| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09933354B2 |
Method for manufacturing a substrate for surface-enhanced raman spectography and substrate
A substrate for surface-enhanced Raman spectography includes a support including an upper surface; a multilayer deposited on the upper surface, with the multilayer including at least two metal layers separated from each other by an intermediate layer, the intermediate layer being selectively etchable with respect to the metal layers, the multilayer being passed through by at least one trench delimited by ends of each one of the layers of the multilayer, each end of each intermediate layer being set back with respect to the end of each metal layer adjacent to the intermediate layer in such a way that the ends of two successive metal layers form metal pins separated by a cavity; a reflective optical system arranged in each trench, with the reflective optical system being arranged to direct inside the cavities an incident light arriving according to an angle with respect to the upper surface of the support. |
| US09933353B2 |
Method for assessing corroded pipeline defect growth from partial inspection data and devices thereof
The technique relates to a system and method for assessing corroded pipeline defect growth rate from partial defect growth rate information. The method involves obtaining a plurality of observed defect growth rates from the inspection data collected at different time intervals then determining at least one unobserved defect growth rate on the basis of distribution pattern of the plurality of observed defect growth rates thereafter simulating condition of at least one hyper parameter on the inspection data based on prior information of the at least one hyper parameter then simulating the plurality of observed defect growth rates and the at least one unobserved defect growth rate based on the simulated hyper parameters and finally obtaining defect growth rate point estimate from the simulated growth rate data. The method also involves determining a probability of failure of a defect from the defect growth rate point estimates. |
| US09933351B2 |
Personal airborne particle monitor with quantum dots
An airborne biological particle monitoring device collects particles floating in air. The monitor includes a camera sensor, illumination source, and quantum-dot illumination source. The camera sensor captures a first image of the particles when the collected particles are illuminated by the illumination source. The camera sensor captures a second image of the particles when the collected particles are illuminated by the quantum-dot illumination source. The first and second images are analyzed to identify the collected particles. |
| US09933347B2 |
Method and system for determining fluid density
A method and system for determining a density of a fluid is provided. The method is carried out using an electrospraying apparatus connected in the system. At a first step fluid is introduced into an emitter of the electrospraying apparatus. A voltage is applied between the emitter and a counter-electrode spaced apart from the emitter for a number of intermittent time periods, wherein the duration of at least some of the time periods during which the voltage is applied progressively decreases. The current between the emitter and the counter-electrode is measured for each time period during which a voltage is applied and the shortest time period for which a current reading is obtained is recorded. The shortest time period is used to calculate the density of the fluid in the emitter. |
| US09933339B2 |
Miniature serial sectioning microtome for block-face imaging
The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of microtome devices and methods of their use. In some embodiments, a microtome can be mounted on the built-in stage of a scanning electron microscope and used to perform serial block-face scanning electron microscopy. In some cases, a microtome installed in a scanning electron microscope can cut the sample at a location off the electron beam axis of the scanning electron microscope. In some cases, a microtome can include a capacitive sensor which can measure the location of a blade of the microtome, and the microtome can be computer-controlled by program implemented in MATLAB. |
| US09933332B2 |
Dynamometer rotary table
The present invention relates to a dynamometer rotary table (1), which brings the dynamometer to the required position according to the test that will be conducted automatically or manually. The dynamometer rotary table (1) is mounted to the ground via a fixed plate (2). An inner table (4) is seated on the fixed plate (2), and there are lifters (5) on the inner table. The lifters (5) lift the rotary table (6), and the rotary table (6) is brought to the desired position by means of the reducer (3). The lifters (5) lower the rotary table (6) to its new position, and the lock unit (8) fixed the rotary table (6) at its new position. |
| US09933323B2 |
Systems and methods for measuring torque on rotating shaft
A torque measurement system for measuring a torque acting on a rotatable shaft is provided. The torque measurement system includes a first housing portion having a first end adapted to be fixedly coupled to the rotatable shaft and a second end. The torque measurement system includes a second housing portion having a first end spaced apart from the second end of the first housing portion so as to define a gap between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The second housing portion is adapted to be fixedly coupled to the rotatable shaft. The torque measurement system includes at least one sensor that observes at least one of the second end of the first housing portion, the first end of the second housing portion and the gap and generates sensor signals based on the observation. The sensor signals are indicative of a torque acting on the rotatable shaft. |
| US09933318B2 |
Thermochromic clip for sensing temperature of air flowing through a vent in an air conditioning system
A thermochromic clip provides a visual indication of the temperature of the air flowing through an air vent as refrigerant is introduced into an air conditioning system. The thermochromic clip including an elongate body having an outer facing surface; a fastening member on the elongate body. The fastening member being sized and configured for selective attachment to the air vent. At least the outer facing surface coated with a thermochromic material. The thermochromic material of the outer facing surface being structured and disposed for changing from a first color state to a second color state in response to a change in temperature that places the thermochromic material at a temperature equal to or below a predetermined temperature value. |
| US09933310B2 |
Graphene-based infrared bolometer
An infrared bolometer. In one embodiment a waveguide configured to transmit infrared radiation is arranged to be adjacent a graphene sheet and configured so that evanescent waves from the waveguide overlap the graphene sheet. The graphene sheet has two contacts connected to an amplifier, and a power detector connected to the amplifier. Infrared electromagnetic power in the evanescent waves is absorbed in the graphene sheet, heating the graphene sheet. The power of Johnson noise generated at the contacts is proportional to the temperature of the graphene sheet. The Johnson noise is amplified and the power in the Johnson noise is used as a measure of the temperature of the graphene sheet, and of the amount of infrared power propagating in the waveguide. |
| US09933307B2 |
Method for detecting and analzying surface films
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a novel method and system to analyze films using plasma to produce spectral data and analyzing the spectral data. |
| US09933305B2 |
Spectrometry systems, methods, and applications
A hand held spectrometer is used to illuminate the object and measure the one or more spectra. The spectral data of the object can be used to determine one or more attributes of the object. In many embodiments, the spectrometer is coupled to a database of spectral information that can be used to determine the attributes of the object. The spectrometer system may comprise a hand held communication device coupled to a spectrometer, in which the user can input and receive data related to the measured object with the hand held communication device. The embodiments disclosed herein allow many users to share object data with many people, in order to provide many people with actionable intelligence in response to spectral data. |
| US09933302B2 |
Electronic circuit comprising a current conveyor arranged with an anti-saturation device and corresponding device for detecting photons
An electronic circuit including a current conveyor connected to a load is provided. The load delivers at least one first voltage output and one second voltage output. Such a circuit is noteworthy in that the second voltage output has what is called a non-linear behavior relative to the magnitude of the input current of the electronic circuit in a given range. |
| US09933300B2 |
Ultra-high dynamic range two photodiode pixel architecture
A pixel comprises a high-response photodiode that collects photocharge, a first transfer gate that enables the charge to be transferred off the high-response photodiode, completely emptying it onto a low-response photodiode, a second transfer gate enables the charge to be transferred off the low-response photodiode, completely emptying it onto floating diffusion, a third transfer gate for anti-blooming; the floating diffusion collects the transferred charge creating a change of voltage, a means of resetting the floating diffusion. A source-follower is modulated by the voltage on floating diffusion to control bit-line voltage and column-amplifier output. In examples, photocharge is integrated onto both the high-response photodiode and onto the low-response photodiode. The column readout circuit consists of a column amplifier that uses capacitors to set the amplifier gain, three sampling capacitors used as analog memory and for correlated double sampling, and a comparator that assists in providing the final output. |
| US09933299B2 |
Wearable illumination activity recording apparatus having a light sensing unit and a motion sensing unit
A wearable illumination activity recording apparatus (1) includes a processing unit (11), a light sensing unit (12) and a motion sensing unit (13). The light sensing unit (12) is electrically connected to the processing unit (11) and outputs a light sensing signal (LS) to the processing unit (11). The motion sensing unit (13) is electrically connected to the processing unit (11) and outputs a motion sensing signal (MS) to the processing unit (11). The processing unit (11) determines whether the wearable illumination activity recording apparatus (1) is indoors or outdoors according to the light sensing signal (LS), and determines whether the wearable illumination activity recording apparatus (1) is in motion or not according to the motion sensing signal (MS). When the wearable illumination activity recording apparatus (1) is outdoors and in motion, the processing unit (11) records an illumination-receiving time. |
| US09933298B2 |
Monitoring light exposure using a weighting function and light-monitoring system configured for user communication
Light exposure from at least one light source is received with a light detector of a light monitor that includes at least one of (a) an output device and (b) a communication device transported by a user. The light detector converts the light exposure into an electrical signal, and the current time of day at which the light exposure is received is recorded. An instantaneous light exposure value is generated from the electrical signal, and a weighting function is applied to the instantaneous light exposure value as a function of the recorded time of day associated with the light exposure to produce a weighted instantaneous light exposure value. The weighted instantaneous light exposure value is integrated to produce a weighted cumulative luminous exposure value; and the weighted cumulative luminous exposure value is compared with an established luminous-exposure target. |
| US09933296B2 |
Lens for pet rejecting passive infrared sensor
A passive infrared motion detection sensor that includes a Fresnel focusing arrangement that creates at least a first infrared sensing region, a second infrared sensing region, and a third infrared sensing region, in which target detection in one or more infrared sensing regions is weighted to be distinguishable from target detection in remaining infrared sensing regions. The Fresnel focusing arrangement creates the weighted infrared sensing regions using a lenslet region, an optically opaque region and a plurality of extruded cylindrical lenslets that extend across a portion of both the lenslet region and the optically opaque region. The signal detection in at least the second weighted infrared sensing region, for example, an infrared sensing range between 6 and 10 feet, is weighted to easily distinguish between a pet within the second infrared sensing range and a person at any infrared sensing range. |
| US09933294B1 |
Vehicle load indicator
A system for a vehicle comprises a load sensor configured to sense a load on the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a load indicator where the load indicator is disposed proximate the vehicle such that the load indicator generates an output in response to the load sensed by the load sensor. |
| US09933292B2 |
Thermal flow meter
The present invention provides a thermal flow meter 300 which reduces a stress applied from a fixing portion 3721, which is used to hold and fix a circuit package 400 with respect to a housing 302, to the circuit package 400 and has high reliability. In the thermal flow meter of the invention, the circuit package 400 embedded with a flow rate measurement circuit is formed through a first resin molding process, the fixing portion 3721 is formed along with the housing 302 through a second resin molding process, and the circuit package 400 is enveloped by the fixing portion 3721, whereby the circuit package 400 is held by and fixed to the housing 302. In order to reduce the influence of a stress, generated based on a temperature change of the fixing portion 3721, on the circuit package 400, the fixing portion 3721 is constituted of a thick portion 4714 and a thin portion 4710. Since thickness of a resin of the thin portion 4710 is small, the stress to be generated is small, and a force applied to the circuit package 400 can be reduced. |
| US09933291B2 |
Ultrasonic consumption meter with locking mechanism
An ultrasonic consumption meter includes two ultrasonic transducers for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a flow channel, an electronic circuit for operating the meter, and a housing for the ultrasonic transducers and the electronic circuit. The housing is locked in position relative to the flow channel by a locking mechanism, and the flow channel has two holes for allowing the housing to get into contact with a media flowing in the flow channel. |
| US09933285B2 |
Piezoelectric sensor assembly, and sensor attachment assembly and electrical system employing same
A piezoelectric sensor assembly is for an electrical system. The electrical system includes a sensor attachment assembly and a number of electrical conductors. The sensor attachment assembly includes a sensor housing and a fastening member for fastening the sensor housing to a corresponding one of the electrical conductors. The piezoelectric sensor assembly includes a processor enclosed by the sensor housing, a piezoelectric sensor element, a wiring assembly electrically connecting the piezoelectric sensor element to the processor, an insulating member coupled to the piezoelectric sensor element and being structured to extend outwardly from the sensor housing to engage the corresponding one of the electrical conductors, and a mounting enclosure structured to mount the piezoelectric sensor element and the insulating member to the sensor housing. |
| US09933281B2 |
Position detection apparatus
A Halbach array is formed from first to third magnets provided to a rotor. Of shortest straight-line distances (clearance distances) between the first to third magnets and a Hall element as facing the first to third magnets after moving relative to the first to third magnets, the shortest straight-line distance between the second magnet and the Hall element is set the longest. In other words, the second magnet is placed at a position offset from the first magnet. In addition, the second magnet may be offset from the third magnet. |
| US09933279B2 |
Apparatus and method for contactless measurement of an angle
An apparatus 10 for the contactless measurement of a rotation angle 15 is described. A permanent magnet 60 having a number of poles, wherein the number of poles amounts to four or more and cannot be divided by three, is mounted on the front of an axle. In a plane below the permanent magnet 16 at least three first lateral Hall sensors 40a-c are located in a circular path 50. A method for calculation the rotation angle 15 with the aid of the lateral Hall sensors 40a-40c is also described. |
| US09933278B2 |
Adaptable voltage level detection with resistive ladder
A switch actuation detection unit has a switch actuation voltage reception terminal and a logic circuit. The logic circuit includes a first port, a second port, a zener diode, and a signal port. The switch actuation voltage reception terminal receives a switch actuation voltage. The first port is connected to the switch actuation voltage reception terminal. A first terminal of the zener diode is connected to the switch actuation voltage reception terminal while a second terminal of the zener diode is connected to the second port. The signal port provides a plurality of pre-determined switch state signals. |
| US09933274B2 |
Determining location information using a location data point provided by a computing device
A system and method for determining location information using a location data point provided by a computing device is described. A location data point is received by a system from a client computing device. The system determines whether the location data point is within a predefined region from a plurality of predefined regions configured by a user of the system. If the location data point is within a predefined region, location information corresponding to the predefined region is transmitted to the client device. If the location data point is not within a predefined region, one or more third-party reverse geocoding services can be used that translates the location data point to a street address. |
| US09933268B2 |
Method and system for improving accuracy of digital map data utilized by a vehicle
A digital map enhancement system and a method performed by the system are disclosed for improving accuracy of pre-stored digital map data of a digital map to be utilized by a vehicle. The system determines a current position of the vehicle, and identifies, in the pre-stored digital map data, a mapped digital landmark representing a stationary landmark predicted to be in the vicinity of the current position of the vehicle, which mapped digital landmark includes a pre-stored position of the stationary landmark. The system detects the stationary landmark by one or more sensor devices on-board the vehicle, which are adapted for observing the surroundings of the vehicle, and determines a detected position of the stationary landmark based on the current position of the vehicle and the detection of the stationary landmark. The system updates the pre-stored position of the mapped digital landmark with the detected position of the stationary landmark. |
| US09933267B2 |
Navigation device and navigation method
Map data is managed by being divided into a geometric information data list of pieces of geometric information or a phase information data list of pieces of phase information, an attribute information data list of pieces of attribute information, and a relation information data list of pieces of relation information each indicating a relation between the geometric information or the phase information and the attribute information. The pieces of attribute information in the attribute information data list are arranged in the order corresponding to the pieces of geometric information or phase information which are feature information, and the pieces of relation information are arranged in the order corresponding to the pieces of geometric information or phase information which are feature information. |
| US09933266B2 |
Method for the localization of an individual
A method for the localization of an individual, which comprises: —detecting a displacement associated with a movement of said individual; —recording environmental signals recordable during said step and forming a detected time series; —applying said displacement to the particles of a particle filter; —assigning a similarity index to each particle of the particle filter; —resampling the particle filter; —assuming, as the estimated position of the individual, the position of the particle having the greatest value of the similarity index or the center of a group of particles having a predefined common characteristic. |
| US09933259B1 |
Orthogonally-aligned level tool
The orthogonally aligned level tool comprises a plurality of bubble levels that measure the level of measured surfaces near walls and corners. The orthogonally aligned level tool comprises a central component, a first wing, and a second wing. The first wing and the central component are connected using a first telescopic shaft. The first telescopic shaft allows for a physical separation of distance between the first wing and the central component which allows for the level measurement of a larger surface than can be measured by a traditional level. The second wing and the central component are connected using a second telescopic shaft. The second telescopic shaft allows for a physical separation of distance between the second wing and the central component which allows for the level measurement of a larger surface than can be measured by a traditional level. |
| US09933258B2 |
Shoe mounted gradiometer tool and method of adjustment
There is disclosed a shoe mounted gradiometer tool. The tool includes an enclosed housing having a convex interior base and a transparent top. A ball is disposed within the enclosed housing. The ball is sized and shaped to roll on the convex interior base. There is a mounting piece connected to the enclosed housing for securing the enclosed housing to an exterior surface of a shoe. The position of the shoe mounted gradiometer tool may be adjusted by placing a fastener through a fastener-receiving hole on the mounting piece. The fastener is loosely connected to a shoe. The orientation of the housing is adjusted by pivoting the housing around the fastener-receiving hole so that a marked level position of the tool corresponds to the lowest position of the convex interior base. The mounting piece is then mounted fixedly to the shoe. |
| US09933256B2 |
Inspection program editing environment including real-time feedback related to throughput
A system is provided for programming workpiece feature inspection operations for a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The system includes a computer-aided design (CAD) file processing portion and a user interface which includes an editing user interface portion and an execution time indicator. The CAD file processing portion analyzes an input CAD file to automatically determine workpiece features. The editing user interface portion includes an editable plan representation including an editable set of the workpiece features to be inspected. The execution time indicator is indicative of an estimated inspection program execution time for operating the CMM to execute a corresponding workpiece inspection program. The execution time indicator is automatically updated in response to a utilization of one of a first set of operations to modify the current workpiece feature inspection plan, so as to automatically indicate the estimated effect of the modification on the inspection program execution time. |
| US09933252B2 |
Self-position calculating apparatus and self-position calculating method
The self-position calculating apparatus includes: a patterned light beam extractor extracting a position of the patterned light beam an image of an area onto which the patterned light beam is projected. The apparatus calculates an orientation angle of the vehicle relative to the road surface from the position of calculates an amount of change in orientation of the vehicle based on temporal changes in multiple feature points on the road surface; and calculates a current position and a current orientation angle of the vehicle by adding the amount of change in the orientation to an initial position and an initial orientation angle of the vehicle. If a detected condition of the patterned light beam is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the patterned light beam extractor extracts the position from a superimposed image by superimposing images. |
| US09933246B2 |
Optical coherence tomography device
There is provided an optical coherence tomography device provided with: an OCT optical system configured to output OCT signal; and an analysis processing unit configured to process the OCT signal and generate motion contrast data of the specimen. The analysis processing unit is provided with: a first image data generation unit configured to process multiple OCT signals to generate first image data representing phase difference information of the multiple OCT signals, and a second image data generation unit configured to process the OCT signal to generate second image data representing amplitude information of the OCT signal. The analysis processing unit generates the motion contrast data based on the phase difference information in the first image data and the amplitude information in the second image data. |
| US09933245B2 |
Interferometric distance measuring arrangement for measuring surfaces and corresponding method with emission of at least two parallel channels
The invention relates to an interferometric distance measuring arrangement for measuring surfaces, with at least one laser source, which can be tuned, with a coherence length for generating measurement radiation modulated by a wave length ramp, an optical beam path with an optical transmitting system for emitting the measurement radiation to the surface and an optical capturing system for capturing the measurement radiation back-scattered by the surface, comprising a measuring arm and a reference arm and a radiation detector and an evaluation unit for determining the distance from a reference point of the distance measuring device to the surface. Channels are defined by at least one beamsplitter n≥2 for the parallel emission of measurement radiation, respectively one different sub area of the measurement range defined by the coherence length is allocated to the channels. |
| US09933235B1 |
Holster for a handgun
A holster for carrying a handgun inside a wearer's beltline is shown and described. In one embodiment, the holster includes a body-interface surface (BIS) having a body side (BS) and a gun side (GS). An elastic strap may be interfaced with the gun side of the body-interface surface. A clip may be interfaced with the elastic strap. Other embodiments include methods of making a holster and methods of carrying a handgun. |
| US09933231B2 |
Arrow gun with controlled retention force and barrel vibration damping
An arrow gun is provided having a controllable retention force on the arrow. By setting the retention force on the arrow, increased energy from motive compressed gas can be imparted to the arrow. The arrow gun also includes a damping coupling for reducing vibration of an unsupported length of the barrel. |
| US09933229B2 |
Drop away arrow rest
A drop away arrow rests which prevents movement of the rest element during the drawing, firing or let down of an archery bow. A drop away arrow rest that provides an optimized delay function for the dropping of the rest element after release of the bow string when firing the arrow to provide maximum support for the arrow during the launch with a last second, high speed dropping motion to clear the vanes on the arrow. |
| US09933226B2 |
Multipurpose securing device and methodology
Consistent with various embodiments, a firearm securing apparatus has a first securing interface that is configured to generate a holding force between the apparatus and a support surface in response to an applied pressure. A second securing interface is configured and arranged to receive and secure a firearm barrel and includes a graspable feature. A support piece is configured and arranged to physically connect the two securing interfaces and to provide space, to allow a person's fingers to seize a graspable feature and to allow the person to apply pressure sufficient to overcome the holding force between the apparatus and the surface in order to remove the firearm from the apparatus when desired. |
| US09933225B2 |
Bipod with a quick connect feature for standard rails
A bipod with a quick connect feature that engages with a standard rail. The bipod includes a pair legs pivotally attached at a pivot axis. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the legs that has a dead center position when the legs are in an intermediate configuration between a deployed configuration and a collapsed configuration. By shifting the biasing mechanism to one side or the other, the legs are automatically deployed to either the deployed configuration or the collapsed configuration. The biasing mechanism maintains the interface with the rail when in the deployed configuration and retains the lower portions of the legs adjacent each other in the collapsed configuration. |
| US09933224B2 |
Modular gun silencer
A modular silencer includes an outer tube and a plurality of chamber separators suspended through a tensile force within a bore of the outer tube and defining chambers between each pair of chamber separators in the silencer. An outer edge of the chamber separators is spaced apart from an inner surface of the tube to allow gas equalization between the chambers. A plurality of tube portions separate the chamber separators from each other and from the proximal and distal ends of the silencer assembly. The tube portions define a continuous center tube suspended in tension within the outer tube and through which the projectile travels. The tube portions have can have angled openings through which gas discharge exits into the chambers. Rotatable sleeves can be disposed over the tube portions to further disrupt gas flow and dissipate heat and sound. A carbon fiber sleeve can be disposed over the outer tube to inhibit burn injuries from contacting the silencer. |
| US09933223B2 |
Cover system for sound suppressor
A cover system for a sound suppressor that reduces the mirage created by the heat generated when a projectile is fired through the sound suppressor and allows the sound suppressor's appearance to be easily changed to blend in with the sound suppressor's surroundings. The cover system comprises a front cap and a cylindrical member. The front cap is configured for attachment to the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is configured for attachment to the front cap and to receive the sound suppressor. An air gap is formed between an outer surface of the sound suppressor and an inner surface of the cylindrical member when the sound suppressor is at least partially received within the cylindrical member. |
| US09933220B1 |
Magazine loader
A magazine loader include a main body, a rounds abutment, and a rounds cavity in communication with a magazine cavity. A plurality of rounds are provided to the rounds cavity and are moveable along a movement plane abuttingly defined by first and second rounds cavity sides, at least one upper cavity abutment, and at least one lower cavity abutment. With a magazine positioned within the magazine cavity, as rounds are slidably moved towards the magazine cavity, pivot points of each round successively abuts a downwardly angled portion of the second rounds cavity side and pivots to angle a second round end of each round towards the magazine, so that each round successively enters the magazine. |
| US09933218B2 |
Firearm magazine loader and method of use
A one hand firearm magazine loader for loading a firearm with a firearm magazine including a lower member includes a magazine support housing that terminates in a lower end in a receiving section; a firearm magazine support extending from the magazine support housing to retain the firearm magazine in a substantially vertical position; a rotating support rotatably received in the receiving section for rotation about a first axis between the substantially vertical position and an angled position; and a magazine receiving member carried by the rotating support, the magazine receiving member receiving the lower member of the firearm magazine, wherein the magazine receiving member is rotatably mounted to the rotating support for rotation about a second axis, substantially perpendicular to the first axis, of the firearm magazine with mounted firearm. |
| US09933212B2 |
Heat pipe
A heat pipe having a wick structure for efficiently returning working fluid to an evaporating portion is provided. The heat pipe comprises a container 2 sealed at its both ends, a working fluid encapsulated in the container, and a wick structure 10 covering an inner face of the container. The wick structure 10 includes a porous wick 11 of a sintered metal powder, and a fiber wick 12 buried in the porous wick. A capillary pressure of the fiber wick 12 is weaker than that of the porous wick 11, and a pressure loss of the fiber wick 12 is smaller than that of the porous wick 11. |
| US09933209B1 |
Method for dewatering acoustical panels
The disclosure provides a method of forming an acoustical panel base mat, including providing a green board including an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant, wherein the green board includes from about 10 to about 40 wt. % solids, and dewatering the green board slurry to form a dewatered green board, wherein the dewatering comprises supplying hot air and applying a vacuum to the green board. |
| US09933208B2 |
Method and apparatus for separating a liquefiable gas mixture
The invention relates to a method for separating a liquefiable gas mixture consisting of a plurality of components, comprising at least one first component (K1) and one second component (K2), wherein, under an increased pressure p1, the first component (K1) has a melting point T*K1 that is higher than the melting point T*K2 of the second component (K2). In order to realise a configuration that is as compact as possible, it is provided in accordance with the invention that the method comprises the following steps: converting the gas mixture to a liquid state at a temperature T0 and a pressure p0, wherein T*K2 |
| US09933207B2 |
Hydrocarbon gas processing
A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover ethane, ethylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, heated, and its liquid fraction is supplied as a first top feed to an absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is combined with the vapor fraction of the first stream, then cooled by the expanded first stream to form a condensed stream that is supplied as a second top feed to the absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components. |
| US09933204B2 |
Method for controlling a refrigerating unit
A method for controlling a refrigerating unit that includes the steps of providing a freezing compartment, a user interface and a refrigeration circuit with a compressor; and setting a controlling routine through the user interface for avoiding freezer burns on food products to be stored in the freezing compartment, upon the setting changing the set temperature of the freezing compartment to a value from 2° C. to 10° C. lower than the previously set value, and changing the on/off control or the cooling capacity of the compressor so that temperature oscillations in the freezing compartment are limited to a range from 1° C. to 0.1° C. |
| US09933198B2 |
Endothermic footwear insert
A personal cooling device that provides cooling to a user, e.g., a wearer's feet, assuring even temperature distribution across contoured surfaces irrespective of the orientation of the personal cooling device and regardless of the pull of gravity. The personal cooling device includes a flexible non-porous upper component, a flexible non-porous lower component, a porous absorbent carrier component, at least one dry chemical reactant and at least one containment including at least one liquid reactant. The carrier component includes at least one dry chemical reactant distributed on the surface area thereof. When the at least one dry chemical reactant is combined with the at least one liquid chemical reactant and is absorbed by the carrier component, an endothermic reaction is produced. The carrier component absorbs the resulting cool substance evenly distributed thereover and, thereby assures equal distribution of this actual cooling throughout the entire device. The at least one containment is adapted to rupture under applied pressure. The upper and lower components are inseparably sealed to each other at their respective perimeters, the attachment forming a volume adapted to encapsulate the carrier component, the at least one dry chemical reactant and the at least one containment. |
| US09933196B2 |
System and method for simultaneous cooling and heating of sample matrix during solid and liquid phase extraction methods
The embodiments herein provide a low cost and effective system and method for simultaneous cooling and heating of a sample matrix during solid and liquid phase extraction methods. A cooling device is attached to atop of a sample vial and a heater is placed below the sample to simultaneous cooling and heating of the sample. The cooling device comprises two concentric metallic cylinders capped with welding. Two stainless steel capillary tubes are inserted respectively into two ends of the capped space for passing in and exiting out liquid carbon dioxide from the cooling device to cool the extracted analytes. The dimensions of the cylinders in the cooling device are suitably adjusted so that the cooling device is suited for use in liquid phase as well as solid phase micro-extraction processes. |
| US09933194B2 |
CO2 refrigeration system
A CO2 refrigeration system (1) includes: a compressor (3), a gas cooler (5), a temperature sensor (17) and an electronic control system (13), the electronic control system including a processor device (15) arranged to control operation of the compressor (3) according to input signals received from the temperature sensor (17), wherein the temperature sensor (17) is positioned to read an output temperature of the gas cooler. A method for controlling a compressor (3) in a CO2 refrigeration system (1) is also disclosed. |
| US09933186B2 |
Absorber tube
An absorber tube is provided that has a central metal tube, a glass cladding tube, and a glass-metal transition element. The metal tube and the glass-metal transition element are connected to each other by an expansion compensation device such that they can be displaced relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. The expansion compensation device is arranged at least partially in an annular space between the metal tube and the glass-metal transition element. In the annular space, at least one shielding device is arranged, which has a first annular disc-shaped segment arranged at an axial distance in front of the end face and covers at least the connection region of the attachment element and the inner end of the expansion compensation device. |
| US09933185B2 |
Fan and water heater provided with the same, and impeller and water heater provided with the same
A fan includes: an impeller including a main plate having a first plane, a plurality of first blades each formed the first plane, and a shroud formed integrally with the plurality of first blades; a fan case; a drive source; and a rotation shaft. The first blades each include a linearly protruding region that is linearly increased in height from an outer circumferential side to an inner circumferential side, and a curvedly protruding region that is curvedly increased in height from the outer circumferential side to the inner circumferential side, the height extending in a direction in which each first blade protrudes. The linearly protruding region is welded to the main plate. Accordingly, a highly durable fan can be implemented that allows sufficient durability to be maintained even under a high temperature environment or an acid environment. |
| US09933184B2 |
Cover plate with remotely controllable switching circuit
A cover plate for access to the thermostat of an electric water heater associated with a resistive heating element to control the operation thereof is described. The cover plate has mounted on a rear face thereof a remotely controllable switching circuit to control the power being fed to the thermostat and thereby remotely controlling the load. The cover plate with the remotely controllable switching circuit is also provided as a retrofit to convert existing electric water heaters to intelligent remotely controllable water heaters. The remote controller may be a utility, a utility provider or a remote control device. The remote controlled switching circuit is mounted concealed in the access cavity behind the cover plate. |
| US09933182B2 |
System for optimising an environmental parameter of an enclosed space
A system for optimizing one or more environmental parameters of an enclosed space comprising first and second relatively enclosed regions, such as a living space and a roof space within a building, is disclosed. The system comprises an internal sensor, in the first region, and an external sensor, external to the enclosed space, for measuring respective environmental parameters. The system also comprises a controller and a diverter valve. The controller is configured to specify the first region's ideal internal environmental parameter, and compare this specified parameter with the measured first region's internal parameter and the measured external parameter to determine whether the diverter valve directs air from the first or second enclosed region to exhaust through the ventilator. |
| US09933181B2 |
Method of and system for minimization of condenser-fan cycling for low ambient temperature
A method of controlling a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system includes measuring an ambient temperature and determining whether the ambient temperature is below a threshold temperature value. Responsive to a determination that the ambient temperature is below the threshold temperature value, measuring a condenser-fan cycle time of the HVAC system and setting a speed of the compressor based on the measured condenser-fan cycle time. |
| US09933180B2 |
Data provision method using air conditioner log information
A data providing method is carried out by a computer (460) built in a data processing system (1) which is designed to collect log information from electronic devices through a network (30) and provide services based on that log information for authenticated users. The data providing method includes: receiving an air conditioner (102a, 102b)'s log information through the network; generating display data by reference to pieces of information which are included in the air conditioner's log information and which indicate (i) a preset temperature of the air conditioner, (ii) an outdoor temperature outside a living space in which the air conditioner is installed, and (iii) an indoor temperature of the living space in which the air conditioner is installed, the display data representing a trend of change of a turnaround time that indicates how long it takes from when the air conditioner starts operating until the indoor temperature reaches the preset temperature; and providing the display data for an authenticated user's display terminal (130a, 130b). |
| US09933171B2 |
Air conditioning and heat pump system with evaporative cooling system
An air conditioning and heat pump system includes a multi-communicative valve unit, a compressor unit connected to the multi-communicative valve unit, an evaporator unit connected to the multi-communicative valve unit, a heat exchanger connected to multi-communicative valve unit, a water heater connected to the compressor unit and the multi-communicative valve unit, and an evaporative cooling system which comprises at least one multiple-effect evaporative condenser for effectively cooling the working fluid. The air conditioning and heat pump system is selectively operated in one of an air conditioning mode, a heat pump mode, a water heater mode, and a defrosting mode, and can be switched such that the working fluid can either be cooled by the evaporator unit or and evaporative cooling system. |
