最新美国发明专利第2018-05-29期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US09983678B1	User interface device configured to selectively hide components from tactile perception A user interface device having a user input component, a mechanical metamaterial region, one or more actuators, and a control unit is presented. The mechanical metamaterial region is located over the user input component. The one or more actuators are coupled to the mechanical metamaterial region, which has an internal structure that is mechanically alterable with the one or more actuators, and has a mechanical property that changes in response to the alteration of the internal structure by the one or more actuators. The control unit is in communication with the one or more actuators, and is configured to determine whether the user input component is to be hidden from tactile perception, and to activate the one or more actuators to mechanically alter the internal structure of the mechanical metamaterial region.
US09983676B2	Simulation of tangible user interface interactions and gestures using array of haptic cells A user interface device includes a flexible layer comprising a touch surface configured to receive a touch by a user, a plurality of haptic cells covered by the flexible layer, each haptic cell comprising a haptic output device, a sensor configured to sense an amount and/or rate of deformation of the flexible layer when a user touches the touch surface, and a processor configured to receive an output signal from the sensor, generate a haptic control signal based on the output signal from the sensor, and output the haptic control signal to at least one haptic output device of the plurality of haptic cells to cause the haptic output device to deform an associated haptic cell in response to the sensed deformation of the flexible layer.
US09983675B2	Systems and methods for monitoring insulation integrity for electrostatic friction Systems and methods for monitoring insulation integrity for electrostatic friction are disclosed. One system may include a touch sensitive interface configured to detect user interaction; an electrostatic haptic output device configured to output one or more electrostatic haptic effects to the touch sensitive interface; a processor in communication with the touch sensitive interface and the electrostatic haptic output device, the processor configured to: determine an operating condition associated with the electrostatic haptic output device; determine a corrective action associated with the operating condition; and apply the corrective action.
US09983673B2	Haptic rendering for a flexible computing device A flexible computing device with bend input and active haptic feedback that provides vibro-tactile sensations such as friction and resistance to a user. The sensations include vibrations that simulate a physical affordance of content displayed on the flexible computing device. In one embodiment the device is a smartphone.
US09983672B2	Electrostatic haptic actuator and user interface with an electrostatic haptic actuator One illustrative electrostatic actuator disclosed herein includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first insulation layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, a first resilient material between the first electrode and the second electrode, a third electrode, a second insulation layer between the second electrode and the third electrode, and a second resilient material between the second electrode and the third electrode. The first electrode and the third electrode receive power from a power supply and responsively generate a first polarity. The second electrode receives power from the power supply and responsively generates a second polarity that is opposite the first polarity. The first polarity and the second polarity generate a first attractive force between the first electrode and the second electrode and a second attractive force between the second electrode and the third electrode. The electrostatic actuator may be part of a user interface.
US09983671B2	Electronic device An electronic device 100 according to one embodiment includes: a panel 101; vibrators 102 that vibrates the panel 101; and a vibration controller 109 that controls the vibrators 102 so that when positions of the panel 101 are simultaneously touched by the user, a vibration at a first touch position of the touch positions is greater than a vibration of a second touch position of the touch positions. The vibrators 102 include a first and a second vibrator 102. Where a distance between first touch position and the first vibrator 102 is equal to a distance between second touch position and the first vibrator 102, a transfer characteristic of vibration of the panel 101 between the first vibrator 102 and the first touch position is different from a transfer characteristic of vibration of the panel 101 between the first vibrator 102 and the second touch position.
US09983670B2	Systems and methods for collecting, analyzing, and sharing bio-signal and non-bio-signal data A computer network implemented system for improving the operation of one or more biofeedback computer systems is provided. The system includes an intelligent bio-signal processing system that is operable to: capture bio-signal data and in addition optionally non-bio-signal data; and analyze the bio-signal data and non-bio-signal data, if any, so as to: extract one or more features related to at least one individual interacting with the biofeedback computer system; classify the individual based on the features by establishing one or more brain wave interaction profiles for the individual for improving the interaction of the individual with the one or more biofeedback computer systems, and initiate the storage of the brain waive interaction profiles to a database; and access one or more machine learning components or processes for further improving the interaction of the individual with the one or more biofeedback computer systems by updating automatically the brain wave interaction profiles based on detecting one or more defined interactions between the individual and the one or more of the biofeedback computer systems. A number of additional system and computer implemented method features are also provided.
US09983668B2	Gaze detector using reference frames in media Examples are directed to a gaze detector using reference frames in media. One example includes inserting reference frames between frames of media presented on a display at a first frequency, analyzing images of reflections of the reference frames, and determining a portion of the media that is being viewed by a user based on the reflections of the reference frames from a user.
US09983667B2	Method and apparatus for display control, electronic device A method and an apparatus are provided for display control. In the method, the electronic device acquires an image including one or more observed objects. The electronic device determines whether an observed object is clearly visible for a user according to vision information of the user. When determining that the observed object is not clearly visible for the user, the electronic device displays an enlarged image including at least a portion of the observed object.
US09983665B2	Position tracking system that exploits arbitrary configurations to determine loop closure A position tracking system includes an array of detection pixels coupled to a head-mounted display (HMD) configured to capture light signals reflected from an environment surrounding the HMD. The position tracking system maintains, in a database, signal data related to a plurality of positions of the HMD. The position tracking system determines signal data related to a position of the HMD, based on the light signals captured during a time instant of the position of the HMD. The position tracking system matches the determined signal data to the maintained signal data, determines a present position of the HMD based on the matching, updates position data of the HMD with the determined position, and provides the updated position data of the HMD.
US09983660B2	Providing per core voltage and frequency control In one embodiment, the present invention includes a processor having a plurality of cores and a control logic to control provision of a voltage/frequency to a first core of the plurality of cores independently of provision of a voltage/frequency to at least a second core of the plurality of cores. In some embodiments, the voltages may be provided from one or more internal voltage regulators of the processor. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09983659B2	Providing per core voltage and frequency control In one embodiment, the present invention includes a processor having a plurality of cores and a control logic to control provision of a voltage/frequency to a first core of the plurality of cores independently of provision of a voltage/frequency to at least a second core of the plurality of cores. In some embodiments, the voltages may be provided from one or more internal voltage regulators of the processor. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09983655B2	Method and apparatus for performing inter-lane power management A method and apparatus for performing inter-lane power management includes de-energizing one or more execution lanes upon a determination that the one or more execution lanes are to be predicated. Energy from the predicated execution lanes is redistributed to one or more active execution lanes.
US09983653B2	Central control apparatus for controlling facilities, facility control system including the same, and method of controlling facilities A central control apparatus for controlling facilities, a facility control system including the same, and a method of controlling facilities may be provided. The central control apparatus may include a control unit performing control on facilities or equipment. The control unit may include a data collection module configured to collect prediction environment data including weather information of a control target region, a system setting module configured to set information of at least one facility in the control target region, and an energy use amount simulation module configured to model the at least one facility, based on the information of the at least one facility, set at least one control scenario applicable to the at least one facility, and simulate consumption power of the modeled at least one facility that operates according to the at least one control scenario.
US09983652B2	Balancing computation and communication power in power constrained clusters Systems, apparatuses, and methods for balancing computation and communication power in power constrained environments. A data processing cluster with a plurality of compute nodes may perform parallel processing of a workload in a power constrained environment. Nodes that finish tasks early may be power-gated based on one or more conditions. In some scenarios, a node may predict a wait duration and go into a reduced power consumption state if the wait duration is predicted to be greater than a threshold. The power saved by power-gating one or more nodes may be reassigned for use by other nodes. A cluster agent may be configured to reassign the unused power to the active nodes to expedite workload processing.
US09983651B2	Low-power near-field communication authentication This document describes techniques (400, 500, 600) and apparatuses (100, 700) for implementing low-power near-field communication (NFC) authentication. These techniques (400, 500, 600) and apparatuses (100, 700) enable a computing device (102) to detect, in a low-power state, an NFC-enabled device (104) with which to authenticate via NFC. In some embodiments, various components of a computing device (102) in a sleep state are activated to perform authentication and/or an indication is provided to a user indicating an initiation of the authentication.
US09983649B2	Battery-driven electronic device A battery-driven electronic device includes a battery for outputting a battery voltage, a plurality of loads, a system unit, and a battery energy manager which is electrically connected with the battery, the loads and the system unit. The battery energy manager is adapted for detecting the battery voltage and set with a cutoff threshold, and a low-voltage threshold higher than the cutoff threshold. When the battery voltage is equal to or lower than the low-voltage threshold, the battery energy manager stops supplying power from the battery to at least one of the loads, and outputs a suspension command for the system unit to perform suspension process. When the battery voltage is equal to or lower than the cutoff threshold, the battery energy manager stops supplying power to the loads and the system unit.
US09983648B2	Regulation of processor states A computing device can include a battery and a processor to draw a first level of current from the battery in a rated state a second level of current from the battery greater than the first level of current in a boost state. The device can include logic to monitor the number of times the second level of current is drawn from the battery and regulate the boost state from causing the second level of current when a threshold is reached.
US09983645B2	Managing electrical power in a virtual power delivery network Systems and methods are provided for managing power to devices in a virtual power delivery network, using a centralized power allocation controller. The method of managing power consumption of a plurality of devices includes receiving device information from one or more devices connected in a virtual power delivery network. The method further includes managing power consumption of the one or more devices in the virtual power delivery network based on the received device information.
US09983643B2	Providing multiple power paths in an integrated circuit An integrated circuit includes: a voltage converter to receive a first supply voltage signal via a first power path and to output a first output voltage signal; and a voltage regulator to receive the first output voltage signal and to output a regulated voltage signal. The voltage regulator may further be configured to receive the first supply voltage signal via a second power path, and to selectively output the regulated voltage signal from one of the first supply voltage signal and the first output voltage signal.
US09983639B2	Data storage mounting apparatus A mounting apparatus for data storage devices includes a plurality of installing racks and a plurality of data storage devices. The installing racks are stackable together and can be fixed together. Each installing rack defines a receiving space into which one data storage device can be received.
US09983637B1	Hinge with 180 degree range for computing device with multiple displays In some implementations, a computing device includes a first housing coupled to a second housing by hinges. The first housing includes a first display device and a first set of components. The second housing includes a second display device and a second set of components. The hinges include (1) leaves coupling the first housing to the second housing, (2) knuckles to position the first housing at an angle between about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees relative to the second housing, and (3) conduits through which cables are routed between the first housing and the second housing. At about 180 degrees, the first housing is adjacent and sufficiently close to the second housing that the first and second display device provide a nearly contiguous surface. The cables communicate signals between the first set of components in the first housing and the second set of components in the second housing.
US09983636B2	Hinge assembly The disclosure relates to a hinge assembly (70) and a tablet-notebook hybrid computer (10). The hinge assembly (70) comprises a hinge (40) for pivotably connecting a base member (20) of the tablet-notebook hybrid computer (10) to a tablet member (30) of the tablet-notebook hybrid computer (10); an actuator (51) fixed to the hinge (40); and a support member (50) pivotably connected to the tablet member (30) via a pivot shaft (52). When the tablet member (30) rotates towards an open position with respect to the base member (20), the support member (50) is actuated by the actuator (51), rotates away from the tablet member (30), and provides addition support for the tablet member (30).
US09983633B2	Electronic device An electronic device disclosed. The electronic device includes a first chassis, a second chassis, and a hinge mechanism that connects the first chassis and the second chassis. The electronic device also includes a cylindrical cam member, a slide member and a movable member that moves in conjunction with a movement of the slide member in the axial direction and which extends from and retracts to an outer surface of the first chassis.
US09983626B2	All-in-one smart tablet PC and the assembly method thereof An all-in-one smart tablet PC and the assembly method thereof are disclosed. The all-in-one smart tablet PC includes: a screen, a glass, an infrared touch module, a rear shell and a plurality of screen supports; each of the screen supports is provided with a groove, with the glass inserted into the groove and matching the groove; each of the screen supports is further provided with a slot, with the infrared touch module positioned into the slot and matching the slot; a supporting tab is provided on a side of the screen support, and a screen frame is formed by the supporting tabs of the screen supports joined together end to end; the screen is installed within the screen frame and the rear shell is installed onto the back of the screen. By the technical solution of the present disclosure, the quality and the qualified rate of the product are improved; meanwhile, no positioning blocks are used during the whole assembly process, which saves cost and improves the assembly efficiency, and is able to meet the requirements for large-scale and modular production.
US09983623B2	Touch sensing device and touch control system A touch sensing device and a touch control system are provided. The touch sensing device includes a substrate, three conductive sensor pad units and a processing unit. The three conductive sensor pad units sense a touch operation and generate three corresponding sensing signals in response to the touch operation. The processing unit determines values of at least three variables according to the three sensing signals. The controlled device of the touch control system is controlled according to the values of the variables.
US09983622B2	Method of applying a transfer film to metal surfaces A method is provided for applying a transfer film to a metal surface. The method comprises electrochemically treating the metal to form an oxide layer, on to which a transfer film is applied.
US09983621B1	Electronic device power storage unit configurations A power storage unit (e.g., a battery) may replace the structural components that support the display of an electronic device. The power storage unit may be adhered to the back surface of the display to provide structural support and to allow for bend or flex of the display. A self-healing layer may prevent or inhibit leaking of materials from within the power storage unit if the power storage unit is cracked or pierced. Alternatively, the power storage unit may be built on a flexible circuit that is associated with the display of the electronic device, where the flexible circuit/power storage unit may be folded around the display and affixed to the back surface of the display. The power storage unit may also be built on substrate associated with the back surface of the display. These configurations may cause a significant reduction in the depth or thickness of the electronic device.
US09983620B1	Detachable cover for a computing device In some implementations, a cover may be attached to or detached from a computing device. For example, individual cam locks of a plurality of cam locks embedded into a computing device may be placed in an open position. Individual pins of a plurality of pins fastened to the cover may be aligned with a corresponding cam lock of the plurality of cam locks. The individual pins may be inserted into the corresponding cam locks. The individual cam locks may be moved from the open position to a closed position, causing the cover to be attached to the external surface of the computing device. The cover may include a curved portion that causes the cover to apply pressure to the outer surface of the computing device when the plurality of cam locks are in the closed position.
US09983618B2	Optical touch apparatus An optical touch apparatus including two touch panels, two optical sensing modules, and a rail device is provided. Each touch panel has two lateral sides separated from each other and a touch zone located between the two lateral sides. Each optical sensing module is disposed or near one lateral side of one of the touch panels. The rail device is coupled to the two touch panels, such that two touch panels can slide in parallel along a predetermined direction and can be selectively operated in one of a first touching mode and a second touching mode, and the optical touch apparatus can flexibly change its size of touch zone.
US09983614B1	Voltage reference circuit A reference circuit includes a bandgap core circuit and a cascode amplifier. The bandgap core circuit includes a first bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a second BJT having a control electrode coupled to a control electrode of the first BJT, a first resistor coupled to the first BJT and the second BJT, and a second resistor coupled to the second BJT. The cascode amplifier circuit includes a first branch coupled to the first BJT and a second branch coupled to the second resistor.
US09983613B2	Methods and systems of network voltage regulating transformers Methods and systems of network voltage regulating transformers are provided. A network voltage regulating transformer (NVRT) may provide voltage transformation, isolation, and regulation. A NVRT may further provide power factor corrections. Multiple NVRTs may operate autonomously and collectively thereby achieving an edge of network voltage control when installed to a power system. A NVRT comprises a transformer, a VAR source, and a control module. The input current (i.e., the current through the primary side of the transformer), the output current (i.e., the current through the secondary side of the transformer), and/or the output voltage (i.e., the voltage across the secondary side of the transformer) may be monitored.
US09983612B2	Method and apparatus for providing energy device and system status A method and apparatus is described for providing energy system status information. A status indication device may be mounted near an entry door for determining when an individual is about to leave an area. When the status indication device determines that an individual is about to leave an area, it displays an energy status to the individual, so that the individual can decide whether to place energy-consuming devices in a conservation mode of operation.
US09983610B2	Latency-based micro demand response A method includes separating a collection of devices configured for participation in a DR event into an On-to-Off DR device set (On-to-Off set) and an Off-to-On DR device set (Off-to-On set). The method includes portioning into transition groups devices of the On-to-Off set and/or devices of the Off-to-On set based at least partially on latency involved in command communication with one or more of the devices. The method includes scheduling state transitions of the transition groups such that an energy curtailment during the state transitions meets a curtailment margin of a total curtailment of the DR event. The method includes executing a micro DR event that includes the state transitions in which the devices in the transition groups are transitioned from a current state to an alternative state and the micro DR event curtails a portion of a total energy curtailment for the DR event.
US09983608B2	Output module for programmable controller An output module for programmable controller includes an output common output circuit that supplies load current to each of the load output circuits, and the control circuit controls ON/OFF of the output common output circuit in accordance with an instruction from the higher-level device.
US09983607B2	Capacitor-less low drop-out (LDO) regulator An integrated circuit including a low drop out (LDO) regulator configured to implement transient response and loop stability in a capacitor-less configuration, including an error amplifier configured to receive a bandgap reference input; first and second pass elements configured to receive outputs from the error amplifier; first and second resistor feedback networks, the first resistor network configured to provide a feedback output as an input to the error amplifier; an overshoot protection circuit; and an output connected to the pass transistors; wherein the capacitor-less low dropout (LDO) regulator is operable without an output capacitor.
US09983603B2	Boost converter and method for its operation In a boost converter operation, a first voltage that is independent of an input voltage of the boost converter is preset in the boost converter, having an increased voltage level compared to the input voltage, as the setpoint output voltage, as long as the input voltage is below a first voltage threshold value, which is lower than the first voltage. As soon as the input voltage exceeds the first voltage threshold value, a second voltage that is a function of the input voltage is preset, having a lower voltage level compared to the input voltage, as the setpoint output voltage. As soon as the input voltage drops below a second voltage threshold value, which is lower than the first voltage, the first voltage is again preset as the setpoint output voltage.
US09983602B2	Efficient voltage sensing systems and methods Presented systems and methods can facilitate efficient voltage sensing and regulation. In one embodiment, a presented multiple point voltage sensing system includes Multiple point voltage sensing. Multi-point sensing is the scheme where voltage feedback from Silicon to the voltage regulator is an average from multiple points on the die. In one embodiment, multi-point sensing is done by placing multiple sense points across the partition/silicon and merging the sense traces from each sense point with balanced routing. In one embodiment, a presented multiple point voltage sensing system includes Virtual VDD Sensing with guaranteed non-floating feedback. In one exemplary implementation, Virtual VDD Sensing with guaranteed non-floating feedback allows more accurate sensing when a component is power gated off by removing the sensing results associated with the component.
US09983597B2	Volumetric metering unit Method and device for metering a medium from at least one storage tank by a metering device, which has a piston pump, which defines a working chamber with a cylinder and a piston, wherein in a first method step a determined filling quantity of a medium is conveyed via an inlet valve into the working chamber and the determined filling quantity is greater than the quantity to be metered and, in a second method step, the piston reduces the working chamber in size enough that only the quantity to be metered remains, wherein the excess medium flows out of the working chamber, wherein the excess medium flows via the inlet valve back into a ring line, which is connected in a medium-conducting manner to the storage tank and is arranged outside the working chamber.
US09983596B2	Environmental sensor and method of operating the same A gaseous-fluid environmental sensor having a gaseous-fluid flow system. The gaseous-fluid flow system includes a blower to move the gaseous fluid from a inlet intake port to an outlet exhaust port via a flow path. The blower includes a motor, which can have a fluid dynamic bearing. The gaseous-fluid environmental sensor further includes a flow sensor to sense a parameter relating to a flow of the gaseous fluid through the flow path and provide a signal based on the parameter, and a controller coupled to the flow sensor. The controller controls the blower based on the signal.
US09983595B2	Method and apparatus for gas flow control A method and apparatus for self-calibrating control of gas flow. The gas flow rate is initially set by controlling, to a high degree of precision, the amount of opening of a flow restriction, where the design of the apparatus containing the flow restriction lends itself to achieving high precision. The gas flow rate is then measured by a pressure rate-of-drop upstream of the flow restriction, and the amount of flow restriction opening is adjusted, if need be, to obtain exactly the desired flow.
US09983594B2	Pressure independent hydraulic valve for flow control and regulation A pressure independent control valve for controlling liquid flow includes a tubular body having an inlet duct and an outlet duct coaxial with each other, a central body arranged therebetween with an axis inclined with respect to the inlet and outlet ducts and including an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber coaxial with each other and communicating through an adjustment orifice, the upstream chamber and downstream chamber suitable for housing a first functional group defined by a control device for controlling the differential pressure between upstream of the orifice in correspondence of the upstream chamber and downstream of the orifice in correspondence with the outlet duct, and a second functional group coaxial to the first functional group and defined by an adjustment device suitable for increasing or decreasing the passage of fluid through the orifice, the device including axial actuation elements both rotationally operable and in axial translation.
US09983592B2	Moving robot, user terminal apparatus and control method thereof A moving robot configured to generate a map of an environment of a territory and allow a user to set a structure of the territory and information on the map used for a location-based service and to use a more intuitively intelligent service is provided. The moving robot includes an operation performer configured to move around a territory and perform a certain operation, a detector configured to collect map building information of the territory, and a controller configured to control the moving robot to move to a set particular area within the territory by referring to the map information of the territory generated based on the collected map building information and control the operation performer to perform the operation with respect to the particular area.
US09983588B2	Vehicle positioning and object avoidance A system is described for presenting information relating to lifting and moving a load object with a vehicle. Upon the lifting, a dimensioner determines a size and a shape of the load object, computes a corresponding spatial representation, and generates a corresponding video signal. During the moving, an imager observes a scene in front of the vehicle, relative to its forward motion direction, and generates a video signal corresponding to the observed scene. The imager has at least one element moveable vertically, relative to the lifting. A display renders a real time visual representation of the scene observed in front of the vehicle based on the corresponding video signal and superimposes a representation of the computed spatial representation of the load object.
US09983583B2	Autonomous driving with dynamic skip fire The present invention relates generally to techniques for improving fuel efficiency of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine capable of operating at various displacement levels. An autonomous driving unit or cruise controller selects when possible an engine torque output that corresponds to a fuel efficient displacement level. The resultant vehicle speed profile and NVH level is acceptable to vehicle occupants.
US09983582B2	Autonomous vehicles Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle for maneuvering a passenger to a destination autonomously. The vehicle includes one or more computing devices and a set of user input buttons for communicating requests to stop the vehicle and to initiate a trip to the destination with the one or more computing devices. The set of user input buttons consisting essentially of a dual-purpose button and an emergency stopping button different from the dual-purpose button configured to stop the vehicle. The dual-purpose button has a first purpose for communicating a request to initiate the trip to the destination and a second purpose for communicating a request to pull the vehicle over and stop the vehicle. The vehicle has no steering wheel and no user inputs for the steering, acceleration, and deceleration of the vehicle other than the set of user input buttons.
US09983580B2	Automatic database filtering system utilizing robotic filters A plurality of air data may be collected by a sensor within a data center. The plurality of air data is received by a processor. At least a portion of the received plurality of air data corresponding to at least one zone within the data center may be determined to satisfy a threshold. Coordinates of a geographical location associated with the zone that includes the sensor may be transmitted to a robotic filter. The robotic filter can be dispatched to the transmitted geographic location to filter the zone.
US09983576B2	Method and system for monitoring rotor blades in combustion turbine engine In accordance with one embodiment, a method for monitoring the health of blades in a combustion turbine engine is provided. Sensors mounted around the circumference of a rotor sense and record the passage of blades during turbine operation. Analysis of information from the sensors indicates whether a blade is damaged. Analysis of blade vibration and amplitude, as measured by the sensors, is used to predict the number of cycles the blade can undergo before replacement or maintenance.
US09983572B2	Optimization of blade portioner cutting speed A method and system (10) are provided for automatically portioning workpieces (14) using a rotating blade (22) passing through narrow gap (20) formed between the ends of adjacent conveyors (12) and (18). A scanning system (16) scans the workpieces (14) to physically characterize the workpieces and control the operation of the blade (22), including its rotational speed. The portioning of the workpiece can be carried out in accordance with one or more directly-controlled characteristics (parameter/specifications), such as a cutting path of the blade (22), the rotational speed of the blade (22), and the speed of the conveyor (12). The directly-controlled characteristics may be varied until an acceptable set of one or more indirectly-controlled characteristics is achieved, including, for example, the weight of the cut portions, the quality of the cuts achieved by the cutting blade, and the throughput of the portioning system (10).
US09983570B2	Multiple system numerical control device A multiple system numerical control device for executing multiple system control for dividing plural axes to be controlled to plural systems and controlling each system based on different machining program in parallel, wherein, the plural systems includes a normal interpolation period system configured to operate at normal interpolation period and control a first control axis, and a high speed interpolation period system configured to operate at high speed interpolation period shorter than the normal interpolation period and control a second control axis, and processing in the normal interpolation period system executed in a first interpolation processing unit, a first coordinate update processing unit, and a data management information generation unit are executed plural times in a normal interpolation period according to system ratio of the normal interpolation period and the high speed interpolation period.
US09983565B2	Technologies for bio-chemically controlling operation of a machine Technologies for bio-chemically controlling operation of a machine include applying a bio-chemical agent to an operator of the machine and controlling an operational characteristic of the machine based on the presence of the bio-chemical agent on the operator. The operational characteristic of the machine may be controlled based on the presence or lack of the biochemical agent on the operator. In some embodiments, the bio-chemical agent may be configured to generate a bio-chemical trigger in response to exposure to a biochemical or biological characteristic of the operator. The operation of the machine may be controlled based on such bio-chemical trigger or reaction.
US09983564B2	Thermal displacement correcting apparatus and method for a machine tool A thermal displacement correcting apparatus includes a correction amount estimating device and a parameter automatic selecting device that, in a machine tool having two different sets of specifications that differ due to the presence/absence of a scale and different methods of measuring the lengths of a bed and a table, estimate a thermal displacement correction amount of the machine tool of each set of specifications. The two devices store a collection of parameters for an estimated thermal displacement calculation corresponding to each of the bed, the scale, the table, and a workpiece, as a database, and select the parameters belonging to the set of specifications from the database based on machine information according to each set of specifications, calculate estimated thermal displacements of the bed, the table, and the workpiece, or also the scale, according to the selected parameters, and combine the estimated thermal displacements.
US09983562B2	Adaptive part profile creation via independent side measurement with alignment features Alignment features (60) associated with a support fixture (36) provide side scan data and top scan data reference points. Side scan displacement sensors (112) obtain side scan data of workpiece edge segments (23), and one or more cameras (130) obtain top scan data to provide a machining reference for the side scan data. The side scan data can be transformed into a top-view coordinate system usable by the laser machining system (140).
US09983556B2	Function handling in a building The invention is directed towards a function activity handling arrangement for provision in a building as well as a method, computer program and computer program product for performing an activity of a function in a building. The arrangement comprises a wallpaper (10, 3, 14) with a group of embedded electrical wires. The arrangement may also comprise a user input detector (18) equipped with a wire connector for connection to the wire group, a pulse providing unit sending electric pulses to the wire group, a pulse response detecting unit detecting a group of response signals corresponding to the sent pulses and a pulse response analyzing unit that compares the response signal group with a set of response patterns and provides, if the detected response signal group matches a response pattern, user input data for a corresponding function.
US09983555B2	Distributed fault-tolerant control and protection system The present invention relates to a distributed fault-tolerant control system for a modularized wind turbine or wind power plant system comprising sub-assemblies, the control system comprising 1) fault-tolerant control means adapted to generate control set-points and/or data values, said fault-tolerant control means being distributed in sub-assemblies in accordance with the modularization of the wind turbine or wind power plant system, and 2) fault-tolerant communication network for transmitting control set-points and/or data values at essentially the same time to a plurality of nodes in the distributed control system, said plurality of distributed nodes being capable of selecting a valid transmission package out of two or more transmission packages provided on the fault-tolerant communication network.
US09983554B2	Model predictive control with uncertainties A method controls iteratively the operation of the machine with control inputs determined using the model of the machine based on an optimization of a cost function subject to constraints on the control inputs. A current iteration of the method includes determining a current state of the machine after the controlling with a previous control input determined for a previous iteration by optimizing a previous cost function using a previous model of the machine and determining a current model of the machine to reduce a difference between the current state and a state estimated using the previous model of the machine. The cost function is updated during the current iteration based on a difference between the previous model and the current model to produce a current cost function. A current control input for the controlling at the current iteration is determined using the current model and the current cost function.
US09983553B2	Autonomous control device An object of the present invention is to provide an autonomous system that realizes expected operation in a form in which the soundness of the operation can be proved to a third party in adaptation to an external factor that dynamically varies and to enhance a working ratio in autonomous operation. The autonomous system is provided with a function for dynamically leading a satisfiable combination of a requirement for the soundness of operation and expected operation on the basis of the information of operating environment acquired via exterior world measurement means, a function for generating control logic for realizing the expected operation, a function for recording the control logic, the requirement for sound operation and the expected operation, and a function for presenting the record in a form in which the third party can read the record.
US09983547B2	Holographic video display system A holographic video display employs at least one light source adapted to produce at least one wavelength of monochromatic light, a video signal generator, at least one guided-wave acousto-optic modulator for diffracting light received from the light source according to signals received from the video signal generator, a vertical scanning subsystem, and an optical path between the acousto-optic modulator and the vertical scanning subsystem. The optical path may preferably include a Bravais lens system, at least one Fourier transform lens system, and at least one moving horizontal mirror.
US09983542B2	Process cartridge and image forming apparatus A process cartridge comprises a photosensitive drum and a developing roller. A coupling member is provided adjacent to one axial end of the developing roller. The coupling member includes a driven portion, and an intermediary portion configured and positioned to engage with the driven portion. The intermediary portion is also configured to be movable relative to the driven portion in a direction crossing the axis of the developing roller while maintaining engagement with the driven portion. The coupling member further includes a driving portion configured and positioned to receive a driving force for rotating the developing roller. The driving portion is also configured to engage with the intermediary portion, and to be movable relative to the intermediary portion in a direction crossing the axis of the developing roller while maintaining engagement with the intermediary portion.
US09983539B2	Voltage adjustment system, image forming apparatus and voltage adjustment method The detection section is configured to detect first and second DC voltages output. The voltage adjustment section is configured to adjust each of first and second setting values to cause a corresponding one of the first and second DC voltages detected by the detection section to fall within an allowable voltage range in which a desired supply voltage to each of a sub CPU and a main CPU is set as a center value, and, write the adjusted first and second setting values in a memory as the first and second setting values at the time of re-activation of the circuit board.
US09983537B2	Drive transmission device that ensures switching transmission state of driving power generated by single drive motor, and image forming apparatus therewith A drive transmission device includes a driving power receiver, a first rotator drive transmission system, and a second rotator drive transmission system. The driving power receiver directly receives the driving power from an output shaft of the drive motor. The first rotator drive transmission system is configured to transmit the driving power from the driving power receiver to the respective first rotators of the first structure and the second structure. The second rotator drive transmission system is configured to switch a state of transmission of the driving power from the driving power receiver into a first transmission state in which the driving power is transmitted to the respective second rotators of the first structure and the second structure, and into a second transmission state in which the driving power is transmitted to the second rotator of the first structure alone.
US09983534B2	Motor control device, driving device, conveyor device, image forming apparatus, motor control method, and computer-readable recording medium A motor control device for driving a motor, the motor control device includes: a receiver configured to receive, from an external source, a drive command containing a rotation direction command designating a rotation direction of the motor; a storage part configured to store the rotation direction of the motor indicated by the rotation direction command when the motor is driven using the rotation direction command; and a controller configured to, when a new piece of the drive command is received from the external source, control rotation reversing of the motor based on a rotation direction of the motor indicated by the rotation direction command contained in the received piece of the drive command and the rotation direction of the motor stored in the storage part.
US09983531B2	Moving-member detecting device and image forming apparatus A moving-member detecting device includes an image acquiring unit and a speed calculating unit. The image acquiring unit includes a light source configured to emit a light beam to a detecting position of a moving member; an area sensor configured to acquire image data of a one- or two-dimensional image; and an area-sensor control unit configured to acquire the image data. The image acquiring unit is configured to acquire pieces of image data of the moving member at first and second positions, respectively, in a moving direction of the moving member so as to acquire the piece of position image data for the second position when the moving member is at the second position after acquiring the piece of image data for the first position. The speed calculating unit is configured to calculate a moving speed of the moving member from the pieces of image data.
US09983527B2	Fixing device A fixing device includes a cylindrical rotatable heating member; a nip-forming member having a first surface and a second surface opposite from the first surface and contacting an inner surface of the rotatable heating member at the first surface; a supporting member having a supporting surface, contacting the second surface, for supporting the nip-forming member; and a pressing member for forming a nip in cooperation with the nip-forming member though the rotatable heating member. A recording material on which an image is formed is heated at the nip while being feed through the nip, and the image is fixed on the recording material. The supporting surface of the supporting member supports the second surface of the nip-forming member so that the nip-forming member is swingable relative to the supporting member about an axis substantially parallel with a rotational axis of the cylindrical rotatable heating member.
US09983515B2	Rotation-information detecting device, rotation control device, and image forming apparatus A rotation-information detecting device including: a rotatable rotary member having plural detection target portions arranged at predetermined intervals over an entire circumference of the rotary member; two detectors that are fixedly arranged at two positions of the rotary member in a rotating direction, and can detect the detection target portions; and a computation unit that computes rotation information of the rotary member based on detection information, wherein the two detectors are arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotary member at an interval of an angle of π/N, and wherein the computation unit includes an offset calculating section that offsets an eccentric error of the rotary member based on outputs of the two detectors at a current time point and n outputs at time points back from the current time point by phases of (nπ)/N, to calculate a true rotational error.
US09983514B2	Image forming apparatus Provided is an image forming apparatus having high usability and securing both image quality and productivity. The image forming apparatus changes a rotational speed of a secondary transfer member depending on a basis weight of a sheet. The image forming apparatus performs digital sub-scanning scaling of correcting image data and polygon sub-scanning scaling of controlling a scanning speed during image formation so as to cancel out image deformation caused by change in rotational speed of the secondary transfer member. When giving priority to image quality, the image forming apparatus performs processing of the digital sub-scanning scaling and the polygon sub-scanning scaling, and when giving priority to productivity, the image forming apparatus performs only processing of digital sub-scanning scaling.
US09983513B2	Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same A developing device includes a housing, a developing roller, a developer conveying section, and a conveying screw. The developing roller includes a stationary magnet, and a sleeve rotatable around the stationary magnet. The developing roller faces a photoconductive drum. The developer conveying section is disposed below the developing roller for circularly conveying developer therein. The conveying screw conveys developer to supply developer to the developing roller. The stationary magnet includes a separation pole for producing a magnetic field that causes separation of developer from the sleeve. The housing includes a standing wall disposed downstream of the developing position in a rotational direction of the sleeve and facing the developing roller. The standing wall is formed with at least one opening that faces the separation pole in a horizontal direction. The developing device further includes at least one filter section covering the at least one opening.
