contact condenser and a rotating wheel heat exchanger that recovers at least about 60 wt % of the water from the flue gas, operates at or above ambient pressure, or further comprises plastic piping or plastic vessels. The coefficient of performance for the cooling process is optionally at least 2.0.
US09927174B2 Self Torrefied Pellet Stove
A pellet stove, having a pellet hopper, a combustion chamber, a heat exchanger and a pellet movement assembly, adapted to move the pellets from the hopper into the combustion chamber. The pellet movement assembly is located and configured so as to be heated by exhaust gases from the combustion chamber and the pellets spend a sufficient amount of time in the pellet movement assembly, where oxygen is prevented from freely flowing in, so that the pellets are torrefied during transit to the combustion chamber.
US09927173B1 Single pass continuous lumber drying kiln
A single-pass lumber drying kiln having a main drying chamber, a heat source to provide heat to the main drying chamber, a pre-heating chamber connected to a receiving side of the main drying chamber, the pre-heating chamber having a moisture collector and a kiln entrance, a conditioning chamber connect to an exit of the main drying chamber, the conditioning chamber having a moisture delivery system and a kiln exit, and fans arranged adjacent the pre-heating, conditioning, and the main drying chamber, wherein the fans adjacent the main-drying chamber and the conditioning chamber are synchronized together in a first set and the fans adjacent the pre-heating chamber are synchronized opposite.
US09927170B2 Heat exchanger system
The invention relates to a heat exchanger system (1) for heat exchange between at least a first medium (M), in particular in the form of a hydrocarbon-rich phase, and a second medium (K), with at least first and second pipe space sections (101, 103; 103, 105) for accommodating the first medium (M), and with a first pipe space section connecting means (102; 104), via which the two pipe space sections (101, 103; 103, 105) are connected to one another in a flow-guiding manner. The first pipe space section (101; 103) is surrounded by a first shell space (201, 203), and the second pipe space section (103; 105) is surrounded by a second shell space (203, 205) for accommodating the second medium (K). The first shell space (201; 203) is defined by a first shell (301; 303) and the second shell space (203; 205) is defined by a second shell (303; 305).
US09927167B2 Refrigerator with easy access drawer
A bottom mount refrigerator is provided with a pantry compartment that is accessible from outside the refrigerator by pulling open an easy access pantry drawer without the need to first open the fresh food compartment or the freezer compartment. A divider between the pantry compartment and the fresh food compartment is formed by a secondary mullion and a transparent shelf. The secondary mullion is provided with a light source for illuminating the contents of the pantry drawer. A light source at the rear of the pantry compartment shines generally forwardly and upwardly to illuminate the fresh food compartment.
US09927166B2 Refrigeration appliance comprising a water circuit
A refrigeration appliance includes a water pipe inside the refrigeration appliance. A collecting tray collects leakage water and an empty conduit conducts the leakage water from the water pipe inside the empty conduit to the collecting tray.
US09927165B2 Hybrid cooling system
A hybrid cooling system array of solar cells electrically connected to inverters; a chiller controller processor in data communication with the inverters; a chiller in data communication with the chiller controller processor and in thermal communication with inverters in a sealed enclosure, wherein the inverters are cooled by an inverter coolant fluid; an array of solar cells attached to the inverters a free cooler in data communication with the chiller controller processor and in thermal communication with the inverter cooling fluid; and a temperature sensor apparatus in thermal communication with the inverter cooling fluid; a switch for controlling an on off state for the chiller and the cooler, where in the processor for turns the chiller on and the cooler off when the inverter cooling fluid is above a predetermined temperature. A method for using the system is provided.
US09927161B2 Subcooling with a pressure-regulating device in a transport refrigeration system
A transport refrigeration system (TRS) and method of subcooling a heat transfer fluid in a heat transfer circuit of a TRS are disclosed. The TRS includes a heat transfer circuit. The heat transfer circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The compressor, the condenser, the expansion device, and the evaporator are in fluid communication such that a heat transfer fluid can flow therethrough. The heat transfer circuit is configured to be in thermal communication with a pressure-regulating device of a system separate from the heat transfer circuit.
US09927160B2 Evaporator
An evaporator includes multiple refrigerant tubes, multiple air passages provided between the refrigerant tubes, a cold storage container disposed in the multiple air passages, and a temperature detector. The evaporator further includes a freezing allowable region and a freezing unallowable region that is provided above the freezing allowable region. The cold storage container has a small thickness region and a large thickness region that is positioned above the small thickness region. The large thickness region demarcates a smaller space with the refrigerant tubes than the space demarcated between the small thickness region and the refrigerant tubes. The small thickness region of the cold storage container is positioned within the freezing allowable region, the large thickness region is positioned in the freezing unallowable region, and the temperature detector is disposed in the freezing allowable region.
US09927155B2 Magnetic refrigeration system with unequal blows
A magnetic refrigeration apparatus includes beds of magnetocaloric material with a hot side and a cold side. The apparatus also includes a magnet to apply a magnetic field to the beds, a heat transfer fluid, a pump to circulate the heat transfer fluid, a hot side heat exchanger, a cold side heat exchanger, and a controller to control the flow of heat transfer fluid from the cold side to the hot side of the beds when the magnetic field on the beds is high at an average flow rate of ΦH for a duration ΔtH. The controller also controls the flow of heat transfer fluid from the hot side of the beds to the cold side of the beds when the magnetic field on the beds is low at an average flow rate of ΦC for a duration ΔtC, where ΔtC>ΔtH and ΦC<ΦH.
US09927154B2 Cryogenic cooling apparatus and system
Cryogenic cooling apparatus is disclosed for cooling a target region using the demagnetization cooling effect. The apparatus has a primary magnet for providing a magnetic field within the target region and a demagnetization magnet arranged to selectively provide conductive cooling to the target region. A primary shielding magnet substantially cancels the magnetic field from the primary magnet at least at a first position between the primary and demagnetization magnets. A demagnetization shielding magnet substantially cancels the magnetic field from the demagnetization magnet at least at the first position between the primary and demagnetization magnets. Each of the primary shielding magnet and demagnetization shielding magnet comprises a cylindrical superconducting coil having a geometric envelope which encloses the primary magnet and demagnetization magnet respectively. A conductive cooling assembly provides conductive cooling to each of the magnets. A cryogenic system including a cryostat, the apparatus and a refrigeration system is also provided.
US09927153B2 Heat exchanger and heat pump system using same
A main core portion (6) performing heat exchange between air and a refrigerant, a receiver tank (8) into which the refrigerant having flowed through the main core portion flows, a sub-cool core portion (10) for sub-cooling a liquid refrigerant having flowed through the receiver tank by heat exchange with air, a first flow path (36b, 68, 78) through which a refrigerant flows in order of the main core portion, the receiver tank, and the sub-cool core portion, a second flow path (36a, 36c, 68, 72) through which the refrigerant flows in order of the main core portion and the sub-cool core portion by bypassing the receiver tank, and flow-path switching means (82) for switching between the first flow path and the second flow path.
US09927151B2 Geothermal energy collection system
This invention provides a method of extracting geothermal energy, generally comprising the steps of: insertion of a thermal mass into a Heat Absorption Zone, absorbing heat in thermal mass, raising the thermal mass to a Heat Transfer Zone, and transferring the heat from the thermal mass. The acquired heat can be used to generate electricity or to drive an industrial process.The thermal mass can have internal chambers containing a liquid such as molten salt, and can also have structures facilitating heat exchange using a thermal exchange fluid, such as a gas or a glycol-based fluid.In some embodiments, two thermal masses are used as counterweights, reducing the energy consumed in bringing the heat in the thermal masses to the surface. In other embodiments, solid or molten salt can be directly supplied to a well shaft to acquire geothermal heat and returned to the surface in a closed loop system.
US09927149B2 Method for using concentrated solar power
The method is for using solar power in an efficient manner. A solar concentrator is provided in operative engagement with a storage unit. The storage unit has at least one glass rod disposed therein and at least one sheet enclosing the storage unit. The solar concentrator receives solar power as sunrays and conveys the solar power to the glass rod disposed in the storage unit. The solar power is in the glass rod is converted to heat to heat to the storage unit. Gas flows between the storage unit and the sheets. The storage unit heats the gas. The gas flows to a heat exchanger to exchange heat with steam.
US09927148B1 System and method for generating power using a chemical looping combustion reaction
A system and method for generating excess heat through the process of chemical looping combustion. A volume of a first metal oxide is provided. The first metal oxide is reacted with an acid solution to create a reaction solution that contains metal hydroxide. The metal hydroxide is precipitated from the reaction solution. This produces particles of metal hydroxide. The particles of metal hydroxide are separated from the reaction solution, which is regenerated. The particles of metal hydroxide are then reacted with heat to produce a less complex second metal oxide. The second metal oxide is reacted with oxygen in a confined chamber. As the second metal oxide oxidizes, it releases heat. The heat released is greater than the heat needed to operate the system. The heat can be utilized to produce steam or otherwise meet the energy needs of the operator.
US09927147B2 PTC electric heating assembly, electric heating device and electric vehicle
A PTC electric heating assembly, an electric heating device and an electric vehicle are provided. The PTC electric heating assembly (2) comprises two electrode plates (23) and a PTC heating module (20) disposed between the two electrode plates (23), and comprising an insulation fixing frame (22) and a plurality of PTC heating elements (21), the insulation fixing frame (22) defining a plurality of fixing units (220) and the PTC heating elements (21) being disposed into the fixing units (220) respectively.
US09927145B2 Heating system with high heat retention transfer fluid
A heating system combines a heat source for applying heat energy to a supply of heat transfer fluid including a polyol having five or less pendant hydroxyl groups and a polydimethylsiloxane and a pump that moves the heat transfer fluid through conduits to a heat exchanger. In one configuration, the heating system has a primary circuit including the heat source, delivery line, pump, heat exchanger and return line, and a sub-circuit including a bypass line interconnecting the delivery line and the return line to provide a flow path bypassing the heat source. The sub-circuit includes the bypass line, a portion of the delivery line, the pump, the heat exchanger, and a portion of the return line. Control valves and a control mechanism direct the flow of fluid between the primary and sub-circuit. The heat transfer fluid is a blended mixture of 5-15% glycerin, 20-40% propyl glycol and 45-75% silicone.
US09927142B2 Plug and play modular comfort device and interface template adapted to said plug and play modular comfort device
A modular interface template configured to receive a plug and play comfort device, the modular interface template including a wall having a first surface and a second surface, an air inlet channel configured to enable air flow from the first surface to the second surface, an air outlet channel configured to enable air flow from the second surface to the first surface, a gas conduit configured to supply fuel from the first surface to the second surface, a water inlet conduit configured to enable water flow from the first surface to the second surface, a water outlet conduit configured to enable water flow from the second surface to the first surface and a first electric power conductor configured to enable electric power transmission from the first surface to the second surface.
US09927137B2 Air-conditioning control device generating air-conditioning control-data, air-conditioning control method, and computer program product
An air-conditioning control device includes a conversion definition information storage unit, an air-conditioning control computation unit, and a gateway unit. The conversion definition information storage unit preliminarily stores conversion definition information for converting air-conditioning control original data acquired from an external air-conditioning facility into computational data for performing an air-conditioning control computation or conversion definition information for converting air-conditioning control computation resultant data acquired as a result of the air-conditioning control computation into air-conditioning control data used for air-conditioning control at the air-conditioning facility. The air-conditioning control computation unit performs the air-conditioning control computation based on the computational data, and outputs the air-conditioning control computation resultant data. The gateway unit refers to the conversion definition information to convert the air-conditioning control original data into the computational data or to convert the air-conditioning control computation resultant data into the air-conditioning control data.
US09927135B2 Charge management for air conditioning
In various implementations, an air conditioning system may automatically adjust an amount of refrigerant using an accumulator. The air conditioning system may operate in at least two operation modes including a cooling operation and a reheat operation. The amount of refrigerant allowed to flow to a condenser of the system may be based at least partially on the operating mode of the air conditioning system.
US09927131B2 Electric water heater systems for power grids with distributed generation
Systems and methods for storing power from distributed generation systems or other loads and sources that affect line voltage are disclosed. In embodiments, a water heater can be powered in a way that absorbs excess power from the grid by heating water when a controller senses excess power generation in the grid. Excess power generation can be sensed by either an increase in line voltage amplitude above a predetermined standard, or an increase in line voltage frequency above a predetermined standard.
US09927129B2 Thermal management system and method for a connected oven
The connected oven includes a cooking cavity defined by a back, a door opposing the bottom, a top adjacent the back and door, a bottom opposing the top, and opposing sidewalls adjacent the remainder of the walls, a user interface unit configured to receive instructions from the user, a sensor, and a thermal management system for minimizing or preventing thermal damage to heat-sensitive components arranged on the oven.
US09927127B2 Oven appliance and a method for operating an oven appliance
An oven appliance with one or more features for notifying a user of the oven appliance that the cooking chamber is heavily loaded is provided. Further, a method for operating an oven appliance to notify a user of the oven appliance that the cooking chamber is heavily loaded is provided.
US09927123B2 Fluid transport system having divided transport tube
A fluid transport system for a gas turbine engine includes a plenum configured to provide a fluid, an airfoil having an internal cavity, and a transfer tube arranged to transfer the fluid between the plenum and the internal cavity of the airfoil. The transfer tube includes an inlet, an outlet, a cavity extending from the inlet to the outlet, and at least one partition wall dividing the cavity into multiple flow passages.
US09927121B2 Servo gas system, gas burner and method for operating the gas burner
Servo gas system (11) for a gas burner (10), namely for controlling a pressure regulation valve (20) positioned in a gas duct (18) of the gas burner, thereby controlling a gas pressure within the gas duct (18) being present downstream of the pressure regulation valve (20) and thereby controlling a pressure difference between a pressure in a burner chamber (12) of the gas burner and said gas pressure within the gas duct (18), the servo gas system (11) comprising a static servo gas flow branch (28) and a dynamic servo gas flow branch (29) being connected in parallel, and a flow sensing element (30) being connected between the static servo gas flow branch (28) and the dynamic servo gas flow branch (29) and providing a signal used to control the pressure regulation valve (20) by an electric actuator (41).
US09927120B2 Method for thermally after-burning waste gases from acrolein and hydrocyanic acid production
The invention relates to a method for thermally after-burning the waste gas flows developing during the production of acrolein in a gas phase process and for thermally after-burning the waste gas flows developing during the production of hydrocyanic acid in a gas phase process, characterized in that the waste gas flows from the production of acrolein and the waste gas flows from the production of hydrocyanic acid are supplied to a joint thermal after-burning process.
US09927110B2 Refrigerating apparatus
A refrigerating apparatus includes a cabinet body having an open top; a door body (2) disposed at the top of the cabinet body pivotably around a pivot shaft (421) so as to open and close the cabinet body; and a light assembly (3), disposed at a side of the door body (2) facing the cabinet body (2) and arranged adjacent to the pivot shaft (421), wherein the light assembly (3) includes a PCB (31), an LED light (32) and a gravity switch (33), both the LED light (32) and the gravity switch (33) are connected onto the PCB (31), and the gravity switch (33) is configured to be switched on to light the LED light (32) so as to light an interior of the cabinet body when the door body (2) opens the cabinet body, and switched off to extinguish the LED light (32) when the door body (2) closes the cabinet body.
US09927107B1 Try-me feature used with lighted animal restraint
An illuminated animal restraint includes an elongated leash having a housing having a selectively enabled light source. The light source has a try-me timer assembly which enables selectively sampling operation of the light source and enables continuous and intermittent operation of the light source. A try-me package is provided with an opening to allows the user to press a button to activate intermittent or “try-me” illumination of the leash without draining the power source and without removing the leash from the package. The continuous operation is activated by removing the leash from the package.
US09927103B2 Flush mount lighting fixture
In an example embodiment, a lighting fixture comprising a lighting device and a mounting bracket is provided. The lighting device comprises a front cover, a back cover, a frame, and at least one LED mounted within the interior of the lighting device. The frame has an interior edge that is in contact with a perimeter of the front cover and a perimeter of the back cover. The front cover, the back cover, and the frame define the interior of the lighting device. At least one of the frame and the back cover comprises one or more attachment mechanisms. The mounting bracket comprises a junction box mounting element configured for securing the mounting bracket to a junction box or a mounting surface, and one or more attachment mechanism mating elements configured to mate with the one or more attachment mechanisms when the lighting device is rotated within the mounting bracket to secure the lighting device into the mounting bracket.
US09927101B2 Illumination device
An illumination device includes a light source configured to emit laser light; and a wavelength conversion part configured to convert a wavelength of the laser light emitted from the light source and to irradiate illumination light. The wavelength conversion part includes a conversion region provided with a phosphor which converts the wavelength of the laser light and emits the wavelength-converted laser light, and a non-conversion region not provided with the phosphor and configured to transmit the laser light irradiated from the light source. The non-conversion region is formed in a pinhole shape with respect to the conversion region.
US09927094B2 Plasma cell for providing VUV filtering in a laser-sustained plasma light source
A plasma cell for use in a laser-sustained plasma light source includes a plasma bulb configured to contain a gas suitable for generating a plasma, the plasma bulb being transparent to light from a pump laser, wherein the plasma bulb is transparent to at least a portion of a collectable spectral region of illumination emitted by the plasma. The plasma bulb of the plasma cell is configured to filter short wavelength radiation, such as VUV radiation, emitted by the plasma sustained within the bulb in order to keep the short wavelength radiation from impinging on the interior surface of the bulb.