| US09933170B2 |
Water-cooled split air conditioning system
A water-cooled split air conditioning system includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a plurality of connecting hoses. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor housing and a water cooling unit. The water cooling unit includes a pumping device, a top water collection basin, a fill material unit provided underneath the top water collection basin, a bottom water collection basin provided underneath the fill material unit, and a plurality of heat exchanging pipes provided in the bottom water collection basin and immersed in the cooling water. The cooling water collected in the bottom water collection tank is arranged to be guided to flow back into the top water collection basin. A predetermined amount of refrigerant is arranged to flow through the heat exchanging pipes to perform highly efficient heat exchanging process with the cooling water for lowering a temperature of the refrigerant. |
| US09933167B2 |
Retrofit smart components for use in a fluid transfer system
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a retrofit for a system using a fluid to transfer thermal energy in a system that utilizes a thermostat to regulate a temperature associated with a terminal is provided. The retrofit includes a return line temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of a fluid leaving a terminal; and a circuit. The circuit is configured to: receive a signal from a thermostat, the signal commanding a modulated valve to open or close; receive a temperature from the return line temperature sensor; determine whether the temperature is either greater than a maximum set point or less than a minimum set point; and modify the signal from the thermostat if the temperature is either greater than the set point or less than set point. |
| US09933162B2 |
Combustor and gas turbine
A combustor includes: a pilot burner; a plurality of main burners, each of which is provided radially and outwardly along a circumferential direction about the pilot burner, and including a main nozzle disposed in a main burner cylinder; and an extension tube provided to extend toward a downstream side from the main burner cylinder of each of the main burners. The extension tube has a circular inlet communicating with the main burner cylinder, and an outlet at the downstream side comprising two radial edges parallel to the radial direction and two circumferential edges formed along the circumferential direction so as to connect both ends of the radial edges. The combustor further includes an air passage formed outside of the main burner cylinder; and an inner communication hole (formed at the side of the inlet of the extension tube and at a position corresponding to the radially and inwardly circumferential edge for allowing communication between the air passage and the inside of the extension tube. |
| US09933158B2 |
Underwater torch
A underwater cutting torch having a control valve assembly, a check valve assembly and a torch head all positioned within a housing. The control valve assembly and check valve assembly include a passageway for gasses to flow that includes a coupler formed of PTFE material to inhibit combustion within the handle of the underwater cutting torch. |
| US09933154B2 |
System for producing high pressure steam from low quality water
The present disclosure relates to a system for producing high pressure steam from low quality feedwater for a designated process. The system includes a first closed loop in fluid communication with a boiler and a heat exchanger assembly. A first fluid flows through the first closed loop, and is of acceptable quality for use in a boiler. Heat from the boiler is transferred to a second loop through the heat exchanger assembly. The second loop includes the low quality feedwater, which is converted to high pressure steam. The high pressure steam produced from the low quality water can be used in the designated process. This reduces corrosion/downtime in the boiler that might otherwise occur if the low quality water was directly heated by the boiler. |
| US09933150B2 |
Hands-free wearable lighting device
A hands-free wearable lighting device is a device utilized to provide illumination to the user's surroundings while being worn. At least one multicolor light-emitting diode (LED) is positioned within an LED compartment located on a housing. A control unit, a brightness adjustment switch, and a color adjustment switch allow the user to alter the light of the at least one multicolor LED. A necklace allows the housing to be worn around the user's neck in order to provide hands-free illumination. The user may utilize the device as a handheld light by grasping the device via a finger tab. Additionally, the user may utilize a prop stand to direct the light from the at least one multicolor LED in a desired direction. The device may include a laser diode as well in order to allow the device to emit a laser in addition to regular illumination. |
| US09933148B2 |
LED light bulbs
LED light bulbs include openings in base or cover portions, and optional forced flow elements, for convective cooling. Thermally conductive optically transmissive material may be used for cooling, optionally including fins. A LED light engine may be fabricated from a substrate via planar fabrication techniques and shaped to form a substantially rigid upright support structure. Mechanical, electrical, and thermal connections may be made between a LED light engine and a LED light bulb. |
| US09933145B2 |
LED lighting device
An LED lighting device is provided, having a lamp housing and at least one LED module. The lamp housing has a lamp cover and a housing-type heat-dissipating lamp bracket that directly radiates the heat generated by the LED module. The housing-type heat-dissipating lamp bracket is entirely made of heat-dissipating material, and several radiating hole devices are set on the housing-type heat-dissipating lamp bracket. The radiating hole devices on the housing-type heat-dissipating lamp bracket and the gaps between the LED modules form a mutually-reinforcing thermal honeycomb effect, providing a heat dissipation channel with unhindered air convection. Radiating holes are set at the head and tail of the housing-type heat-dissipating lamp bracket. The radiating holes and the gaps between the modules enhance the heat-dissipating effect and enhance air convection, to improve heat dissipation from the lamp housing and provide improved heat dissipation effect for the entire lamp. |
| US09933141B2 |
Luminaire and luminaire components
A luminaire (41, 141) for a double ended tubular HID lamp (110) is disclosed. The luminaire has a V-shaped reflector (2) having a spine (3) and is bendable into a tensioned state having a generally M-shaped configuration. A pair of lamp holders (60, 61; 160, 161) is connected to the spine and spaced apart a distance corresponding to the length of the tubular lamp. A hollow conduit (43, 158) extends between the lamp holders. A pair of insulated cables (31, 32) interconnects the lamp holders with one of the cables (32) passing through the hollow conduit. The distance between the spine (3) and lamp (110) is able to be adjusted. |
| US09933138B2 |
Holder for multiple interchangeable light accessories
The specification and drawings present a new light accessory holder, comprising only one part, for placing and interchanging multiple optical accessories in a lighting fixture near/in front of a light sources such as LEDs. The holder can use multiple notched springs (e.g., three) to push accessories forward and holds them in a desired position. The may be removed from the lighting fixture, so the user can load into the holder whatever accessories are needed, and then return the re-loaded holder into the light fixture. Accessories may include but are not limited to diffusers, glass components (optical filers), Hexcel Louvers, snoots, or other objects that are intended to alter the color or shape of a light source. |
| US09933129B2 |
Light source module
A light source module includes a light source which comprises a light emitting element, a stem configured to support the light emitting element, and a terminal having one end electrically connected to the light emitting element, a wiring board to which the other end of the terminal is electrically connected and which is configured to electrically connect the terminal to an external power supply terminal, and a thermal diffusion member which is disposed between the stem and the wiring board and is thermally connected to the light emitting element. |
| US09933127B2 |
Vehicle light
This invention relates to illumination systems, namely, to automotive headlamps and can be used as the principal head lighting of light and cargo vehicles. The automotive headlamp includes at least one LED and a system of lenses. The system of lenses includes both composite diverging and regulating lenses. The composite diverging lens is made up of two plano-concave lenses. The composite regulating lens is made up of the converging plano-convex lens and the refracting right-angled wedge placed in a series through the luminous flux. The composite regulating lens is placed between the LED and the composite diverging lens, which is suitable for controllable obscuration of the light flux. The invention enhances the reliability of the high/low-beam switch system. |
| US09933126B2 |
Lighting device with reflection layer and light shielding pattern
Provided is a lighting device, comprising: a light source module comprising: at least one light source disposed on a printed circuit board; and a resin layer disposed on the printed circuit board so that the light source is embedded; a light reflection member formed on at least any one of one side surface and another side surface of the resin layer; and a diffusion plate having an upper surface formed on the light source module, and a side wall which is integrally formed with the upper surface and formed to extend in a lower side direction and which is adhered onto the light reflection member, wherein a first separated space is formed between the light source module and the upper surface of the diffusion plate, whereby flexibility of the product itself can be secured, and durability and reliability of the product can be also improved. |
| US09933125B2 |
Bulb simulating light emitting diode headlight
A bulb simulating light emitting diode headlight is disposed through a lamp bowl of an illumination device on a vehicle or motorbike body. The bulb simulating light emitting diode headlight includes a main body, a circuit board, and two light emitting diode modules. The main body has a seat, and a first plate and a second plate disposed on the seat. The first and second plates have a first opening and a second opening, respectively, and form a housing space. The circuit board is disposed between the first and second plates. The light emitting diode modules are disposed on two lateral sides of the circuit board and face the first and second openings. When the light emitting diode modules are broken, the user simply picks out the circuit for replacement, without the need of replacing all the components, thus lowering the cost. |
| US09933124B2 |
Ceiling mounted lighting assembly with self-contained junction box apparatus and method
A ceiling mounted lighting assembly is disclosed having a below-the-ceiling junction box with a ceiling-mounting surface and a light socket disposed at least partially within the below-the-ceiling junction box; a terminal block disposed at least partially within the below-the-ceiling junction box and electrically couplable to the light socket; and at least one fastener coupled to the ceiling-mounting surface and extending in a direction away from the ceiling-mounting surface. |
| US09933121B2 |
Method of making LED light bulb with graphene filament
A method of making a LED light bulb with the Graphene filament contains steps of: A. providing a flexible substrate, wherein the flexible substrate is flexible printed circuit board (PCB); B. coating graphene-based heat dissipation ink on a back side of the flexible substrate; C. cutting the printed circuit board (PCB) on which a graphene-based heat dissipation film is coated to form plural Graphene filaments; D. fixing the plural Graphene filaments into a light bulb. The flexible substrate has copper lines formed on both sides thereof for electronic circuits and heat conduction, and LED chips are mounted on a front side of the flexible substrate. The graphene-based heat dissipation ink is coated on the back side of the flexible substrate before or after LED chips/phosphor molding and then is dried. In addition, the Graphene filaments are fixed in a bended or arched position. |
| US09933120B2 |
LED screen display unit and production method therefor
An LED screen display unit and production method therefor. The LED screen display unit comprises a circuit board (1), a driving IC (2) and LEDs (3); a first face of said circuit board (1) is provided with a contact pad matrix (41); the driving IC (2) is arranged on the circuit board (1) and is in electrical connection with contact pads (4) of said contact pad matrix (41); the pins (31) of the LEDs (3) are soldered to contact pads (4) of the contact pad matrix (41). The present display unit can ensure a higher permeability rate for LED display screens produced having high pixel density. |
| US09933117B2 |
Cryogenic tank arrangement and a marine vessel provided with the same
A cryogenic tank arrangement includes a tank body enclosing a storage space for storing liquefied gas. The tank arrangement has a safety valve arrangement in which at least one pressure relief valve is directly connected to the storage space of the tank body. There is a pressure relief valve arranged directly connected to at least two locations on a same face of the tank body. |
| US09933112B2 |
Mounting device
An improved mounting device for enabling a user to quickly and securely attach and detach an accessory (e.g., a strobe, flashlight, camera, etc.) to an object. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises an upper portion, a lower portion, and at least one locking mechanism to enable a user to quickly removably attach the improved mounting device to an object. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device also comprises a side wedge and side wedge spring. |
| US09933111B1 |
Electronics mount
An electronic mount is provided to secure various electronics systems to the surface of a boat. In some embodiments, the electronics mount utilizes a base member affixed to the boat surface, a vertical member connected to the base member, an arm assembly, elbow assembly, plate support member, and mounting plate that allows a user to pivot or rotate the system to achieve a desired orientation. The present invention allows a user to mount electronics to a boat in a secure manner while also providing freedom of direction. |
| US09933110B2 |
Toolless alignment and securing of sensor or other device
Mounting apparatus is used for supporting an accessory device, e.g., a sensor, in a manner permitting adjustment. An accessory device-receiving mount is fixable to the accessory device and has at least one surface forming a cross-section permitting adjustment in at least one degree of freedom. A clamp ring engages the device-receiving mount at the surface, so that the cross-section permitting adjustment. A clamping mechanism selectively clamps the clamp ring and includes a manually threaded fastener and a lever-operated clamp tightener. The lever-operated clamp tightener acts on the manually threaded fastener to releasably tighten the clamping mechanism beyond that achieved by manually threading the manually threaded fastener, permitting manually threading the clamping arrangement at a maximum tension less than a full tension applied by the lever-operated clamp tightener. |
| US09933106B2 |
Height adjustable support
A support comprises a device mount adapted to be connected to a user device such as a monitor. The device mount is supported on a first pivot for rotational motion about a first axis of rotation. A slide assembly comprises a carriage where the carriage is mounted for translational movement and supports the first pivot such that the first axis of rotation may be moved transversely. The support may be mounted on a technology cart comprising an upright supported on wheels where the upright supports a movable work platform. The support may be located in front of and closely adjacent to the upright where the movement of the pivot allows the user device to be rotated without interference from the upright. |
| US09933105B1 |
Underground pipe repair device with radial stepped annular spacer and related systems and methods
An underground pipe repair device is for a joint between a service pipe and a branch pipe. The underground pipe repair device may include a first T-shaped joint liner having a base portion extending laterally in the service pipe, and an arm portion extending vertically into the branch pipe, and a second ring-shaped liner under the first T-shaped joint liner and aligned with an opening in the branch pipe. The underground pipe repair device may include an annular spacer aligned with the opening in the branch pipe and being between the first T-shaped joint liner and the second ring-shaped liner. The annular spacer may include a radial step, and the second ring-shaped liner may be coupled to the base portion of the first T-shaped joint liner to retain the annular spacer. |
| US09933104B2 |
Expandable liner for the protection and strengthening of existing pipes
A method of lining an interior of a pipe in need of repair comprises providing a carrier tube having one or more expandable materials, coating the carrier tube with a binder, securing one or more layers of a fiber-laden material along an exterior surface of the carrier tube with the assistance of the binder. The carrier tube is delivered, together with the at least one layer of the fiber-laden material and the binder, to a targeted location inside a pipe in need of repair. The carrier tube comprises a first diameter while the carrier tube is being delivered to the targeted located inside the pipe in need of repair. The method additionally comprises radially expanding the carrier tube from the first diameter to a second diameter, such that the one or more layers of the fiber-laden material and the binder at least partially contact and/or adhere to an interior wall of the pipe. |
| US09933099B2 |
Pipe joint and method for forming the pipe joint
Pipe joint, which comprises at least one first pipe section (2), and a sleeve part 5, into which the butt end part of the pipe section (2) is disposed in such a way that the sleeve part (5) extends a distance on top of the pipe section (2) from the butt end of the pipe section that is inside the sleeve, and heating means (7), such as resistance wires. For forming the joint, a joint component (3) is arranged between the outer surface (16) of at least one pipe section (2) and the inside surface (15) of the sleeve part (5), which joint component is configured to form a joint with the sleeve part (5) when the joint area is warmed with the heating means (7), and that a collar (6) is arranged on the pipe section (2), which collar comprises a detent surface (10) for the joint component (3). The invention also relates to a method for forming a pipe joint. |
| US09933098B2 |
Apparatus to couple with and decouple from a male coupler
Described herein is a method and apparatus for providing an easy-flow flushing system to flushing out an engine and an out-drive. The easy-flow flushing system may include a cap with a tubular member, a capping member, and a sleeve. The tubular member may include a first outer surface, an inner surface, a coil circumscribing the tubular member to urge a sleeve to a closed configuration, an opening along the first outer surface, and a ball bearing seated in the opening. The capping member may be coupled to the tubular member and the capping member can include a capping member end and a sealing ring disposed along a second outer surface. The sleeve may be coupled to the tubular member. The sleeve may include an inner surface, where the sleeve is formed and shaped to slide along a portion of the first outer surface of the tubular member. |
| US09933097B2 |
Ring couplings
A ring coupling includes a first cylindrical body defining an outward facing coupling surface extending in a circumferential direction. A second cylindrical body defines an inward facing coupling surface extending in the circumferential direction. A retainer ring is engaged to the coupling surfaces of the first and second cylindrical bodies to prevent axial disengagement of the first and second cylindrical bodies. The cylindrical bodies can be coupled without relative circumferential rotation of the first and second cylindrical bodies. |
| US09933096B2 |
Locking-ring closure having at least one screw lock
A locking-ring closure for fastening lids on containers has: at least one screw lock and further has an open locking ring (1) having a U- or V-shaped cross section, bearing blocks (3) and (4) arranged at the ends of the locking ring, one of which bearing blocks has a through-passage hole and the other an internal thread, a screw (2) which extends through the through-passage hole in the one bearing block (3) and engages by way of its thread in the internal thread of the other bearing block (4), wherein the screw extends beyond the width of this bearing block and, on the portion that emerges from the bearing block, carries a fixed threaded ring (5) enclosing said portion. The screw (2) has, at its end opposite the screw head (6), a portion (8) adjacent to the threaded ring and arranged on that side of the threaded ring (5) that faces the screw head, which portion (8) has no thread engaging in the internal thread of the bearing block (4) and extends at least over the width of the bearing block. |
| US09933093B2 |
Aircraft fuel line couplings in compliance with survivable crash and lightning strike requirements
Fuel line coupling components couple together coaxially aligned fuel lines (e.g., single wall metal aircraft fuel lines) and allow for relative longitudinal movements therebetween. The fuel line coupling component may include an outer tubular housing member, an inner tubular coupling member, a tubular collar member and a coupler. The inner tubular coupling member is adapted to being attached to a terminal end of one of the fuel lines and is received within an interior space of the outer tubular housing member for slidable movements therewithin to allow the fuel line attached thereto to be telescopically extended and retracted relative to the outer tubular housing. The tubular collar member is coaxially aligned with the outer tubular member and is adapted to being attached to a terminal end of the second fuel line in coaxial opposition to the first fuel line. |
| US09933091B2 |
Penetration structure for fireproof compartment containing epoxy-resin-containing thermally expandable resin composition sheet and method for constructing the penetration structure
A penetration structure for a fireproof compartment has a through hole(s) provided at a compartment and a pipe(s) penetrating through the through hole(s). A circumference of the pipe(s) is wound by an epoxy resin-containing thermally expandable resin composition sheet. The epoxy resin-containing thermally expandable resin composition sheet is a laminate of one or more epoxy resin-containing thermally expandable resin composition layers having at least one of linear grooves continuously formed and linear grooves intermittently formed, and two or more of the respective linear grooves being formed onto at least one surface of the epoxy resin-containing thermally expandable resin composition sheet with an interval, and one or more substrate layers. The epoxy-resin-containing thermally expandable resin composition sheet can be wound around the pipe by bending the sheet through use of the grooves even when the temperature is low. |
| US09933087B2 |
Actuator for a water spray structure
An actuator system for a fluid playground including a first elongated tubular member defining a first axially extending enclosure and having a first inlet connectable to a fluid source, and a second elongated tubular member positioned within the first tubular member, the second tubular member defining a second axially extending enclosure, and having a second inlet in fluid communication with the first enclosure and an outlet traversing the first tubular member. The outlet is connectable to at least one fluid playground device. A plug element is shaped to removably and sealably close the second inlet of the second tubular member. A resilient member urges the plug element towards sealing engagement with the second tubular member. A pressure exerted on a movable actuating element connected to the plug element causes its displacement away from sealing engagement with the second inlet, thereby allowing fluid flow to the fluid playground device. |
| US09933085B2 |
Integrating valve with soft start
A valve includes a modulating chamber for sending and receiving fluid through a first chamber port, a supply chamber, and a damping chamber for sending and receiving a second fluid through a damping chamber port. The valve also includes a passageway between the damping chamber and the supply chamber, and a piston assembly movable within the valve, wherein the piston assembly is configured to open and close a flow control device. The piston assembly includes a rod, a modulating piston attached to the rod movable within the modulating chamber, a supply piston attached to the rod movable within the supply chamber, and a damping piston attached to the rod movable within the passageway and the supply chamber. The piston assembly also includes a damping piston bypass that provides a restricted flow passage between the supply chamber and the damping chamber when the damping piston is located in the passageway. |
| US09933082B2 |
Fitting body for a sanitary fitting and production method
A fitting body for a sanitary fitting and a method for producing a fitting body for a sanitary fitting. The fitting body has a base body having at least one receptacle, wherein in a receiving base of the at least one receptacle at least one laterally open channel is provided. The base body is connected in the region of the at least one receptacle with at least one cover, wherein between the at least one cover and the at least one channel, at least one waterway is formed. The at least one cover is at least partially disposed in the receptacle and is mostly covered by a molding composition on a cover outer surface. The fitting body is produced easily and with a minimum of sealing points, and the course taken by the waterways is easily seen from the outside. |
| US09933080B2 |
Pressure-regulating valves
A multi-bend control circuit for fluid communication with an outlet port of a valve includes a first circuit leg extending in a first direction and a second circuit leg extending at an angle from the first circuit leg in a second direction. A third circuit leg extends at an angle from the second circuit leg in a third direction different from the second direction. A sense line tap is in fluid communication with at least one of the first, second or third legs. |
| US09933075B2 |
Sealing system for a well valve
A sealing system for a well valve includes a valve closure, a valve closure carrier, and seal elements. The valve closure includes a central bore. The valve closure carrier includes an annular, metal sealing surface in contact with the exterior of the valve closure to form a metal-to-metal seal with the valve closure. The valve closure carrier defines two flow holes, each of which communicates with the central bore when the valve closure is open to flow fluid, and is sealed from the central bore by the sealing surface when the valve closure is closed. The first seal element seals between the valve closure carrier and the valve closure, and surrounds the first flow hole. The second seal element seals between the valve closure carrier and the valve closure, and surrounds the first seal element and an end opening of the central bore when the valve closure is closed. |
| US09933072B2 |
Working cylinder
In a working cylinder, with a cylinder casing, in the cylinder interior of which is mounted a driving piston capable of linear movement under fluidic pressurization, wherein the cylinder casing is mounted between two cylinder covers closing the cylinder interior, wherein the cylinder covers each have a central section and an outer frame section, with at least four mounting areas and encompassing the central section, wherein there is formed between the frame section and the central section an annular space, in which are provided reinforcing struts aligned radially and each extending towards an assigned mounting area, outer surfaces of each reinforcing strut diverge away from the assigned mounting area towards the central section. |
| US09933068B2 |
Multifunctional electronic gear shift lever for simultaneous manipulation and method of controlling the same
A multifunctional electronic gear shift lever for simultaneous manipulation includes a cylindrical lever rotatably inserted into a support which is disposed in a center fascia surface or a console surface of a vehicle and having an entrance opening that penetrates the cylindrical lever in a longitudinal direction. A start button is disposed at a lower side of the entrance opening, connected with a controller via a spring, and moving in a vertical direction. A display is disposed on the center fascia surface or the console surface, and displays a gear shift stage of the vehicle and a state of the vehicle. The gear shift stage is changeable by rotating the cylindrical lever while simultaneously starting an engine of the vehicle by operating the start button. |
| US09933066B2 |
Vehicle drive transfer apparatus
A vehicle drive transfer apparatus including a planetary gear mechanism including a carrier for supporting a sun gear, a ring gear, and a plurality of pinion gears through pinion shafts and pinion bearings, wherein an in-shaft oil passage is provided in each of the pinion shafts to supply lubricating oil to each of the pinion bearings; and an oil receiver attached to the carrier to receive lubricating oil supplied from an oil supplier and lead the lubricating oil to the in-shaft oil passage in each of the pinion shafts. |
| US09933065B2 |
Vehicular gear transmission structure
A shift fork shaft 123 has both end portions movably fitted in shaft supports 83e and 116a of a gear transmission 82. Clearances are left between bottom surfaces 83g and 116c of the shaft supports 83e and 116a and both end faces 123c of the shift fork shaft 123. Caps 145 are mounted in both axial ends of the shift fork shaft 123. |
| US09933061B2 |
Weld structure
A weld structure includes a fitting portion at which a first member and a second member are engaged, a weld portion at which the first member and the second member are welded together, and a space between the fitting portion and the weld portion. One of the first member and the second member has a communication passage whose one end is open to the space and whose other end is open to an outside at a position other than the space. The communication passage is blocked by an insertion member that has a predetermined function in addition to blocking the communication passage. |
| US09933060B2 |
Locking differential assembly
A locking differential assembly includes a differential case defining an axis of rotation and a gear chamber. A first side gear is at a first end of the differential case. A second side gear is at a second end of the differential case opposite the first end for selectable rotation relative to the differential case. A solenoid is at the first end. The solenoid is directly wound onto a stator. |
| US09933053B2 |
Belt-type continuously variable transmission for working machine
A belt-type continuously variable transmission capable of continuously changing a speed reduction ratio of a driven pulley to a drive pulley, has a speed reduction ratio regulation mechanism that regulates a minimum speed reduction ratio of the driven pulley to the drive pulley. The driven pulley includes a fixed sheave, a movable sheave displaceable in an axial direction with respect to the fixed sheave, and a coil spring that urges the movable sheave toward the fixed sheave. The speed reduction ratio regulation mechanism has a swing arm that adjusts an allowable range in which moving away in an axial direction of the movable sheave with respect to the fixed sheave is possible, and a regulation drive section that drives the swing distal end portion of the swing arm to swing continuously. |
| US09933051B2 |
Tensioning device
The invention relates to a tensioning device for a traction drive, comprising a receiving housing, a roller carrier which is pivotably connected to the receiving housing, a helical tension spring which is supported at the receiving housing and at the roller carrier in circumferential and axial direction, wherein the roller carrier and the receiving housing are axially fixed relative to one another by the helical tension spring, a bearing arrangement by which the roller carrier is supported in the receiving housing so as to be rotatable around a rotational axis, a damping arrangement for damping a rotational movement of the roller carrier relative to the receiving housing, wherein the damping arrangement is arranged so as to be axially spaced from the bearing arrangement and is axially loaded by a tensile load of the helical tension spring. |
| US09933050B2 |
Steering system
A steering system is provided in which a bearing of a tension pulley has a reduced load-carrying capacity. A belt tension adjusting mechanism has a seat provided on an inner surface of a reduction gear housing so as to be able to swing, a rod that is in abutting contact with the seat (bent portion), a feed nut that is screw-threaded over the rod, and a spring member (helical torsion spring) that is fixed to the feed nut at its one end and to the reduction gear housing at the other end. When the belt is loosened, the feed nut is rotated by an elastic force of the spring member, and in conjunction with the rotation, the rod moves away from the feed nut to push the seat (bent portion). |
| US09933049B2 |
Vehicle drive system including a transmission
A vehicle drive system including a transmission has a gear set with first, second, third and fourth elements. The second element connects with an output shaft of the transmission. The system has a transmission housing and a first electric motor having an output shaft connecting with the first element for driving the first element in response to a first electrical signal. A second electric motor has an output shaft connecting with the fourth element for driving the fourth element in response to a second electrical signal. The motors operate together to cause transmission ratios to change steplessly through an infinite number of ratios between maximum and minimum values. |
| US09933047B1 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicles
The present disclosure provides a planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle having advantages of improving power transfer performance and fuel efficiency by implementing ten forward speeds and one reverse speed. The planetary gear train includes: first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets disposed on the same shaft line; an input shaft; an output shaft; eight shafts connected to the respective rotational elements of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets; four clutches and two brakes which are control elements; and a transmission housing H. With this arrangement, rotation power from an engine which is input from the input shaft is shifted by a mutual complementing operation between the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets, and is then output through the output shaft. |
| US09933038B2 |
Anti-vibration device
An anti-vibration device has excellent durability while reducing the amount of elastic deformation of an elastic body to a desired value. The disclosed anti-vibration device (1) includes an inner member (2), an outer member (3), an elastic body (4) that allows relative displacement between the inner member (2) and the outer member (3), a pair of first fluid chambers (C1) in communication with each other via first restricting passages (r1), and a second fluid chamber (C2) in communication with an auxiliary fluid chamber (C3) via a second restricting passage (r2). The first fluid chambers (C1) are disposed at opposite sides of the inner member (2). The second fluid chamber (C2) is disposed in an orthogonal direction (Z) that is orthogonal to a sandwiching direction (Y) and to a direction along the axis (O) of the inner member (2). Stopper parts (S) are provided in the first fluid chambers (C1). |
| US09933034B2 |
Motor drive apparatus equipped with life prediction function for motor brake
A motor drive apparatus includes: a motor current detection unit; a brake release determination unit that determines that the brake is not released when the motor current detected when the motor is operated under a predetermined load by application of a voltage to a brake coil is larger than a current for when the brake is normally released; a brake coil voltage change unit that changes a voltage applied to the brake coil when it is determined that the brake is not released to a larger value; a change history storage unit that stores the voltage after being changed and change date and time; and a life prediction unit that calculates a predicted life of the brake apparatus based on the voltage after being changed and the change date and time and the previously stored failure-time brake coil voltage. |
| US09933027B2 |
Damped anti-rotational systems
A damped anti-rotational system is provided comprising a pawl carrier having an axis of rotation, a pawl pivotably mounted to the pawl carrier on a pivot joint, the pawl having a contact portion and a counterweight portion, a stop pin axially disposed in the pawl carrier and configured to contact the contact portion of the pawl in response to radially inward movement of the pawl, wherein the stop pin is mounted to the pawl carrier at a forward portion of the stop pin and an aft portion of the stop pin, wherein a forward O ring is disposed on the forward portion of the stop pin and an aft O ring is disposed on the aft portion of the stop pin. |
| US09933026B2 |
Vehicle control system
A vehicle control system for improving vibration suppressing performance and acceleration response is provided. A controller is configured to set the torque transmitting capacity of an engagement device to a first torque transmitting capacity that is smaller than a value required to transmit a peak value of a second drive torque applied to an output shaft of a transmission having the engagement device but greater than a value required to transmit an estimated first drive torque generated by an engine, when the second drive torque is amplified by pulsation of the first drive torque. |
| US09933025B2 |
Control system for clutch
A control system is for a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a first engaging element, a second engaging element, and a piston. The first engaging element is configured to be moved according to change of a position of the piston. The first engaging element and the second engaging element are coupled to each other such that torque can be transmitted from the first engaging element to the second engaging element. The control system comprises an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to learn an engagement start position, according to a rotational speed of one of the first engaging element and the second engaging element. The engagement start position is a position of the first engaging element at the time when the first engaging element and the second engaging element start contacting with each other. |
| US09933021B2 |
Flexible shaft coupling
A flexible hub connection is disclosed for joining a first rotatable shaft with a second rotatable shaft so that torque can be transmitted between the shafts through the connection. The connection comprises a first flexible means having a first flex plane, a second flexible means having a second flex plane and, an intermediate member. The first flexible means is connected between the first rotatable shaft and the intermediate member, while the second flexible means is connected between the intermediate member and the second rotatable shaft. The first flex plane and second flex plane being substantially coplanar. |
| US09933020B2 |
Propshaft assembly having yoke friction welded to propshaft tube
A method for forming a propshaft assembly includes: providing a tube having an annular wall member and an axial end face; providing a yoke having body and a pair of arms that extend from the body, the body defining an annular groove having sidewalls and an end face, the sidewalls being spaced apart to receive the annular wall member; spinning at least one of the tube and the yoke while engaging the axial end face to the end face of the annular groove to plasticize a portion of the yoke and a portion of the tube; and driving the yoke and the tube together to fuse the plasticized portion of the yoke and the plasticized portion of the tube together and thereby form a friction weld; wherein the tube is fused to the yoke over portions of the yoke that correspond to the sidewalls and the end face. |
| US09933019B2 |
Shaft interlock
A shaft interlock system may have an a interlocking piston that translates a movable locking apparatus configured to interface with a turbine shaft having a fixed locking apparatus. The movable locking apparatus may engage and disengage the fixed locking apparatus. When the movable locking apparatus is engaged with the fixed locking apparatus, the turbine shaft is only able to turn in one direction. When the movable locking apparatus is disengaged from the fixed locking apparatus, the turbine shaft is able to turn in both directions. In this way, a turbine shaft can be prevented from reverse rotation. |
| US09933017B2 |
Bearing supports
A bearing support includes a squirrel cage including a fenestrated portion with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart windows defined therethrough. A bearing support cage inboard of the squirrel cage defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart windows therethrough. The bearing support cage is operatively connected to the squirrel cage to support a bearing from within the squirrel cage. |
| US09933014B2 |
Rack bushing
A cylindrical rack bushing is interposed between a tubular housing and a rack shaft inserted coaxially through the housing, and supports the rack shaft so that the rack shaft is slidable in an axial direction. The rack bushing has an inner periphery on which an inward protruding portion protruding toward an inner side of the rack bushing in a radial direction is formed. The inward protruding portion includes a top portion that is in sliding contact with the rack shaft in a line contact manner or a point contact manner. |
| US09933008B2 |
Ball joint and steering device including the same
A rack-and-pinion type steering device includes a ball joint for connecting a rack shaft and a tie rod. The ball joint includes a socket and a ball. The socket is provided with a regulated surface allowed to contact a regulating surface of a rack housing, and a screw projecting from the regulated surface to be connected to the rack shaft. The regulated surface includes an intermediate portion having a curved surface shape that recedes from a regulating surface in a longitudinal direction of the rack shaft toward the outer circumference, and the regulated surface has such a shape that a pointed portion toward the regulating surface is less likely to be formed on the regulated surface even if a processing error occurs in the processing for forming the regulated surface of the socket. |
| US09933005B2 |
Retaining ring retention system and method
The present invention relates to a retained member configured to prevent centrifugal force from disassociating a retaining ring provided with lugs from a groove located on a rotatable shaft when securing the retained member to the rotatable shaft and rotating with the shaft. The retained member includes a substantially annular portion and a retention lip provided with a cutout portion. The substantially annular portion defines an opening sized to receive the rotatable shaft so that the retained member is rotatable with the shaft. The cutout portion is configured to accommodate the lugs when in an installing position as the retained member is snap fit into the groove. |
| US09933004B2 |
Load-indicating device