US09983512B2	Toner conveyance device and image forming apparatus A toner conveyance device includes a downward passage, a reciprocating member disposed in the downward passage, to move in a vertical direction in which the downward passage extends, a conveyance passage communicating with a lower end of the downward passage and extending in a direction crossing the vertical direction, a conveyor to rotate in the conveyance passage around an axis extending along the conveyance passage to transport the toner, and a flexible member projecting from a bottom of the reciprocating member toward the conveyance passage. The flexible member extends in the axial direction of the conveyor and moves together with the reciprocating member. When the reciprocating member is at a lowest position, a lower end of the flexible member opposes a portion of the conveyor downstream from an upper end thereof in a rotation direction thereof.
US09983510B2	Developing device and image forming apparatus having developer carrying and stirring control A developing device includes a developing container accommodating a developer including toner and magnetic particles, a developer carrying member rotatably provided opposed to an opening of the developing container, a stirring member configured to stir the developer in the developing container to supply the developer to the developer carrying member, a first driving device configured to drive the developer carrying member, and a second driving device configured to drive the stirring member. A controller controls drive of the first driving device and the second driving device so that in a period from output of either earlier one of a stop signal of the first driving device and a stop signal of the second driving device to rotational speeds of both of the developer carrying member and the stirring member becoming not more than ½ of rotational speeds in a steady state during image formation.
US09983504B2	Image forming apparatus, developing device, and developing roller support device including a distance regulating unit Provided is an image forming apparatus including an image carrier on which a latent image is developed, a developing roller that is provided to face the image carrier to perform development for the latent image on the image carrier, an urging unit that urges the image carrier and the developing roller so that the image carrier and the developing roller approach each other, and a distance regulating unit that includes a viscoelastic body that is deformed according to a change of a distance between the image carrier and the developing roller, and regulates at least one of a maximum value of the distance between the image carrier and the developing roller and a minimum value of the distance between the image carrier and the developing roller so that the distance between the image carrier and the developing roller falls within a predetermined range.
US09983503B2	Semiconductor laser driver and image forming apparatus incorporating same A semiconductor laser driver and an image forming apparatus incorporating the semiconductor laser driver. The semiconductor laser driver includes a light source including a plurality of laser-beam source units disposed in a sub-scanning direction that serves as a group direction, the laser-beam source units having a plurality of groups arranged in a main scanning direction, each of the laser-beam source units emitting a laser beam of a light quantity dependent upon a driving current, a shading corrector to correct, according to at least one shading correction value, the driving current given to the laser-beam source units for each of the groups, and a light quantity adjuster to adjust the driving current according to a light-quantity adjustment value for the laser-beam source units. The image forming apparatus includes a semiconductor laser drive circuit, and the semiconductor laser driver that serves as the semiconductor laser driver.
US09983502B2	Controller A setting unit of a controller mounted on a control board sets a first mode for generating, from image data, PWM data indicating a pattern for causing an LD to emit light and transmitting to a laser driving board, or a second mode for transmitting to the laser driving board image data prior to generation of the PWM data. A data conversion unit, in the first mode, converts inputted image data into N pieces of PWM data respectively corresponding to N LDs, and in the second mode, converts inputted image data into image data for each scanning line. A P/S conversion unit converts data outputted from the data conversion unit from a serial format into a parallel format, and transmits the converted data to the laser driving board as control data.
US09983495B2	Electrostatic image developing toner An electrostatic image developing toner including a toner particle, wherein the toner particle contains a vinyl resin which is a polymer of a vinyl monomer having an acid group, a polyester resin, at least one of aluminum (Al) and magnesium (Mg), and tin (Sn), and when net intensities of Al, Mg and Sn in the toner particle measured by fluorescent X-ray analysis are respectively expressed as IAl, IMg and ISn, a ratio (IAl+IMg)/ISn is within a range of 0.5 to 2.5.
US09983492B2	Continuous reaction apparatus and apparatus for producing a toner Provided is a continuous reaction apparatus which can precisely control the path of flow of the liquid reaction mixture in the reaction vessel. Further, provided is a continuous reaction apparatus which can efficiently mix the liquid reaction mixture in the reaction vessel. The continuous reaction apparatus comprises a plurality of mixing vessel units and a plurality of partition units. These units are connected in the state of being alternately stacked on one another. Each mixing vessel unit has an agitating blade disposed in the inner space thereof. The relationship between the inner diameter D1 of the mixing vessel unit, the height H of the mixing vessel unit, and the outer diameter d1 of the agitating blade satisfies the formula (1): 10≥(D1/H)≥1.5, and the formula (2): 0.99≥(d1/D1)≥0.7. The agitating blade is a circular disc-type agitating blade.
US09983491B2	Process for producing a toner A process for producing a toner of the present invention includes: a first step of heating a dispersion containing an aqueous medium and a binder resin containing a crystalline resin to a temperature higher than or equal to a melting point of the crystalline resin; and a second step of maintaining the dispersion at temperature T (° C.) for 30 minutes or longer in a state where a pH of the dispersion is maintained at 5.5 or higher and 9.0 or lower, in which the temperature T satisfies the following expression, Rc−25≤T≤Rc−5, where the Rc represents a recrystallization temperature (° C.) of the crystalline resin.
US09983489B2	Method for compensating for an exposure error, a device manufacturing method, a substrate table, a lithographic apparatus, a control system, a method for measuring reflectivity and a method for measuring a dose of EUV radiation A method for compensating for an exposure error in an exposure process of a lithographic apparatus that comprises a substrate table, the method comprising: obtaining a dose measurement indicative of a dose of IR radiation that reaches substrate level, wherein the dose measurement can be used to calculate an amount of IR radiation absorbed by an object in the lithographic apparatus during an exposure process; and using the dose measurement to control the exposure process so as to compensate for an exposure error associated with the IR radiation absorbed by the object during the exposure process.
US09983485B2	Lithographic apparatus, device manufacturing method and associated data processing apparatus and computer program product A lithographic apparatus includes a number of sensors for measuring positions of features on a substrate prior to applying a pattern. Each sensor includes an imaging optical system. Position measurements are extracted from pixel data supplied by an image detector in each sensor. The imaging optical system includes one or more light field modulating elements and the processor processes the pixel data as a light-field image to extract the position measurements. The data processor may derive from each light-field image a focused image of a feature on the substrate, measuring positions of several features simultaneously, even though the substrate is not at the same level below all the sensors. The processor can also include corrections to reduce depth dependency of an apparent position of the feature include a viewpoint correction. The data processor can also derive measurements of heights of features on the substrate.
US09983482B2	Radiation collector, radiation source and lithographic apparatus A radiation collector comprising a first collector segment comprising a plurality of grazing incidence reflector shells configured to direct radiation to converge in a first location at a distance from the radiation collector, a second collector segment comprising a plurality of grazing incidence reflector shells configured to direct radiation to converge in a second location at said distance from the radiation collector, wherein the first location and the second location are separated from one another.
US09983480B2	Method of manufacturing a structure on a substrate A method includes dividing a single beam emitted from a coherent light source into at least two branch beams, and causing the branch beams to cross each other at a predetermined interference angle thereby generating interference pattern. The method also includes irradiating a target surface of a substrate with the interference pattern. The method also includes dividing the target surface of the substrate into a plurality of predetermined shapes, and repeating a first substep of irradiating each predetermined shape with every shot of the interference pattern, and a second substep of conveying the substrate in a stepwise manner such that the predetermined shapes overlap each other in the stepwise manner. The method also includes causing a line-to-line pitch of the interference fringes in one of the predetermined shapes to align with the line-to-line pitch of the interference fringes in a next predetermined shape upon repeating the first and second substeps.
US09983477B2	Polymers and photoresist compositions The invention relates to new polymers that comprise units that contain one or more photoacid generator groups and photoresists that contain the polymers. Preferred polymers of the invention are suitable for use in photoresists imaged at short wavelengths such as sub-250 nm or sub-200 nm, particularly 248 nm and 193 nm.
US09983475B2	Fluorinated sulfonate esters of aryl ketones for non-ionic photo-acid generators Non-ionic photo-acid generating (PAG) compounds were prepared that contain an aryl ketone group having a perfluorinated substituent alpha to the ketone carbonyl. The non-polymeric PAGs release a sulfonic acid when exposed to high energy radiation such as deep UV or extreme UV light. The photo-generated sulfonic acid has a low diffusion rate in an exposed resist layer subjected to a post-exposure bake (PEB) at 100° C. to 150° C., resulting in formation of good line patterns after development. At higher temperatures, the PAGs can also undergo a thermal reaction to form a sulfonic acid. The perfluorinated substituent provides improved thermal stability and hydrolytic/nucleophilic stability.
US09983465B2	Projector A projector includes a casing, an optic engine, a light module, a control circuit module, a first fan module, and a second fan module. The optic engine, the light module, the control circuit module, the first fan module, and the second fan module are disposed in the casing. The first fan module is an axial-flow fan module and has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is close to and toward the control circuit module; the air outlet is close to and toward the light module. The first fan module generates an air flow flowing through the control circuit module, the first fan module, and the light module in order. The second fan module has an air outlet close to the optic engine. Thereby, heat produced by the above-mentioned components of the projector in the casing can be dissipated efficiently.
US09983464B1	Device for photographing trench vertical section The present invention relates to an apparatus for photographing a bedding plane, the apparatus including: a pair of vertical supports; a horizontal support having both ends coupled to the pair of vertical supports, respectively; a main body mounted on the horizontal support so as to be movable in a horizontal direction; a length adjustment unit mounted on the main body so as to be rotatable about the horizontal support, and having a length variable structure for adjusting a length thereof in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the horizontal support; a camera mounting jig coupled to the length adjustment unit; a camera mounted on the camera mounting jig; and a level detector mounted on the horizontal support to detect a horizontal state by measuring a degree of inclination of the horizontal support.
US09983463B1	Video mouthpiece apparatus and method of making same A mount and method of manufacturing same is disclosed. The mount includes a mouthpiece for holding the mount in a user's mouth, a video connector piece for mounting a camera to the apparatus, and a connector that structurally secures the mouthpiece and the video connector piece. This provides for a near eye-level point of view while providing hands-free operation.
US09983462B2	Adjustable camera enclosure An adjustable camera enclosure is provided. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the adjustable camera enclosure includes a housing including a hollow interior defining a longitudinal axis and at least one aperture in a wall of the housing; a beam disposed through an end of the housing into the hollow interior of the housing such that the beam is disposed along the longitudinal axis, where the housing is slidable over the beam along the longitudinal axis to extend and retract the housing relative to the beam; a camera disposed within the hollow interior of the housing, where a lens of the camera is oriented to the at least one aperture of the housing in a direction away from the housing; and a base coupled to the beam, where the base is rotatable about the longitudinal axis to rotate the beam and the housing about the longitudinal axis.
US09983461B2	Gimbal locking device and gimbal assembly using same A gimbal locking device includes a body portion including a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, a clutch portion extending from the first surface, and a fastening portion extending from the second surface. The fastening portion includes an extension portion extending from the second surface.
US09983451B2	Rework method of array substrate for display device and array substrate formed by the method The present invention provides a method of reworking an array substrate including a gate metal layer, a gate insulation layer (G1), a semiconductor layer, a source/drain metal layer, a lower passivation layer, a common electrode layer, an upper passivation layer, and a pixel electrode layer sequentially formed therein. By using a rework mask protecting a jumping passivation hole area in reworking the pixel electrode layer, the method can maintain the electric connection between the common electrode layer and the rework pixel electrode pattern in the jumping passivation hole area even after the pixel electrode rework process, to thereby reduce the occurrence of failure and the reduction of throughput due to the rework process.
US09983450B2	GOA circuit module, method for testing the same, display panel and display apparatus The present disclosure provides a Gate On Array (GOA) circuit module, comprising: a plurality of Thin Film Transistors (TFTs), each comprising a gate layer and a gate insulation layer laminated on a substrate, a plurality of vias each provided in the gate insulation layer to expose a portion of the gate layer, and a plurality of first transparent conductive portions each corresponding to one of the plurality of vias, each of the plurality of the first transparent conductive portions being provided at its corresponding via, electrically isolated from the gate layer, and constructed to be electrically connectable to the portion of the gate layer as exposed by its corresponding via by means of welding. The present disclosure also provides a method for testing the GOA circuit module, a display panel comprising the GOA circuit module and a display apparatus.
US09983449B2	Display device A liquid crystal display device includes a TFT substrate and a counter substrate with liquid crystal sandwiched therebetween. The TFT substrate has scanning lines 10 extending in a first direction and arrayed in a second direction and video signal lines 20 extending in the second direction and arrayed in the first direction. The TFT substrate has a display area 500 in which TFT pixels are arrayed in a matrix pattern, and a frame area 600 surrounding the display area. In the frame area 600, common bus wires 521 are formed in the same layer and with the same material as the video signal lines 20 and are impressed with a common voltage. Dummy TFTs are formed in a layer under the common bus wires 521. The scanning lines 10, extending over the frame area 600, are divided outside the display area and are interconnected by bridging wires 170.
US09983448B2	Wiring body assembly, structure with conductor layer, and touch sensor A wiring body assembly includes a first wiring body that includes a first resin layer serving as a support layer and a first conductor layer provided on the first resin layer that includes a first terminal, a second wiring body that includes a third terminal, and a connection body that includes a resin material and conductive particle dispersed in the resin material. The connection body is interposed between the first and third terminals such that the first wiring body and the second wiring body are electrically connected. The first terminal includes terminal conductor wires arranged in the shape of a mesh and the connection body is in a gap between the terminal conductor wires.
US09983447B2	Flat panel display with narrow bezel area A flat panel display module includes a display panel configured to comprise a display area and a first pad that is out of the display area; and an auxiliary panel configured to include a first auxiliary pad disposed on one side, a second auxiliary pad disposed on the other side, and an auxiliary connection line that connects the first auxiliary pad and the second auxiliary pad, wherein the first auxiliary pad is connected to the first pad.
US09983446B2	Display panel with single substrate and fabricating method thereof The present disclosure provides a single substrate display panel and fabricating method thereof. The fabricating method of a single substrate display panel comprises steps of providing a parallel electric field substrate; and forming a display medium layer above the parallel electric field substrate. The present disclosure also provides a fabricating method of the single substrate display panel. The present disclosure can achieve single substrate display so as to reduce the weight and thickness of the liquid crystal display panel and improve display quality.
US09983440B2	Display device A display device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a liquid crystal panel including a curved display screen, and a phase compensation member provided at a position corresponding to each of corner portions of the curved display screen.
US09983438B2	Display device A display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a display medium layer, a color filter layer, a third substrate, a backlight module, and a quantum dot pattern layer. The display medium layer and the color filter layer are disposed between the first and second substrates. The color filter layer includes a first color filter pattern. The backlight module is disposed on one side of the second substrate. The second and the third substrate are disposed between the backlight module and the display medium layer, and between the backlight module and the second substrate, respectively. The quantum dot pattern layer is disposed on the third substrate and between the third substrate and the second substrate, and includes at least one first quantum dot pattern corresponding to first color filter pattern. The first quantum dot pattern's color is equal to the first color filter pattern's color.
US09983435B2	Backlight module and display device A backlight module and a display device are disclosed. The present disclosure relates to the technical field of display, whereby the technical problem of dark spots existing at the corners of the liquid crystal display device in the prior art can be solved. The backlight module comprises a reflective sheet and a plurality of light sources that are arranged on said reflective sheet, wherein the reflective sheet at edges and corners of said backlight module has a certain slope or curvature; and adjusting members, arranged at corners of said backlight module, so that the slope or curvature of the reflective sheet at the corners of said backlight module matches the slope or curvature of the reflective sheet at the edges of said backlight module.
US09983430B2	Display panel including a verification code and display device having the same A display panel including: a first base substrate including a display area and a peripheral area adjacent to the display area; a signal line disposed on the first base substrate and disposed in the display area; a thin film transistor disposed on the first base substrate and disposed in the display area; a verification code part disposed on the first base substrate and disposed in the peripheral area; a second base substrate facing the first base substrate; and a light blocking layer overlapping the peripheral area in a plan view. The verification code part includes a code portion having an identification mark, and a peripheral portion adjacent to the code portion, in which the light blocking layer overlaps at least a portion of the peripheral portion in a plan view.
US09983426B2	Display module and display device comprising display module A display module and a display device including the display module are disclosed, the display module includes a backboard, a rubber frame and a display panel, the backboard includes a bottom plate and side walls provided at the perimeter of the bottom plate; the display panel is provided on a upper surface of the rubber frame, the rubber frame is configured for supporting the display panel in the vertical direction, and a side face, in the vertical direction, of the display panel is configured immediately adjacent to at least one side wall, or a spacing is configured between a side face, in the vertical direction, of the display panel and at least one side wall, in this way, the side walls are configured as retaining walls for the display panel in the horizontal direction; therefore, the bezel thickness is decreased and the effect of narrow bezel can be realized.
US09983422B2	LCD panel and LCD and viewing angle control method of LCD panel An LCD panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate is provided with a first electrode thereon. The first electrode is provided with a plurality of stripe-like control electrodes for controlling a viewing angle of the LCD panel. The second substrate is provided with a second electrode and a third electrode thereon. The second electrode is a common electrode for inputting a common voltage to the LCD panel. The third electrode is a pixel electrode formed in each pixel of the LCD panel. When no bias voltage is applied to the stripe-like control electrodes of the first electrode, the LCD panel is displayed with a wide viewing angle; and when a bias voltage is applied to the stripe-like control electrodes of the first electrode, the LCD panel is displayed with a narrow viewing angle.
US09983420B2	Wavelength-locking a ring-resonator modulator In the optical device, a ring-resonator modulator, having an adjustable resonance (center) wavelength, optically couples an optical signal that includes the carrier wavelength from an input optical waveguide to an output optical waveguide. A monitoring mechanism in the optical device, which is optically coupled to the output optical waveguide, monitors a performance metric of an output optical signal from the output waveguide. For example, the monitoring mechanism may monitor: an average optical power associated with the output optical signal, and/or an amplitude of the output optical signal. Moreover, control logic in the optical device adjusts the resonance wavelength based on the monitored performance metric so that the performance metric is optimized.
US09983418B2	Tactile interface for eye-mountable device An eye-mountable device includes an enclosure material shaped to be removably mounted over a cornea and to permit eyelid motion when the enclosure material is so mounted. The eye-mountable device also includes a tactile sensor system, including one or more pressure-sensitive sensors, disposed within the enclosure material and coupled to output a signal in response to pressure applied to the one or more pressure-sensitive sensors by a user. A controller is disposed within the enclosure material and electrically coupled to the tactile sensor system to receive the signal and, in response to the signal, control at least one other piece of circuitry in the eye-mountable device.
US09983417B1	Pair of eyeglasses with conveniently replaceable temples A pair of eyeglasses includes a spectacles frame and two temples. The spectacles frame has a mounting adapter at each lateral end thereof. A pivot hole and two engaging holes are provided in the mounting adapter. A front end of each temple is provided with two connecting rods and a pivot shaft formed at outer ends of the connecting rods. The pivot shaft is held inside the pivot hole of a corresponding mounting adapter to allow each temple relative to the spectacles frame to be pivoted between a folded position and an extended position. When the temple is at the folded position, the connecting rods are separated from the engaging holes such that the temple can be detached from the spectacles frame. When the temple is at the extended position, the connecting rods are held and positioned inside the engaging holes.
US09983414B2	Optoelectronic module having a stamped metal optic A stamped metal optic includes at least a bench for holding at least one optoelectronic component and a reflector for folding an optical pathway. The stamped metal optic is formed of a piece of metal that is shaped using known metal stamping techniques. The stamped metal optic preferably has at least one fiducial mark used to ensure that the optoelectronic device is precisely aligned with the reflector.
US09983412B1	Wide field of view augmented reality see through head mountable display with distance accommodation A head mountable augmented reality see through near eye display system includes a see through augmented reality image focal distance modulator for changing a distance at which augmented reality images appear in focus and including at least one light transmissive surface through which real world objects are viewable. The system further includes a display for generating an augmented reality image and projecting the augmented reality image onto the see through augmented reality image focal distance modulator. The system further includes an augmented reality image focal distance controller for controlling the see through augmented reality image focal distance modulator to cause the augmented reality image to appear in focus a distance corresponding to a vergence distance and for changing the distance at which the augmented reality image appears to be in focus in correspondence with changes in the vergence distance.
US09983409B2	Stereoscopic display device and control method According to one of aspects, a display device includes: a display unit configured to three-dimensionally display an object by displaying images respectively corresponding to both eyes of a user by being worn; a detection unit configured to detect a real body that operates the object; and a control unit configured to change the object according to movement of the real body, and perform order processing for ordering a product corresponding to the object.
US09983407B2	Managing points of interest One or more embodiments of techniques or systems for managing locations are provided herein. According to one embodiment, a system includes a heads up display (HUD) that receives an image associated with a location. The image may be captured by a camera of a vehicle. The system also includes a sensor component that detects a physical gesture performed by a user. Furthermore, the system includes an action component that correlates the physical gesture with an action associated with the image. The action component also performs the action. The action is one of saving the image to a storage component or deleting the image.
US09983403B2	Device and method for micro-electro-mechanical-system photonic switch In one embodiment, a method of controlling a micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) photonic switch includes applying a voltage to an electrode of an initial mirror of a first mirror array of the MEMS photonic switch and illuminating a control beam. The method also includes reflecting the control beam off the initial mirror to form a control beam spot on a second mirror array of the MEMS photonic switch and detecting an initial location of the control beam spot to produce an initial optical response. Additionally, the method includes adjusting the voltage in accordance with the initial optical response while the control beam spot has a nonzero velocity.
US09983401B2	MEMS device According to the present invention there is provided a MEMS device comprising, a mirror which is connected to a fixed portion by means of a first and second torsional arm, each of the first and second torsional arms are configured such that they can twist about torsional axes so as to oscillate the mirror about a first oscillation axes, and wherein the first and second torsional arms are each configured to have two or more meanders and wherein the first and second torsional arms are arranged symmetrically relative to the first oscillation axis.
US09983399B2	Depth-resolved spatial-domain low-coherence quantitative phase microscopy for unstained tissue and cells Provided are systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with depth-resolved spatial-domain low-coherence quantitative phase microscopy for high-throughput analysis of 3D nanoscale architectural alterations in unstained tissue and cells. A spatial-domain low-coherence quantitative phase microscopy apparatus includes a drOPD mapping module, a transmission phase imaging module, and a bright-field and transmission phase imaging module. The drOPD mapping module includes a reflection-mode low-coherence spectral interferometry for drOPD mapping of unstained tissue. The transmission phase imaging module includes transmission quantitative phase imaging of unstained and stained tissue and produce an image registration reference. The bright-field and transmission phase imaging module includes bright-field imaging of H&E-stained tissue for nuclei identification and pathology correlation.
US09983396B2	Scanning microscope having focal position adjustment unit which includes a deflecting element A scanning microscope includes a collecting lens that takes in a detection light, a focal position adjustment unit that moves in an optical axis direction of the collecting lens to make the collecting lens move in the optical axis direction, a detector positioned at a location that is optically conjugate to a pupil of the collecting lens, and a relay optical system that relays the pupil to the detector. The relay optical system includes a first optical element with a positive power, the first optical element being positioned in the focal position adjustment unit and converting the detection light that was converted by the collecting lens into a parallel light flux, into a convergent light flux to be emitted outside of the focal position adjustment unit, and a second optical element that is positioned outside of the focal position adjustment unit and between the detector and the first optical element.
US09983395B2	Confocal microscope with a pinhole arrangement A microscope for raster-free, confocal imaging of a sample arranged in a sample space has an illumination arrangement comprising a light source group having light sources which can be switched on individually, a detector arrangement, a pinhole arrangement which comprises a pinhole array and which has a plurality of pinhole elements which are adjacent to one another, wherein there is one pinhole element provided for each light source, and optics which irradiate each pinhole element with radiation of an individual light source of the light source group and confocally illuminate an individual spot located in the sample space, wherein one of the individual spots is associated with each pinhole element, and the individual spots are adjacent to one another in the sample space with respect to an incidence direction of the radiation, and the optics image the individual spots through the pinhole arrangement confocally on the detector arrangement.
US09983390B2	Photographic objective lens A photographic objective lens includes seven lenses, wherein a first lens is a meniscus lens, a second lens is a meniscus lens, a third lens is a meniscus lens, a fourth lens is a biconcave lens, a fifth lens is a biconvex lens, a sixth lens is a biconvex lens, a seventh lens is a meniscus lens. The first lens has a first curved surface and a second curved surface, the second lens has a third curved surface and a fourth curved surface, the third lens has a fifth curved surface and a sixth curved surface, the fourth lens has a seventh curved surface and a eighth curved surface, the fifth lens has a ninth curved surface and a tenth curved surface, the sixth lens has a eleventh curved surface and a twelfth curved surface, and the seventh lens has a thirteenth curved surface and a fourteenth curved surface; wherein the first curved surface to the fourteenth curved surface are sequentially arranged along a transmission direction of incident light.
US09983389B2	Optical lens assembly and electronic apparatus including the same Disclosed are an optical lens assembly and an electronic apparatus including the disclosed lens assembly. The optical lens assembly includes a first lens group having positive refractive power, an iris diaphragm, and a second lens group having positive refractive power, which are arranged from an object side to an image side of an optical axis, the object side facing an object for image capture and the image side facing an imaging surface of an image sensor. The first lens group includes a first air lens having negative refractive power and a convex surface facing the object side and a second air lens having negative refractive power and two convex surfaces. The second lens group includes a lens closest to the image side of the optical axis that has positive refractive power and a convex surface facing the image side. The closest image-side lens includes an aspherical surface. The optical lens assembly has a maximum viewing angle of 130 degrees or more.
US09983381B2	Lens barrel and optical instrument A lens barrel and an optical device having small sizes by saving a space for inner components such as a moving group while stably retaining and moving the inner components are provided. The lens barrel retains lenses while allowing movement along an optical axis. The lens barrel includes: a first frame; a second frame positioned inside the first frame; and n linear guide structures configured to allow movement of the second frame relative to the first frame along the optical axis, wherein the n linear guide structures include: n linear guide concave parts spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction around the optical axis and extending along the optical axis; and n linear guide convex parts engaging with the n linear guide concave parts in a relatively movable manner, wherein some of the n linear guide concave parts are provided on the first frame, and the others of the n linear guide concave parts are provided on the second frame (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2).
US09983380B2	Camera module and method for auto focusing thereof A camera module including a fixing unit including a hole formed therein; a moving unit including at least one lens, and configured to linearly move in the hole of the fixing unit; and a driving unit configured to drive the moving unit. Further, the driving unit includes a corresponding magnet arranged in the inner surface of the hole of the fixing unit; a moving coil surrounding the outer surface of the moving unit; and a fixed coil arranged in the fixing unit and configured to receive from the moving coil a current or voltage variable based on a distance with the moving coil.
US09983378B2	Grommet for cable hanger A grommet adapted for insertion into a cable hanger includes a generally C-shaped main body formed of a polymeric material and having a longitudinal axis. Such a grommet can be securely held by a cable hanger.
US09983377B2	Enclosure with combined strain relief and grounding An enclosure for telecommunication cables includes a body that defines an interior of the enclosure, a grounding base secured relative to the body, and at least one strain relief assembly having a strain relief member and grounding member that are jointly coupled to the grounding base. Related methods of installing enclosures are also disclosed.
US09983374B2	WDM Mux/DeMux on cable and methods of making the same Techniques for WDM Mux/DeMux on cable and methods of making the same are described According to one aspect of the present application, a unit designed to provide multiplexing or demultiplexing (Mux/Demux) functions is implemented on cable. In other words, the Mux/Demux unit is coupled by a multi-fiber cable to a system (e.g., a system rack for router or switch that has multiple pluggable transceiver slots).
US09983372B2	Optical device, printed circuit board An optical apparatus includes: a semiconductor optical device integrating an optical coupler, an optical element, and an electrical circuit; and a printed circuit board including a main body and a metal piece. The body has first and second openings. The first opening, the metal piece and the second opening are arranged in a direction of a first axis. The first and second openings extend from the front and back faces of the body along the direction to the first and second faces of the metal piece, respectively. The metal piece is supported by the body. The semiconductor optical device is mounted on the first face of the metal piece in the first opening. The body has a supporting face connecting the first side of the first opening with the second side of the second opening and supporting the second face of the metal piece in the first opening.
US09983368B2	Optical waveguide device An optical waveguide device includes a wiring substrate, a first cladding layer formed on the wiring substrate, a base protective layer formed on the first cladding layer and formed into a certain pattern, a core layer formed on the first cladding layer and the base protective layer, a recess portion having an inclined surface and formed from the core layer to the base protective layer, an optical path conversion mirror formed on the inclined surface, and a second cladding layer formed on the first cladding layer and the core layer. A refractive index of the base protective layer is smaller than a refractive index of the core layer. A width of the base protective layer is equal to or greater than a width of the core layer.
US09983367B2	Optical module and method of making optical module An optical module for connecting between an optical fiber and a photoelectric conversion device mounted on a printed circuit board includes a main body made of transmissive material and having a slanted face and a bottom face, the slanted face being at an angle to the bottom face, a reception-purpose lens, and a transmission-purpose lens, wherein the slanted face serves as a mirror on an optical path extending in the main body between the reception-purpose lens and the transmission-purpose lens.
US09983365B2	Modified MT ferrule with removed cantilevered fibers and internal lenses and mold pin A modified MT fiber optic ferrule has optical fiber receiving holes by the front end to receive the ends of optical fibers inserted into and through the ferrule. The optical fiber receiving holes are aligned with optical fiber openings in the center of the ferrule and have lenses formed in the optical fiber receiving holes to collimate from or focus light into the optical fibers in the fiber optic ferrules. The front end of the fiber optic ferrule may also have integral mating surfaces.
US09983363B2	Optical semiconductor device An optical semiconductor device includes a base, a wiring substrate, and a sub-mount. The base includes a bottom wall, a side wall projecting from a peripheral edge of the bottom wall, and a flange extending outward from an upper end of the side wall. The wiring substrate includes a distal portion inserted into and fixed to the base. An optical element is mounted on the sub-mount. The bottom wall of the base includes a first seat to which the sub-mount is fixed and a second seat to which the distal portion is fixed. The second seat is located at a higher position than the first seat. An upper surface of the distal portion of the wiring substrate includes a pad connected to the optical element. An upper surface of the pad of the distal portion is flush with an upper surface of an electrode of the optical element.
US09983358B2	Apparatus and method for optical time domain reflectometry An optical signal routing device may include a first lens, second lens and a wavelength division multiplexer (“WDM”) filter positioned between the first and second lenses. The WDM filter may reflect a signal of a first wavelength with a first attenuation and pass the first wavelength signal attenuated by at most a second attenuation to the second lens, the first attenuation exceeding the second attenuation by a first predetermined amount. The WDM filter may reflect a signal of a second wavelength different than the first wavelength with at most a third attenuation, the first attenuation exceeding the third attenuation by at least a second predetermined amount. The device may further include a reflector positioned to reflect the first wavelength signal reflected by the WDM filter toward the WDM filter with at least a fourth attenuation, the fourth attenuation exceeding the second attenuation by at least a third predetermined amount.
US09983349B2	Display device A display device includes a display panel, an accommodating member including a bottom portion and a sidewall extending from the bottom portion, a backlight unit including a light source inside the accommodating member and a light source substrate inside the accommodating member and on which the light source is mounted, and a driving substrate connected to the light source substrate disposed inside the accommodating member. The driving substrate includes a first extending portion disposed outside the accommodating member, a second extending portion extended from the first extending portion and through the sidewall of the accommodating member to dispose an end portion of the second extending portion inside the accommodating member, and a pad portion disposed on a lower surface of the end portion of the second extending portion and inside the accommodating member. The pad portion is electrically connected to the light source substrate disposed inside the accommodating member.
US09983346B2	Backlight module and light guide plate thereof A backlight module includes a light source unit for providing light, a light guide plate including a plate body having a light entrance surface and extending along an X-Y plane and at least one opening in the plate body and extending along a Z axis, and an optical layer on one side of the light guide plate. The light enters the light guide plate from the light entrance surface and travels substantially along the X-Y plane. A cross section of the opening on the X-Y plane is a taper shape with a base region and a cone shape region extending from one side of the base region near the light source unit. The optical layer has a through hole aligned and communicating with the base region. A projection of the cone shape region along the Z axis on the optical layer is at least partially outside the through hole.
US09983337B2	Light emitting diode display apparatus An LED display apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting diodes; a first microlens array disposed at an upper side of the plurality of light emitting diodes, the first microlens array comprising a plurality of first microlenses which corresponds to the plurality of light emitting diodes one-to-one and is configured to combine light received from the plurality of light emitting diodes into light bundles; and a second microlens array disposed at an upper side of the first microlens array, the second microlens array comprising a plurality of second microlenses, a number of which is larger than a number of the first microlenses included in the first microlens array, each of the plurality of second microlenses configured to cause a convergence of light that has propagated through the first microlens array.
US09983333B2	Hafnium or zirconium oxide coating The invention concerns an optical coating (3, 3′), having a high refractive index and good optical properties (i.e., low absorption and scatter) and limited internal stresses in a spectral range extending from the visible to the near UV range (i.e., up to a wavelength of 220 nm). The coating (3, 3′) according to the invention consists of a hafnium- or zirconium-containing oxide HfxSiyOz or ZrxSiyOz containing an silicon fraction (y) between 1 at. % and 10 at. %, especially between 1.5 at. % and 3 at. %.
US09983329B2	Sensor system for downhole galvanic measurements A downhole galvanic logging system including a first transmitter electrode configured to convey an exciter current into a formation and a second transmitter electrode configured to receive a return current from the formation. A first transmission line being coupled to the first transmitter electrode and configured to carry the exciter current, and a second transmission line being coupled to the second transmitter electrode and configured to carry the return current. The transmission lines can be arranged in a twisted pattern. A receiver device is positioned between the transmitter electrodes along an axial length of the downhole galvanic logging system. The receiver device can be configured to detect an electrical signal that is proportional to a resistivity of the formation. The second transmitter electrode can be coupled to one end of the receiver device with the second transmission line coupled to the second transmitter electrode through the receiver device.
US09983328B2	Monitoring hydrocarbon reservoirs using induced polarization effect Some examples of monitoring hydrocarbon reservoirs using induced polarization effect includes inducing polarization in a subterranean zone using an induced polarization fluid. The subterranean zone includes first formations and second formations. A quantity of hydrocarbons in the first formations is greater than quantity of hydrocarbons in the second formations. The induced polarization data is obtained from the subterranean zone. A portion of the induced polarization data from the first formations is different from a portion of the induced polarization data from the second formations. The second formations in the subterranean zone are identified based on the obtained induced polarization data.
US09983327B2	Polymer coated nanoparticles A magnetic nanoparticle suitable for imaging a geological structure having one or more magnetic metal or metal oxide nanoparticles with a polymer grafted to the surface to form a magnetic nanoparticle, wherein the magnetic nanoparticle displays a colloidal stability under harsh salinity conditions or in a standard API brine.