US09927092B2 LED linear light assembly with reflectance members
A shelf light (300) is provided as an LED linear light assembly (300) having a flexible LED linear light component (302), with a series of LEDs mounted on printed circuit boards (PCB's) (308). The light component (302) has a double channel (304) with an extended aluminum track. An LED PCB jacket (306) encloses the light component (302) and is of uniform thickness. Reflectance members (310) comprise a pair of members (312, 314), each having an elongated configuration and mounted on opposing sides of the light assembly (300). Movement of the reflectance members (312, 314) permits variation of apertures of reflectance, thus varying the light intensity and direction.
US09927088B2 Heat sink for lighting module, and associated lighting module and lighting device
A heat sink for an automobile lighting module comprising a duct running across the heat sink, intended to circulate air from a first opening of the heat sink toward a second opening of the heat sink, the duct comprising at least one circulation chamber, the at least one circulation chamber comprising an air inlet and an air outlet, offset from each other, the duct further comprising at least one deflection means defining, within the circulation chamber, at least one air deflection baffle (C1, C2) for air circulating between the air inlet and the air outlet of the circulation chamber. A lighting module and vehicle lighting device.
US09927087B1 Fiber optic light panel having a light enhancing element
A lighting module for a vehicle includes a light source, and a light emitting panel optically coupled to the light source and has an array of optical fibers. A light enhancing element is optically coupled to the light emitting panel such that the panel outputs light with a first cone angle to the light enhancing element. The light enhancing element is configured to narrow the first cone angle to a second cone angle smaller than the first cone angle.
US09927084B2 Vehicle light and related manufacturing method
A vehicle light comprising a container body and a lenticular body. The light comprises a substrate that supports a main light source that is embedded in a cover layer suitable to allow the diffusion inside it of the main light beam. The cover layer is disposed on the side opposite to the lenticular body with respect to the substrate. The substrate comprises at least one transparent portion to the light beam suitable to transmit the main light beam towards the lenticular body and, through this, to the outside of the vehicle light, wherein the substrate comprises at least one opaque portion to the main light beam, adjacent to said transparent portion in order to allow the passage of the main light beam exclusively at said transparent portion. The transparent portion defines a main light pattern of the vehicle light.
US09927080B2 Optic panel, LED lighting system, and luminaire
An optic panel, an LED lighting system including the optic panel, and a luminaire including the LED lighting system are described. The optic panel includes an optic disposed within a cut out of a base plate, and one or more supports fixedly couple the optic with the base plate. Each support preferably touches the optic at only a single location. In some aspects, the supports provide sufficient support to the optic such that the entire optic panel can be molded as a single, monolithic mass and the supports do not or only minimally interfere with the desired total internal reflection of the optics because of the minimal engagement with the supports and/or the placement of the engagement with the supports. The optic panel may be incorporated into the LED lighting system, for example, forming a secondary optics for the LED lighting system.
US09927079B2 Recessed luminaire
Embodiments of the invention are directed to wall recessed two-component luminaires. The two components can include a primary optical subsystem and a secondary optical subsystem. The primary optical subsystem can provide indirect lighting, illuminate an architectural space upward toward a ceiling, and/or have greater luminous flux than the secondary optical subsystem. The secondary optical subsystem can provide direct lighting, illuminate an architectural space horizontally and/or downward, provide lit appearance, provide direct view color and/or color gradients, provide direct view luminance and/or luminous gradients, and/or provide lighting for ambience.
US09927076B2 Laser-driven white lighting system for high-brightness applications
A high-power, high-brightness lighting system for large venue lighting, which includes a laser diode as the excitation source and one or more phosphor materials placed at a remote distance from the laser source. The invention offers a lighting system with the advantages of high brightness, high efficiency, high luminous efficacy, long lifetimes, quick turn-on times, suitable color properties, environmental sustainability, and easy maintenance, which may allow for smart and flexible control over large area lighting systems with resulting savings in operating and maintenance costs.
US09927073B2 Networked LED lighting system
An improved LED lighting system is provided for overhead ceiling lighting, as well as for other uses. The LED lighting system comprises elongated linear lamps having an LED luminary as a source of illumination and configured to operate as a node of an automated networked lighting system. The linear LED lamps have internal modular network connectors and control components so that they can receive control data and power signals over a single network cable according to a standardized power and data network communications architecture such as Ethernet. The system includes connector assemblies designed to securely mount the networkable linear LED lamps to conventional tube lamp lighting fixtures or to another support housing and to provide integrated power and data connectivity to internal components of the lamps. In one form, the disclosed system includes a network enabled snap-fit connector assembly mounted to a lighting fixture and configured to provide Ethernet power and data connectivity to the lamp. The LED lamps have first and second mechanical connectors at opposite ends of the lamp body, and the snap-fit connectors are configured to secure the lamps to an overhead lighting fixture or other support structure as an incident of the lamp ends moving relative to the mounting connectors in a substantially straight path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position. The snap-fit connectors are also configured to form a network connection with an internal modular network connector associated with the lamp with the lamp mounted in its operative state on a support. In another form, a clipping mechanism is provided for mounting linear networkable LED lamps to an overhead grid ceiling system.
US09927072B2 Troffer light fixture retrofit systems and methods
A retrofitting kit for retrofitting an existing troffer light fixture having a troffer housing includes an adaptor bracket and a door assembly. The adaptor bracket is configured to rest on a T-bar of a ceiling system, and further configured to be located between the T-bar and the troffer housing. The adaptor bracket includes a base portion and a wall coupled to the base portion, and the troffer housing of the existing troffer light fixture rests on the base portion when the adaptor bracket is disposed between the T-bar and the troffer housing of the existing troffer light fixture. The base portion extends horizontally and along the entire length of the adaptor bracket.
US09927066B1 Fluid flow initiated and controlled automatic sequencing cascade system for the recharging of fluid cylinders
A system and method for recharging at least one fluid cylinder using a first fluid cylinder. The system uses a flow indicating switch which can comprise an internal magnetic source to detect the flow of fluid. The flow indicating switch is in communication with an electronic sequencing module. The electronic sequencing module controls the order and timing of discharge from the first fluid cylinder into the at least one fluid cylinder.
US09927064B2 Flow-restricting plug and differential drive pinion having the same
A plug for restricting a flow of fluid within a passageway having an interior surface with a predetermined inner diameter is provided. The plug includes a plate member having an outer edge and a rim bounding the outer edge of the plate member. The rim extends generally normal from the plate member. The rim has a contact portion and an indented portion. The contact portion contacts the interior surface of the passageway to retain the position of the plug within the passageway. The indented portion is spaced apart from the interior surface on the passageway to allow fluid to bypass the plug when the plug is located within the passageway.
US09927061B2 Envelope for a laminar structure providing adaptive thermal insulation
The present invention relates to an envelope (20) for a laminar structure providing adaptive thermal insulation, the envelope (20) enclosing at least one cavity (16) having included therein a gas generating agent (18) having an unactivated configuration and an activated configuration, the gas generating agent (18) being adapted to change from the unactivated configuration to the activated configuration, such as to increase a gas pressure inside the cavity (16), in response to an increase in temperature in the cavity (16), the envelope (20) being configured such that a volume of the envelope (20) increases in response to the increase in gas pressure inside the cavity (16), wherein the envelope (20) is made of a polymer composite material (8), the polymer composite material (8) including a fluid tight layer which is covered by a reinforcing layer comprising a polymer material, the rein-forcing layer being configured to limit formation of wrinkles in the fluid tight layer (8b) when subjecting the envelope (20) to one, or a plurality of activation/deactivation cycles.
US09927058B2 Gripping apparatus and devices for plugging of pipes, orifices or connecting
A gripping apparatus for use in gripping a pipe, for holding forces, or restraining relative movement. The pipe defines an inside radius. The gripping apparatus has an outer surface where the outer surface defines a transition surface or a curve. In certain embodiments the transition surface or curve has a radius less than or equal to the inside radius of the pipe.
US09927056B2 Heatable media line having at least one media line with two connector ends
A heatable media line having at least one media line with two connector ends, in particular line connectors, and at least two electrical heating elements. At least one element is provided by which a differentiated heat input and/or output is enabled or provided for at both connector ends of the heatable media line.
US09927052B1 Sanitary clamp with concealed threads
A sanitary clamp with facing ring halves employs one or more threaded closure devices configured to avoid having any threads exposed to the ambient. A bolt member may have a stepped shaft with a first smooth shaft portion and a male-threaded tip portion. The latter may be the same or a smaller diameter. An associated nut member has a blind bore that extends from a first end of the nut, with a first smooth wall portion and a second female threaded bore portion. The second female threaded portion may have the same bore diameter, or the bore can have a stepped interior diameter with the second female threaded bore portion having a diameter smaller than the first smooth wall portion. A seal member or gland within the smooth wall bore portion closes off a space defined between said the tip portion of the bolt member and the female-threaded bore portion. Once installed, there are no threaded surfaces of the bolt member or the nut member that are exposed to the ambient.
US09927048B2 Hose caddy for powered implements mounted on loaders
A hose caddy is pivotally mounted on a powered implement connected to the boom arms of a loader to control the positioning of hydraulic hoses or electrical wiring. The hose caddy is formed with an elongated retention member that provides for the detachable mounting of a first support member at the upper end and a second support member at the lower end. Each support member has a detachable hose clamp member for engaging the hoses and controlling the positioning of the hoses relative to the retention member. The retention member is pivotally connected to an implement mounting bracket by a pivot pin. A spring biasing mechanism mounts on the pivot pin to bias the pivotal movement of the implement mounting bracket toward the retention member. A bunk defacing apparatus is also disclosed to facilitate the operation of dislodging and collecting silage material from a compacted bunker of silage material.
US09927047B2 Clamp for pipe
A clamp including a first bracket having a first base plate with a first mating surface and a first curved edge, a first channel and a second channel; a second bracket having a second base plate with a second mating surface and a second curved edge, a third channel and a fourth channel; wherein the first base plate is clamped to the second base plate such that the first and third channels engage the first pipe section and such that the second and fourth channels engage the second pipe section; and wherein the first curved edge aligns with the second curved edge to form a joint line that is configured to extend in continuous abutment with a continuously curved pipe edge.
US09927046B2 Throttling device
A throttling device comprising: a body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a body cavity, the inner surface and the outer surface defining a plurality of body orifices in fluid communication through the body cavity; a throttle movably positioned within the body cavity proximate to a first orifice of the plurality of body orifices, the throttle movable to a closed position closing the first orifice and to an open position opening a fluid pathway between the first orifice and the body cavity; and a biasing element biasing the throttle to a partially-open position between the closed position and the open position.
US09927042B2 Multifunctional restrictive valve
A multifunctional restrictive valve for controlling the flow of water therethrough. The valve has a main body with a flow channel through the main body. The main body receives water upstream thereof through an inlet port and passes it out through an outlet port at the downstream end of the body. A flow control assembly is located in the flow channel and includes a temperature sensor/actuator acting on a piston to move, when the temperature sensor heats up the piston, to block water flow control ports. The flow control assembly also includes an override feature wherein the piston is located within a slide and the flow control ports are located in the slide. By moving the slide away from the piston when the piston is blocking the flow control ports, the temperature sensor and piston may be overridden and flow may resume through the main body.
US09927038B2 Pressure control in fluidic systems
Pressure control in fluidic systems is generally described. In some cases, a system comprises a fluid-permeable (e.g., liquid-permeable) medium and a pressure regulator. The medium and the pressure regulator can be positioned between a first fluidic channel and a second fluidic channel. The medium is arranged, in certain cases, such that fluid (e.g., liquid) can be transported from the first fluidic channel, through the medium, and into the second fluidic channel. In certain cases, when a first pressure within the first fluidic channel is below a sum of the permeability pressure differential of the medium with respect to the fluid and a second pressure within the second fluidic channel, the fluid is substantially prevented from being transported through an outlet of the first fluidic channel.
US09927037B2 Rotary valve with brake mode
An example valve includes a sleeve having a plurality of openings configured along a length of the sleeve. A spool is rotatable within the sleeve and includes a respective plurality of openings along a length of the spool corresponding to the plurality of openings of the sleeve. A rotary actuator coupled to the spool is configured for rotating the spool within the sleeve. The rotary actuator can rotate the spool to a given rotary position in a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction to cause at least a partial alignment between a subset of the respective plurality of openings of the spool and a subset of the plurality of openings of the sleeve.
US09927033B2 Split circumferential lift-off seal segment
A circumferential shaft seal segment has radial inner and outer faces and first and second axial faces, and at least one feed slot in the radial inner face extending from the first axial face toward the second axial face. At least one recess extends from the at least one feed slot and has first and second axially spaced side walls, a bottom between the side walls, a first end at the feed slot and a second end circumferentially spaced from the feed slot. The recess includes a first portion extending from the first end and a second portion extending from the second end, and a radial depth of the first portion is a first function of a distance from the feed slot and a radial depth of the second portion is a second, different, function of the distance from the feed slot.
US09927025B2 Method and system for preventing misoperation of shift lever
A control method and system for preventing misoperation of a shift lever of a vehicle are provided. In particular, when a driver manipulates the shift lever to select an automatic transmission mode or a manual transmission mode, shifting into an unintended mode attributable to misoperation is prevented. Therefore, the control method and system improve reliability in manipulating the shift lever and provide a safe driving environment to a driver.
US09927023B2 Hydraulic control device
A first-type passage switching valve is in an oil supply line connecting a friction element to an N/H type pressure control valve and a second-type passage switching valve is in another oil supply line connecting another friction element to an N/L type pressure control valve. A working-pressure output valve outputs a hydraulic working pressure to each of the first-type and the second-type passage switching valves. The first-type passage switching valve changes communication condition from a first state connecting the friction element and the pressure control valve with each other to a second state connecting the friction element and a drain side with each other, or vice versa. The second-type passage switching valve changes communication condition from a first state connecting the friction element and the pressure control valve with each other to a third state connecting the friction element and a hydraulic pressure source with each other, or vice versa.
US09927022B2 Vibration isolator for manual transmission shifter with a single reaction arm
A manual transmission shifter includes a reaction arm mounting the shifter to a transmission via a bushing. The bushing includes a resilient member having a tubular section lining a mounting hole in the arm and having a flange extending around the hole. The bushing includes a rigid cup member having an inner sleeve disposed within the tubular section and having a cup rim defining a recess between the inner sleeve and cup rim with a predetermined depth. The flange has a thickness greater than the predetermined depth and is inserted in the recess to create an open gap between the cup rim and the arm. A fastener extends through the inner sleeve to attach the cup member to a transmission bracket. The resilient member attenuates vibrations through the bushing. The arm is provided with a limited range of longitudinal rotation by contact of the arm with the cup rim.
US09927021B1 Planet carrier for a planetary gear set
A planet carrier for a planetary gear set includes a pair of carrier plates. A planet gear is positioned between the carrier plates of the pair of carrier plates. A pin extends between the carrier plates of the pair of carrier plates through the planet gear such that the planet gear is rotatable relative to the carrier plates of the pair of carrier plates on the pin. A retainer is removably mounted to one of the pair of carrier plates. The pin is positioned against the retainer at the one of the pair of carrier plates. The pin may be rotatable relative to the carrier plates of the pair of carrier plates.
US09927018B2 Gear assembly
The invention relates to a gear assembly (12) comprising a fixed gear (13) having a first radial toothing (16) and an idler (14) having a second radial toothing (17), the first radial toothing (16) being disposed at least approximately at the same radial height as the second radial toothing (17), and the fixed gear (13) further comprises a first axial end face (18) and the idler (14) comprises a second axial end face (19), and the fixed gear (13) is connected to the idler (14) by means of at least one elastic connecting element (21), for which purpose the elastic connecting element (21) is connected on the one hand to the first axial end face (18) of the fixed gear (13) and on the other hand to the second axial end face (19) of the idler (14).
US09927014B2 Stator structure for torque converter
A stator of a torque converter is divided into a first stator on an upstream side and a second stator on a downstream side, and the first and second stators are supported on a fixed part via first and second one-way clutches, respectively. Since, with regard to a blade of the first stator, when viewed in the axis direction, the blade tip part is inclined relative to the blade base part in the disengagement direction of the first one-way clutch, it is possible to ensure the blade area without increasing the dimension in the radial direction and the dimension in the axis direction of the blade of the first stator, and it is possible, by smoothly guiding oil along the blade of the first stator to thus suppress the occurrence of a vortex, to reduce energy loss in a low speed ratio region where the vortex easily occurs.
US09927013B2 Torque converter
In a torque convertor including a pump impeller, a turbine runner and a stator, an outer regulation surface facing inwards in a radial direction is provided at a turbine shell on an inward side in the radial direction from a turbine blade, an inner regulation surface that approaches and faces the outer regulation surface from inside in the radial direction is provided at a stator hub, and at least one of the outer regulation surface and the inner regulation surface is formed into a ring shape. Accordingly, movement of the stator along the radial direction at a time of transportation is inhibited and it is made unnecessary to form flange portions at core rings of the pump impeller and the turbine runner.