The present invention provides improved load-indicating devices for use with structural assemblies that require accurate tensioning of fastening components such as nuts and bolts. In one embodiment, the load-indicating device comprises a body portion defining a bore extending therethrough, a movable member disposed in at least part of the body portion and configured to move in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis of the bore, and an adjustment means coupled to the movable member and operable to displace the movable member when the body portion is compressed. |
| US09933002B2 |
Expansion anchor with a swelling element for securing the sleeve
An expansion anchor including a stud and at least one expansion element arranged on the stud, whereby the stud has a slanted surface that pushes the expansion element radially outwards when the stud is moved in a pull-out direction, relative to the expansion element is provided. It is provided that the expansion anchor has at least one swelling element consisting of a swellable compound that can swell in order to secure the expansion element onto the wall of a drilled hole in the pull-out direction. |
| US09933001B2 |
Clamp assembly
A quick release clamp assembly for use with a pole. The clamp has a clamp body, a connecting member extending between first and second ends of the clamp body, an actuator connected to one end of the connecting member. The other end of the connecting member is connected to one end of the clamp body by a resilient mount. Closing the actuator moves the two ends of the clamp body towards each other, exerting redial force on the pole. |
| US09932999B2 |
Hydraulic circuit for construction machine
A hydraulic circuit changeable between a state of executing a regeneration action and a state of stopping the regeneration action. The hydraulic circuit includes hydraulic pumps; a plurality of hydraulic actuators; a plurality of control valves provided for respective hydraulic actuators; a regeneration line through which return oil returned from a specific hydraulic actuator of the hydraulic actuators to a tank is supplied to a regeneration target; a regeneration valve; a meter-out valve; and a flow-path selection device selecting a flow path for the return oil from a first flow path supplying the return oil to the regeneration line to cause the regeneration action and a second flow path supplying the return oil to the control valve for the specific hydraulic actuator to stop the regeneration action. |
| US09932995B2 |
Hydraulic excavator drive system
A hydraulic excavator drive system includes: a first hydraulic pump and a second hydraulic pump, whose respective tilting angles are controllable independently of each other; an arm main control valve and an arm auxiliary control valve each for controlling supply of hydraulic oil to an arm cylinder; and a boom main control valve and a boom auxiliary control valve each for controlling supply of the hydraulic oil to a boom cylinder. An arm operation valve outputs a pilot pressure to the arm main control valve. A boom operation valve outputs a pilot pressure to the boom main control valve. A pair of arm-side regulating valves outputs no pilot pressure to the arm auxiliary control valve and a boom-side regulating valve outputs no pilot pressure to the boom auxiliary control valve when an arm crowding operation and a boom raising operation are performed concurrently. |
| US09932992B2 |
Piezoelectric fan
A piezoelectric fan is provided that can effectively supply airflow to a subject to be cooled. The piezoelectric fan includes an air blower having a free end and a fixed end, and a planar piezoelectric element fixed to the air blower. The piezoelectric element causes vibration of the free end of the air blower. The air blower includes a first plate to which the piezoelectric element is fixed, and a second plate and a third plate which are orthogonal to the first plate and parallel to each other. In this structure, the free end of the air blower is H-shaped. The H-shaped blowing end of the air blower effectively prevents lateral airflow and improves the directivity of airflow. |
| US09932991B2 |
Active swirl device for turbocharger compressor
Methods and systems are provided for mitigating noise generated by a compressor operating at low flow rates. A swirl device with two concentric flow passages upstream of the compressor directs intake air flow to the compressor through two different flow paths, depending on air flow rates. Angled swirl vanes at an outlet of the swirl device pre-whirl the air flowing to the compressor to reduce noise generation at low air flow rates. |
| US09932985B2 |
Gas turbine engine compressors having optimized stall enhancement feature configurations and methods for the production thereof
Multistage gas turbine engine (GTE) compressors having optimized stall enhancement feature (SEF) configurations are provided, as are methods for the production thereof. The multistage GTE compressor includes a series of axial compressor stages each containing a rotor mounted to a shaft of a gas turbine engine. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps or processes of selecting a plurality of engine speeds distributed across an operational speed range of the gas turbine engine, identifying one or more stall limiting rotors at each of the selected engine speeds, establishing an SEF configuration in which SEFs are integrated into the multistage GTE compressor at selected locations corresponding to the stall limiting rotors, and producing the multistage GTE compressor in accordance with the optimized SEF configuration. |
| US09932973B2 |
Reciprocating pump with high-pressure seal
In a reciprocating pump comprising a reciprocating member adapted to reciprocate as driven by a drive unit contained in a drive unit case, so as to perform a pumping action such that a liquid in use is aspirated into a pump chamber formed axially in front of the reciprocating member and pushed out under pressure and further comprising a high-pressure seal in slidable contact with an outer peripheral surface of the reciprocating member axially behind the pump chamber so as to prevent the liquid in use from leaking out when a high pressure is generated in the pump chamber, a flow path for the liquid in use to flow so as to bathe the drive unit therewith is provided within the drive unit case, while the rear side of the high-pressure seal is in contact with the liquid in use flowing through the drive unit case. |
| US09932971B2 |
Swash plate compressor having a curved piston guide wall
A piston pump for a high-pressure cleaning appliance is provided, which includes a plurality of pistons that are movable back and forth and each of which enters a pump chamber and is displaceably held at a piston guiding part. The piston guiding part has a supporting wall on which a plurality of guiding elements, each of which guides a piston, are disposed. In order to be able to produce the piston pump in a more cost-effective manner, it is proposed according to the invention that the supporting wall is curved. |
| US09932967B2 |
Method for setting an output voltage level of a wind power plant
The present disclosure addresses the problem of ensuring that wind turbine voltage levels within a wind power plant do not exceed predetermined overvoltage and/or undervoltage protection levels. In particular, the present disclosure relates to adjustment of an output voltage level of a wind power plant in order to protect an internal power plant grid from overvoltages. |
| US09932961B1 |
Replacement airfoil blades for a wind power generator
A wind power generator having blades which are detachably mounted on a hub whereby the blades can be easily and efficiently removed and replaced as necessary. |
| US09932960B2 |
Rotor blade of a wind turbine
A rotor blade (5) of a wind turbine, which has a profile (1-4) having an upper side (suction side) (7) and an underside (pressure side) (8). The profile (1-4) includes a camber line (21, 25) and a chord (18) between a leading edge (10) and a trailing edge (11) of the profile (1-4). The profile (1-4) has a relative profile thickness of more than 45%. At least one vortex generator (50, 50′, 50″, 50′″) is disposed, in the region of the profile (1-4), on the suction side (7) of the rotor blade (5). The profile (1-4) is provided with a blunt trailing edge. And, The thickness of the trailing edge is between 15% and 70% of the chord length. |
| US09932959B2 |
Shrounded wind turbine configuration with nozzle augmented diffuser
Disclosed are a system, a method and an apparatus of diffuser nozzle augmented wind turbine. In one embodiment, a method includes attaching a nozzle with a streamlined opening to a diffuser to direct an air flow into a wind turbine. In addition, the method includes increasing a wind speed approaching a set of turbine blades within a shrouded wind turbine configuration. The method also includes recirculating the air within the shroud configuration to increase an output power generated through the wind turbine. The system is composed of diffuser and nozzle integrated and non-integrated with and without a flange. In one embodiment, a method includes increasing a pressure differential of a wind turbine. |
| US09932958B2 |
Turbine blade shear web alignment
A method of aligning shear webs for the construction of a wind turbine blade is provided. The method comprises providing one or more jigs (402), each configured to receive one or more spacer elements (701) and providing one or more spacer elements (701). First and second shear web panels are placed on the one or more jigs (402) to align them. The first and second shear web panels are restrained relative to each other and are separated by the one or more spacer elements. The first and second shear web panels are then removed together with the one or more spacer elements from the jig. A corresponding apparatus is also provided. |
| US09932956B2 |
Laser ignition device
A laser ignition device for an internal combustion engine can include a laser generator, a housing, and a window. The laser generator can emit a pulse of laser light. The housing can be coupled to the internal combustion engine. The housing can have a first end and a second end. The second end can be proximate to a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine and can define an aperture through which the laser light is permitted to exit the housing into the combustion chamber. The window can be coupled to the second end of the housing and cover the aperture. The window can permit the laser light to pass through the window and into the combustion chamber. The window can have a rounded outer surface. |
| US09932952B2 |
Electricity supply device and vehicle
An electricity supply device that reduces a delay in starting an engine. A vehicle includes a starter motor for starting an engine, a start magnet making and breaking connection between the starter motor and a battery, a fuel pump, and a control unit controlling fuel injection and ignition timing of the engine. An electricity supply device of the vehicle includes: a main relay making and breaking connection between a load of the vehicle, the load not including the starter motor, the start magnet, and the battery; a clutch switch connected to the battery, and set in a conducting state when a clutch lever is gripped; a start switch connected between the clutch switch and a coil of the start magnet; and a diode allowing a current to flow from a point of connection between the clutch switch and the start switch to a coil of the main relay. |
| US09932941B2 |
Snap-in spring clip assembly
A snap-in spring clip assembly includes a discrete clip cleat and a fastener carried on the clip cleat. The discrete clip cleat includes a body having a base, a first rib depending from the base and a second rib depending from the base. The first and second ribs each include at least one resilient locking arm that allows the discrete clip cleat to be snapped into and retained in a desired position. |
| US09932939B2 |
Dedicated exhaust gas recirculation system
A dedicated exhaust gas recirculation (“D-EGR”) system of an internal combustion engine can include an exhaust recirculation passage, and a rotary valve. The recirculation passage can be coupled for fluid communication with an outlet of a D-EGR combustion chamber. The rotary valve can have a housing and a rotor. The housing can have a valve inlet coupled to the recirculation passage to receive exhaust gases from the recirculation passage, and a valve outlet coupled to an intake passage of the ICE to deliver exhaust gases from the rotary valve to the intake passage. The rotor can be disposed within the housing and rotatable relative to the housing. The rotor and housing can define a plurality of valve chambers. |
| US09932937B2 |
Fuel system diagnostics
Methods and system are provided for distinguishing fuel tank vacuum generation due to canister purge valve degradation from vacuum generation due to canister vent valve degradation. A fuel tank vacuum level is monitored after sealing the fuel tank from the atmosphere following an engine pull-down. If there is an ensuing change in fuel tank vacuum, canister purge valve degradation is determined, else, canister vent valve degradation is determined. |
| US09932936B2 |
Carburetor choke removal mechanism for pressure washers
A choke removal mechanism for an autochoked engine includes an actuator arm which is configured to have an actuated state and an idle state, an actuator which is configured to be mechanically coupled to the actuator arm, a choke which is configured to have an open state and a closed state, and a choke spring which is configured to be mechanically coupled to the choke and the actuator arm, where the choke spring is configured to mechanically link the actuator arm to the choke such that when the actor arm is in the actuated state the choke is in the open state and when the actuator arm is in the idle state the choke is in the closed state. |
| US09932935B2 |
Ignition system
An ignition system of a combustion engine has a start-up adjustment curve with a maximum rotational speed, an operating adjustment curve and a switch-over device for switching between curves. The start-up adjustment curve is selected in the case of a start-up of the combustion engine. A rotational speed curve is divided into adjacent cycles. The start of the first cycle is the point in time of the second ignition after the start-up and the start of the subsequent cycles is in each case the point in time of ignition at which the rotational speed is less than in the case of the subsequent point in time of ignition. The criterion for switching to the operating adjustment curve is whether the average of the rotational speeds of successive cycles differs by less than a first tolerance value. |
| US09932932B2 |
Aeroengine thrust reverser arrangement
A gas turbine engine has a core engine and a nacelle having a cowl translatable along the axis of the engine from a stowed position to a deployed position, A thrust reverser cascade extends circumferentially about the engine axis. To obviate the need for additional blanking cascades the cowl has a forwardly extending tongue that in the deployed position of the cowl is at the same axial position as the thrust reverser cascade. |
| US09932927B2 |
Cylinder head cover
A cylinder head cover for a cylinder head of a piston engine may include a cover body for mounting on the cylinder head. The cover body may include a cover body section and a first longitudinal side edge disposed opposite a second longitudinal side edge. An outer cover seal may seal off the cover body from the cylinder head and extend completely around along an outer edge of the cover body. A securing bridge may be fitted over the cover body on an outer side along the cover body section from the first longitudinal side edge of the cover body to the second longitudinal side edge. |
| US09932926B2 |
Injector controlling method using opening duration
Disclosed is an injector controlling method using an opening duration. The injector controlling method using an opening duration converts a target fuel quantity into an opening duration and sets relationship between the opening duration and an injector actuation signal in order to control the fuel quantity of injectors more accurately. |
| US09932921B2 |
Method for utilizing condensate to improve engine efficiency
Methods are provided for controlling a vehicle engine to improve engine efficiency utilizing onboard water condensate. In one example, condensate is collected from cooling air routed into an engine, and injected into one of a plurality of locations based on engine operating conditions to keep NOx in combustion gases below desired amounts and to avoid ignition knock in said engine. In this way, condensate build-up in the CAC is advantageously utilized, engine performance and efficiency may be improved, and harmful emissions may be reduced. |
| US09932917B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculation control systems and methods
An engine control system for a vehicle includes a flowrate module, first and second mass fraction calculating modules, and an actuator control module. The flowrate module determines a mass flowrate of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to an engine. The first mass fraction calculating module, based on the mass flowrate of EGR, determines a first mass fraction of recirculated exhaust gas relative of a first gas charge for a first combustion event of the engine. The second mass fraction calculating module determines a second mass fraction of recirculated exhaust gas of a second gas charge for a second combustion event of the engine based on an average of the first mass fraction and one or more other values of the first mass fraction determined for other combustion events, respectively. The actuator control module selectively adjusts an engine operating parameter based on the second mass fraction. |
| US09932916B2 |
Combustion control apparatus for internal combustion engine
A combustion control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a spark plug for performing spark ignition of an air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, a plurality of coil pairs for generating spark discharge in the spark plug, and a fuel injection valve capable of injecting atomized fuel. Atomized fuel is injected into the intake passage, and a homogeneous lean air-fuel mixture is formed in the combustion chamber. The air-fuel ratio of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber is controlled to be leaner than a predetermined lean air-fuel ratio. A spark discharge start timing and a spark discharge continuation time period are controlled using the plurality of coil pairs. The spark discharge start timing is set to a timing advanced from the spark discharge start timing for igniting a stratified lean mixture, such that the air-fuel ratio in the vicinity of the spark plug is relatively small. |
| US09932913B2 |
Method and apparatus for analyzing vehicle driving pattern
A method for analyzing a driving pattern of a vehicle includes setting a driving pattern measurement condition, measuring a driving pattern, deducing an engine operating region for the measured driving pattern from an engine control map, calculating each weighting determined according to a distance from the measured driving pattern to each vertex of the engine operating region, accumulating each calculated weighting for each coordinate of the engine operating region, determining whether a current measurement condition departs from the set measurement condition, and calculating a weighting factor for each coordinate under the set measurement condition when the current measurement condition departs from the set measurement condition, wherein, in the step of deducing an engine operating region, the engine operating region refers to a virtual block defined by four vertex coordinates of a pixel, in which the measured driving pattern is present, in the engine control map. |
| US09932910B2 |
Natural gas quality sensor and method for using the same
A system and method for determining the quality of natural gas is provided. The system includes a fuel line for communicating natural gas to an engine. An infrared light source is disposed along the fuel line and is configured to emit a beam of infrared light into the fuel line having a wavelength of 6 to 10 micrometers. An infrared light detector detects a transmission value of the natural gas as the beam of infrared light passes through the fuel line. A natural gas quality module receives the transmission value from the infrared light detector and determines a quality value of the natural gas based on an amount of infrared light absorbed by methane in the natural gas. An engine control module, including a feed-forward control loop, receives the quality value from the natural gas quality module and alters an operating parameter of the engine in response thereto. |
| US09932907B2 |
Methods and systems for enhancing control of power plant generating units
A combined cycle power plant system that includes: a gas turbine operably connected to a heat recovery steam generator; a first controller for optimizing a shutdown operation defined between an initiating shutdown command and a terminating event, wherein the first is controller configured to execute the steps of: receiving the shutdown initiating command; receiving operating parameters measured by sensors for each of a first component and a second component of the combined cycle power plant, and, based thereupon, determining a current state for each of the first and the second component; based on the current state, deriving an optimized shutdown operating mode for transitioning the first component and the second component from the current state to a shutdown state. A second controller may be configured to: transform the optimized shutdown operating mode into commands configured to actuate mechanical control devices of the first component and the second component so that the shutdown operation proceeds according to the optimized shutdown operating mode. |
| US09932905B2 |
Bypass duct heat exchanger with controlled fan
A gas turbine engine comprises a main fan that delivers air into a bypass duct and into a core engine. A heat exchanger is positioned within the bypass duct and receives a fluid to be cooled from a component associated with the gas turbine engine. A heat exchanger fan is positioned to draw air across the heat exchanger and a control for the heat exchanger fan. The control is programmed to stop operation of the fan during certain conditions, and to drive the heat exchanger fan under other conditions. A method of forming a heat exchanger is also disclosed. |
| US09932902B2 |
Turbine section support for a gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine includes a compressor portion, a combustor fluidly connected to the compressor portion via a primary flowpath, and a turbine portion fluidly connected to the combustor via the primary flowpath. The turbine section includes a first turbine portion and a second turbine portion. The second turbine portion is at a low pressure relative to the first turbine portion. A first turbine shaft is supported relative to a second turbine shaft by a first bearing, the first bearing having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, with the inner diameter of the first bearing being connected to one of the first shaft and the second shaft and the outer diameter of the first bearing being connected to the other of the first shaft and the second shaft. |
| US09932898B2 |
Drain pipe arrangement and gas turbine engine comprising a drain pipe arrangement
A pipe arrangement for a turbomachine is provided having a fluid pipe for guiding fluids and a coupling element for coupling the fluid pipe to a temperature affected component. The coupling element is configured to provide a first connection between the coupling element and the component by a first end of the coupling element. The coupling element provides also a second connection between the coupling element and a first surface section of the fluid pipe by a second end of the coupling element. Furthermore, the coupling element has a sleeve portion surrounding a second surface section of the fluid pipe and being spaced apart to the second surface section of the fluid pipe. A fluid inlet or outlet arrangement is also provided having such a pipe arrangement and also a gas turbine engine having such a pipe arrangement. |
| US09932897B2 |
Removable acoustic panels for turbojet engine casing
An acoustic panel intended to be fixed internally to a fan casing of a turbojet engine, including an exterior face and an interior face which are curved about an axis, and two axially opposed transverse faces, the exterior curved face having at least one first recess on the side of a first transverse face and at least one second recess on the side of the opposite transverse face, said recesses each an attachment, in which said recesses do not open onto the interior curved face of the panel. Also covered are the turbojet engine including these panels and the method of mounting them. |
| US09932891B2 |
Engine system
An engine system 10A is characterized by having a first electrolyzing device 11A for electrolyzing water into hydrogen and oxygen, an engine 12 which runs on the combustion of a mixed gas of the hydrogen and oxygen generated by the first electrolyzing device 11A, a battery 14 for storing electricity, a boosting coil 16 for boosting the voltage of electricity stored in the battery and supplying the boosted high-voltage electricity to the first electrolyzing device 11A and ignition plugs of the engine 12, and an alternator 15 for generating electricity from the running of the engine and supplying the generated electricity to the battery 14. The engine system can be driven by simply replenishing water without requiring construction of refilling stands or replacement of tanks. |
| US09932882B2 |
Valve device and hydraulic control system
A first valve portion and a second valve portion are formed in a rotary valve, wherein the first and the second valve portions are arranged in an axial direction thereof. The first valve portion includes a first and a second valve windows formed in a valve member, and a first and a second valve port openings formed in a valve housing. The second valve portion includes a third valve window formed in the valve member and a third valve port opening formed in the valve housing. The valve member is rotatable in both directions of a clockwise direction and an anti-clockwise direction, so that each of the first to the third valve port openings is respectively opened or closed by the first to third valve windows. Each of the valve windows and the valve port openings of the first valve portion is formed in a rectangular shape in its developed figure in a rotational direction of the valve member. |
| US09932875B2 |
Mixer for mixing exhaust gas
Systems are provided for a mixer configured to be used in either an intake or exhaust passage. In one example, a mixer in the intake passage may be adapted to mix EGR with intake air and a mixer in the exhaust passage may be adapted to mix urea with exhaust gas. |
| US09932874B2 |
Reducing oxygen in a gas turbine exhaust
The present techniques are directed to a system and methods for operating a gas turbine system. An exemplary gas turbine system includes an oxidant system, a fuel system, and a control system. A combustor is adapted to receive and combust an oxidant from the oxidant system and a fuel from the fuel system to produce an exhaust gas. A catalyst unit including an oxidation catalyst that includes an oxygen storage component is configured to reduce the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gas to form a low oxygen content product gas. |
| US09932872B2 |
Mounting mat including inorganic nanoparticles and method for making the same
The present invention relates to a mounting mat for mounting a pollution control device in a catalytic converter, the mounting mat comprising a non-woven mat of inorganic fibers having distributed therein inorganic particles having an average diameter of 1 nm to 100 nm and wherein the mounting mat is free of organic binder or contains organic binder in an amount of not more than 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the mounting mat. The invention further relates to a pollution control device including the mounting mat and to a method of making the mounting mat. |
| US09932871B2 |
Variable geometry exhaust conduit
A method for reducing reductant deposits in an exhaust conduit fluidly coupled to an engine comprises operating the engine to produce an exhaust gas. The exhaust gas is communicated into the exhaust conduit which has an initial cross-sectional area. An initial flow rate corresponding to an initial flow velocity of the exhaust gas entering the exhaust conduit is determined. The initial flow rate and, thereby the initial flow velocity of the exhaust gas, increases or decreases based on an operating condition of the engine. The initial flow rate of the exhaust gas is compared with a predetermined threshold. If the initial flow rate of the exhaust gas is lower than the predetermined threshold, a cross-sectional area of the exhaust conduit is reduced. The reducing of the cross-sectional area causes the exhaust gas to have an adjusted flow velocity greater than the initial flow velocity. |
| US09932867B2 |
Iron-based alloys and methods of making and use thereof
An iron-based alloy includes (in weight percent) carbon from about 1 to about 2 percent; manganese up to about 1 percent; silicon up to about 1 percent; nickel up to about 4 percent; chromium from about 10 to about 25 percent; molybdenum from about 5 to about 20 percent; tungsten up to about 4 percent; cobalt from about 17 to about 23 percent; vanadium up to about 1.5 percent; boron up to about 0.2 percent; sulfur up to about 0.03 percent; nitrogen up to about 0.4 percent; phosphorus up to about 0.06 percent; niobium up to about 4 percent; iron from about 35 to about 55 percent; and incidental impurities. The chromium/molybdenum ratio of the iron-based alloy is from about 1 to about 2.5. The alloy is suitable for use in elevated temperature applications, such as valve seat inserts for combustion engines. |
| US09932862B2 |
Method and apparatus for heating an expansion machine of a waste heat recovery apparatus
A waste heat recovery apparatus, for use with an internal combustion engine, includes a working fluid circuit to circulate working fluid, a boiler connected on the working fluid circuit and adapted to recover waste heat from a source to heat working fluid, an expander connected on the working fluid circuit to receive working fluid from the boiler, and, a heating jacket associated with the expander. The working fluid circuit downstream of the boiler includes a first branch connecting to an inlet of the expander and a second branch connecting to the heating jacket. A valve is connected on the working fluid circuit to selectively control working fluid flow to one of the first branch for expansion and recovering work or to the second branch to heat the expander responsive to a temperature of the working fluid. |
| US09932861B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling backpressure in a heat engine system having hydrostaic bearings
A method includes controlling a bearing fluid supply system to provide the bearing fluid to a hydrostatic bearing of the turbopump assembly. The bearing fluid includes a supercritical working fluid. The method also includes receiving data corresponding to a pressure of the bearing fluid measured at or near a bearing fluid drain fluidly coupled to the hydrostatic bearing, determining a thermodynamic state of the bearing fluid at or near the bearing fluid drain based at least in part on the received data, and controlling a backpressure regulation valve to throttle the backpressure regulation valve between an opened position and a closed position to regulate a backpressure in a bearing fluid discharge line to maintain the bearing fluid in a supercritical state in the hydrostatic bearing and/or at or near the bearing fluid drain. |
| US09932860B2 |
Oil transfer passage arrangement for a shaft of a gas turbine engine
A shaft for a gas turbine engine includes a shaft bore along an axis, a circumferential groove within the shaft bore, a multiple of first axial grooves from said circumferential groove and a multiple of second axial grooves from said circumferential groove. |
| US09932858B2 |
Gas turbine engine frame assembly
A gas turbine engine is provided including a shaft coupling a compressor of a compressor section to a turbine of a turbine section. An aft bearing assembly, including at least two bearings, is positioned at least partially in an aft sump and supports the shaft within the turbine section. The aft sump is configured to receive lubrication oil from a lubrication oil supply extending through at least a portion of a turbine center frame of the turbine section, and provide such lubrication to the at least two bearings of the aft bearing assembly. |
| US09932856B2 |
Cooling apparatus for turbomachinery with method of installation
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide cooling systems for turbomachinery and methods of installation. In an embodiment, an apparatus of the present disclosure can include a ventilation conduit for routing a cooling air from a compressor of a power generation system to a turbine component of the power generation system; and a nozzle in fluid communication with the ventilation conduit, wherein the nozzle delivers water from a water supply into the ventilation conduit. |
| US09932853B2 |
Assemblies and methods for monitoring turbine component strain
Assemblies and methods for monitoring turbine component deformation are provided. An assembly includes a first strain sensor configurable on the turbine component, the first strain sensor including at least two reference points and having a first dimension. The assembly further includes a second strain sensor configurable on the turbine component, the second strain sensor including at least two reference points and having a first dimension which corresponds to the first dimension of the first strain sensor. An initial value of the first dimension of the second strain sensor is different from an initial value of the first dimension of the first strain sensor. In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for monitoring turbine component deformation is provided. |
| US09932852B2 |
Sensor assembly for rotating devices and methods for fabricating
A sensor assembly is described herein. The sensor assembly includes a housing that includes an inner surface that defines a cavity within the housing, and a proximity sensor positioned within the cavity. The proximity sensor includes a first connector, a second connector, and a substantially planar sensing coil that extends between the first connector and the second connector. The sensing coil extends outwardly from the first connector such that the second connector is radially outwardly from the first connector. |
| US09932851B2 |
Active synchronizing ring
An improved system, apparatus and method for controlling vane angles in a gas turbine engine, and more specifically, for correcting vane angle error in a gas turbine engine. An active synchronization ring comprises a plurality of micro-actuators coupled to the synchronization ring to correct distortion in the synchronization ring. The micro-actuators apply a bending moment to the synchronization ring to cancel or compensate for synchronization ring distortion. The micro-actuators may be controlled open loop or closed loop. Strain sensors measure ring distortion and provide signals to the controller for closed loop control. |
| US09932850B2 |
Correction system and method for gas turbine proportional droop governor
A method, including receiving a turbine system operating parameter. The turbine system operating parameter includes an indication of a frequency variation of an electric power system associated with the turbine system. The method includes determining a correction factor to vary the output of the turbine system according to the frequency variation, wherein the correction factor is based on a droop power response and a nominal droop power ratio. The droop power response is calculated based on a gas turbine power output and a speed-load error. The method further includes varying the output of the turbine system based at least in part on the correction factor. |
| US09932848B2 |
Pressurized seal system for a power turbine unit
A power turbine unit includes a turbine housing, an exhaust duct, a turbine wheel with blades positioned in the exhaust duct, a shaft rigidly connected to the turbine wheel and rotatably supported in the housing, and an oil sealing system. The oil sealing system includes a sealing arrangement positioned in the vicinity of the turbine wheel for preventing oil from escaping from the turbine housing along the shaft to the exhaust duct. The oil sealing system further includes a buffer gas duct that is arranged to supply exhaust gas from the exhaust duct to the sealing arrangement for pressurizing the sealing arrangement. |
| US09932844B2 |
Seals for a gas turbine engine
A sealing assembly may include a support, an engine component, and a seal. The engine component may be mounted relative to the support to define a gap between the engine component and the support. The seal may be arranged between the support and the engine component to block gasses from passing through the gap. The seal may be adapted to compress and expand to fill the gap during expansion and contraction of the adjacent components that occurs during operation of a gas turbine engine including the sealing assembly. |
| US09932842B2 |
Structural guide vane leading edge
A structural guide vane for use in a gas turbine engine has a leading edge section, a trailing edge, a pressure surface and a suction surface. An erosion coating such as polyurethane resin is on the pressure surface and the suction surface. The leading edge of the vane is without the erosion coating and is bare metal. The vane is formed to include a plurality of pockets and bond shelves in the pressure surface side, and an epoxy bond line on the bond shelves holding a cover plate protected by the erosion coating. |
| US09932840B2 |
Rotor for a gas turbine engine
A rotor for a gas turbine engine includes a central wheel and a plurality of blades that extend outwardly from the central wheel. The blades are non-uniform to reduce flutter and forced response effects induced during operation of a gas turbine engine including the rotor. |
| US09932836B2 |
Turbine blade
A turbine vane for a rotary turbomachine has a turbine blade delimited by a concave pressure-side wall and a convex suction-side wall which are connected in the region of a vane front edge which can be assigned to the turbine blade and enclose a cavity which extends in the longitudinal extent of the vane front edge and is delimited on the inner wall by the pressure-side wall and the suction-side wall in the region of the vane front edge and by an intermediate wall which extends in the longitudinal direction to the vane front edge and connects the suction-side wall and the pressure-side wall on the inner wall. The intermediate wall has a perforation at least in sections in the connecting region to the suction-side wall and/or pressure-side wall, in order to increase the elasticity of the intermediate wall. |
| US09932835B2 |
Airfoil cooling device and method of manufacture
An airfoil has an airfoil structure that defines a cooling passage for directing a cooling medium through the airfoil structure. A swirl structure is operatively associated with the cooling passage and configured to impart a tangential velocity to the cooling medium flowing through the cooling passage. An airfoil has an airfoil structure that defines a first cooling passage and a second cooling passage for directing cooling medium through the airfoil structure, each cooling passage having a swirl structure that imparts tangential velocity on the cooling medium flowing through the associated cooling passage. A method of making an airfoil that includes forming an airfoil structure that defines a cooling passage for directing a cooling medium through the airfoil structure and forming a swirl structure that is operatively associated with the cooling passage and imparts tangential velocity to the cooling medium flowing through the cooling passage. |
| US09932831B2 |
High temperature compliant metallic elements for low contact stress ceramic support
A ceramic component retention system includes a metallic component, a ceramic component, and at least one spring element arranged between the metallic component and the ceramic component. The metallic component has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and the ceramic component has a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The at least one spring element is configured to mechanically couple the ceramic component to the metallic component. |
| US09932825B1 |
Gas chromatograph mass spectrometer for downhole applications
Wellbore tools in accordance with the present disclosure may include a gas chromatograph; and a mass spectrometer, wherein the mass spectrometer is configured to operate at a pressure greater than 10−2 Torr. Systems in accordance with the present disclosure may include a gas chromatograph; and a mass spectrometer, wherein the mass spectrometer is configured to operate at a pressure greater than 10−2 Torr. Methods in accordance with the present disclosure may include emplacing a wellbore tool in a wellbore, the wellbore tool containing a gas chromatograph and a mass spectrometer, wherein the mass spectrometer is configured to operate at a pressure greater than 10−2 Torr; drawing a sample of a fluid from the wellbore into the wellbore tool; and determining a molecular weight of one or more components of the fluid. |
| US09932821B2 |
Bend angle sensing assembly and method of use
A bend angle sensing assembly for determining a downhole bend angle of a downhole adjustable bent housing. The bend angle sensing assembly includes a flow diverter having a plurality of diverter apertures for receiving drilling fluid, the flow diverter orientable to a plurality of diverter configurations in dependence on the bend angle of the associated downhole adjustable bent housing. Each of the plurality of diverter configurations have one or more of the plurality of diverter apertures opening or closing to form a corresponding flow path configuration, each flow path configuration having a different flow area whereby the pressure of the drilling fluid changes for each flow path configuration. Additionally, a pressure sensor is communicatively coupled to the drilling fluid. |
| US09932816B2 |
Mounting bracket for strain sensor
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a system for mounting a strain sensor on a tubular pipe, which includes a mechanical clamp. The clamp has a bottom flexing section having an arcuate portion terminating at a first terminal and at a second end, and a first and second upper flexing sections having an arcuate portions terminating at first terminal ends and at second terminal ends in a pivot pin assembly having a bore parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the clamp, the bore there through for receiving a removable connector. Sensor mounting arms are disposed outwardly on the first and second upper flexing sections, said sensor mounting arms including at least one receptacle sized to receive and retain ends of a strain gauge. |
| US09932814B2 |
Method and apparatus for video validation
A validation tool (100) has a central body member (10) with threaded connections at each end (12, 13), as well as a central bore (11) extending there through. At least one battery powered video camera (20) or other optical data sensor is disposed along an outer surface of the body member and can be selective activated and de-activated. Optional mirror(s) (50) are provided to permit optimum viewing of the surrounding environment, while visual images and/or other sensed data is recorded and stored on at least one data storage media. The validation tool can be used for various purposes including wellbore integrity and verification that drilling mud has been fully displaced with completion fluid in a wellbore. |
| US09932810B2 |
Oil recovery process including a high solids crystallizer for treating evaporator blowdown
An oil recovery process is provided where an oil-water mixture is recovered from an oil-bearing formation. Oil is separated from the oil-water mixture to yield produced water. The produced water is typically subjected to a pre-treatment process. After pre-treatment, the produced water is directed to an evaporator that evaporates at least some of the produced water and produces steam and an evaporator blowdown. The evaporator blowdown is directed to a dual stage crystallizer that concentrates the evaporator blowdown. |
| US09932793B2 |
Mill blade torque support