US09983323B2	Performing tomography to build orthorhombic models Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for determining a velocity model. The method includes receiving a first velocity model having a first symmetry approximation of a media of a subterranean domain, receiving seismic data representing a subterranean formation, and determining, by operation of a processor, a second velocity model having a second symmetry approximation of the media, the second symmetry approximation being less symmetric than the first symmetry approximation. The second velocity model is determined based on an estimate of residual moveout as a function of azimuth and one or more differentials that relate one or more changes in residual moveout as a function of azimuth to one or more orthorhombic parameters. The method also including migrating the seismic data using the second velocity model.
US09983317B2	Signal processing device and radiation measurement device A signal processing device for detecting a weak signal in an input signal. The device includes first and second pulse detectors and a determining circuit. The first pulse detector adds noise to the input signal, and processes the noise-added signal using a first threshold, to thereby output a first signal having a first pulse waveform component, which corresponds to an interval in which a level of the noise-added input signal exceeds the first threshold. The second pulse detector receives the input signal in parallel with the first pulse detector, and processes the input signal using a second threshold, to thereby output a second signal having a second pulse waveform component, which corresponds to an interval in which a level of the input signal exceeds the second threshold. The determining circuit determines whether each of the first and second pulse waveform components conforms to the weak signal.
US09983305B2	Low cost 3D radar imaging and 3D association method from low count linear arrays for all weather autonomous vehicle navigation A low cost, all weather, high definition imaging system for an autonomous vehicle is described. The imaging system generates true target object data suitable for imaging, scene understanding, and all weather navigation of the autonomous vehicle. Data from multiple arrays is fed to a processor that performs data association to form true target detections and target positions. A Boolean associator uses an association method for determining true target detections and target positions to reduce many of the ghosts or incorrect detections that can produce image artifacts. The imaging system provides near optimal imaging in any dense scene for autonomous vehicle navigation, including during visually obscured weather conditions such as fog. The system and method can be applied to variety of imaging technologies, including an RF system, a Lidar system, a sonar system, an ultrasound system, and/or an optical system.
US09983304B2	Delta-sigma digital radiometric system A passive radiometric system for thermally imaging objects in a scene. The system includes a digital square-law quantizer circuit including a plurality of comparators and a voltage divider network having a plurality of resistors. Each comparator receives a different reference signal generated by the voltage divider network and a common power signal from an antenna and outputs a high or low digital bit signal. The system also includes a delta-sigma circuit having a weighting table responsive to the digital bit signals from the comparators that converts the digital bit signals to a normalized bit word. The delta-sigma circuit also includes an accumulator that receives the digital bit words from the weighting table and provides an average of the digital bit words. The system also includes a digital-to-analog converter that converts the averaged bit words to an analog signal that is provided as a feedback signal to the quantizer circuit.
US09983303B2	Passive radio frequency identification ranging Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for providing timing-based distance measurement to a passive radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag using one or more wideband RF signals synchronized with the standard narrowband RF signal. In some embodiments, the narrowband RF signal activates a passive RFID tag creating a backscatter reflection target which returns a modulated narrowband signal and a wideband signal from the passive RFID tag. The one or more wideband receivers determine time-of-flight and/or time-of-arrival measurements for the returned wideband signal. A location measurement is then calculated for the passive RFID tag using the tag data, the known location of the wideband transceivers, and the time-of-flight/time-of-arrival data.
US09983302B2	System and method for correcting vehicle tracing-position of radar sensor using laser scanner Provided are a system and a method for correcting a tracing-position of another vehicle sensed by a radar sensor using a laser scanner, which compare an unspecific tracing position of the radar sensor sensing another vehicle and a contour point acquired by a laser scanner and correct the tracing position of the radar sensor with a position most approximate to the vehicle in the contour point. Therefore, the radar sensor sensing an object in the vicinity of the vehicle recognizes a tracing position of another vehicle to facilitate design of a radar sensor based system.
US09983301B2	Automated vehicle radar system to determine yaw-rate of a target vehicle A radar system suitable for an automated vehicle includes a radar sensor and a controller. The radar-sensor is mounted on a host-vehicle. The radar-sensor is operable to detect radar-signals reflected by scattering-points of a target-vehicle located proximate to the host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the radar-sensor. The controller is configured to determine a present-range-rate, a present-azimuth, and optionally a present-range, of each of the scattering-points at a present-time. The controller is also configured to recall a prior-range-rate, a prior-azimuth, and optionally a prior-range, of each of the scattering-points at a prior-time. The controller is also configured to calculate a yaw-rate of the target-vehicle at the present-time based on the present-range-rate, the present-azimuth, the prior-range-rate, and the prior-azimuth, and optionally the present-range and the prior-range, of each of the scattering-points.
US09983299B2	Systems and methods for compressive sensing ranging evaluation RFID systems for locating RFID tags utilizing phased array antennas and compressed sensing processing techniques in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, an RFID system includes at least one exciter that includes at least one transmit antenna, a phased antenna array that includes a plurality of receive antennas, and an RFID receiver system configured to communicate with the at least one exciter and connected to the phased antenna array, where the RFID receiver system is configured to locate an RFID tag by performing reads of the RFD tag at multiple frequencies, generating a measurement matrix, and determining a line of sight (LOS) distance between the activated RFID tag and each of the plurality of receive antennas by eliminating bases from the measurement matrix.
US09983290B2	Method for finding signal direction using modal antenna A method for obtaining the direction of a signal incoming to a communication device is provided using a modal antenna that has multiple modes corresponding to multiple radiation patterns with a single feed.
US09983285B2	High spatial and temporal resolution dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging A method for high spatial and temporal resolution dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging using a random subsampled Cartesian k-space using a Poisson-disk random pattern acquisition strategy and a compressed sensing reconstruction algorithm incorporating magnitude image subtraction is presented. One reconstruction uses a split-Bregman minimization of the sum of the L1 norm of the pixel-wise magnitude difference between two successive temporal frames, a fidelity term and a total variation (TV) sparsity term.
US09983280B2	Local coil A local coil for an MRI system includes a signal antenna to receive a magnetic resonance signal and a tuning/detuning circuit to subject the signal antenna part to switch control according to a control signal. The tuning/detuning circuit is connected to the signal antenna part. The tuning/detuning circuit includes a control signal interface, a resonant circuit and an AC/DC conversion circuit. The control signal interface receives the control signal. The resonant circuit includes a diode. The AC/DC conversion circuit converts an alternating current generated by an electromagnetic wave to a direct current. The AC/DC conversion circuit is connected in series with the diode. A small detuning control current may be used, and detuning control circuitry may be reduced.
US09983279B2	Radio frequency (RF) birdcage coil with separately controlled ring members and rungs for use in a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system A radio frequency (RF) antenna device (40) applies an RF field to an examination space (16) of a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system (10). The RF antenna device (40) includes a plurality of rungs (42, 44) arranged substantially parallel and in an azimuthally substantially equally spaced relationship along an outside of a virtual cylinder (50) with a cylinder axis (52) running parallel to main directions of extension (48). At least one transversal antenna member (54) electromagnetically is coupled to at least one rung (42, 44) of the plurality of rungs (42, 44). The at least one transversal antenna member (54) is arranged within a plane substantially perpendicular to the main directions of extension (48) of the plurality of rungs (42, 44). At least one RF circuit (62, 64, 66) is provided for each rung (42, 44) of the plurality of rungs (42, 44) for mutual decoupling and for individually feeding RF power into the at least one transversal antenna member (54).
US09983278B2	Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus According to one embodiment, an MRI apparatus includes a data acquisition system and a control system. The data acquisition system acquires MR signals from a subject. The control system acquires the MR signals by controlling the data acquisition system to generate image data. The data acquisition system has a WB coil, an RF coil and a breaker circuit. The WB coil applies the RF magnetic field to the imaging area. The RF coil applies the RF magnetic field to the imaging area when an RF pulse has been applied from the control system through a connector. The RF coil is set inside the WB coil. The breaker circuit electrically breaks a part of a circuit constituting the RF coil when the connector of the RF coil has been disconnected to the control system.
US09983271B2	Measurement method for measuring an external magnetic field and manufacturing method of a magnetic field sensing module A measurement method is configured to measure an external magnetic field. The measurement method includes: modifying a magnetic field distribution of the external magnetic field, so as to convert at least a portion of each of components of the external magnetic field in a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction at a plurality of different positions to the second direction, and sensing a magnitude of a magnetic field in the second direction at the different positions, so as to measure component magnitudes of the external magnetic field in the first, second and third directions.
US09983263B2	Interface circuit for scan paths providing separate multiplexer controls The disclosure describes a novel method and apparatus for allowing response data output from the scan outputs of a circuit under test to be formatted and applied as stimulus data input to the scan inputs of the circuit under test. Also the disclosure described a novel method and apparatus for allowing the response data output from the scan outputs of a circuit under test to be formatted and used as expected data to compare against the response data output from the circuit under test. Additional embodiments are also provided and described in the disclosure.
US09983261B2	Partition-able storage of test results using inactive storage elements Aspects of present disclosure relate to an integrated circuit chip (chip), a method and a computer program product of testing the chip. The method of testing the chip may include: partitioning the chip into various partitions, loading built-in self-test (BIST) test instructions into BIST engine and initializing a current partition counter, performing BIST test on current partition, transmitting test results of the current partition of the chip to an external test data storage, checking whether current partition is the last partition, incrementing current partition counter, and returning to performing BIST on a next partition when current partition is not the last partition, and exiting BIST test when current partition is the last partition. The test results may be stored in one or more inactive storage elements of the chip. The number of partitions may include: one partition, a predetermined number of partitions, and a variable number of partitions.
US09983260B2	Dual-phase interferometry for charge modulation mapping in ICS A dual-phase interferometric method and device for charge modulation mapping in integrated circuits provides significant improvement in signal to noise ratio over conventional detection configurations. The method and device can be used for failure analysis and testing of advanced technology IC chips for which high sensitivity in modulation mapping is required.
US09983259B2	Dual loop type temperature control module and electronic device testing apparatus provided with the same A dual loop type temperature control module and an electronic device testing apparatus having the same are provided. The temperature control module comprises a first loop through which a first working fluid of a first temperature flows, a second loop through which a second working fluid of a second temperature flows, a controller for controlling a first switching valve such that the first or second working fluid flows through a temperature regulating device, and a second switching valve such that the working fluid flowing through the temperature regulating device returns to the first or second loop. The temperature regulating device adjusts a thermoelectric cooling device to reach two different reference temperatures based on the rise/fall of its temperature dependent on the working fluid. The thermoelectric cooling device regulates the temperature of the tested object under a wide range of temperature difference and with accuracy based on the reference temperatures to facilitate the detection of high/low temperature.
US09983254B2	Wireless power line sensor A wireless sensor apparatus for determining and reporting the status of an electrical wire, said sensor apparatus comprising: an electrically insulated housing; a non-contact electrical energy harvesting device, said energy harvest device disposed within said housing, said energy harvesting device comprising an electric current detector and voltage detector; an electric power source, said power source operatively connected to said energy harvesting device; a microcontroller, said microcontroller operably connected to said power source; a mechanically rigid base, said base operably connected to said housing and to said at least one strain gauge, said at least one strain gauge operably connected to said power source and to said microcontroller; a wireless data transmission antenna, said wireless data transmission antenna operably connected to said power source and to said microprocessor; a visual indicator, said visual indicator operably connected to said power source and to said microcontroller.
US09983248B1	Incremental data center infrastructure commissioning Power distribution infrastructure is incrementally deployed and commissioned to enable incremental infrastructure deployment to support incremental changes in computing capacity in a data center, where interaction between infrastructure being commissioned and installed computer systems is mitigated. Power distribution system commissioning includes coupling busway stub segments to a downstream end of the power distribution system and operating load banks, coupled to each busway stub segment, to simulate the power distribution system supporting electrical power consumption by multiple sets of computer systems through the busway stub segments. A power busway, installed via coupling busway segments to a busway stub segment, is commissioned while electrically isolated from the power distribution system via coupling a load bank and secondary power distribution system to opposite ends of the busway and operating the load bank to simulate the power busway supporting electrical power consumption by a set of computer systems, via reserve power, throughout the busway length.
US09983247B1	Efficiently detecting presence of a hidden signal using frequency domain multiplication The presence of a hidden signal can be detected efficiently using frequency domain multiplication. A detector system can be employed to search for a hidden signal across a wide spectrum in real time. The detector system can divide multiple antenna inputs into a series of blocks and then convert these blocks to the frequency domain possibly in a parallel fashion. Corresponding blocks from each input can then be conjugate multiplied, and the results of this conjugate multiplication can then be averaged over time. If a signal is hidden in the inputs, this averaging will reduce the noise floor thereby revealing the presence of the hidden signal at a particular frequency.
US09983244B2	Power transformation system with characterization A power transformation system having a power stealing mode for powering a device indirectly through an electrical load connected to a power source and also has a characterization mode. The transfer of energy from the power source via the load may go undetected. The system may store energy from the load in an ultra or super capacitor. This energy may be used to power Wi-Fi and various thermostat applications, among other things, associated with HVAC and building automation and management systems. Energy from the load may be supplemented or substituted with energy from a battery and/or a buck converter. In the characterization mode, the system may obtain data relative to power usage of a load and determine a profile to identify one or more components and their operating conditions.
US09983243B2	Nonlinear system identification for object detection in a wireless power transfer system A method of detecting whether a foreign object is near a transmit coil in a wireless power transfer system (WPTS), the method involving: applying a pseudo-random signal to the transmit coil; while the pseudo-random signal is being applied to the transmit coil, recording one or more signals produced within the WPTS in response to the applied pseudo-random signal; by using the one or more recorded signals, generating a dynamic system model for some aspect of the WPTS; and using the generated dynamic system model in combination with stored training data to determine whether an object having characteristics recognizable from the stored training data as characteristic of the foreign object is near the transmit coil.
US09983233B2	Current sensor A current sensor includes a die and a shunt resistor having a first temperature coefficient and having a first node and a second node fabricated onto the die, wherein the shunt resistor is for passing the current that is to be sensed. A first compensation resistor is fabricated onto the die and is coupled to the first node of the shunt resistor, wherein the first compensation resistor is proximate the shunt resistor and has a temperature coefficient that is similar to the temperature coefficient of the shunt resistor. A second compensation resistor is fabricated onto the die and is coupled to the second node of the shunt resistor, wherein the second compensation resistor is proximate the shunt resistor and has a temperature coefficient that is the close to the temperature coefficient of the shunt resistor.
US09983232B2	Prober for testing devices in a repeat structure on a substrate A prober for testing devices in a repeat structure on a substrate is provided with a probe holder plate, probe holders mounted on the plate, and a test probe associated with each holder. Each test probe is displaceable via a manipulator connected to a probe holder, and a substrate carrier fixedly supports the substrate. Testing of devices, which are situated in a repeat structure on a substrate, in sequence without a substrate movement and avoiding individual manipulation of the test probes in relation to the contact islands on the devices, is achieved in that the probe holders are fastened on a shared probe holder plate and the probe holder plate is moved in relation to the test substrate.
US09983229B2	Test socket for testing semiconductor chip package and method of manufacturing the same A test socket is provided that includes a base material including an insulating elastic material and a conductive portion extending through the base material in a thickness direction of the base material, wherein the conductive portion includes a plurality of conductive particle structures arranged in the thickness direction of the base material, and each of the plurality of conductive particle structures includes a plurality of conductive particles having at least one insulating wire and/or at least one conductive wire extending from a surface of the conductive particle, bonded with a material having a functional group.
US09983228B2	Triaxial DC-AC connection system Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved two-cable connection system for connecting electrical test instrumentation to a device under test (DUT). In one embodiment, a single pair of equal-length triaxial cables each has a desired characteristic impedance. Each cable has a center connecter, intermediate conductor, and outer conductor. The proximal end of each cable is connected to the test instrumentation, and the distal ends are located at the DUT. At the distal end, the center conductors are connected to the DUT, the intermediate conductors are allowed to float, and the outer conductors are connected to each other. The proximal end of each cable is connected to the device using an appropriate connection for the test that will be performed. This allows the test instrumentation to perform different types of tests without changing connections to the DUT.
US09983226B2	Acceleration sensor having a reduced bias and manufacturing method for an acceleration sensor The invention relates to an acceleration sensor (400) comprising an excitation mass (420) having excitation electrodes (430), which excitation mass is movably mounted over a substrate (410) along a movement axis (x) and comprising detection electrodes (440) which are permanently connected to the substrate (410) and allocated to the excitation electrodes (430). A first group of pairings (450) of excitation electrode (430) and allocated detection electrodes (440) is suitable for deflecting the excitation mass (420) along the movement axis (x) in a first direction (460). A second group of pairings (450) of excitation electrodes (430) and allocated detection electrodes (440) is suitable for deflecting the excitation mass (420) along the movement axis (x) in a second direction (465), which is opposite the first direction (460). The number of pairings (450) in the first group is equal to the number of pairings (450) in the second group. The averaged distance between excitation electrodes (430) and detection electrodes (440) of the pairings (450) of the first group corresponds to the averaged distance between excitation electrodes (430) and detection electrodes (440) of the pairings (450) of the second group.
US09983220B2	Apparatus and method for platelet function and drug response testing based on microfluidic chip The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for testing a function and a drug response of a platelet based on a microfluidic chip. The apparatus for test comprises a measuring device containing a blood sample and measuring aggregation and adhesion of a platelet generated by flow of the blood sample; and a fluid driving device which is connected to the measuring device and generates a oscillating shear flow of the blood sample. Therefore, activation of factors such as a platelet and von Willebrand factor (vWF) etc. can be activated uniformly and completely, and a repeatability of the platelet aggregation can be increased.
US09983216B2	Biomarkers useful in liver fibrosis diagnosis Identification of urokinase-type plasminogen, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and β-2-microglobulin as novel biomarkers associated with liver fibrosis and uses thereof in diagnosing and staging liver fibrosis.
US09983215B2	Methods and compositions for diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy Methods and compositions are provided for diagnosing ectopic pregnancy in a mammalian subject by detecting changes in expression of the selected genes, gene fragments or transcripts or expression products, or changes in the expression levels of one or more of proteins or peptide fragments, identified in Table 2 and FIGS. 8 and 9 herein. A selected gene, gene transcript or protein/peptide expression product, or profiles or signatures formed by combinations of same, detected in a biological fluid, preferably sera, of a subject, enables comparison of the corresponding genes, proteins or profiles from that of a reference or control having a normal intrauterine pregnancy. Detection of characteristic changes in the gene profile or protein expression signature of the subject is correlated with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Various compositions for use in such diagnosis include PCR primer-probe sets or ligands, labeled or immobilized, which are capable of detecting the changes in expression or translation of these targets.
US09983214B2	Method for evaluating articular joint therapeutics The invention provides a method for determining the efficacy of compositions used to treat articular joint conditions in mammals. The method includes measuring the change in levels of one or more cartilage degradation biomarkers in a mammal from before exercise and after exercise, then administering a composition used to treat articular joint conditions to the mammal, and measuring the change in levels of one or more cartilage degradation biomarkers in the mammal from before exercise and after exercise.
US09983212B2	In vitro method for the early detection of a potential inflammation, in particular associated with rejection of a transplant, a neurodegenerative disorder or a depression An in vitro method for the early detection of a potential inflammation, in particular a rejection of a transplant is disclosed, wherein the level of kynurenine in saliva is determined. The test method can be easily performed and allows the early detection of potential problems.
US09983210B2	Salivary mRNA profiling, biomarkers and related methods and kits of parts A method to detect a biomarker in saliva wherein the biomarker is an extracellular mRNA, comprises detecting the extracellular mRNA in the cell-free saliva; transcriptome analysis of saliva comprises detecting a transcriptome pattern in the cell-free saliva; a method to detect genetic alterations in an organ or in a gene in the organ by analyzing saliva, comprises detecting a transcriptome pattern and/or the mRNA profiling of the gene in cell-free saliva; a method to diagnose an oral or systemic pathology disease or disorder in a subject, comprises: detecting profile of a biomarker associated with the pathology disease or disorder, in particular mRNA and/or protein, in cell-free saliva and/or serum; kits comprising identifier for at least one biomarker for performing at least one of the methods; and use of salivary biomarker salivary and/or serum mRNAs as biomarkers for oral and/or systemic pathology, disease or disorder.
US09983209B2	Method of diagnosing, treating and determining progression and survival of cancer cells using BCL-2 antagonist of cell death (BAD) pathway gene signature The present invention relates to the BAD pathway's influence on development, progression, chemo-sensitivity, and overall survival for multiple human cancers and its potential as a therapeutic target to increase chemo-sensitivity. BAD pathway expression was associated with the development and/or progression of breast, colon, and endometrial cancers, relapse-free survival from breast cancer, and overall survival from ovarian, colon, and brain cancers. Expression was also associated with in vitro sensitivity to a range of cytotoxic agents. pBAD levels were higher in cancer versus immortalized normal cells and chemo-resistant versus—sensitive cancer cells and associated with increased cell proliferation.
US09983208B2	Composition for diagnosing pancreatic cancer and method for diagnosing pancreatic cancer using the same The present invention relates to: a composition for diagnosing pancreatic cancer, containing a preparation for measuring the expression level of a protein or a gene thereof, and capable of being used for determining whether there is a risk of pancreatic cancer; a kit; and a method for diagnosing pancreatic cancer by using the same. The present invention can significantly predict or identify the risk of pancreatic cancer or a precancerous lesion of pancreatic cancer, the early diagnosis thereof and the extent of diseases thereof by providing a diagnostic marker of pancreatic cancer, and can be utilized in the research of pancreatic cancer oncogenesis. In addition, the diagnostic method of the present invention can provide simple and early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer from the blood and the like in a non-invasive manner.
US09983204B2	Microarray having a base cleavable linker There is disclosed a microarray having base cleavable linkers and a process of making the microarray. The microarray has a solid surface with known locations, each having reactive hydroxyl groups. The density of the known locations is greater than approximately 100 locations per square centimeter. Optionally, oligomers are synthesized in situ onto the cleavable linkers and subsequently cleaved using a cleaving base. Optionally, the oligomers are cleaved and recovered as a pool of oligomers.
US09983198B2	Systems and methods for assessing data collected from an electrically active cell culture Disclosed herein are systems and methods for assessing electrically active cell cultures. Optionally, the data can be collected using a microelectrode array (MEA). For example, electrically active cells, such as cardiomyocytes, are cultured such that they are in electrical communication with at least a portion of the electrodes of a well of the MEA. The assessments derived from the disclosed methods may be used to reduce the effects of confounding variables in data obtained from an electrically active cell culture. The methods may also be used to determine a quantitative measure of arrhythmia burden. The methods may also be used to decide if a particular culture or set of data is suitable for inclusion in scientific and characterization studies. Also disclosed is a method of finding the global conduction velocity of an electrically active cell culture.
US09983197B2	Low-cost portable microfluidic system for cell migration Low-cost and portable microfluidic systems are needed for cell migration research and Point of Care (POC) testing. This study introduces a low-cost and portable USB Microscope Microfluidic Chemotaxis Analysis System (UMCAS) for rapid analysis of cell chemotaxis studies. A standalone microfluidic gradient generator is also developed for rapid generation of chemical gradient in microfluidic device without need of any peripheral perfusion apparatus. A smart phone based application program was developed for the real-time remote monitoring of the migration data. This system is validated by observing the neutrophil migration in three different conditions: 1) medium control, 2) uniform IL-8 control, and 3) IL-8 gradient. The results show that neutrophils exhibit random migration in both medium and uniform IL-8 control experiments, while they show strong directional migration to the IL-8 gradient. These results successfully validated the developed UMCAS system.
US09983196B2	Compositions and methods for optimizing drug hydrophobicity and drug delivery to cells Methods to determine drug hydrophobicity and to quantify changes in drug hydrophobicity that optimize drug function by means of differential scanning calorimetry of an endothermic phase transition of a base protein-based polymer, specifically of an elastic-contractile model protein, to which is attached the drug to be evaluated for its hydrophobicity in terms of the change in Gibbs free energy for hydrophobic association, ΔGHA have been developed. Also described herein is the preparation of nanoparticles comprised of protein-based polymers, specifically of elastic-contractile model proteins, designed for the binding and desired release rate of a specific drug or class of drugs. Further described herein is a means of targeting the drug-laden nanoparticle to a cell by means of decorating the nanoparticle surface with a molecular entity that selectively binds to the diseased cell or disease causing organism, e.g., by decorating the drug-laden nanoparticle surface with synthetic antigen-binding fragment to an up-regulated receptor characteristic of the diseased cell.
US09983194B2	Cancer diagnostics, therapeutics, and drug discovery associated with macropinocytosis The present invention is directed to methods of inhibiting both proliferation and survival of cancer cells and for treating a subject having cancer. The present invention is further directed to methods of diagnosing cancer in a subject and identifying cancer therapeutics.
US09983193B2	Positioning mechanism A drive system for aligning a detection zone of a cartridge with an image capture device is provided. The drive system can include a first motor configured for the purpose of spinning the cartridge to drive centrifugal flow of a liquid in the cartridge. The drive system can further include a second motor coupled to a cartridge-aligning member, configured for the purpose of aligning the detection zone with the image capture device. Advantageously, each motor can be adapted for its specific purpose.
US09983190B2	Nanofluidic channels with gradual depth change for reducing entropic barrier of biopolymers A device for passing a biopolymer molecule includes a nanochannel formed between a surface relief structure, a patterned layer forming sidewalls of the nanochannel and a sealing layer formed over the patterned layer to encapsulate the nanochannel. The surface relief structure includes a three-dimensionally rounded surface that reduces a channel dimension of the nanochannel at a portion of nanochannel and gradually increases the dimension along the nanochannel toward an opening position, which is configured to receive a biopolymer.
US09983187B2	Method for extracting precursor acids from calcium naphthenate deposits The present invention is a system for the extraction and quantification of tetraprotic naphthenic acids present in oils, precursors of the formation of calcium naphthenates, which are potential formers of deposits, causing of damage to pieces of equipment used in the oil production industry.
US09983184B2	Using fluorescence measurements for characterizing protein gel-firming processes The present invention relates to a method of predicting the cutting-time of coagulating milk based upon time parameters generated from fluorescence measurements. The method includes the steps of (a) measuring a change in the fluorescence response of coagulating milk, (b) generating time parameters from the fluorescence response, and (c) using time parameters and a cutting time prediction equation to predict cutting time. Additionally, an additional method is provided for determining a cutting time prediction equation by regression analysis.
US09983180B2	Mass spectrometry method, chromatograph mass spectrometer, and program for mass spectrometry A mass spectrometry method includes: creating a plurality of measurement conditions corresponding to all combinations of precursor-ion candidates generated from the target compound and collision-energy-value candidates; performing a product-ion scan measurement using each of the plurality of measurement conditions and performing a plurality of reference measurements for detecting a predetermined kind of ion generated from the target compound under the same condition, within an introduction time during which the target compound is introduced; creating a peak function, which is a function representing a change in the amount of introduction of the target compound into the mass spectrometer within the introduction time, based on the result of the reference measurement; creating a normalization function for normalizing the amount of introduction of the target compound within the introduction time, based on the peak function; and normalizing the intensity of product-ion spectra obtained by the product-ion scan measurements performed for all combinations.
US09983177B2	Autosampler and liquid chromatograph An autosampler according to an embodiment includes a sampling channel including a movable needle at a tip, and a switching valve, including a plurality of ports, for switching the connection state between the ports by switching the position of a rotor by rotating the rotor. The rotor of the switching valve includes an injecting position in which a delivery port and a sampling port are communicated and an injection port and an analysis port are communicated, a purging position in which the delivery port and the sampling port are communicated and the injection port and a drain port are communicated, and a loading position in which the delivery port and the analysis port are communicated.
US09983176B2	Two dimensional ultrasound transducer arrays operable with different ultrasound systems A matrix array transducer probe has a two dimensional array of transducer elements coupled to adjustable delays for each element. A controllable switch matrix combines a plurality of differently delayed element signals to form a patch signal and produces a plurality of patch signals in this manner. The switch matrix determines the patch configuration in consideration of the number of channels of a system beamformer which completes the beamformation, and the element delays are set in consideration of the configuration of the elements to be used in each patch. Patch signal formation may be done in two stages, including a stage which includes a hard-wired signal combiner. The matrix array probe can be operated with differently sized system beamformers or the same transducer stack used in different probes configured for specific beamformer configurations.
US09983175B2	Apparatus and methods for testing of acoustic devices and systems Methods and devices are disclosed for testing an acoustic probe having transducing elements for converting between acoustic and electrical signals. An electrical signal is generated at a frequency with a testing device capable of generating electrical signals over a range of frequencies. The electrical signal is transmitted to at least some of the transducing elements to measure a complex impedance and thereby evaluate a performance of the transducing elements.
US09983174B2	Method and system to verify the calibration of a system for non-destructive testing A method and assembly for verification of the calibration of a system for non-destructive testing of pieces. The assembly includes an ultrasound probe, a perfect reflector having reference defects, and recording and data processing units. The ultrasound probe scans the perfect reflector and ultrasonic reflections from the reflector are measured by the non-destructive testing system, a recording unit records the measurements, and a data processing unit forms a virtual map of the perfect reflector based on the amplitude and time of flight of the reflections and based on predetermined characteristics of the material of the reflector.
US09983173B2	Method and device for multi-sensor electromagnetic defectoscopy of well casings A group of inventions related to geophysical well logging, in particular to magnetic imaging defectoscopy of well casings including magnetized ones, that can be used to identify and classify defects in production and intermediate casing and tubing strings in oil and gas wells. An electromagnetic multi-sensor defectoscope for surveying casing pipes containing a source of the electromagnetic field in the form of a central exciter coil designed to transmit current pulses from a current pulse generator, a system of measuring elements placed on bow springs to be forced against the inner surface of a casing pipe, and a unit for signal recording, control and data processing connected to the system of measuring elements through communication lines. A method of multi-sensor electromagnetic defectoscopy for surveying casing pipes.
US09983171B2	Aerospace transparency having moisture sensors A transparency, e.g. an aircraft laminated windshield, includes one or more moisture sensors to monitor moisture penetration to monitor performance of the moisture barrier. At least one of the moisture sensors includes a dielectric between and in electrical contact with two electrically conductive electrodes. Alternating electrical current is applied to the electrodes to measure the complex impedance (ohms) of the dielectric to determine the amount of moisture within the laminated windshield in the area of the moisture sensor. With the information provided by the moisture sensors performance of the windshield is available to schedule timely repair or replacement of the windshield that is performing outside of acceptable limits.
US09983164B1	Mobile electrochemical air quality meter An electrochemical sensor assembly is disclosed. In some implementations, the electrochemical sensor assembly comprises at least one electrochemical sensor/cell including a substrate with a cavity formed on a first side of the substrate, an ionic conductor is disposed within the cavity, and a lid assembly positioned over the cavity. The lid assembly may include a plurality of electrodes and a gas permeable region positioned over the plurality of electrodes, where the plurality of electrodes include a working electrode configured to react a molecular species when the molecular species is received through the gas permeable region. The lid assembly may be sealed to the substrate with a bonding layer disposed between the lid assembly and the substrate. The bonding layer may be curable with light or thermally curable at a suitably low temperature to avoid thermal damage to the ionic conductor.
US09983163B2	Integrated electro-analytical biosensor array A biosensor pixel for measuring current that flows through the electrode surface in response to electrochemical interactions and a biosensor array architecture that includes such biosensor pixels. The biosensor pixel includes an electrode transducer configured to measure a current generated by electrochemical interactions occurring at a recognition layer placed directly on top of it in response to an electrical voltage placed across an electrode transducer-electrolyte interface. The biosensor pixel further includes a trans-impedance amplifier connected to the electrode transducer, where the trans-impedance amplifier is configured to convert the current into a voltage signal as the electrochemical interactions occur. Additionally, the biosensor pixel includes a 1-bit comparator coupled to the trans-impedance amplifier and a 1-bit digital-to-analog converter coupled to the 1-bit comparator, where the 1-bit digital-to-analog converter injects different levels of charge into an input of the trans-impedance amplifier at each cycle based on an output of the 1-bit comparator.
US09983159B2	Detecting delamination in a composite component A method of detecting delamination of a composite component, the composite component having a plurality of plies and a plurality of z-pins extending through the composite component in a direction transverse to the plies. The method includes measuring one or more material properties of one or more of the z-pins. The measured material properties are compared to reference material properties. An estimation of whether delamination has occurred is performed based upon the comparison of the measured material properties and the reference material properties.
US09983156B2	Infrared radiometric imaging inspection of steel parts One example of a method includes heating a ground steel part that has been chemical-etched. The method also includes detecting defects caused by grinding and watermarks caused by chemical etching by imaging the steel part with an infrared camera to capture infrared radiation from regions of the steel part that include defects and watermarks. Imaging the steel part can include imaging regions of the steel part at long-wavelengths of infrared radiation to detect defects on the regions of the steel part and generating a first image wherein the defects are visible in the image and the watermarks are not visible in the image.
US09983155B2	Method and apparatus for generating thermal melting curves in a microfluidic device The present invention provides novel methods and devices that employ microfluidic technology to generate molecular melt curves. In particular, the devices and methods in accordance with the invention are useful in providing for the analysis of PCR amplification products.
US09983153B2	System and method for real time on-stream analysis of oil sands composition A method for real time on-stream analysis of oil sands composition is disclosed comprising the steps of detecting a moisture content of an oil sands stream using a microwave transmission analyzer, detecting an elemental composition of the oil sands stream using a prompt gamma neutron activation analyzer and calculating a content of hydrocarbons, clays and sands in the oil sands stream. The total clay amount in the oil sands stream is based on the detected gamma spectra of several elemental components of the oil sands stream, such as sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron.
US09983149B2	Bore testing device A testing device for testing an inner surface of a rotationally symmetrical cavity in a workpiece has a measuring head which defines an axial direction, and on which an optical system is situated. The optical system is in image transmission connection with an image recorder and a downstream evaluation apparatus. The testing device also has an illumination arrangement for illuminating an imaging area of the inner surface which is detected by the optical system. The illumination arrangement is designed and configured for illuminating the inner surface which is detected by the optical system. The illumination arrangement can illuminate the inner surface to be tested from different illumination directions in order to generate shadow images of the topography of the inner surface. The evaluation apparatus is designed and configured for determining the topography based on the shadow images recorded by the image recorder.
US09983145B1	Test probe card detection method and system thereof A test probe card detection system includes a linear scanning lens module, a CCD microscope module, a CCD image adjustment module, and a computer. The CCD microscope module adjusts and confirms a scanning optical focal length of a test probe card to be tested. The linear scanning lens module scans all areas data of the test probe card and stores the scanned all areas data in a database. The all areas data is compared with a coordinate file in order to detect defected pins of the test probe card. The CCD microscope module confirms and obtains data of the detected defected pins of the test probe card. The data of the detected defected pins is sent to the CCD image adjustment module and are shown on the computer. The defected pins include pins having surface oxidation, wear, damage, and breaking; lacking of pins; and deflected pins.