US09927009B2 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 ring gears. 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 eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
US09927007B2 Multi-stages automatic transmission for vehicle
A multi-stages automatic transmission for a vehicle may include first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each including first, second and third rotation elements, and friction members including first, second, third and fourth clutches and first and second brakes, in which an input shaft may be connected to the second rotation element of the first planetary gear set and the second rotation element of the fourth planetary gear set, and an output shaft may be connected to the second rotation element of the first planetary gear set.
US09926999B2 Vibrating isolating device
A first mounting metal fitting is connected to an engine while a second mounting metal fitting is mounted on a vehicle body. A vibration isolating elastic body provides a connection between the first and second mounting metal fittings. Middle portions of opposed upwardly extending wall sections are formed in a concave curve surface, and expanded recess portions are provided between the opposed upwardly extending wall sections. A projecting section provided on the first mounting metal fitting is accommodated in the expanded recess portions. The projecting section overlaps with the expanded recess portions in the X direction so as to regulate the movement in the X direction of the first mounting metal fitting. The X direction elastic leg for regulating the movement in the X direction is not provided, so that the molding can be performed by demolding a molded object in the X direction.
US09926997B2 Vibration-damping device
The present invention is a vibration-damping device (10, 60, 80) which is provided with: a first attachment member (11) joined to one of a vibration generating unit and a vibration receiving unit and a second attachment member (12) joined to an other thereof; an elastic body which joins the first attachment member (11) to the second attachment member (12); a partition member (16, 90) which partitions a liquid chamber in the first attachment member (11) into a first liquid chamber (14) and a second liquid chamber (15), and in which at least one of the first liquid chamber (14) and the second liquid chamber (15) has the elastic body (13) as a portion of a wall surface thereof. The partition member (16, 90) is provided with a communicating passage (30), and the communicating path (30) is provided with a branching section (33) and a confluence section (32, 70, 84, 101).
US09926990B2 Operating a drive train of a vehicle having a clutch assembly for distributing torque
A method for operating a drive train of a vehicle having a clutch assembly, in particular for distributing torque to a primary axle and a secondary axle of the vehicle and/or for distributing torque between two wheels of one axle of the vehicle, comprises at least the following steps:a) determining temperature data at least from an electronic control unit which is assigned to the clutch assembly, or from an actuation unit of the clutch assembly;b) evaluating the temperature data determined in step a); andc) reducing an effective value of a control current at least of the electronic control unit or of the actuation unit by pulsing the control current if the evaluation in step b) reveals that a temperature at least of the electronic control unit or of the actuation unit exceeds a threshold value.
US09926984B2 Damper device
A damper device is provided with a first rotating body, a second rotating body, a coil spring and a spring seat. The coil spring is interposed in a circumferential direction between the first and second rotating bodies. The resin spring seat includes a metallic core member inside. The resin spring seat has a seat portion and an overhang portion. The metallic core member has includes a metallic core seat part with a metallic core exposed portion. The metallic core seat part is provided along the spring seating surface in the seat portion of the spring seats. The metallic core exposed portion is exposed so as to be capable of abutting the coil springs. The metallic core exposed portion is provided on a portion of the spring seating surface which slides against the coil springs.
US09926982B2 Torque transmission device
A torque transmission device includes a shaft which has shaft teeth around its outer circumference, a hub which has hub teeth on an inner circumference, wherein the hub is arranged on the shaft in such a way that the shaft teeth and the hub teeth mesh with one another in order to transmit torque. The torque transmission device furthermore includes at least one spring element which passes entirely through the hub and is supported on the shaft and the hub and exerts a spring force on the hub and the shaft, wherein at least a component of the spring force is directed in such a way that around the entire circumference of the shaft and hub adjacent flanks of the shaft teeth and the hub teeth are pushed together.
US09926980B2 Sealing sleeve with combined axial bearing and automatic transmission or clutch with such a sealing sleeve
A sealing sleeve for a transmission or a clutch of a motor vehicle for use between two torque transmitting devices, which rotate relative to each other, wherein a shell surface of the sealing sleeve is designed for making contact in a sliding and sealing manner with one or more sealing means; and a flange section, which projects radially from the shell surface, is designed for interpositioning between the two torque transmitting devices, wherein the flange section is formed as a running surface for an axial bearing. An automatic transmission or a clutch with a first torque transmitting device and a second torque transmitting device, between which an inventive sealing sleeve is inserted.
US09926975B2 Centering spring and damper assembly
An assembly includes a bearing having an annular shape, a bearing support radially outward from the bearing, a squeeze film damper having a first end adjacent the bearing and a second end adjacent the bearing support with the second end forming a squeeze film damping surface, and a first spring between the bearing and the bearing support with the first spring configured to resist a movement of the bearing to center a shaft radially inward from the bearing.
US09926974B2 Roller bearing, in particular for a vehicle steering system or for a vehicle wheel hub assembly
A roller bearing including an outer ring, at least one inner ring and a plurality of rolling bodies inserted between the outer ring and the inner ring. The outer ring presents an osculation of between 0.51 and 0.56 and the inner ring presents an annular race having a bottom surface delimited by an annular relief (16) including a cylindrical section (18) with a greater diameter than that of the bottom surface (12), a first convex curved section (19) having a pre-established radius of curvature (R1) and which connects with continuity the annular bottom surface (12) of the first annular race with the cylindrical section (18), a second convex curved section (20) which connects with continuity with the cylindrical section (18) and a third concave curved section (21) that connects with continuity with the second section (20).
US09926973B2 Air bearing-corrugated thrust bearing disc
A thrust disc for an aircraft and methods of making and using the thrust disc are provided. The thrust disc includes a planar body, and a region unitarily formed from a portion of the body, wherein the region has a plurality of sides defining the region on the planar body, wherein the region has a textured feature, and wherein a subset of the plurality of sides are cut and at least one of the plurality of sides is integrally connected to the body.
US09926972B2 Spheroidial joint for column support in a tuned mass damper system
A spheroidal joint for a tuned mass damper system includes a base having a concave seat and a lubricious liner secured thereto. The base defines a first mounting portion under the concave seat and a circumferential rim opposite the first mounting portion. The concave seat tapers radially outward to define a chamfer which terminates at a radially inner edge of the rim. The spheroidal joint includes an inner member that has a convex seat. The inner member has a second mounting portion extending from the convex seat and an indentation circumferentially extending around the inner member between the convex seat and the second mounting portion. The indentation cooperates with the chamfer for misalignment of the inner member relative to the base. The convex seat slidingly engages the lubricious liner.
US09926969B2 Minimizing oil leakage from rocking journal bearings
A rocking journal bearing is provided in a piston coupling mechanism. The bearing includes a sleeve and a wristpin constructed with two sets of eccentrically-disposed bearing surfaces which alternate in accepting a compressive load during an operational cycle of the bearing. The sleeve includes a network of grooves to transport oil to the bearing surfaces. Lubricating oil flow through the bearing is minimized by limiting provision of pressurized oil from the wristpin to the network of grooves to portions of the cycle when one or the other of the sets of bearing surfaces receives the compressive load.
US09926963B2 Method for the connection of sheet metal parts and component assembly as well as setting head and die button
A method for the connection of sheet parts, of which at least one is formed as an organic sheet part, with the aid of an auxiliary joining part and an apertured metal washer, the auxiliary joining part having a functional section with an undercut and a piercing section with a shaft surface and a shaft recess. The sheet parts and the metal washer are brought into a stacked arrangement in such a way that the metal washer contacts the organic sheet part. The piercing section slugs are punched out of the stacked sheet parts. The auxiliary joining part is joined to the metal washer. The other of the undercut or of the shaft recess is brought into a holding engagement with a sheet part not formed as an organic sheet metal part or with a further metal washer.
US09926962B2 Self-tapping screw and method of manufacturing the same
A self-tapping screw includes a head and a shank extending from the head. The shank includes a cylindrical shank immediately below the head and a truncated conical shank following an end of the cylindrical shank. The cylindrical shank is provided with a plurality of first external threads, the truncated conical shank is provided with a plurality of second external threads following the first external threads, and a peak of each of the second external threads is provided with a biting surface having a concave-convex form.
US09926959B2 Interlocking device for ground cover mats
The invention is directed to an interlocking device for releasably connecting ground a first and a second ground cover mats each having tubular members. The device includes two clamping arms and a securing means. The clamping arms each have a collar member to engage one of the tubular members. The collar members are adjustably connected to each other to move the device from an open installation position into a closed restraining position in which the concave surfaces restrain the tubular members and are opposed to each other. The securing means releasably locks the clamping arms in the closed restraining position.
US09926957B2 Fitting for strut channel
A fitting for connecting first and second pieces of strut to one another includes a coupling component. The coupling component has first and second coupling portions configured for reception in respective fitting grooves of the first and second pieces of strut when the coupling component is in a first orientation. Each of the coupling portions are rotatable within the respective fitting grooves from the first orientation to a second orientation to connect the first and second pieces of strut to one another. An anti-rotation plate is connected to the coupling component. The anti-rotation plate has an unlocked position relative to the coupling component to allow the first and second coupling portions to be received in the respective fitting grooves, and a locked position relative to the coupling component to inhibit rotation of each of the first and second coupling portions from the second orientation to the first orientation.
US09926952B2 Conditioner, apparatus and method
A flow conditioner for displacing and mixing fluid flow to minimize the effects of thermal gradients on the accuracy of a transit time ultrasonic flowmeter having a first portion adapted to be disposed in the pipe and extending inward toward the center of the pipe in a downstream direction with respect to the fluid flow relative to the pipe's inner surface. The conditioner has a second portion adapted to be disposed in the pipe and in juxtaposition with the first portion. The second portion extending inward toward the center of the pipe in an upstream direction with respect to the fluid flow relative to the pipe's inner surface. An apparatus for determining fluid flow in a pipe having ultrasonic transducer sites. A method for determining fluid flow in a pipe. A method for affecting fluid flow in a pipe.
US09926941B2 Turbocharger center housing
An assembly can include a compressor backplate; a bearing boss that extends axially from the compressor backplate and that includes an outer surface and male coupling features disposed along the outer surface; and a casing that includes a compressor end, a bearing boss opening at the compressor end, a turbine end, an inner surface located between the compressor end and the turbine end and female coupling features disposed along a portion of the inner surface, the male coupling features and the female coupling features configured to couple the bearing boss to the casing. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
US09926939B2 System for drawing solid feed into and/or out of a solid feed pump
A system includes a solid feed pump. The solid feed pump includes a housing, a rotor disposed in the housing, a curved passage disposed between the rotor and the housing, a solid feed inlet coupled to the curved passage, a solid feed outlet coupled to the curved passage, and a rotatable sleeve configured to rotate to actively draw solid feed into the solid feed inlet or out of the solid feed outlet.
US09926937B2 Detecting and tracking damage to an aeroengine fan or an impact of a foreign object thereagainst
A system for detecting deformation of a fan for an aeroengine, the fan including a rotor including plural blades made of composite material including woven fibers. At least one of the fibers in each of the blades is an optical fiber including at least one portion defining a Bragg grating. The system further includes a transceiver connected to the optical fiber and configured to send an optical signal into the optical fiber and to receive an optical signal in response from the optical fiber, and a detector module connected to the transceiver to detect deformation of the fan when the received optical signal presents correlation with a predetermined signature of a damped impact on a blade at a determined speed of rotation. This deformation may be the result of a foreign object impacting against a blade of the fan or may follow from variation in an internal defect.
US09926934B2 Arrangement for liquefying natural gas and method for starting said arrangement
An arrangement for liquefying natural gas is provided. The arrangement includes a gas turbine unit that includes a gas turbine compressor, a steam turbine unit, a first compressor unit, a shiftable clutch, a heated steam generator for supplying steam to the steam turbine unit, and a second compressor unit. The steam turbine unit and the first compressor unit have a common, rigidly connected first shaft assembly, while the gas turbine unit and the second compressor unit have a common, rigidly connected second shaft assembly. In order to increase economic efficiency, the first shaft assembly and the second shaft assembly are operable to be connected to and disconnected from each other using the clutch. A suitable method for starting said arrangement is also provided.
US09926929B2 Pump device
A pump device, a main body, a cover body, a stator module at least a portion of the external of the stator module being covered with an insulation member, a securing part to secure the pump main body to the cover body, a load applying means provided between the securing part and the cover body so as to apply a load to the securing part and the cover body, a connector terminal electrically coupled to an external-connected terminal which is externally grounded, and a conductive-elastic member electrically coupled to the connector terminal and configured to make contact with the cover body as applying a load to the cover body. A discharge path is formed through the pump main body, the securing part, the load applying means, the cover body, the conductive-elastic member, and the connector terminal to discharge static electricity to the external via the external-connected terminal.
US09926926B2 High-pressure pump
A high-pressure pump is comprised of a lower housing, an upper housing and a cover, which are formed independently from each other. Thereby, shapes of the above can be simplified. Although the cylinder and the plunger receive a fuel pressure during a pressurization stroke, the upper housing and the cover do not receive fuel pressure directly from a pressurization chamber. Therefore, the upper housing and the cover can be made thin and light as much as possible.
US09926922B2 Barrel assembly for a fluid pump having separate plunger bore and outlet passage
A barrel assembly for a pumping mechanism includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plunger bore configured to receive a plunger for sliding within the plunger bore. The barrel assembly also includes at least one inlet passage including at least one inlet extending through the first end and fluidly connected to the plunger bore to communicate fluid from the at least one inlet passage to the plunger bore. The barrel assembly further includes an outlet passage fluidly connected to the plunger bore and configured to receive fluid from the plunger bore, the plunger bore and the outlet passage forming separate openings in the second end of the barrel assembly.
US09926919B2 Cryopump
A cryopump has a simple-to-manufacture frontal baffle plate with improved gas distribution and has a large-area second-stage array plate to capture Type II gases. The cryopump has a first-stage frontal baffle plate having orifices and flaps bent from and attached to the orifices. The cryopump has a second-stage top plate that is larger in area than cooling baffles of the second stage array.
US09926918B2 Energy-recuperating fluid vibration damper
Energy-recuperating vibration damper having a cylinder in which a displacer executes a limited operating movement in a working chamber so that a pressurized fluid is supplied to a fluid motor which drives a generator. A compensation chamber compensates for a change in volume of the pressurized fluid. A pressure accumulator is provided in addition to the compensation chamber, which pressure accumulator communicates with and is parallel-connected to the fluid motor.
US09926917B2 Oscillating appendage with automated prime mover for power generation
Society today is heavily dependent on electricity for everyday life. There are many different types of electrical generators. The present invention uses the concept of a conventional swing to produce electricity. On a conventional swing, humans are the prime movers, keeping the swing in motion by body movements and pumping the legs. The present invention produces rotation in a generator by operating a prime mover that mimics these human movements on a conventional swing. In the present invention, a mechanized prime Mover, in human form, takes the place of a person's body movements to keep the swing in motion.
US09926916B2 Monitored component connection, wind power installation, method of monitoring a component connection for unwanted release of the component connection in the connected condition
The invention concerns a monitored component connection comprising a first component forming a holding portion, a second component forming a receiving portion, and a connecting portion which holds the second component to the first component in the connected condition, wherein the connecting portion engages into a connection receiving means of the receiving portion. According to the invention it is proposed that for monitoring for an unwanted connection weakness in the component connection in the connected condition the connection receiving means can be acted upon with a testing pressure, and the testing pressure can be monitored for a defect deviation which is sufficient to indicate a connection weakness in the component connection in the connected condition.
US09926914B2 Method and system of extracting energy from wind
Extracting energy from wind. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: directing fluid flow across an aperture of a nozzle in operational relationship with an resonant cavity, a central axis of the nozzle and the central axis of the resonant cavity nonconcentric, and the resonant cavity has a resonant frequency; creating pressure waves within the resonant cavity, the pressure waves created at least in part by vortices within the fluid flow across the aperture; and extracting energy from pressure waves within the resonant cavity.
US09926913B2 System and method for remotely resetting a faulted wind turbine
In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for remotely resetting faulted wind turbines may generally include receiving fault data associated with a turbine fault that has occurred for a faulted wind turbine, analyzing one or more reset conditions associated with the turbine fault; determining whether the faulted wind turbine is remotely resettable based on the one or more reset conditions associated with the turbine fault and if the turbine fault is remotely resettable, transmitting a reset notification to a client device authorized to receive notifications for the wind turbine, wherein the reset notification indicates that the faulted wind turbine can be remotely reset.
US09926911B2 Wind turbine air deflector system control
One or more controllers may perform one or more methods to control one or more air deflector units of one or more wind turbine rotor blades. The methods include per-blade control methods that may be performed, e.g., to reduce blade loading caused by wind gusts. The methods also include collective control methods that may be performed, e.g., to reduce tower motion and/or rotor speed.
US09926910B2 Wind turbine setpoint control
Systems and methods for controlling the pitch angle of rotor blades in a wind turbine are provided. A signal path between a turbine controller and a pitch of a wind turbine can be broken r modified and a secondary controller can be inserted between the turbine controller and the pitch system. The secondary controller can receive a pitch angle setpoint from the turbine controller and adjust the pitch angle setpoint to an adjusted pitch angle setpoint. The adjusted pitch angle setpoint can be communicated to the pitch system. In this way, the pitch angle setpoints for the wind turbine can be adjusted to provide for increased energy production without requiring access to computer-readable instructions, such as source code, implemented by the wind turbine controller.