An example whipstock assembly includes a whipstock providing a ramped surface and a longitudinal groove defined in the ramped surface. A lead mill is coupled to the whipstock with a shear bolt and providing one or more blades, and a bearing support is arranged within the longitudinal groove and provides opposing sidewalls that define a slot configured to receive one of the one or more blades and thereby prevent the lead mill from rotating with respect to the whipstock. |
| US09932785B2 |
System, apparatus, and method for dual-activity drilling
Methods and apparatus for running a tubular into a wellbore. The method includes attaching a first member of a lifting coupling to a first tubular, and attaching a second member of the lifting coupling to a second tubular. The second tubular extends downward through an opening of a rotary station. The method also includes connecting together the first and second members of the lifting coupling, such that a weight of the second tubular is transmitted via the lifting coupling to the first tubular. The method further includes lowering the lifting coupling, the second tubular, and at least a portion of the first tubular through the opening, and disconnecting the second member from the first member. The method additionally includes moving the second member of the lifting coupling and the second tubular laterally, away from the opening. |
| US09932782B2 |
Well intervention cable bending restriction for a rigid resilient rod-shaped intervention cable
A bending restrictor for a rigid but resilient rod-shaped intervention cable includes a series of pipe sections and articulation sleeves. Each pipe section includes a straight pipe piece with a spherical sector in either end. Each articulation sleeve includes two axially oppositely directed spherical-sector seats for holding about each pipe's spherical sector. The spherical sector seats are arranged in either ends of a central axial passage for the intervention cable. Two guide sheaves each with its sheave groove reside in the articulation sleeve's axial plan is laterally displaced relative to the middle of the axial passage so as for enveloping the axial passage for the intervention cable. The articulation sleeve is provided with two opposite axially directed and flattened pivot funnels, and each pivot funnel is provided with its narrower end in adjacent to each its spherical-sector seat. Each pivot funnel has, in the axial plane a funnel shape which allows the pipe section's straight pipe piece to pivot about the spherical sector seat in the axial plane, and wherein the pivot funnel's funnel shape is flattened in another axial plane perpendicular to the first axial plane, so as for the pipe sections to be able to pivot only in the first axial plane. The articulation sleeve is splittable in the plane into two articulation sleeve half housings. |
| US09932778B2 |
Downhole tubing swivels and related methods
A top sub, for connection to a tubing string of a production well, has a first engagement structure, and a mandrel has a second engagement structure. A coupling engages the first and second engagement structures. A housing covers an internal space of the tubing swivel, in which the coupling is located. The coupling includes a first coupling structure having a shape complementary to a shape of the first engagement structure and a second coupling structure having a shape complementary to a shape of the second engagement structure. One of (i) the first engagement structure and the first coupling structure and (ii) the second engagement structure and the second coupling structure has a clutch mechanism to enable the top sub to be rotated in a first direction relative to the mandrel and to rotate the mandrel with rotation of the top sub in a second direction opposite the first direction. |
| US09932776B2 |
Pinned electromagnetic telemetry gap sub assembly
A gap sub comprises a female member comprising a first and second plurality of apertures, and a male member comprising a first and second plurality of cavities. A plurality of non-conductive pins may be inserted through the second plurality of apertures and the second plurality of cavities, thereby locking the relative positions of the female and male members. A plurality of conductive pins may be inserted through the first plurality of apertures and the first plurality of cavities such that there are no electrical connections between the conductive pins and the male member. A dielectric material may be inserted between the male member and the conductive pins. |
| US09932774B2 |
Hydraulically actuated apparatus for generating pressure pulses in a drilling fluid
An apparatus for generating pressure pulses in a drilling fluid flowing through a bore of a downhole tubular. A housing containing a rotor is located in the bore. Drilling fluid flowing through the housing actuates rotation of the rotor relative to the housing, which in turn drives movement of an actuator valve assembly to vary flow of drilling fluid between the bore and an actuator chamber defined by the actuator valve assembly and the housing. The resulting variation in drilling fluid pressure within the actuator chamber actuates a pulse valve assembly to vary flow of drilling fluid through the housing and into the bore. The varying drilling fluid pressure may be used to induce a percussive effect in a drill bit assembly coupled to the downhole tubular. |
| US09932768B2 |
Solar energy-absorbing window structure and method of forming thereof
A window structure is configured to form a principal chamber enclosing a first window pane installed in an exterior wall of a building. The window structure includes a first surface configured to absorb solar energy and a main frame including a second window pane. An axial hinge is configured to allow to the main frame to tilt between a first position and a second position. When the main frame is tilted in the first position, the first surface is positioned in a first orientation that allows the first surface to directly receive sunlight through the second window pane. When the main frame is tilted in the second position, the first surface is positioned in a second orientation in which the first surface is prevented from directly receiving sunlight through the second window pane. The window structure may be used for ventilating the structure and shading during the warm weather. |
| US09932763B2 |
Vehicle door opening device
A vehicle door opening device opens and closes a door with a motor. In the vehicle door opening device, an opening reversible member on which an opening cable is wound is disposed on a top surface of a center guide rail, and a closing reversible member on which a closing cable is wound is disposed under a lower surface of the center guide rail. A moving member moves along the center guide rail and comprises a closing coupling portion to which the closing cable is coupled and an opening coupling portion to which the opening cable coupled. The closing cable moves along the lower surface of the center guide rail, and the opening cable moves along the top surface of the center guide rail. |
| US09932761B2 |
Vehicular door device
A vehicular door device in which an inner handle is connected to a latch mechanism with a wire so as to be capable of being linked, and in which a latch release restriction device that disables and restricts a link between the inner handle and the latch is provided in an operation transmission path ranging from the inner handle to the latch with the wire in between. A release motor that actuates the latch in an engagement releasing direction is provided, the release motor being linked to the latch without having the wire between itself and the latch. When a switch operation of the door opening switch is performed, restriction to the link performed by the latch release restriction device is cancelled and the release motor is actuated in the engagement releasing direction without waiting for the cancellation of the restriction to be completed. |
| US09932750B2 |
Platform for a cemetery lowering device
A platform for a cemetery lowering device comprising a base having a tapered edge and a non-skid surface, wherein the base comprises an opening for a casket to be lowered through the base, a frame and skin, and one or more adjustable-height footings. The frame and skin may be formed of a single piece of polymer, fiberglass, or metal. The skin may be removably attached to the frame. The non-skid surface may comprise grooves. The base may comprise a guide for positioning the cemetery lowering device on the base. The guide is an impression in a surface of the base. The base may comprise a first flange around a perimeter of the opening extending vertically from a top surface of the base. Each one of the adjustable-height footings is threaded such that height adjustments of the one of the adjustable-height footings comprise rotating the one of the adjustable-height footings. |
| US09932747B2 |
Swimming pool filtrations system debris guard
A swimming pool or spa filtration system debris guard for preventing debris on the water surface from entering the opening of the filtration system. The debris guard having a screen and a detachable net assembly positioned substantially perpendicularly to the screen for collection of debris, with a spring activated post to secure the screen within or in front of a swimming pool skimmer opening. |
| US09932742B1 |
Methods and apparatus for drywall tools
The present invention is directed generally to building tools that are high quality, durable, and in some case lightweight. For example, various tools may made by forming multiple sections into a single integrated piece by, for example, casting the parts using a molding process so as to reduce manufacturing cost and increase the structural durability of the tool. The tools may be made in such a way as to allow for easier assembly, operation, and cleaning. Further, various tools may be made, at least in part, using a material including magnesium to reduce the weight of the tool. Still further, various tools may be made using one or more protective coatings for protecting various metals against corrosion, for example, using a high impact coating such as paint covered with a clear coat of lacquer. |
| US09932739B2 |
Roofing material with non-asphalt coating
A roofing material including a substrate having a top face and a bottom face. The roofing material further includes a non-asphalt coating applied to the substrate and an asphalt layer covering at least a portion of the top face. The bottom face is asphalt-free, or substantially asphalt-free. |
| US09932735B1 |
Header board bracket
A header board bracket for coupling a deck to a structure includes a brace that comprises first, second, third, and fourth plates. The second plate is coupled to and extends perpendicularly between bottoms of the first and third plates. The first plate is dimensionally longer than the third plate. The fourth plate is scalene right triangularly shaped. The fourth plate is coupled to and extends perpendicularly from the first and second plates. The third and fourth plates define a slot. Each of a plurality of holes that is positioned through the first plate is configured to insert a connector to couple the brace to a structure. A plurality of the braces is configured to couple to the structure with the braces horizontally aligned. The slots of the braces are configured to insert a board to retain the board as a deck that comprises the board floats relative to the structure. |
| US09932730B2 |
Trench drain
A trench drain system includes first and second channel sections each having side portions, end portions, a bottom portion, and a trough portion, and at least one securing member configured to connect and align the first and the second channel sections such that the first and the second channel sections form an assembly. The assembly having a first end portion and a second end portion at opposite ends, and the connection between the first and the second channel sections is sufficiently rigid such that the first and the second channel sections remain connected and aligned relative to each other when the assembly is supported only by the first and the second end portions. |
| US09932727B2 |
Flexible drainage assembly
The present disclosure generally relates to flexible drainage trap assemblies and methods for constructing and installing such drainage traps. In one exemplary embodiment, a flexible drainage trap assembly includes a plumbing fixture connector, a discharge joint, and a trap portion connecting the plumbing fixture connector and discharge joint. The trap portion is shaped in such a way that it is operable to retain a pool of water inside the trap portion. The disclosed flexible drainage assemblies include a flexible portion that has a substantially smooth inner surface. |
| US09932725B1 |
Prefabricated plumbing connection for a sink
The prefabricated plumbing connection for a sink is a pre-plumbed cabinet that is adapted for use with sinks. The prefabricated plumbing connection for a sink is a structure that provides pre-fitted piping that can be used in the installation of a sink. Specifically, the plumbing fittings of the sink are connected directly to the prefabricated plumbing connection for a sink and the house plumbing connections are also connected directly to the prefabricated plumbing connection for a sink. This reduces the number of connections required to install a sink and eliminates the need of the cutting and fitting of pipes. The prefabricated plumbing connection for a sink comprises an encasement, a drain pipe, a hot water feed, and a cold water feed. |
| US09932724B2 |
Fluid control device
A fluid control device includes a housing and a fluid temperature control assembly. The housing includes a first inlet, a second inlet for receiving a fluid, and a first outlet through which a fluid of a third temperature flows. The fluid temperature control assembly is in the housing, with apertures for regulating fluid communication between a mixing cavity and the first inlet of the housing, apertures communicating with the first outlet. The fluid temperature control assembly modifies properties of the apertures for regulating the amount of fluid having a first temperature relative to the amount of fluid having a second temperature with the mixing cavity, thereby maintaining the fluid discharged from the first outlet at a predetermined temperature. |
| US09932719B2 |
Control system for construction machine
The invention provides a control system for a construction machine comprises a construction machine and a measuring instrument, wherein the construction machine comprises at least two targets, a tilt detecting component, a driving unit, a machine control unit and a machine communication unit, wherein the measuring instrument comprises a distance measuring unit, an optical axis deflecting unit for deflecting the optical axes, a projecting direction detecting unit for detecting a deflection angle and a deflecting direction and a measurement control unit for determining a measuring point and transmitting a measurement result, wherein the measurement control unit allows the distance measuring unit to alternately measure the targets and calculates a direction and front-back and left-right tilts of the construction machine based on three-dimensional positions of the targets and a detection result of the tilt detecting component, and the machine control unit controls the driving unit based on a calculation result. |
| US09932712B2 |
Spiral ring full road interchange system
A spiral road junction system for connecting a plurality of highway spokes via a spiral road junction comprising adjacent-spoke connecting roads associated with each highway spoke, and a ring-road interchange traversing all the highway spokes. The ring-road interchange provides a continuous path from a slip road diverging from an entry highway spoke to an access road merging with an exit highway spoke. |
| US09932711B2 |
Rail pad
Rail pad, in particular for track superstructures, comprising a substantially level intermediate layer having an upper side and a lower side, wherein the upper side is designed for arrangement to a rail and the lower side for arrangement to a sleeper, wherein the upper side and/or the lower side are provided with at least one arrangement region on which the rail or the sleeper can be arranged, wherein the rail pad comprises at least one side region arranged adjacent to the intermediate layer and wherein the side region comprises an engaging section and/or a fastening section, wherein the engaging section is designed for accommodation on the sleeper, and wherein the fastening section is designed to directly and/or indirectly connect to the rail. |
| US09932708B2 |
Process for manufacturing a composite article comprising cellulose pulp fibers and a thermoplastic matrix
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a composite article comprising cellulose pulp fibers and a thermoplastic matrix, wherein said process comprises the steps of: a) mixing a refined aqueous pulp suspension with a water suspension of thermoplastic fibers into a composition, b) forming the composition into a fiber web, c) dewatering the fiber web, d) drying the fiber web, and e) heating and pressing the dried fiber web from step d) to melt said thermoplastic fibers into a thermoplastic matrix and form a composite article. |
| US09932705B2 |
Sheet-like material and method for producing same
Disclosed is a sheet-like material which is produced by an environmentally friendly procedure and has an elegant appearance with piloerection, good wear resistance and good texture. Specifically disclosed is a sheet-like material containing a water-dispersed polyurethane within a fibrous base that contains extra-fine fibers having an average single fiber diameter of 0.3-7 um. The inside of the water-dispersed polyurethane is provided with pores each having a diameter of 10-200 um. Also specifically disclosed is a method for producing a sheet-like material by applying a polyurethane liquid to a fibrous base, wherein the polyurethane liquid is a water-dispersed polyurethane liquid that contains a foaming agent and a dry film of the polyurethane that constitutes the polyurethane liquid has a 100% modulus of 3-8 MPa. |
| US09932704B2 |
Fluid application device, strand engagement device and method of controlling the same
A fluid application device, strand engagement device, and method of controlling the same are provided. The fluid application device includes an applicator head and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a guide slot configured to receive a strand of material and an orifice configured to discharge a first fluid on to the strand. The strand engagement device is secured to the applicator head and includes an actuating assembly and an engagement arm connected to the actuating assembly. The engagement arm is configured to engage the strand and move between a first position and a second position in response to actuation of the actuating assembly. The method of controlling the strand engagement device includes receiving an input signal including content, determining the content of the input signal and operating the strand engagement device in response to, and based on the content of, the input signal. |
| US09932702B2 |
Washing machine
Provided is a washing machine that includes a washing tub to accommodate laundry, the washing tub provided to be rotatable, and a liquid applicator that sprays a liquid to prescribed regions inside the washing tub. The liquid applicator may include a first nozzle having a first outlet arranged in a first direction to spray the liquid toward a first region of the washing tub, and a second nozzle having a second outlet arranged in a second direction to spray the liquid toward a second region of the washing tub. The first and second directions may be different directions. |
| US09932701B2 |
Laundry appliances using search coils to identify motors and their rotors in order to self-tune control of the motor
A laundry appliance is provided, comprising a motor and a controller connected to the motor. The controller determines at least one characteristic of the motor, identifies the motor from a plurality of possible known motors based on the at least one characteristic, identifies the rotor from a plurality of possible known rotors based on the at least one characteristic, and configures at least one motor operation parameter based on the identity of the motor and/or rotor. The at least one characteristic may include the resistance of a stator coil and/or a magnetic flux constant. |
| US09932695B2 |
Prosthetic porous knit
The invention relates to a prosthetic porous knit based on a monofilament of a biocompatible polymer material, the pattern followed for the knitting of said monofilament on a warp knitting machine having two guide bars B1, B2 being the following, according to the ISO 11676 standard: Bar B1: 1.2/4.5/4.3/4.5/4.3/1.0/1.2/1.0// Bar B2: 4.3/1.0/1.2/1.0/1.2/4.5/4.3/4.5// The invention further relates to a method for producing such a knit and to a hernia prosthesis comprising such a knit. |
| US09932692B2 |
Vitreous silica crucible
A vitreous silica crucible includes: a substantially cylindrical straight body portion having an opening on a top end and extending in a vertical direction; a curved bottom portion; and a corner portion connecting the straight body portion with the bottom portion and a curvature of which is greater than that of the bottom portion, wherein an inner surface of the crucible has a concavo-convex structure in which groove-shaped valleys are interposed between ridges, and an average interval of the ridges is 5-100 μm. |
| US09932690B2 |
Device for producing a monocrystal by crystallizing said monocrystal in a melting area
A device for producing a single crystal by crystallizing the single crystal in a melt zone, comprising a housing, an inductor for generating heat in the melt zone, a reheater which surrounds and applies thermal radiation to the crystallizing single crystal, and a separating bottom which delimits downward an intermediate space between the reheater and a wall of the housing at a lower end of the reheater. |
| US09932689B2 |
Semiconductor wafers recrystallized in a partially surrounding thin film capsule
An original wafer, typically silicon, has the form of a desired end PV wafer. The original may be made by rapid solidification or CVD. It has small grains. It is encapsulated in a clean thin film, which contains and protects the silicon when recrystallized to create a larger grain structure. The capsule can be made by heating a wafer in the presence of oxygen, or steam, resulting in silicon dioxide on the outer surface, typically 1-2 microns. At least one support element supports the wafer at the time the capsule is provided and blocks only minimal surface area from contact with the film forming atmosphere. There may be a plurality of support elements, or a surface may provide such support. The capsule contains the molten material during recrystallization, and protects against impurities. Recrystallization may be in air. After recrystallization, the capsule is removed. |
| US09932688B2 |
Method for producing group III nitride semiconductor single crystal
The present techniques provide a method for producing a Group III nitride semiconductor single crystal that is designed to grow a semiconductor single crystal with high reproducibility. The method for producing a Group III nitride semiconductor single crystal comprises adding a seed crystal substrate, Ga, and Na into a crucible, and growing a Group III nitride semiconductor single crystal. In the growth of the Group III nitride semiconductor single crystal, a measuring device is used to detect the reaction of Ga with Na. Ga is reacted with Na with the temperature of the crucible adjusted within a first temperature range of 80° C. to 200° C. After the measuring device detected the reaction of Ga with Na, the temperature of the crucible is elevated up to a growth temperature of the Group III nitride semiconductor single crystal. |
| US09932681B2 |
Electrolytic cell
The present disclosure relates to an electrolytic cell for the production of aluminium by reducing alumina. The cell may comprise a sidewall including at least one side block. The side block may comprise an aluminous material having an apparent porosity of less than about 10% and a composition, as a weight percentage on the basis of the aluminous material and for a total of about 100%, such that: Al2O3>about 50%, beta-alumina being less than about 20% of the weight of the aluminous material, oxides that are less reducible than alumina at 1000° C. |
| US09932680B2 |
Electroinitiated polymerization of compositions having a 1,1-disubstituted alkene compound
Electropolymerizable systems are disclosed. The electropolymerizable systems include an electropolymerizable composition including one or more 1,1-disubstituted alkene compounds and one or more conductive synergists. |
| US09932679B2 |
Electrochemical conversion of hydrocarbons
An electrochemical conversion method for converting at least a portion of a first mixture comprising hydrocarbon to C2+ unsaturates by repeatedly applying an electric potential difference, V(τ1), to a first electrode of an electrochemical cell during a first time interval τ1; and reducing the electric potential difference, V(τ1), to a second electric potential difference, V(τ2), for a second time interval τ2, wherein τ2≤τ1. The method is beneficial, among other things, for reducing coke formation in the electrochemical production of C2+ unsaturates in an electrochemical cell. Accordingly, a method of reducing coke formation in the electrochemical conversion of such mixtures and a method for electrochemically converting carbon to C2+ unsaturates as well as an apparatus for such methods are also provided. |
| US09932677B2 |
Method for corrosion-protective serial surface treatment of metallic components
The present invention relates to a method for serial surface treatment of metallic components comprising aluminum surfaces, wherein an alkaline pretreatment is followed by a conversion treatment. According to the invention, the intention during the alkaline pretreatment is that a maximum value for the concentration of dissolved zinc is not exceeded, in order to ensure a sufficient quality of the corrosion-protective coating on the aluminum surface of the components following the surface treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the content of dissolved zinc is effectively held below the respective bath-typical maximum value of dissolved zinc by the addition of compounds constituting a source of sulfide ions. The functionality of the surface treatment can be additionally increased by likewise controlling the content of dissolved aluminum in the alkaline pretreatment such that, by adding compounds constituting a source for silicate anions, a threshold value for dissolved aluminum is not exceeded. |
| US09932671B2 |
Precursor and process design for photo-assisted metal atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD)
Precursor and process design for photo-assisted metal atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is described. In an example, a method of fabricating a thin metal film involves introducing precursor molecules proximate to a surface on or above a substrate, each of the precursor molecules having one or more metal centers surrounded by ligands. The method also involves depositing a metal layer on the surface by dissociating the ligands from the precursor molecules using a photo-assisted process. |
| US09932670B2 |
Method of decontamination of process chamber after in-situ chamber clean
A method and apparatus for removing deposition products from internal surfaces of a processing chamber, and for preventing or slowing growth of such deposition products. A halogen containing gas is provided to the chamber to etch away deposition products. A halogen scavenging gas is provided to the chamber to remove any residual halogen. The halogen scavenging gas is generally activated by exposure to electromagnetic energy, either inside the processing chamber by thermal energy, or in a remote chamber by electric field, UV, or microwave. A deposition precursor may be added to the halogen scavenging gas to form a deposition resistant film on the internal surfaces of the chamber. Additionally, or alternately, a deposition resistant film may be formed by sputtering a deposition resistant metal onto internal components of the processing chamber in a PVD process. |
| US09932669B2 |
Metal nanodot formation method, metal nanodot formation apparatus and semiconductor device manufacturing method
A metal nanodot formation method includes: loading a target substrate inside a processing container of a processing apparatus; depositing a plurality of metal nanodots on a surface of the target substrate by a sequence of: supplying a CO gas from a CO gas container which stores the CO gas into a raw material container which stores a metal carbonyl compound; generating gas of the metal carbonyl compound; introducing the generated gas of the metal carbonyl compound as a mixture gas containing the CO gas into the processing container; and decomposing the metal carbonyl compound on the target substrate, and directly introducing the CO gas from the CO gas container into the processing container, in a state where the introduction of the mixture gas into the processing container is stopped, such that the CO gas is brought into contact with the metal nanodots on the surface of the target substrate. |
| US09932663B2 |
Sapphire thin film coated substrate
A method to transfer a layer of harder thin film substrate onto a softer, flexible substrate. In particular, the present invention provides a method to deposit a layer of sapphire thin film on to a softer and flexible substrate e.g. quartz, fused silica, silicon, glass, toughened glass, PET, polymers, plastics, paper and fabrics. This combination provides the hardness of sapphire thin film to softer flexible substrates. |
| US09932660B2 |
Method for depositing layer
A method for depositing a layer includes repeatedly performing a unit deposition process until the layer on a deposition target reaches a predetermined thickness. The unit deposition process includes (A) placing the deposition target in a chamber, (B) providing a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere or a vacuum atmosphere in the chamber, (C) depositing the layer on the deposition target by a cold spray process in the non-oxidizing gas atmosphere or the vacuum atmosphere, and (D) heat treating the deposition target after the depositing. |
| US09932657B2 |
Method of making a Ni—based single crystal superalloy and turbine blade incorporating same
The present invention provides a Ni-based single crystal superalloy which has the following composition by weight: 0.1 wt % or more and 9.9 wt % or less of Co, 5.1 wt % or more and 10.0 wt % or less of Cr, 1.0 wt % or more and 4.0 wt % or less of Mo, 8.1 wt % or more and 11.0 wt % or less of W, 4.0 wt % or more and 9.0 wt % or less of Ta, 5.2 wt % or more and 7.0 wt % or less of Al, 0.1 wt % or more and 2.0 wt % or less of Ti, 0.05 wt % or more and 0.3 wt % or less of Hf, 1.0 wt % or less of Nb and less than 3.0 wt % of Re with the remainder including Ni and unavoidable impurities. This Ni-based single crystal superalloy has a low Re content and also has excellent high-temperature strength, mainly creep strength. |
| US09932653B2 |
Metal ion recovery device and metal ion recovery method
Problem is to selectively and inexpensively recover a metal ion in a liquid.Solution is a metal ion recovery device, in which a permselective membrane for selectively permeating Li is used, and on both main faces of the plate-like permselective membrane, a mesh-like negative electrode and a positive electrode are formed, respectively. This structure is provided in a treatment tank, and in the treatment tank, the permselective membrane partitions between a stock solution containing a Li ion, and a recovery solution into which Li is recovered. As the permselective membrane, lithium nitride (Li3N), Li10GeP2S12, (Lax, Liy)TiOz, Li1+x+yAlx(Ti, Ge)2−xSiyP3−yO12, and the like, which are super lithium ion conductors, can be used. |
| US09932652B2 |
Hot-stamped steel
Hot-stamped steel includes: a base metal that is steel including a tempered portion having hardness corresponding to 85% or less of the highest quenching hardness, the highest quenching hardness being defined as a Vickers hardness at a depth position spaced away from a surface by ¼ times a sheet thickness in a case of performing water quenching after heating at a temperature equal to or higher than an Ac3 point and retention for 30 minutes; and a Zn coating layer that is formed on the tempered portion of the base metal. The Zn coating layer includes a solid-solution layer including a solid-solution phase that contains Fe and Zn that is solid-soluted in Fe, and a lamella layer that includes the solid-solution phase and a capital gamma phase. An area ratio of the lamella layer in the Zn coating layer is 20% or less. |
| US09932650B2 |
Ferritic stainless steel material for brazing and heat exchanger member
A ferritic stainless steel material for brazing without grain coarsening has a partially recrystallized structure and composition comprising, in % by mass, C:0.03% or less, Si: more than 0.1 to 3%, Mn: 0.1 to 2%, Cr: 10 to 35%, Nb: 0.2 to 0.8%, N: 0.03% or less, if necessary, at least one of Mo, Cu, V and W: 4% or less in total, at least one of Ti and Zr: 0.5% or less in total, at least one of Ni and Co: 5% or less in total, or at least one of Al: 6% or less, REM (rare earth metal): 0.2% or less and Ca: 0.1% or less, the remainder being Fe and unavoidable impurities, wherein area ratio in percentage of recrystallized grains formed by heating after cold working is from 10 to 80%. |
| US09932648B2 |
Flow-through pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass with inorganic nanoporous membranes
A process for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass is provided. The process generally includes flowing water through a pretreatment reactor containing a bed of particulate ligno-cellulosic biomass to produce a pressurized, high-temperature hydrolyzate exit stream, separating solubilized compounds from the hydrolyzate exit stream using an inorganic nanoporous membrane element, fractionating the retentate enriched in solubilized organic components and recycling the permeate to the pretreatment reactor. The pretreatment process provides solubilized organics in concentrated form for the subsequent conversion into biofuels and other chemicals. |
| US09932641B2 |
Fusion genes associated with progressive prostate cancer
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for determining whether a subject having prostate cancer is at greater risk of developing progressive disease, and methods of treating the subjects. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that approximately 90% of men carrying at least one of the following fusion genes: TRMT11-GRIK2, SLC45A2-AMACR, MTOR-TP53BP1, LRRC59-FLJ60017, TMEM135-CCDC67 and CCNH-C5orf30 experienced prostate cancer recurrence, metastases and/or prostate cancer-specific death after radical prostatectomy (each examples of “progressive prostate cancer”), while these outcomes occurred in only 36% of men not carrying any of these fusion genes. It is also based, at least in part, on the discovery that no patient studied survived five years without recurrence if their primary prostate cancer contained a TRMT11-GRIK2 or MTOR-TP53BP1 fusion gene. It is also based, at least in part, on the discovery that the protein encoded by the MAN2A1-FER fusion gene exhibits kinase activity. |
| US09932634B2 |
Methods for fast nucleic acid amplification
Methods are provided for fast nucleic acid amplification in which concentrations of primers and polymerase are increased. |
| US09932632B2 |
Real-time optical system for polymerase chain reaction
An improved device and system for facilitating polymerase chain reaction including a light source, detector, waveguide, and filters that occupy minimal space and facilitate reduced sample read time and rapid reading of multiple light wavelengths. |
| US09932631B1 |
Genotyping by polymerase binding
A method for identifying target alleles, that includes steps of (a) forming a plurality of stabilized ternary complexes at a plurality of features on an array, wherein the stabilized ternary complexes each has a polymerase, a template nucleic acid having a target allele of a locus, a primer hybridized to the locus, and a next correct nucleotide having a cognate in the locus, wherein either (i) the primer is an allele-specific primer having a 3′ nucleotide that is a cognate nucleotide for the target allele, or (ii) the primer is a locus-specific primer and the next correct nucleotide hybridizes to the target allele; and (b) detecting stabilized ternary complexes at the features, thereby identifying the target alleles. |
| US09932627B2 |
Method for determination of the length of the G-tail sequence and kit for the method
A method of measuring the length of a G tail sequence, characterized by hybridizing the G tail of an nondenatured chromosomal DNA in a sample with a labeled DNA probe having a sequence complementary to the telomere repeat sequence, measuring chemiluminescence from the hybridized DNA probe, and determining the length of the G tail sequence from the measured value, and a kit used for use in such a method. |
| US09932624B2 |
Method for recovering sperm nucleic acid from a forensic sample
A method for selectively recovering nucleic acid from a sperm cell in a sample containing cells of at least a sperm cell and an epithelial cell, and a cell suspension medium comprising extracellular impurities, is provided. The method entails introducing a sample into a vessel, sequestering the cells from the remaining sample components, washing the cells with a washing solution either before or after sequestration, removing the impurities-containing cell suspension medium from the vessel while retaining the cells; lysing selectively cells of the first cell type; and isolating the nucleic acid from the lysed cells. Methods for recovering nucleic acid from the second cell type are also provided. |
| US09932622B2 |
Wound prognosis
Methods and devices for determining the healing status of wounds, in particular of chronic wounds are provided. Also provided are kits comprising the diagnostic devices, and methods of wound diagnosis and treatment using the diagnostic devices and methods. A diagnostic apparatus (device) for monitoring wounds that exude a wound fluid and determining whether said wounds would be responsive to treatment with wound therapy such as oxidized cellulose therapy is also provided along with kits comprising the diagnostic apparatus and a wound dressing. Furthermore, methods of prognosing and treating wounds that exude a wound fluid are also provided. |
| US09932616B2 |
Variant LovD polypeptides and their uses
The present disclosure provides acyltransferases useful for synthesizing therapeutically important statin compound. |
| US09932614B2 |
Method for producing L-amino acid of glutamate family
A method for producing an L-amino acid of glutamate family such as L-glutamic acid is provided. An L-amino acid of glutamate family is produced by culturing a coryneform bacterium having an ability for producing an L-amino acid of glutamate family, which has been modified so that the activity of an α-ketoglutaric acid (α-KG) uptake carrier is increased, in a medium, and collecting the L-amino acid of glutamate family from the medium. |
| US09932607B2 |
Site-specific integration of transgenes into human cells
Methods for inserting a polynucleotide sequence into the genome of a human cell are provided. The present methods result in insertion of a polynucleotide sequence of interest into the H11 locus in the genome of a human cell. Also provided are nucleic acids that include sequences for integrating a polynucleotide sequence of interest into the H11 locus in the genome of a human cell. A transgenic human cell including site specific recombination sites at the H11 locus is also disclosed. |
| US09932603B2 |
P0 gene silencing constructs and use
The present invention is related to a method for conveying viral resistance or tolerance to one or more virus(es), in particular to beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV) and to beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) or to BMYV alone in a plant, in particular in a sugar beet plant. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the virus resistant or -tolerant plant obtained according to this method, as well as to seeds and progeny derived therefrom. |
| US09932601B2 |
Inhibition of Snl6 expression for biofuel production
The invention provides compositions and methods for inhibiting the expression of the gene Snl6 in plants. Plants with inhibited expression of Snl6 have use in biofuel production, e.g., by increasing the amount of soluble sugar that can be extracted from the plant. |
| US09932600B2 |
Disease resistant tomato plants
The present invention relates to a plant, which is resistant to a pathogen of viral, bacterial, fungal or oomycete origin, wherein the plant has a reduced level, reduced activity or complete absence of DMR6 protein as compared to a plant that is not resistant to the said pathogen, in particular organisms of the Fungi or the phylum Oomycota. The invention further relates to a method for obtaining a plant, which is resistant to a pathogen of viral, bacterial, fungal or oomycete origin, comprising reducing the endogenous level or activity of DMR6 protein in the plant. In addition, the invention relates to the use of a DMR6 promotor for providing disease resistant plants. |
| US09932599B2 |
Regulatory elements from labyrinthulomycetes microorganisms
The present disclosure generally relates to novel polynucleotide molecules for use in regulating gene expression in recombinant cells, such as labyrinthulomycetes cells. The disclosure further relates to nucleic acid constructs, such as vectors and expression cassettes, containing a regulatory element operably linked to a heterologous nucleotide sequence. The disclosure further relates to methods for stably transforming a host cell, such as a labyrinthulomycetes cell with transgenes. Stably transformed recombinant cells, progeny, biomaterials derived therefrom, and methods for preparing and using the same are also provided. |
| US09932595B2 |
Targeting microRNAs for metabolic disorders
Provided herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Also provided herein are methods and compositions for the reduction of blood glucose level, the reduction of gluceoneogenesis, the improvement of insulin resistance and the reduction of plasma cholesterol level. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise inhibiting the activity of miR-103. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise inhibiting the activity of miR-107. In certain embodiments, the activity of both miR-103 and miR-107 is inhibited. In certain embodiments, such methods comprise administering a compound comprising an oligonucleotide targeted to a microRNA. |
| US09932592B2 |
Formulations comprising antisense nucleotides to connexins
A therapeutic and/or cosmetic formulation comprising at least one anti-sense polynucleotide to a connexin protein together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or vehicle is useful in site specific down regulation of connexin protein expression, particularly in reduction of neuronal cells death, wound healing, reduction of inflammation, decrease of scar formation and skin rejuvenation and thickening. |
| US09932591B2 |
Reduction of lipase activity in product formulations
The invention relates a method for producing a stable recombinant protein, comprising growing a non-naturally occurring host cell in a culture medium to produce a recombinant protein, and making a composition comprising the recombinant protein and a polysorbate. The production of endogenous lipoprotein lipase by the host cell is reduced. The endogenous lipoprotein lipase is present in the composition in a small amount, and is capable of degrading the polysorbate. The invention also relates to the relevant host cells and compositions, and preparation thereof. |
| US09932589B2 |
EML4-ALK fusion gene
The present inventors found that a fusion gene present in some cancer patients is an oncogene. The present invention relates to a polypeptide as a novel fusion protein, a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, a vector comprising the polynucleotide, a transformed cell comprising the vector, a method for detecting the fusion protein or polynucleotide, a method for screening a therapeutic agent for cancer, and a method for treating cancer that is shown to be positive for the fusion gene. Further, the present invention relates kit, primer set, and probe useful in the detection of cancer that is shown to be positive for the fusion gene. |
| US09932581B2 |
Compositions and methods for modulating apolipoprotein C-III expression