US09983141B2	Gas sensor, refrigerator having the gas sensor and method of controlling the refrigerator A gas sensor configured to be discolored in response to a pH change upon reaction with a target gas, a refrigerator including the gas sensor, and a method of controlling the refrigerator includes a hydrogel support discolored through reaction with the target gas, and the hydrogel support includes dye provided to be discolored in response to a pH change upon reaction with the target gas.
US09983140B2	Method and device for detecting an analyte in a body fluid A method for detecting at least one analyte in at least one sample of a body fluid is disclosed. Therein, at least one test element (124) is used, the at least one test element (124) having at least one test field (162) with at least one test chemistry (154) is used, wherein the test chemistry (154) is adapted to perform at least one optically detectable detection reaction in the presence of the analyte. The method comprises acquiring an image sequence of images of the test field (162) by using at least one image detector (178). Each image comprises a plurality of pixels. The method further comprises detecting at least one characteristic feature of the test field (162) in the images of the image sequence. The method further comprises correcting a relative position change between the image detector (178) and the test field (162) in the image sequence by using the characteristic feature, thereby obtaining a sequence of corrected images.
US09983137B2	Safety protection device and Raman spectroscopy detection system for Raman spectroscopy detection Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a safety protection device for Raman spectroscopy detection and a Raman spectroscopy detection system including the safety protection device. The safety protection device includes: a detection cavity including a cavity body, the cavity body having an opening end through which a sample to be detected is allowed to be placed into the detection cavity; and a cover configured to cover and engage the opening end so as to form, together with the detection cavity, an explosion proof container defining a space for receiving the sample to be detected, the detection cavity further includes a detection opening formed in the cavity body such that a Raman detection probe is allowed to be inserted into the space through the detection opening so as to detect the sample.
US09983133B2	Cointegration of optical waveguides, microfluidics, and electronics on sapphire substrates A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide on a sapphire substrate. The first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide each include a core portion of gallium nitride (GaN), and a cladding layer laterally surrounding the core portion. The cladding layer includes a material having a refractive index less than a refractive index of the sapphire substrate. The method further includes etching a portion of the cladding layer to form a microfluidic channel therein and forming a capping layer on a top surface of the first optical waveguide, the second optical waveguide and the microfluidic channel.
US09983132B2	Apparatus and methods for fluorescence imaging using radiofrequency-multiplexed excitation Apparatus and methods for fluorescence imaging using radiofrequency multiplexed excitation. One apparatus splits an excitation laser beam into two arms of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The light in the first beam is frequency shifted by an acousto-optic deflector, which is driven by a phase-engineered radiofrequency comb designed to minimize peak-to-average power ratio. This RF comb generates multiple deflected optical beams possessing a range of output angles and frequency shifts. The second beam is shifted in frequency using an acousto-optic frequency shifter. After combining at a second beam splitter, the two beams are focused to a line on the sample using a conventional laser scanning microscope lens system. The acousto-optic deflectors frequency-encode the simultaneous excitation of an entire row of pixels, which enables detection and de-multiplexing of fluorescence images using a single photomultiplier tube and digital phase-coherent signal recovery techniques.
US09983131B2	Atomic source with heater on thermal isolation die In one embodiment, a chip scale atomic sensor is provided. The chip scale atomic sensor includes a body that defines at least one sensing chamber. The body includes a thermal isolation die mounted to the body. The thermal isolation die is disposed in a location that communicates with the at least one sensing chamber. The thermal isolation die includes a substrate defining a frame portion and an isolated portion and a plurality of tethers mechanically coupling the isolated portion of the substrate to the frame portion. The thermal isolation die also includes an atomic source mounted on the isolated portion of the substrate, and a heating element mounted on the isolated portion and configured to heat the atomic source.
US09983130B2	Method and system for rapid malaria detection The invention described herein relates to a method of detecting malaria comprising the steps of: (i) delivering an evanescent IR beam through said ATR substrate in contact with a patient blood sample; (ii) detecting IR radiation transmitted from the ATR substrate to produce a signal characteristic for one or more lipids in the sample, and (iii) processing said signal and a set of reference library spectra of lipids associated with malaria parasites in order to detect matches and quantify said one or more lipids in the sample. In contrast to the prior art, the present invention relies on detecting lipids instead of hemozoin.
US09983109B2	Yield stress measurement device and related methods A yield stress measurement device and corresponding methods may use a two-capillary tube setup that measures the amount of a fluid drawn into each capillary and correlates that to the yield stress of the fluid. The devices and corresponding methods may be particularly useful for in-the-field measurements at well sites during drilling operations or other wellbore operations. An exemplary yield stress measurement apparatus may include a first capillary tube and a second capillary tube substantially perpendicular to each other, each capillary tube having two open ends and a length extending therebetween; a first and second length scale coupled to the lengths of the first and second capillary tubes, respectively; and a first fluid area and a second fluid area at one of the open ends of each of the first and second capillary tubes, respectively.
US09983108B2	Apparatus, system and method for measuring resistance of an inhaler An apparatus, a closed-loop system and method for measuring the resistance of inhalation systems and/or devices are disclosed.
US09983107B2	Self-aligning probes and related devices The field of the invention generally relates to probes, related devices and methods for measuring material properties. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a test probe for use in a reference point indentation device. The test probe has an end proximal to a tip and an end distal to the tip. The distal end of the test probe has a self-centering mate comprising a countersink of about 90 degrees to about 100 degrees to a depth of between 0.010 in. and 0.035 in.
US09983106B2	Determining rock properties A compressive load is exerted with a test apparatus across a rock sample that has a specified length-to-diameter ratio. A strain on the rock sample is measured during the compressive loading with a strain gauge. A mechanical property of the rock sample is determined based at least in part on the compressive load. An elastic property of the rock sample is determined based at least in part on the measured strain and the compressive load.
US09983100B2	Thin section preparation device A thin section preparation device includes: a cutting blade (21) which cuts out a thin section (M) from an embedding block (B); a storage tank (7) in which the thin section (M) is floated on a liquid (W) and is spread; a thin-section-conveying-mechanism (8) which conveys the thin section (M) in a direction intersecting in an X axis direction in a state where a first side of the thin section (M) is parallel with the X axis direction; a slide-glass-handling-mechanism (9) which places the thin section (M) floating in the storage tank (7) on a slide glass (G) in a state where a first side of the slide glass (G) is parallel with the X axis direction; and a rotary body (61) which is rotated in a state where the thin section (M) is placed on an outer surface and conveys the thin section (M) toward the slide-glass-handling-mechanism (9).
US09983093B2	Assessing the road quality of one or more road segments in a road network A road quality of one or more road segments in a road network may be assessed. Motion data may be obtained via a plurality of mobile devices associated with a plurality of vehicles traveling in the road network. The road network may include a plurality of road segments. The obtained motion data may be analyzed. The analyzing may include normalizing the obtained motion data. The road quality of one or more of the plurality of road segments in the road network may be determined based on the analyzing.
US09983092B2	Method and apparatus for detecting, identifying and locating anomalous events within a pressurized pipe network Pipeline networks are ubiquitous for transporting fluids. Failure modes may result in a wide spectrum of negative effects ranging from energy loss to revenue loss to catastrophic failure with loss of life. The present invention introduces innovative technology to detect, identify and locate events representing failure modes and/or precursors to failure modes within a pipeline network. The present invention addresses the issues with the prior art based on the following innovations—exploiting the signal processing enabled by detecting a passive acoustic signal in conjunction with both an active reflected acoustic signal and an active transmitted acoustic signal within a pipeline segment. These measurements can be aggregated to reduce the effects of ambient noise and improve the invention's ability to detect, identify and locate anomalous events representing failure modes and/or precursors to failure modes within a pipeline network.
US09983091B2	System and method for identifying a leak A method for identifying a leak in a pressure system. The method includes receiving, from a pressure sensor, pressure data of a fluid contained in the pressure system, determining a slope and curvature of the pressure data, determining a ratio of the curvature to the slope of the pressure data, and monitoring the ratio over a period of time. The method also includes, as a result of a non-constant component of the ratio exceeding a predetermined threshold, generating an indication that a leak may be present in the pressure system, or as a result of the ratio including no non-constant component or a non-constant component below the predetermined threshold, generating an indication that no leak is present in the pressure system.
US09983078B2	Methods and apparatus for analyzing effects of friction on process control devices Methods and apparatus for analyzing effects of friction on process control devices are disclosed herein. An example method includes determining, by executing an instruction with at least one processor, a first value corresponding to friction associated with at least one of an actuator or a process control device to be operated by the actuator; determining a second value indicative of an effect of the friction on operation of the process control device via the actuator based on the first value corresponding to the friction and a first threshold value; and changing a force input to move a plug of the process control device 1) a distance or 2) a distance within a time period when the second value satisfies a second threshold value.
US09983077B2	Capacitive force sensor with diaphragm body having an extending free end forming a cantilever portion A capacitive force sensor includes a base body, a diaphragm body, two spacers arranged between the base body and the diaphragm body, the two spacers supporting the diaphragm body on the base body, a free end formed by the diaphragm body projecting beyond one of the two spacers, a cavity formed between the diaphragm body and the base body in a region between the two spacers so that the diaphragm body bends when a force acts on the diaphragm body in the region between the two spacers, a first electrode arranged at the free end, a second electrode arranged on the base body, and an electrical contact device which makes an electrical contact with the first and second electrode. The first and second electrode define a precision capacitance meter with a measuring capacitance which changes with an action of the force.
US09983073B2	Solid borne sound wave phase delay comparison A mechanical force measurement system is for measuring a force onto an object. The measurement system includes a sound wave generator which is adapted to generate a solid borne sound wave signal within the object. The system further includes a first sound wave receiver which receives a first solid borne sound wave signal based on the solid borne sound wave signal generated within the object by the sound wave generator. In order to compare a phase of the generated solid borne sound wave signal and a phase of the first received solid borne sound wave signal, and to generate a comparison signal based thereon. The system also includes a comparator unit. An evaluation unit of the system determines the mechanical force based on a data base and the comparison signal. The data base has stored a relation of a mechanical force and a comparison.
US09983072B2	Strain measurement sensor capable of indicating strain with color emission and method of manufacturing the same A strain sensor with color emission indicating a strain is disclosed. The strain sensor can include a piezoresistive layer having a first portion of a polymer matrix body and conductive fillers dispersed in the first portion of the polymer matrix body, a mechano-luminescent layer having a second portion, which is disposed on the first portion, of the polymer matrix body, green emissive particles, and red emissive particles, the green and red emissive particles being dispersed in the second portion of the polymer matrix body, and a first and second electrodes spaced apart from each other and directly connected to the piezoresistive layer.
US09983066B1	System and method for high sensitivity spectrometer with high time resolution A system for high sensitivity, high time resolution detection of an arbitrary spontaneous emission is disclosed. The system may use a local oscillator (LO) for generating an LO input optical signal, and an linear optical mixer for receiving and mixing the input optical signal and an arbitrary spontaneous emission. The 2D detector generates a first component output and a second component. A subsystem receives the component outputs and produces first and second dispersed spectrum output signals. At least a first ultra-high speed camera is used for imaging one of the first or second dispersed spectrum output signals.
US09983064B2	Apparatus and methods for measuring mode spectra for ion-exchanged glasses having steep index region Apparatus and methods for measuring mode spectra for ion-exchanged glass substrates having a steep index region are disclosed. An interfacing fluid is provided between the coupling prism and the glass substrate. The interfacing fluid thickness is selected so that the variation in modal birefringence with fluid thickness is reduced to an acceptable level. The coupling prism can include a prism coating on the coupling surface so that the substrate-prism interface includes the prism coating. The coupling prism can also include stand-off members that serve to define the thickness of the interfacing fluid.
US09983062B2	Photoelectric conversion element and wavelength sensor A photoelectric conversion element is realized in which the movement direction of electrons in the element changes according to the wavelength of light to be converted. A photoelectric conversion unit includes an active layer on which light to be converted is incident, an intermediate layer that is arranged on the active layer on a side opposite to the side on which the light to be converted is incident, and a reflection layer that is arranged so as to oppose the active layer with the intermediate layer interposed therebetween. The active layer includes a plasmonic material, which is a material in which plasmon resonance occurs due to a reciprocal action with the light to be converted. The intermediate layer has both a semiconductor property and transparency with respect to the light to be converted. The reflection layer has reflectivity with respect to the light to be converted.
US09983060B1	Calibration of a spectral analysis module An apparatus includes a material having an optical transition profile with a known energy transition; and a detector configured to detect a characteristic associated with the interaction between the material and the testing light beam. The testing light beam is either a primary light beam produced by an optical source or a calibration light beam. The apparatus also includes a spectral analysis module placed in a path of the primary light beam; and a control system connected to the detector and to the spectral detection system. The control system is configured to determine a reference spectral profile of the primary light beam based on the detected characteristic; compare the reference spectral profile of the primary light beam with a sensed spectral profile of the primary light beam output from the spectral detection system; and based on this comparison, adjust a scale of the spectral detection system.
US09983058B2	Tunable near-infrared emitters and methods The present invention relates to near-infrared quantum emitters, and in particular carbon nanostructures with chemically incorporated fluorescent defects, and methods of synthesizing near-infrared emitting nanostructures.
US09983054B2	Ultraviolet light sensing circuit and sensing system An ultraviolet light sensing circuit and sensing system. The ultraviolet light sensing circuit comprises a modulation unit and a phase delay unit, wherein the modulation unit comprises a first stage of inverter which is used for sensing ultraviolet light and is used as a voltage feedback modulation stage; and the phase delay unit comprises N stages of inverters which are connected in sequence, where N is an even number which is greater than or equal to 2. The modulation unit is connected to the phase delay unit in sequence, and the output voltage of the phase delay unit is fed to the modulation unit; and the modulation unit is modulated by a control signal which is a pulse signal. The ultraviolet light sensing circuit and sensing system can be used for ultraviolet light information communications. The ultraviolet light sensing circuit can sense ultraviolet light signals and output amplitude modulation wave signals.
US09983053B2	Optical sensor device An optical sensor device includes a light emitter for emitting, to a living body, lights having two wavelengths and blinking at a predetermined frequency, and a light receiver for receiving the lights from the living body. The light receiver outputs first and second detection signals corresponding to the respective wavelengths. A filter circuit extracts, from the first and second detection signals, modulation signals that are obtained with amplitude modulation of signals of the predetermined frequency. The modulation signals are amplified by a post-amplifier and are taken into an arithmetic processing unit after being converted to digital signals by an AD converter. The arithmetic processing unit calculates DC components and AC components of the first and second detection signals by employing the modulation signals converted the digital signals.
US09983051B2	Fastening structure for brittle-fracturable panel, and method for fastening light transmission window panel comprising brittle-fracturable panel employing same A fastening structure of a brittle-fracturable panel material includes a first fastening flange, a second fastening flange, and a light transmission window panel made of a brittle-fracturable panel material, wherein the light transmission window panel is nipped between the first fastening flange and the second fastening flange, and both fastening flanges are air-tightly fitted and fastened.
US09983048B1	System and method for measuring grain cart weight A system of detecting loading and unloading of mobile containers such as grain carts utilizes two low pass filters to determine whether the contents of the container are changing by subtracting one filter signal from the other, and using the sign of the difference. Weighing performance is improved by utilizing accelerometers to compensate for measurement dynamics and non-level orientation. Failure and degradation of weight sensors is detected by testing sensor half bridges. Loading and unloading weights can be tied to specific vehicles by utilizing RF beacons.
US09983047B2	Apparatuses and methods for monitoring stall of motors A system and method for monitoring a level of material in a storage bin, including a gear train, a gear train shaft rotatably coupled to the gear train, a drive shaft, a coupling system to couple the gear train shaft to the drive shaft, a paddle coupled to the drive shaft to rotate in unison therewith, the paddle configured to engage a material in the storage bin when the level of material reaches a threshold level, and a stepper motor. A controller may be communicatively coupled to the stepper motor wherein the controller is configured to monitor the running state and the stall state of the stepper motor.
US09983044B2	Method for diagnosing a torque impulse generator A method for diagnosing a torque impulse generator which includes a rotational input portion, a torque output portion, an oil reservoir and a torque generating arrangement converting rotation of the input portion to torque impulses at the torque output portion, the method includes: detecting an acoustic signal from the torque impulse generator while generating torque impulses, extracting the frequency of torque impulses from the acoustic signal, and diagnosing the torque impulse generator based on the frequency of torque impulses, to indicate the level of oil in the oil reservoir.
US09983042B2	Apparatus for detecting liquid level An embodiment of the invention provides a liquid-level sensor to detect liquid-level information of a liquid to be tested in a container. The sensor includes an electrode, a sensing circuit, an amplifier and a controller. The electrode is disposed on the outer surface of the container, comprising a first electrode and a second electrode. The sensing circuit is coupled to a first electrode and a second electrode, and receives a clock signal to generate a first voltage signal and a second voltage signal. The amplifier receives the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal to output an output voltage. The controller acquires liquid-level information of the liquid to be tested according to the output voltage and a voltage-volume table.
US09983041B1	Automated distribution uniformity measurements and farming prescriptions using aerial imagery and pump energy data Described are apparatus and methods that automatically generate recommendations to growers. Using various different sets of data relative to a predetermined tract of agricultural land, typically including both imagery as well as electrical usage, they are processed together to make informed decisions regarding the state of the land, particularly with respect to water usage.
US09983037B2	Fluid sensor with a fluid conduit region of composite material including polymer matrix material and reinforcing elements A fluid sensor comprises a fluid conduit having a wall defining a fluid flow path and an acoustic transducer located externally of the fluid flow path. The wall of the fluid conduit comprises a composite region between the acoustic transducer and the fluid flow path, the composite region comprising a composite material including a polymer matrix material and one or more reinforcing elements embedded within the polymer matrix material. Such a fluid sensor may be used for sensing a property of a fluid and, in particular though not exclusively for sensing a property of a fluid produced from or injected into an oil or gas well.
US09983026B2	Multi-level rotational resolvers using inductive sensors A rotational resolver system and method includes a rotational shaft to which at least one eccentric conductive coarse resolution disc is fixed and to which at least one conductive fine resolution disc is also fixed. The fine resolution disc defines a plurality of generally semicircular protruding edge segments. At least one conductive coarse-disc sensing coil is disposed adjacent an edge of the coarse resolution disc, and at least one conductive fine-disc sensing coil is disposed adjacent the edge of the fine resolution disc. These coils may be oriented for axial sensing of the respective disc.
US09983025B2	Motion sensor A motion sensor constituted of: a housing; a rotating member secured to the housing and arranged to rotate about a rotation axis of the rotating member responsive to motion of the housing across a surface; at least one bipolar magnet secured to the rotating member so as to rotate about the rotation axis of the rotating member with the rotation of the rotating member; and a transducer secured to the housing and juxtaposed with the rotating member, the transducer arranged to vary its output voltage in response to changes in magnetic field caused by the rotation of the at least one bipolar magnet.
US09983024B2	Determining a load meter installation location in an energy generation system Certain embodiments include receiving load data from an energy generation (EG) system, where the load data is provided by a load meter, and where the load data corresponds to a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period may be during peak daylight hours (e.g., between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M). The method includes receiving EG data from the EG system, where the EG data corresponds to EG generation by an EG circuit over the predetermined time period, and determining if an inverse relationship exists between the load data and EG data. The method includes determining that the load meter is installed upstream from the EG circuit if an inverse relationship between the load data and EG data exists, and determining that the load mater is installed downstream from the EG circuit if an inverse relationship between the load data and EG data does not exist.
US09983020B2	Vehicle operation device and method A vehicle operation device is used in an autonomous vehicle autonomously controlled to drive along a determined driving route, and includes: a destination setting circuit configured to set a destination to a wide area for determining the driving route; a route setting circuit configured to allot a provisional destination on the boundary of the area of the destination according to route search conditions including a current position and the destination, so as to determine the driving route passing through the provisional destination; and a presenting circuit configured to provide a user with a task indicated by an item operated by the user while the autonomous vehicle is moving along the driving route toward the provisional destination, so that the task is executed in the area of the destination after reaching the provisional destination.
US09983017B2	Route calculating method, route acquisition method or terminal for same According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is disclosed for calculating the route of a journey (trip) identified by an origin and a destination using traffic information on a terminal, wherein the method comprises the steps of: receiving updated traffic information relating to a first route, while the terminal or a moving object on which the terminal is mounted is running on the first route; calculating a second route by using the updated traffic information; and transmitting, to a server, an entire route or a partial route of the calculated second route. Here, the calculated second route is compared with the first route, information about a partial route comprising one or more changed segment sequences is transmitted to the server, the segment sequence comprises one or more continuous segments, and the information relating to the partial route can comprise first segment information and final segment information about the segment sequence of the first route that will be substituted by respective segment sequences comprised in the partial route.
US09983012B2	Crowd sourced mapping with robust structural features A location and mapping service is described that creates a global database of indoor navigation maps through crowd-sourcing and data fusion technologies. The navigation maps consist of a database of geo-referenced, uniquely described features in the multi-dimensional sensor space (e.g., including structural, RF, magnetic, image, acoustic, or other data) that are collected automatically as a tracked mobile device is moved through a building (e.g. a person with a mobile phone or a robot). The feature information can be used to create building models as one or more tracked devices traverse a building.
US09983010B2	Device, program, recording medium and method for facilitating management of schedule of voyage In connection with a voyage in which a ship visits several ports on a sailing route, when a user inputs a berthing period at each port on the sailing route on a screen in a computer for managing voyage information displayed by a terminal device, the terminal device specifies, with regard to each sectional sailing route between two neighboring ports on the sailing route, fuel consumption rate when the ship sails on the sectional sailing route based on a sailing speed determined by the input berthing periods and parameters of maritime weather conditions under which the ship sails on the sectional sailing route. The terminal device calculates fuel consumption required for sailing on each sectional sailing route and total fuel consumption required for sailing the entire sailing route using the specified fuel consumption rates.
US09983009B2	Device and method for calculating estimated navigation performance prediction A method is provided for calculating the estimated navigation performance prediction for a trajectory associated with a list of segments of a flight plan. A method for displaying the navigation performance in a corridor trajectory so as to guarantee compliance with the navigation performance requirements while offering immediate viewing of the navigation latitude in a corridor is also provided.
US09983006B2	Fiber optic system and method for reducing bias errors in such a fiber optic system The bias error in a fiber optic system comprising a fiber optic gyroscope can be determined by determining of at least two different values for rotation rate by an evaluation unit of the fiber optic gyroscope for almost constant rotation rate applied to the fiber optic gyroscope and/or can be reduced by a linear combination of the at least two different values for the rotation rate. A fiber optic system that is suitable for carrying out this method comprises besides the fiber optic gyroscope a control device that is configured to control at least one element of the fiber optic gyroscope such that at least two different values for the rotation rate are determined by the evaluation unit of the fiber optic gyroscope for almost constant rotation rate applied to the fiber optic gyroscope.
US09983004B2	Temperature characteristic correction device, temperature characteristic correction formula determination method, electronic apparatus, and control circuit A temperature characteristic correction device corrects a temperature characteristic of an electronic device. The temperature characteristic correction device calculates a peak correction characteristic approximating a peak waveform having a peak value in a second range included in a first range of the temperature characteristic using a first formula, and a correction characteristic approximating a waveform continuing in the first range of the temperature characteristic using a second formula. The temperature characteristic correction device calculates a total correction amount from the peak correction characteristic and the correction characteristic, and then corrects the temperature characteristic using the total correction amount.
US09983001B2	Shape analysis method and shape analysis program A shape analysis method for analyzing shape data acquired by measuring a contour shape of a workpiece to be measured, includes: deciding a geometric element used in shape analysis; deciding one data point to be included in an evaluation range; applying the geometric element to an interval including the one data point; searching the widest interval for satisfying a threshold condition of a preset shape tolerance while changing a width of the interval; pinpointing two boundary points between which the interval found by the search is sandwiched; obtaining two edge points at which the two boundary points are respectively shifted by preset shift amounts; setting a range sandwiched between the edge points in the evaluation range; and targeting the shape data within the evaluation range for calculation of geometric properties.
US09982998B2	Rolling virtual wheel spindle calibration A vehicle wheel alignment system and method is provided for performing a rolling wheel axis of rotation and wheel spindle point calculation every time an alignment is performed. Embodiments include an aligner having a target fixedly attachable to a wheel of the vehicle; a camera for viewing the target and capturing image data of the target; and a data processor. The data processor receives the image data from the camera, and determines a vector pointing from the target origin to a wheel spindle point based on the captured target image data, when the vehicle is rolled while the wheel is on a substantially flat surface such that the wheel and target rotate a number of degrees. The data processor is further adapted to calculate an alignment parameter for the vehicle based at least in part on the wheel axis of rotation and the coordinates of the wheel spindle point.
US09982994B2	Optical measuring method and measuring device having a measuring head for capturing a surface topography by calibrating the orientation of the measuring head The invention relates to an optical measuring process for acquiring a surface topography of a measurement object. To this end, a measuring device with a measuring head in a measuring head guide device is provided for chromatic confocal acquisition of the surface topography or for spectral interferometric OCT acquisition of the distance to the surface topography. Firstly, spectrally broadband light of a light source from a fibre array with i fibres of i measurement spots is directed onto the measurement object via a common measuring head optic, with formation of a spot array of i measurement spots. i reflection spectra of the i measurement channels are then acquired and digitized. Finally, the digitized reflection spectra are evaluated with removal of time variations of systematic measurement errors and time-related deviation movements of the measuring head guide device.
US09982993B2	Measurement apparatus and measurement method The present invention provides a measurement apparatus for measuring a shape of a surface of an object, including a probe configured to be scanned on the surface of the object, a plurality of reference members configured to be arranged in a scanning direction of the probe, a plurality of detection units configured to be provided at different positions of the probe in the scanning direction and each configured to detect a distance from a reference member which has been selected from the plurality of reference members in accordance with a position of the probe in the scanning direction, and a processing unit configured to obtain shape information of the surface of the object by obtaining position information of the probe based on at least one of detection results of the plurality of detection units while scanning the probe.
US09982990B2	Syringe needle position and deviation correction method in a machine for the automatic preparation of intravenous medication A method corrects the position and deviation of a syringe needle in a machine for automatically preparing intravenous medication. The machine includes an automatic actuator, together with a control system, in which are placed the syringe and a one-dimensional position sensor including a measuring plane. The correction method includes steps in which the position sensor obtains position coordinates of a first and a second point of the needle, and steps of correcting the position and deviation error of the needle, by the control system of the automatic actuator.
US09982988B2	Displacement sensor for contactlessly measuring a relative position by means of a magnetic field sensor array on the basis of the hall effect A displacement sensor is disclosed for contactlessly measuring a relative position of a magnetic field source which produces a magnetic field and a magnetic field sensor in relation to each other, wherein the magnetic field source and the magnetic field sensor are movable relative to each other. Each magnetic field probe detects at least two spatial components of a magnetic flux density of the magnetic field. A storage unit stores individual position signals. A control and calculation unit calculates an output signal of the displacement sensor based on the position signals, and calculates a magnitude of the magnetic flux density and compare it with a predetermined threshold value to output a current calculated position signal for each magnetic field probe if the magnitude is greater than the threshold value and to output a preceding stored position signal if the magnitude is less than or equal to the threshold value.
US09982987B2	Method for determining measurement conditions of a roughness sensor, method for measuring a roughness of a workpiece surface, computer program product, and measuring device designed to perform the methods A method for determining measurement conditions of a roughness sensor having at least one measuring needle, a computer program product and a measuring device for carrying out the method are provided. The measuring needle is positioned on a surface in a rest state and rests on the surface without being moved. Measurement signals are recorded in the rest state. A signal line of the roughness sensor is electrically grounded and measurement signals are recorded in the grounded rest state. Further, a method for measuring a roughness of a workpiece surface by the roughness sensor is provided in which the measuring needle is guided along a surface section of the workpiece surface to be measured and moved in a measurement direction (x-direction). The movement of the measuring needle in a plane (yz-plane) perpendicular to the measurement direction is recorded during the movement of the measuring needle along the workpiece surface.
US09982986B2	System and method for creating and utilizing a construction aid A system and method for creating and utilizing a construction aid for the construction of a mechanical structure is provided. Specifically, the disclosure may provide a visually transparent or semi-transparent, adhesive template capable of conforming to objects having curved and/or flat surfaces including indicia marked on portions thereof indicating, for example, the location, size, and type of fasteners to be used, or other construction information, is provided. The indicia may be comprised of lines and symbols of differing size, shape and color, as well as verbiage for additional assembly instructions. The adhesive template may be either visually or mechanically indexed to the mechanical structure.
US09982975B1	Arrow shaft having a reinforced nock end An arrow shaft having a reinforced nock end includes an arrow shaft and a carbon fiber tube retained in a nock end of the arrow shaft. An end of the carbon fiber tube may be flush with the nock end of the arrow shaft or be inserted to a depth to provide clearance for a shaft of an arrow nock. The carbon fiber tube is secured to an inside perimeter of the arrow shaft with any suitable bonding substance. A length of the carbon fiber tube is at least 1.5 inches long, but no longer than 45% of a length of an arrow shaft.
US09982970B2	Movable target system and method A portable, moving target system that generates variable movements and mimics movements of prey. Movement of the target system may be varied in speed and pattern.
US09982969B2	Patrol vehicle and personal protection system A patrol vehicle protection system with a quick release bullet resistant transparent panel and door panel covering system that requires no permanent modifications to the patrol vehicle, offers head impact safety protection, and ventilation. The system includes a bullet resistant transparent panel that temporarily attaches to a door window opening mounting mechanism attached to the vehicle door. The mounting mechanism includes z-shaped upper and lower brackets designed to fit into the upper and lower slots formed around the window opening. An adjustment plate or brace holds the brackets in place in the slots. The transparent panel is securely held between the two brackets during normal use but automatically releases outward in a side impact collision. The system also includes a ballistic fabric panel that hangs from the lower bracket over the inside surface of the door panel to protect the driver's legs and lower torso of the driver sitting in the patrol vehicle.
US09982968B2	Violent intruder mitigation shield A violent intruder mitigation shield that provides a defender with ballistic protection along with options for communication, first aid, and counter-attack capability. The violent intruder mitigation shield may have a functional or decorative front layer that allows the shield to serve a secondary function in addition to functioning as a protective shield.
US09982967B2	Composite ballistic resistant laminate An impact penetration resistant laminate comprises a plurality of alternating layers of (i) non-fibrous ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene monolayers and (ii) a thermoplastic adhesive, the adhesive having a basis weight of no greater than 5 gsm and a zero-shear-rate viscosity, determined from an oscillating disc rheometer in a frequency sweep between 0.1 rad/s and 100 rad/s, conducted per ASTM D 4440 at 125° C., and calculated from fitting to a Carrea-Yasuda four parameter model, of at least 1500 Pa-s, wherein (a) at least 90 percent of the monolayers are arranged such that the orientation of one monolayer is offset with respect to the orientation of an adjacent monolayer, and (b) the modulus of elasticity through the thickness of the laminate is at least 3 GPa.
US09982965B2	Inner red-dot gun sighting device powered by solar cell and provided with micro-current LED light source An inner red-dot gun sighting device powered by a solar cell and provided with a micro-current LED light source comprises a housing (1) and a micro-current LED light source (6) disposed in the housing (1) or on the housing (1). A solar cell (2) is disposed on the housing (1). The solar cell (2) is connected to the micro-current LED light source (6) by using a conducting wire, so as to supply power to the micro-current LED light source (6). Power is supplied to the micro-current LED light source (6) by using the solar cell (2), so that the number of cells used is reduced and use costs are reduced; power supplies of the micro-current LED light source (6) are switched by using a dual-power supply automatic switching module. In a sunny environment, power is supplied to the micro-current LED light source (6) by using the solar cell (2), so that the brightness of output light of the micro-current LED light source (6) of the inner red-dot gun sighting device is automatically adjusted according to the change of the brightness of the environment, without relying on any control circuit and without requiring the cell to supply power. At night, power is supplied by using the cell, thereby ensuring the normal use of the sighting device.
US09982963B2	Firearm having tactile biofeedback reference feature A firearm that provides a user with tactile biofeedback. The firearm includes a tactile reference feature that extends longitudinally along an exterior body surface and is formed with dimensions specifically tailored to harness the user's natural attributes of sensibility, proprioception, and neuromuscular memory to improve a user's accuracy.
US09982961B1	Archery release A handheld archery release is convertible between hinge and trigger modes of operation. The release includes a handle which contains a sear assembly operable between hold and fire positions. Hinge and trigger assemblies are connected with the handle and with the sear assembly to operate the sear assembly in both modes of operation. A linkage assembly is connected with the handle and rotates the sear assembly toward the fire position when the trigger assembly is operated and biases the sear assembly in a first direction when the hinge assembly is operated.
US09982950B2	Concentric vertical pipe heat exchanger for drain water heat recovery An outer plastic tube has water connections through the wall into an arcuate space defined by an O-ring spacer-gasket positioned between the wall and the perimeter margin of an inner cylinder rolled from a single-layer of sheet metal. A metal drainpipe with a removable bullet-shape at one end is forced through the cylinder to expand it and to thereby compress the gasket sealing the arcuate space. Thermal contact conductance is increased by the compressive force of water pressure. Water flow through the heat exchanger is both arcuate and turbulent to optimize heat transfer.
US09982949B2	Heat pipe having wick formed with hydrophilic and water-repellent treated surfaces A heat pipe provided inside with a wick formed of a porous membrane having a hydrophilic treated first surface and a water-repellent treated second surface, wherein the porous membrane separates a working fluid passage from a vapor passage such that the hydrophilic treated surface faces the working fluid passage and the water-repellent treated surface faces the vapor passage, and a heat pipe provided inside with a wick formed by laminating at least two porous membranes each having a hydrophilic treated first surface and a water-repellent treated second surface such that surfaces subjected to the same treatment face each other and the laminate is wound up.
US09982948B2	Heat exchanger According to the present invention, a heat exchanger comprises a plurality of coolant tubes; a plurality of fins contacting the plurality of coolant tubes, wherein each of the plurality of fins comprises: a plurality of fin parts spaced apart from each other; an upper fin part connecting part connecting respective upper portions of the plurality of fin parts with each other, the upper fin part connecting part contacting one of the plurality of coolant tubes; a lower fin part connecting part connecting respective lower portions of the plurality of fin parts with each other, the lower fin part connecting part contacting another one of the plurality of coolant tubes; an upper opening formed at an upper portion of each of the plurality of fin parts; a lower opening formed at a lower portion of each of the plurality of fin parts; an upper protrusion protruded from an upper portion of each of the plurality of fin parts, the upper protrusion contacting the first coolant tube; and a lower protrusion protruded from a lower portion of each of the plurality of fin parts, the lower protrusion contacting the second coolant tube. Accordingly, the present invention provides increased productivity without the need of a separate pipe expanding process.