US09926908B2 Hydraulic pitch system for a wind turbine
The present invention relates to a hydraulic pitch system for pitching a blade of a wind turbine having a hub by means of a hydraulic fluid. The system comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder for adjusting a pitch angle of the blade, the hydraulic cylinder comprising a pitch piston movable in the hydraulic cylinder, and a first port and a second port arranged on each side of the pitch piston, and an accumulator hydraulically connected to the cylinder. The system further comprises a pitch safety system adapted to maintain the blade in a predetermined pitch angle when a person is entering the hub of the wind turbine for service and/or maintenance, the pitch safety system comprising a first valve which by activation releases a pressure in the hydraulic pitch system by draining off the accumulator for the hydraulic fluid until the pressure has reached a predetermined pressure level.
US09926907B2 Method for mounting a wind turbine rotor blade, and wind turbine rotor blade
A method for mounting a wind turbine rotor blade which has at least one release unit is provided. A hoisting rope is fastened on or in the rotor blade. First ends of at least one auxiliary rope are fastened on or in the release unit in the rotor blade. The rotor blade is lifted up by means of the hoisting rope. The rotor blade is mounted on a rotor of the wind turbine. The release unit is activated so that the first ends of the auxiliary ropes are released. The auxiliary ropes can be removed.
US09926905B2 System for converting acceleration to rotational energy
A system that converts acceleration to rotational energy by using gravity to lower a ballast member and buoyancy to raise it when the ballast member is filled with compressed air. The ballast's initial ascent is controlled by a brake member. This ascent causes a rack assembly to rise that actuates a compressor to refill the intermediary tank with compressed air so the cycle can repeat itself. The initial phase begins with the ballast member containing compressed air so it can ascend up a liquid-filled silo, generating rotational energy along the way using a mounted cable that travels around a wire drum. Upon reaching the top of the silo, valves will open allowing water to enter the ballast thereby sinking it to the bottom, creating additional rotational energy.
US09926903B2 Method and control unit for determining a future rotational speed
A method for determining a future rotational speed of a rotating drive shaft of an internal combustion engine is described, in particular while the internal combustion engine coasts after being turned off, the future rotational speed being calculated from a course of measured rotational speeds. To predict a future rotational speed of the drive shaft of the internal combustion engine as accurately as possible, instantaneous rotational speeds measured at different rotational positions of drive shaft are evaluated.
US09926899B2 Fuel-filter abnormality detection device
A fuel-filter abnormality detection device is used for a subject filter provided in a fuel supply device of an engine to filtrate a fuel. The fuel-filter abnormality detection device includes a first filter attachable downstream of the subject filter in fuel flow. A filtration capacity of the first filter is smaller than a filtration capacity of the subject filter, and the first filter traps a foreign matter on a downstream side of the subject filter to cause a change in fuel pressure indicating an abnormality of the subject filter. The fuel-filter abnormality detection device may include a bypass passage through which the fuel bypasses the first filter, a bypass control valve configured to allow the fuel to flow through the bypass passage when the abnormality of the subject filter is detected, and a second filter filtrating the fuel flowing through the bypass passage.
US09926898B2 Method of filtering fuel
A filter element is provided with a snorkel that facilitates bleeding of air along the outside periphery of a tubular filter media pack to a bleed chamber contained within the filter element. This may be employed in fuel filtration applications during installation and removal of filter elements whereby air can be temporarily trapped in a housing containing the filter element. The snorkel thus vents the air along the outside of the filter element and then into a bleed chamber where it can be communicated to a standpipe having an isolated bleed passage.
US09926890B2 Pipe unit in a conduit for a gaseous medium
A pipe unit for arrangement in a conduit for a gaseous medium, comprising a pipe-shaped body, a pipe-shaped flexible sealing element, which is fixedly attached at a first end outside the pipe-shaped body and which comprises a flange element at a second end. The flange element is detachably attachable to a flange element in a connecting pipe in the conduit, in order to, when the flange elements are fixed to each other and the pipe unit is accordingly connected with the connecting pipe, to allow movement between the pipe-shaped body and the connecting pipe via the sealing element's flexibility. A mutual fixation of said flange element forms the only touching connection of the pipe unit to said connecting pipe.
US09926886B2 Magneto-rheologic damper for electromechanical actuator
A thrust vector control actuator is provided including a ram first portion, a ram second portion, the ram second portion housed within the ram first portion and defining a damper cavity between the ram first portion and the ram second portion and the ram second portion configured to operably connect to an output link, and a magneto-rheologic fluid located within the damper cavity, the magneto-rheologic fluid configured to rigidly connect the ram first portion and the ram second portion in a first state, the magneto-rheologic fluid being solid in the first state, and a second state wherein the ram second portion is moveable relative to the ram first portion and the magneto-rheologic fluid is at least partially liquefied.
US09926883B1 Gas turbine engine with axial flow fan with twin stream impeller and variable area bypass nozzle
A gas turbine engine for a small aircraft such as a UAV having a bypass flow with a variable area bypass nozzle located at an outlet of the bypass channel, the nozzle having one position with a maximum flow area and a second position with a minimal flow area. The compressor is a twin stream compressor with an inner flow path for compressed air to the combustor and an outer flow path for the bypass channel. A fan stage can be used in front of the compressor.
US09926878B2 High pressure pump controller
When a plunger of a high pressure pump is rising, a high pressure pump controller closes a regulator valve by energizing a solenoid of an electromagnetic actuator of the high pressure pump to discharge fuel into a delivery pipe. Further, this fuel discharge energization is stopped before the plunger reaches top dead center at a pump TDC timing. Further, a fuel pressure of the delivery pipe is detected at the pump TDC timing, and based on that detected value, a time Td from the pump TDC timing until a valve opening timing of the regulator valve is estimated. Once the estimated time Td elapses from the pump TDC timing, the solenoid is reenergized to removed a movement speed of a movable portion in a direction that pushes the regulator valve in an opening direction.
US09926875B2 Fuel tank pressure sensor rationality testing using V2X technology
Methods and systems are provided for conducting a fuel tank pressure transducer rationality test diagnostic procedure in vehicles with sealed fuel tanks. In one example, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-infrastructure-to-vehicle (V2I2V) technology may be utilized to obtain fuel tank pressure transducer data from a select crowd of vehicles, where the select crowd may be based on the vehicles in the select crowd experiencing similar ambient temperature and weather as the vehicle being diagnosed. In this way, FTPT data from vehicles in the select crowd may be compared to FTPT data in the vehicle being diagnosed, in order to indicate whether the FTPT in the vehicle being diagnosed is functioning as desired, where such a diagnostic can be performed without unsealing the fuel tank on either the vehicle being diagnosed or the vehicles in the select crowd, and which may thus reduce undesired evaporative emissions.
US09926873B2 Internal combustion engine control apparatus
An internal combustion engine control apparatus includes a cylinder pressure sensor, a driving condition detector, a reference crank angle setter, a reference cylinder pressure calculator, an air-fuel ratio estimator, and a controller. The cylinder pressure sensor detects a cylinder pressure. The driving condition detector detects a driving condition in an engine. The reference crank angle setter calculates a reference crank angle immediately before which an air-fuel mixture starts combusting in accordance with the driving condition. The reference cylinder pressure calculator calculates a reference cylinder pressure in the cylinder at the reference crank angle based on temperature characteristics of a specific-heat ratio of the air-fuel mixture under a condition. The air-fuel ratio estimator calculates an air-fuel ratio based on a pressure difference between the reference cylinder pressure and the cylinder pressure at the reference crank angle. The controller controls the engine in accordance with the air-fuel ratio.
US09926871B2 Methods and systems for estimating an air-fuel ratio with a variable voltage oxygen sensor
A method for an engine may comprise, responsive to a first condition comprising a reference voltage of a first exhaust oxygen sensor operating in variable voltage mode increasing above a threshold voltage, determining a change in an output of the first exhaust oxygen sensor corresponding to the increase in the reference voltage, correcting the output of the first oxygen sensor based on the output change, and adjusting engine operation based on the corrected output. In this way, the accuracy of air-fuel estimates based on the exhaust gas sensor can be preserved, and closed loop fuel control of the engine can be maintained even when the exhaust oxygen sensor is operating VVS mode, thereby reducing engine emissions, increasing fuel economy, and increasing vehicle drivability.
US09926869B2 Method for adapting transition compensation
A method for adapting a transition compensation based on a lambda value change for operating an engine, which includes a combustion chamber having a first inlet opening connected to a first intake pipe having a first injector. The chamber includes a second inlet opening connected to a second intake pipe having a second injector. During normal operation, a predetermined fuel quantity is injected, and this quantity includes a first and second fuel quantities to be injected respectively via the first and second openings. In a first step, the first injector remains closed, and in a second step, the first injector is opened again. In the second step, a first test fuel quantity is injected into the combustion chamber via the first opening and a second test fuel quantity is injected via the second opening, the first and second test fuel quantities making up the predetermined fuel quantity.
US09926865B2 Evaporated fuel processing apparatus
An evaporated fuel processing apparatus includes: a fuel tank that stores fuel supplied to an engine; a purge pipe that communicates an upper space in the fuel tank with an inlet system of the engine; an electromagnetic valve that is mounted on the purge pipe and that opens and closes the purge pipe; an air-fuel ratio detecting module for detecting an air-fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture burned in the engine in accordance with an oxygen concentration in exhaust gas emitted from the engine; and a controlling module for controlling open and close of the electromagnetic valve based on an operating state of the engine. The controller controls at least one of a valve-open cycle, a valve-open period, and a valve-open amount of the electromagnetic valve based on a variation value of the air-fuel ratio detected by the air-fuel ratio detecting module when opening the electromagnetic valve.
US09926864B2 Control system and control method for internal combustion engine
In a control system for an internal combustion engine that can use a plurality of kinds of fuel including compressed natural gas, the invention prohibits a changeover from CNG to another fuel from being made in a period from a time when CNG is used for the first time after the start of the internal combustion engine to a time when it is determined that properties of CNG do not need to be learned, or a period from the time when CNG is used for the first time after the start of the internal combustion engine to a time when a processing of learning the properties of CNG ends.
US09926862B2 Method of operating an internal combustion engine connected to an electric generator
A method involves operating an internal combustion engine connected to an electric generator, in particular a synchronous generator, during a network fault, in particular during an electric short-circuit, in a power supply network connected to the generator. A mechanical power delivered by the internal combustion engine is introduced into the generator and converted into electric power in the generator. The electric power is delivered to the power supply network, and the mechanical power delivered by the internal combustion engine is at least temporarily increased depending on the value of at least one operating parameter of the generator and/or the internal combustion engine prior to the network fault and/or during the network fault, preferably by an amount of a fuel introduced into the internal combustion engine being increased.
US09926856B2 Cooperative cam phaser and air throttle control
Methods and apparatus relate to air handling for an internal combustion engine system, particularly utilizing premixed air and fuel. The engine system includes an intake air throttle (IAT) having a position set in response to the engine speed and a variable valve timing module having an intake valve timing set in response to the engine load. The variable valve timing module may be a cam phaser having a position at or between full retard and full advance positions. The engine system may operate in a transient mode or a fuel efficiency mode. The IAT position is adjusted in response to an engine speed error value or set at full throttle. The cam phaser position is adjusted in response to a pressure difference across the IAT, the engine speed, or is set to a limit position.
US09926855B2 Device and method for adjusting fuel supply advance angle of multi-cylinder diesel engine
A device and method for adjusting a fuel supply advance angle of a multi-cylinder diesel engine includes a gear chamber, a connecting disc and a fuel pump, wherein the gear chamber and the connecting disc are in the diesel engine, and the fuel pump is at a left end surface outside the gear chamber. A main shaft end of the fuel pump extends into the gear chamber. A right end surface of the connecting disc connects to a timing gear. A right end surface of the timing gear has three penetrating circular-arc waist-shaped holes. Annular sizing blocks are arranged on the waist-shaped holes. A penetrating circular hole is at a tail end of the waist-shaped holes. The circular hole is provided with a T-shaped nut. A support screw is arranged in the T-shaped nut, and the screw head of the support screw is jacked against the annular sizing block.
US09926849B2 Transverse mounted accessory gearbox
An accessory gear box for a gas turbine engine having a drive shaft with a rotational axis and a tower shaft coupled to the drive shaft is provided. The accessory gear box includes a first plurality of gears arranged, which extend along a first axis substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the drive shaft. The accessory gear box includes a second plurality of gears, which extend along a second axis. The accessory gear box includes a first shaft, with one of the first plurality of gears coupled to the first shaft, and one of the second plurality of gears coupled to a second shaft. The one of the second plurality of gears coupled to the first shaft includes a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface, and the second engagement surface is coupled to another one of the second plurality of gears to drive the second shaft.
US09926847B2 Method and apparatus for isolating inactive fuel passages
A system includes a turbine engine having a fuel injector. The fuel injector includes fluid ducts, each having a fuel inlet coupled to a distinct fuel source. The system includes a compressed air source that provides compressed air simultaneously to the fluid ducts, and a convergence point where combined fuel and air streams from the ducts are mixed. The fuel inlets are in a parallel flow arrangement such that no fuel from one fuel injector is present at another fuel injector.
US09926846B2 Oxidizing fuel in multiple operating modes
A fuel oxidizer system is operated in a first operating mode. In the first operating mode, a mixture that includes fuel from a fuel source is compressed in a compressor of the fuel oxidizer system; the fuel of the compressed mixture is oxidized in a reaction chamber of the fuel oxidizer system; and the oxidized fuel is expanded to generate rotational kinetic energy. The fuel oxidizer system is operated in a second operating mode. In the second operating mode, fuel from the fuel source is directed to bypass the compressor, and the fuel that bypassed the compressor is oxidized in the reaction chamber.
US09926845B2 Combustor and gas turbine
A combustor according to the invention includes a combustor basket to which air A is supplied from the outside, a plurality of first nozzles that are annularly provided along the inner periphery of the combustor basket and that supply premixed gas M of the air and fuel to the inside of the combustor basket, and a transition piece in which the combustor basket is connected to a base end thereof and which burns the premixed gas supplied from the first nozzles, thereby forming a flame front spread to the outer periphery side toward the leading end in an axial direction, wherein each first nozzle supplies the premixed gas with fuel concentration changed around the center axis of the first nozzle such that the flame front has a uniform temperature in the axial direction.
US09926844B2 Power generation system and operation method of power generation system
A power generation system includes a gas turbine, a fuel cell, an exhausted fuel gas supply line, an on-off control valve arranged in the exhausted fuel gas supply line, a heating unit that heats the exhausted fuel gas supply line in a range on an upstream side of the on-off control valve, a detection unit that detects a state of exhausted fuel gas in the exhausted fuel gas supply line in the range on the upstream side of the on-off control valve, and a control unit which controls the heating of the exhausted fuel gas supply line by the heating unit and which sets the on-off control valve to open when determining that the heating of the exhausted fuel gas supply line is completed.
US09926841B2 Acoustic measuring device
An acoustic measuring device (1) for an exhaust turbocharger, with a compressor housing (2) which comprises a compressor housing inlet (3), a compressor impeller (4), a compressor spiral (5) and a compressor housing outlet (6); with a rotation speed sensor (7) arranged in the compressor spiral (5); with a measurement tube (8) which is connected to the compressor housing outlet (6) and has at least one dynamic pressure sensor (9, 10); with a flexible intermediate pipe (11) which is connected to the measurement tube (8) downstream viewed in the flow direction (R) of the air (L) emerging from the compressor housing outlet (6); with a silencer (12) which is connected to the intermediate pipe (11) downstream; and with a Laval nozzle (13) which is connected to the silencer (12) viewed in the flow direction (R).
US09926840B2 Rotatable diverter valve
A turbine (32) section of a turbocharger (30) includes a turbine wheel (37) disposed in a turbine housing (33), the turbine housing (33) defining a gas inlet (34), a volute configured to direct gas from the inlet (34) to the turbine (32) wheel, and a gas outlet. A rotary diverter valve (100, 200) is disposed in the gas inlet (34) upstream of the volute, and provides three modes of controlling exhaust gas flow about the turbocharger (30).
US09926838B2 Control system for spark-ignition internal combustion engine
A control system for a spark-ignition internal combustion engine configured to produce tumble flow in a cylinder is provided. The spark-ignition internal combustion engine includes an ignition plug configured to ignite an air-fuel mixture in the cylinder. The control system includes a tumble flow rate controller configured to change a position of a vortex center of the tumble flow as viewed in a direction of a center axis of the cylinder, so as to control a flow rate of the tumble flow around the ignition plug at the ignition timing of the ignition plug.
US09926833B2 System and method for controlling a vehicle
A thermal management system for an engine includes a radiator in fluid communication with the engine, a fan operable to provide air flow through the radiator, and a shutter assembly positioned on an opposite side of the radiator from the fan and being adjustable to control the air flow through the radiator. The radiator includes a first radiator section and a second radiator section, the first and second radiator sections each having a fore end and an aft end, respectively, wherein the first radiator section and the second radiator section converge at the respective fore ends and define an angle therebetween.
US09926822B2 Air curtain for urea mixing chamber
An exemplary embodiment includes a blending chamber having a urea inlet, a blending chamber gas inlet, and a blending chamber outlet. A urea source provides a pressurized urea solution to the urea inlet at a urea injection pressure, and a pressurized gas source transmits pressurized gas to the blending chamber gas inlet via a passageway. The passageway is configured to decrease pressure of the pressurized gas transmitted along its length from a first pressure of gas received from the pressurized gas source to a second pressure of gas provided to the blending chamber gas inlet. The first pressure of gas received from the pressurized gas source is greater than the urea injection pressure and the second pressure of gas provided to the blending chamber gas inlet is less than the urea injection pressure.