Provided herein are oligomeric compounds with conjugate groups targeting apoplipoprotein C-III (ApoCIII). In certain embodiments, the ApoCIII targeting oligomeric compounds are conjugated to N-Acetylgalactosamine Also disclosed herein are conjugated oligomeric compounds targeting ApoCIII for use in decreasing ApoCIII to treat, prevent, or ameliorate diseases, disorders or conditions related to ApoCIII. Certain diseases, disorders or conditions related to ApoCIII include inflammatory, cardiovascular and/or metabolic diseases, disorders or conditions. The conjugated oligomeric compounds disclosed herein can be used to treat such diseases, disorders or conditions in an individual in need thereof. |
| US09932580B2 |
Compositions and methods for modulating HBV expression
Provided herein are oligomeric compounds with conjugate groups. In certain embodiments, the oligomeric compounds are conjugated to N-Acetylgalactosamine. |
| US09932579B2 |
Prevention and treatment of Nosema disease in bees
Compositions and methods for reducing susceptibility and enhancing tolerance to Nosema disease (Nosemosis) using RNA interference technology, and more particularly, prevention and treatment of Nosema infections in honeybees by feeding of Nosema-specific dsRNA. |
| US09932576B2 |
Methods for targeted genomic analysis
The invention provides a method for genetic analysis in individuals that reveals both the genetic sequences and chromosomal copy number of targeted and specific genomic loci in a single assay. The present invention further provide methods for the sensitive and specific detection of target gene sequences and gene expression profiles. |
| US09932575B2 |
Scaffold proteins derived from plant cystatins
The present invention relates to scaffold proteins derived from plant cystatins and to nucleic acids encoding them. The scaffolds are highly stable and have the ability to display peptides. The scaffolds are particularly well suited for constructing libraries, e.g., in phage display or related systems. The invention also relates to various uses of the scaffolds, including in therapy, diagnosis, environmental and security monitoring, synthetic biology and research, and to cells and cell cultures expressing the scaffold proteins. |
| US09932574B2 |
Suspension container for binding particles for the isolation of biological material
A device, method and system is provided for binding particles for the separation and/or isolation of biological materials. In particular, a container is provided including a suspension of binding particles for the isolation of biological material, inner walls forming an elongate groove at the bottom of said container, and a cover having openings and/or being penetrable for a linear arrangement of multiple pipets or pipet tips, said openings being located above and parallel to said elongate groove. |
| US09932571B2 |
Use of galerina marginata genes and proteins for peptide production
The present invention relates to compositions and methods comprising genes and peptides associated with cyclic peptides and cyclic peptide production in mushrooms. In particular, the present invention relates to using genes and proteins from Galerina species encoding peptides specifically relating to amatoxins in addition to proteins involved with processing cyclic peptide toxins. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention also relates to methods for making small peptides and small cyclic peptides including peptides similar to amanitin. Further, the present inventions relate to providing kits for making small peptides. |
| US09932568B2 |
Peptide linkers for polypeptide compositions and methods for using same
Disclosed herein are novel peptide linkers and polypeptide compositions comprising the linkers (e.g., chimeric polypeptides) and methods of using the polypeptide compositions. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for targeting/delivering a polypeptide or protein of interest (e.g., a therapeutic polypeptide) to a cell, tissue or organ of interest in order to treat various diseases or disorders (e.g., lysosomal storage disorders). |
| US09932562B2 |
Drain down and re-feed of microcarrier bioreactor
The invention provides a method of increasing product yield per culture in a population of product-secreting cells bound to a scaffold, for example, a microcarrier, at least partially immersed in a culture medium in a bioreactor. The method comprising: semi-harvesting product by removing a volume of the culture medium with a first-secreted product concentration while leaving the scaffold with the bound cells in the bioreactor; re-feeding the cells by adding a fresh culture medium to increase the culture medium in the bioreactor to approximately the original volume; agitating the culture medium to allow the cells to grow and release a second-secreted product concentration; harvesting product by removing the culture medium with the second-secreted product concentration while leaving the scaffold with the bound cells behind. Also disclosed is a method of increasing virus yield per culture in a population of virus-infected cells bound to a microcarrier suspended in a culture medium. |
| US09932561B2 |
Differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells into glucose-responsive, insulin-secreting progeny
This document provides methods and materials related to differentiating iPS cells into glucose-responsive, insulin-secreting progeny. For example, methods and material for using indolactam V (ILV) and glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to produce glucose-responsive, insulin-secreting progeny from iPS cells are provided. |
| US09932558B2 |
Compositions and methods for obtaining cells to treat heart tissue
This document relates to compositions containing cardiogenic factors, to methods to obtain cells by culturing initial cells in the presence of such factors; and methods of administering the obtained cells to heart tissue. |
| US09932556B2 |
Method for in vitro differentiation of blood circulating cells into neuronal-like cells and applications thereof
The present invention relates to a method for in vitro differentiation of a population of blood circulating cells, such as monocytes and preferably pluripotent macrophages derived therefrom, into cells displaying functional and phenotypic neuronal characteristics. The invention further encompasses neuronal-like cells obtainable according to the present method, compositions comprising said cells, and applications thereof. |
| US09932552B2 |
Lateral circulator and agitator for pond cultivation
A lateral circulator for generating agitation or circulation in a cultivation pond is disclosed. The circulator comprises at least a drive pulley and a secondary pulley, both oriented vertically and placed in the pond separated from one another along the length of the pond. The drive pulley is coupled to a motor, or to a drive train that is itself coupled to the motor. An endless belt is trained over the drive pulley and the secondary pulley. A plurality of cleats is provided along the exterior of the belt. The cleats are typically angled and serve to drive water as the belt rotates through the water. Typically, the belt would extend over much of the length of the cultivation pond, providing agitation and circulation over an extensive, continuous area of the cultivation pond. |
| US09932549B2 |
Photobioreactor systems and methods
An algal growth system can include a frame and a flexible sheet material that can have a substantially vertical orientation, where the flexible sheet material can facilitate the growth and attachment of algae, where the flexible sheet material can be supported by the frame. |
| US09932548B2 |
System and method for filtering beverages
A filtration system for clarifying a cloudy beverage from at least one tank in which dregs have formed, the clarifying occurring through a cross-flow filtration. The filtration system includes: a first filtration module having a first filtration element, the first filtration element including a first channel having a first diameter; and, a second filtration circuit located in parallel to the first filtration circuit, the second filtration circuit including a second filtration module having a second filtration element, the second filtration element including a second channel having a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter. A method for filtering a cloudy beverage from at least one tank in which dregs have formed, the method using the just-described filtration system. |
| US09932546B2 |
Surfactant and detergent compositions containing propoxylated glycerine
The present invention relates generally to surfactant and detergent compositions and, more specifically, to surfactant and detergent compositions containing a propoxylated glycerine. |
| US09932540B2 |
Method for refining lipid phases, and use
The invention relates to a method for gently eliminating odorous substances and coloring agents from lipid phases. Said method is easy and inexpensive to carry out and and can be employed for purifying lipid phases of various origins. |
| US09932539B2 |
Method for extracting lipid from wet biomass
A method for extracting lipid from wet biomass includes a step in which a wet biomass and a first solvent are mixed to prepare a mixture. The method continues with a step in which said mixture is separated to obtain a solution containing said first solvent and a concentrated biomass. The method continues with a step in which a liquefied gas is added into said concentrated biomass subjected to mechanical dispersion means to obtain lipid. |
| US09932535B2 |
Diesel fuel compositions
A diesel fuel composition comprising a first additive (i) comprising a quaternary ammonium salt and a second additive (ii) comprising a Mannich reaction product; wherein the quaternary ammonium salt additive (i) is formed by the reaction of a compound of formula (A): R O O R1 10 (A) and a compound formed by the reaction of a hydrocarbyl-substituted acylating agent and an amine of formula (B1) or (B2): 15 N X R3 R2 NHR4 N X R3 R2 [O(CH2)m]nOH (B1) (B2) wherein R is an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or alkylaryl group; R1 is a C1 to C22 alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group; wherein R2 and R3 are the same or different alkyl, alkenyl or aryl groups having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms; X is a bond or alkylene group having from 1 to 20 20 carbon atoms; n is from 0 to 20; m is from 1 to 5; and R4 is hydrogen or a C1 to C22 alkyl group; and wherein the Mannich reaction product additive (ii) is the product of a Mannich reaction between: (d) an aldehyde; (e) an amine; and25 (f) a substituted phenol; wherein the phenol is substituted with at least one branched hydrocarbyl group having a molecular weight of between 200 and 3000. |
| US09932532B2 |
Production of biodiesel from oils and fats via supercritical water
A method for transforming selected renewable oils and fats, and optionally polyester waste plastic materials, into a plurality of reaction products via supercritical water is disclosed. The method comprises: conveying the selected oils and fats material through an extruder, wherein the extruder is configured to continuously convey the selected oils and fats material to a supercritical fluid reaction zone; injecting hot compressed water into the supercritical fluid reaction zone, while the extruder is conveying the selected oil and fats material into the supercritical fluid reaction zone so as to yield a mixture; retaining the mixture within the reaction zone for a period of time sufficient to yield the plurality of reaction products. The reaction zone may be characterized by a tubular reactor having an adjustably positionable inner tubular spear, wherein the tubular reactor and the inner tubular spear further define an annular space within the reaction zone, and wherein the mixture flows through the annular space and into a reaction products chamber. |
| US09932531B2 |
Systems and processes for conversion of ethylene feedstocks to hydrocarbon fuels
Systems, processes, and catalysts are disclosed for obtaining fuel and fuel blends containing selected ratios of open-chain and closed-chain fuel-range hydrocarbons suitable for production of alternate fuels including gasolines, jet fuels, and diesel fuels. Fuel-range hydrocarbons may be derived from ethylene-containing feedstocks and ethanol-containing feedstocks. |
| US09932530B2 |
Refining used motor oil through successive hydrotreating processes
A method for refining used motor oil using two or more hydrotreating reactors arranged in series. The used motor oil may be vacuum distilled to produce an unrefined gasoil. The unrefined gasoil may then be hydrotreated in a first hydrotreating reactor with hydrogen operated at a temperature ranging from approximately 245° C. to approximately 260° C. to produce a hydrotreated gasoil. The hydrogen may comprise a mixture of fresh hydrogen and recycled hydrogen recovered from the last of the two or more hydrotreating reactors. The hydrotreated gasoil may then be hydrotreated in one or more additional hydrotreating reactors operated at temperatures ranging from approximately 260° C. to approximately 330° C. to produce a refined gasoil. The first hydrotreating reactor may remove a substantial portion of metallic impurities from the unrefined impurities, while the one or more additional hydrotreating reactors remove a substantial portion of heteroatom impurities from the unrefined gasoil. |
| US09932529B2 |
Process for manufacturing of rubber process oils with extremely low carcinogenic polycyclic aromatics compounds
The invention discloses a rubber process oil and a process for manufacturing rubber process oils which are non-carcinogenic in nature. The process comprises of selectively producing Hildebrand solubility components enriched vacuum residue by selective distillation of reduced crude oil (RCO) to obtain minimum of 10 vol % boiling components in the range 490° C. to 50° C., which leads to higher solubility of rubber process oil with an aniline point of less than 70° C. and with extremely low concentration of selective polycyclic aromatics which makes the 15 product non-carcinogenic. The process comprises of selectively enriching higher Hildebrand solubility components in vacuum residue by vacuum distillation of reduced crude oil (RCO), then subjecting the enriched vacuum residue to solvent deasphalting process and subjecting the deasphalted oil to aromatic extraction process and then blending the enriched aromatic extract with Heavy Alkyl 20 Benzene (HAB) or Solvent processed base oil or hydroprocessed base oil or mixture thereof. The rubber process oils manufactured by the invented process have a polycyclic aromatics (PCA) content of less than 10 ppm, specifically benzo(a)pyrene content of less than 1 ppm. They have aniline point less than 70° C. but have high kinematic viscosity of 25 to 75 cSt at 100° C., pour point of 27° C. or less and a flash point minimum of 250° C. or more. |
| US09932527B2 |
Integration of solvent deasphalting with resin hydroprocessing
The invention is directed to a process that combines the solvent deasphalting with resin hydrotreatment so as to reduce the costs associated with performing each of the steps separately. The integrated process of the invention permits higher product yields coupled with lower energy and transportation costs. |
| US09932525B2 |
Method and system for flotation separation in a magnetically controllable and steerable medium
The present invention provides new techniques related to magnetically controllable and/or steerable froth for use in separation processes of mineral-bearing ore and bitumen. Apparatus is provided featuring a processor configured to contain a fluidic medium having a material-of-interest and also having a surfactant with magnetic properties so as to cause the formation of a froth layer that contains at least some of the material-of-interest and is magnetically responsive; and a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field and provide non-mechanical mixing and steering/driving of the froth layer in the processor. The material-of-interest may be mineral-bearing ore particles or bitumen. The processor includes a flotation tank, a primary separation vessel (PSV), or a pipe, including a tailings pipeline. The pipe has a non-magnetic pipe section, and the magnetic field generator includes a magnetic coil arranged in relation to non-magnetic pipe section to generate the magnetic field and provide the non-mechanical mixing and steering/driving of the froth layer in the pipe. |
| US09932522B2 |
Electrochromic compound, electrochromic composition, display element, and dimming element
To provide an electrochromic compound, represented by the following general formula (I), where Ar1 is a pyridinium ring having a structure represented by the following general formula (IIa), (IIb), or (IIc), where Ar2 is a monovalent heterocyclic ring which may have a substituent, but Ar2 is not a pyridinium ring; R1 to R8 are each independently a monovalent group which may have a functional group, where the monovalent group may have a substituent; A is a monovalent group which may have a functional group, where the monovalent group may have a substituent; and B− is a monovalent anion. |
| US09932521B2 |
Calcium ion tolerant self-suspending proppants
A self-suspending proppant comprises a proppant particle substrate carrying a coating of an anionic hydrogel-forming polymer. The detrimental effect of calcium and other divalent ions on the ability of the proppant to swell when contacted with water is reduced by including a calcium binding agent in the proppant. |
| US09932520B2 |
Particulate aggregating and surface modification with improved hydrocarbon fluid flow through the aggregated particulates and over solid surface reagents and methods for making and using same
Composition and methods using the compositions are disclosed, where the compositions include heterocyclic aromatic amines, substituted heterocyclic aromatic amines, poly vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amines, co-polymers of vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amine and non amine polymerizable monomers (ethylenically unsaturated mononers and diene monomers), or mixtures or combinations thereof reacted with sulfonic acids, alkyl sulfonic acids, sulfosuccinates, sulfamic acids, sulfuric acids or partially neutralized amine or other alkali sulfonate and/or reacted with alpha hydroxyl carboxcylic acids which form coatings that alter self-aggregating properties and/or aggregation propensities of the particles and surfaces. Furthermore, the coating can be used to improve filtration of fluids through particulate matter and it is found that the coating will increase hydrocarbon liquid and gas flow through or over treated particulates and surfaces. |
| US09932518B2 |
Method for enhancing the permeability of a geological formation
A method for increasing the permeability of a geologic formation by fracturing includes the step of pumping a solution of a borohydride into a well bore. The solution may also include a basic material such as sodium hydroxide. This step may be followed by pumping a second acidic solution into the well bore. |
| US09932516B2 |
Slick-water fracturing using time release metal-complexing agent
In a slick-water fracturing operation, a composition is used to prevent the interaction between a polymer in a water-based fracturing fluid and naturally-occurring metal ions. The composition includes a metal-complexing agent, such as a chelating agent. The chelating agent can also be biodegradable and is citric acid in embodiments. The metal-complexing agent can be coated with one or two coatings to create a time-released form. The time-released form prevents loss of the agent prior to delivery at the shale. |
| US09932514B2 |
Compositions and methods for making aqueous slurry
An aqueous slurry composition for use in industries such as petroleum and pipeline industries, such as for use as a fracturing fluid. The aqueous slurry composition includes a particulate, an aqueous liquid and a chemical compound that renders the particulate surface hydrophobic. The slurry is produced by rendering the surface of the particulate hydrophobic during or prior to making the slurry. |
| US09932512B1 |
Compositions with polyaziridine crosslinkers for treating subterranean formations
The present application provides a composition containing a maleic anhydride copolymer, a polyaziridine crosslinker, optionally an additional crosslinking agent such as an amine crosslinker, and optionally a gel time control agent. Methods of using the composition to treat a subterranean formation are also provided. |
| US09932510B2 |
Lost-circulation materials of two different types of fibers
A treatment fluid comprising: a base fluid; a plurality of a first type of fiber, wherein the first type of fiber is degradable; a plurality of a second type of fiber; and a third lost-circulation material, wherein the first type of fibers, the second type of fibers, and the third lost-circulation material inhibit or prevent some or all of the treatment fluid from penetrating into a subterranean formation from a wellbore, wherein the wellbore penetrates the subterranean formation. |
| US09932506B2 |
Hydrocarbon based refrigerant
An environmentally friendly hydrocarbon refrigerant mixture may be used as a substitute for existing refrigerant in a refrigerant system. The hydrocarbon refrigerant mixture offers greater operating efficiency and effectively replaces chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants. The refrigerant mixture for the refrigeration system includes from about 85% to about 89% by weight propane and from about 11% to about 15% by weight propene. |
| US09932504B2 |
Aqueous emulsion composition
Provided is an aqueous emulsion composition which has excellent chemical stability (stability with respect to impurities) and excellent mechanical stability. Disclosed is an aqueous emulsion composition which contains: (A) a polymer that contains a fluoroalkyl group; and (B) a surfactant that contains (B1) an amidoamine surfactant having an amide group and an amino group, and (B2) a nonionic surfactant. It is preferable that the surfactant does not contain a monool having an unsaturated triple bond or an alkylene oxide addition product of a polyol. |
| US09932498B2 |
El-tabbed double-sided tape roll and method of preparation
A method to create a roll of double sided tape with at least one longitudinal or el-tab along the circumference of the entire roll of double sided tape. These rolls having the el-tab already within the roll can be placed directly into specialized cutting machines. |
| US09932495B2 |
Lignin derived photo-responsive coatings
Coating compositions that provide hydrophilic and self-cleaning properties upon exposure to an electromagnetic spectrum are disclosed. Coatings can include lignin-coumarate derivatives and/or lignin-azobenzene derivatives. When exposed to the electromagnetic spectrum, these compounds isomerize to cis-configuration which are hydrophilic in nature as compared to when these compounds are in their hydrophobic trans-state. |
| US09932493B2 |
One-component, dual-cure conformal coating compositions
Disclosed are one-component compositions that include: (1) an isocyanate-functional urethane acrylate and (2) a polyisocyanate containing allophanate and/or uretdione groups, wherein the one-component composition has a viscosity of less than or equal to about 800 mPa·s and an isocyanate content of greater than about 5% by weight, based on the weight of the one-component composition. Also disclosed are circuit boards and electronic components that are coated with such compositions. |
| US09932487B2 |
Thermosensitive recording material
The present invention relates to a thermosensitive recording material comprising paper, an undercoat layer disposed on the paper, and a thermosensitive recording layer disposed on the undercoat layer, wherein the undercoat layer comprises a binder and first and second hollow sphere polymer particles, wherein the first hollow sphere polymer particles have a diameter in the range of from 1.2 μm to 1.8 μm; the second hollow sphere polymer particles have a diameter in the range of from 0.25 μm to 1.0 μm; the number ratio of the second to the first hollow sphere polymer particles is in the range of from 1:1 to 20:1; the diameter of the second hollow sphere polymer particles is in the range of from 15 to 65% of the diameter of the first hollow sphere polymer particles; the dry bulk density of the first hollow sphere polymer particles is in the range of 0.25 to 0.5 g/mL; and the dry bulk density of the second hollow sphere polymer particles is in the range of 0.30 to 0.90 g/mL. |
| US09932485B1 |
Enhanced biomimetics Coatings for on-demand adhesion of a conductive polymer applique coating
A film, coating, appliqué and method to eliminate paint removal via hazardous methods and maintain effective corrosion inhibition via employment of a re-useable coating. Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a multilayer film having a first layer constructed of at least one electro-active polymer, a second layer constructed of at least one flexible electrically-conductive solid, and a third layer constructed of at least one inert polymer. |
| US09932483B2 |
Adhesion promoter for solventborne primer surfacers
The present invention relates to a solventborne primer surfacer which comprises at least one additive preparable by reacting at least one alpha,omega-hydroxy-functionalized oligoester which possesses an OH number of 30 to 160 mg KOH/g, a theoretical carbon-carbon double bond content of 1 to 2.5 mmol/g, a number-average molecular weight of 1000 to 3000 g/mol, and a weight-average molecular weight of 2800 to 10 000 g/mol, and at least one alkoxysilane which possesses an OH-reactive functional group, the sum of the weight percentage fractions of all additives of the invention being 0.5 to 10 wt %, based on the total amount of the solventborne primer surfacer. The present invention further relates to a process for producing multicoat paint systems, and to multicoat paint systems producible by means of said process. The invention further relates to the use of the additive identified above in solventborne primer surfacers for improving adhesion. |
| US09932480B2 |
PEG-assisted deposition of crack-free titania nanocrystalline coatings over Al flakes
A process of forming a multi-layered pigment includes the steps of: providing a metal core material; dispersing the metal core material in a first solvent and organic binder mixture; depositing a high refractive index material onto the metal core material; drying the deposited high refractive index and metal core material wherein the high refractive index layer is uniform and crack-free. |
| US09932479B2 |
Dyes and compositions, and processes for using same in analysis of protein aggregation and other applications
Provided are dyes and compositions which are useful in a number of applications, such as the detection and monitoring protein aggregation, kinetic studies of protein aggregation, neurofibrillary plaques analysis, evaluation of protein formulation stability, protein thermal stability shift assay and analysis of molecular chaperone activity. These dyes and compositions are also useful as probes in nucleic acid and protein detection. |
| US09932477B2 |
Roofing asphalt composition
A roofing asphalt composition comprising an oxidized blend of a paving grade asphalt and recycled rubber is described herein. |
| US09932476B2 |
Pavement marking compositions
A composition comprises a blend comprising (a) a binder comprising (i) C5 hydrocarbon resin or (ii) a resin comprising rosin acids, rosin esters, modified rosin acids, modified rosin esters or mixtures thereof, and (b) polydimethylsiloxane polyamide copolymer. |
| US09932473B2 |
Encapsulating resin composition, semiconductor device using the encapsulating resin composition, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device using the encapsulating resin composition
An encapsulating resin composition contains a thermosetting resin component, a curing accelerator, an inorganic filler, an ion trapping agent, and an aromatic monocarboxylic acid having one or more electron-withdrawing functional groups selected from a nitro group and a cyano group. The encapsulating resin composition is solid at 25° C., and has a sulfur content, measured by X-ray fluorescence analysis, of 0.1 mass % or less in terms of SO3. |
| US09932472B2 |
Production method for rubber-reinforced thermoplastic resin
Disclosed is a method of preparing a rubber-reinforced thermoplastic resin. According to the present invention, a graft copolymer comprising a large-particle-size rubber polymer obtained by welding polymerization-heat-control-type small particles and a reactive emulsifier or a mixed emulsifier comprising a reactive emulsifier and a non-reactive emulsifier is prepared, and a rubber-reinforced thermoplastic resin comprising the same may have enhanced mechanical properties, thermal stability, surface visibility and gloss. |
| US09932471B2 |
Crosslinking resin composition and sealing material
The present invention provides a crosslinking resin composition comprising an ethylene copolymer and a crosslinking aid, in which the crosslinked product of the resin composition has excellent insulation properties (volume resistivity value). The present invention provides a heat-crosslinking resin composition comprising an ethylene copolymer, a crosslinking agent and a urethane poly(meth)acrylate as a crosslinking aid, and (2) a radiation-crosslinking resin composition comprising an ethylene copolymer and a urethane poly(meth)acrylate as a crosslinking aid. |
| US09932464B2 |
Rubber composition, laminated body of rubber composition and metal, and vulcanized rubber product
A rubber composition of the present technology comprises: from 0.5 parts by mass to 1.5 parts by mass of sulfur, from 0.2 parts by mass to 0.6 parts by mass of a thiuram vulcanization accelerator, from 0.2 parts by mass to 0.6 parts by mass of a guanidine vulcanization accelerator, from 0.15 parts by mass to 0.8 parts by mass of a sulfenamide vulcanization accelerator, and from 0.1 parts by mass to 1.5 parts by mass of a thiourea vulcanization accelerator per 100 parts by mass of a diene polymer containing a chloroprene rubber. |
| US09932463B2 |
Curable transparent rubber composition, a cured transparent rubber composition made thereof, and manufacturing process for the same
The present disclosure relates to a curable transparent rubber composition containing one or more synthetic isoprene polymers, a styrenic block copolymer, a curing agent, and additives that do not influence transparency of the final composition. Once cured, the curable transparent rubber composition has a haze of less than 30% and a total light transmission of more than 80%. The disclosure further relates to a cured transparent rubber composition made thereof, and a manufacturing process for the cured composition. The present disclosure also relates to an article including the rubber composition, in particular for tubes, medical stoppers, catheters, dental dams and other medical applications and artificial nipples. |
| US09932461B2 |
Microfibrous cellulose-containing substance
A microfibrous cellulose aggregate including microfibrous cellulose having an average fiber width of 2 nm to 50 nm and a liquid compound including at least one of water or an organic solvent. The content of the microfibrous cellulose is from 6 mass % to 80 mass % per the mass of the entire microfibrous cellulose aggregate, and the content of the liquid compound is at least 15 mass % per the mass of the entire microfibrous cellulose aggregate. |
| US09932455B2 |
Porous polymer supported poloxometalates
A composition for the destruction of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals having a polyoxometalate (POM) attached to an amine, carboxylic acid, or ammonium substituted porous polymer. Also disclosed is a method for attaching a POM to an amine, carboxylic acid, or ammonium substituted porous polymer by (1) dissolving the POM in water or an organic solvent, adding the functionalized porous polymer, whereby the POM ionically attaches to the amine, carboxylic acid or ammonium group, or (2) heating the POM and functionalized polymer in the presence of a dehydrating agent whereby an imide bond is produced between the POM and the functionality on the porous polymer. |
| US09932444B2 |
Semiaromatic polyamide, semiaromatic polyamide resin composition, and molded article
To provide: a semiaromatic polyamide which has excellent moldability, heat resistance, chemical resistance and mechanical characteristics; and a molded article of this semiaromatic polyamide. A semiaromatic polyamide (I) of the present invention contains 35-50% by mole of a structural unit derived from terephthalic acid [A], 25-40% by mole of a structural unit derived from isophthalic acid [B], 15-35% by mole of a structural unit derived from an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid [C] (provided that the total of [A], [B] and [C] is 100% by mole), and a structural unit derived from an aliphatic diamine [D] having 4-12 carbon atoms. The molar ratio ([A]/[B]) is from 65/35 to 50/50, and the molar ratio ([C]/[B]) is from 30/70 to 50/50. The melting enthalpy ([increment]H) of the semiaromatic polyamide (I) as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is 20-40 mJ/mg, and the intrinsic viscosity of the semiaromatic polyamide (I) is 0.7-1.6 dl/g. |
| US09932443B2 |
Peptide-based materials
The subject invention pertains to peptide-based materials comprising cross-linked peptides with random amino acid sequences that are soluble in water or ethanol before crosslinking but insoluble in water after crosslinking. |
| US09932441B2 |
Organic semiconductor element, manufacturing method thereof, compound, composition for forming organic semiconductor film, organic semiconductor film, and manufacturing method thereof
Objects of the present invention is to provide an organic semiconductor element having high mobility and excellent temporal stability under high humidity, and a manufacturing method thereof, to provide a novel compound which is suitable as an organic semiconductor, and to provide an organic semiconductor film having high mobility and excellent temporal stability under high humidity and a manufacturing method thereof, and a composition for forming an organic semiconductor film that can suitably form the organic semiconductor film.The organic semiconductor element according to the present invention has an organic semiconductor layer containing a compound having a constitutional repeating unit represented by Formula 1. |
| US09932440B2 |
Catalysts and methods for ring opening metathesis polymerization
The present invention, among other things, provides highly syndiotactic poly(dicyclopentadiene) and/or hydrogenated poly(dicyclopentadiene), compositions thereof, and compounds and methods for preparing the same. In some embodiments, a provided compound is a compound of formula I, II or III. In some embodiments, a provided method comprises providing a compound of formula I, II or III. |
| US09932439B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition and cured article of same, and optical component
Provided is a photosensitive resin composition that is, after being applied to an adherend surface, rapidly cured by photoirradiation to form a cured product having excellent light-shielding ability and adhesiveness. The present invention relates to a photosensitive resin composition that includes components as follows: (A) a cationically polymerizable compound at least including a compound containing an alicyclic epoxy group and devoid of ester bonds; (B) a photo-cationic polymerization initiator including a cationic moiety and an anionic moiety containing a boron atom; and (C) a light-shielding material. |
| US09932435B2 |
Thermoplastic elastomers via atom transfer radical polymerization of plant oil
The present invention relates to a block copolymer comprising at least one PA block and at least one PB block. The PA block represents a polymer block comprising one or more units of monomer A, and the PB block represents a polymer block comprising one or more units of monomer B. Monomer A is a vinyl, acrylic, diolefin, nitrile, dinitrile, or acrylonitrile monomer. Monomer B is a radically polymerizable plant oil monomer containing one or more triglycerides. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing a thermoplastic block copolymer by radical polymerizing a radically polymerizable monomer with a radically polymerizable plant oil monomer containing one or more triglycerides, in the presence of an initiator and a transition-metal catalyst system to form the thermoplastic block copolymer. The polymerized plant oil-based block copolymers are useful in a variety of applications, such as asphalt modifiers, rubber compositions, adhesives, tires, in the automobile industry, footwear, packaging, etc. |
| US09932432B2 |
Polymers of maleimide and cycloolefinic monomers as permanent dielectric materials
Various cycloolefinic/maleic anhydride/maleimide polymers and compositions thereof useful for forming self-imageable films encompassing such polymers are disclosed. Such polymers encompass norbornene-type repeating units, maleimide repeat units and maleic anhydride-type repeating units where at least some of such maleic anhydride-type repeating units have been ring-opened. The films formed from such polymer compositions provide self imageable, low-k, thermally stable layers for use in microelectronic and optoelectronic devices. |
| US09932431B2 |
Dispersion of adsorbing emulsion polymer particles
The present invention is a composition comprising a stable aqueous dispersion of polymer particles having a core comprising structural units of: a) a phosphorus acid monomer, b) an acid monomer, c) a multiethylenically unsaturated monomer; and d) a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated bulk monomer; and a shell comprising structural units of a1) a sulfur acid monomer, and b1) a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated bulk monomer; wherein the core protuberates from the shell and the ratio of the structural units of the sulfur acid monomer to structural units of carboxylic acid monomer in shell is at least 0.2:1. Control of the proportion of sulfur acid monomer units to carboxylic acid monomer units results in an improvement in the viscosity stability of paint formulations containing latexes possessing acorn morphology without sacrificing hiding. |
| US09932427B2 |
Pipe comprising a metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene resin
The invention relates to a pipe comprising at least one metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene resin, wherein the polyethylene resin has a multimodal molecular weight distribution and comprises at least two metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene fractions A and B, wherein fractions A and B are prepared in different reactors of at least two reactors connected in series, wherein the polyethylene resin comprises:at least 30% by weight and at most 50% by weight of the polyethylene fraction A, based on the total weight of the polyethylene resin, wherein fraction A has a melt index MI2 of at least 50 g/10 min as determined on the fluff of fraction A according to ISO 1133:1997 condition D at a temperature of 190° C. and under a load of 2.16 kg; wherein fraction B has a density of at most 0.9210 g/cm3; and wherein the polyethylene resin has a melt index MI5 of at least 0.10 g/10 min and of at most 1.0 g/10 min as determined according to ISO 1133:1997, condition T, at 190° C. and under a load of 5 kg; wherein the polyethylene resin has an HLMI of at least 4.0 g/10 min and at most 14.0 g/10 min, as measured according to the procedure of ISO 1133:1997 condition G with a temperature of 190° C. and a load of 21.6 kg; and a density of at least 0.9420 g/cm3 and of at most 0.9460 g/cm3 as determined according to the procedure of ASTM D-1505 at a temperature of 23° C. |
| US09932423B2 |
Hydrogenation of annulated cyclopentadienyl metal complexes and metallocene catalysts comprising such
Disclosed are methods for making partially hydrogenated annulated cyclopentadienyl complexes which can provide efficient synthesis of metallocene catalysts desired for olefin polymerization. |
| US09932422B2 |
Flashline heater system and method
The present embodiments provide a system and method for separation within a polymer production process. Specifically, a flashline heater configured according to present embodiments may provide more time than is required for complete vaporization of liquid hydrocarbons that are not entrained within a polymer fluff produced within a polymerization reactor. Such extra time may allow for liquid hydrocarbons that are entrained within the polymer fluff to be vaporized. |
| US09932421B2 |
Emulsion polymerization of esters of itaconic acid
The present disclosure relates to a method for the emulsion polymerization of itaconic acid containing ester functionality, for example, the alkyl esters of itaconic acid known as alkylitaconate. More specifically, an ester of polyitaconic acid polymer is produced via emulsion polymerization and contains greater than 50% by weight of an ester of itaconic acid along with a selected particle size and levels of molecular weight and syndiotactacticity. |
| US09932420B2 |
Modified fluoropolymers
Modified fluoropolymers, and methods for manufacturing modified fluoropolymers are provided. According to at least one embodiment, chemically modified fluoropolymers, via radical generation and subsequent reaction, produce fluoropolymers having fluorinated moieties and/or non-fluorinated moieties, disrupting highly coherent polar domains, wherein the non-fluorinated moieties include, for example, at least one of carbonyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkyl, and/or aromatic chemical groups. |
| US09932417B1 |
Compound, modified polymer, rubber composition, tire, and conveyor belt
The present invention is to provide a compound that can provide a modified polymer exhibiting excellent rigidity, wear resistance, and low heat build-up when used in a rubber composition; a modified polymer obtained by subjecting a polymer to modification with the compound; a rubber composition including the modified polymer; and a tire and a conveyor belt that are produced by using the rubber composition. The compound of the present invention is represented by Formula (M) below. |
| US09932416B2 |
Enamel-dentin adhesives based on chemically modified natural polysaccharides
The present invention concerns the preparation of chemically modified derivatives of chitosan with acrylic groups and their use in the field of enamel-dentin adhesives. Chitosan derivatives have physical-chemical features (hydrophilicity, presence of electrical charges on the chain) which allow them to interact with the organic part of the demineralized tooth. At the same time, the acrylic groups incorporated in the polymer chain allow the formation of a covalent bond with the restorative material used in the dental field that is typically composed of acrylic resins. By combining the adhesion to the tooth surface and the bond with the restorative material, the chemically modified chitosan described herein is able to increase the lifespan of the dental restoration and can thus find use in the field of adhesives, in particular enamel-dentin adhesives. |
| US09932412B2 |
Bispecific antigen binding protein complex and preparation methods of bispecific antibodies
A bispecific antigen binding protein complex comprising a first polypeptide comprising a first antigen binding site at an N terminus; a second polypeptide comprising a second antigen binding site at an N terminus; and a linker connecting the first polypeptide and the second polypeptide; wherein the linker comprises a tag at one terminus thereof, and wherein the tag is connected to a C-terminus of the first polypeptide or to an N-terminus of the second polypeptide, and comprises a cleavable amino acid sequence; as well as related compositions and methods. |
| US09932410B2 |
Human neutralizing anti-kit antibodies and uses thereof
The invention relates to human neutralizing anti-KIT antibodies and uses thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising SEQ ID NO: 2 in the H-CDR1 region, SEQ ID NO: 3 in the H-CDR2 region and SEQ ID NO: 4 in the H-CDR3 region; and a light chain variable region comprising SEQ ID NO: 6 in the L-CDR1 region, SEQ ID NO: 7 in the L-CDR2 region and SEQ ID NO: 8 in the L-CDR3 region. The invention also relates to an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising SEQ ID NO: 10 in the H-CDR1 region, SEQ ID NO: 11 in the H-CDR2 region and SEQ ID NO: 12 in the H-CDR3 region; and a light chain variable region comprising SEQ ID NO: 14 in the L-CDR1 region, SEQ ID NO: 15 in the L-CDR2 region and SEQ ID NO: 16 in the L-CDR3 region. |
| US09932406B2 |
Human monoclonal antibodies specific for glypican-3 and use thereof