US09982943B2	Continuous heating furnace A continuous heating furnace includes a furnace main body, a conveyance unit configured to convey a baking object W in the furnace main body, a plurality of heating sections heated by combustion, each having a first radiation surface configured to be heated by combustion and transfers heat to the baking object conveyed by the conveyance unit and arranged in the conveyance direction of the baking object in the furnace main body, and a cooling preheater having a second radiation surface configured to receive radiant heat from the baking object when being opposite to the baking object conveyed by the conveyance unit and a gas flow path configured to preheat a gas used for combustion in the heating section by the heat from the second radiation surface.
US09982942B2	Dryer with universal voltage controller A hand dryer comprising a universal brushed AC blower vacuum motor, one or more resistive circuits of a heating element, and a universal voltage controller that selectively alternates the configuration and the electrical connection of the resistive circuits, in response to a detected input voltage is disclosed.
US09982941B2	Drying apparatus A drying apparatus includes a furnace body; a conveyor belt configured to move in an interior space of the furnace body, with an object to be dried loaded thereon; and a plurality of infrared heaters arranged above the conveyor belt in the interior space of the furnace body. A division wall is provided, which divides the interior space of the furnace body into a space S1 including the conveyor belt and a space S2 including the infrared heaters. In the division wall, first portions located at positions corresponding to the respective infrared heaters in the longitudinal direction are made of a material that transmits infrared radiation, whereas second portions located at positions corresponding to respective spaces between adjacent infrared heaters in the longitudinal direction are made of a material that does not transmit infrared radiation.
US09982940B2	Process for drying polymeric materials The invention relates to a process for drying a moist polymeric material to obtain a dried polymeric material, comprising the steps of: mixing the moist polymeric material with an aqueous solution of a carbohydrate to afford a mixture of the moist polymeric material with the carbohydrate; and heating and/or filtering the mixture of the moist polymeric material with the carbohydrate to remove an amount of volatiles to obtain a predried polymeric material having a volatiles content VCpre-dried (pre-drying step); fluidizing the pre-dried material in a fluidized bed in order to further remove an amount of volatiles to obtain the dried polymeric material having a volatiles content VCdried (fluidized bed drying step); and withdrawing and collecting the dried polymeric material from the fluidized bed; wherein VCpre-dried is higher than VCdried and the moist polymeric material comprises at least a polymeric material, said polymeric material comprises fluorine permanently bonded to said polymeric material. The invention further relates to a dried polymeric material obtainable by the process of the invention. Furthermore, the invention relates to various uses of the process of the invention as well as to various uses of the dried polymeric materials.
US09982939B2	Dispenser structure for refrigeration equipment, apparatus and method for controlling operation of same A dispenser on refrigerator including a touch pad-type of lever for dispensing water supplied from a water purifier. The dispenser includes a main body, an ice discharge port, an ice guide, an ice discharge lever and a water discharge port. A PCB substrate is mounted on the front side of the ice guide. The touch pad-type lever is mounted on the PCB substrate and configured to receive a user request for discharging water and accordingly control a state of the water discharge port. The refrigerator also ice maker coupled to the dispenser, and detectors for detecting the amount of ice and water contained in the ice maker and the water purifier respectively. The touch pad on the touch pad-type of lever can display the amount of ice and water contained in the ice maker and the water purifier respectively.
US09982936B2	Refrigerator Provided is a refrigerator which allows a pivoting bar to pivot to seal a gap between a pair of doors regardless of whether the door at which the pivoting bar is not installed between the pair of doors is open or closed. The refrigerator includes a guide device which induces the pivoting bar to pivot. Here, the guide device includes a rack that is moved forward and backward linearly depending on opening and closing of the second door and includes a second magnet built therein, a pinion gear engaged with the rack and pivoting when the rack is moved linearly, and a guide unit which includes a guide groove guiding a guide protrusion and is engaged with the pinion gear to move linearly in a direction opposite to that of the rack to allow the pivoting bar to pivot when the pinion gear pivots.
US09982934B1	Configurable spiral freezer A reconfigurable freezer includes a housing having an internal space therein, and first and second openings each in communication with said internal space; and an infeed assembly and an outfeed assembly, the infeed assembly constructed to be removably mounted to the housing at one of the first and second openings for being in communication with said internal space, and the outfeed assembly constructed to be removably mounted to another of the first and second openings for being in communication with said internal space, wherein the infeed and outfeed assemblies are interchangeable at the first and second openings.
US09982929B2	Air conditioner An air conditioner includes a main refrigerant circuit where refrigerant flows in order of a compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, and indoor heat exchanger. An injection circuit is configured such that the refrigerant diverges between the outdoor heat exchanger and indoor heat exchanger in the main refrigerant circuit and returns to the compressor having a pressure between a suction pressure of compressor and a discharge pressure of compressor. The injection circuit includes an injection decompression valve reducing a pressure of the refrigerant, a control unit cooling portion cooling a control unit to control the compressor using the refrigerant, and a sub-cooler evaporation portion provided at a downstream side of the injection decompression valve such that heat exchange of the refrigerant is performed in the sub-cooler evaporation portion, and the control unit cooling portion is provided between the injection decompression valve and the sub-cooler evaporation portion in the injection circuit.
US09982928B2	Method for controlling a compressor of a refrigeration system comprising a motor, and a compressor of a refrigeration system A method for controlling a compressor of a refrigeration system wherein refrigerant flow through the compressor is controlled by at least one valve, whereby the valve is opened or closed in a cycle of consecutive time intervals of an identical length, so that the valve is either completely closed or completely open during a time interval, wherebya. determining a percentage capacity for the compressor-corresponding to the current refrigeration requirement of a refrigeration location,b. determining the open time percentage of the valves over a number of time intervals,c. opening the valve for the following time interval when the ratio of the percentage capacity is greater than that of the open time percentage previously determined, andd. closing the valve-for the following time interval when the ratio of the percentage capacity is smaller than that of the open time percentage of the valves previously determined.
US09982925B2	Air conditioner and method of controlling an air conditioner An air conditioner and a method of controlling an air conditioner are provided. The method of controlling an air conditioner may include determining whether a low-load condition is satisfied on the basis of a number of indoor devices or a temperature of external air, performing a low-load operation of a compressor at a predetermined frequency when the low-load condition is satisfied, detecting whether an operation pressure is out of a target pressure value or range while the low-load operation is performed, and bypassing a refrigerant from the compressor to a gas/liquid separator via an injection passage when the operation pressure is out of the target pressure value or range.
US09982923B2	Condensate removal tower An evaporative condensate dissipation system is configured to receive a liquid condensate from an external surface of a cooling element of a refrigeration system and to dissipate the liquid condensate by evaporation. The evaporative condensate dissipation system includes one or more walls constructed from a porous material configured to absorb the liquid condensate and to retain the liquid condensate within the porous material. The evaporative condensate dissipation system further includes a fan configured to generate an airflow and positioned to cause the airflow to pass through the one or more walls. The one or more walls are sufficiently permeable to allow the airflow to pass therethrough. The airflow evaporates the liquid condensate retained within the porous material of the one or more walls.
US09982918B2	Energy system A heating medium supplied to an evaporator is used to heat lubricant oil in a screw compressor before the screw compressor starts up, and no additional heater for heating the lubricant oil in the screw compressor is required. When the screw compressor operates, the heating medium discharged from the evaporator after the evaporator is heated by the heating medium, is used to cool the lubricant oil. The lubricant oil heated by a lubricant oil heat exchanger is directly injected into a motor and a screw rotor so that introduction of a liquid refrigerant into a compressive chamber is reduced when the screw compressor starts up later. The lubricant oil introduced into the motor is discharged toward a lubricant oil storage portion before the screw compressor starts up so that the liquid refrigerant is prevented in advance from being introduced into the screw rotor when the screw compressor starts up.
US09982912B2	Furnace cabinet with nozzle baffles A condensing gas-fired furnace has a furnace cabinet, a primary heat exchanger, a secondary heat exchanger located upstream relative to the primary heat exchanger with regard to location within a circulation airflow path, a first baffle carried by a first wall of the furnace cabinet, and a second baffle carried by a second wall of the furnace cabinet, wherein the second baffle is located opposite the first baffle, and wherein the second wall is located opposite the first wall. The first baffle and the second baffle cooperate to form a nozzle within the furnace cabinet. A third baffle and a fourth baffle extend from the bottom of the first baffle and the second baffle, respectively, to the blower deck located adjacent to a secondary heat exchanger.
US09982910B2	Internal tank heating coil A system includes a tank containing a fluid to be heated; a U-shaped pipe disposed proximate a bottom of the tank, a majority of the extent of the U-shaped pipe being disposed within an interior of the tank; a catalyst unit embedded within the U-shaped pipe, the catalyst unit comprising a catalyst wrapped, natural gas filled, perforated pipe that is configured to enable a catalytic reaction on its exterior; a vent pipe attached to the U-bend pipe which allows air to circulate; and mechanical controls disposed proximate the U-shaped pipe configured to vary temperature output.
US09982909B1	Air conditioning mounting bracket assembly An air conditioning mounting bracket assembly is a fully adjustable bracket assembly designed to be installed on the exterior of a window or thru wall air conditioner, manufactured of heavy duty steel and plastic Plexi-material for strength and durability. Sheeting material will encompass the entire exterior of the A/C unit, with grating integrated into the support plates to allow free circulation of air. Screws and hook and loop material will be included for use in mounting the assembly to the exterior of the window frame, and heavy duty threaded bolts are included to mount the A/C unit to the mounting assembly. Telescoping components enable the user to lengthen or shorten the assembly in accordance to the dimensions of the window frame or wall niche.
US09982904B2	Air conditioning system An air conditioning system includes an electrically run air conditioner with a compressor, a storage battery that charges and supplies electric power, a demand receiver, an air-conditioning controller, and a charging controller controlling charging of the storage battery. The demand receiver receives a demand pertaining to a power consumption of the air conditioner during a predetermined period. The air-conditioning controller stores operation-associated information pertaining to operation of the air conditioner and controls the air conditioner. The air-conditioning controller causes the air conditioner to perform precooling and/or reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner in the predetermined period based on the demand and an amount of charge of the storage battery. The charging controller control the charging of the storage battery so that the storage battery reaches, at the start of the predetermined period, a state of charge determined based on the demand and the operation-associated information.
US09982900B2	Method of attaching electrodes to plated thermoset plastic heated blower housing A blower assembly of an HVAC system may include an electrically-conductive plating applied to an inner surface of a blower housing, a first electrode attached to the electrically-conductive plating at an inner wall of the blower housing via an electrically-conductive RTV silicone, and a second electrode attached to the electrically-conductive plating at an outer wall of the blower housing via an electrically-conductive RTV silicone. The first electrode may pass a current through the electrically-conductive plating of the blower housing to the second electrode that may act as an ohmic heater and provide a thermal energy discharge which may exchange heat with an airflow flowing through the blower housing as a result of operating the blower assembly.
US09982898B2	Indoor unit of air conditioner and air conditioner including a heat exchanger on a downstream side of a blower An indoor unit includes a casing having a suction port formed in an upper part and a blow-out port formed on a lower side at a front face part, an axial-flow or diagonal-flow fan provided on the downstream side of the suction port in the casing, and a heat exchanger provided on the downstream side of the fan and on the upstream side of the blow-out port in the casing, in which air blown out of the fan and refrigerant are heat-exchanged.
US09982895B2	Baking oven door and baking oven The invention is directed to a baking oven door 2 and baking oven 1. A camera 10 is mounted inside the door 2 and coupled to a heat sink 8 constituting an outer cover of the door 2.
US09982890B2	Combustor dome heat shield A combustor heat shield has lips with fins distributed on the lips. The lip-fins have an extended end portion projecting rearwardly from the back face of the heat shield. Impingement jets may be directed against the rearwardly extended end portions of the lip-fins to enhance cooling. The heat shield may define a fuel nozzle opening surrounded by a rail on the back side of the heat shield. Impingement holes or slots may be defined in the rail for allowing cooling air passing therethrough to impinge upon the lip-fins.
US09982887B2	Burner A burner comprises a tubular diffuser wall and an inlet passage a flow of a mixture of gas within the diffuser wall, as well as a first diaphragm arranged in the inlet passage, said diaphragm forming a plurality of through openings and a plurality of guide surfaces delimiting the through openings on a radially outer side thereof so that, when introducing the mixture, said guide surfaces and said through openings direct the mixture towards the inside of the burner and in a radial direction towards the longitudinal axis.
US09982881B2	Method and system for gas initiated natural circulation vertical heat recovery steam generator The present disclosure is directed to a method and a system employing a gas introduced into the system as a startup operation for a natural circulation vertical heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) to initiate natural circulation of a fluid within the system. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a method and a system employing a gas introduced into an outlet header of an evaporator, into an outlet header of an evaporator and into one or more risers near the outlet header of the evaporator, or into one or more risers near the outlet header of the evaporator, to initiate natural circulation of a fluid in a desired system direction from the evaporator directly into a steam drum.
US09982878B2	Converter-cooling element assembly with metallic solder connection An assembly is provided that includes a ceramic converter for converting light having a first wavelength into light having a second wavelength, a metal-containing reflective coating, and a cooling element. The surface of the ceramic converter is at least partly coated with the metal-containing reflective coating. The coating dissipates the heat from the converter into the cooling element. The cooling element and the metal-containing reflective coating are connected to one another by a metallic solder connection.
US09982877B2	Lighting device and corresponding method utilizing an elongated profiled body with web wall having longitudinal slots and contact slider member with corresponding electrical pins A lighting device includes an elongated profiled body with a web wall having first and second opposing faces, and two side walls to the side of the web wall, the latter having longitudinal slots extending therealong. In the profiled body, there may be provided an elongated light radiation source module including a support board with electrically conductive formations facing said longitudinal slots and at least one electrically-powered light radiation source which is in electrical contact with said electrically conductive formations. The light radiation source module is locatable in elongated profiled body extending between both side walls, with support board facing towards the first face of web wall. An electrical contact slider member slidable along the second face of web wall is provided with electrical contact pins adapted to extend into said longitudinal slots. Slider member is displaceable towards support board with pins contacting said electrically conductive formations of support board.
US09982876B2	Ultrathin LED light engine An ultrathin LED light engine (100) comprises a protective cover (106), a driving circuit board (101), an aluminum substrate (103) and at least one LED module (104). A double-sided high-viscosity heat conducting plate (102) covers the first surface of the aluminum substrate (103) to fix the driving circuit board (101); the at least one LED module (104) is fixed on the first surface and insulated from the aluminum substrate (103) by means of an insulating layer (200) on the first surface; a conductive circuit for electrically connecting the at least one LED module (104) and the driving circuit board (101) is arranged on the insulating layer (200); and the size of the aluminum substrate (103) at least at the local peripheral outer area is greater than that of the driving circuit board (101), so that the double-sided high-viscosity heat conducting plate (102) on the first surface at least locally fixes the protective cover (106). The LED light engine (100) realizes ultrathin design and built-in integration of drive and control devices, and realizes heat conduction and fixation of the PCB and the protective cover by using a double-sided high-viscosity film.
US09982874B2	Modular illuminating device A modular illuminating device comprises at least one frame (1) with the front elastic catches (2) for securing a transparent cover (4) to the frame (1), and the rear elastic catches (3) for fixing the frame (1) to a printed-circuit board (5) with at least one printed circuit module (6) and at least one light-emitting diode module (7) on its front side. The printed-circuit board (5) has multiple equally spaced assemblies comprised of the printed circuit modules (6) and LED modules (7), arranged in a row, or a rectangular matrix, or a honeycomb structure. The power line is printed along the printed-circuit board (5) with offtakes to individual printed circuit modules (6) and LEDs modules (7). Alternatively, the printed power line supplies the AC/DC converter placed at one end of the printed-circuit board (5), and the AC/DC converter supplies individual printed circuit modules (6) and LEDs modules (7) with constant voltage via another pair of leads printed along the printed-circuit board (5). The printed-circuit board (5) comprises an aluminum radiator, preferably an aluminum plate (8), placed at its rear side. The aluminum plate (8) can be pained or printed with a layer of paint and/or a polymer film, on all or part of its rear surface.
US09982873B1	Lamp having a one piece molded bulb seats facing two directions A lamp includes a seat unit, a lampshade, two bulb connectors, and a circuit unit having two wires. The seat unit has outer and inner seats, and opposite bulb seats molded as one piece with the inner seat. Each of the bulb seats has a guiding hole and a mounting surface. The mounting surfaces respectively face toward two directions that are transverse to each other. Each bulb connector has a main portion formed with a connecting opening for insertion of a bulb, and a fixing portion fixedly connected to a respective one of the bulb seats, such that the connecting openings are oriented respectively toward the two directions. The wires respectively extend through the guiding holes for being electrically connected to the bulb connectors.
US09982872B1	Translucent end cap for luminaire A translucent end cap for an elongated luminaire having an upper metal housing and a lower translucent lens. The end cap has a vertical translucent face and a horizontal, inwardly extending perimeter wall. The cross-sectional shape of the end cap is different than that of the luminaire, and in particular an upper portion of the end cap and perimeter wall extends above and is non-contiguous with the outer or perimeter edge of the metal upper housing. The perimeter wall of the end cap transmits light from the interior of the luminaire in a vertical plane around the entirety of the luminaire, including above the metal housing for up-lighting. The non-contiguous end cap also provides an aesthetic cover for an upper metal housing with an irregular contour that includes a heat dissipating driver- or ballast-mounting channel with an air channel.
US09982869B2	Housing of electronic module, electronic module, light emitting module and backlight module A housing of an electronic module may include: a mounting surface located at one side of the housing, wherein the mounting surface includes at least three sub-mounting surfaces, lines connecting the centers of respective sub-mounting surfaces form a polygon, and a mounting hole extending from one side of the housing to the other side thereof and being opened within an area of the polygon.
US09982866B2	Console assembly with integrated light reflector cups A console assembly for an appliance has a console shell having a front surface with integrated light reflector cups, and a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted to the console shell and having light emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting light into at least some of the integrated light reflector cups.
US09982864B2	Illumination apparatus and automobile equipped with same An illumination apparatus including: multiple LEDs; and a lens unit that is placed correspondingly to the respective LEDs, wherein the lens unit includes a transmission lens, a first total-reflection lens, and a second total-reflection lens, wherein an incidence surface and an emission surface of the transmission lens, as well as incidence surfaces, emission surfaces and total-reflection surfaces of the first total-reflection lens and the second total-reflection lens are two-axis anamorphic aspherical surfaces, a microlens array is formed on at least one of the incidence surface and the emission surface of the transmission lens, a microlens array is formed on at least one of the emission surfaces, the total-reflection surfaces and the incidence surfaces of the first total-reflection lens and the second total-reflection lens, and the microlens arrays each have a structure in which microlenses are periodically arrayed, and are arrayed along the vertical and horizontal directions of the illumination apparatus.
US09982859B2	Light emitting diode, and headlamp and signal lamp having the same An LED light source includes a connecting body and a mounting base. The mounting base includes a mounting platform having a top surface, and an LED unit connected to the top surface, the top surface having good heat-dissipating properties. The LED unit includes LEDs, an LED driving device, and a circuit board. The circuit board includes a first portion for mounting the driving device and a second portion for mounting the LEDs. The first portion is connected to the top surface. The second portion is bent away from the first portion; the LEDs being mounted to outer surface of the integral second portion.
US09982850B2	Illumination device Embodiments of the invention include a semiconductor light emitting device for emitting a first light at a first wavelength and a wavelength conversion medium arranged to convert at least part of the first light into a second light at a second wavelength. The wavelength conversion medium is disposed between a periodic antenna array and the semiconductor light emitting device. The periodic antenna array includes a plurality of antennas. The periodic antenna array supports surface lattice resonances arising from diffractive coupling of localized surface plasmon resonances in at least one of the antennas.
US09982849B2	Lighting apparatus The present invention relates to a lighting apparatus using LEDs as light sources and a display using the lighting apparatus, particularly, the present invention provides a lighting apparatus including: a plurality of light sources located on a printed circuit board; and a reflecting unit provided on the printed circuit board; and a spaced area provided inside the reflective unit.
US09982846B2	Method and system for controlling hydrodynamic slugging in a fluid processing system A method and a control system are provided for reducing the size and/or the frequency of hydrodynamic slugging in a fluid processing system. The fluid processing system includes a pipeline for conveying produced fluids and a vessel for receiving the produced fluids from the pipeline. A control valve is provided in the pipeline upstream of the vessel. A pressure sensor is provided upstream of the control valve. Pressure information from the pressure sensor is sent to a master control loop in a cascade control scheme in which the master control loop controls a slave control loop which in turn controls the control valve. The master control loop determines a set point of the slave control loop coupled to the control valve to achieve a pressure setpoint. The slave control loop, also referred to as a pseudo-flow controller, determines whether the control valve opening needs be modulated to achieve the setpoint of the slave control loop. A method is also provided for retrofitting an existing fluid processing system.
US09982844B2	Method and system for storage and transport of liquefied petroleum gases A method for storage and transport of LPG on LPG carriers, in particular two cargoes of different LPG types on same shipment, having reliquefaction units (300, 400) in which vaporized gases are condensed and then returned into at least one cargo tank (100) for the respective LPG cargo type. The method is further comprising: using the reliquefaction units (300, 400), at a minimum one running, as to condense vapor from the first cargo type; passing the condensed vapor through a heat exchanger (500); simultaneously flowing vapor from the second cargo type through the heat exchanger (500) as to condense vapor by means of heat exchanging with the condensed vapor; and returning the condensed vapors leaving the heat exchanger back into the respective cargo types. The present invention is also disclosing a system for storage and transport of LPG on LPG carriers.
US09982843B2	Systems and methods for maintaining pressure in cryogenic storage tanks A system for maintaining a substantially constant pressure within an ullage space of a cryogenic storage tank is provided. The system includes a compressor configured to receive fuel gas from the cryogenic storage tank, and compress the fuel gas to produce heated fuel gas. The system further includes a heat exchanger in flow communication with the compressor and configured to cool the heated fuel gas to produce cooled fuel gas, and a turbine in flow communication with the heat exchanger and configured to expand the cooled fuel gas to produce a gas and liquid mixture having a predetermined liquid to gas ratio, and discharge the gas and liquid mixture into the cryogenic storage tank.
US09982841B2	Method for filling a tank with liquefied gas A method for filling a tank (1) with liquefied gas, in particular a tank with cryogenic liquid, from a liquefied gas container (2), in particular a cryogenic liquid container (2), which container (2) is in fluid communication with the tank (1) via a filling pipe (3), wherein the method uses a pressure differential generation member (4) for transferring liquid from the container (2) to the tank (1) at a predetermined pressure, characterized in that, at or following the switching on time (M) of the pressure differential generation member (4), the method comprises a step of determining the pressure (PT4) in the tank (1) via a measurement of a first pressure in the filling pipe (3), and, following the determination of the pressure (PT4) in the tank, a step of limiting the first instantaneous pressure (PT3) to a level below a maximum pressure threshold (PT3sup), said maximum pressure threshold being defined on the basis of the determined value of the pressure (PT4) in the tank (1) and exceeding said determined value of the pressure (PT4) in the tank by two to twenty bars and preferably by two to nine bars.
US09982840B2	Cooling device with cryostat and cold head having reduced mechanical coupling A cooling device (20) has a cryostat (23) and a cold head (1), in particular, the cold head (1) of a pulse tube cooler. The cryostat (23) has a vacuum container (4) with a vacuum container wall (4a), wherein the vacuum container wall (4a) seals off a vacuum inside the vacuum container (4) from the environment. A flexible sealing section (6) connects the vacuum container wall (4a) directly or indirectly to the room temperature part (1a) of the cold head (1). The flexible sealing section (6) seals off the inside of the cryocontainer (2) from the environment. The cooling device further reduces mechanical coupling between the cold head and the cryostat, in particular, in order to enable performance of NMR measurements with fewer disturbances due to external vibrations.
US09982839B2	Impermeable and thermally insulated tank comprising a metal membrane that is corrugated in orthogonal folds An impermeable and thermally insulated tank built into a load-bearing structure, the tank wall comprising: a thermally insulated barrier attached to a load-bearing wall and made of insulating blocks, juxtaposed in parallel rows separated from one another by gaps, an impermeable barrier supported by the thermally insulated barrier and made of welded metal sheets. Each insulating block carries, on the face of same opposite the load-bearing wall, two metal connecting strips arranged in parallel to the sides of the insulating block. The sheets of the membrane carried by the insulating block are welded to the strips. The connecting strips are rigidly connected to the insulating block carrying same. The sheets each have at least two orthogonal folds parallel to the sides of the insulating blocks, the folds being inserted into the gaps formed between two insulating blocks.
US09982832B1	Angularly adjustable housing mount assembly A bracket assembly is used to secure a housing to a support structure such as a post, wall or ceiling. The bracket assembly includes an inner bracket, an outer bracket and a connector. The inner bracket is configured to be mounted on the support structure separately from the outer bracket, and the outer bracket is configured to be quickly mounted on the inner bracket. The outer bracket and connector are joined by a ball and socket joint. Angular adjustment of the ball relative to the socket is made prior to mounting of the outer bracket on the inner bracket, and the desired orientation is maintained using a clamping assembly. The bracket assembly includes sealing features that prevent moisture from entering the assembly.
US09982829B2	External pipe reinforcement An external sleeve arrangement for repairing a defective length of pipe has top and bottom segments for substantially encircling the pipe, where the bottom segment in addition has connector plates welded on either side. When the pipe and sleeve segments are made of a similar material, the sleeve segments are made thicker than the pipe wall, up to three times as thick or more, so that upon heating the sleeve segments for a given time they stretch relative to the pipe. After joining the stretched sleeve segments with the connector plates to form a continuous circumferential sleeve, the sleeve is cooled to provide an enhanced interference fit to reinforce the defective length of pipe. Prior to heating, the sleeve segments are clamped about the pipe using a clamping mechanism employing lugs connected to the segments and screw jacks engaging those lugs to draw the segments tight to the pipe.
US09982827B2	Method and system for coating a pipe A method and system for evaluating the interior surface and exterior wall conditions of a pipeline while also dynamically installing a repair coating in a pipeline, such as an underground water pipeline. The system is towed into the pipeline and drawn back therethrough. As the system is drawn back, one module in the system evaluates the surface condition of the interior of the pipe and another module evaluates the structural condition of the wall of the pipe. Based on the evaluation data obtained from the two modules an epoxy material is applied to the interior surface of the pipe using a spin cast machine that is drawn behind the two modules. Preferably, a layer of epoxy is applied to the interior surface of the host pipe to the appropriate thickness based on the pipe condition as determined by the two modules.
US09982826B1	Universal plug Disclosed are various embodiments for a universal plug having an outer wall and an inner wall that surrounds an inner cavity along an axis of symmetry of the universal plug, the universal plug comprising a first plug tier having a first outer surface diameter that extends a first length along the axis of symmetry and a second plug tier having a second outer surface diameter that extends a second length along the axis of symmetry from the first plug tier; a compression shank situated in and extending through the inner cavity of the universal plug; a compression head attached to a distal end of the compression shank and having a larger diameter than the compression shank; a washer comprising an opening, the compression shank extending through the opening; and a threaded gasket cap comprising a threaded opening.
US09982825B2	Bladder surge suppressor A bladder and attachment member assembly for use with a container comprises an elastomeric gas-filled bladder comprising a valve stem. A first attachment member is disposed over the valve stem within the container with the bladder. A second attachment member is disposed over the valve stem and over the first attachment member. The second attachment member is outside of the container interposed between the valve stem and a container opening. Rotational movement of the valve stem is fixed relative to one or both of the first and second attachment members. In an example, the valve stem comprises one or more surface features that register with one or more surface features of the first and/or second attachment member to thereby fix relative valve stem rotational movement. In an example, the valve stem surface feature is a flat surface that registers with a flat surface of the second attachment member inside diameter.
US09982823B1	Pipe coupling A pipe coupling includes a rigid cylindrical member, a flexible cylindrical member and a hose clamp. The flexible cylindrical member includes a central tubular member within the rigid cylindrical member. A flexible sleeve extends beyond the rigid cylindrical member and has an inside diameter that is complimentary to a pipe. The sleeve has a first position in which the sleeve is folded back onto the rigid cylindrical member and a second position in which the sleeve is unfolded so as to envelope an end of the first pipe. The central tubular member includes a ledge that has an inside diameter corresponding to an inside diameter of the pipe.
US09982821B1	Doubled wall pipe flange and coupling configuration In various embodiments, a double wall pipe assembly may comprise a coupling, a first pipe, a second pipe, a first piloted flange and second piloted flange. The coupling may define a minor diameter receivable slot and a major diameter receivable slot. The double wall pipe may be configured to conduct a fluid. The double wall pipe operatively coupled to the coupling. The double wall pipe may comprise a first pipe, a second pipe, a first piloted flange, and a second piloted flange. The second pipe may be sleeved over the first pipe. The first piloted flange may be operatively coupled to the first pipe. The first piloted flange may be installable in the minor diameter receivable slot. The second piloted flange may be coupled to the second pipe. The second piloted flange may be installable in the major diameter receivable slot.
US09982820B2	Fluidic plug unit and connecting device for liquid conducting components A fluidic plug unit for liquid-conducting components, in particular for high-performance liquid chromatography, includes a plug housing that has a plug region with a front plug region and a rear plug region which is adjoined thereto in an axial direction. The plug unit is designed for connection to a bushing unit. In a connected state of the plug unit and bushing unit, an annular space, which is substantially closed on all sides, is formed for a sealing element of the plug unit, the annular space being bounded by an outer wall of the front plug region and an inner wall of the receiving recess of the bushing unit.
US09982819B2	Tube seal assembly A tube seal assembly is provided to connect a tube and an adapter in order to circulate a fluid. The tube seal assembly can include various components such as a locking flange, a tube retainer, a seal guard, and an elastomeric seal. Bolts are used to secure the components of tube seal assembly together through the use of a load and to secure the tube seal assembly to the second tube. Teeth on the tube retainer are angled to dig into the first tube to prevent the tube from separating from the adapter during a blowout. The tube seal assembly can be configured to connect to any existing tube in order to be more serviceable in the field.
US09982817B2	Separation preventive pipe joint and pipeline constituent member A separation preventive pipe joint having an adjustable angle of deflection. A lock ring storage groove accommodates a metallic lock ring that can be engaged with a spigot protrusion and a cushioning material that comes into contact with a bottom of the lock ring storage groove and a side wall on a socket opening side. The cushioning material is made of a material softer than the lock ring.
US09982816B2	Pup joint for releasing sidewall contact of stratigraphic test device and apparatus A pushing and jam-releasing pup joint of a formation tester comprises a first jam-releasing arm (1), a first three-way reversing valve (V1), a two-way reversing valve (V2) and a third three-way reversing valve (V4), a withdrawal cavity (Q11) of the first jam-releasing arm (1) is connected with the first three-way reversing valve (V1) which can communicate with an energy accumulation cavity (NQ) of an energy accumulator and the two-way reversing valve (V2), the two-way reversing valve (V2) can be communicated with a pressure oil main line (G2) of a hydraulic system, and an extension cavity (Q12) of the first jam-releasing arm (1) is connected with the third three-way reversing valve (V4) which can communicate with the pressure oil main line (G2) and a return oil main line (G1) of hydraulic system. Jam-releasing pup joint effectively solves the problem of jam release when mud adheres to EFDT and makes same jammed.
US09982815B2	Threaded joint for oil country tubular goods A premium threaded joint has a pin-side shoulder angle θ1, a box-side shoulder angle θ2, a seal interference quantity δ and a seal point distance xp satisfying θ2−θ1=α×δ/xp, α=7 to 14, and a pin distal end thickness tp1 defined by a difference Re−Ri between a radius Re of a pin most distal end portion and an inner radius Ri of a pin distal end portion is 0.25 times or more as large as a pin raw pipe thickness tp0.
US09982808B2	Spring biased retractable hoses An extendable and retractable pressure hose can be constructed comprising an input connector, an output connector, an elastic inner hose, an outer cover, and one or more portions of the elastic inner hose engaged with the outer cover and disposed between the first and second ends of the hose. In such a hose, the input connector and output connector can be connected to each end of elastic inner hose and outer cover.
US09982803B2	Gripping device and method of using Gripping devices and methods for accommodating a piping (e.g., a pipe stub) having a predetermined size, automatically gripping the piping as the piping is pushed through the gripping device, supporting and securing the piping at a predetermined orientation (e.g., perpendicular) to a through-structure as the piping passes through a hole in the through-structure, and thereafter maintaining the piping at the predetermined orientation.
US09982802B1	Conduit support bracket system A conduit support bracket is provided. The support bracket has an elongated base that can be secured to a pair of adjacent joists having a space between the joists. The support bracket has a vertical support arm secured to the base at one end of the arm. The length of the support arm is adjustable. A support platform is secured to the opposite end of the support arm. The support platform can be rotated both horizontally and vertically to adjust the orientation of the support platform. As many support brackets as needed may be used at intervals to support a length of conduit in an elevated position above joists.
US09982801B2	Device and method for burying a conduit in the bed of a body of water A device configured to bury a conduit in the bed of a body of water has a digging module configured to dig a trench in the bed of the body of water; a manipulating module configured to feed conduit sections into the trench; and a push module configured to join the conduit sections inside the trench and move the device in a travelling direction.
US09982800B2	Bending restrictor assembly for permanently bending and restraining ovality of a subsea pipe A bending restrictor assembly has a pipeline section, a first overlying pipe section having a wall overlying a portion of the pipeline section at one end thereof, a second overlying pipe section having a wall overlying another portion of the pipeline section at an opposite end thereof, and a plurality of cylindrical members overlying the pipeline section between the first and second overlying pipe sections. The first and second overlying pipe sections extend outwardly beyond the respective ends of the pipeline section. The bending restrictor assembly achieves a permanent bend and restricts ovality of a subsea pipe.
US09982797B2	Solenoid valve A solenoid valve has a valve body with first and second passages; a coil wound around a coil bobbin; a stator with a third passage; a plunger having a through hole therein; a flux return device; and a spring. When the coil is energized, the plunger is attracted toward the stator such that the plunger closes the third passage, and connects the first passage with the second passage through the through hole in the coil bobbin. When the coil is not energized, the plunger moves away from the stator such that the plunger closes the first passage, and connects the second passage with the third passage. A resilient gasket between the stator and the flux return device reduces vibration from direct contact between the plunger and the stator, being transmitted to the flux return device, thereby reducing vibration and noise.
US09982796B2	Valve-body arrangement and method for producing it, and valve having the valve-body arrangement A valve body arrangement for a hydraulic or pneumatic valve comprises two elements between which a valve body is retained. The two elements are welded together in a first region, preferably by the laser transmission method, and clamp the valve body in a second region with a force.
US09982795B2	Modular fluid control system A modular fluid control system comprised of a plurality of fluid control modules (11), each including a manifold portion (17), and a support element (14) to which the modules are mechanically fixed (12). The manifolds of adjacent units are pneumatically, but not mechanically, connected in order to communicate therebetween. In such an arrangement the modules can be removed from within an array without disturbing neighboring units.