US09926821B2 Cylinder lubrication system for two-stroke engine
In a cylinder lubrication system for a two-stroke engine, a plurality of lubricating oil supply openings (78) open out in the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder (42) at a point lower than a top ring (22b) of a piston (22) located at a bottom dead center. The lubricating oil supply openings are configured to provide a larger amount of lubricating oil in the thrust side and anti-thrust side of the cylinder than in a remaining part of the cylinder. Thereby, the consumption of lubricating oil and the emission of undesired substances can be minimized while providing an optimum lubrication of the sliding part between the piston and the cylinder.
US09926820B2 Oil system for a diesel engine and method for operating a diesel engine
An example oil system is provided, including at least one oil chamber forming an oil sump, an oil reservoir, which is arranged separately from the oil chamber, and at least partially arranged at the same geodetic height as the oil chamber, and at least one fluid connection which connects the oil chamber to the oil reservoir. An electric shut-off unit may block the fluid connection of the oil chamber to the oil reservoir in a blocking state and at least partially release the same in a release state. In order to extend oil changing intervals, a number of regeneration operations and an estimate of an instantaneous degree of dilution of oil present in the oil chamber, may be used for activating the electric shut-off unit to connect or block the fluidic connection between the oil chamber and the oil reservoir.
US09926819B2 Lubricating device of internal combustion engine
In a lubricating device of an internal combustion engine having a crank chamber and a transmission chamber, which is arranged in the rear of the crank chamber so as to accommodate therein a gear transmission provided with a main shaft and a pump shaft. The pump shaft is shared by a scavenging pump and a feed pump for feeding oil to a part to be lubricated and to which motive power from the crank shaft is transmittable. An axis of the pump shaft is arranged below an axis of the main shaft. A pump gear located on the pump shaft meshes directly with a primary driven gear, which meshes with a primary drive gear located on the crank shaft so as to form a primary gear reduction mechanism in cooperation with the primary drive gear.
US09926816B2 Switchable rocker arm with pivot joint
A switchable rocker arm for valve deactivation is provided for a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The switchable rocker arm includes a cam lever assembly, a valve lever assembly, and a hydraulically actuated coupling assembly that is radially arranged between the cam lever and valve lever assemblies. The coupling assembly includes a shuttle pin, a locking pin with a round or flat locking interface, and optional shuttle pin and locking pin sleeves. In a first, locked position, the rotational motion of a camshaft is translated to linear motion of an engine valve. In a second, unlocked position, the cam lever assembly rotates about the valve lever assembly, facilitating valve deactivation. A pivot joint arranged between the cam lever and valve lever assemblies facilitates an arcuate lost motion of the cam lever assembly. An integrated arrangement for one or more lost motion springs offers packaging and functional advantages.
US09926815B2 Adjustable camshaft
An adjustable camshaft for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine may include an inner shaft extending through an outer shaft with a cam element disposed on the outer shaft. The cam element may be connected rotationally conjointly to the inner shaft. The cam element may have a shaft passage with an internal bearing surface, which, together with a bearing surface on an outer side of the outer shaft, forms a plain bearing arrangement for the rotatable arrangement of the cam element on the outer shaft. The bearing surface on the outer side of the outer shaft and/or the internal bearing surface of the shaft passage of the cam element may include one or more sections with a spherical shape.
US09926810B2 High performance steam cycle
Implementations described herein provide a high efficiency steam cycle that includes a steam turbine cycle coupled to output of a high performance steam piston topping (HPSPT) cycle. The HPSPT cycle includes a piston-cylinder assembly that extracts work from an expanding fluid volume and operates in a thermal regime outside of thermal operational limits of a steam turbine. The steam turbine cycle utilizes heat, transferred at the output of the HPSPT cycle, to generate turbine work.
US09926801B2 Blade track assembly with turbine tip clearance control
An apparatus and method for controlling turbine blade tip clearance is disclosed herein. A blade track assembly can include a blade track carrier having a plurality of slots and rails defined by paths that vary in radial position as a function of circumferential location. An expansion ring can be operably coupled with the slots of the blade track carrier. A plurality of blade track segments can be operably coupled with the expansion ring and engageable with the rails of the blade track carrier such that expansion and contraction of the expansion ring causes radially outward movement and radially inward movement, respectively, of the blade track segments.
US09926799B2 Gas turbine engine components, blade outer air seal assemblies, and blade outer air seal segments thereof
A gas turbine engine component is provided. The gas turbine engine component has an internal cooling passage having first endwall and a second endwall. A primary inlet aperture is in fluid communication with a coolant supply and the first end of the internal cooling passage. An elongated rib is inside the internal cooling passage and proximate the primary inlet aperture. The elongated rib is configured to direct at least a portion of the coolant from the primary inlet aperture against a proximate one of the first or second endwall and then substantially reverse direction to flow downstream toward a second end of the internal cooling passage. A blade outer air seal (“BOAS”) assembly and a BOAS segment thereof are also provided.
US09926798B2 Method for manufacturing composite fan annulus filler having nano-coating
A method of making a fan annulus filler for use in a fan assembly of a gas turbine engine may include an annulus filler body formed of a polymer. The annulus filler body may include a surface coated with a nanocrystalline coating to form a flow surface.
US09926797B2 Flange trapped seal configuration
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a sealing arrangement includes a turbine static structure with an inner case and a seal ring each having contact surfaces. The sealing arrangement also has a bearing compartment with a contact surface. A piston seal is positioned between the inner case, the seal ring, and the bearing compartment and is configured to contact the contact surfaces.
US09926795B2 Fan blade positioning and support system for variable pitch, spherical tip fan blade engines
The present disclosure provides a blade positioning and support system for a gas turbine engine including a blade, the blade having a root and a tip, with the root having a surface oriented away from the tip, the surface having a forward end and an aft end, the forward end projecting farther away from the tip than the aft end. Further, the present disclosure provides a blade receiver, the blade receiver having a face and a facet, with the face being oriented away from the facet, the face having a forward end and an aft end, the aft end projecting farther away from the facet than the forward end.
US09926790B2 Composite turbine components adapted for use with strip seals
A turbine shroud for a turbine of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The turbine shroud is configured to direct products of a combustion reaction in a combustor of the gas turbine engine toward a plurality of rotatable turbine blades of the turbine to cause the plurality of turbine blades to rotate.
US09926786B2 Method for joining at least two rotor elements of a turbomachine
The invention relates to a method for joining at least two rotor elements of at least one rotor of a turbomachine. The detecting of a radial runout of at least one radially outer-lying cylindrical surface of the rotor elements at each of at least two points that are spaced axially apart from each other occurs by a measuring device. Depending on this, a relative mounting alignment of the rotor elements with respect to one another, at which the distance of the total center of mass of the rotor is minimized relative to its total axis of rotation, is determined. The invention detects of the radial runout of the radially outer-lying cylindrical surfaces of the rotor elements occurs optically by at least one optical sensor element of the measuring device. The invention further relates to a measuring apparatus and to a mounting apparatus.
US09926779B2 Downhole whirl detection while drilling
A method for making downhole whirl measurements in a drill string includes rotating a sensor set in a borehole. The sensor set is deployed in the drill string and includes at least one cross-axial accelerometer and at least one cross-axial magnetometer. Sensor measurements, including a plurality of accelerometer measurements and a plurality of magnetometer measurements made at predetermined measurement intervals, may be obtained while drilling and used to compute a whirl magnitude.
US09926774B2 Methods of producing with multi-sidetracked mother wellbores
Methods produce hydrocarbons from an unconventional reservoir using a number of sidetrack lateral wells. A first of the lateral wells is drilled and produced before being closed for drilling of a subsequent lateral well. Drilling and production from such horizontal laterals alternates between first and second mother wellbores. One mother wellbore thereby undergoes drilling and completion while the other mother wellbore is in production.
US09926773B2 Expandable drop device
The present invention relates to a downhole system for a well producing hydro-carbon-containing fluid. The downhole system comprises a casing comprising a first casing part and a second casing part, the second casing part having a casing thickness and comprising at least one sleeve having an inner face, and the second casing part being substantially a monobore in that the second casing part has an inner diameter which varies by less than twice the casing thickness; and a drop device for being immersed into the casing having at least one sleeve having an inner face. The drop device comprises a body having a width; a leading end; and a trailing end. The body further comprises an expandable sealing element arranged between the leading end and the trailing end, moving from a first position in which fluid is allowed to pass the device and a second position in which the sealing element abuts the inner face of the sleeve and seals off a first zone in the well from a second zone in the well. Furthermore, the invention relates to a downhole system and a stimulation method.
US09926770B1 Portable all-electric subsea drive module
A subsea tool assembly includes a subsea tool and a subsea drive module connected to and configured to provide drive power to the subsea tool. The subsea drive module includes a housing configured for operation in a subsea environment, an electrical motor deployed in the housing, and an electrical power supply deployed in the housing. The electrical motor is configured to rotate a magnetic coupling which is sized and shaped to magnetically engage a corresponding magnetic coupling in the subsea tool. The electrical power supply is electrically connected to and configured to provide electrical power to the motor. Rotation of the magnetic coupling rotates the corresponding magnetic coupling in the subsea tool thereby providing drive power to the subsea tool.
US09926769B2 Systems and methods for downhole communication
A method of conducting multiple stage treatments. The method includes running a string into a borehole. The string having at least a first sleeve assembly and a second sleeve assembly. The first sleeve assembly in a position closing a port in the string; communicating from a radial exterior of the string or from a location downhole of the first and second sleeve assemblies to a first electronic trigger of the first sleeve assembly to trigger the first sleeve assembly into moving longitudinally relative to the string to open the port. Performing a treatment operation through the port; communicating from the radial exterior of the string or from a location downhole of the first and second sleeve assemblies to a second electronic trigger of the second sleeve assembly to trigger the second sleeve assembly into moving longitudinally relative to the string to close the port.
US09926765B2 Slip configuration for downhole tool
A downhole tool or plug is used for sealing in tubing. A mandrel of the tool has a first shoulder disposed toward a downhole end of the mandrel. A sealing element for sealing in the tubing is disposed on the mandrel adjacent the first shoulder, a slip is disposed on the mandrel adjacent the sealing element, and a cone is disposed on the mandrel adjacent the slip. In setting the tool, the cone moves toward the first shoulder, wedges the slip against the tubing, and compresses the sealing element between the slip and the first shoulder. Force applied against a seated plug in the mandrel transfers through the mandrel to the cone and slip without passing through the sealing element.
US09926764B2 Molded product having effective thickness of 1 mm or more and containing aliphatic polyester resin, and downhole tool member for hydrocarbon resource recovery
Described are a molded product having an effective thickness of 1 mm or more, the molded product being formed from an aliphatic polyester resin composition containing from 1 to 30 parts by mass of a carboxylic acid anhydride and preferably further containing from 1 to 50 parts by mass of at least one type of a short fiber reinforcing material, a thermoplastic elastomer, or an acrylic rubber core-shell polymer per 100 parts by mass of an aliphatic polyester resin containing not less than 50 mass % of a polyglycolic acid resin, the effective thickness being 1 mm or more; a downhole tool for hydrocarbon resource recovery formed from the molded product having an effective thickness of 1 mm or more; an aliphatic polyester resin composition for the downhole tool member for hydrocarbon resource recovery; and a well drilling method.
US09926763B2 Corrodible downhole article and method of removing the article from downhole environment
A method of removing a corrodible downhole article having a surface coating includes eroding the surface coating by physical abrasion, chemical etching, or a combination of physical abrasion and chemical etching, the surface coating comprising a metallic layer of a metal resistant to corrosion by a corrosive material.
US09926762B1 Downhole sealing apparatus
In one aspect, a seal apparatus for use with a mandrel is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment contains a seal housing disposed about the mandrel, wherein the seal housing is spaced apart from the mandrel to form a seal gap, a seal member disposed between the seal housing and the mandrel, wherein the seal member is bonded to the seal housing and the seal member is formed from a first material, and a seal support disposed between the seal housing and the mandrel, wherein the seal support is formed from a second material, wherein the second material is stiffer than the first material, and the seal support extends across the seal gap in response to an energizing force applied to the seal support.
US09926758B1 Systems and methods for removing components of a subsea well
Disclosed are systems and methods for removing components of a subsea well having a wellhead located on a seabed and multiple well casings connected to the wellhead and penetrating the seabed. A cutting tool is lowered from a floating vessel to a predetermined cut location in the subsea well. The cutting tool is at the end of a utility line connected to an actuator located on the floating vessel. The cutting tool is used to sever the multiple well casings at the predetermined cut location such that the multiple well casings are completely severed concurrently. The wellhead and the severed multiple well casings are raised together from the seabed to the floating vessel as a single assembly. Various forms of the cutting tool are disclosed. The methods disclosed can include an integrated procedure for dispensing cement to plug the well at the seabed as the well components are being removed.
US09926757B2 Head assembly and a valve system for use in a core drilling system
A valve system for an inner tube assembly is described. The inner tube assembly is arranged to be used in a drilling system to retrieve a core sample, and is arranged to be insertable into a drill string of the drilling system at a first end of the drill string. The valve system is arranged to be configurable in a first closed configuration, an open configuration, and a second closed configuration. The valve system moves to the first closed configuration when fluid is pumped along an interior region of the drill string towards the inner tube assembly in a direction from the first end of the drill string to the inner tube assembly. The valve system is arranged such that, when in the first closed configuration, a pressure of the fluid increases to facilitate deploying the inner tube assembly towards a second end of the drill string. The valve system moves to the open configuration in response to the inner tube assembly reaching a vicinity of the second end of the drill string and being prevented from moving further towards the second end of the drill string. The valve system is arranged such that, when in the open configuration, fluid can flow to a drill bit located at or near the second end of the drill string. The valve system moves to the second closed configuration when fluid is pumped along the interior region of the drill string towards the inner tube assembly in a direction from the second end of the drill string to the inner tube assembly. The valve system is arranged such that, when in the second closed configuration, the pressure of the fluid increases to facilitate retrieving the inner tube assembly from the vicinity of the second end of the drill string.
US09926754B2 Sucker rod guide
A polymeric rod guide for a sucker rod, said polymeric rod guide having a body surrounding and coaxial with the sucker rod and molded in fixed contact with the rod. The body having a polygonal cross-section and a plurality of blades longitudinally disposed and extending from the body, each blade having a pair of planar longitudinal side walls and an exterior longitudinal edge, each of said blades having a first blade face disposed between a first terminal end of the blade and the exterior longitudinal edge and a second blade face disposed between a second terminal end of the blade and the exterior longitudinal edge, and an area of the body between the longitudinal side wall of a first blade and the longitudinal side wall of an adjacent second blade defines a trough having a plurality of planar surfaces.
US09926750B2 Pressure responsive downhole tool having an adjustable shear thread retaining mechanism and related methods
A pressure responsive downhole tool comprises a threaded shearable retaining mechanism which performs the tension sleeve or shear pin function. The threaded shearable retaining mechanism comprises a pin and box thread that shears upon application of a predetermined pressure which may be adjusted based upon the amount of thread engagement. The pin thread may comprise indicators to indicate which thread engagement corresponds to what shear value. A keystone thread design may be utilized such that the thread would be retained along the threaded connection and not become lost in the well. Thus, the present invention allows for each pressure responsive tool to be custom tailored for a specific job.
US09926747B2 Method of incorporating remote communication with oilfield tubular handling apparatus
Signal communications at a drilling system generally includes communicating upwards or downwards from the rig floor. For example, signal communications upwards may comprise the control of a cementing head operation (e.g., actuating cementing head). Signal communications downwards may comprise the activation of tools and their confirmation (e.g., hole opening tools, liner hangers, and packers). Actuation may be performed via umbilicals, for example, via pressure spikes or the dropping of balls, darts, or radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. However, issues may arise wherein, for example, a ball may not properly land to close a circulation valve. As another example, a cementing head could be over 100 feet above the rig floor, which may make it difficult for signal communications via an umbilical. Accordingly, what is needed are techniques and apparatus for activation of tools and their confirmation by a remote communication system.
US09926737B2 Delivery door
A delivery door may include a frame having a slot, an interior flange and an exterior flange. A panel may be attached to the frame and comprise a closed configuration and an open configuration. A securing device may be connected to the frame and the panel. The securing device may be a remote accessed internet enabled lock assembly. In certain embodiments, the panel may have a handle and a stopper. The panel may also be motorized. The delivery door may include a receptacle attached to the internal flange and the frame. The delivery door may be attached to a cut out portion of the structure. The securing device may be controlled from a wireless device.
US09926735B2 Telescoping door integrated hardware
A sliding door assembly comprises a plurality of door panels for coordinated movement along an upper guide track. A bracket is mounted to the upper end of one of the door panels. The bracket comprises an elongated member and defines a plurality of openings for receiving fasteners and roller mechanisms. At least one roller mechanism is secured to each of the door panels and slidably received within the upper guide track. A pair of pulleys is secured to the bracket for carrying an endless cable and the door panels are secured to the cable. In a fully open position, a first outer door panel of the door panels is secured to the cable of the immediately adjacent door panel at a side of the immediately adjacent door panel opposite to the lead edge.