Described herein is the identification of human monoclonal antibodies that bind GPC3 or heparan sulfate (HS) chains on GPC3 with high affinity. The antibodies described herein are capable of inhibiting HCC cell growth and migration. Provided are human monoclonal antibodies specific for GPC3 or HS chains on GPC3, including immunoglobulin molecules, such as IgG antibodies, as well as antibody fragments, such as single-domain VH antibodies or single chain variable fragments (scFv). Further provided are compositions including the antibodies that bind GPC3 or HS chains on GPC3, nucleic acid molecules encoding these antibodies, expression vectors comprising the nucleic acids, and isolated host cells that express the nucleic acids. Methods of treating cancer and/or inhibiting tumor growth or metastasis are also provided. Further provided are methods of detecting cancer in a subject and confirming a diagnosis of cancer in a subject. |
| US09932405B2 |
Use of chimeric antigen receptor modified cells to treat cancer
The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for compositions, methods, and kits for treating cancer using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified cells. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding CAR. The CAR may include an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, a costimulatory signaling region, and a CD3 zeta signaling domain. The antigen binding domain may bind to an antigen of a non-essential organ. |
| US09932404B2 |
Methods of reducing clinical symptoms of viral infection by administering a toll-like receptor 3 antagonist
Toll Like Receptor 3 (TLR3) antibody antagonists, polynucleotides encoding TLR3 antibody antagonists or fragments thereof, and methods of making and using the foregoing are disclosed. |
| US09932402B2 |
Humanized antibodies to iNKT
Methods of treatment to suppress an immune response are provided. The method comprises administering to a subject in need of treatment a naked blocking antibody that binds selectively iNKT cells in an amount effective to suppress the subject's iNKT cell function. Compositions comprising, an isolated, humanized antibody that binds selectively iNKT cells are also provided. |
| US09932400B2 |
Bi-specific monovalent diabodies that are capable of binding to gpA33 and CD3, and uses thereof
The present invention is directed to bi-specific monovalent diabodies that comprise two polypeptide chains and which possess at least one binding site specific for an epitope of CD3 and one binding site specific for an epitope of gpA33 (i.e., a “gpA33×CD3 bi-specific monovalent diabody”). The present invention also is directed to bi-specific monovalent diabodies that comprise an immunoglobulin Fc Domain (“bi-specific monovalent Fc diabodies”) and are composed of three polypeptide chains and which possess at least one binding site specific for an epitope of gpA33 and one binding site specific for an epitope of CD3 (i.e., a “gpA33×CD3 bi-specific monovalent Fc diabody”). The bi-specific monovalent diabodies and bi-specific monovalent Fc diabodies of the present invention are capable of simultaneous binding to gpA33 and CD3. The invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions that contain such bi-specific monovalent diabodies or such bi-specific monovalent Fc diabodies. The invention is additionally directed to methods for the use of such diabodies in the treatment of cancer and other diseases and conditions. |
| US09932393B2 |
Antibody that binds murine wise protein
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of renal damage. The invention provides protein-based renal therapeutic agents for administration to subjects in order to prevent or treat renal degeneration or damage. |
| US09932390B2 |
Compositions comprising the NC2 domain of collagen IX and methods of using same
The present invention relates to the newly identified timerization initiating and stagger determining capacity of the NC2 domain of collagen IX. The invention further relates to a hexavalent molecular building block wherein the linkage of additional moieties to the amino and carboxyl terminals of monomers comprising the NC2 domain of collagen IX promotes the directed association of those moieties via the trimerization initiating and stagger determining capacity of the NC2 domain of collagen IX. |
| US09932383B2 |
Cold- and menthol-sensitive receptor (CMR1)
The present invention relates to regulation of cold sensation and pain. More particularly, the present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding a member of the transient regulatory protein family, CMR1, which is involved in modulation of the perception of cold sensations and pain. In some embodiments, an isolated or recombinant CMR1 polypeptide is directly or indirectly attached to a detectable label or fused to a second polypeptide. In some embodiments, an isolated or recombinant CMR1 polypeptide is directly or indirectly bound to a solid support. |
| US09932380B2 |
Interleukin-2 muteins for the expansion of T-regulatory cells
Provided herein are IL-2 muteins and IL-2 mutein Fc-fusion molecules that preferentially expand and activate T regulatory cells and are amenable to large scale production. Also provided herein are variant human IgG1 Fc molecules lacking or with highly reduced effector function and high stability despite lacking glycosylation at N297. Also, provided herein are linker peptides that are glycosylated when expressed in mammalian cells. |
| US09932376B2 |
Analogues of temporin-SHa and uses thereof
The present invention relates to novel antimicrobial peptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said peptides, and the uses thereof, in particular as antimicrobial drugs, disinfectants, pesticides or preservatives. The present invention also relates to a transgenic plant expressing said novel peptides. |
| US09932372B2 |
Designer peptide-based PCV2 vaccine
Porcine circovirus (PCV2) vaccine compositions comprising a peptide antigen derived from a PCV2 capsid protein are described. In various embodiments, the peptide antigen contains amino acids of the capsid protein from about amino acid 47 to about amino acid 202. In some embodiments, the peptide antigen is optionally linked to an artificial T helper epitope and/or mixed with T helper epitopes derived from the ORF1 and ORF3 proteins of PCV2. Methods of using PCV2 vaccine compositions are also described. In various embodiments, a vaccine composition is used in animals for the prevention of PCV2 infection. In other embodiments, a PCV2 vaccine composition is used as an antigen for diagnosing PCV2 infection. |
| US09932369B2 |
Thermosensitive, bioactive biopolymer and associated method of cell harvesting
The present invention relates to a biopolymer and a cell-harvesting scaffold comprising same, as well as the associated cell-harvesting method that allows said harvesting to be performed in a simple and effective manner by reducing the culture temperature. The present invention also relates to a method for synthesizing said biopolymer. |
| US09932366B2 |
Method for using nanoparticles as nucleation agents for the crystallization of proteins
The present invention relates to a method for the crystallization of protein using nanoparticles as nucleation agents. Precisely, the inventors performed the crystallization of such proteins as Bacillus subtilis YesR, chicken egg white lysozyme, bovine serum albumin, Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and Listeria monocytogenes hypothetical protein which have his-tag at amino terminal by using gold nanoparticles in diverse sizes and shapes in the presence of Ni2+ ions. As a result, it was confirmed that the chance of successful crystallization was higher with the gold nanoparticles than without the gold nanoparticles and the various crystallization conditions were successfully screened. Therefore, the method for inducing nucleation of the invention can be advantageously used for the disclosure of protein structure by increasing the chance of successful crystallization of protein. |
| US09932364B2 |
Antisense-based small RNA agents targeting the Gag open reading frame of HIV-1 RNA
Antisense nucleic acid molecules, such as ribozymes, shRNA and siRNA, targeting the Gag region of HIV-1 open reading frame, and uses thereof for inhibiting HIV-1 replication and infection, are disclosed. The antisense nucleic acid molecules more specifically target a sequence corresponding to about nucleotide 1495 to about nucleotide 1526, or nucleotide 1497 to about nucleotide 1521, of HIV-1 clone pNL4-3. |
| US09932362B2 |
Processes for the preparation of ruthenium or osmium complexes comprising P and N donor ligands
An improved processes for the preparation of ruthenium or osmium complexes including P and N donor ligands, in particular, ruthenium complexes. |
| US09932361B2 |
Convenient process for the preparation of statins
Object of the present invention is an improved process for the preparation of key intermediates for the synthesis of statins. |
| US09932358B2 |
Energy storage molecular material, crystal dielectric layer and capacitor
The present disclosure provides an energy storage molecular material, crystal dielectric layer and capacitor which may solve a problem of the further increase of volumetric and mass density of reserved energy associated with some energy storage devices, and at the same time reduce cost of materials. |
| US09932355B2 |
2,5,6,7-tetrasubstituted thiazolo[4,5-b]pyridine derivatives and use thereof
Provided are a pharmaceutical composition containing a 2,5,6,7-tetrasubstituted thiazolo[4,5-b]pyridine derivative represented by Formula 1 as an active ingredient and a use thereof effective on a vascular inflammation-related infectious disease triggered by activity of HMGB1 protein.As investigating an anti-sepsis effect through a CLP-induced sepsis animal test that a sepsis survival rate is increased, it is identified that the pharmaceutical composition contains the 2,5,6,7-tetrasubstituted thiazolo[4,5-b]pyridine derivative or a pharmaceutically available salt thereof as an active ingredient to be used as a therapeutic agent for a vascular inflammatory disease and infectious disease including sepsis triggered by activity of HMGB1 protein. |
| US09932352B2 |
Compounds for the treatment of ischemia-reperfusion-related diseases
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) useful in the treatment of ischemia-reperfusion-related pathologies. |
| US09932348B2 |
Process for improved oxycodone synthesis
Processes for preparing oxycodone are provided. Said processes encompass a step which is a hydrogenation of an 14-hydroxycodeinone salt in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid and/or a glycol. |
| US09932345B2 |
Substituted [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-A]pyrimidin-7-yl compounds as PDE2 inhibitors
The invention provides a chemical entity of Formula (I) wherein R1, R2, X, Y and Z have any of the values described herein, and compositions comprising such chemical entities; methods of making them; and their use in a wide range of methods as disclosed herein, including metabolic and reaction kinetic studies; detection and imaging techniques; radioactive treatments; modulating and treating disorders mediated by PDE2 activity; treating neurological disorders, CNS disorders, dementia, neurodegenerative diseases, and trauma-dependent losses of function; treating stroke, including cognitive and motor deficits during stroke rehabilitation; facilitating neuroprotection and neurorecovery; enhancing the efficiency of cognitive and motor training, including animal skill training protocols; and treating peripheral disorders, including hematological, cardiovascular, gastroenterological, and dermatological disorders. |
| US09932342B2 |
Imidazopyrimidine derivatives as modulators of TNF activity
A series of substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives of formula (I), being potent modulators of human TNFa activity, are accordingly of benefit in the treatment and/or prevention of various human ailments, including autoimmune and inflammatory disorders; neurological and neurodegenerative disorders; pain and nociceptive disorders; cardiovascular disorders; metabolic disorders; ocular disorders; and oncological disorders. |
| US09932339B2 |
Helquats with heteroaromatic substituents, preparation thereof, and use thereof as G-quadruplex stabilizers
Helquat derivatives of general formula I, in which substituents R1 and R2 are independently selected from a group comprising H and C1 to C4 alkyl, up to three of S1,2, S1′,2′, S3,4 and S3′,4′ are present, each of S1,2, S1′,2′, S3,4 and S3′,4′ independently represents a linker consisting of a bivalent hydrocarbon chain having 3-6 carbon atoms, preferably hydrocarbon chain having 4 carbon atoms, and one to four atoms selected from the carbon atoms with the descriptor 2, 4, 2′, and 4′ are substituted with a substituent R3 of general formula II, wherein R4 is substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, T1 and T2 are independent linkers that bridge atoms N5 with C8 and N5′ with C8′, wherein T1 and T2 independently represent a bivalent hydrocarbon chain having 2-5 carbon atoms, preferably 2 or 3 carbon atoms; and anions (X1)− and (X2)− independently represent anions of pharmaceutically acceptable salts. |
| US09932338B2 |
Compounds having muscarinic receptor antagonist and BETA2 adrenergic receptor agonist activity
Compounds of formula (I), defined herein, act both as muscarinic receptor antagonists and beta2 adrenergic receptor agonists and are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of broncho-obstructive or inflammatory diseases. |
| US09932337B2 |
Method for the production of Praziquantel and precursors thereof
The present invention relates to methods for the production of enantiopure or enantioenriched Praziquantel precursors and to methods for the production of enantiopure or enantioenriched Praziquantel comprising the methods for the production of the Praziquantel precursors. The present invention further relates to compounds or intermediates useful in such methods. |
| US09932334B2 |
Tetrahydroimidazopyridine derivatives as modulators of TNF activity
A series of substituted 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine derivatives, being potent treatment and/or prevention of various human ailments, including autoimmune and inflammatory disorders; neurological and neurodegenerative disorders; pain and nociceptive disorders; cardiovascular disorders; metabolic disorders; ocular disorders; and oncological disorders. |
| US09932332B2 |
FXR (NR1H4) modulating compounds
The present disclosure relates generally to compounds which bind to the NR1H4 receptor (FXR) and act as agonists of FXR. The disclosure further relates to the use of the compounds for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of diseases and/or conditions through binding of said nuclear receptor by said compounds and to a process for the synthesis of said compounds. |
| US09932331B2 |
Phenyl tetrahydroisoquinoline compound substituted with heteroaryl
The present invention provides a compound represented by the following formula [1] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof which has an excellent NHE3 inhibitory effect: A-Y [1] wherein A represents a structure represented by the following formula [2]: wherein R11 and R12 each represent a halogen atom or others as described herein, R2 represents C1-6 alkyl or others as described herein, ring E represents triazole, tetrazole, pyrimidine, or others as described herein, R31 and R32 each represent a hydrogen atom, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, or others as described herein, and W represents a single bond, the formula —NH—, the formula —O—, or the formula —CONH—, and Y represents a hydrogen atom or a structure selected from |
| US09932327B2 |
Rohitukine analogs as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and a process for the preparation thereof
The present invention relates to the rohitukine (5,7-dihydroxy-8-(3-hydroxy-1-methyl-piperidin-4-yl)-4H-chromen-4-ones) analogs of formula A and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In addition, the invention relates to pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising at least one such compound, and methods of using the compounds for treating or preventing various proliferative disorders such as melanoma, leukemia, breast cancer and prostate cancer etc. [insert Formula A here] wherein, n=0 or 1, when n=1, the dotted line indicates the double bond. |
| US09932326B2 |
Potent and selective inhibitors of hepatitis C virus
The present invention is directed to compounds, compositions and methods for treating or preventing hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in human subjects or other animal hosts. The compounds are as also pharmaceutically acceptable, salts, prodrugs, and other derivatives thereof as pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treatment or prevention of HCV infection. |
| US09932323B2 |
Therapeutic hydroxypyridinones, hydroxypyrimidinones and hydroxypyridazinones
The invention provides compounds of formula I: and salts and prodrugs thereof wherein R4, X1 and X2 have any of the meanings defined in the specification, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds or salts and methods for their use in therapy. The compounds have useful antiviral properties. |
| US09932321B2 |
Process for the preparation of piperidine compounds
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of efinaconazole. |
| US09932319B2 |
Antioxidant humic acid derivatives and methods of preparation and use
Disclosed are antioxidative, natural compounds, their salts, chelates and cleavage derivatives that exhibit a superior combination of properties. The compounds can be used for a variety of purposes, including stabilizing foods, cosmetics, beverages and nutritional supplement. The compounds can be prepared by substantially cleaving a humic acid of formula I to provide at least one antioxidant compounds of formula II, formula III, formula IV, formula V, formula VI, salts, or chelates thereof. |
| US09932314B2 |
Pyrazole compounds and their use as T-type calcium channel blockers
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein X, Y, R1, R2, (R4)n, and (R5)m are as defined in the description, and to pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such compounds. These compounds are useful as calcium T-channel blockers. |
| US09932309B2 |
2-oxo-3,4-dihydropyridine-5-carboxylates and their use
The present invention is directed to novel compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, and their use. |
| US09932303B2 |
N-hydroxymethanesulfonamide nitroxyl donors
The disclosed subject matter provides N-hydroxymethanesulfonamide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions. In particular, the disclosed subject matter provides methods of using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions for treating heart failure. |
| US09932302B1 |
N-phenyl and N-benzyl enaminones and methods for using same
The present disclosure provides compounds, compositions, and methods for use of the compounds. The compounds are N-phenyl or N-benzyl enaminones. The compositions can be pharmaceutical compositions. For example, the compounds/compositions are used in treating seizure disorders. The methods entail administering a composition comprising one or more of the compounds to a subject in need thereof. Articles of manufacture comprising one or more of the compounds/compositions are also provided. |
| US09932301B2 |
Polyacrylate allophanate
The invention relates to a modified allophanate compound bearing acrylate functions, resulting from the reaction of a particular allophanate with an ester from the reaction between an acid selected from acrylic acid and methacrylic acid and at least one polyol that does not contain an oxylakylene or aa (poly)oxyalkylene group. The invention further relates to the use of said modified allophanate for preparing a hydrophobic cross-linkable coating composition by means of UV radiation. |
| US09932299B2 |
Process for separating an isocyanate prepared by phosgenation of a primary amine in the gas phase from the gaseous crude product of the phosgenation
The present invention relates to a process for separating an isocyanate prepared by reaction of a primary amine with an excess of phosgene in the gas phase from the gaseous crude product obtained in the reaction, wherein (i) the gaseous crude product is partially liquefied by contacting with a quenching liquid, (ii) the gas phase obtained in step (i) is partially condensed, (iii) the condensate obtained in step (ii) is used as the quenching liquid in step (i), (iv) the portions of the gas phase that were not condensed in step (ii) are at least partially liquefied, (v) the liquid phase obtained in step (iv) is likewise used as the quenching liquid in step (i), and (vi) the liquid phase obtained in step (i) is worked up to the pure isocyanate without previously being used as quenching liquid. |
| US09932298B2 |
Process for producing pentenenitriles
The invention provides methods useful in the industrial scale process for hydrocyanation of butadiene to adiponitrile for recycle of unwanted byproduct 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile (2M3BN) by conversion to process intermediate pentenenitrile. The invention provides a process for generating catalysts useful for carrying out the hydrocyanation of butadiene to adiponitrile, the process comprising contacting the 2M3BN and a solution of a nickel-ligand catalyst in cis-2-pentenenitrile (cis-2PN), trans-2-pentenenitrile (trans-2PN), or a mixture thereof. The improved methods of the invention can provide improved catalyst solubility for bidentate ligands without a requirement for a Lewis acid catalyst promoter such as zinc chloride to be present. |
| US09932294B2 |
Compositions and methods for the treatment of multiple sclerosis
The invention relates to the compounds of formula I and formula II or its pharmaceutical acceptable salts, as well as polymorphs, solvates, enantiomers, stereoisomers and hydrates thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of compounds of formula I or formula II; and methods for treating or preventing multiple sclerosis may be formulated for oral, buccal, rectal, topical, transdermal, transmucosal, intravenous, parenteral administration, syrup, or injection. Such compositions may be used to treatment of multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. |
| US09932293B2 |
Etheramines based on alkoxylated glycerine or trimethylolpropane
This invention relates to an etheramine of formula (I) based on glycerine or trimethylolpropane and its manufacturing process, whereinR=H or ethyl, k=0 or 1A represents a linear or branched alkylene group having C2-C18 carbon atoms,A may be the same as or different from one another,at least one A represents a linear or branched C4-alkylene group,the sum of x, y and z lies in the range of 3 to 100,x≥y≥1 and z≥1,Z=NH2 or OH but at least two Z per molecule are NH2. |
| US09932290B2 |
Process for producing ethyl esters of polyunsaturated fatty acids
The present invention relates to a process for producing ethyl esters of polyunsaturated fatty acids, comprising transesterifying triacylglycerols in extracted plant lipid. |
| US09932288B2 |
Chemical compound for inhibition of SHP2 function and for use as an anti-cancer agent
This invention provides a compound that is 4,4′-(4′-Carboxy)-4-nonyloxy-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3,5-diyl)dibutanoic acid (CNBDA), derivative compounds of CNBDA, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The derivative compounds of CNBDA have one or more of the following substitutions (a) replacement of one or both of the carboxylic acid groups of the CNBDA compound with an organic acid group having 1-3, or 5-30, or more carbon atoms in chain length, wherein the carbon atom chains are either saturated, partially saturated, or unsaturated with respect to the carbon to carbon bonding, (b) replacement of the carboxylic groups of (a) with a phosphate, a sulphate, an amide, a hydroxyl, an aldehyde, or a halide group, and (c) replacement of the nonane group with an alkane having a carbon chain length of 1-8 or 10-30, or more carbon atoms. A method of treating a patient having cancer is provided. |
| US09932287B2 |
Process for oxidation of alkyl aromatic compound to aromatic carboxylic acid
The present disclosure provides a process for oxidation of p-xylene to terephthalic acid. Recovery of fluid medium and valuable chemicals in carried out using p-xylene as fluid medium which is also the starting material. The recovered stream containing p-xylene, acetic acid and other valuable chemicals is recycled to the oxidation step. The process disclosed in the present disclosure is energy efficient and cost effective. |
| US09932277B2 |
Method for producing ammonium sulfate nitrate
The present technology provides methods and processes of producing ammonium sulfate nitrate 1:2 double salts by combining ammonium sulfate solution, nitric acid and ammonia in an aqueous reaction mixture. The methods include reacting the aqueous reaction mixture, followed by removing water to form the ammonium sulfate nitrate 1:2 double salt. |
| US09932276B2 |
Polyphosphate fertilizer combinations
A composite particle and a population of particles comprising a water-insoluble polyphosphate composition, methods of producing, and methods of using the same are provided. The polyphosphate composition may comprise at least one alkaline earth metal selected from calcium and magnesium and optionally at least one nutrient ion selected from the group consisting of potassium, ammonium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, chlorine, iodine, molybdenum, selenium or sulfur. |
| US09932275B2 |
Treatment of organic waste
The present invention relates to a process for treating organic waste, which comprises the step of contacting an organic waste with one or more microorganisms from at least three of the following microorganism species: Bacillus sp. microorganisms, Pseudomonas sp. microorganisms, Bifidobacterium sp. microorganisms and Lactobacillus sp. microorganisms, the contacting being undertaken under conditions to at least partly convert the organic waste to organic fertilizer. |
| US09932274B2 |
Polycrystalline diamond compacts
Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies. |
| US09932269B2 |
High strength, density controlled cold fusion concrete cementitious spray applied fireproofing
A density controlled cold fusion concrete cementitious spray applied fireproofing material including a mixture of water, one or more of silicon dioxide, expanded glass, vermiculite, bottom ash, perlite, expanded shale, or other lightweight aggregates of various diameter sizes ranging from about 0.025 mm to about 12.5 mm in diameter; anhydrous or hydrous sodium or potassium metasilicate; waste from steel production consisting of Granulated Ground Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS); high calcium or low calcium waste from coal combustion (fly ash or bottom ash); sodium tetraborate, sodium citrate dihydrate, citric acid, or boric acid; and an alkali-resistant micro-. |
| US09932267B2 |
Solar control coatings with discontinuous metal layer
An architectural transparency includes a substrate, a first dielectric layer formed over at least a portion of the substrate, a continuous metallic layer formed over at least a portion of the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer formed over at least a portion of the first metallic layer, and a subcritical metallic layer formed over at least a portion of the second dielectric layer such that the subcritical metallic layer forms discontinuous metallic regions. |
| US09932266B2 |
Strengthening glass containers
A glass container and related methods of manufacturing a glass container. A solution having a composition including a silane, a solvent, a catalyst, and water, is applied to an exterior glass surface of the glass container, at an application temperature between 5 and 40 degrees Celsius, such that the solution at least partially fills the surface imperfections to provide a room-temperature-curable cold-end coating on the glass container. Then, the applied solution is allowed to cure on the exterior glass surface of the glass container, at a curing temperature between 5 and 40 degrees Celsius. |
| US09932265B2 |
Method of making an optical fiber containing an alkali metal in the core
There is provided a method for producing a low-loss alkali metal-doped silica core optical fiber having excellent hydrogen resistance. The method for producing the optical fiber according to the present invention includes a drawing step of drawing an optical fiber preform in a drawing furnace to produce a silica glass-based optical fiber including a core region containing an alkali metal with an average concentration of 0.5 atomic ppm or more and a cladding region that surrounds the core region and a heating step of heating the optical fiber in a heating furnace through which the optical fiber drawn from the drawing furnace passes. |
| US09932264B2 |
Bio-soluble inorganic fiber
Inorganic fibers including the following composition, SiO2, MgO and CaO being main components: SiO2: 73.6 wt % to 85.9 wt %, MgO: 9.0 wt % to 21.3 wt %, CaO: 5.1 wt % to 12.4 wt %, Al2O3: 0 wt % or more and less than 2.3 wt %, and Fe2O3: 0 wt % to 0.50 wt %. |
| US09932258B1 |
Apparatus and process for making glass and glass gobs
An apparatus and process for making glass and glass gobs on demand. A sheet of molten glass is provided in a staging section. The sheet of molten glass is held within the staging section when there is no demand for glass articles. When there is a demand for production of glass articles, a portion of the sheet of molten glass is flowed into a gob forming section. |
| US09932256B2 |
Treatment for reuse for decentralized domestic systems
A wastewater treatment system for communities not connected to sewer infrastructure. The wastewater treatment system comprises a control unit electrically coupled to an ecologic cleaning system (i.e. phytoremediation), activated sludges and disinfection process (i.e. ultra violet light) in a re-circulation and continuous flow arrangement. |
| US09932255B2 |
Metal silicate and organic deposit inhibitor/dispersant for thermal recovery operations of hydrocarbon fuels
The present invention generally relates to methods for removing an organic deposit or for inhibiting deposition of deposit-forming comprising contacting a cleaning composition or an anti-coking composition with a surface. The surface can have an organic deposit or be susceptible to forming an organic deposit and the surface can be in contact with a liquid containing organics. The liquid can be produced from a thermal recovery system, and the surface can be an internal surface of a piece of steam-generating or vapor-generating equipment. |
| US09932254B2 |
Method for wastewater treatment by means of mixed algae cultures that sediment and device for performing said method
The invention relates to a method for treating wastewater by means of photosynthetically active algae that form a sediment in the resting state, comprising the following steps: a) supplying wastewater to photosynthetically active algae that form a sediment in the resting state, b) conveying the wastewater supplied to the algae against gravity from a lower level to a higher level while simultaneously exposing the wastewater mixed with the algae to light, c) introducing the wastewater supplied to the algae from the higher level into the upper region of a sedimentation tank, d) allowing the algae to sediment in the sedimentation tank, and e) removing the wastewater freed of the algae by sedimentation as treated wastewater. |
| US09932249B2 |
Ion exchange cartridge for treating drinking water
A cartridge for treating drinking water, comprising two chambers, wherein one chamber is filled with a highly acidic ion-exchange material and another chamber is filled with a weakly acidic ion-exchange material, wherein one of the ion-exchange materials is loaded with alkali ions or alkaline earth ions. |
| US09932248B2 |
Device for enriching water with magnesium ions
The invention relates to a process and a device for enriching water, in particular drinking water, with magnesium ions. In order to enable enrichment of water with magnesium ions in exchange for calcium ions and/or heavy metal ions during treatment of water, and in particular of drinking water, it is proposed according to the invention to pass the water through an ion exchanger which contains a weakly acidic ion exchange material, wherein at least a part of its ion exchange capacity is loaded with magnesium ions. |
| US09932238B2 |
Graphene and graphene oxide nano-environments for chemical reactions and atomic reformations
Methods of ex situ synthesis of graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, other graphene derivative structures and nanoparticles useful as polishing agents are disclosed. Compositions and methods for polishing, hardening, protecting, adding longevity to, and lubricating moving and stationary parts in devices and systems, including, but not limited to, engines, turbos, turbines, tracks, races, wheels, bearings, gear systems, armor, heat shields, and other physical and mechanical systems employing machined interacting hard surfaces through the use of nano-polishing agents formed in situ from lubricating compositions and, in some cases, ex situ and their various uses are also disclosed. |
| US09932235B2 |
Preparation method of battery composite material and precursor thereof
A preparation method of a battery composite material includes steps of providing phosphoric acid, manganese carbonate, water and a first reactant; processing a reaction of the phosphoric acid, the manganese carbonate and the water to produce a first product; calcining the first product to produce a precursor, which is written by Mn2P2O7; processing a reaction of the precursor and at least the first reactant to get a reaction mixture, and then calcining the reaction mixture to produce the battery composite material. As a result, the present invention achieves the advantages of reducing the times of the reduction-oxidation reaction, so that the stability of the processes is enhanced, and the difficulty of the processes is reduced. |
| US09932232B2 |
Ozone generating device
In an ozone generating device including a discharge unit for discharging a material gas that flows through a discharge space formed between two electrodes to generate ozone and a cooling unit for radiating heat which is generated by the discharging, wherein the material gas is obtained by vaporizing a liquefied raw material, the cooling unit includes a first cooling unit through which a first refrigerant flows in contact with one of the two electrodes and a second cooling unit which is provided further to the downstream side of flow of the material gas in the discharge unit than the first cooling unit, and in which the cold heat source is the liquefied raw material and the temperature of the second refrigerant introduced to the second cooling unit is set to be lower than the temperature of the first refrigerant introduced to the first cooling unit. |
| US09932228B2 |
Hybrid reforming system using carbon dioxide plasma and catalyst
The present invention provides a hybrid reforming system for producing syngas through a reforming reaction between carbon dioxide plasma and a hydrocarbon material, the system comprising: a carbon dioxide feeder (110) which feeds carbon dioxide; a hydrocarbon material feeder (120) which feeds the hydrocarbon material; a plasma reformer (200) which respectively receives carbon dioxide and the hydrocarbon material from the carbon dioxide feeder (110) and the hydrocarbon material feeder (120), and produces primary syngas through a reforming reaction while producing the carbon dioxide plasma using electromagnetic waves; a wet carbon-refining device (130) which is arranged at a gas exhaust end of the plasma reformer (200) and filters and refines carbon contained in the primary syngas; and a catalyst dry-reformer (140) which is arranged at a gas exhaust end of the wet carbon-refining device (130) and produces secondary syngas by making the refined syngas undergo a catalyst dry-reforming reaction. |
| US09932225B2 |
Planar cavity MEMS and related structures, methods of manufacture and design structures
A method of forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes forming a lower electrode on a first insulator layer within a cavity of the MEMS. The method further includes forming an upper electrode over another insulator material on top of the lower electrode which is at least partially in contact with the lower electrode. The forming of the lower electrode and the upper electrode includes adjusting a metal volume of the lower electrode and the upper electrode to modify beam bending. |
| US09932224B2 |
Semiconductor devices with cavities and methods for fabricating semiconductor devices with cavities
Semiconductor devices with enclosed cavities and methods for fabricating semiconductor devices with enclosed cavities are provided. In an embodiment, a method for fabricating a semiconductor device with a cavity includes forming a sacrificial structure in and/or over a substrate. The method includes depositing a permeable layer over the sacrificial structure and the substrate. Further, the method includes etching the sacrificial structure through the permeable layer to form the cavity bounded by the substrate and the permeable layer. |
| US09932222B2 |
Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) structures and design structures
Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are disclosed. The method includes forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) beam structure by venting both tungsten material and silicon material above and below the MEMS beam to form an upper cavity above the MEMS beam and a lower cavity structure below the MEMS beam. |
| US09932218B2 |
Cold beverage dispenser and cutter assembly for cold beverage dispenser
An apparatus for making a beverage includes a housing, a first receptacle, a second receptacle, a cutting assembly, a water source, and at least one water outlet. The first receptacle is positioned in the housing for accepting a first beverage container containing a liquid. The second receptacle is positioned in the housing for accepting a second beverage container containing a liquid. The cutting assembly has a cutting blade that is movable relative to the first and second receptacles for opening the first and second containers substantially simultaneously so that liquid stored therein can be at least in part evacuated. The water source is coupled to the housing The at least one water outlet is associated with one or more of the first and second receptacles for adding water to the liquid from the first and second beverage containers from the water source. |
| US09932217B2 |
System and apparatus for optimizing hydration and for the contextual dispensing of additives
Provided are systems, methods, and apparatuses for a portable hydration system including a mechanical or electromechanical mechanism for dispensing additives into a liquid or other solute in a portable container. Such additives include solids, liquid, powders, and gases, and include vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, and other consumables. Additives are introduced into the hydration device via closed vessels equipped with RFID tags or similar, capable of transferring data about the vessels' contents to the device. Dispensing is initiated manually by direct user action, automatically by the device, and/or externally through an associated application on a user device. Dispensing is adjustable by contextual factors such as a user's preferences, location, activity, physiologic status, and the like, obtained via APIs to third party applications or through more direct measurements or inputs. Consumption of additives and consumable liquids in the container is measured and monitored, and the data used to generate recommendations. |
| US09932215B2 |
Lift arm suspension system for a power machine
Disclosed are power machines and lift arm suspension or ride control systems for use thereon. A lift arm assembly is pivotally coupled to a frame of the power machine and is capable of being raised and lowered. A selectively activated lift arm suspension system is operably coupled to the lift arm assembly. A controller is coupled to the suspension system and configured to determine whether the lift arm assembly has moved more than a threshold amount. The controller deactivates the lift arm suspension system in response to determining that the lift arm assembly has moved more than the threshold amount. |
| US09932213B2 |
Lift truck with optical load sensing structure
A lift truck includes a frame, a pair of laterally spaced apart outriggers extending from the frame, and a load handling assembly secured to the frame adjacent to the outriggers. The load handling assembly includes a mast assembly positioned between the outriggers and a carriage assembly including fork structure for supporting a load on the load handling assembly. The carriage assembly is movable vertically along the mast assembly and laterally with respect to the mast assembly. Optical sensor structure of the truck monitors for conditions wherein movement of the carriage assembly would result in contact between the load and the outrigger(s). A vehicle controller receives a signal from the optical sensor structure and prevents movement of the carriage assembly toward the outrigger(s) if the signal from the optical sensor structure indicates that such movement would result in contact between the load and the outrigger(s). |
| US09932210B2 |
Coupling device
The invention relates to a plugging device for releasably connecting the drum wheel (2) of the at least one loose drum rotatably mounted on the main shaft of a winding engine, said drum wheel being rigidly connected to the loose drum, to the shaft wheel (4) which is rigidly connected to the main shaft. The releasable connection of the drum wheel (2) to the shaft wheel (4) is carried out in a formfitting manner by means of an engageable and disengageable sliding wheel (6) which is guided on a shaft wheel (4). Actuations (10) are carried out in points in a distributed manner over the circumference of the sliding wheel, said actuations acting directly on the sliding wheel (6), in order to engage and disengage the sliding wheel (6). |
| US09932206B2 |
Fastening device for fastening a plate to traction means
A plate belt of a moving walkway has plates arranged in succession in a movement direction and between two mutually parallel link chains formed by chain links of different widths. Each chain link is connected with one of the plates by at least one fastening device. The fastening devices include a fastening bolt and a cup washer, wherein the cup washer has a cup base ring and a cup collar encircling the cup base ring. The inner height of the cup collar corresponds with the thickness of at least one chain link strap of the chain link and the inner diameter of the cup collar is greater than the outer diameter of the region of the fastening bolt bearing against the cup base ring in the mounted state. |
| US09932203B2 |
Method and device for detecting a deterioration state of a load bearing capacity in a suspension member arrangement for an elevator
A deterioration state of load bearing capacity in an elevator suspension member having a plurality of electrically conductive cords is detected by: providing a multi-phase alternating current circuitry including electrically conductive legs; applying at least one phase of a multi-phase alternating current to at least one of the cords electrically connected to one of the legs; applying at least another phase of the current to at least another cord and at least one resistor electrically connected to at least another leg; measuring an electric indicator current being at least one of a net sum of all phases of the current and an electric bypass current through a neutral wire being connected in parallel to the circuitry, wherein a peak current in each phase is shifted by a phase angle with respect to a peak current in another phase; and determining the deterioration state based on the measured indicator electric current. |
| US09932201B2 |
Coil tubing spool handling device
A coil tubing spool handling device includes a base structure and a vertical support structure. The base structure includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a rocker portion with a curved surface to allow the base structure to rotate along the curved surface. The vertical support structure is connected to the base structure proximate the rocker portion, and extends substantially perpendicular to the upper surface. The vertical support structure and the upper surface can receive a coil tubing spool. A center of rotation of the rocker portion is located in a forward location relative to a center of gravity of the device when the vertical support structure and upper surface receive the coil tubing spool. The relative positions of the center of gravity and the center of rotation bias the handling device to rotate from a vertical position to a horizontal position. |