US09982794B2	Passive exhaust valve with external torsion spring A snap-action valve assembly for an exhaust system includes a valve flap positioned within a conduit. A shaft supports the valve flap in the conduit for rotation about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. A roller is supported for rotation on a post. The post is fixed to the shaft by a lever arm. A torsion spring includes a first end coupled to the conduit and a second end coupled to the roller. The torsion spring is preloaded to urge the valve flap into contact with an inner surface of the conduit when the valve flap is in the closed position. A method of assembling the snap-action valve assembly with a predetermined spring preload torque is also discussed.
US09982793B2	Passive exhaust valve with dual torsion spring A snap-action valve assembly includes a valve flap positioned within a conduit for controlling exhaust flow through the conduit. A shaft supports the valve flap in the conduit for rotation about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. A guide is fixed to the valve flap. A torsion spring is positioned at least partially outside the conduit and includes a first end restricted from rotation in at least one direction. The torsion spring includes a second end coupled to the guide. The torsion spring is preloaded to urge the valve flap into contact with an inner surface of the conduit when the valve flap is in the closed position.
US09982790B1	Rotary hydraulic valve Examples are provided that describe a rotary hydraulic valve. In one example, a rotary valve comprises a sleeve with a plurality of selector ports and one or more control ports spaced along a length of the sleeve. A spool comprising an internal chamber is provided within the sleeve. The spool includes a plurality of selector openings and one or more control openings spaced along a length of the spool. The rotary valve also comprises a controller for determining a given rotational movement of the spool based on a selection of a pressurized fluid. The rotary valve also comprises a motor coupled to the spool and for rotating the spool within the sleeve based on the given rotational movement. The motor is configured to cause a given alignment of the spool to the sleeve resulting in a pathway through the internal chamber of the spool and out to the sleeve.
US09982789B2	Self-relieving ball valve seat A system, in certain embodiments, includes an annular ball valve seat including an annular spring, which biases the annular ball valve seat axially. More specifically, in certain embodiments, the annular ball valve seat includes a main body section, a lip section extending from the main body section, and a seat groove between the main body section and the lip section, wherein the first annular spring is disposed within the seat groove. A first leg of the annular spring biases the lip section in a first axial direction and a second leg of the annular spring biases the main body section in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction. The annular ball valve seat is configured to be disposed within a ball valve, on either side of a ball of the ball valve. The particular design of the annular ball valve seat enables pressure within a body cavity of the ball valve to be self-relieving.
US09982784B2	Mechanical seal A mechanical seal has a structure wherein a plurality of sealed-fluid-accommodating blocks separated in the circumferential direction are formed on either the sealing face of a fixed ring or the sealing face of a rotating ring so as to communicate with a sealed fluid accommodation space. Pumping parts for creating a pumping action due to the fixed ring and the rotating ring sliding while undergoing relative rotation are formed on a bottom part of the plurality of sealed-fluid-accommodating blocks. The pumping parts formed on the bottom parts of the plurality of sealed-fluid-accommodating blocks are provided with an intake pumping part which acts in a direction in which the sealed fluid is drawn in and a discharge pumping part which acts in a direction in which the sealed fluid is discharged.
US09982783B2	Aircraft gas turbine with a seal for sealing an igniter plug on the combustion chamber wall of a gas turbine A sealing arrangement of an igniter plug of a combustion chamber of a gas turbine, with an igniter plug passing through a recess of a combustion chamber wall, with at least one sealing ring through which the igniter plug projects and which is in sealing contact with an edge area of the recess facing away from the combustion chamber interior, wherein the sealing ring is designed in the form of a flat, annular and flexible disk.
US09982773B2	Power transmission device A power transmission device that includes a transmission including a plurality of engagement elements for transmitting power from a motor to axles; a case to accommodate the transmission; a hydraulic control device to control hydraulic pressure to the engagement elements; a hydraulic oil reservoir that stores hydraulic oil; and a first pump that is operated by the power from the motor and that suctions the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic oil reservoir through a strainer and supplies the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic control device.
US09982772B2	Shifting apparatus for vehicle The present disclosure relates to a shifting apparatus for a vehicle which includes a transmission realizing series of multi shift stages so that shift stages are sequentially increased as shift ratios are decreased. The shifting apparatus may include a shift limit means designating a lowest shift stage having a largest shift ratio to a shift stage for climbing and limiting so that a driver may select the shift stage for climbing in an only case that the vehicle satisfies a predetermined climbing condition; a gradient angle sensor for measuring a climb gradient of the vehicle; a vehicle speed sensor for measuring a vehicle speed; and a controller determining the climbing condition based on signals of the gradient angle sensor and the vehicle speed sensor so as to control the shift limit means.
US09982769B2	Belt pulley arrangment A belt pulley arrangement with a belt pulley that is fastenable to rotate on a shaft, a torsion spring arranged within the belt pulley for enabling a transmission of torque between the belt pulley and shaft. The torsion spring acts with one end against the shaft and with an other end against the belt pulley. A looped flat spiral spring is arranged radially between the belt pulley and the torsion spring and acting as a free-running clutch. The torsion spring is arranged on one of its axial ends in a first sleeve that is connected so that it can rotate with a radial inner lateral surface of the belt pulley. The looped flat spiral spring is arranged radially between the first sleeve and the torsion spring, and contacts, in its extended state, at least in some sections on the inner lateral surfaces of the first sleeve and belt pulley.
US09982768B2	Self lubricating cam follower assembly A cam follower assembly includes a shaft having a body defining a flanged head having an outer bearing surface extending therefrom. An outer ring is positioned around the shaft thereby forming an annular space there between. A plurality of rollers is positioned in the annular space. A channel extends through the shaft and branches radially outward at an outlet to communicate with the annular space. A lubrication assembly is positioned in the shaft and includes a pressurizing device located upstream of a lubrication reservoir and a metering device positioned downstream of the lubrication reservoir. The lubrication reservoir is in fluid communication with the outlet. The lubrication assembly includes a membrane positioned downstream of the lubrication reservoir. A piercing device is positioned proximate the membrane to pierce the membrane and release a lubricant from the lubrication reservoir.
US09982764B2	Power transmission apparatus for vehicle A power transmission apparatus for a vehicle may include a first input shaft, a second input shaft, a third input shaft, an intermediate shaft disposed parallel to the first, second, and third input shafts, a transfer gear fixedly disposed on the intermediate shaft and outputting torque thereof, an first shifting member changing torque of an engine into first and second preliminarily shifted torques, and outputting the first and second preliminarily shifted torques, an second shifting member changing the torque of the engine into third and fourth preliminarily shifted torques, and outputting the third and fourth preliminarily shifted torques, and a third shifting member changing the torque of the engine transmitted from the first input shaft and the first preliminarily shifted torque to the fourth preliminarily shifted torque selectively transmitted from the first shifting member or the second shifting member into eight forward speed stages and one reverse speed stage.
US09982760B2	Tensioner for engine with large and stable damping and minimum deflection of shaft A tensioner includes a base, a tension arrangement rotatable at the base, a damping member being rotated in a loading direction by the tension arrangement, and an elastic member biasing against the damping member. The position of the damping member depends by the layout geometry of the specific application and is directly in opposition to the hub load. The reaction force of the cylindrical surface of the base on the damping member is very near to the plan of the external forces represented by the hub load to minimize the deflection of the shaft. The tension arrangement is rotated to push the damping member for generating a first positive tension between the damping member and the base, and to expand the elastic member radially for generating a second positive tension between the elastic member and the damping member, so as to enhance a damping force of the tensioner.
US09982759B2	Hydraulic auto-tensioner A hydraulic auto-tensioner includes a sleeve having its bottom end press-fitted in a sleeve fitting hole in the bottom surface of a cylinder, a rod having its bottom end slidably fitted in the sleeve, and a return spring mounted between a spring support at the upper portion of the rod and the bottom surface of the cylinder. A pressure chamber communicates with a reservoir chamber through a passage formed between fitting surfaces of the sleeve fitting hole and the sleeve. The passage has a check valve. The rod has a valve fitting hole and a communication passage through which the valve fitting hole communicates with the reservoir chamber. The valve fitting hole has a relief valve. An orifice is formed between a valve hole formed in a valve seat of the relief valve and a valve body to prevent a sharp drop in pressure in the pressure chamber.
US09982757B1	Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle The present disclosure provides a planetary gear train of an automatic transmission including: input and output shaft, first to fifth planetary gear sets respectively having first to third, fourth to sixth, seventh to ninth, tenth to twelfth, and thirteenth to fifteenth rotational elements, a first shaft connected with the second and fifth rotational elements and the input shaft, a second shaft connected with the fourteenth rotational element and the output shaft, a third shaft connected with the eighth and thirteenth rotational elements, a fourth shaft connected with the eleventh and the fifteenth rotational elements, a fifth shaft connected with the sixth rotational element, a sixth shaft connected with the ninth and twelfth rotational elements, a seventh shaft connected with the tenth rotational element, an eighth shaft connected with the first and seventh rotational elements, and a ninth shaft connected with the third and fourth rotational elements.
US09982756B2	Multi-speed transmission The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and ring gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
US09982754B2	Dual clutch powershifting transmission A dual clutch transmission is provided with first and second coaxial input shafts, at least one mainshaft, and an output shaft that are coaxial with one another. The transmission has a countershaft offset from the first input shaft that supports seven countershaft gear elements drivably connected to respective gear elements on the first and second input shafts and the at least one mainshaft thereby forming seven forward gear meshes for the transmission. The seven forward gear meshes provide at least nine forward gear ratios for the transmission. The transmission is powershiftable between consecutive gear ratios of the at least nine gear ratios such that no torque interrupt occurs during sequential shifts.
US09982752B2	Energy guiding chains for processing machines An energy guiding chain has a plurality of articulately interconnected chain links comprising two outermost links and a plurality of inner links, and a bendable cover strip covering at least one of two sides of the articulately interconnected chain links, wherein the cover strip is held by at least some of the inner chain links, and guided displaceably with respect to at least the inner chain links in a chain longitudinal direction, and wherein the cover strip projects in a chain transverse direction at least on one side over the chain links. A processing machine for the machining of workpieces and a method of using an energy guiding chain are also described.
US09982750B2	Silent chain An object is to provide a silent chain that enhances the degree of design freedom for component dimensions to improve a chain strength with respect to a chain tensile force and that suppresses chain wear elongation. A silent chain includes a plurality of link plates arranged in a chain longitudinal direction and a chain width direction and coupled together by coupling pins so as to be bendable. The silent chain includes a plurality of plate longitudinal-direction trains each having the link plates arranged in the chain longitudinal direction. At least one of the plate longitudinal-direction trains includes a plurality of protruding-portion-installed plates having protruding portions protruding in the chain width direction from one side surface of a plate portion. The protruding-portion-installed plates 20 are arranged adjacently to one another in the chain longitudinal direction, with the protruding portions being different from one another in orientation in the chain width direction.
US09982748B2	Flexplates and method for capacitor discharge welding of flexplates A two-piece flexplate assembly having a ring gear welded to a central plate using a capacitor discharge welding process. The weld is established between a joining structure defined between the ring gear and the central plate using either an overlap arrangement, a projection arrangement, or a chamfer arrangement.
US09982744B2	Liquid-sealed vibration damping device A liquid-sealed vibration damping device is provided that allows an outer cylindrical member to have a substantially uniform interference margin in the circumferential direction, while improving an assembling property. A second mounting member mounted on a non-vibration source includes: a first frame in a cylindrical shape that is connected to a lower portion of an insulator; a second frame in a cylindrical shape that holds a partition member arranged below the insulator; and a connector that connects the first frame with the second frame. The connector includes: engaging parts that are arranged on the first frame; and elastic hook parts that are arranged on the second frame. The elastic hook parts are arranged at intervals on each of main frame parts in the circumferential direction thereof, and the elastic hook parts arranged on corners have lower rigidity than those arranged on the main frame parts.
US09982743B2	Vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator and manufacturing method thereof, active fluid-filled vibration-damping device and active vibration-damping device using vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator A vibration-damping electromagnetic actuator including: a tubular stator; a movable member displaceable relative to the stator in an axial direction, and being inserted in the stator; a housing including a tubular peripheral wall and being attached to the stator; a support rubber elastic body elastically connecting the movable member to the housing; and a coil member and an armature displaceable relative to the coil member disposed at one and the other of the stator and the movable member respectively. The stator is arranged in an inner periphery of the peripheral wall, and a gap is provided between the peripheral wall and the stator in an axis-perpendicular direction. The stator is attached to the housing in a state aligned with the movable member by means of displacement of the stator relative to the housing in the axis-perpendicular direction.
US09982732B2	Vehicle brake rotor and method of making same A method of making a vehicle brake rotor is provided, including manufacturing a friction ring with an opening, an annular flange projecting axially relative to a face of the friction ring, and a plurality of spaced lugs projecting radially from the flange. A hub is manufactured with a plurality of recesses integrally upon the friction ring. Next, the hub is manufactured or machined so that outermost ends of the lugs are visible from an exterior of the hub.
US09982730B2	Brake pad A brake pad has a brake lining with a first section and a second section. The first section includes a plurality of first layers having a first material and a plurality of second layers having a second material. The first material is different from the second material. The plurality of first layers and the plurality of second layers are alternatingly arranged between one another. The second section includes a plurality of third layers having the second material and a plurality of fourth layers having the first material. The plurality of third layers and the plurality of fourth layers are alternatingly arranged between one another. The plurality of first layers are adjacent to corresponding ones of the plurality of third layers are co-planar with one another. Further, the plurality of second layers are adjacent to corresponding ones of the plurality of fourth layers are co-planar with one another.
US09982724B2	Friction plate A friction plate for wet-running applications includes an annular main body having a first and a second surface. A friction lining having first oil grooves and second oil grooves is disposed on at least one of the first and the second surfaces. The first oil grooves extend from a radially inner end face of the friction lining in the direction towards a radially outer end face of the friction lining and terminate at a distance short of the radially outer end face, and the second oil grooves are disposed directly adjoining the first oil grooves in the radial direction and have a smaller maximum width in the circumferential direction than the first oil grooves. The first oil grooves are provided with a cross-sectional widening in the region of a radially outer end. The cross-sectional widenings of the first oil grooves are disposed at different radial heights.
US09982720B2	Rotating shaft coupling A rotary shaft coupling (10) for the drive-line of a vehicle includes a female component (11) of a propeller shaft (41) and a male component (12) of a drive axial pinion (42). The components have mutually engageable splines (14, 15) and circular regions (23, 25, 24, 26) drawn into engagement by a clamp nut (16) of the male component; the circular regions are a sliding or an interference fit. The clamp nut (16) may also be used to draw the components (11, 12) apart.
US09982716B2	Synthetic resin retainer and ball bearing A synthetic resin retainer includes two annular members having opposed surfaces opposed to each other and each formed with a plurality of pockets which are circumferentially spaced apart from each other, and in which the balls are received. Each annular member includes axially concave, arc-shaped pocket wall portions defining the inner surfaces of the pockets, and flat plate-shaped coupling plate portions coupling together the adjacent pairs of the pocket wall portions. The coupling plate portions have axial thicknesses of 30% or less of the diameters of the balls, and the pocket wall portions have, at deepest points of the pockets, thicknesses of 10% or less of the diameters of the balls.
US09982715B2	Sliding engine component A sliding engine component may include a sliding surface including a plastics polymer-based composite layer disposed on a substrate. The composite layer may include a matrix of plastics polymer-based material. The plastics polymer-based material may have 0.1 to 20 percent by volume of liquid-filled microcapsules distributed throughout the matrix, and incidental impurities.
US09982714B2	Method for producing a bi-material sliding bearing The invention relates to a method for producing a bi-material sliding bearing (1) whereby a metal sliding layer (3) of at least two different particle types is deposited under reduced pressure from the gas phase on a flat, metal substrate (8), and a first particle type forms a matrix with first grains and the second particle type forms grains embedded in the matrix of the metal sliding layer (3), and the metal sliding layer (3) is produced with a thickness (4) of more than 250 μm and with a Vickers hardness below 100 HV(0.025), and the metal sliding layer (3) is made of a single layer in only one pass and with a maximum grain size of at most 1 μm for at least 90% of the first grains forming the matrix and with a maximum grain size for at least 90% of the embedded grains, and a maximum particle size of at most 1.5 μm for the remaining grains making up 100% of all grains.
US09982709B2	Half thrust bearing and bearing device using the same The present invention provides a half thrust bearing in a semicircular ring shape for receiving an axial force of the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, including thrust reliefs formed adjacent to both circumferential end portions of a slide surface which receives the axial force, so that a wall thickness of the half thrust bearing becomes thinner toward the circumferential end portions, wherein at least the thrust relief on a rear side in a rotational direction of the crankshaft has a thrust relief length which becomes larger toward an outer end portion from an inner end portion in a radial direction of the half thrust bearing. The present invention also provides a bearing device including the above half thrust bearing, a crankshaft, a pair of half bearings supporting a journal portion of the crankshaft, and a bearing housing having a holding hole for holding the pair of half bearings.
US09982708B2	Crankshaft A crankshaft of an internal combustion engine includes a crank journal, a crank pin, and a crank web. The crank journal is to be supported by a crankcase and to be rotatable around a crankshaft axis. The crank pin has a crank pin axis substantially parallel to the crankshaft axis to support a connecting rod which is rotatable around the crank pin axis. The crank web is provided between the crank journal and the crank pin to connect the crank journal and the crank pin. The crank web has a hole which extends from one side face of the crank web and passes in a vicinity of a connection section between the crank pin and the crank web when viewed in an axial direction along the crankshaft axis.
US09982704B2	Fastening device Internally threaded device 10 includes a main body 11 having an internal thread portion 13 and a ring-like seat portion 12 disposed between the main body 11 and a member to be fastened 30. The main body 11 has a convex portion 15 and the ring-like seat portion 12 has a concave portion 16, the convex portion 15 and the concave portion 16 have a spherical zone with a center on an axis line. The radius of the spherical shape is set to allow the convex portion 15 and the concave portion 16 to slide earlier than the internal thread portion 13 when a load is applied between the main part 11 and the member 30 in a direction crossing the axial line L. Externally threaded device 40 and washer device 50 in similar structures prevent loosening of the engaged portion easily.
US09982700B2	Fastener A fastener attached to an attachment hole of an attachment member, wherein a grommet has a head section having an opening, and a plurality of leg pieces having an outer surface capable of engaging with an edge of the attachment hole of the attachment member by expansion of the leg pieces. A pin member is pressed in from the opening to splay the plurality of leg pieces. The leg pieces each have: a flexure section that extends downward from the head section and is flexible for spreading out; and an inclined surface that is formed radially inwardly away from an inner surface of the flexure section, inclined downwardly toward the center axis, and subjected to a pressing force from the pin member when the pin member is pressed in.
US09982698B2	Lock fixing mechanism with quick assembly and disassembly and a booth applied with the mechanism The present invention is provided with a lock fixing mechanism with quick assembly and disassembly, with a position lock block coupled to a position lock bar, the position lock block is contacted with the side surface of the position lock bar, by rotating, the position lock block squeezes the position lock bar. Under the action of the pressure, the spring connected to the position lock block deforms that the position lock bar moves towards the deforming direction of the spring, therefore the position lock bar is locked between the position lock block. The entire device doesn't need additional components nor need professional to operate that it has well applicability. The present invention further provides with a booth applied with the lock fixing mechanism with quick assembly and disassembly.
US09982697B2	Fastening element for attaching to a wall A fastening element for attaching to a wall. The fastening element having a contact element having an adhesive surface and a filling opening via which a flowable adhesive agent is capable of being brought between the adhesive surface and the wall. Positioning elements by which the contact element is capable of being positioned at the wall are arranged at the adhesive surface. The positioning element has a width which is variable in dependence on a spacing from the outlet opening. The width reduces at least sectionally as the spacing from the outlet opening increases and is minimal at a maximum spacing from the outlet opening. Accordingly, the adhesive surface is capable of flowing around the positioning element on the introduction between the wall and the adhesive surface.
US09982693B2	Pipeline systems and methods The present invention relates to a method and a device comprising a self-regulating pressure pipe for increasing a rate of a fluid flow of a fluid and configured to respond to the volume of the fluid or the viscosity of the fluid by decreasing or increasing the pressure within the self-regulating pressure pipe.
US09982691B2	Double acting fluidic cylinder for material handling An apparatus and a method of using a plurality of dual acting cylinders to acquire articles with vacuum cups is disclosed. A robot arm comprises a manipulator movable with the robot arm with the plurality of dual acting cylinders attached to the manipulator. The robot arm is configured to passively conform to a plurality of irregular articles by extending dual acting cylinders from manipulator and moving the manipulator distally with the robot arm to conform to the plurality of irregular articles. The movement causes each dual acting cylinder to passively and proximally retract from the contact of the vacuum cup with a respective irregular article and passively conform the vacuum cups and dual acting cylinders to the plurality of irregular articles. Each vacuum cup can adhere to and can manipulate acquired articles with vacuum.
US09982687B2	Compressor A compressor is provided that comprises; a compression mechanism compressing a fluid; a motor driving the compression mechanism; and a housing that houses the compression mechanism and the motor. The compressor includes a low-temperature fluid passage forming unit having a surface forming a low-temperature fluid passage in which a low-temperature fluid flows and provided in the housing so as to cool the motor, and an oil passage forming unit having a surface forming an oil passage through which oil supplied into the housing flows. At least a part of the oil passage forming unit is arranged so as to face the low-temperature fluid passage forming unit with an interposed portion interposed therebetween such that the oil is cooled by heat exchange with the low-temperature fluid.
US09982685B2	Compressor cover with circumferential groove A turbocharger compressor cover (114) including an inner shroud contour (122) configured to receive a compressor wheel (118) having a plurality of blades (140). Each blade (140) includes a leading edge (142), a contour edge (144), and a trailing edge (146). An inlet passage (124) leads to the inner shroud contour (122) and a circumferential groove (130) is formed around the inlet passage (124). The groove (130) includes a trailing edge (136) that is aligned with the outboard end (148) of the leading edge (142) of the blades. The compressor cover (114) includes an edge relief (138) formed along the groove trailing edge (136), such as a 45 degree chamfer. The circumferential groove (130) has a width and a depth, wherein the width and depth are approximately equal. The chamfer intersects the groove (130) approximately half the depth from the bottom of the groove (130).
US09982682B2	Rotor and vacuum pump equipped with same A rotor of a vacuum pump has first and second cylindrical bodies and a connecting portion for connecting the end portions of the cylindrical bodies together. The first cylindrical body has a plurality of rotor blades on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and configures a blade exhaust portion when the rotor blades are arranged along an axial center of the vacuum pump alternately with a plurality of stator blades. The second cylindrical body configures a threaded groove exhaust portion when a threaded groove exhaust flow passage is formed at least on an inner circumference of the second cylindrical body. In this rotor, a balancing portion for the rotor is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical body or the connecting portion, and mass adding means is provided in the balancing portion.
US09982677B2	Fan assembly A fan assembly includes a body and an air outlet connected to the body. The body includes an air inlet comprising a plurality of apertures formed in an outer casing of the body, an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to generate an air flow which passes along an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the impeller, a drive circuit for actuating the motor, the drive circuit being connected to the outer casing, and a panel for shielding the drive circuit from the air flow passing along the air flow path. The drive circuit includes a connector for connecting the drive circuit to a power cable, the connector being located within the outer casing. The outer casing includes an aperture through which the power cable is inserted to connect the cable to the connector, The panel includes a drain located beneath the connector.
US09982676B2	Split axial-centrifugal compressor A gas turbine engine including a compressor, a turbine, and a transmission is disclosed. The turbine is coupled to the compressor to drive rotation of multiple stages of the compressor. The transmission is configured to transmit rotational power from the turbine to at least one stage of the compressor to drive rotation of the at least one stage of the compressor.
US09982673B2	Supercharger having integrated clutch and torsional damper A supercharger constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure can include a first shaft portion, a coupling assembly, a clutch rotor and a clutch armature. The first shaft portion can be connected to a pulley. The coupling assembly can couple the first shaft portion to a second shaft portion. The first and second shaft portions can be configured to rotate around a common longitudinal axis. The coupling assembly can be configured to provide torsional damping between the first and second shaft portions. The clutch rotor can be mounted to the second shaft portion. The clutch armature can be mounted to a drive shaft and be unconnected to the first and second shaft portion. The clutch rotor and the clutch armature can selectively cooperate in an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the clutch rotor and the clutch armature rotate together.
US09982670B2	Fuel pump A fuel pump includes rotors that rotate, a pump housing that defines a rotor housing chamber that rotatably houses the rotors, and an outer circumferential side housing that includes a cylindrical portion formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the pump housing from an outer circumferential side and a narrowing potion having that narrows down with respect to the cylindrical portion. The fuel pump sucks fuel into the rotor housing chamber and then discharges the fuel due to the rotor rotating. A pump cover of the pump housing includes an inlet port that sucks fuel into the rotor housing chamber, and a sliding surface portion on which the rotors slide. An outer circumferential portion of the pump cover includes a joining portion joined to the narrowing portion, and a recessed portion that is recessed adjacent to the joining portion, the recessed portion allowing the outer circumferential portion to elastically deform.
US09982664B2	Systems and methods for metering a dose volume of fluid used to treat microelectronic substrates The disclosure relates to systems and methods for metering a dose volume of fluid that may be used to treat microelectronic substrates. The system enables precision dispensing of relatively small amounts of a liquid chemical into a chemical bath or processing chamber for microelectronic substrates. The dispensing device may include a fluid conduit with a plurality of actuation devices that may limit fluid communication between the actuation devices and store a portion of the fluid in expandable membrane. The actuation devices may push or pull the fluid within the fluid conduit when the expandable membrane expands or contracts. The configuration and operation of the actuation devices may enable the collection, isolation, and dispensing of the dose volume.
US09982663B2	Electroosmotic pump unit and assembly An electroosmotic pump unit includes at least a first pump element, at least a second pump element, and an electrode. Each pump element includes a tube, an electrically grounded fluid inlet, a fluid outlet electrically coupled to the electrode, and a porous monolith immobilized in the tube and having open pores having net surface charges. When the electrode applies a voltage across the monoliths, a fluid supplied to the first pump element flows through the pump elements in a direction from a fluid inlet of the first pump element toward a fluid outlet of the second pump element. A plurality of electroosmotic pump units may be connected in series in a pump assembly. The electroosmotic pump unit, or pump assembly, may be connected to an apparatus such as a HPLC.
US09982661B1	Passive thermal management systems employing shape memory alloys A thermal management system includes a first substrate having a first conductive inner surface. A second substrate has a second conductive inner surface. A connecting structure is attached to the first and second substrates to space apart the first and second inner surfaces defining an insulating space for a single architecture. One or more passively-acting elements are attached to the inner surface of at least one substrate and including a shape memory material such as a shape memory alloy (SMA). The SMA passively reacts to the temperature of the first substrate by thermally contacting or separating from the second inner surface of the second substrate for the control of the conduction of heat energy in either direction.
US09982659B1	Methods for refurbishing wind turbines Methods for refurbishing a wind turbine are provided. A method includes removing an existing machine head and existing top tower section from the wind turbine. The wind turbine further includes a lower tower section, the lower tower section comprising a top flange, the top flange defining a first plurality of fastener holes disposed in a first hole pattern. The method further includes connecting a new machine head and new top tower section to the wind turbine. The new top tower section comprises a bottom flange, the bottom flange defining a second plurality of fastener holes disposed in a second hole pattern. The second hole pattern matches the first hole pattern.
US09982656B2	Method, device, and system for controlling wind alignment correction of wind turbine generator system A method for controlling wind alignment correction of a wind turbine comprises: acquiring environmental wind speed values, wind alignment angle measured values, and generated power values of the wind turbine in real time; dividing each acquired environmental wind speed value into multiple wind speed sections according to the magnitude of the environmental wind speed value, and extracting wind alignment angle measured values and generated power values in at least one wind speed section; determining a maximum value of extracted generated power values in each wind speed section; calculating a wind alignment correction deviation of the wind turbine according to a wind alignment angle measured value corresponding to the maximum value; and performing correction processing on a subsequently acquired wind alignment angle measured value by using the wind alignment correction deviation.
US09982651B2	Laser spark plug and cleaning method for same A laser spark plug, in particular for an internal combustion engine, having a combustion chamber window through which laser radiation may be emitted from an interior of the laser spark plug toward an exterior, the laser spark plug having a component which surrounds at least part of the beam path of the laser radiation in the area of the exterior. In particular, the laser spark plug, in the area of the component, has at least one channel which has at least two orifice sections and which allows fluid communication between the orifice sections, a first orifice section being situated in the area of an outer surface of the combustion chamber window, and a second orifice section being situated in a radially outer area of the laser spark plug, in particular of the component.
US09982647B2	Engine start system An engine start system has a rotating electrical machine, a starter motor, an engine ECU and an ISG controller. The rotating electrical machine is connected to an output shaft of an engine. The starter motor drives the engine to be restarted. The engine ECU controls the engine operation. The ISG controller instructs an inverter when the rotating electrical machine performs power running and regenerative power generation. The ISG controller communicates with the engine ECU, and adjusts the operation of the starter motor and the rotating electrical machine. When receiving an engine restart request, the ISG controller drives at least one of the starter motor and the rotating electrical machine so as to restart the engine.
US09982645B2	Remote engine starting system A remote engine starting system includes a portable terminal that is carried by a user and a vehicle that allows an engine to be started in response to receiving an engine start signal transmitted from the portable terminal. The vehicle periodically transmits a query signal for establishment of a wireless communication link with the portable terminal to a predetermined range surrounding the vehicle to define a predetermined wireless communication area of the vehicle. A control unit of the portable terminal determines, based on whether the wireless communication link with the vehicle is established, whether the portable terminal is within the wireless communication area. The control unit transmits an engine start signal when the portable terminal enters the wireless communication area surrounding the vehicle while automatic start setting is enabled by the user.
US09982641B2	Valve assembly with a particle retainer element and fluid injection valve A valve assembly for a fluid injection valve may comprise a valve body, a valve needle moving in a cavity of the valve body, an armature in the cavity for actuating the valve needle, and a particle retainer. The cavity may extend axially through the valve body to connect a fluid inlet end to a fluid outlet end of the valve body and have a valve seat adjacent to the fluid outlet end. The first portion of the cavity may limit movement of the armature in the axial direction towards the fluid outlet end by a bottom surface having a central opening from which a second portion of the cavity extends towards the fluid outlet end. The shaft of the valve needle may extend through the opening into the second portion. The particle retainer element may bear on the bottom surface, circumferentially surrounding the shaft of the valve needle and overlapping the opening.
US09982629B2	Engine driven by SC02 cycle with independent shafts for combustion cycle elements and propulsion elements A gas turbine engine includes a first shaft coupled to a first turbine and a first compressor, a second shaft coupled to a second turbine and a second compressor, and a third shaft coupled to a third turbine and a fan assembly. The turbine engine includes a heat rejection heat exchanger configured to reject heat from a closed loop system with air passed from the fan assembly, and a combustor positioned to receive compressed air from the second compressor as a core stream. The closed-loop system includes the first, second, and third turbines and the first compressor and receives energy input from the combustor.
US09982627B2	Thrust reverser unit having both nested cascades translating linearly and only one cascade rotational A thrust reverser unit (TRU) 100 for a gas turbine engine 10 is provided that has first and second cascade elements 110, 120. In a stowed configuration, both the first and second cascade elements, and the operating mechanism, are located inside the nacelle 40, meaning that the TRU has no detrimental impact on the flow through the bypass duct 22. In the deployed configuration, the first cascade element 110 extends across the bypass duct 22. The first cascade element 110 has flow passages 112 that allow the flow to pass through, redirecting the flow towards the second cascade element 120. The second cascade element 120 further turns the flow so as to provide decelerating reverse thrust.
US09982626B2	Heat engine of transfer-expansion and regeneration type The heat engine with transfer-expansion and regeneration (1) includes a compressor (2) which compresses gases in a high-pressure regeneration line (6) of a regeneration heat exchanger (5) from which they emerge preheated via a high-pressure regenerator outlet line (9) which has a heat source (12) that superheats the gases, the latter being then transferred by an admission metering valve (24) operated by a metering valve actuator (25) into a transfer-expansion chamber (16) formed in particular by an expansion cylinder (13) and an expansion piston (15), the gases leaving the chamber (16) after having been expanded via an expanded gas exhaust line (26) and thanks to an exhaust valve (31) operated by an exhaust valve actuator (32) before being cooled down in a low-pressure regeneration line (7) of the regeneration heat exchanger (5).
US09982625B2	Active insulation burner, particularly for an external combustion engine A burner (1) comprises a front wall (2) with an exchanger opening (4) for the passage of a heat exchanger (14), a rear wall (5) with a fume discharge opening (7), a tubular side wall (8), a tubular diffuser wall (9) within the side wall (8), an annular distribution chamber (12) formed between the side wall (8), a combustion chamber (13) formed within the diffuser wall (9) and suitable for the insertion of the heat exchanger (14), wherein the rear wall (5) comprises a cooling interspace in flow communication with the gas supply line of the burner.
US09982624B1	Variable second injection control for internal combustion engine assemblies Disclosed are multi-pulse fuel delivery control systems, methods for using such systems, and motor vehicles with engines employing multi-pulse fuel injection schemes. A fuel delivery control system is disclosed with fuel injectors that selectively inject multiple pulses of fuel per working cycle into cylinders of an engine. An engine sensor detects an operating condition of the engine, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) sensor detects a state of an EGR system coupled to the engine. An engine control unit is programmed to: determine, from the detected EGR state, a current intake burned gas fraction; determine, from the detected engine operating condition, a desired intake burned gas fraction; determine a secondary fuel mass injection adjustment based on the desired and current intake burned gas fractions; and command the fuel injectors to inject two fuel pulses into each cylinder per working cycle, with the second pulse modified based on the determined adjustment.
US09982620B2	Method for the correction of a fuel quantity injected by means of a fuel injection device during operation of an internal combustion engine A method for correcting a fuel quantity injected by a fuel injection device during operation of an internal combustion engine, including: determining an air heat characteristic variable, on which an air heat stream fed to a combustion chamber of the engine functionally depends; determining an exhaust heat characteristic variable, on which an exhaust heat stream discharged from the combustion chamber functionally depends; determining a heat distribution factor, which specifies a fraction of the exhaust heat stream reduced by the air heat stream in relation to a heat stream fed with the injected fuel to the combustion chamber; calculating a fuel mass fed to the engine from the air heat characteristic variable, the exhaust heat characteristic variable and the heat distribution factor; calculating a comparison variable by comparing the calculated fuel mass with a fuel mass setpoint value and adapting actuation of the fuel injection device depending on the comparison variable.
US09982617B2	On-board diagnostics for an opposed-piston engine equipped with a supercharger On-board diagnostic monitoring of a two-stroke cycle, opposed-piston engine includes diagnostic monitoring of an air handling system equipped with a supercharger to determine whether the supercharger is functioning properly.
US09982616B2	Fuel injection controller and fuel injection system A fuel injection controller includes an increase control portion applying the boost voltage to the coil to increase a coil current to a first target value, and a constant current control portion applying a voltage to the coil to hold the coil current to a second target value. A threshold is an energization time period that is necessary to reach a boundary point between a seat throttle area of a property line and an injection-port throttle area of the property line from an energization start time point. An initial-current applied time period is from the energization start time point that the boost voltage starts to be applied to the coil to a time point that the coil current is decreased to the second target value. The increase control portion controls the coil current such that the initial-current applied time period is less than the threshold.