US09926725B2 Lockable cover assembly
The present disclosure provides lockable cover assemblies that can cover mounting fasteners used to secure network devices to mounting structures, including racks, rack-mounted enclosures, cabinets or other mounting enclosures used to mount network devices, or utility boxes used to mount network devices. The lockable cover assemblies can be configured to cover the mounting fasteners of one or more network devices or the lockable cover assemblies can be built into a mounting enclosure and lock each network device in the rack.
US09926723B2 Locking mechanism
A locking mechanism including a plunger, a plurality of locking elements, a cage including apertures in which the locking elements are housed, and a sleeve, with the sleeve moveable with respect to the cage between an unlocked position and a locked position, and when the sleeve is in the locked position, the sleeve maintains the locking elements in engagement with a recess on the plunger to restrict movement of the plunger.
US09926719B2 Slingshot side saddle substructure
The drilling rig includes a first substructure and a second substructure. The second substructure is positioned generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first substructure and generally the same height as the first substructure. The drilling rig further includes a drill floor coupled to the first and second substructures, where the drill floor positioned substantially at the top of the first and second substructures.
US09926709B1 Mechanism for supporting and positioning a glass floor unit
A mechanism for supporting and positioning a glass floor unit relative to a base utilizing a support positioned to contact the glass floor unit. An adjuster interacts with a receiver fixed to the base. The adjuster includes a contact element which moves the support and exerts a force against the glass floor unit in an upward direction.
US09926707B1 Metal panel wall cover system
Metal panel siding systems incorporate panel clips and cover. The panel clips are mounted in linear arrays to a wall. The cover comprises a plurality of elongated metal panels having lateral side laps and a show side. The side laps extend inward from the show side. The panel clips comprise a first catch engaging a side lap of a first panel and a second catch engaging a side lap of a second, adjacent the panel. Thus, the side laps provide vertical seams between the adjacent panels. The first catch of the panel clips is mounted to the wall. The second catch is coupled to the first catch for movement from an unset position to a set position. The second catch does not engage the side lap of the second panel in its unset position, and engages the side lap of the second panel in its set position.
US09926702B2 Roof insulation systems
An insulation system includes roof sheathing panels, spaced apart structural members, a first insulation material, and a second insulation material. The first insulation material is disposed between pairs of the spaced apart structural members. The second insulation material is disposed across the spaced apart structural members and the first insulation material, such that both the spaced apart structural members and the first insulation material are covered by the second insulation material.
US09926696B2 Deodorizing urinal
A deodorizing urinal includes a urinal body and a deodorizing device. The deodorizing device is connected to the urinal body, and includes a cooling unit, a releasing unit and a processing unit. The cooling unit is configured to generate a unit of low-temperature deodorizer. The releasing unit is configured to receive and store the unit of low-temperature deodorizer from the cooling unit. The processing unit is coupled to the releasing unit and is configured to generate a releasing signal in response to a trigger condition. The processing unit is configured to send the releasing signal to the releasing unit to enable the releasing unit to release the unit of low-temperature deodorizer stored therein into the urinal body.
US09926690B2 Dispensing arrangement for water
A dispensing arrangement for water comprises a tap, in particular a kitchen tap such as a boiling water tap, provided with a shut-off valve and an operating element, such that the dispensing arrangement is operable with a compound movement of the operating element. For dispensing of the water at least a portion of the compound movement serves to release the shut-off valve prior to operation and comprises at least one of a movement to-and-fro, a repeated movement and a movement of at least a predetermined duration and wherein a subsequent portion of the compound movement serves to operate the shut-off valve.
US09926688B2 Connecting unit for a kitchen mixer tap and method for placing and connecting said unit
The invention relates to a connecting unit for a kitchen mixer tap which is configured to supply cold water, warm water, and water of at least one other type. The connecting unit is provided with a cold water supply connection for supplying cold mains water, a cold water discharge connection for discharging cold water, a warm water discharge connection for discharging warm water, an auxiliary water discharge connection for discharging water of another type to the kitchen mixer tap, an apparatus discharge connection for discharging cold water to be heated to a warm water preparation apparatus, an apparatus supply connection for supplying water coming out of the warm water preparation apparatus, an inlet combination coupled to the apparatus discharge connection, and a mixer element coupled to the warm water discharge connection for mixing cold water and warm water. The connecting unit is configured to be placed under a worktop.
US09926683B2 Method and apparatus for elevating a marine platform
A method of elevating the deck area of a marine platform (e.g., oil and gas well drilling or production platform) utilizes a specially configured sleeve support to support the platform legs so that they can be cut. Once cut, rams or jacks elevate the platform above the cuts. The sleeve support is then connected (e.g., welded) to the platform leg and becomes part of the structural support for the platform. In one embodiment, two sleeves are employed. In another embodiment, the jacks or rams elevate in two stages including a first stage wherein one sleeve elevates and the other sleeve does not elevate and a second stage wherein both sleeves elevate together.
US09926682B2 Door structure for floating flap gate
To make it possible to raise a door body even if it is damaged by an impact of vehicle traffic or falling objects when it is in a lowered state, and to keep the door body in a raised state even if it is damaged by a water pressure of a tsunami or a high tide when it is in a raised state. A door body 2 of a floating flap gate 1 is disposed at an opening or at an access way. When water flows in, a forward end 2b of which swings upwards, in a direction in which the water flows in and within a plane in a height direction, around a base end 2a thereof which serves as a center of rotation, to block the opening or the access way. The door body 2 is formed from a hard polyurethane foam 4 in the form of a sheet.
US09926676B1 Locking mechanism for removable base plate on vibratory compactor
A locking mechanism for a base plate of a vibratory compactor includes a locking actuator configured to alternately lock and unlock the base plate relative to the vibratory compactor, and a hydraulic control circuit in fluid communication with a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and the locking actuator. The hydraulic control circuit includes a hydraulic pilot-pressure-actuated, 2-position spool valve, wherein the spool valve is configured to move to a first position when pressurized hydraulic fluid from the source is supplied to the spool valve in a first direction, and move to a second position when the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the source is supplied to the spool valve in a second direction. In the first position of the spool valve the pressurized hydraulic fluid moves the locking actuator to a locked position, and after the locking actuator is in the locked position, the pressurized hydraulic fluid operates a hydraulic motor configured to power the vibratory compactor. In the second position of the spool valve the pressurized hydraulic fluid moves the locking actuator to an unlocked position.
US09926675B2 Surface compactor and method of operation
The present invention relates to a surface compactor and a method of operating a surface compactor. The surface compactor is provided with at least one compacting surface for compacting a substrate an excitation system that generates a substantially square wave vibrational displacement or force that vibrates the least one compacting surface during compaction to increase the compaction rate of the substrate.
US09926674B2 Method for controlling a construction machine, control system for a construction machine, and construction machine
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a construction machine which performs a working operation along a working trajectory on a ground depending on at least one operating parameter. A method according to the present invention comprises placing at least one mark, detectable by a sensor device, stationary on the ground in a region which, regarded from at least one position of the construction machine on the working trajectory, is located in the detection region of the sensor device. The mark is detected by the sensor device, resulting in the generation of sensor data which is processed by the data processing device of the construction machine. A control command is generated for the machine control of the construction machine for changing at least one operating parameter of the construction machine.
US09926670B2 Movable fixture for milling rail heads and procedure for replacing cutting plates for such a fixture
A movable fixture for milling rail heads of slide rails arranged in a track bed includes: a rotating milling head mounted in a milling head drive mechanism supported by a chassis. The milling head has at least one cutting tooth comprising several cutting plates for milling the rail heads and a disc-shaped tool carrier connected to the milling head drive mechanism. The tool carrier includes cassettes assembled with cutting plates arranged around their periphery. The cassettes are arranged in several carrier segments connected to the tool carrier so they can be detached. The cassettes are arranged peripherally on the tool carrier with at least two assembled cutting plates, the cassettes being different with regard to at least one of: a number of cutting teeth; distances of the cutting teeth from each other; rake angle of the individual cutting plates; or inclination angle of the individual cutting plates.
US09926667B2 Seamless unitary deflection member for making fibrous structures having increased surface area and process for making same
A seamless unitary deflection member. The seamless unitary deflection member can have a backside defining an X-Y plane and a thickness in a Z-direction. The seamless unitary deflection member can also have a reinforcing member and a plurality of protuberances positioned on the reinforcing member. Each protuberance can have a three-dimensional shape such that any cross-sectional area of the protuberance parallel to the X-Y plane can have an equal or lesser area than any cross-sectional area of the protuberance being a greater distance from the X-Y plane in the Z-direction.
US09926665B2 Crosslinked cellulose as precursor in production of high-grade cellulose derivatives and related technology
A pulp in accordance with a particular embodiment includes crosslinked cellulose fibers. The pulp can have high brightness, reactivity, and intrinsic viscosity. The pulp, therefore, can be well suited for use as a precursor in the production of low-color, high-viscosity cellulose derivatives. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology includes forming a pulp from a cellulosic feedstock, bleaching the pulp, crosslinking cellulose fibers within the pulp while the pulp has a high consistency, and drying the pulp. The bleaching process can reduce a lignin content of the pulp to less than or equal to 0.09% by oven-dried weight of the crosslinked cellulose fibers. Crosslinking the cellulose fibers can include exposing the cellulose fibers to a glycidyl ether crosslinker having two or more glycidyl groups and a molecular weight per epoxide within a range from 140 to 175.
US09926660B2 Washing machine and method for treating laundry using foam
A washing machine has a lye container, a lye drainage system disposed at a base of the lye container, a drive motor for a drum, and a heating unit. The washing machine has a device for supplying air into the lye, the device can be switched independently of the drum, and the device is an air compressor pump having an outlet to the lye container.
US09926657B2 Floor coverings with universal backing and methods of making, installing, and recycling
A dimensionally stable floor covering comprises a tufted textile substrate and a reinforcement layer attached to the textile substrate. The reinforcement layer includes an adhesive backing compound and reinforcement fibers surrounded by the adhesive backing. The fibers may form a continuous layer on the back side of the floor covering or may be dispersed within the adhesive backing compound. The adhesive backing compound may be hot water-soluble to facilitate recycling of the floor covering. The floor covering may optionally include additional backing layers (including cushions) and may be used as a broadloom carpet, a carpet tile, or other modular floor covering products. Methods of manufacturing, installing, and recycling the present floor coverings are also provided.
US09926655B2 Entangled substrate of short individualized bast fibers
Nonwoven textile fabrics in accordance with the present invention include a web of entangled polymeric fibers with substantially pectin-free, individualized bast fibers having a mean length less than 9 millimeters (mm). A method of making a nonwoven fabric includes forming a web of polymeric fibers, forming a randomly arrayed fiber web of the substantially individualized bast fibers having a mean length less than 9 mm, disposing the web of the substantially individualized bast fibers onto the web of polymeric fibers, and entangling the polymeric fibers with the substantially individualized bast fibers to form the nonwoven fabric. In addition, laminates include the nonwoven fabric, a film, and an adhesive disposed between the fabric and the film to bond the nonwoven fabric to the film.
US09926650B2 Clothing wire for a roller of a carding machine
A clothing wire for a clothing roller of a carding machine extends in a wire longitudinal direction and having a base segment, which is thicker transversely to the wire longitudinal direction. A leaf segment, which is narrower compared to the base segment, protrudes from the base segment. A plurality of teeth is formed on the leaf segment along the clothing wire in the wire longitudinal direction. Each tooth has two leaf segment lateral surfaces adjoining the base segment. On at least one of the leaf segment lateral surfaces, at least one projection is formed on each tooth. The cross-sectional profile of the projection is asymmetric and preferably has the contour of a nose. The design of the clothing wire results in a homogenization or parallelization of the fibers, with little wear of the clothing wire and less damage to the fibers.
US09926648B2 Process for making fibrous structures
Processes for making fibrous structures and more particularly processes for making fibrous structures comprising filaments are provided.
US09926646B2 Method for growing B-Ga2O3-based single crystal
A method for growing a β-Ga2O3-based single crystal, can provide a plate-shaped β-Ga2O3-based single crystal having high crystal quality. In one embodiment, a method for growing a β-Ga2O3-based single crystal employing an EFG method is provided, the method including: bringing a plate-shaped seed crystal into contact with a Ga2O3-based melt, wherein the plate-shaped seed crystal includes a β-Ga2O3-based single crystal having a defect density of not more than 5×105 /cm2 in the whole region; and pulling up the seed crystal to grow a β-Ga2O3-based single crystal.
US09926641B2 Method of manufacturing metal sheet having alloy plated layer
There is provided a method of manufacturing a metal sheet having an alloy plated layer, the method including a step of passing a metal strip continuously through a plating bath to perform electroplating in the plating bath, the plating bath including a plating liquid and an anode, the plating liquid containing two or more kinds of metal ions for forming the alloy plated layer, wherein an anode obtained by mixing two or more kinds of metal pellets is used as the anode, the metal pellets being formed of respective metals that form the alloy plated layer, wherein a mixing ratio of each metal pellet that constitutes the anode is determined based on a total surface area ratio of each metal pellet in the anode so that a dissolution ratio of each metal pellet that constitutes the anode is a dissolution ratio corresponding to a weight ratio of each metal that constitutes the alloy plated layer.
US09926639B2 Methods for forming barrier/seed layers for copper interconnect structures
Methods for forming barrier/seed layers for interconnect structures are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of processing a substrate having an opening formed in a first surface of the substrate, the opening having a sidewall and a bottom surface, the method may include forming a layer comprising manganese (Mn) and at least one of ruthenium (Ru) or cobalt (Co) on the sidewall and bottom surface of the opening; and depositing a conductive material on the layer to fill the opening. In some embodiments, one of ruthenium (Ru) or cobalt (Co) is deposited on the sidewall and bottom surface of the opening. The materials may be deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or by physical vapor deposition (PVD).
US09926638B2 Aluminum or aluminum alloy molten salt electroplating bath having good throwing power, electroplating method using the bath, and pretreatment method of the bath
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an electrical Al plating bath that poses little danger of exploding or igniting as a result of contacting air or water, and contains no benzene, toluene, xylene, naphthalene, or 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, which have detrimental effects to humans. The present invention provides an electrical aluminum or aluminum alloy fused salt plating bath that is obtained by heat treatment of an electrical aluminum or aluminum alloy fused salt plating bath containing (A) a halogenated aluminum as the primary component and (B) at least one other type of halide after adding (C) one, two or more reducible compounds selected from the group consisting of hydrides of elements in Group 1 Periods 2 through 6 of the Periodic Table of Elements and/or hydrides of Group 13 Periods 2 through 6 of the Periodic Table of Elements and amine borane compounds.
US09926637B2 Tin or tin alloy plating liquid
Tin or tin alloy plating liquid with a sufficient plated deposit can be formed in the opening without causing burns on the plated film surface or abnormal deposits, and which has a good via filling effect. When a specific α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compound is added into the tin or tin alloy plating liquid, the plating liquid with good via filling performance can be obtained, and the deposit which is substantially free of voids and burns or abnormal deposits on the deposit surface are reduced.
US09926635B2 Irrigation system
An irrigation system is provided. The irrigation system includes a reservoir for storing irrigation water, an electrolytic gas generator, a detector, and a control unit. The electrolytic gas generator is in fluid communication with the reservoir to output a first gas and a second gas generated by the electrolytic gas generator to the irrigation water. The detector is arranged in the water reservoir to detect the concentrations of dissolved first gas and dissolved second gas of the irrigation water to obtain dissolved gas concentration information. The control unit electrically connects to the detector and the electrolytic gas generator receives the dissolved gas concentration information and adjusts the voltage applied to the electrolytic gas generator according to the dissolved gas concentration information to control the type of gas generated by the electrolytic gas generator and the concentrations of dissolved first and second gas of the irrigation water.
US09926626B2 System and method for processing substrates
The present invention relates to a system for processing coated substrates, having the following features: at least one evacuable process box for accommodating at least one substrate with a gas-tightly sealable housing, which forms a hollow space, wherein the housing comprises at least one housing section, which is implemented such that the substrate is thermally treatable by incident electromagnetic thermal radiation, wherein the housing has at least one housing section coupleable to a cooling device for its cooling and at least one housing section not coupled to the cooling device, wherein the hollow space is divided by at least one separating wall into a process space for accommodating the substrate and an intermediate space, wherein the separating wall has one or a plurality of openings and is arranged between the substrate and the housing section coupled to the cooling device, and wherein the housing is provided with at least one sealable gas passage that opens into the hollow space, for evacuating and introducing gas into the hollow space; a cooling device for cooling the process box housing section coupleable to the cooling device; at least one loading/unloading unit for loading and/or unloading the process box; at least one heating unit for heating the substrate in the process box; at least one cooling unit for cooling the substrate in the process box; at least one pumping-out device for draining the hollow space of the process box; at least one gas supply device for supplying the hollow space of the process box with at least one gas; at least one transport mechanism, which is implemented for the purpose of executing a relative movement between, on the one hand, the process box and, on the other, the heating, cooling, and loading/unloading unit.
US09926625B2 Deposition apparatus
Disclosed is a deposition apparatus. The deposition apparatus includes a susceptor into which reactive gas is introduced, and a wafer holder provided in the susceptor to receive a substrate or a wafer. The wafer holder comprises a gas feeding part provided at a lateral side of the wafer holder.