| US09932192B2 |
Media stacker to receive media sheets
In some examples, a media stacker includes a drawer defining a chamber, and a plurality of moving elements to engage media sheets of different sizes as the media sheets are output from a system. The plurality of moving elements are to slide the media sheets to a target position in the drawer, and the plurality of moving elements are to disengage from the media sheets once the media sheets have reached the target position. A plurality of retaining elements are to engage the media sheets of the different sizes as the media sheets slide into the drawer. |
| US09932190B2 |
Medium winder and medium unwinding method
A medium winder, includes: a winding roller that winds a medium discharged from an image formation apparatus into a roll shape; first and second rollers that guide the medium to the winding roller; a dancer roller provided between the first and second rollers in the medium conveyance direction and movable upwardly and downwardly while contacting from above the medium between the first and second rollers; a winding driver that rotates the winding roller; a detector that detects the dancer roller; a dancer roller position recognition portion that recognizes the position of the dancer roller based on a detection result by the detector; and a winding drive controller that controls the winding driver. In an operation of unwinding the medium, the winding drive controller moves the dancer roller up and down by reducing or increasing the unwinding velocity of the medium based on a position of the dancer roller. |
| US09932188B2 |
Transfer path altering device
A transportation path changing device (1) of the invention is a transportation path changing device that changes a transportation path of a continuous sheet-like object (3) that is being transported. The device includes: an oscillating section (2) that oscillates in an intersecting direction Y intersecting with a flow direction X of the transported object, and that increases/decreases the length of the transportation path of the transported object (3); a first moving means (6) that is connected to the oscillating section (2), and that moves the oscillating section (2) in the intersecting direction Y; a second moving means (7) that moves a portion or the entirety of the first moving means (6) in the intersecting direction Y; and a control section (9) that controls the first moving means (6) and the second moving means (7). |
| US09932185B2 |
Sheet material feeding apparatus
A sheet material feeding apparatus includes a first roll 106, and a second roll 108 arranged vertically below first roll 106, to feed a sheet material clamped between the first roll 106 and the second roll 108. The sheet material feeding apparatus further includes a first motor 102 provided with a rotatable first motor shaft 104 coupled to the first roll 106, and a second motor 103 provided with a rotatable second motor shaft 105 coupled to the second roll 108. The first motor shaft 104 and the second motor shaft 105 rotate at substantially the same rotation speed to allow the first roll 106 and the second roll 108 to rotate in synchronization with each other. |
| US09932183B2 |
Conveyor with integrated dust collector system
Embodiments of the present disclosure a system for capturing proppant dust particles when positioned at a fracking operation site including a proppant delivery assembly to receive one or more containers having proppant stored therein. The system dispenses the proppant from the one or more containers and delivers the proppant to other fracking operation equipment. Moreover, the system includes a dust collection assembly positioned proximate and associated with the proppant delivery assembly to capture dust particles released by movement and settling of the proppant when being dispensed and delivered by the proppant delivery assembly. The dust collection assembly is positioned to direct an air flow in a flow path overlying the dust particles to capture the dust particles and move the dust particles away from the proppant thereby reducing risk of dust exposure to fracking operation site personnel. |
| US09932182B2 |
Trailer stabilizer
A trailer stabilizing device for stabilizing a parked freight trailer, the trailer stabilizing device comprising a frame separate from the support frame of the parked freight trailer, the stabilizing device frame having mounted thereto wheels and a hitch, the stabilizing device including a repositionable jack. |
| US09932181B2 |
Method of delivering, transporting, and storing proppant for delivery and use at a well site
A method of delivering proppant to a well site has the steps of transporting a load of proppant in a vessel to a desired location, moving the load of proppant from the vessel into a container so as to create a proppant-loaded container, unloading the proppant-loaded container into a pneumatic bulk trailer, and transporting the unloaded proppant in the pneumatic bulk trailer to well site. The container is placed onto a bed of a truck and moved in proximity to the vessel. The proppant-loaded container is placed onto a tilting mechanism and then tilted so that the proppant is discharged through a flow gate of a container into a hopper. The proppant in the hopper can then be conveyed to the pneumatic bulk trailer. |
| US09932176B2 |
Product dispensing system and associated method
A dispensing system, apparatus and associated method for dispensing individually packaged products includes maintaining positive physical control of the individual packages throughout the apparatus and may include different storage and dispensers for products having different frequencies of use as well as buffering of products. The system, apparatus and method described herein may be particularly useful for dispensing pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings. |
| US09932173B2 |
Trash compacting device
The invention is a trash compacting device with a handle configured horizontally, so a person can grip the handle with the palm of their hand facing downward to maximize compression force and minimize slippage. The frame supports one or more smite plate receivers that may extends horizontally from the frame to increase the distance between center regions of two smite plates. Each smite plate receiver may extends downward at different heights to ensure that bulky trash, such as boxes, does not impede the downward movement of every smite plates. The frame may houses a telescoping tube to ensure ergonomic operations when a garbage can is less than full. Smite plates of different shapes and sizes may be attached to the smite plate receiver to further ensure more uniform compaction of trash. Smite plates and handle grips are pivotally attached to allow for portable transport and compact storage. |
| US09932165B2 |
Vacuum cooler
An cooler capable of achieving a sufficient temperature gradient between an inside of the cooler and an outside of the cooler such that at least a partial vacuum forms within the cooler may include an enclosure defined by at least one wall and a lid. The lid may form a relatively airtight seal with a wall of the cooler when in a closed position. A vacuum release assembly may be disposed in one of the walls or lid of the cooler, the assembly being capable of reducing a pressure differential between the enclosure and the outside of the cooler. |
| US09932163B2 |
Packaging structure for cooking device
A packaging structure for a cooking device is so configured that a packaging material (101) with trays (91, 92) packaged therewith is disposed in a heating chamber (2) with such an inclination that a one-side portion of the packaging material (101) becomes higher than the other-side portion of the packaging material (101). Also, the one-side portion of the packaging material (101) is placed on a one-side-portion side tray holder (16A). Further, a cushioning material (201) is inserted between an upper portion (2e) of the heating chamber (2) and the one-side portion of the packaging material (101), so that the one-side portion of the packaging material (101) is pressed against the one-side-portion side tray holder (16A) while the other-side portion of the packaging material (101) is pressed against the other-side-portion side inner side surface (2c) of the chamber. |
| US09932162B2 |
Packaging article and method
An article of packaging, assembly and a method of manufacturing packaging for holding an object securely by a web or extensible portion formed in a single piece foldable member adapted to insert into a container or formed as an overlap panel to the container contiguous pattern. The foldable member has a planar structure with an upper surface and a lower surface. The pattern includes a platform portion, one or more side panel (s), and a web section in a predefined tessellation pattern. The web section is either integral to the pattern, or a separate web section. The web section is aligned to overlie the planar surface and is attached by an attachment portion to secure the web section to said side panels. In operation, the object is held securely in three-dimensions between the web section and the upper surface of the platform portion when the side portions are folded in a direction away from the web section thereby tightening the web section against the object between the web section and the platform portion. |
| US09932158B2 |
Closures
A closure includes a base and a lid, the base and lid being joined by a double hinge arrangement so that the lid is movable between a closed position and an open position. The double hinge arrangement includes a first hinge and a second hinge. The lid may be held stably in the open position via tongues or the like, which are provided on or by the lid, base, and/or hinge arrangement. |
| US09932156B2 |
Child resistant packaging container with closure and release mechanism
A child resistant packaging container having a closure and release mechanism is provided having a base section and a cover section, with the cover section adapted to cover the base section when in a closed state. The closure and release mechanism includes an inner aperture formed within an inner wall segment of the base section and an outer aperture formed within an outer wall segment of the base section, which is aligned with the inner aperture. A projection extending inwardly from a side wall portion of the cover section is also provided for engaging the outer aperture and the inner aperture of the base section. Thus, the closure and release mechanism retains the cover section over the base section and secures the packaging container in a closed position. The projection is released from the outer aperture by depressing a deformable flange and applying inward pressure to the outer wall, thereby opening the packaging container. |
| US09932153B2 |
Container that prevents an illegal operation and can be easily identified after being illegally operated
A container, that prevents an illegal operation and can be easily identified after being illegally operated, includes a bowl-shaped base and a cover selectively closing the bowl-shaped base, wherein a pre-broken structure is formed on the cover and the cover cannot be smoothly detached from the bowl-shaped base before the pre-broken structure being damaged. For the market, the salesperson easily confirms that the container has been illegally operated and the illegally operated container is replaced in time for providing fresh good to the consumers. For the consumers, the illegally operated containers can be easily confirmed and eliminated through choosing for preventing from buying unsafe or stale goods, particularly foods. |
| US09932151B2 |
Draw-cord cinching system
A draw-cord cinching system includes various element. For example, the system generally includes a tube having a tubular wall forming a through-channel between a first end of the tube and a second end of the tube. The tubular wall includes at least a first portion with a first amount of pliability and a second portion with a second amount of pliability, which is less than the first portion. The first and second portions may be arranged or located such that the when the tube is shortened, such as by pulling a draw cord positioned in the through-channel, the tubular wall folds or bends at the first portion having a higher amount of pliability than the second portion. |
| US09932150B2 |
Bag with gripping bands
A closure for closing a bag and a die head and method for making the closure. The closure includes two closure members having support walls and mating interlocking profiles. The support walls are resilient and have self-retaining forms in vertical section including middle sections curving outwardly away from one another when mounted on a bag. Top portions of the support walls extend outwardly away from one another to form gripping panels when the closure is closed. A die head for forming a closure member includes a body that defines a slot including a support wall segment for forming the support wall of the closure member. The support wall segment includes first and second portions oriented transverse to one another and intersecting at a vertex. To form the closure member, polymer is extruded through the slot and quenched. |
| US09932149B2 |
Package with integrally formed handle and method of making the same
A package includes a first panel and a second panel, wherein each of the first and second panels defines a right side edge portion, a left side edge portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion. The package includes a pleat that interconnects between the first end portions of the first and second panels. The pleat defines a right side edge portion and a left side edge portion and includes a handle aperture forming a handle. A first seam joins the right side edge portions of the first panel, the second panel, and the pleat and a second seam joins the left side edge portions of the first panel, the second panel, and the pleat. A third seam joins the second end portion of the first panel with the second end portion of the second panel. The first panel, the second panel, and the pleat are integrally formed. |
| US09932148B2 |
Handle assembly for a portable pressurized gas cylinder
A portable gas cylinder is disclosed which includes a gas cylinder including an upper portion having a valve port and an annular mounting collar surrounding the valve port, a handle assembly including a housing having a body portion configured to mate with the upper portion of the gas cylinder, a pair of diametrically opposed gripping handles extending upwardly from the body portion and a central aperture providing access to the valve port, wherein an annular retention channel is formed in an undersurface of the housing, extending about the periphery of the central aperture for receiving the mounting flange of the gas cylinder, and a blocking ring for securing the mounting flange of the gas cylinder within the retention channel of the handle assembly. |
| US09932146B1 |
Bucket stack holding apparatus with easy release feature
An apparatus attached or formed on the sidewalls of a standard 5 gallon bucket with diverging sidewalls that enables stacked buckets to be vertically stacked and locked together so the handle on the upper bucket may be used to carry the stack of buckets and allows the individual buckets to be easily separated from the stack. The apparatus comprises a ring body made of elastic material with a center opening configured to fit transversely around the middle or upper region of the bucket. The ring body includes a downward facing circular groove sufficiently configured to receive and engage the upper edge on the bucket. Located inside the groove may be a protruding outer lip that extends inward and engages the upper edge. In another embodiment, a plurality of hooks are integrally formed on the top surface of the ring body that engage a laterally extending reinforcement ring on the bucket. |
| US09932145B1 |
System and method for automatically packaging item(s) and associated packages
A system and a method for automatically packaging item(s) are disclosed, as well as associated packages. The method includes generally four steps. First, an outer tray containing one or more item(s) is received. Second, an inner tray is placed in the outer tray over the one or more item(s), and the inner tray includes a plurality of preformed columnar compartments. Third, the inner tray and the outer tray are sealed to form at least a partial vacuum between an exterior surface of the inner tray and an interior surface of the outer tray. The item(s) are firmly secured in the at least partial vacuum such that the item(s) will not shift within the package during shipment. Fourth, a cover is placed over the inner tray to close the plurality of preformed columnar compartments to thereby form a plurality of air compartments, which collectively protect the item(s) from external impact. |
| US09932142B2 |
Wraparound case
A wraparound case comprises: a case main body including a top face panel and a bottom face panel that face each other, a front face panel and a back face panel that face each other, a pair of side face panels that face each other, and an insertion flap that extends out from the top face panel and overlaps with the front face panel; a hinge section that is formed between the top face panel and the back face panel; a slit that is formed along a ridgeline between the top face panel and each of the pair of side face panels; and tear sections that couple a front face panel side and a back face panel side of the top face panel with the pair of side face panels, and that are torn when the top face panel is opened. |
| US09932136B2 |
Method for making pouches and a pouch as such
The present invention relates to a pouch and a method for making the same. In the inventive method, which is adapted to produce pouches having a limited amount of fusible material, a heat-sealable cord is arranged on a web forming confronting side surface of each pouch. Those confronting side surfaces are fused by heating the heat-sealable cord. The present invention furthermore provides a pouch, in particular containing a brewable or extractable commodity such as tea, with a pocket defined between confronting side surfaces of a web. The pouch of the present invention can have a limited amount of fusible material as the confronting side surfaces are joined by solidified melt of a heat-sealable cord arranged in vicinity of at least one edge of the pouch. |
| US09932135B2 |
Strapping device
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mobile strapping device for strapping packaged products using a loop of wrapping strap. The strapping device includes a tensioning device for applying tension to the strap and a connecting device for connecting two overlapping portions of the strap. The tensioning device includes a rotatable tensioning wheel and a tensioning plate. The tensioning wheel is supported by a rocker that is pivotable to change a distance separating the tensioning wheel and the tensioning plate. The mobile strapping device includes a motor that is operably connectable to the rocker or the tensioning wheel such that the motor causes pivoting of the rocker or rotation of the tensioning wheel when operating in a first direction of rotation. In various embodiments, gearing, including a plurality of planetary gear sets, is used to operatively connect the motor to the rocker and the tensioning wheel. |
| US09932134B2 |
Method and apparatus for setting corner protectors on a load
A method and a system for setting corner protectors on a load. In operation of one embodiment, an actuator retrieves a two corner protectors from a corner protector storage and provides the corner protectors to a corner protector transferring and setting system. The corner protector transferring and setting system transfers the corner protectors to a side of the load furthest from the actuator and sets the corner protectors against the two adjacent vertically extending corners of that side of the load. The actuator retrieves another two corner protectors from the corner protector storage and sets the two corner protectors against the two vertically extending corners of a side of the load closest to the actuator. A wrapping machine then wraps a film around the corner protectors and the load, thereby securing the corner protectors in place. |
| US09932130B2 |
Passageway to board and deplane an airplane
Passageway including a section that is extendable and retractable, the section including a frame, slide track assemblies, and scissor bar assembly. The frame has upright members. The slide track assemblies are disposed proximately to respective upright members. Each of the slide track assemblies includes a slide track and slide block. The slide track has a cavity and channel. The slide block is configured to ascend, descend, and rotate within the cavity. The slide block includes a guide block that extends from the slide block at least partially through the channel. The scissor bar assembly is secured to the upright members and slide track assemblies such that the upright members are enabled to extend and retract with respect to each other along at least one arcuate path, wherein the guide block limits rotation of the slide block within the slide track to rotation of the guide block within the channel. |
| US09932126B2 |
System and method of integrity checking digitally displayed data
System and method of integrity checking digitally displayed data in a display system having a display comprising a pixel array with a viewable area, including rendering a known value into a QR code graphic, generating an image onto the display including drawing the QR code graphic in the viewable area of the pixel array, monitoring the generated image for the drawn QR code graphic and determining the integrity of the drawn graphical information. |
| US09932125B2 |
Air separation module with increased permeate area
An air separation module includes a plurality of fibers located within a casing. A fiber membrane defines an exterior of each of the plurality of fibers. The fiber membrane also forms an interior passage along a length of each of the plurality of fibers. The fiber membrane is configured to permeate a gas through the fiber membrane. At least one perforated canister is placed between the plurality of fibers. The at least one perforated canister is configured to collect a permeated gas from the plurality of fibers. |
| US09932123B2 |
Monocoque helicopter fuselage with integral tail boom
A composite structure forming a load bearing composite shell for a helicopter, with a shell which defines the exterior of a fuselage and includes a central fuselage section and tail boom, a fuselage which is adapted house an engine or drive train, a layered composite crashworthy seat and support structure and a fastening and a method of fastening by providing an adhesive between two layers which is allowed to flow through opposing holes in the layers to provide a chemical and mechanical attachment between the layers. |
| US09932122B2 |
Gas turbine engine cover
A protective cover for an aircraft engine comprises a lower portion mountable to a corresponding lower portion of an opening of the engine, and an upper portion articulated to the lower portion. The upper portion is deployable from a collapsed position to a deployed position in which the upper portion extends upwardly from the lower portion. A handling tool may be used to operate the panel from a remote location on the ground. |
| US09932121B2 |
Turbomachine flow stability enhancement device control
An example method of controlling a flow enhancement device includes providing a flow enhancement device that is configured stabilize a flow of air near a nacelle. The flow enhancement device has a first setting and a second setting that provides more stabilization than the first setting. The method includes monitoring parameters of a turbomachine to determine the stability of the flow of air near the nacelle. The method also adjusts the flow enhancement device between the first setting and the second setting based on the monitoring. |
| US09932116B1 |
Universal water activated release system
A fluid activated parachute release apparatus includes a liquid sensor component moveably coupled to a cam member including a cavity; a disk configured to engage the cavity of the cam member; and a fork member releasable from the disk responsive to rotation of the cam member. |
| US09932114B2 |
Method for controlling the vacuum generator(s) in a vacuum sewage system
Method for controlling one or more vacuum generators (1) and thereby the vacuum in a vacuum sewage system, in particular controlling one or more liquid ring screw pumps in such system, including beyond the generator/s (1) one or more tubular collectors or suction pipelines (2) connected to the vacuum generator and one or more toilets, urinals, grey water sinks etc (3, 4), connected to the suction pipeline through branch pipelines (6). The rotational speed of the vacuum generator (1) is controlled on the basis of the set vacuum requirement. |
| US09932110B2 |
Method for installing an object using an unmanned aerial vehicle
A method for using an unmanned aerial vehicle to install objects on wire and catenary structures is described. The method includes tagging the location, attaching the object to the UAV, navigating the UAV to the position, attaching the object, testing the attachment, releasing the object, inspecting the attachment, and returning the UAV to the ground. Sensors, flight control systems, means for attachment, and variations of embodiments of the methods, systems, and mechanical devices are described. |
| US09932109B2 |
Method of fabricating a spar for a blade, a method of fabricating a blade, and a blade
A method of fabricating a blade spar that includes transversely at least one arrangement. A pressure-side mold and a suction-side mold are defined for each arrangement that is to be fabricated. Each mold includes at least one removable slide and a base. Each slide is then removed from a mold and the tape segments of a hank are laid by a fiber-placement method on each mold. Each mold is closed by putting the slides into place on the mold. During a finalizing step, the molds are juxtaposed and the spar is heated. |
| US09932107B2 |
Enhancing aerodynamic performance of an aircraft wing assembly
Disclosed is a method of enhancing aerodynamic performance of an aircraft wing assembly including a fixed section and a foldable section. The foldable section is hinged to the fixed section at a hinge axis. The method includes turning a torque box extending from the foldable section to rotate the foldable section about the hinge axis from a stowed position to a deployed position. |
| US09932105B2 |
Device for folding/unfolding a tail boom of a rotorcraft, an associated rotorcraft, and a corresponding folding/unfolding method
A folding/unfolding device for folding/unfolding a tail boom, the device being arranged in association with a rear power transmission shaft of a tail rotor of the rotorcraft, the folding/unfolding device comprising pivot means enabling a movable portion of the tail boom to move in pivoting relative to a stationary portion of the tail boom, the relative pivoting movement being performed between two distinct extreme positions, namely an unfolded, working position enabling the rear power transmission shaft to transmit driving torque to the tail rotor, and a folded, rest position enabling the overall length of the rotorcraft to be reduced. According to the invention, the folding/unfolding device includes motor-driven decoupling/coupling means for mechanically decoupling/coupling together two portions of a single rear power transmission shaft before/after the relative pivoting movement of the movable portion of the tail boom relative to the stationary portion. |
| US09932100B2 |
Marine propulsion device
A marine propulsion device includes an engine, a cylinder cooling pathway through which a cooling water passes, a water pump, an electromagnetic valve, a water pressure sensor, a water temperature sensor, and a controller. The engine includes a cylinder. The cylinder cooling pathway is disposed in an area surrounding the cylinder. The water pump supplies the cooling water to the cylinder cooling pathway from outside. The electromagnetic valve restricts a flow of the cooling pathway in the cylinder cooling pathway. The water pressure sensor detects a water pressure of the cooling water in the cylinder cooling pathway. The water temperature sensor detects a water temperature of the cooling water in the cylinder cooling pathway. The controller is configured or programmed to control an opening degree of the electromagnetic valve based on a detection value of the water pressure sensor and a detection value of the water temperature sensor. |
| US09932095B2 |
Assembly of floatable modules
An assembly (3) comprising at least a first module (1) and a second module (2) with respective longitudinal axes (5) is described. Each one of the modules (1, 2) comprises a connection side (6, 7, 8, 9) which is facing the other module (1, 2) and is arranged between the upper side (6, 7, 8, 9) and the underside (20, 42), and at least two elongated bendable members (12) which connects the first module (1) with the second module (2). The first module (1) comprises at least a first connection side (6) which comprises a first recess (13) which is a part of a rotationally symmetrical form with a symmetry axis (43) which is parallel with the connection side (6). The assembly (3) comprises at least a first connection member (17), which comprises an inelastic member (22) and a longitudinal axis (35) which is parallel with the symmetry axis (43), and which is in engagement with and rotatable around the symmetry axis (43) in relation to the first recess (13). |
| US09932092B1 |
Rollout protective boat cover assembly and method for removably and temporarily covering a boat
A rollout protective cover assembly is configured for removably and temporarily covering a boat. The cover assembly includes a reel, and a flexible cover attached to the reel and having opposing sides and opposing ends. The flexible cover is adapted for being rolled onto the reel in a stowed condition and substantially unrolled from the reel in a deployed condition over the boat. The opposing sides of the flexible cover define symmetrically formed scalloped edges. Each scalloped edge includes a series of longitudinally spaced tie-down projections and a corresponding series of concave ventilation curves formed between adjacent projections. |
| US09932089B2 |
Single-wheel electric balancing scooter
The present invention discloses a single-wheel electric balancing scooter, comprising a wheel, a driving motor located within the wheel, a battery pack serving as a power supply of the driving motor, a self-balancing control system, and a balance signal sensor. A saddle is provided above the wheel; the saddle is mounted on a rack which is connected and fixed to a fixed shaft of the wheel; a handle is provided on a front side of the wheel, with a lower end of the handle being connected to the rack; and a front end of the rack is connected with an auxiliary wheel rack and an auxiliary wheel is provided at a lower end of the auxiliary wheel rack. The present invention has the following advantages that it is easier for driving and better to control the balance of the scooter body; the scooter body may be dragged on the ground; and the scooter body may be kept upright when not in use. |
| US09932088B2 |
Method for controlling an electric drive of a vehicle which is operable by muscular energy and/or motor power, and vehicle of this kind
A method for controlling an electric drive of a vehicle is provided, e.g., an electric bicycle, which is able to be operated by muscular energy and/or motor power, the vehicle including a crank gear and the electric drive being disposed at the crank gear. The method includes: ascertaining a driving situation, for which the electric drive is to be used, and in this situation, initially running up the electric drive at a first gradient, and then at a second gradient, the first gradient being greater than the second gradient. |
| US09932086B2 |
Motorcycle front brake master cylinder assembly
A brake assembly has a lever configured to press a knee against a pushrod of a piston of a master cylinder assembly. The knee is configured to receive removable inserts that allow a user to modify the angle at which the lever activates the master cylinder assembly. The master cylinder assembly can include protrusions on the outer surface of the cylinder to protect the cylinder from impact damage. |
| US09932084B2 |
Diaphragm unit and suspension
A diaphragm unit detachably attached to a damper body, includes: a cylinder in which a liquid is sealed; a piston rod having a piston sliding inside the cylinder on one end side of the piston rod, in which other end side of the piston rod is extended to an outside of the cylinder; and a rod guide having a bottomed cylindrical shape wherein an insertion opening into which the piston rod is inserted is provided at a bottom portion of the rod guide, the rod guide being fixed to a side of an opening of the cylinder into which the piston is inserted to thereby make the piston rod be slidably inserted in a liquid tight manner, the diaphragm unit further comprising: an end member; an air seal; a rod side member; an annular bump rubber; and a tubular diaphragm, as defined herein. |
| US09932082B2 |
Bicycle handlebar
A bicycle handlebar includes a base portion that can be coupled to a bicycle, a gripping portion that is rotatably coupled to the base portion, and a mounting portion to which an operating member that operates a component of the bicycle is mounted. The mounting portion is rotatable together with the gripping portion. |
| US09932081B2 |
Composite fiber saddlebag, saddle bag liner, and method
A saddlebag container has a tub made of a plurality of composite fiber panels three dimensionally thermally molded or thermoformed in a chill forming process to form at least a plurality of structurally supporting tub walls and can have a lid of such construction. A preferred tub is formed of a plurality of panels with one panel three dimensionally shaped to form one sidewall and at least one of an endwall and bottom wall and another panel three dimensionally shaped to form the other sidewall that serves as a base to which the one panel is attached which can also provide a vehicle attachment mount. A preferred lid is formed of a panel that can have an outwardly extending mounting flap used to attach the lid to the base which can also serve as a hinge of the lid. A preferred tub and lid construction has at least two layers with one layer of a fibrous material and another layer of a different material that can provide a cover. |
| US09932076B2 |
Track cleaning system
A track cleaning system includes a vehicle that has at least one track. A collection unit is coupled to the at least one track. The collection unit collects debris that collects on the at least one track. The collection unit is electrically coupled to the vehicle. The collection unit is actuated to vibrate. Thus, the collection unit may dislodge the debris from the at least one track thereby inhibiting the debris from impeding performance of the at least one track. |
| US09932073B2 |
Off-road wheeled side-by-side vehicle
A vehicle includes a frame, a left and right front wheel, and a left and right rear wheel. A left front suspension operatively and a right front suspension operatively respectively operatively connect the left and right front wheels to the frame. A left and right rear suspension, respectively operatively connect the left and right rear wheels to the frame. At least one seat, connected to the frame and having a seat base, is disposed longitudinally rearward of the left and right front suspensions. An engine is operatively connected to at least one of the wheels. An air induction system fluidly, which includes an airbox, and a fuel tank fluidly communicate with the engine. The engine, the airbox and the fuel tank are disposed longitudinally forward of the rear suspensions and longitudinally rearward of the seat base of the at least one seat. |
| US09932069B2 |
Vehicle steering system
When a vehicle is quickly steered while the vehicle is travelling at an extremely low speed, a load on an in-vehicle power supply is reduced without deteriorating a steering feeling by reducing a motor driving current. A steering speed is compared with a threshold. When the steering speed is lower than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, a voltage value of a battery power supply, which is used as a prescribed value, is set as a limit voltage in order to reduce a motor consumption current. When the steering speed is higher than the threshold, a value “V0/n” lower than the prescribed value is set as the limit voltage to reduce a consumption current when the steering wheel is steered without driving. “n” is “delay adjustment parameter”, and is a real number that exceeds 1. |
| US09932066B2 |
Plastic element for lash-free support
A worm gearbox having a worm wheel is arranged, in a torsionally resistant manner, on a steering shaft and rotates around a steering axis. A worm shaft is supported to rotate around a rotational axis, with the worm shaft having an end on the engine side and an end away from the engine. Worm toothing engages the teeth of the worm wheel and when the worm shaft rotates around the rotational axis, the worm wheel and the steering shaft rotate around the steering axis. A gearbox housing supports the worm wheel and the worm shaft and allows them to rotate. A compensating element has a middle section, a rear end section connected to the gearbox housing and a front end section retaining the end away from the engine of the worm shaft or a holder accommodating the end away from the engine of the worm shaft. |
| US09932058B2 |
Scaffolding transport cart
Scaffolding transport carts for transporting scaffolding components from a jobsite delivery location to the location of scaffolding erection. Exemplary scaffolding transport cart embodiments may be moved and guided manually, or moved under the power of a motive device but under user control. A fully remote-controlled embodiment may also be provided. In any case, a scaffolding transport cart embodiment may dimensioned such that the scaffolding transport cart can fit through a standard doorway, even when loaded with scaffolding components. |
| US09932057B2 |
Pallet jack mounting system
Apparatuses and methods for mounting an object to a pallet jack are disclosed. One apparatus includes a base, a hook, and a clamping element. The base is sized to be positioned on a head of the pallet jack. The hook is sized to engage an underside of the pallet jack. The hook is movably coupled to a front of the base such that a distance between the base and the hook is adjustable. The clamping element is coupled to a rear of the base. At least a portion of the clamping element is positioned to extend underneath the head of the pallet jack when the base is positioned on the head of the pallet jack. |
| US09932046B2 |
Zip track system
Zip track systems and systems for extending zip track systems are provided. An extension mechanism for a zip track system illustratively comprises a crossover unit, configured to attach to a zip track. The crossover unit illustratively comprises a crossover arch and two crossover support poles, wherein each of the support poles connects to an end portion of the crossover arch such that the support poles are configured to stand perpendicular to the zip track. The extension system further illustratively comprises a connection mechanism configured to connect the crossover arch to the zip track system such that the crossover unit distributes the weight of the track through the crossover arch and the crossover support poles. |
| US09932041B2 |
Personalized medical emergency autopilot system based on portable medical device data
The disclosure includes implementations for providing a personalized medical emergency autopilot system based on data from a portable medical device. A method may include receiving, by a communication unit of a vehicle, a wireless message from a wireless network. The wireless message includes sensor data describing one or more current physiological signals of a driver of the vehicle that are recorded by a portable medical device worn by the driver. The method may include analyzing the one or more current physiological signals of the driver to identify a medical emergency for the driver. The method may include overriding, by a personalized medical emergency autopilot system, one or more vehicle control inputs provided by the driver subsequent to identifying the medical emergency so that the driver cannot control the operation of the vehicle during the medical emergency. |
| US09932039B2 |
Control device for vehicle
A control device is configured to: (i) control rotation speed of internal combustion engine such that the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is increased with an increase in a traveling speed of a vehicle, (ii) execute a pseudo gear shift to control the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine such that the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is decreased to a first rotation speed, (iii) execute a mechanical gear shift to change a second gear ratio according to a gear shift line determined by the traveling speed and a value according to the acceleration request, and (iv) execute adjustment control to adjust the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine in advance in a period before executing the mechanical gear shift such that the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine matches the pseudo gear shift threshold value when the mechanical gear shift is performed. |
| US09932035B1 |
Modifying speed of an autonomous vehicle based on traffic conditions
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to speed control in an autonomous vehicle. For example, an autonomous vehicle may include a user interface which allows the driver to input speed preferences. These preferences may include the maximum speed above the speed limit the user would like the autonomous vehicle to drive when other vehicles are present and driving above or below certain speeds. The other vehicles may be in adjacent or the same lane the vehicle, and need not be in front of the vehicle. |
| US09932034B2 |
Control system and method
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system comprising: a first, controller operable to assume one of a plurality of respective states, in a first state the first controller being configured to generate a first controller powertrain signal in order to cause a powertrain to develop drive torque, and a first controller brake signal in order to cause application of a brake to one or more wheels, the first controller being configured to generate the first controller powertrain signal and first controller brake signal to cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with the target speed value, wherein when the first controller is in a predetermined one or more states the first controller is configured automatically to perform a brake wipe operation in which the first controller generates the first controller brake signal in dependence on one or more predetermined conditions while continuing to cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with the target speed value. |
| US09932033B2 |
Route risk mitigation
A method is disclosed for analyzing historical accident information to adjust driving actions of an autonomous vehicle over a travel route in order to avoid accidents which have occurred over the travel route. Historical accident information for the travel route can be analyzed to, for example, determine accident types which occurred over the travel route and determine causes and/or probable causes of the accident types. In response to determining accident types and causes/probable causes of the accident types over the travel route, adjustments can be made to the driving actions planned for the autonomous vehicle over the travel route. In addition, in an embodiment, historical accident information can be used to analyze available travel routes and select a route which presents less risk of accident than others. |
| US09932030B2 |
Hybrid drive system
A hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor, each driving wheels of the motor vehicle. The internal combustion engine is coupled to the corresponding wheels via a first multispeed transmission. The electric motor is coupled to the corresponding wheels via a second multispeed transmission. |
| US09932029B2 |
System and method for balancing states of charge of energy storage modules in hybrid vehicles