US09982609B2	Method for controlling an internal combustion engine A method controls an internal combustion engine that has a drive output shaft connected to an input shaft of a transmission. The internal combustion engine, the transmission and a drive wheel are encompassed by a drivetrain for the drive of a motor vehicle. The method includes determining a rotational acceleration of the input shaft and determining an input torque at the input shaft of the transmission based on a product of the rotational acceleration and a speed reduction ratio-dependent moment of inertia of the drivetrain in a section between the input shaft and the drive wheel. A combustion torque of the internal combustion engine is controlled such that the input torque adheres to a predetermined maximum input torque at the input shaft of the transmission.
US09982602B2	Shut off valves and components thereof for ecology fuel return systems In at least one aspect of this disclosure, a shut off valve for an ecology fuel return system can include an inlet for receiving a fluid, an outlet for effusing the fluid, and a valve member configured to move between an open position such that the valve member allows fluid to effuse from the outlet and a closed position such that the valve member prevents fluid from effusing from the outlet. The valve member can include a pressure deflector configured to prevent fluid flow from biasing the valve member toward the closed position.
US09982598B2	Gas turbine engine variable bleed valve for ice extraction A variable bleed valve includes a variable bleed valve door disposed in a bleed inlet in transition duct and rotatable about an axis at or near a forward end of door. Valve is operable to open and close a bleed slot open to a booster bleed flowpath located outwardly of transition duct and having an airflow restrictor. Airflow restrictor may be variable such as a flapper valve. Booster bleed flowpath may pass through a bifurcated bleed duct including an inner passage radially bound by spaced apart inner and middle bleed walls and an outer passage radially bound by middle bleed wall and an outer bleed wall. Airflow restrictor may include an outlet area smaller than an inlet area of inner passage. Door seals against middle bleed wall to open inner passage and against outer bleed wall to open both passages.
US09982597B2	Compact non-vibrating endothermic engine The novel, Compact and Non Vibrating Endothermic Engine (CoNVEE) is an internal combustion engine with reciprocating motion of the pistons inside one cylinder. The “CoNVEE” has the mechanism for the transformation of the axial reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotational motion of the motor shaft.Its innovative architecture makes the engine more compact, given the same delivered power, with respect to the current state of the art. The CoNVEE core occupies a very reduced volume, with a very limited number of moving parts which act in perfect anti-symmetry, compensating all inertia forces developed. The CoNVEE may be conveniently used with any type of propulsion fuel and, particularly, for those applications which require high power density and low vibration in the motor.
US09982594B2	Engine for outboard motor An intake system is arranged in a side portion of one side of an engine body in a left-right direction, and the exhaust passage and the air pump are arranged in a side portion of the other side of the cylinder block and the cylinder head of the engine body in the left-right direction.
US09982590B2	Internal-combustion-engine supercharger An internal-combustion-engine supercharger includes a centrifugal compressor, a pre-compression flow path, a post-compression flow path, a bypass passage, and a control valve. The centrifugal compressor is disposed in an intake passage of an internal combustion engine and has an impeller to compress and discharge intake air using a radial centrifugal force generated by rotating the impeller. The intake air in the post-compression flow path is to be recirculated to the pre-compression flow path via the bypass passage. A connecting portion between the bypass passage and the pre-compression flow path is disposed at a position other than an extreme-bottom surface portion located at a lowest portion in a flow path section of the pre-compression flow path in a state where the internal-combustion-engine supercharger is installed in a vehicle. The control valve is disposed in the bypass passage to control a recirculation flow rate of the intake air.
US09982588B2	Pre-combustion chamber assembly for internal combustion engines A pre-chamber assembly for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The pre-chamber assembly may have a pre-chamber main body configured to be mounted to the internal combustion engine and defining at least a portion of a pre-chamber extending along a longitudinal axis. The pre-chamber assembly may also have an ignition electrode. The ignition electrode may have a center electrode and at least one electrode arm extending from the center electrode at least partially into the pre-chamber. The at least one electrode arm may extend in both a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis and an axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis. Additionally, the pre-chamber assembly may have a mass element including at least one radial inner face facing the at least one electrode arm. The at least one radial inner face may be non-parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis.
US09982585B2	Flameless fluid heater Heat from a rotating prime mover(s) driving a fluid shear pump, heat from the prime mover and any exhaust heat generated by the prime mover is collected. The heat energy collected from all of these sources is transmitted through heat exchangers to a fluid where heat energy is desired. This fluid heating process is performed in the absence of an open flame.
US09982584B2	Device for the aftertreatment of exhaust gas from a motor vehicle A device for aftertreatment of exhaust gas includes: a prechamber having an exhaust gas inlet; a main chamber; a mixing device, in which the exhaust is mixable with an additive; and an intermediate device, via which a partial exhaust gas flow is deliverable from the prechamber to the mixing device. The intermediate device has swirl elements configured to reverse the direction of swirl of swirled exhaust gas flow generated in the prechamber as the exhaust gas overflows into the interior of the intermediate device, and/or the prechamber is configured to impel a first partial exhaust gas flow in a direction of swirl, and the main chamber is configured to impel a second partial exhaust gas flow from the prechamber in a direction of swirl, the direction of swirl of the exhaust gas in the prechamber being opposed to the direction of swirl of the exhaust gas in the main chamber.
US09982582B2	Cleaning system and method for reduction of SOx in exhaust gases A cleaning system for reducing SOx and particulate matter in exhaust gases from a marine combustion engine, burner or boiler. The cleaning system comprises first and second scrubber process loops having first and second scrubber, respectively, and first and second water circulation tanks, respectively. Water from the first tank is evaporated to water vapor inside the first scrubber by contact with the exhaust gases, whereby the water vapor and the exhaust gases form humid exhaust gases. The humid exhaust gases are transferred to the second scrubber, wherein water from the second tank condensates the water vapor in the humid exhaust gases. A reflux of water from the second scrubber process loop to the first scrubber process loop is provided. At least 60% and more preferred at least 90% of a total amount of alkaline agent supplied to the cleaning system is supplied to the second scrubber process loop.
US09982580B2	Adaptation of a wireless oil level sensor to an oil pan drain plug An oil drain plug and wireless oil level sensor assembly is provided including an oil drain plug having a shaft and a head, the shaft having external threads and an axial passage extending axially therein in communication with at least one radial passage extending through the shaft from the axial passage to an exterior of the shaft. An oil level sensor includes a housing having an annular mounting portion defining an aperture extending there through for receiving the shaft of the oil drain plug. A pressure transducer is in fluid communication with the aperture and connected to a circuit and a battery disposed within the housing that provide wireless signals representative of the oil level.
US09982574B2	Connection concept of a multipart rotor for a hydraulic camshaft adjuster A multipart rotor (1) for a hydraulic camshaft adjuster, including a rotor main body (2) which is connected to a first rotor auxiliary body (3) for conjoint rotation and in an axially fixed manner, the rotor main body (2) and the first rotor auxiliary body (3) together forming at least one hydraulic medium guide channel (5). A second ring-shaped rotor auxiliary body (4) is arranged concentric to the rotor main body (2) and the first rotor auxiliary body (3) on the radially inner side of both components, the second rotor auxiliary body (4) being fastened to the rotor main body (2) and/or to the first rotor auxiliary body (3) for conjoint rotation and in an axially fixed manner.
US09982573B2	Camshaft phaser A camshaft phaser includes a stator having an inner wall with lobes extending radially inward and a stator flange extending radially outward, the stator flange having a plurality of apertures; a rotor coaxially disposed within the stator, the rotor having vanes interspersed with the lobes defining alternating advance chambers and retard chambers; a plurality of compression limiters extending through the apertures; a front cover which closes one end of the advance and retard chambers; a back cover which closes the other end of the advance and retard chambers; and a plurality of fasteners which extend through the apertures such that the fasteners apply a clamping load which clamps the stator between the front cover and the back cover such that the clamping load is transmitted through the compression limiters.
US09982566B2	Turbomachine, sealing segment, and guide vane segment A turbomachine includes a sealing segment ring that is provided between a front guide vane row and a back guide vane row for sealing a radial gap between a casing section and a rotor blade row rotating between the guide vane rows, wherein the sealing segment ring has a plurality of identical sealing segments and at least one of the guide vane rows has a plurality of identical guide vane segments, wherein the sealing segments each have a plurality of engagement sites lying adjacent to one another in the peripheral direction for interaction with securing elements of this guide vane row, wherein the engagement sites and securing elements are distributed uniformly over the periphery and the engagement sites are a multiple of the securing elements, a sealing element, and a guide vane segment.
US09982564B2	Turbine frame assembly and method of designing turbine frame assembly A structural case assembly comprises a frame, fairing and heat shield. The frame is fabricated from a material having a temperature limit below an operating point of a gas turbine engine, and comprises an outer ring, an inner ring and a plurality of struts extending therebetween to define a flow path. The fairing is fabricated from a material having a temperature limit above the operating point of the gas turbine engine, and comprises a ring-strut-ring structure that lines the flow path. The heat shield is disposed between the frame and the fairing to inhibit radiant heat transfer therebetween. The heat shield may block all line-of-sight between the fairing and the frame. The frame may be produced from CA-6NM alloy. A method for designing a turbine case structure includes selecting a frame material having a temperature limit below the operating point of an engine.
US09982558B2	Steam turbine A steam turbine includes a turbine body; a steam flow passage; a regulating valve which regulates opening and closing of the steam flow passage with a linear motion; a switching drive mechanism which drives the regulating valve; an electronic governor which controls at least the switching drive mechanism; and a controller unit. The switching drive mechanism has an electric motor which rotates when supplied with power, a conversion mechanism which converts a rotary motion of the electric motor into a linear motion of the regulating valve, and a brake which brakes the rotary motion of the electric motor. At least one of the controller unit and the electronic governor performs control such that the brake is actuated and the position of the regulating valve is maintained when at least one of the electric motor and the controller unit breaks down.
US09982557B2	VTG mechanism assembly using wave spring A turbocharger unit (10) incorporating variable turbine geometry. The unit (10) has a turbine housing (12) for receiving exhaust gases from an engine, a turbine wheel (14) located inside a turbine housing (12), and a bearing housing (24) connected to the turbine housing (12), having a recessed portion (28). A spring member is located in the recessed portion (28), and a heat shield (32) receives apply force from the spring member. There is also a cartridge for providing variable turbine geometry located in the turbine housing (12); the cartridge is held in contact with the turbine housing (12) by the spring member in the form of a contoured sleeve (26). The apply force received by the heat shield (32) from the spring member transfers through the cartridge, and holds the cartridge in place in the turbine housing.
US09982555B2	Gas turbine power generation system A gas turbine power generation system has a dual-shaft gas turbine, an electric generator mechanically connected to a low pressure turbine of the dual-shaft gas turbine and electrically connected to an electric power system, a rotary electric machine mechanically connected to a high pressure turbine through a compressor of the dual-shaft gas turbine and electrically connected to the electric power system, and an electric power output from the electric generator side to the electric power system is adjusted by operation of the rotary electric machine as a motor or as a generator.
US09982550B2	Joined two ply w seal A metal gasket bellows seal includes a first ply and a second ply coupled to the first ply at a first location via spot joining at one or more locations.
US09982549B2	Turbine under platform air seal strip A gas turbine engine stage includes a rotor having a slot. A blade has a root received in the slot, and a shank that extends radially outward from the root to a platform that supports an airfoil. A seal is supported on the shank and in engagement circumferentially between and with the shank and the rotor within the slot. A gas turbine engine includes compressor and turbine sections. The turbine section has a rotor with a slot. A combustor is provided axially between the compressor and turbine sections. A turbine blade in the turbine section includes a root received in the slot and a shank that extends radially outward from the root to a platform that supports an airfoil.
US09982547B2	Guide mechanism for a gas turbine and gas turbine having such a guide mechanism A guide mechanism for a gas turbine has a casing supporting on its interior a duct delimited by radially inner and outer duct segments. A variable guide vane located at least partially within the duct can rotate about an axis of rotation to guide flow of a fluid in the duct. The radially inner duct segment is fastened to the guide vane and is retained on the casing element via the guide vane, which is mounted on the casing element via a bushing inserted in the radial direction from outside to inside into a passage opening of the casing element.
US09982542B2	Airfoil platform impingement cooling holes An airfoil structure for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil which includes a leading edge and a trailing edge. A platform is located adjacent a first end of the airfoil and includes a core passage that extends through the platform, a mate-face for engaging an adjacent airfoil structure and a set of impingement cooling holes in communication with the core passage that extend through the mate-face adjacent the trialing edge of the airfoil.
US09982541B2	Gas turbine engine flow path member A gas turbine engine flow path member is disclosed which includes an extending end portion capable of contacting a surface of the turbine engine. The flow path member includes openings to pass a cooling fluid to cool the extending end portion. The flow path member, furthermore, can be made using a variety of approaches. To set forth just two non-limiting examples, the flow path member can be cast and it can be a laminated construction.
US09982539B2	Turbomachines having guide ducts Turbomachines having guide ducts are disclosed. One disclosed example turbomachine includes a rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation and having rotor blade ducts, a housing having housing ducts to allow the inflow or outflow of working medium and guide blade ducts fixed in the housing, where the rotor blade ducts are in fluid communication with the housing ducts via the guide blade ducts.
US09982538B1	Method and apparatus for rotating liners in a rotating liner engine A rotating liner driving mechanism for converting existing engines castings to a rotating liner configuration (RLE) with minor changes to the engine or casting. A pulley is connected to the main accessory belt in the front of the engine and drives a shaft parallel to the crankshaft but external to the engine. Via a 90 degree gearbox, the driving rotation is turned about normal to the crankshaft and block deck face. This shaft drives a driving gear through a gear cover, which then drives one of the liners. Gears in the liner flanges propagate the rotation to all liners. An inline engine needs only one set of pulleys and driving mechanisms, but a V-engine may require two, one for each bank of cylinders. The driving pulley can have mechanisms included so that the gear ratio between crankshaft and rotating liners can be varied during engine operation.
US09982537B2	Method of supporting a rock wall A rock bolt includes an elongate metallic body having a first end and an opposed second end, a threaded portion at the second end, for attaching thereto and locating thereon, a nut and a bearing plate, a mechanical anchor at, or at least partially located on, a first end portion of the body and a first resistive anchor, located between the threaded portion and the mechanical anchor.
US09982535B2	Monitoring of reservoir fluid moving along flow pathways in a producing oil field using passive seismic emissions A system of and method for determining whether a liquid moving in an oil-bearing reservoir rock formation is water or oil is provided. The oil-bearing rock formation includes at production well(s) and source(s) of injected water during normal oil production. A fluid pathway is identified, baseline number of passive microseismic events is established, passive microseismic events in the fluid pathway are monitored during oil production to sense microseismic events, the sensed microseismic events are compared to a baseline number of passive microseismic events. The fluid causing the microseismic events is determined to be water if the sensed number of microseismic events approaches the baseline number of passive microseismic events per the predetermined unit, and if the baseline number of passive microseismic is measured during a time period when the water injection is greater than the rate of water injection during normal oil production.
US09982534B2	Downhole systems for communicating data Systems and methods are presented for communicating data representing formatted characteristics of a borehole from a downhole location to a surface location. A sensor array downhole produces a first data set from which a plurality of coefficients for use in a one-dimensional angular function are determined. The coefficients are transmitted to the surface to allow a second data set to be prepared representing the first data set. Other systems and methods are presented.
US09982532B2	System and method for controlling linear movement using a tapered MR valve A tapered magnetorheological (MR) valve includes a first fixed housing that remains in a fixed position along a central axis of the tapered MR valve. The first fixed housing defines a first surface of a MR fluid channel that is at an angle with respect to the central axis of the tapered MR valve. A second housing moves linearly along the central axis of the tapered MR valve. The second housing defines a second surface of the MR fluid channel that is at the angle with respect to the central axis of the tapered MR valve. The first fixed housing and the second housing together define a first MR fluid chamber and a second MR fluid chamber interconnected by the MR fluid channel. The second housing moves linearly between a first position and a second position along the central axis of the tapered MR valve. The distance between the first surface of the MR fluid channel and the second surface of the MR fluid channel has a first value at the first position and a second value greater that the first value at the second position.
US09982530B2	Wellbore servicing tools, systems and methods utilizing near-field communication A wellbore servicing system comprising a controller node disposed within a wellbore, and a tool node configured for movement through the wellbore, wherein the tool node communicates with the controller node via a near field communication (NFC) signal, wherein prior to communication with the controller node, the tool node will not perform at least one function and, after communication with the controller node, the tool node will selectively perform the at least one function.
US09982524B2	Method of using viscosified fracture fluid to improve flow of liquids and gases from a subterranean fracture A method of improving flow of liquids and gases from a subterranean fracture using a viscosified fracture fluid 1 formed by combining a solid proppant, a binding agent and an enzyme to form a proppant-immobilized enzyme 2, mixing the proppant-immobilized enzyme 2 with a second proppant 3 to form a heterogeneous proppant pack 4 and mixing said heterogeneous proppant pack 4 with a gelled liquid fracturing fluid 5 to form the viscosified fracture fluid 1 containing the heterogeneous proppant pack 4. The viscosified fracture fluid 1 containing the heterogeneous proppant pack 4 is pumped 6 into a subterranean zone 7 to form one or more fractures therein. The proppant-immobilized enzyme 2 that is part of the heterogeneous proppant pack 4 has the dual purpose of propping open the subterranean fractures and reducing the viscosity of the viscosified fracture fluid.
US09982523B2	Hydraulic fracturing system and method A hydraulic fracturing system and method for enhancing effective permeability of earth formations to increase hydrocarbon production, enhance operation efficiency by reducing fluid entry friction due to tortuosity and perforation, and to open perforations that are either unopened or not effective using traditional techniques, by varying a pump rate and/or a flow rate to a wellbore.
US09982522B2	Method of development of a deposit of high-viscosity oil or bitumen A method of developing deposits of high-viscosity oil or bitumen using a pair of horizontal injection and production wells. The method includes the steps of, before the formation of the wells, selecting core samples for analyzing extracted water mineralization and determining composition of dissolved elements. Based on these data, the optimum mineralization is determined in order to maximize oil recovery from the reservoir. After warming up of the reservoir and creating a steam chamber, the mineralization of produced water is determined at least once a day by directly measuring in the stream of the product. After reaching a stable value of mineralization of the produced water, the injection of the heat-transfer agent in the injection well and the withdrawal of the product from the production well without break of the heat-transfer agent in the production well is controlled so that the mineralization of the water is as much as possible close to the optimum value.
US09982516B2	System and method for oil and condensate processing A system and method for the on-site separating and treating of a hydrocarbon liquid stream at an oil and gas production site is disclosed. The system comprises an oil and condensate distillation unit and a vapor recovery unit. In one embodiment, the oil and condensate distillation unit operates at low pressure or vacuum conditions to reduce the vapor pressure above the column of oil within the tubing, thereby increasing the production of oil and condensate and capturing entrained natural gas otherwise lost or burned off. The system further functions to improve the quality and volume of recovered natural gas and to decrease air pollution, in addition to increasing oil and condensate production at the well site.
US09982512B2	Apparatus and method for treating a reservoir using re-closeable sleeves There is provided a flow control apparatus comprising: a housing; a port extending through the housing; a housing passage defined within the housing and configured for fluidly communicating via the port; a flow control member displaceable relative to the port for effecting opening and closing of the port; a retainer housing space, disposed between the housing and the flow control member, and co-operating with the flow control member such that, at least while the flow control member is disposed in the closed position, a sealing interface is disposed between the retainer housing space and the housing passage; and a resilient retainer member, extending from the housing and into the retainer housing space, and configured to releasably engage the flow control member for resisting displacement of the flow control member.
US09982509B2	Well treatment device, method, and system A system for selectively treating zones in a cased well-bore, including a downhole tool, having a body, an inner bore, and an outer surface. The tool body has at least one treatment port disposed on the outer surface and a sliding sleeve disposed within the inner bore for selectively isolating the inner bore from the outer surface. The sliding sleeve can be positioned in a closed position or open position with respect to the treatment port. A collet disposed around an outer surface of the sliding sleeve is for maintaining the sliding sleeve in an open position. At least one finger on the collet engages the inner surface of the bore for maintaining the sleeve in an open position. The sliding sleeve also has a means for maintaining the inner sliding sleeve in a closed position.
US09982508B2	Intervention tool for delivering self-assembling repair fluid Certain aspects are directed to devices for use in a wellbore in a subterranean formation. There is provided an intervention tool that may be used to set a self-assembling remedial screen, patch, plug, create a remedial isolation zone, conduct remedial securement, or otherwise provide a remedial fix to one or more components of the completion in a downhole configuration. The intervention tool may have a tool shaft, at least two magnets positioned with respect to the tool shaft, a carrier fluid containing magnetically responsive particles, one or more injection ports on the tool shaft, and a fluid deployment system to cause deployment of the carrier fluid out of the tool shaft through the one or more injection ports.
US09982504B2	Mechanical hold-down assembly for a well tie-back string An improved hold-down assembly for a well tie-back string and methods of use of the same are disclosed. The improved hold-down assembly includes a tie-back string and a hold-down assembly coupled to the tie-back string. The hold-down assembly includes one or more slips and a packer assembly disposed about the tie-back string.
US09982502B2	Metal to metal annulus seal with enhanced lock-down capacity In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a seal assembly for sealing and locking a casing hanger to a wellhead includes a lower seal body, an upper seal body connected to the lower seal body, an inner lock ring disposed between the upper seal body and the lower seal body, an external lock ring engaging the upper seal body, and an energizing ring. The lower seal body is structured and arranged to form a seal with the casing hanger and the wellhead. The upper seal body includes a load portion that overhangs a load shoulder of the casing hanger. At least a portion of the energizing ring is disposed within an inner groove disposed within the upper seal body. The energizing ring locks the inner lock ring into forcible engagement with the casing hanger, and locks the external lock ring into engagement with the wellhead.
US09982501B2	Safety latch for a downhole tool A lockable overshot assembly for use in a wireline spearhead system for lowering and retrieving inner tube assemblies and other tools and equipment from a downhole location includes a pair of lifting dogs pivotally mounted to an overshot head on the lockable overshot assembly and configured for latching a spearhead. A locking arrangement is mounted into the elongated body and engagable within the lifting dogs, such that in a locked state the lifting dogs are in latched position and in an unlocked state, allows the lifting dogs to move to the release position. The locking arrangement is a pin, which can be moved laterally to be between the latching dogs to prevent them moving to the release position.
US09982500B2	Well emergency separation tool for use in separating a tubular element A method of separating a tubular element, comprising providing a tubular element having an inner and an outer surface, a circumference of said outer surface, a longitudinal axis and a first end and a second end; radially surrounding said tubular element with an explosive shaped charge material, wherein said shaped charge explosive material is capable of generating a high-velocity plasma jet in response to an activation signal, and wherein said explosive material comprises an electrically conductive layer; transmitting said activation signal to said explosive material; generating said high-velocity plasma jet; and separating said tubular element into a first portion comprising said first end and a second portion comprising said second end when said high-velocity plasma jet penetrates said outer surface of said tubular element and exits said inner surface of said tubular element.
US09982495B1	Tubular handling assembly and method An assembly for handling a tubular member disposed in a central bore of a riser. The assembly includes adapter bushings configured to be positioned within auxiliary bores of the riser flange, tie rods that threadedly engage a central bore of the adapter bushings, and a frame including guides through which the tie rods slide to suspend the frame. The frame slides along the tie rods and at least partially over the tubular member to engage a free end of the tubular member with an end stop of the frame. One or more grip blocks extend through lateral bores in the frame to grip a recess in an outer surface of the tubular member, and the grip blocks are locked in position. With the tubular member locked within the frame, the tubular may be removed from the central bore of the riser and/or inserted into the central bore of the riser.
US09982488B2	External, divorced PDC bearing assemblies for hybrid drill bits A hybrid-type earth boring drill bit is described having fixed cutting blades and rolling cones with cutting elements, wherein the rolling cones are associated with a spindle assembly that may be optionally divorced from the head pin assembly, and which includes bearing members that further include a plurality of polycrystalline diamond elements.
US09982475B2	System and method for automatically closing a garage door Systems and methods for automatically closing a garage door can include one or more door open sensors, one or more motion sensors, one or more timers, and a door close activator. In certain embodiments, the one or more door open sensors are configured to detect whether the garage door is completely open. In various embodiments, the one or more motion sensors are configured to detect motion. In certain embodiments, the one or more timers are configured to delay for at least one predetermined time period after motion is no longer detected. In various embodiments, the door close activator is configured to close the garage door after the delay of the predetermined period of time.
US09982470B2	Soft close mechanism for a closure A soft close mechanism that may have a cam track housing, a damper housing, and a cam follower. The cam track housing may have first and second grooves. The damper housing may rotate with respect to the cam track housing. The cam follower may be disposed in the first groove when the damper housing is rotated in a first direction and may be disposed in the second groove when the damper housing is rotated in a second direction.
US09982469B2	Pivot bar for window sash A pivot bar for a tiltable window sash may include an elongated body, an anti-rotation feature and a retaining finger. The elongated body has first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing surfaces extending between the first and second ends. The elongated body also has a first longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends. The first end may be configured to be received in a window balance assembly. The retaining finger may extend from the second surface and may be configured to engage the tiltable window sash.
US09982468B2	Motor vehicle door lock The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock, having a lock case (1), and also a locking mechanism (2, 3) which is supported in the lock case (1) and consists substantially of a rotary latch (2) and a pawl (3), and having an additional reinforcing element (7), wherein the reinforcing element (7) is formed as a reinforcing plate (7) which couples the two axes of rotation of both the rotary latch (2) and the pawl (1) at a distance from the lock case (1).
US09982460B2	Electric lock An electric lock includes an input switching clutch for selectively transmitting electric or manual driving force to an output line. The input switching clutch includes an outer ring that rotates together with an electrically driven input gear, and an inner ring which rotates together with an output gear. Wedge-shaped spaces are defined between the outer ring and the inner ring. Two rollers are mounted in each wedge-shaped space and are biased toward narrow portions of the wedge-shaped space by a coil spring also mounted in the wedge-shaped space. The input switching clutch further includes an unlocking piece having crossbars inserted at both circumferential ends of the respective wedge-shaped spaces, and coupled to a manually driven input shaft so that rotation of the manually driven input shaft can be transmitted thereto; and a torque transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotation of the manually driven input shaft to the inner ring.
US09982457B2	Anti-theft device for door locks The anti-theft device is configured in a door lock, and contains a first blocking piece, a second blocking device, a positioning piece, and a lever. The first blocking piece contains a first section and a second section bended and extended perpendicularly from the first section. The first section has a first through hole and a second through hole. The lever is engaged by a lock heart of the door lock. When the door lock is locked, the lock heart is turned to engage the lever so that the lever drives the first blocking piece downward by its first through hole. The second section of the first blocking piece as such blocks a lock tongue of the door lock so that the door lock cannot be opened without using key.
US09982454B2	Post sleeve assembly A post sleeve includes a reinforced concrete body preformed around a liner that defines a cavity extending longitudinally within the body, sized to receive a post. Standoff ribs run lengthwise within the cavity and extend inward from inner walls of the cavity. A post in the cavity is supported laterally by the standoff ribs. Drain channels between the ribs permit water to flow past the post and exit the cavity via a lower aperture. A drain tube is coupled to the lower aperture, and extends downward where it is covered with gravel at the bottom of a post hole. Concrete is poured around the post sleeve in the hole. The cavity is adaptable to receive posts of varying sizes, and at various depths. A collar closes a space between the post and the top of the cavity, permitting air circulation within the cavity while shedding water and substantially preventing insects from entering the cavity.
US09982450B2	Pole-clamp system and method A pole-clamping system including an upper-tubular-body, a lower-tubular-body, a locking-mechanism, an upper-foot, a lower-foot, and a pole-hook-mechanism. The pole-clamp system constructed with a net-positive-buoyancy such that the pole-clamp system floats in water. The pole-clamp system structured and arranged to be removably and adjustably insertable within a skimmer-inlet of a pool to hold a pool-accessory via the pole of the pool-accessory. The upper-tubular-circumference of the upper-tubular-body may be smaller in dimension than the lower-tubular-circumference of the lower-tubular-body such that the upper-tubular-body may be slideably insertable within the lower-tubular-body to allow for a variable-length of the pole-clamp system. The locking-mechanism selectively and securely locks the upper-tubular-body within the lower-tubular-body to maintain the variable-length of the pole-clamp system during use with the pole-hook-mechanism.
US09982448B2	Articulated plow Disclosed embodiments include an articulated plow that displaces water within a pool to create water wave energy. The articulated plow may include blades that are vertically engaged and coplanar during a wave energy stroke, thereby forcing water in front of the plow to be displaced. During the wave energy stroke, the static water plane behind the plow may be maintained at a predetermined elevation. During a reset stroke, the blades may rotate through their respective centroidal axis simultaneously to a horizontal attitude, thereby gliding through the static water.
US09982444B2	Liquid and gas-impermeable connections for panels of stay-in-place form-work systems A stay-in-place form comprises a plurality of elongated panels connectable to one another in edge-to-edge relationship. The plurality of panels comprises first and second panels connectable to one another in edge-adjacent relationship by a connection which comprises a contact joint. The first panel comprise a longitudinally extending first seal-retaining projection shaped to project outwardly from the outer surface of the first panel at a location spaced apart from a first outer-surface transverse edge of the first panel in a first transverse direction. The second panel comprising a longitudinally extending second seal-retaining projection shaped to project outwardly from the outer surface of the second panel at a location spaced apart from a second outer-surface transverse edge of the second panel in a second transverse direction opposite the first transverse direction. The first and second seal-retaining projections and the outer surfaces of the first and second panels defining at least a portion of a seal-receiving concavity which opens outwardly from the form when the connection is made.
US09982438B2	Exposed structure heating apparatus and methods of making and use An apparatus for heating structure or areas adjacent such structure, such as a roof on a building for example, exposed to varying weather conditions and methods of making and use of the apparatus. The heating apparatus can include a heating element and heat supplying components. In one embodiment, the heating apparatus also includes a heatable cover panel and fasteners or other fastening components or materials for securing the heating element and cover panel to the structure. The heat supplying components may include one or more heater cable or heater cable sections penetrating one or more heater cable channels in the heating element. The apparatus may also utilize various insulating and other materials, including paint on exposed surfaces of the apparatus.
US09982434B1	Encapsulated anchor devices, systems, and methods Encapsulated anchor devices, systems, and methods are provided. An exemplary anchor device is used in a system for reinforcing a structure. The exemplary anchor device includes an anchor plate and a wedge. A strand is pulled through the anchor plate, and one portion of the strand is disposed in a first cover and another portion of the strand is bare. The device further includes a protective cover that encapsulates the anchor plate, the strand, and a portion of the first cover.
US09982433B2	High performance, reinforced insulated precast concrete and tilt-up concrete structures and methods of making same The invention comprises a product. The product comprises a foam insulating panel, the panel having a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface, wherein the foam insulating panel defines at least one recessed channel in the first primary surface, the at least one recessed channel being sized and shaped to provide a mold for a structural reinforcing member. The product also comprises a concrete panel formed on the first primary surface and filling the at least one recessed channel so as to provide a structural reinforcing member for the concrete panel. The product further comprises an elongate anchor member in the foam insulating panel and extending from the first primary surface of the foam insulating panel into the concrete panel. A method of making a composite reinforced insulated concrete structure is also disclosed.
US09982432B1	Curb wall forming apparatus and method of forming a curb wall Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a curb wall forming apparatus and method for forming a curb wall without causing damage to the adjacent concrete floor. In various embodiments, the curb wall forming apparatus includes one or more floor plates, one or more curb side wall forming panel supports, one or more stanchions, one or more end plates, one or more wall attachment plates, and one or more curb side wall forming panels which are used together to enable a curb wall to be formed. These components can be used together to enable a curb wall to be formed on a floor adjacent to an upstanding wall without causing damage to the wall or the area of the floor adjacent to the formed curb wall. The floor plates, the curb side wall forming panel supports, the stanchions, the end plates, and the wall attachment plates remain as part of the formed curb wall.
US09982430B2	Layered insulation system A layered insulation system comprising one or more layers. A variety of types of layers can be used in conjunction with one another to deliver a range of desired Low-E and/or Low-U insulation properties and/or venting choices. Some types of layers can be foam layers with foam that inhibits heat conjunction interspersed with microparticles and/or nanoparticles that reflect, scatter, abate, and/or negate infrared radiation (IR) wavelengths, including dampening “Ideal Model Matrix” vibrations to inhibit heat flux through an IR opaque system. Other layers can be Low-E layers, Low-U layers, primarily empty layers, and/or other types of layers.
US09982428B2	Expansion joint seal with surface load transfer, intumescent, and internal sensor An expansion joint design for supporting transfer loads. The system includes an elongated core and at least one longitudinal load-transfer member which are bonded together.
US09982419B1	Apparatus and method for heating frozen pipes An apparatus for use in thawing frozen material in pipes, the apparatus including conduit through which a plurality of wires pass, the conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end including an attachment selected from a heating element, a camera, or a light and wherein the attachment is secured to the conduit through a plug. The heating element includes a plastic outer shell and is controlled by a thermostat which may use a sensor, such as a thermocouple. The heating element, light or camera may be powered by any known source, including a 110 Volt outlet, 220 Volt outlet or by battery.
US09982418B2	Gate strainer that fits into a gate valve curb box A gate valve curb box strainer collects debris introduced through a street level cover, minimizing debris build up in the gate valve access pipe of the curb box. Water passes through the curb box strainer, while the strainer catches debris that naturally builds up over time via the street level cover. When a worker removes the cover to exercise the valve, he need only lift the gate strainer out of the access pipe and shake the debris out of it. There is no need to take extra time digging out or vacuuming out the debris. In an emergency situation such as accessing the valve for a fire hydrant or during a water/sewer main break, this could save valuable time. After the valve has been exercised, the empty gate valve curb box strainer is dropped back in place prior to covering the gate valve curb box with the street level cover.
US09982417B1	Water delivery apparatus In one representative example, a water delivery apparatus includes a chassis and a water system supported on the chassis. The water system is substantially lead-free and adapted for use with potable water. The system includes a manifold adapted to convey and/or contain water in a substantially leak- proof manner. The manifold extends between an intake connection and a distal terminus valve. The system also includes first, second and third outlet legs and a pump adapted to induce water flow within the manifold principally from the intake connection to one or more of the outlet legs. The system also includes a pressure switch, an accumulator tank and a cycle to stop valve, all of which are operatively connected to the manifold.