US09926623B2 Methods of forming molybdenum sputtering targets
In various embodiments, sputtering targets are formed by introducing molybdenum powder into a sheet bar mold, pressing the powder to form a sheet bar, sintering the sheet bar to form an ingot having a density of at least 90% of a theoretical density, preheating the ingot, rolling the ingot to form a plate, and heat treating the plate.
US09926618B2 Extracting agent for separating lithium isotopes and use thereof
The present invention discloses an extracting agent for separating lithium isotopes and an organic extraction phase containing the extracting agent; the organic extraction phase easily enriches 7Li and achieves the separation of lithium isotopes. The present invention also discloses a high-efficiency method for separating lithium isotopes in an aqueous solution, in which the organic extraction phase of the present invention is used, said organic extraction phase being suitable for single-stage and multi-stage extraction processes.
US09926614B2 Device for immobilizing the chute on the ends of journals in an apparatus for loading a shaft furnace
A device for immobilising the spout on the ends of the trunnions, in a charging installation for a shaft furnace comprising a pivoting material distribution spout (1), the spout being connected to the supporting trunnions (2) by lugs (11) which engage in receptacles (21) formed in the trunnions and which are immobilised therein by pins (3) comprising at their end an eccentric nipple (31) engaging with a lug of the spout to hold the lug immobilised at the bottom of its receptacle, and locking means (4) for rotationally locking the pin. Each pin comprises, at the outer, opposite end thereof from the nipple, means (32) for rotational adjustment and tightening, so as to be able to press the nipple onto the lug of the spout with sufficient force by rotation of the pin, and the locking means comprise an indexing plate (41) connected for rotation to the end of the pin (3), the plate (41) further comprising teeth (416) arranged to cooperate with the corresponding teeth (421) of a lock (42) secured to the trunnion, in such a way that said lock can rotationally immobilise the pin in a plurality of circumferential positions of said pin.
US09926610B2 Detection of nucleic acids using unmodified gold nanoparticles
A gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric assay kit for nucleic acids from viral, bacterial and other microorganisms that detects unamplified or amplified polynucleotides in clinical specimens using unmodified AuNPs and oligotargeter polynucleotides that bind to a pathogen's nucleic acids. A method for detecting a pathogen comprising contacting a sample suspected of containing microbes with a polynucleotide that binds to pathogen nucleic acid and with gold nanoparticles, detecting the aggregation of nanoparticles, and detecting pathogen polynucleotides in the sample when the nanoparticles aggregate (solution color becomes blue) in comparison with a control or a negative sample not containing the virus when nanoparticles do not aggregate (solution color remains red).
US09926604B2 Multiplex PCR-based testing of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and methods for distinguishing the same
Methods for differentiating squamous cell carcinoma from pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia in a biological sample using KRT9 and C15orf48, methods of using differentially expressed genes as prognostic markers for squamous cell carcinoma, methods of using molecular pathways as targets for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma, and diagnostic kits therefor.
US09926602B2 Recurrent gene fusions in prostate cancer
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer diagnosis, research and therapy, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present invention relates to recurrent gene fusions as diagnostic markers and clinical targets for prostate cancer.
US09926601B2 Alternatively spliced mRNA isoforms as prognostic indicators for metastatic cancer
The present invention provides a method for identifying a tumor as likely to metastasize, or likely to have metastasized, comprising obtaining a sample of the tumor and quantitating alternatively spliced mRNA isoforms of a cell motility gene, a cell adhesion gene and/or an actin cytoskeletal remodeling gene in the sample, or any specified genes or the level of RNA binding proteins compared to a predetermined non-metastasizing control.
US09926588B2 Method for testing and screening P38 MAP kinase modifiers
This invention provides methods for treating diseases associated with elevated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity. Moreover, the invention provides methods for testing a candidate compound for a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase modifying activity by calculating the level of relocalization of an SMN complex component from the cytoplasm to the nucleus of a cell. Additionally, the invention provides a kit and a system for calculating the same.
US09926582B2 Method for the production of polypeptides in the periplasm of prokaryotic cells
Herein is reported a method for producing a polypeptide comprising the step of incubating (resuspended) prokaryotic cells in a solution comprising about 10 mM to about 95 mM Tris-HCl and about 2 mM to about 6 mM EDTA at a pH value of about 7 to about 10 for about 15 min to about 6 h at about 25° C.
US09926580B2 Process for producing coenzyme Q10
A process for producing on an industrial scale the oxidized coenzyme Q10, includes culturing a reduced coenzyme Q10-producing microorganism selected from the group consisting of the genus Rhodobacter, the genus Saitoella, the genus Schizosaccharomyces and the genus Trichosporon, to obtain microbial cells containing reduced coenzyme Q10 at a ratio of not less than 70 mole % among the entire coenzymes Q10; and one of: (a) oxidizing thus-obtained reduced coenzyme Q10 to oxidized coenzyme Q10 and then extracting the oxidized coenzyme Q10 by an organic solvent; or (b) extracting reduced coenzyme Q10 by an organic solvent and oxidizing the extracted reduced coenzyme Q10 to oxidized coenzyme Q10.
US09926577B2 Yeast organism producing isobutanol at a high yield
The present invention provides recombinant microorganisms comprising an isobutanol producing metabolic pathway and methods of using said recombinant microorganisms to produce isobutanol. In various aspects of the invention, the recombinant microorganisms may comprise a modification resulting in the reduction of pyruvate decarboxylase and/or glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. In various embodiments described herein, the recombinant microorganisms may be microorganisms of the Saccharomyces clade, Crabtree-negative yeast microorganisms, Crabtree-positive yeast microorganisms, post-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, pre-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, and non-fermenting yeast microorganisms.
US09926575B2 Method for operating a bioreactor that methanizes biomass
The invention relates to a bioreactor for methanizing biomass, a biogas plant having a plurality of such bioreactors, and a method for operating such a bioreactor. Because the elongated reactor vessel includes both a loading gate and an unloading gate that are arranged at opposite ends of the elongated reactor vessel, it is possible to remove consumed biomass, which is harmless in terms of epidemiologic hygiene and plant hygiene due to thermophilic process control during the fermentation, from the reactor vessel through the unloading gate and to transfer this consumed biomass directly to the composting process. The bioreactor thus has a “clean” unloading gate and an “unclean” loading gate.
US09926574B2 Widespread gene delivery to motor neurons using peripheral injection of AAV vectors
The present invention relates to compositions and methods, in particular to methods based on systemic injection of rAAV, for delivering genes to cells of the central nervous system in mammals, such as brain neurons or glial cells, and in particular to motor neurons or glial cells of the spinal cord The invention also relates to methods of treating motor neuron disorders in mammals by expression of therapeutic genes. The invention stems from the unexpected discovery that peripheral injection of AAV vectors leads to a bypass of the blood brain barrier and a massive infection of motor neurons. The invention may be used in any mammal, including human subjects.
US09926571B2 Methods and compositions for targeted polynucleotide modification
A variety of methods and compostions are provided, including methods and compositions for targeted modification of a specific target site in a cell or organism, methods for integrating polynucleotides of interest, methods to assess promoter activity, directly select transformed organisms, minimize or eliminate expression resulting from random integration into the genome of an organism, such as a plant, remove polynucleotides of interest, combine multiple transfer cassettes, invert or excize a polynucleotide, silence a gene, and identify and/or characterize transcriptional regulating regions. The methods involve the introduction of a cell proliferation factor and a double-strand break-inducing enzyme into an organism.
US09926570B2 Host cells and methods of use
The present invention relates to genetically modified host cells, in particular yeast cells, comprising at least one isolated polynucleotide encoding a Killer Expression protease (Kex2p) or a fragment and/or variant thereof which has at least one Kex2p functional activity and at least one isolated polynucleotide encoding a Protein Disulfide-Isomerase (Pdi1) or a fragment and/or variant thereof which has at least one Pdi functional activity. Also provided herein are genetically modified host cells comprising at least one isolated polynucleotide encoding a Killer Expression protease (Kex2p) or a fragment and/or variant thereof which has at least one Kex2p functional activity, at least one isolated polynucleotide encoding a Protein Disulfide-Isomerase (Pdi1) or a fragment and/or variant thereof which has at least one Pdi1 functional activity and at least one isolated polynucleotide encoding a Endoplasmic Reticulum Oxidoreductin (Ero1) or a fragment and/or variant thereof which has at least one Ero1 functional activity.
US09926569B2 Promoter and use thereof
The invention discloses a promoter which can be induced to express in acidic conditions, and relates to the field of bioengineering technology. The promoters of the invention are separated from A. niger and can actuate and/or regulate the expression of the effectively connected nucleic acids in A. niger. In the invention the expression of the promoters is studied in A. niger, and it is indicated that some promoters show weak expression, and some show strong activity. The invention provides an effective method and new thought for organic acids production by fungi or other products produced by fermentation under acidic conditions.
US09926568B2 Compositions and methods for clostridial transformation
The invention provides compositions and methods for clostridial bacteria that have been engineered to produce and/or to improve efficiency of production of industrial bioproducts.
US09926567B2 Promoter
The current invention reports a promoter having the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 02, or SEQ ID NO: 03, or SEQ ID NO: 04, or SEQ ID NO: 06, which is a 5′ shortened SV40 promoter with reduced promoter strength especially useful for the limited expression of heterologous polypeptides or selectable markers.
US09926560B2 Lipid encapsulating interfering RNA
Rich tooling is provided for REST application development that integrates the exploration of a REST API, modeling of data types and the REST API, and the generation of artifacts using the modeled REST API and data types.
US09926558B2 Culicinae mosquito Tra-2 RNA interference technique to genetically produce maleness population
The present invention develops a novel method for controlling mosquito populations. Culicinae mosquitoes carrying one or more loci of transformant Tra-2 RNAi constructs which target to mosquito Transformer-2 locus in respective or none respective Culicinae mosquitoes. Tra-2 sequences used to assemble Tra-2 RNAi recombinant constructs are Tra-2 gene sequences of Culicinae mosquitoes and can be derived from endogenous or exogenous sequences. The Tra-2 RNAi expression is conditional, wherein the expression causing a knockdown effect into the endogenous Tra-2 gene results in mortality of X (m) chromosome bearing sperms and produces maleness mosquito population in the nature environmental of the species.
US09926557B2 Methods and means for efficient skipping of exon 45 in Duchenne muscular dystrophy pre-mRNA
The invention relates to a method for inducing or promoting skipping of exon 45 of DMD pre-mRNA in a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy patient, preferably in an isolated (muscle) cell, the method comprising providing an isolated muscle cell with a molecule that binds to a continuous stretch of at least 21 nucleotides within said exon. The invention further relates to such molecule used in the method.
US09926556B2 Linkage modified oligomeric compounds
The present invention provides oligomeric compounds comprising at least one neutral methoxypropyl phosphonate modified internucleoside linkage. Such oligomeric compounds have one or more improved properties such as selectivity, potency, improved toxicity profile and or improved proinflammatory profile. Such oligomeric compounds have enhanced stability to exposure to base during synthesis. Certain such oligomeric compounds are useful for hybridizing to a complementary nucleic acid, including but not limited, to nucleic acids in a cell. In certain embodiments, hybridization results in modulation of the amount activity or expression of the target nucleic acid in a cell.
US09926550B2 Protease variants and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to protease variants and methods for obtaining protease variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.
US09926547B2 Polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity, catalytic domains, cellulose binding domains and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains or cellulose binding domains. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains or cellulose binding domains.
US09926546B2 Engineered CRISPR-Cas9 nucleases
Engineered CRISPR-Cas9 nucleases with improved specificity and their use in genomic engineering, epigenomic engineering, genome targeting, and genome editing.
US09926544B2 Chimeric alkaline phosphatase-like proteins
The invention relates to improved alkaline phosphatases, pharmaceutical compositions comprising improved alkaline phosphatases and the use of improved alkaline phosphatases for preventing, treating or curing diseases.
US09926541B2 Glucosyltransferase enzymes for production of glucan polymers
Compositions are disclosed herein comprising poly alpha-1,3-1,6-glucan with a weight average degree of polymerization (DPw) of at least 1000. This glucan polymer comprises at least 30% alpha-1,3 linkages and at least 30% alpha-1,6 linkages. Further disclosed are glucosyltransferase enzymes that synthesize poly alpha-1,3-1,6-glucan. Ether derivatives of poly alpha-1,3-1,6-glucan and methods of using such derivatives as viscosity modifiers are also disclosed.
US09926533B2 Combined chemical and genetic approaches for generation of induced pluripotent stem cells
The present invention provides for identification and use of small molecules to induce pluripotency in mammalian cells as well as other methods of inducing pluripotency.
US09926529B2 Derivation of neural stem cells and dopaminergic neurons from human pluripotent stem cells
The present invention is based in part on a chemically defined method of generating neural stem cells (NSCs) and dopaminergic (DA) neurons from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). The DA neurons of the invention can be derived from hPSCs and NSCs. The present invention also provides reagents and kits useful for the derivation of neural stem cells and dopaminergic neurons from human pluripotent stem cells.
US09926528B2 Glucomannan scaffolding for three-dimensional tissue culture and engineering
The present invention provides a neutralized glucomannan scaffold capable of promoting cell growth and suitable for three-dimensional tissue culture and engineering. The present invention also provides methods for making and degrading the neutralized glucomannan scaffold. The present invention further provides a method of growing cells on a neutralized glucomannan scaffold.
US09926523B2 Cell carriers and methods for culturing cells
A carrier for growing stem cells is provided, the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces; and a hydrophilic, water soluble coating material disposed and dried on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier comprises one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces, wherein the carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of culturing stem cells and stromal cells using the same carrier are also provided.
US09926520B2 Method of treating a fabric by washing with a detergent comprising an anionic/nonionic surfactant system and silicone
A method of treating a fabric, where the method includes a washing step and a rinsing step. A multi-component fabric treatment system, wherein the system includes a first component comprising a detergent composition, and where the system further includes a second component comprising a softener composition.
US09926519B2 Self-adhesive detergent compositions with color-changing systems
Self-adhesive detergent compositions are described including a pH-sensitive color-changing system. The color-changing system is useful with certain acidic compositions and certain alkaline compositions. The compositions have a given color upon application to a hard surface, e.g., a toilet bowl. In one embodiment, when the self-adhesive composition is exposed to a water-based rinse, such as on flushing a toilet, the color-changing system provides the released cleaning portion of the composition, and thereby the water, with a color different from the color of the composition to indicate cleaning is occurring. In another embodiment, following exposure to a plurality of rinses, the color-changing system changes the color of the composition when the composition is near depletion to provide an “end-of-use” cue. In another embodiment, the color-changing system indicates dual functions by changing the color of the composition to another color when the composition is physically mixed with a rinse to provide manual cleaning.
US09926516B2 Mono alcohols for low temperature stability of isotropic liquid detergent compositions
Certain alkyl mono-alcohols provide low temperature stability benefits to isotropic liquid detergent compositions.
US09926511B2 Lubricant for conveying containers
The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a lubricant composition comprising a water-miscible silicone material having a silicone emulsion wherein the silicone emulsion contains less than 500 ppm of a triethanolamine salts of alkyl benzene sulfonic acid compounds.
US09926506B2 Tetrarylmethane ethers as fuel markers
A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon or a liquid biologically derived fuel by adding to the petroleum hydrocarbon or liquid biologically derived fuel a compound having formula C{Ph(R1)i(OR2)j}2{Ph(R3)m(OR4)n}{Ph(R5)o(OR6)p}, wherein Ph represents a benzene ring, R1, R3 and R5 independently are C1-C18 alkyl or C4-C18 heteroalkyl; R2, R4 and R6 independently are C1-C18 alkyl or C4-C18 heteroalkyl, i, j, m, n, o and p independently are zero, one or two. Each compound having formula C{Ph(R1)i(OR2)j}2{Ph(R3)m(OR4)n}{Ph(R5)o(OR6)p} is present at a level from 0.01 ppm to 20 ppm.
US09926503B2 Process and system for producing fuel components
The present invention relates to a process and system for producing fuel components, and more particularly to a process and system for producing fuel components from a material of biological origin. The process is a two-step or a three-step process comprising purifying of the feed material by evaporating and refining the purified feed material in the presence of at least one catalyst to form a mixture of hydrocarbon compounds from which mixture liquid hydrocarbon compounds are separated and further fractionated into fuel components. The present invention relates further to fuel components obtained by the process of the present invention as well as to the use of the fuel components and a mixture comprising the fuel components.
US09926501B2 Entrained-flow gasifier and method for removing molten slag
An entrained-flow gasifier reactor includes a vessel and a first liner within the vessel. The first liner extends around a reaction zone in the vessel and has an inlet end and an exit end with respect to the reaction zone. The first liner includes a drip lip at the exit end. An isolator is arranged near the drip lip. The isolator is operable to thermally isolate the drip lip from a quench zone downstream from the reaction zone such that molten slag at the drip lip remains molten.