A system and method for balancing the states of charge between a plurality of energy storage modules in a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises determining states of charge of individual energy storage modules in said plurality of energy storage modules operatively connected to a power source in the hybrid electric vehicle. The vehicle is operated using a subset of the plurality of energy storage modules when the states of charge of said subset the plurality of energy storage modules is outside of a tolerances relative to the remaining energy storage modules of said plurality of said energy storage modules. The energy storage modules may be charged or discharged using the method in order to equalize the states of charge of the energy storage modules. |
| US09932028B2 |
Controller for a series hydraulic hybrid transmission
A series hydraulic hybrid system for a vehicle and a method of operating the same is described. The series hydraulic hybrid system has a hydraulic circuit, high and low pressure hydraulic accumulators, and a control unit. The hydraulic circuit has first and second hydraulic displacement units in fluid communication. The first hydraulic displacement unit is drivingly engaged with an internal combustion engine. The high pressure hydraulic accumulator and the low pressure hydraulic accumulator are fluidly connected to the hydraulic circuit through at least one accumulator valve. The control unit is adapted to receive an input from an operator, compute a requested torque and a target system pressure based on the input, compare an accumulator pressure to the target system pressure, and control at least one of a speed of the internal combustion engine and a valve state of the accumulator valve based on the outcome of the comparison. |
| US09932026B2 |
Shift control method and apparatus for vehicle
A shift control method and apparatus for a vehicle is described. The shift control method for a vehicle having an oil pump includes determining whether the vehicle satisfies an Idle Stop and Go (ISG) learning condition, measuring, when the vehicle satisfies the ISG learning condition, a shift time of a transmission when a driving state of the vehicle is changed from an idling state to a restart state, comparing the measured shift time with a predetermined reference shift time, and adjusting a pressure of oil supplied to a solenoid of the transmission from the oil pump according to the compared result. Thus, it is possible to reduce a variation in shift time required when the ISG vehicle using a mechanical oil pump in place of an electrical oil pump is restarted. |
| US09932022B2 |
Contact patch measurements during hydroplaning events
Systems and methods for determining the contact patch parameters of a tire while rolling on deformable surfaces, such as during a hydroplaning event, are provided. More particularly, a piezoelectric sensor configured to provide a piezoelectric sensor output signal indicative of the time-varying curvature of a rolling tire can be mounted in a tire. The piezoelectric sensor output signal can be analyzed to detect a signal perturbation corresponding to the hydroplaning event. One or more characteristics of the contact patch during the hydroplaning event can be analyzed based on the signal perturbation. For instance, a parameter indicative of the shape of the contact patch during the hydroplaning event can be assessed based on the signal perturbation. |
| US09932017B2 |
Vehicle wiper
A vehicle wiper comprises a retainer that is formed in an elongated shape open at the lower side facing toward a windshield, and that is provided so as to be capable of swinging about a shaft axis of a pivot shaft that is swung to-and-fro; a first nozzle member that is housed inside the retainer, and that is capable of ejecting washer fluid from an ejection portion; and 1 a retainer cover member that closes off an opening of the retainer, and that is formed with a window through which the ejection portion of the first nozzle member is externally exposed. |
| US09932012B1 |
Inner carrier and back panel having alternating trim and side airbag attachments
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback. A seatback panel is operably coupled with a back side of the seatback. The seatback panel includes a front side and a rear side. Multiple laterally-extending mounting features are disposed proximate edges of the front side of the seatback panel. An inner carrier includes multiple clip embossments extending laterally and releasably coupled with the mounting features. Multiple forwardly-extending clip towers are spaced vertically between the mounting features. A cushion assembly includes attachment features releasably coupled with the clip towers. After deployment of an airbag module, the mounting features of the seatback panel and the clip embossments can be recoupled for continued use of the vehicle seating assembly. |
| US09932010B2 |
Electronic airbag ignition circuit having a variable ignition current duration
An electronic airbag ignition circuit includes a first and second output for the electrically conductive connection to a first and second terminal of a magnetic actuator. The electronic airbag ignition circuit also includes a first switching element, whose contact-break path is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the first output, and a second switching element, whose contact-break path is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the second output. The electronic airbag ignition circuit includes a second control circuit connected in an electrically conductive manner to a control terminal of the second switching element. The second control circuit is configured to close the second switching element in a first triggering mode for a first predetermined duration and in a second triggering mode for a second predetermined duration that differs from the first duration. |
| US09932009B2 |
Bracket for front crash sensor
A front end structure is provided for a vehicle that includes a bracket for attaching front crash sensors to the vehicle. The front end structure includes an engine compartment and a hood connected to the engine compartment by a hood latch and a pair of hinges. The bracket is connected to the hood latch and the front crash sensors to maintain palpability with the vehicle through the hood in a collision. |
| US09932008B1 |
Integrated bumper spacers for vehicle with suspension modifications
A system of bumper spacers that provide for relocation of a vehicle's bumper forward of the body. Single and multiple points of attachment define spacers are provided with varying dimensional aspects to accommodate different vehicle applications. Stabilization and positioning installation engagement tab extensions extend from the respective spacers in both the axial and trans-axial opening alignment extending at right angles from the spacer's body member exterior surface. |
| US09932007B2 |
Energy absorbing structure of vehicle
An energy absorbing structure of a vehicle of the present invention has: a bumper reinforcement positioned at a vehicle front end portion or a vehicle rear end portion, the bumper reinforcement extending in a vehicle transverse direction; and a crash box made of a fiber-reinforced resin, the crash box being disposed at a side opposite a side of input of collision load to the bumper reinforcement, and the crash box being structured to include a crash box main body having a closed cross-sectional structure. An upper portion and a lower portion of the crash box main body do not overlap the bumper reinforcement as seen from a vehicle longitudinal direction. |
| US09932006B2 |
Vehicular energy absorption structure
A vehicular energy absorption structure includes a hollow tubular energy absorption body made from a fiber reinforced resin, an opposing face (e.g., an attachment plate) that is provided facing an axial direction end portion of the energy absorption body, and against which the energy absorption body is crushed from the axial direction end portion during a vehicle collision, and a guide section (e.g., peripheral wall, ribs) that projects from the opposing face and that is disposed in an interior of the energy absorption body. The guide section includes an abutting section (e.g., abutting walls) that contacts a wall of the energy absorption body from the inner side of the wall during the vehicle collision, the abutting section being separated from the opposing face by an opening in the axial direction of the energy absorption body. |
| US09932004B1 |
Vehicle energy absorption system
A sensor bracket assembly is configured to extend between a sensor beam and a bumper beam of a vehicle. The sensor bracket assembly can include a bracket first section that is configured to be directly or indirectly connected to the bumper beam. The sensor bracket assembly can also include a bracket second section that is configured to be directly or indirectly connected to the sensor beam. The sensor bracket assembly can further include a spacer section that projects from the bracket first section and is configured to extend towards but be spaced from one of the bracket second section and the bumper beam. |
| US09932001B2 |
Vehicular power source controller
A vehicular power source controller is designed so that when there is abnormal action in a microprocessor and an abnormal fuse state cannot be determined from the current of a load detected by a current sensor circuit, power supply to the load cannot be turned on and off by the operation of a combination switch corresponding to the load, but can be turned on and off by the operation of an ignition switch. It is thereby possible to prevent continuing power supply to the load when the combination switch is turned on during the abnormal action of the microprocessor, and battery exhaustion can be suppressed. Power supply to the load cannot be turned on and off by the operation of the combination switch during the abnormal action of the microprocessor, and an operator is easily made aware of the abnormal action of the microprocessor. |
| US09931998B2 |
Selectable window switch controller
A vehicle window control panel for controlling a plurality of vehicle window assemblies comprises a common window control switch and a plurality of selector interfaces. The common window control switch is configured for controlling operation of a window assembly when the window assembly occupies an active state. The plurality of selector interfaces is electrically coupled to the common window control switch, and each of the plurality of selector interfaces is associated with an associated window assembly and configured for selectively coupling the associated window assembly to the common window control switch so as to cause the associated window assembly to occupy an active state. Each of the plurality of selector interfaces is also configured for selectively decoupling the associated window assembly from the common window control switch so as to cause the associated window assembly to occupy an inactive state. |
| US09931996B2 |
Headrest-mounted entertainment systems
In certain embodiments, a mobile entertainment system includes a screen assembly with a display and a signal generating device. A housing pivotally coupled to the screen assembly can have a lower portion, an upper portion, and a housing cavity sized and shaped to receive the screen assembly. The upper portion can receive at least a portion of the signal generating device. At least a portion of the screen assembly can rotate through an opening in the lower portion. A shell can receive the housing. |
| US09931994B2 |
Deployable interference mechanism for variably positionable bicycle wheel anchor
A variably positionable bicycle wheel anchor for fixing a bicycle wheel at a desired location along an elongate support rail. The bicycle wheel anchor includes a body configured to be slidingly coupled to an elongate support rail for variable, fixed positioning of the body along a length of the elongate support rail. The underside of the body has a support rail engagement surface and the upper side of the body has a bicycle wheel receiver. The wheel anchor has a deployable interference mechanism coupled to the body and having a deployed configuration in which at least a portion of the interference mechanism protrudes beyond the underside of the body for releasable engagement with the elongate support rail. |
| US09931986B2 |
Mobile refueling vessel
A mobile vessel for refueling engines at remote refueling sites. The vessel has a tank with side walls and a rectangular bottom portion. The bottom portion is configured to rest on the ground and it includes an inner wall and a lower plate. The bottom portion further includes spacer elements between the inner wall and lower plate that defines a gap there between for collecting fuel that may leak from the tank. |
| US09931985B1 |
Blind-spot monitoring using machine vision and precise FOV information
An apparatus comprising a first sensor, an interface, a second sensor and a processor. The first sensor may be configured to generate a video signal based on a targeted view of a driver. The interface may be configured to receive status information about one or more components of a vehicle. The second sensor may be configured to detect an object within a predetermined radius of the second sensor. The processor may be configured to determine a field of view of the driver based on the status information. The processor may be configured to generate a control signal in response to a cross reference between (i) a field of view of the driver and (ii) the detected object. The control signal may be used to alert the driver if the detected object is not in the field of view of the driver. |
| US09931978B1 |
Warning sign structure for vehicle
A warning sign structure includes an activating mechanism and a stretching-retracting mechanism movably joined to the activating mechanism. The stretching-retracting mechanism includes a retractable unit connected to the activating mechanism and a light emitting unit movably disposed on a top of the retractable unit. When the vehicle breaks down, the activating mechanism drives a stretching-retracting mechanism to stretch its retractable unit to an appropriate height manually or automatically and turns on a light emitting unit. The light emitting unit emits light in a high position to warn the rear-coming vehicles. The driver can also detach the stretching-retracting mechanism and use the stretching-retracting mechanism as a hand-held warning sign or a traffic baton. |
| US09931977B2 |
Vehicle lamp
A vehicle lamp which enables vehicles or pedestrians around a vehicle to easily recognize a driving direction of the vehicle is provided. The vehicle lamp includes a driving direction sensing unit configured to sense a driving direction of a vehicle, a driving direction indicating unit configured to form a first pattern indicating the driving direction and forms a second pattern indicating the driving direction on a road surface around the vehicle and a control unit configured to adjust the driving direction indicating unit based on to the sensed driving direction. The driving direction indicating unit includes at least one lamp unit. The lamp unit includes a light source and a reflection unit having a plurality of reflectors which form the first pattern and the second pattern, respectively. |
| US09931976B1 |
Truck safety zone using a vehicle gateway
Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to determine safety margins for operating a vehicle and communicating that information to other nearby vehicles. |
| US09931968B2 |
Mat structure for vehicle and sewing device therefor
A mat structure for a vehicle, in which an edging member capable of preventing impurities such as soil from falling down to an indoor floor of the vehicle is sewed on an upper surface of an edge of a mat, and a sewing device capable of easily sewing the edging member and a magic tape on the mat. The mat prevents impurities remaining on the upper mat from falling down to the indoor floor of the vehicle and contaminating inside the vehicle by using the protrusion portion, and passengers may scrape the impurities off bottoms of the passenger's shoes on the protrusion portion so that the impurities remain on the upper mat. Also, the protrusion portion protects a sewing line of the female magic tape against frictions with the bottoms of the shoes, and prevents the sewing line from being torn off. |
| US09931967B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes: a first member; a second member; an insertion fastening structure configured to apply an axial tension to an opposed surface portion of the first member and an opposed surface portions of the second member so as to be pressed against each other; and an adjustment member. The opposed surface portion of the second member includes different surface shape portions facing respective surfaces toward directions different from an application direction of the axial tension, and the adjustment member plastically deforms the opposed surface portion of the second member such that the opposed surface portion of the second member, including the different surface shape portions, is pressed and sandwiched between the adjustment member and the opposed surface portion of the first member by the application of the axial tension. |
| US09931966B2 |
Device for rapid removal/reinstallation of a vehicle seat back, and seat assembly comprising the same
A device for rapid removal/reinstallation of a back of a seat of a vehicle, the back being attached, by at least one first strap, to a ceiling. The device includes a hanging intermediary structure and a fixed structure integral with the ceiling and retaining the structure in the use position of the seat, in which it has been brought with an upward movement, and locking the structure in the use position or unlocking it such that it is moved away from the ceiling to release the tension exerted by the first strap and allow the structure to be disengaged from the retaining unit. The back can thus be removed or reinstalled without any action on the tension setting of the strap. |
| US09931959B2 |
Battery control system and vehicle control system
A battery control system connected to a battery, which controls charge/discharge at the battery, includes: a current detection unit that measures a current value by detecting a charge/discharge current flowing through the battery; a voltage detection unit that detects a voltage at the battery; a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature at the battery; an effective current value calculation unit that calculates, based upon the current value measured by the current detection unit, an effective current value in a predetermined time window; and a charge/discharge restriction unit that imposes a first charge/discharge restriction so as to restrict the charge/discharge current based upon the effective current value calculated by the effective current value calculation unit. |
| US09931956B2 |
Battery management system
Vehicle battery management systems (BMS) and methods are described, in which the output of a vehicle battery is reduced by activating a shutdown mode. A BMS may be configured to start a timer when the vehicle is turned off, e.g. based on when the main power between the vehicle and the battery is interrupted or based on a signal from the vehicle control system. The BMS may further be configured to store BMS data (e.g. variable data related to operation and/or status of the battery) to an electronic storage device, and to switch the battery to a shutdown mode, when the timer reaches a predetermined value. The BMS may be further configured to load the BMS data from the electronic storage device and/or to deactivate the shutdown mode when the vehicle is turned back on. |
| US09931951B2 |
Integrated dual-output grid-to-vehicle (G2V) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) onboard charger for plug-in electric vehicles
An integrated and isolated onboard charger for plug-in electric vehicles, includes an ac-dc converter and a dual-output dc-dc resonant converter, for both HV traction batteries and LV loads. In addition, the integrated and isolated onboard charger may be configured as unidirectional or bidirectional, and is capable of delivering power from HV traction batteries to the grid for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications. To increase the power density of the converter, the dual-output DC-DC resonant converter may combine magnetic components of resonant networks into a single three-winding electromagnetically integrated transformer (EMIT). The resonant converter may be configured as a half-bridge topology with split capacitors as the resonant network components to further reduce the size of converter. The integrated charger may be configured for various operating modes, including grid to vehicle (G2V), vehicle to grid (V2G) and high voltage to low voltage, HV-to-LV (H2L) charging. |
| US09931950B2 |
Method for recovering electrical energy with voltage smoothing on an onboard electrical network
During a method for recovering electrical energy, for example during a deceleration phase of a motor vehicle including at least one electric accumulator battery, a low alternator voltage is applied during a first type of vehicle driving phase, and a high alternator voltage higher than the low alternator voltage is applied for a second type of vehicle driving phase. The transition from the low alternator voltage to the high alternator voltage is carried out by applying a first voltage step of a predefined amplitude, followed by a knee in the voltage curve, the voltage curve then continuing into at least a second voltage ramp phase of which the average slope is strictly lower than the voltage ramp of the first step. |
| US09931948B2 |
Electrical pulse generator of high current, power and energy
An electrical pulse generator for ohmic-inductive loads with a capacitive module in which a primary capacitor is charged by a first generator for generating voltage pulses, with high capacity and high voltage, on an ohmic-inductive load. In the capacitive module there is also a secondary capacitor or supercapacitor with a very high capacity, charged by a second generator designed to continuously supply voltage to the load. An electronic splitter, or Chopper is interposed between the capacitive module and the load which splits the voltage supplied by the capacitive module according to modulated high frequency pulses, in such a way that the value of the voltage supplied to the load is constant. |
| US09931945B2 |
Power supply device
A control circuit 6 determines whether a difference between an input/output potential difference V11 and an input/output potential difference V13 when bypass switches SW1 and SW2 are again turned on is equal to or smaller than a threshold value Vth2 in a case where the control circuit 6 determines, at normal times other than an engine restart after being idle-stopped, that a difference between the input/output potential difference V11 of a bypass circuit when the bypass switches SW1 and SW2 are turned on and an input/output potential difference V12 when the bypass switch SW1 is turned on and the bypass switch SW2 is turned off is equal to or larger than a threshold value Vth1 and that the bypass switch SW1 has an open fault, and validates the determination of the open fault of the bypass switch SW1 in a case where the control circuit 6 determines that the difference between the input/output potential differences V11 and V13 is equal to or smaller than a the threshold value Vth2. |
| US09931941B2 |
Current transmission device
The invention relates to a current transmission device for stationary charging of electrical energy stores of devices and/or for mobile supplying of electrical drive units of devices having a current transmitter which is embodied as an articulated arm system, and which can swivel between a current-transmitting extended position and a current flow interrupting retracted position, an adjusting drive interacting with the current transmitter as well as a spring system interacting with the current transmitter, wherein the adjusting drive is self-locking-free and has a switchable electromagnetic brake device. |
| US09931938B2 |
Vehicle battery relay assembly
In a vehicle battery relay assembly for disconnecting or isolating a vehicle battery from a connection line, a housing is provided having a solenoid and a switch activated by the solenoid. The switch electrically connects and disconnects a first contact terminal for connection to the vehicle battery and a second contact terminal for connection to the connection line. The solenoid has a solenoid coil. A rotatable ratchet gear rotates by engagement with a pawl, the pawl being connected to a plunger of the solenoid. The switch comprises a contact element coupled to the ratchet gear, the contact element having at least first and second projecting contact points. The contact element is positioned relative to a contact surface of the first and second contact terminals such that given a first rotation of the contact element the first and second contact terminals are electrically connected and given a subsequent second rotation the first and second contact terminals are electrically disconnected. |
| US09931934B2 |
Vehicular pointer-type residual quantity meter
A vehicular pointer-type residual quantity meter comprises: a display panel that has a scale part which allows a driver to recognize a residual quantity, and a non-scale part that differs from the scale part; a pointer unit that is disposed behind the display panel; a pointer driver body unit that carries out a movement of the pointer unit in a real space; and a control unit that controls the pointer driver body unit in so that the pointer unit indicates one of metering regions in the scale part in replay to a current residual quantity. The control part controls the pointer driver body unit so that when the residual quantity decreases to zero, the pointer unit moves from a metering region corresponding to a zero residual quantity in a direction opposite to a metering region corresponding to a residual quantity value greater than zero to the non-scale part of the display panel. |
| US09931933B2 |
Input device and steering input device
The input device includes a press switch configured to be pressed in a direction of a predetermined axis, a first operation member configured to be moved along the predetermined axis to press the press switch, a second operation member disposed circularly around the first operation member and configured to be tilted relative to the predetermined axis to press the press switch, a first touch sensor disposed on the first operation member and configured to detect contact of a finger of a right hand with the first operation member, and a second touch sensor disposed on the second operation member and configured to detect contact of the finger of the right hand with the second operation member. |
| US09931932B2 |
System, method, and device for wireless control of a vehicle's power supply
The present invention provides a wireless power-supply control assembly 100 for wirelessly controlling a boat's main power supply. The assembly 100 comprises an enclosure assembly 110, wherein a latching relay 600 and a wireless-receiver relay 300 are mounted. The wireless receiver relay 300 is controlled by commands from a wireless transmitter and causes the latching relay 600 to connect or disconnect the boat's main power. In other embodiments, an ignition-sense relay 400 is also mounted within the enclosure and disconnects power to the wireless-receiver relay 300 when the boats ignition is on. In yet another embodiment, a manual override switch 200 is provided within the enclosure for bypassing the latching relay 600 and manually connecting the boat's power. |
| US09931931B2 |
Driving force distribution apparatus and method for distributing driving force
A driving force distribution apparatus includes a basic distribution ratio calculator, a servo controller, and an adjuster. The basic distribution ratio calculator is configured to calculate a basic distribution ratio between a front driving force for front wheels and a rear driving force for rear wheels based on loads exerted on the front and rear wheels of a vehicle. The servo controller is configured to correct the basic distribution ratio so as to increase or decrease the basic distribution ratio based on a deviation between a target value of a rotation difference between the front and rear wheels and a measured value of the rotation difference between the front and rear wheels. The adjuster is configured to perform adjustment so that the rear driving force calculated based on the basic distribution ratio corrected by the servo controller does not exceed a total driving force. |
| US09931927B2 |
Containment systems
Containment systems are provided. In one example embodiment, a containment system is provided, the containment system comprising: a container; and a skeletal reinforcement comprised of flexible fibers. |
| US09931926B2 |
Active grille multi part modular frame
An active grille shutter arrangement having a modular frame. The active grille shutter arrangement includes a primary frame piece defining a width and height of an aperture of the modular frame, wherein in the primary frame piece has a motor housing, and upper frame portion having a first end and a second end, a lower frame portion having a first end and a second end and the motor housing extends between the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion. There is a plurality of secondary frame pieces that are adjustably connected to the primary frame pieces, thereby allowing the width of the modular frame to be adjusted. |
| US09931923B2 |
Bracket-equipped vibration-damping device
A bracket-equipped vibration-damping device including: a vibration-damping device main body including vertically-separated, elastically-connected first and second mounting members; a bracket receiving the device main body inserted laterally thereinto; a connection-insert section provided for the second mounting member; a connection groove provided for the bracket extending in an insertion direction of the device main body; at least one up-down urging rubber fixed on an outer surface of the connection-insert section on an upper-lower first side; and a lock protrusion formed on an inner surface of the connection groove on an upper-lower second side, with a smaller protrusion dimension than an up-down thickness of the up-down urging rubber such that the connection-insert section is laterally inserted into the connection groove beyond the lock protrusion before being urged to the second side by the up-down urging rubber to be positioned to the connection groove. |
| US09931920B1 |
Vehicle roof assembly
A roof assembly includes a vehicle body defining an opening and having a track extending along the opening. The track is elongated along a track axis. The roof assembly includes a panel removably disposed in the opening, a latch attached to the panel and releasably engageable with the vehicle body, and a block attached to the panel and removably engageable with the track. The block is rotatable relative to the panel about a block axis perpendicular to the track axis. |
| US09931918B2 |
Vehicle roof structure
A vehicle roof structure including roof glass that includes an opaque coating section formed so as to shield a structural object disposed at a vehicle lower side from view from the vehicle cabin outer side, a shielding body, and an extension. The shielding body is provided at the vehicle lower side of the roof glass at a coating width direction inner end of the opaque coating section, includes an upper end on a vehicle upper side attached to the roof glass, and shields a location of the structural object facing the opaque coating section. The extension includes an extension direction leading end positioned further inward with respect to the glass surface than the coating width direction inner end, and shields a location of the structural object jutting out further inward with respect to the glass surface than the shielding body. |
| US09931910B2 |
Adsorption heat pump-equipped vehicle air conditioning device
An adsorption heat pump-equipped vehicle air conditioning device comprising: an adsorption heat pump that includes a plurality of vessels, each of which includes an adsorption section housing an adsorbent and an evaporation and condensation section inside which a refrigerant is sealed, an adsorption process and a desorption process being performed repeatedly inside the vessels; first heat exchangers respectively disposed inside each of the adsorption sections; second heat exchangers respectively disposed inside each of the evaporation and condensation sections; a first circulation route for circulating refrigerant between a high temperature heat source and a heater core; a second circulation route for circulating refrigerant between the adsorption heat pump and an interior heat exchanger, wherein the second circulation route is connected to the adsorption heat pump through a switching valve; and a controller that controls switching of the switching valve. |
| US09931908B2 |
HVAC air inlet with blend mode and fresh-restricted mode
An air inlet system for an automotive HVAC system has a housing comprising a first cylindrical segment enclosing an interior space and having a first radial surface with a first angular divergence. The first radial surface has a fresh air aperture and a recirculation aperture for radially receiving fresh air and recirculated air, respectively. The housing further comprises an outlet body with an exit aperture. A pivoting door element is mounted in the interior space and shaped as a second cylindrical segment with a second radial surface with a second angular divergence which is less than the first angular divergence. The door element has a pivot axis that allows the second radial surface to slide along the first radial surface. The door element pivots to selectably align the opening with the fresh air aperture or the recirculation aperture in order to 1) block the fresh air aperture without blocking the recirculation aperture, 2) simultaneously block portions of the fresh air aperture and the recirculation aperture, 3) block the recirculation aperture without blocking any of the fresh air aperture, or 4) block the recirculation aperture while blocking only a portion of the fresh air aperture. |
| US09931905B2 |
Air conditioning device for vehicle
A vehicle air conditioner includes a duct in which a partition member forming a first flow path and a second flow path is provided, and a heat pump circuit. In the heat pump circuit, a first indoor heat exchanger that contributes to heating is located in the first flow path or faces an outlet of the first flow path, and a second indoor heat exchanger that contributes to cooling is located in the second flow path. The duct is provided with at least one heating exhaust port for discharging air cooled in the second indoor heat exchanger to the outside of the vehicle interior in heating operation, and a cooling exhaust port for discharging air heated in the first indoor heat exchanger to the outside of the vehicle interior in cooling operation. |
| US09931902B2 |
Stabilizer bushing and stabilizer-bar mounting device
A stabilizer bushing has a holding hole for holding a stabilizer bar and is to be mounted on a mounting surface of a vehicle-body-side component. A normal line to the mounting surface extends in a direction intersecting an up and down direction of a vehicle. The stabilizer bushing has at least one separation surface, one end portion of which is located on an inner circumferential surface opposed to the holding hole, and the other end portion of which is located on an outer surface of the stabilizer bushing at a position different from a rigid-component opposed portion opposed to the vehicle-body-side component. The at least one separation surface has a first separation surface located nearer to the rigid-component opposed portion than a plane extending through a central axis of the holding hole and parallel with the rigid-component opposed portion. |
| US09931901B2 |
Machine suspension and height adjustment
An assembly for supporting a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle includes a wheel attachment component for attaching the assembly to the wheel, a chassis attachment component for attaching the assembly to the vehicle chassis, and a suspension component. At least one adjustment element is coupled with the chassis attachment component and with a first portion of the suspension component, and is configured to shift the first portion of the suspension element between a plurality of operating positions relative to the chassis attachment component. A single strut bar is rigidly coupled with the wheel attachment component and with a second portion of the suspension component, and is configured to pivot relative to the chassis attachment component. The suspension component is configured to regulate motion transfer between the wheel attachment component and the chassis attachment component. |
| US09931897B2 |
Self-pressure regulator tire mechanism
An apparatus for regulating air pressure level in a tire is provided. The apparatus includes a housing attached to the tire; a piston located inside the housing, coupled to the housing via a spring; a one-way valve; and locking elements located at a specified location along the housing, wherein the piston is configured to move towards a first end of the housing responsive to an imbalance between centrifugal force applied to the piston due to angular speed of the tire and force applied to it by the spring, wherein the locking elements are configured to lock the piston at the specified location whenever the tire reaches a predefined angular speed, and release the piston once the angular speed of the tire crosses a predefined threshold, so that the piston moves towards a second end of the sleeve producing an air pulse, conveyed by the one-way valve into the tire. |
| US09931896B2 |
Run flat tire
A run flat tire having a side reinforcing rubber part is disclosed. The side reinforcing rubber part is formed by a rubber composition having a ratio (M50H/M50N) of tensile stress (M50H) in 50% elongation at a measurement temperature of 100° C. to tensile stress (M50N) in 50% elongation at a measurement temperature of 23° C. of from 1.0 to 1.3. A ratio (M50H/M50F) of tensile stress (M50H) in 50% elongation at a measurement temperature of 100° C. of the rubber composition forming the side reinforcing rubber part to tensile stress (M50F) in 50% elongation at a measurement temperature of 100° C. of a rubber composition forming a bead filler is from 0.5 to 1.3. |
| US09931895B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire includes a tread, sidewalls, clinches, beads, a carcass, and strips. Each bead includes a core, a first apex and a second apex, the carcass includes a carcass ply which is turned up around the core from the axially inner side toward outer side such that the carcass ply is divided into a main portion and a turn-up portion, each strip has radially inner edge positioned between the main and turn-up portions, the second apex is positioned between the turn-up portion and each clinch, each strip has outer edge positioned to correspond to or on inner side of a point of maximum width of the tire in radial direction, the second apex has outer edge positioned on radially inner side of the outer edge of each strip, and the second apex includes crosslinked rubber and has complex elastic modulus in range of from 60 MPa to 70 MPa. |
| US09931889B2 |
Width-adjustable heavy-goods vehicle
A heavy goods vehicle (10) having a vehicle frame (12) and at least one driving axis (A), which has on either longitudinal side (10a) of the vehicle (10) a bogie (22) comprising a wheel assembly (14), each wheel assembly (14) comprising at least two wheels arranged symmetrically in relation to a central axis (S), and a wheel suspension (18) by means of which said wheel assembly is fastened to a rotary plate (28) of the bogie (22), this rotary plate (28) being mounted on a rotary bearing (24) of the bogie (22) which is engaged with the vehicle frame (12) so as to be rotatable about a steering swivel axis (X). According to the invention, the rotary bearing (24) of the bogie (22) can be adjusted in the width direction (B) of the vehicle relative to the vehicle frame (12) and can be detachably connected to the vehicle frame (12) in an operationally stable manner. |
| US09931888B2 |
Wheel bearing apparatus
A wheel bearing apparatus has a double row rolling bearing detachably united with a constant velocity universal joint. The double row rolling bearing has an outer member, an inner member, and double row rolling elements rollably disposed between the double row raceway surfaces of the outer member and inner member. The constant velocity universal joint has an outer joint member, a shoulder portion, and a shaft portion. A female thread is formed on the shaft portion. End faces of the shoulder portion and the caulked portion are formed with face splines, respectively. The face spline of the caulked portion has a portion where a tooth height of a tooth space of a portion radially outside the pitch circle diameter is set lower than that of other portions of the tooth space. |
| US09931881B2 |
Apparatus for turning pages of a book and method for same
An arm motor control section controls the operation of an arm motor that drives an arm section for turning a page of a book by pressing an adhesion roller against the page, and a current detection section outputs a current limit notice upon detecting an overcurrent in the arm motor which is limited by a limiter. When a current limit notice is outputted in a page turning operation, a CPU drives and controls the arm motor to perform reverse rotation by the arm motor control section, and thereby controls a pressing period that is a locking period during which the adhesion roller is pressing the page. |
| US09931875B2 |
Craftwork tools and kits
A craftwork accessory may provide a portable and/or easy-to-use tool to help users' accurately and repeatedly apply stamp impressions and the like to items such as cardstock. The accessory may include a base portion, one or more elevated side portions and cover portion. The side portions may define a workspace for arranging the item. The cover portion may be movably attached to the base portion or a side portion, for example, by one or more hinges. In operation, the item and stamp may be aligned in the workspace and the cover portion may be pressed onto the stamp to stick the stamp to the cover portion. The cover may then be opened, the stamp may be inked, and the cover portion may be closed and pressed onto the item to stamp the item. The accessory may include alignment indicia on the base portion, side portions and/or cover portion to facilitate placement of the item and/or stamp. The accessory may also include fastening mechanisms, such as magnetic elements, to facilitate placement of the item and/or stamp. |
| US09931874B2 |
Ribbon supply mounting
A mounting of a ribbon supply on a re-useable cartridge is described where the mounting is designed so that the supply friction, supply and control of the ribbon supply are substantially independent of the cartridge. When the supply rolls are initially mounted on the cartridge, the supply rolls are frictionally engaged with the cartridge to reduce the tendency for the supply rolls to rotate or move prior to being loaded into the printer, which would loosen the ribbon material by unwinding, thereby reducing slack in the ribbon material. When the cartridge is loaded into a card personalization machine, features on the card personalization machine automatically reduce the frictional engagement between the supply rolls and the cartridge, permitting the supply rolls to rotate substantially freely relative to the cartridge so that the supply friction, supply and control are substantially independent of the cartridge. |
| US09931866B2 |
Media crash prevention surface to contact and guide media
An interleave member including a media control conforming surface and a media, crash prevention surface. The media crash prevention surface to periodically contact and guide the media to the media control conforming surface. The media control conforming surface conforming to a surface of the media control member. |
| US09931861B2 |
Printing control apparatus and printing control method
A printing control apparatus includes a defective nozzle detecting section that detects a defective nozzle included in the plurality of nozzles; and a complementing section that forms a complementary dot which complements dots of a first raster to be recorded using the defective nozzle on at least one of a second raster and the first raster using a complementary nozzle included in the plurality of nozzles. The complementing section includes an adjusting section which sets main scanning being performed after the defective nozzle is detected as a first main scanning, sets main scanning being performed M times after the defective nozzle is detected as a M-th main scanning, and allows a usage rate of ink in the first main scanning to be greater than a usage rate of ink in the M-th main scanning, regarding the usage rate of ink discharged using the same complementary nozzle. |