US09982416B2	Shovel and method of controlling shovel A shovel includes an electrical power storage device that may be made of a plurality of electrical power storage cells for charging electricity generated by a generator; and an electrical power storage administration part that includes equalizing circuits each of which may be connected to corresponding one of the plurality of electrical power storage cells, an equalizing circuit defect determination part which determines whether a defect exists in the equalizing circuit, and a shutoff part which shuts off a connection between the equalizing circuit in which the defect may be determined to exist and the electrical power storage cell connected to the equalizing circuit.
US09982414B2	Operation identification of a work machine Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying operations of a machine. The system includes a work tool and an operator input device configured to receive input indicative of a desired movement of the work tool and to generate a command data stream associated with the received input. The system also includes an actuator configured to move the work tool according to the command data stream and a controller in communication with the operator input device and the actuator. The controller is configured to convert the command data stream into a frequency data stream and identify a pattern in the frequency data stream. The controller is also configured to make a classification of a current operation of the machine as one of a plurality of known operations based on the identified pattern. The controller is further configured to trigger an event associated with the current operation of the machine.
US09982413B2	Cab suspension system for a work vehicle A cab suspension system for a work vehicle includes a front suspension assembly having a bracket configured to fixedly couple to a frame of a cab of the work vehicle. In addition, the front suspension assembly includes a support element having a torsion bar and a pair of longitudinal supports. Each of the pair of longitudinal supports is configured to rotatably couple to a chassis of the work vehicle. The front suspension assembly also includes a damping assembly coupled to the support element and configured to couple to the chassis. The bracket is rotatably coupled to the support element at a pivot joint assembly, and the bracket is configured to position the pivot joint assembly forward of the cab relative to a direction of travel of the work vehicle while the bracket is coupled to the frame of the cab.
US09982412B1	Dragline bucket assembly A dragline bucket assembly includes a main body, and a linkage assembly for coupling a hoist chain to the main body. The main body includes a lateral sidewall that has a top edge and a bottom edge. The linkage assembly includes a pivot attachment point provided on the lateral sidewall at a first distance from the top edge. The linkage assembly further includes an elongated link member having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end spaced apart from the first longitudinal end by a length greater than the first distance. The first longitudinal end is pivotally coupled to the lateral sidewall at the pivot attachment point and the second longitudinal end is attached to the hoist chain.
US09982411B2	Manhole cover safety apparatus Embodiments of a manhole cover safety apparatus having a circular base defining a central opening and a flange that extends outwardly from the circular base. An expandable cover is in rotatable engagement with the flange through a plurality of frame members that are secured to a cover portion which is operable between a deployed position wherein the cover portion covers at least a portion of the circular opening to provide a visual and physical warning of an uncovered manhole and a retracted position wherein the cover portion does not cover the central opening.
US09982409B1	Systems, devices, and/or methods for stabilizing earth Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising: a first tubular mesh enclosure having a first opposing pair of ends, at least one of said first opposing pair of ends sealed; a first filling surrounded by said first tubular mesh enclosure; a first geogrid wrapped at least partially around said first tubular mesh enclosure.
US09982406B2	Geotextile tubes with porous internal shelves for inhibiting shear of solid fill material A large scale geotextile tube includes a plurality of shelves that extend across the width of the geotextile tube with each shelf formed of a web of geogrid material or geocell material. As one moves from the bottom of the geotextile tube to the top of the geotextile tube, the width of each shelf decreases. The geotextile tube can be surrounded by an envelope formed of geogrid material.
US09982404B2	Skid shoe assembly for a snow thrower A skid shoe assembly for use on a snow thrower includes a bracket having a mounting portion configured to couple to the snow thrower and a support portion extending outwardly from the mounting portion. The skid shoe assembly also includes an insert including an annular body having a central aperture and a linear section configured to engage a ground surface. The central aperture receives the bracket so that the annular body is disposed around the mounting portion of the bracket. A portion of the annular body is configured to be captured between the support portion of the bracket and the snow thrower to secure the insert to the snow thrower.
US09982402B2	Paving construction method, pavement structure, and longitudinal groove forming instrument for pavement A longitudinal groove forming instrument 11 is provided on a base plate bottom face of a screed 7, 8. The longitudinal groove forming instrument 11 comprises a plurality of beam members 12. The beam members 12 are disposed in parallel with the direction of travel of the screed as the axial direction. A longitudinal groove 20 is formed by the beam members 12 pressing into a leveled face when leveling a pavement face and moving in the direction of travel for leveling while the beam members are being pressed down.
US09982398B2	Hopper insert for an asphalt paving machine A hopper insert for an asphalt paving machine. The hopper insert provides for passive mixing of asphalt material, and also provides a dual capacity loading option. Two upper baffles extend across an open upper end of the hopper insert. A grate extends between the upper baffles. Asphalt material is received on top of the grate between the upper baffles.
US09982396B2	Apparatus for compacting the ballast bed of a track An apparatus is provided for compacting the ballast bed of a track, comprising a machine frame which is movable on the track with a stabiliser unit which runs on rollers on the track and is equipped with a vibration drive for producing a vibration in a plane parallel to the track. The stabiliser unit is preferably equipped with tension rollers engaging around the rail head. The stabiliser unit is linked in a height-adjustable manner to the machine frame with an adjusting drive and can be moved against the track under load. In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is provided that the vibration drive comprises at least one cylinder vibrator which is formed by a hydraulic cylinder and is triggered via a proportional or servo valve.
US09982382B2	Mitigation of odor in cleaning machines and cleaning processes The invention relates to malodor controlling bacteria and related methods and compositions for the control and prevention of malodor.
US09982381B2	Washing machine and method of controlling the same Disclosed herein are a washing machine that is capable of having a reduced washing time and improved washing performance, and a method of controlling the same. The washing machine includes a tub accommodating wash water, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub and accommodating laundry, a drive unit for rotating the drum, a water supply unit for adjusting an inflow of the wash water, and a control unit, wherein the control unit drives the drive unit and detects an amount of the laundry so as to set a target water level, controls the water supply unit to supply the wash water into the tub such that the wash water is lower than the target water level, drives the drive unit to accelerate the drum at a rotational speed, and controls the water supply unit to supply the wash water into the tub until the target water level.
US09982380B2	Laundry machine A laundry machine includes a body for defining an exterior; a water supply valve provided in the body and connected with an outer water supply; a drum rotatably mounted within the tub; at least one steam generator to supply steam ino the drum; and a water-adjust-valve to adjust the water amount supplied to the steam generator.
US09982378B2	Device for treating strand-shaped textile fabric in the form of an endless fabric strand A device for treatment of a strand-like textile fabric in the form of an endless fabric strand, includes: a lockable treatment container; a transport nozzle arrangement which can be subjected to a first transport medium flow; and a transport section adjoining the transport nozzle arrangement. The transport section terminates on a fabric strand inlet side in a storage section of the lockable treatment container, and the storage section accommodates a folded fabric strand pile. The transport nozzle arrangement includes a transport nozzle with a polygonal nozzle inlet opening and an outlet part having a polygonal cross-section, for the fabric strand. The outlet part is appropriately adapted in view of its dimensions. The nozzle gap is adjustable and is delimited all the way around on at least one side by a plurality of straight nozzle elements that each have a cross-sectional shape that is essentially part-cylindrical.
US09982377B2	Dispenser for thread treatment compound A thread conditioner dispenser is provided as well as a method of conditioning thread. The dispenser has a storage and dispensing unit and a cap unit. The storage/dispensing unit has multiple resilient plinths and a generally planar base defining a cavity. Notches are defined between the plinths. Multiple linear channels are defined in the base. One channel connects each notch with a diametrically opposed notch. The plinths define a cylindrical sidewall. The cap has a cylindrical sidewall defining an outwardly flaring mouth to engage the plinths. One of the cap inner sidewall and the storage/dispensing sidewall has an annular recess. At least one lug is formed into the other sidewall for engagement with the annular recess. Thread may be passed through one of the notches and into one of the channels and withdrawn through the diametrically opposed notch while the cap sidewall is engaged with the storage and dispensing sidewall.
US09982372B2	Stretch wovens with a control yarn system An article including a woven fabric comprising warp yarns and weft yarns, wherein at least one of either the warp yarns or the weft yarns includes: (a) a corespun elastic base yarn having a denier and including staple fiber and an elastic fiber core; and (b) a separate control yarn selected from the group consisting of a single filament yarn, a multiple filament yarn, a composite yarn, and combinations thereof; having a denier greater than zero to about 0.8 times the denier of the corespun elastic base yarn; wherein the woven fabric includes (1) a ratio of corespun base yarn ends to control yarn ends of up to about 6:1; or (2) a ratio of corespun base yarn picks to control yarn picks of up to about 6:1; or (3) both a ratio of corespun base yarn ends to control yarn ends of up to about 6:1; and a ratio of corespun base yarn picks to control yarn picks of up to about 6:1.
US09982371B2	Screen with visible marker Products and devices are described for displaying a visible marker on a screen. Some embodiments disclose using different weave patterns and/or density patterns to create the visible marker. Other embodiments disclose using different colors of thread to create the visible marker. The present disclosure also describes methods for manufacturing or displaying the visible marker on the screen.
US09982370B2	Down-proof double-layer fabric A first fabric layer of a down-proof double-layer fabric has a plurality of first warps and a plurality of first wefts. A second fabric layer has a plurality of second warps and a plurality of second wefts. The first fabric layer and the second fabric layer have a plurality of coupling portions. In the coupling portions, the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer pass through each other repeatedly, and the first warps and the second warps are interlaced. The first warps, the first wefts, the second warps, and the second wefts are between 20 denier and 75 denier. The warp densities of the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer are between 336 pieces/inch and 456 pieces/inch, and the weft densities of the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer are between 220 pieces/inch and 380 pieces/inch.
US09982368B2	Flame-retardant fiber, method for producing same, fabric using flame-retardant fiber, and resin composite material using flame-retardant fiber Provided is a flame-retardant fiber having improved light resistance and/or colorability. The flame-retardant fiber is a fiber including a fiber-forming polymer. The fiber-forming polymer contains a polymer blend comprising a polyetherimide polymer (A) and a thermoplastic polymer (B) having a glass transition temperature lower than that of the polymer (A); and the fiber-forming polymer further contains a functional additive (C) that provides light resistance, colorability, or both of light resistance and colorability. The mass ratio (A)/(B) of the polymer (A) to the polymer (B) is from 50/50 to 90/10, and the content of the functional additive (C) is from 0.5 to 10% by mass relative to 100% by mass of the total mass (A+B+C) of the polymer (A), the thermoplastic polymer (B), and the functional additive (C).
US09982367B2	Method and apparatus for making a nonwoven fabric from thermoplastic filaments A method of making a spun-bond nonwoven fabric of thermoplastic filaments has the steps of first spinning the thermoplastic filaments, then cooling the spun filaments, and then conducting the cooled and spun filaments in a travel direction through a stretcher with primary air such that the primary air exits a downstream end of the stretcher with the filaments at a predetermined primary air volume/flow VP. The filaments and substantially all of the primary air are passed together as a flow from the downstream end of the stretcher into a diffuser. Secondary air is introduced into the flow at a secondary air volume/flow VS such that a ratio VP/VS of the primary rate VP to the secondary rate is equal to at least 4.5 and the primary and secondary air flow with the filaments in the travel direction through the diffuser.
US09982365B2	Method for producing SiC single crystal Provided is a method for producing a SiC single crystal wherein generation of polycrystals can be inhibited even if the temperature of the Si—C solution is changed after seed touching. This is achieved by a method for producing a SiC single crystal wherein a SiC seed crystal substrate held on a seed crystal holding shaft is contacted with a Si—C solution having a temperature gradient in which the temperature decreases from the interior toward the surface, to grow a SiC single crystal, comprising the steps of: (A) bringing the temperature of the solution to a first temperature, (B) contacting the substrate held on the holding shaft with the solution, (C) bringing the temperature of the solution to a second temperature after the contacting the substrate with the solution, and (D) moving the substrate held on the holding shaft in the vertical direction according to the change in liquid surface height of the solution when the temperature of the solution is brought from the first temperature to the second temperature.
US09982362B2	Density-matching alkyl push flow for vertical flow rotating disk reactors In a rotating disk reactor for growing epitaxial layers on substrate or other CVD reactor system, gas directed toward the substrates at gas inlets at different radial distances from the axis of rotation of the disk has both substantially the same gas flow rate/velocity and substantially the same gas density at each inlet. The gas directed toward portions of the disk remote from the axis may include a higher concentration of a reactant gas than the gas directed toward portions of the disk close to the axis, so that portions of the substrate surfaces at different distances from the axis receive substantially the same amount of reactant gas per unit area, and a combination of carrier gases with different relative molecular weights at different radial distances from the axis of rotation are employed to substantially make equal the gas density in each region of the reactor. The system may be applied with a combination or carrier gases at multiple gas inlets, a combination of carrier and reactant gases at multiple inlets, and may be used with an arbitrarily large number of gases, when at least two gases of different molecular weights are provided. A linear flow pattern is achieved within the reactor, avoiding laminar recirculation areas, and permitting uniform deposition and growth of epitaxial layers on the substrate.
US09982361B2	Liquid-cooled heat exchanger A crystal growth furnace comprising a crucible containing at least feedstock material and a liquid-cooled heat exchanger that is vertically movable beneath the crucible to extract heat from it to promote the growth of a crystalline ingot is disclosed. The liquid-cooled heat exchanger comprises a heat extraction bulb made of high thermal conductivity material that is vertically movable into thermal communication with the crucible to extract heat from the crucible using a liquid coolant. A liquid-cooled heat exchanger enclosed in a sealed tubular outer jacket is also disclosed as is a method for producing a crystalline ingot using a vertically movable liquid-cooled heat exchanger.
US09982360B2	Method for transfering a graphene layer A method for transferring a graphene layer from a metal substrate to a second substrate is provided comprising: providing a graphene layer on the metal substrate, adsorbing hydrogen atoms on the metal substrate by passing protons through the graphene layer, treating the metal substrate having adsorbed hydrogen atoms thereon in such a way as to form hydrogen gas from the adsorbed hydrogen atoms, thereby detaching the graphene layer from the metal substrate, transferring the graphene layer to the second substrate, and optionally reusing the metal substrate by repeating the aforementioned steps.
US09982353B2	Water electrolyzers Water electrolyzers employs base metal catalysts and an anion-conducting polymeric membrane comprising a polymer of styrene, vinylbenzyl-Rs and possibly vinylbenzyl-Rx. Rs is a positively charged cyclic amine group. Rx is at least one constituent selected from the group consisting of —Cl, —OH, and a reaction product between an —OH or —Cl and a species other than a simple amine or a cyclic amine.
US09982347B2	Cleaning method, method of manufacturing semiconductor device and substrate processing apparatus A cleaning method includes: removing deposits adhered to an inside of a processing vessel by forming a film on a substrate in the processing vessel, and thereafter, supplying a cleaning gas into the processing vessel, wherein the removing the deposits includes: a first step of supplying the cleaning gas into the processing vessel at a first flow rate when a temperature of a connection portion connecting an exhaust pipe that exhausts the interior of the processing vessel and the processing vessel is lower than a first temperature; and a second step of supplying the cleaning gas to the processing vessel while gradually decreasing the flow rate of the cleaning gas from the first flow rate to a second flow rate lower than the first flow rate when the temperature of the connection portion reaches a first temperature.
US09982340B2	Shower head apparatus and method for controlling plasma or gas distribution An apparatus comprises: a shower head having a supply plenum for supplying the gas to the chamber and a vacuum manifold fluidly coupled to the supply plenum; and at least one vacuum system fluidly coupled to the vacuum manifold of the shower head.
US09982337B2	Sputtering method using sputtering device The present invention relates to a sputtering method using a sputtering device, wherein entire scan region is defined from one side to the other side of a sputtering target, and the sputtering target is scanned with a magnet moving back and forth along the entire scan region multiple times. The entire scan region of a sputtering target is divided by N parts to be uniformly eroded, such that a magnet moves back and forth along some part of the divided entire scan region. A sputtering method using a sputtering device can therefore extend an alternating cycle of a sputtering target, by virtue of improving utilization efficiency of the sputtering target through uniform erosion of the sputtering target, and can also reduce manufacturing cost.
US09982336B2	Nanostructure lithium ion battery The embodiments of the embodiments of the Nanostructure Lithium Ion Battery are comprised of a multi-layer coaxial assembly formed over a cylindrical core. The multilayers are each comprised of sublayers in order as follows: a copper sublayer with nano “chicken wire” embedded in the copper sublayer for current collection, a nanostructured aluminum substrate sublayer, a nanostructured cathode sublayer, an electrolyte sublayer, a nanostructured anode sublayer, and a copper interlayer sublayer. The nanobatteries are arranged in layered stacks of nanocells. The nanocells stacks are comprised of a plurality of individual octagonal shaped multilayer nanocells. Each nanocell stack is electrically connected to an array of other nanocells stacks via electrode contacts. A lower copper bus serves as the anode current collector and an upper copper bus serves as the cathode current collector. Pass-throughs connect to the appropriate cathode layers in the multilayer nanocell stacks.
US09982335B2	Manufacturing method of cylindrical sputtering target material A manufacturing method of a cylindrical sputtering target material formed of copper or a copper alloy is provided, the method including: a continuous casting step of casting a cylindrical ingot having an average crystal grain diameter equal to or smaller than 20 mm using a continuous casting machine or a semi-continuous casting machine; and a cold working step and a heat treatment step of repeatedly performing cold working and a heat treatment with respect to the cylindrical ingot, to form the cylindrical sputtering target material in which an average crystal grain diameter of an outer peripheral surface is from 10 μm to 150 μm and a proportion of the area of crystal grains having a crystal grain diameter more than double the average crystal grain diameter is less than 25% of the entire crystal area.
US09982334B2	Polycrystalline silicon sputtering target Provided is a polycrystalline silicon target produced by a melting method. In the polycrystalline silicon sputtering target, the average amount of nitride or carbide grains having a size of 100 μm or more for samples of 100×100 mm taken from an arbitrary plane of the target is less than three. Also provided is a method of producing a polycrystalline silicon sputtering target. The method is characterized in that a silicon ingot is produced by melting silicon as a raw material with an electron beam and pouring the molten silicon into a crucible heated at 90° C. or more, and the resulting ingot is machined into a target. The present invention has focused on polycrystalline silicon produced by a melting method, and an object of the present invention is to provide a polycrystalline silicon sputtering target having high quality by reducing the presence of silicon nitride and silicon carbide and to provide a polycrystalline silicon sputtering target having a high bending strength by devising the production process.
US09982325B2	Systems and methodologies for direct acid leaching of scandium-bearing ores Methods are provided for the recovery of scandium from scandium-bearing ores. The methods included leaching under atmospheric conditions using various acids. Solution impurities are removed from the leachate and scandium values are then recovered from the leachate.
US09982323B2	Recovery of zinc from lead slag A method for recovering zinc from slag derived from lead smelting comprises subjecting the slag to a leaching step under conditions in which zinc is dissolved into solution and silica present in the slag dissolves and re-precipitates in a form that is readily separable from liquid, and recovering zinc from the solution. The slag may be subjected to leaching in at least two stages in which in a first leaching stage only part of the zinc is removed from the slag and further zinc leaching from the slag occurs in a second stage to form a pregnant leaching solution and recovering zinc from the solution. The method may be used to remove SO2 from a gas stream by using the SO2-containing gas stream to leach a slurry of the slag.
US09982320B2	Treatment process for extraction of precious, base and rare elements This invention describes a hydrometallurgical process for the recovery and separation of valuable elements, in particular gold and silver, from a feed material comprising a refractory, intractable or otherwise poorly responding to conventional treatment routes ores, concentrates and other materials. In particular, the process is a process integrated into one or more existing value element extraction processes.
US09982305B2	Polymerase chain reaction test kits for detecting markers of bladder cancer This invention relates to the use of human neutrophil marker interleukin 8 receptor B (IL8Rb) for detection of bladder cancer, and more particularly to the use of EL8Rb for discriminating between transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCC) and inflammatory conditions of the bladder.
US09982303B2	Determination of eosinophilic esophagitis The disclosure provides methods and compositions for diagnosing a patient eosinophilic esophagitis, the methods based upon the patient's gene expression profile for a panel of genes. The methods can also be used to exclude a diagnosis of chronic esophagitis.
US09982301B2	Urine mRNA profile and acute dysfunction of kidney allograft Non-invasive methods for detecting, predicting, and/or monitoring differential diagnosis of kidney transplant dysfunction in kidney transplant patients are described.
US09982300B2	Size-based genomic analysis Systems, methods, and apparatuses for performing a prenatal diagnosis of a sequence imbalance are provided. A shift (e.g. to a smaller size distribution) can signify an imbalance in certain circumstances. For example, a size distribution of fragments of nucleic acids from an at-risk chromosome can be used to determine a fetal chromosomal aneuploidy. A size ranking of different chromosomes can be used to determine changes of a rank of an at-risk chromosome from an expected ranking. Also, a difference between a statistical size value for one chromosome can be compared to a statistical size value of another chromosome to identify a significant shift in size. A genotype and haplotype of the fetus may also be determined using a size distribution to determine whether a sequence imbalance occurs in a maternal sample relative to a genotypes or haplotype of the mother, thereby providing a genotype or haplotype of the fetus.
US09982290B2	Methods and systems for using encapsulated microbubbles to process biological samples Methods and systems for using encapsulated microbubbles to process biological samples are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for using encapsulated microbubbles to process a biological sample includes creating a mixture comprising encapsulated microbubbles mixed with a biological sample and adding activation energy to the mixture to cause at least some of the microbubbles to oscillate or burst and thereby process the sample, including effecting cell lysis, shearing DNA, and/or performing tissue dispersion.
US09982289B2	Size self-limiting compositions and test devices for measuring analytes in biological fluids A test strip or electrochemical sensor for measuring the amount of an analyte in a biological fluid, e.g. the glucose content of whole blood, includes a size self-limiting reagent formulation employing an enzyme system for reaction with the analyte, the reactive system mixed into a water-soluble swellable polymer matrix containing small water-insoluble particles having a nominal size of about 0.05 to 20 μm, preferably about 1 to 10 μm. The weight ratio of the water-insoluble particles to the water-soluble swellable polymer matrix is about 1/2 to 2/1. The reagent formulation is deposited onto a non-porous substrate to form a thin layer about 6-16 μm thick, providing a rapid and stable response to application of a sample, while being insensitive to the amount of the sample.
US09982282B2	Process for preparation of sugars and syrups The present invention relates to a process for producing a syrup comprising liquefying an aqueous granular starch slurry with an alpha-amylase variant comprising an alteration at one or more positions corresponding to any of positions 1, 2, 68, 71, 126, 133, 142, 144, 156, 158, 176, 185, 201, 205, 213, 239, 279, 316, 318, 360, 416, 437 and 450 of SEQ ID NO: 1 to provide liquefied starch-containing material; saccharifying the liquefied starch-containing material in the presence of a glucoamylase, and a pullulanase derived from Bacillus deramificans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloderamicans, or Bacillus acidopullulyticus to provide a dextrose syrup, and optionally isomerizing to provide a fructose syrup.
US09982280B2	Process for enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material and fermentation of sugars The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a fermentation product from ligno-cellulosic material, comprising the following steps: a) optionally pre-treatment of the ligno-cellulosic material; b) optionally washing of the optionally pre-treated ligno-cellulosic material; c) enzymatic hydrolysis of the optionally washed and/or optionally pre-treated ligno-cellulosic material using an enzyme composition comprising at least two cellulase and whereby the enzyme composition at least comprises GH61; d) whereby less than 7.5 mg enzyme composition/g glucan (on dry matter and enzyme as protein) or less than 3.0 mg enzyme composition/g feedstock (on dry matter and enzyme as protein) is used; and e) fermentation of the hydrolysed ligno-cellulosic material to produce a fermentation product; and f) optionally recovery of a fermentation product; wherein before and/or during the enzymatic hydrolysis oxygen is added to the ligno-cellulosic material.
US09982279B1	Nucleic acid-guided nucleases Disclosed herein are nucleic acid-guided nucleases, guide nucleic acids, and targetable nuclease systems, and methods of use. Disclosed herein are engineered non-naturally occurring nucleic acid-guided nucleases, guide nucleic acids, and targetable nuclease systems, and methods of use. Targetable nuclease systems can be used to edit genetic targets, including recursive genetic engineering and trackable genetic engineering methods.
US09982274B2	AXMI115 variant insecticidal gene and methods for its use Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. The toxin coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions include transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, polynucleotide sequences and the toxin proteins encoded thereby are provided. Also provided are antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the invention encompasses nucleotide sequences encoding fusion proteins, as well as biologically active variants and fragments thereof, wherein the fusion protein contains the C-terminal portion of SEQ ID NO:43. The fusion protein may also contain the N-terminal portion of SEQ ID NO:45. The invention also includes the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:47 and 1-14, or a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, 3, 7-14 and 47, including biologically active variants and fragments thereof.
US09982273B2	Yield and stress tolerance in transgenic plants IV Polynucleotides and polypeptides incorporated into expression vectors have been introduced into plants and were ectopically expressed. The polypeptides of the invention have been shown to confer at least one regulatory activity and confer increased yield, greater height, greater early season growth, greater canopy coverage, greater stem diameter, greater late season vigor, increased secondary rooting, more rapid germination, greater cold tolerance, greater tolerance to water deprivation, reduced stomatal conductance, altered C/N sensing, increased low nitrogen tolerance, increased low phosphorus tolerance, or increased tolerance to hyperosmotic stress as compared to the control plant as compared to a control plant.
US09982271B2	Controlling gene expression in plants using fusion protein containing LexA binding domain and DREB transactivation domain The present invention relates to the regulation of transgene expression in plants through a transactivation system which comprises the following: (1) a promoter comprising LexA binding sites; and (2) a fusion transactivator protein comprising a LexA DNA-binding domain and an activation domain, such as the transactivation domain of a C-repeat binding factor protein, for example, from a dehydration responsive element (DREB) factor.
US09982270B2	Organic compounds Method for heterologous protein production in plant cell plastids comprising introducing into plant cells nucleic acid components that encode heterologous proteins under the control of promoters operative in plastids, vectors, host cells, plants and uses thereof.
US09982267B2	Rationally-designed synthetic peptide shuttle agents for delivering polypeptide cargos from an extracellular space to the cytosol and/or nucleus of a target eukaryotic cell, uses thereof, methods and kits relating to same The present description relates to methods for delivering polypeptide cargos from an extracellular space to the cytosol and/or nucleus of a target eukaryotic cell. The methods involve contacting the cell with the polypeptide cargo in the presence of a peptide shuttle agent at a concentration sufficient to increase the polypeptide cargo's transduction efficiency. Also described here are parameters that may be used in the rational design of such synthetic peptide shuttle agents, peptide shuttle agents that satisfy one or more of these design parameters, as well as methods and compositions relating to the use of the synthetic peptide shuttle agents for delivery of a variety of polypeptide cargos (such as transcription factors, antibodies, CRISPR-associated nucleases and functional genome editing complexes) from an extracellular space to the cytosol and/or nucleus of target eukaryotic cells. Applications and targets for genome-editing NK cells for improved immunotherapy are also described.
US09982265B2	Inhibition of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) in the lung to treat severe lung inflammation and lung injury Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of local inflammation in acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A unique two hit model of ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/immune complex (IC)—was developed, along with viral-induced ALI caused by influenza virus and COPD caused by second hand smoke. Two types or therapeutics (i) Anti-neutrophil antibodies, and specifically their F(ab′)2 fragments conjugated to Btk-specific siRNA or (ii) small molecule Btk inhibitors were administered to lungs and silenced or inhibited Btk specifically in alveolar neutrophils. Such silencing/inhibition had a dramatic protective effect lung damage induced by LPS/IC, influenza virus and on COPD. Btk regulates neutrophil survival and clearance of apoptotic neutrophils in these diseases. Btk-targeted neutrophil-specific therapy restores homeostasis in lungs of patients with ALI/ARDS, acute lung infection, COPD and other lung diseases.
US09982257B2	Chiral control The present invention relates to chirally controlled oligonucleotides, chirally controlled oligonucleotide compositions, and the method of making and using the same. The invention specifically encompasses the identification of the source of certain problems with prior methodologies for preparing chiral oligonucleotides, including problems that prohibit preparation of fully chirally controlled compositions, particularly compositions comprising a plurality of oligonucleotide types. In some embodiments, the present invention provides chirally controlled oligonucleotide compositions. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of making chirally controlled oligonucleotides and chirally controlled oligonucleotide compositions.
US09982256B2	Random RNAi libraries, methods of generating same, and screening methods utilizing same This invention provides expression vectors for a ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule comprising a double-stranded region of random sequence, sets and libraries of same, methods of generating same, and methods for identifying an RNA therapeutic or RNA molecule that has an ability to affect a biological parameter, for identifying a drug target for a disease or disorder of interest, and for identifying a variant of an RNA molecule that has an altered ability to affect a biological parameter of interest.
US09982254B2	Ligand having three finger structure and a method for detecting a molecule by using thereof The present invention improves in vitro virus synthesis efficiency and stability of mRNA derived from screened cDNA in a cDNA display method to improve the efficiency and reliability of the production of a peptide by a molecular evolutionary engineering technique. Provided is a ligand which comprises three fingers formed from antiparallel β-sheets and a loop region intercalated between the antiparallel β-sheets, wherein at least a fingertip part formed by the loop region of each of the fingers is bound to the target molecule, and wherein the ligand comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. In the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, X7 represents an arbitrary amino acid residue that constitutes the fingertip part of each of the fingers, each numeric character represents the number of amino acid residues, and X7 and X4 are not composed of the same amino acid residues as each other.
US09982253B2	Stabilized fibronectin domain compositions, methods and uses A protein scaffold based on a consensus sequence of fibronectin type III (FN3) proteins, such as the tenth FN3 repeat from human fibronectin (human Tenascin), including isolated nucleic acids that encode a protein scaffold, vectors, host cells, and methods of making and using thereof, exhibit enhanced thermal and chemical stability while presenting six modifiable loop domains which can be engineered to form a binding partner capable of binding to a target for applications in diagnostic and/or therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.
US09982249B2	Xylose isomerases and their uses This disclosure relates to novel xylose isomerases and their uses, particularly in fermentation processes that employ xylose-containing media.
US09982248B2	Factor IX polypeptide mutant, its uses and method for its production Disclosed are a modified FIX (factor IX) polypeptide comprising a leucine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, histidine, lysine, asparagine, glutamine or tyrosine in position 338; pharmaceutical preparations containing said modified FIX polypeptide; a nucleotide sequence coding for the modified FIX polypeptide; and a method for producing the modified FIX polypeptide.
US09982246B2	Fluid delivery systems including hydraulic drive systems A hydraulic drive system includes a unidirectional pump, a charge pump configured to supply an input of the unidirectional pump with a hydraulic fluid pressurized with a charge pressure, a hydraulic motor, and a flow control valve configured to meter a flow of hydraulic fluid from an output of the unidirectional pump to a fluid input of the hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor comprises a fluid output configured to be in direct fluid communication with the input of the unidirectional pump. Fluid delivery systems include hydraulic drive systems.
US09982243B2	Modified sulfamidase and production thereof Disclosed herein are a modified sulfamidase, a composition comprising a modified sulfamidase, as well as methods for preparing a modified sulfamidase and therapeutic use of such a sulfamidase. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a modified sulfamidase comprising substantially no epitopes for glycan recognition receptors, thereby enabling transportation of said sulfamidase across the blood brain barrier of a mammal, wherein said sulfamidase has catalytic activity in the brain of said mammal.
US09982242B2	Protein complex capable of catalyzing asymmetric oxidation reaction and method for producing same Provided are: a protein complex capable of selectively and asymmetrically oxidizing an enantiomer of a secondary alcohol without adding a coenzyme and having an asymmetric oxidation activity in a water-soluble solvent system in the presence of oxygen; a method for producing the same; and a method for coating the protein complex with a high molecular weight compound. The method for producing the protein complex includes: (1) enclosing a crude water-soluble protein in a gel, air-oxidizing the gel, and eluting the protein complex into an aqueous solution; and (2) applying gravity to concentrate and precipitate the protein complex, redissolving the precipitate in an aqueous glycine sodium hydroxide solution of about 0.5 mM and allowing the same to homogeneously coexist with a high molecular weight compound, and re-precipitating the solution and dehydrating and drying the same to yield a protein complex coated with a high molecular weight compound.
US09982241B2	Recombinant HCMV and RHCMV vectors and uses thereof The recombinant rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) vectors of this invention encode heterologous antigens, such as pathogen-specific antigens or tumor antigens, which may be used, for example, for the treatment or prevention of infectious disease or cancer. The recombinant RhCMV or HCMV vectors elicit and maintain high level cellular immune responses specific for the heterologous antigen while including deletions in one or more genes essential or augmenting for CMV replication, dissemination or spread.
US09982240B2	Production of infectious influenza viruses The invention relates to a method for producing influenza infectious viruses wherein CHO cells are infected with a seed of infectious influenza virus which has been generated by transfecting cells with an appropriate set of expression vectors. The invention also relates to a recombination cassette, and to a vector comprising said recombination cassette, that may be used in methods for producing infectious viruses, and particularly in the method according to the invention.
US09982235B2	Cell compositions derived from dedifferentiated reprogrammed cells Disclosed herein are cell culture compositions, for example, pancreatic cell culture compositions, derived from dedifferentiated human reprogrammed pluripotent stem cells, such as induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, and methods for producing and using such cell culture compositions.
US09982233B2	Method for promoting generation of stem cell-derived exosome by using thrombin The present invention relates to a method of promoting generation of exosomes from stem cell by using thrombin. The method according to the present invention has superior effects of promoting generation of stem cell-derived exosomes and thus exosomes can be more efficiently obtained thereby compared to conventionally known methods. In addition, the method can be useful for related research.
US09982226B2	Discontinuous fed batch processing with the use of alternating bioreactors The present invention relates to discontinuous fed batch cell culturing of mammalian cells (more specific CHO cells) with the use of alternating bioreactors in combination with discontinuous separation of biomass from biological substance (more specific monoclonal antibodies) and waste components.
US09982225B2	Integrated bio-reactor monitor and control system Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. A sensor system interacts with the bioreactor to receive information related to a condition of the bioreactor and/or receive a sample from the bioreactor, which it analyzes. The sensor system sends data signals related to the information and/or the sample to a controller, which determines a control signal based on the received information. The controller sends the control signal to the sensor system which, based on the control signal, performs an action that affects a condition of the bioreactor or affects the sensor system itself.
US09982222B2	Detergent composition A detergent composition containing an α-sulfo fatty acid alkyl ester salt and a fragrance composition, wherein the amount of the α-sulfo fatty acid alkyl ester salt is from 1 to 30% by mass relative to the total mass of the detergent composition, the fragrance composition contains a fragrance (A) described below, and the amount of the fragrance (A) is from 0.07 to 0.5% by mass relative to the total mass of the detergent composition. Fragrance (A): a fragrance composed of at least one fragrance component selected from the group consisting of dihydromyrcenol, isobornyl acetate, α-hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, lilial, tetrahydrolinalool, amyl salicylate, verdox, vertenex, tricyclodecenyl acetate, tricyclodecenyl propionate, Iso E Super and habanolide.

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