US09926500B2 Gasifier for solid carbon fuel with active transfer means
Gasifiers for the gasification of solid carbon-based fuels are disclosed herein. An example gasifier includes an inlet chamber for introducing fuel into the gasifier and a pyrolysis region for pyrolyzing the fuel introduced into the vessel. The pyrolysis region includes first means for admission of a pyrolysis agent. The example gasifier also includes a combustion region for incinerating pyrolysis gases originating from the pyrolysis region, where the combustion region includes second means for admission of a gasifying agent. Also, the example gasifier includes a reduction region for gasifying carbonized fuel originating from the pyrolysis region, an outlet for collecting gases originating from the reduction region, and a region for collecting and discharging ashes. In addition, the example gasifier includes active transfer means to actively transfer solid material from the pyrolysis region to the reduction region. In some examples, the active transfer means is located between the pyrolysis region and the combustion region, and the active transfer means includes a transfer chamber to prevent a direct flow of the solid material from the pyrolysis region to the reduction region, where the transfer chamber is permeable to the pyrolysis gases.
US09926499B2 Process for refining a hydrocarbon feedstock of the vacuum residue type using selective deasphalting, a hydrotreatment and a conversion of the vacuum residue for production of gasoline and light olefins
The invention relates to a process for refining a heavy feedstock of the vacuum residue type. Selective deasphalting of the feedstock is conducted in a single-stage liquid/liquid extraction in an extractant. Extraction is carried out by means of a mixture of at least one polar solvent and at least one apolar solvent, to obtain an asphalt phase and a deasphalted oil (DAO) phase. The proportions of polar solvent and apolar solvent in the solvent mixture are adjusted according to properties of the feedstock, desired yield of asphalt and/or desired quality of the DAO. Deasphalting is implemented under subcritical conditions. At least a part of the DAO is subjected to hydrotreatment. At least a part of the effluent originating from the hydrotreatment is subjected to catalytic cracking in at least one fluidized-bed reactor under conditions allowing a gasoline fraction and/or a light olefins fraction to be produced.
US09926498B2 Process for removing oxygenates from hydrocarbon streams
A method of removing oxygenates from a hydrocarbon stream comprises passing a hydrocarbon stream to a caustic tower having a plurality of loops, contacting the hydrocarbon stream with a sulfided catalyst between a first loop of the plurality of loops and a second loop of the plurality of loops to produce a reaction product, passing the reaction product to the second loop, removing at least a portion of the hydrogen sulfide in the second loop of the caustic tower to produce a product stream, and separating the product stream into a plurality of hydrocarbon streams in a separation zone located downstream of the caustic tower. The hydrocarbon stream comprises hydrocarbons, oxygen containing components, and sulfur containing compounds. At least a portion of the sulfur compounds react in the presence of the sulfided catalyst to produce hydrogen sulfide in the reaction product.
US09926495B2 Method for desulfurizing diesel fuel
Alumina/NiO/ZnO and Alumina/ZnO are synthesized via a novel modified hydrothermal method and investigated for the desulfurization activities. Sulfur compounds such as thiophene, benzothiophene (BT) and dibenzothiophene (DBT) are tested for their removal from model diesel fuel. The prepared composite materials were examined by the means of N2-adsorption, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
US09926494B1 Method for recovery of hydrocarbons from resources comprising diatomite
A method for the recovery of hydrocarbons from oil-bearing resources comprising diatomite entails a process that treats a material comprising diatomite resulting from a resource extraction process. The material comprising diatomite is treated using a solvent extraction process from which the oil, diatomite, and water are separated. The water and solvent extracted from the process are reused to continue the separation and resource extraction processes and the oil is collected and sold.
US09926493B2 Process for the removal of the heavy oil from tar sand (either oil/hydrocarbon wet or water wet deposits) and the cleaning up of the effluent
A process for the removal of heavy oil/bitumen from oil/hydrocarbon wet and/or water wet tar sand. The tar sand is mixed with an inorganic liquid such as water or a treated effluent and an inorganic solid which is a silicate or metasilicate for a period of time sufficient for the inorganic liquid and the inorganic solid to interact and strip the heavy oil/bitumen from the tar sand. The process includes additional steps to produce clean heavy oil/bitumen and clear effluent.
US09926492B2 Method and apparatus for liquefaction and distillation of volatile matter within solid carbonaceous material
A method for liquefaction of coal or other solid carbonaceous material includes passing the material through a reformer having a temperature gradient therein, the temperature gradient generally increasing as the material flows down through the reformer. The more valuable volatile components of the material exit the material at their respective vaporization temperatures, and pass out of the reformer for processing in condensers. Some of each fraction of the volatile material flow is re-heated and recycled through the reformer to supply heat to maintain the temperature gradient, the recycling injection occurring at a level below that where the fraction exited the reformer so that the recycled fraction will again pass out of the reformer to be condensed. At the bottom of the reformer, the non-volatile portion of the carbonaceous material is removed from the reformer for further processing or sale.
US09926489B2 Fluorescent powder and light-emitting device including the same
The present disclosure relates to a fluorescent powder and a light-emitting device including the same. The fluorescent powder includes an inorganic compound. The inorganic compound contains components including an element M, an element A, an element D, an element E, and an element R. The element M is selected from Eu, Ce, Mn, Tb, Dy, and Tm, the element A is selected from Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, the element D is selected from B, Al, Ga, In, La, Gd, Sc, Lu, and Y, the element E is selected from Si, Ge, Zr, and Hf, and the element R is at least two elements selected from N, O, F, and Cl. In a powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectrum with CoKα radiation, the inorganic compound at least has diffraction peaks within ranges of an Bragg angle (2θ) from 27.3° to 28.3°, 29.7° to 30.7°, 41.9° to 42.9°, and 43.5° to 44.5°.
US09926483B2 Degradable balls for use in subterranean applications
Degradable balls for downhole use may include an incompliant degradable polymer and a compliant filler material, the incompliant degradable polymer having an elastic modulus of about 2 GPa or greater, and the compliant filler material having an elastic modulus of less than about 2 GPa. Such degradable balls may be useful in sealing segments of a wellbore and actuating wellbore tools.
US09926480B2 Inorganic-organic polymer nanocomposites and methods for their preparation and use
Inorganic-organic polymer nanocomposites are provided. The inorganic-organic polymer nanocomposite includes a polymeric matrix and a plurality of metal nanoparticles embedded within the polymeric matrix. The plurality of metal nanoparticles are configured to provide cooling of the nanocomposite upon exposure to photoradiation.
US09926478B2 Highly durable superhydrophobic, oleophobic and anti-icing coatings and methods and compositions for their preparation
Methods for preparing durable hydrophobic, oleophobic, and anti-icing coatings by applying a composition that comprises a lacquer binder, one or more types of particles having a size of about 30 microns to about 225 micron, and one or more types of particles modified with hexamethyldisilazane, polydimethylsiloxane or silanizing agents are set forth, along with the resulting coatings and methods of their use.
US09926476B2 Dual cure epoxy adhesives
A dual cure, all epoxy adhesive that is both photochemically and thermally curable is disclosed. The adhesive may comprise at least about 93% by weight of one or more polymerizable epoxides, a catalytic amount of a photo-acid generator (PAG) configured to induce acid-catalyzed polymerization of the polymerizable epoxide when exposed to UV or visible light, about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of a redox agent, and a catalytic amount of a thermal acid generator (TAG) configured to induce acid-catalyzed polymerization of the polymerizable epoxide in the presence of the redox agent when exposed to a temperature at or above about 70° C.
US09926475B2 Resin composition, adhesive tape, and method for producing adhesive tape
The invention provides a resin composition capable of achieving excellent chromaticity and a sufficient degree of cure, an adhesive tape, and a method for producing an adhesive tape. The adhesive tape has at least one layer formed by making a resin composition undergo a polymerization reaction, the adhesive composition including: an acrylic monomer; a photopolymerization initiator; and a coloring agent which has a mean volume particle diameter of not less than 1 μm and not more than 20 μm and in which a pigment is encapsulated in a resin, in which the coloring agent is contained so that the pigment content is not less than 0.25 wt % and not more than 1.0 wt %. This allows aggregation of the coloring agent to be prevented and inhibition of the polymerization reaction to be prevented, and therefore, excellent chromaticity and a sufficient degree of cure can be achieved.
US09926474B2 Pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions and adhesive articles including the same
A pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprises a polyvinyl ether polymer. The polyvinyl ether polymer comprises 2-alkylalkoxyethylene monomeric units independently represented by the formula wherein R1 and R2 represent alkyl groups, and wherein taken together R1 and R2 have from 8 to 30 carbon atoms. An adhesive article comprises a layer of the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition on a substrate.
US09926472B2 Composition
There is provided a stabilizing composition for hot melt adhesives, the composition comprising: a first stabilizing component comprising at least one phenolic antioxidant; a second stabilizing component comprising at least one phosphite antioxidant; and a third stabilizing component comprising at least one antioxidant containing a sulphur group having the formula —CH2-(S)x-CH2-, wherein x=1 or 2, and wherein neither of the —CH2- groups is directly bonded to an aromatic group.
US09926471B2 Self-heating sealant or adhesive employing multi-compartment microcapsules
A self-heating sealant or adhesive may be formed using multi-compartment microcapsules dispersed within a sealant or adhesive. The multi-compartment microcapsules produce heat when subjected to a stimulus (e.g., a compressive force, a magnetic field, or combinations thereof). In some embodiments, the multi-compartment microcapsules have first and second compartments separated by an isolating structure adapted to rupture in response to the stimulus, wherein the first and second compartments contain reactants that come in contact and react to produce heat when the isolating structure ruptures. In some embodiments, the multi-compartment microcapsules are shell-in-shell microcapsules each having an inner shell contained within an outer shell, wherein the inner shell defines the isolating structure and the outer shell does not allow the heat-generating chemistry to escape the microcapsule upon rupture of the inner shell.
US09926469B2 Oligomeric quinoline compounds for tackifying pressure sensitive adhesives
Described herein is an adhesive composition comprising: (a) a (meth)acryloyl polymer; and (b) greater than 1 parts of a tackifier per 100 parts of the (meth)acryloyl polymer, wherein the tackifier comprises a substituted oligomeric quinoline.
US09926468B2 Process of assembling and repositioning two parts
The invention relates to a process for assembling and repositioning at least two parts by means of a repositionable hot melt adhesive, wherein said parts are held together in assembled position when said adhesive is at a temperature TA and can be repositioned in relation to one another when said adhesive is heated to a temperature TC, wherein said adhesive comprises at least a formulation, which: at the temperature TC has the form of a mixture of polymer chains comprising at least pendant diene units X and of coupling molecules comprising at least two dienophile end groups Y, wherein said X units and said Y groups are arranged to be able to react with one another and to bond together by means of the Diels-Alder reaction at a temperature TDA and to be able to regenerate by means of the retro-Diels-Alder reaction at a temperature TRDA, at a temperature TA has the form of a three-dimensional network, in which the polymer chains are linked to one another by the coupling molecules by means of the Diels-Alder reaction, where TA
US09926465B2 Liquid film based on silane-terminated polymers
A composition that includes at least one silane-functional polymer P and 20 to 60% by weight of aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide or mixture thereof, is disclosed. The composition has a viscosity of 500 to 20,000 mPa·s measured according to DIN 53018 at a temperature of 20° C. The composition is suitable as a liquid membrane and has very good flammability properties, i.e., it is difficult to ignite and is self-extinguishing.
US09926461B2 Hard coating film
The present invention provides a hard coating film having high hardness and excellent properties. The hard coating film has high hardness and is not easily curled.
US09926454B1 Dust prevention compositions, coatings and processes of making
Compositions, applications, coatings, processes of making and applying compositions and compositions for preventing dust buildup on plastic and wood surfaces such as on ceiling fan blades, portable fan blades, stand fan blades, window blinds, appliances, furniture, cabinet knobs, and drawer pulls. The compositions and coating prevent dust buildup by (1) dissipating static charges on the blades and (2) creating a very smooth blade surface that prevents dust particles getting “captured”. The coating can have a clear matte finish and contains an anti-static and high lubricity additive to deter the accumulation of dust. After applying the coating the dry time of the coatings by thin coat gravure rollers is approximately four minutes. When applied the coating can result in up to approximately 50% less dust buildup over a one week period of time.
US09926453B2 Multifunctional coating for aircraft
A method for coating a surface comprises applying a layer of coating composition onto the surface, mechanically forming parallel ribs on the layer, and simultaneously polymerizing the layer with ultraviolet radiations. The coating composition comprises a mass percentage of urethan-acrylate oligomer, with an average molar mass in number between 1000 and 5000 g·mol−1, between 35% and 75%. The coating composition further comprises a mass percentage of a diluting agent, copolymerizable with urethan-acrylate oligomers, between 15% and 60%, and a mass percentage of pyrogenic silica between 0.5% and 5%.
US09926450B2 Compound having azo skeleton structure, pigment-dispersing agent, pigment composition, pigment dispersion, and toner
The present invention provides a compound capable of improving the dispersibility of color pigments in a water-insoluble solvent; and a pigment-dispersing agent. The present invention also provides a pigment composition, a pigment dispersion, and a toner, which have satisfactory tinting strength. The present invention provides the compound containing a polymer having a monomer unit having a specific chemical structure, the compound having a moiety also having a specific structure.
US09926449B2 Water-absorbent resin composition, method of manufacturing the same, and absorbent article
A water-absorbent resin composition is provided which shows only small reduction in liquid permeability and limited coloring over time or in relation to another factor. The water-absorbent resin composition (particulate absorbent agent) of the present invention contains: a polycarboxylate-based water-absorbent resin as a primary component, the resin having a crosslinked structure formed by polymerization of an acid group-containing unsaturated monomer; and multivalent metal cations (preferably, on surfaces of particles (i.e., the water-absorbent resin composition)) wherein: the multivalent metal cations other than Fe cations account for 0.001 to 1 mass % of the water-absorbent resin; and the ratio (in terms of percentage) of the Fe cations to the multivalent metal cations other than the Fe cations is less than or equal to 5.00 mass %.
US09926446B2 Phenolic resin composition for friction material, friction material, and brake
A phenolic resin composition for friction materials includes a high-ortho novolac phenolic resin, a novolac resorcinol resin, and hexamethylenetetramine.
US09926444B2 Thermoplastic resin composition, method of preparing the same and molded product using the same
Disclosed are a thermoplastic resin composition and a method of preparing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a thermoplastic resin composition including 10 to 90% by weight of a graft copolymer resin coagulated by an organic acid or an organic acid salt; and 90 to 10% by weight of a non-graft copolymer resin and having a moist-heat characteristic of 20 or less, wherein a refractive index difference between the graft copolymer resin and the non-graft copolymer resin is less than 0.01, a method of preparing the same, and a molded product comprising the same. According to the present disclosure, provided are a thermoplastic resin composition having superior overall property balance, color, and transparency, and being applicable to products that are exposed to high-temperature water or should be sterilized, due to excellent moist-heat resistance thereof, a method of preparing the same, and a molded product comprising the same.
US09926443B2 Propylene-based elastomers for roofing compositions and methods for preparing the same
Provided herein are membranes including a blend of a propylene-based elastomer and an ethylene copolymer, a thermoplastic resin, a flame retardant, and an ultraviolet stabilizer.
US09926438B2 Rubber composition for heavy-load tire, and pneumatic tire
An object of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition for a heavy-load tire having excellent low heat build-up when formed into a tire and excellent flowability of the rubber during vulcanization, and a pneumatic tire produced using the rubber composition. The rubber composition for a heavy-load tire contains a diene rubber and a carbon black; the diene rubber containing: a natural rubber; and a modified polymer obtained by modifying a conjugated diene polymer with a nitrone compound; the content of the natural rubber in the diene rubber being not less than 60 mass %; and the content of the modified polymer in the diene rubber being not greater than 40 mass %; and the content of the carbon black being from 30 to 70 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the diene rubber.
US09926436B2 Asphalt including modified toner based additive
An asphalt and asphalt concrete incorporating a modified toner based additive are provided.
US09926435B2 Resin composition, copper-clad laminate using the same, and printed circuit board using the same
A resin composition, a copper-clad laminate using the same, and a printed circuit board using the same are introduced. The resin composition comprises a specific phosphorus-containing salt and a prepolymer of vinyl-containing polyphenylene ether. The resin composition features specific ingredients and proportion to thereby achieve satisfactory properties of prepreg made from the resin composition, and attain satisfactory laminate properties, such as high degree of heat resistance and satisfactory dielectric properties, and thus is suitable for producing a prepreg or a resin film to thereby be applicable to copper-clad laminates and printed circuit boards.
US09926433B2 Polyolefin composition and process for preparing the same
A polyolefin composition comprises (a) a polypropylene polymer, (b) 1,3:2,4-bis-O-[(3,4-dimethylphenyl)methylene]-D-glucitol, and (c) 1,3:2,4-bis-O-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)methylene]-D-glucitol. A method for producing a polyolefin composition comprises the steps of (a) providing a polypropylene polymer; (b) providing 1,3:2,4-bis-O-[(3,4-dimethylphenyl)methylene]-D-glucitol; (c) providing 1,3:2,4-bis-O-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)methylene]-D-glucitol; (d) mixing the 1,3:2,4-bis-O-[(3,4-dimethylphenyl)methylene]-D-glucitol and the 1,3:2,4-bis-O-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)methylene]-D-glucitol with the polypropylene polymer to produce a mixture; (e) heating the mixture to a temperature equal to or greater than the melting point of the polypropylene polymer; and (f) cooling the heated mixture to a temperature below the melting point of the polypropylene polymer, thereby producing a polyolefin composition.