| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09990089B2 |
Sensor array with receiver bias electrode
A method of operation of an ultrasonic sensor array includes receiving a receiver bias voltage at a receiver bias electrode of the ultrasonic sensor array to bias piezoelectric sensor elements of the ultrasonic sensor array. The method further includes receiving a transmitter control signal at the ultrasonic sensor array to cause an ultrasonic transmitter of the ultrasonic sensor array to generate an ultrasonic wave. The method further includes generating data samples based on a reflection of the ultrasonic wave. The receiver bias voltage and the transmitter control signal are received from an integrated circuit that is coupled to the ultrasonic sensor array. |
| US09990084B2 |
Touch detection using multiple simultaneous stimulation signals
The use of multiple stimulation signals having one or more frequencies and one or more phases to generate an image of touch on a touch sensor panel is disclosed. Each of a plurality of sense channels can be coupled to a column in a touch sensor panel and can have one or more mixers. Each mixer in the sense channel can utilize a circuit capable generating a demodulation frequency of a particular frequency. At each of multiple steps, various phases of one or more selected frequencies can be used to simultaneously stimulate the rows of the touch sensor panel, and the one or more mixers in each sense channel can be configured to demodulate the signal received from the column connected to each sense channel using the one or more selected frequencies. After all steps have been completed, the demodulated signals from the one or more mixers can be used in calculations to determine an image of touch for the touch sensor panel at each of the one or more frequencies. |
| US09990073B2 |
Writable liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method, driving method thereof
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a writable liquid crystal display device, a manufacturing method and a driving method thereof. The writable liquid crystal display device comprises a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other, and a liquid crystal molecule layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate. A plurality of pixel units arranged in an array are disposed on the first substrate, and a pixel electrode is arranged in each pixel unit. A piezoelectric transducer connected with the pixel electrode is further arranged in each pixel unit. A surface plasma resonance metal layer is arranged on the pixel electrode. A pressure transfer structure is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. One end of the pressure transfer structure is in contact with the second substrate, and the other end of the pressure transfer structure is in contact with the piezoelectric transducer. |
| US09990072B2 |
Display panel with pressure sensor and electronic device with pressing input function
An electronic device with pressing input function includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing. A pressure sensor, a display panel, a protective member, and an arithmetic circuit module are disposed in the housing. In the display panel, a front polarizing plate is disposed on a front face of a liquid crystal panel. The pressure sensor includes piezoelectric films having birefringence, and electrodes formed on opposed faces of one of the piezoelectric films. The pressure sensor is disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the front polarizing plate. The piezoelectric films are arranged such that their uniaxial drawing directions are orthogonal to each other. |
| US09990067B2 |
Evolutionary touch-based graphical user interface for electronic devices
An electronic device having a customizable interface includes a processor configured to execute instructions and a display device configured to generate an interface based in part in response to the processor. The electronic device further includes a touch screen associated with the display device and configured to sense a user input with respect to a plurality of objects, wherein the input is provided to the processor. The processor further configured to determine at least one of a physical aspect of the user input and a frequency of an interaction with each of the plurality objects displayed on the touch screen. The processor further configured to modify a manner in which the plurality objects are displayed on the display device based on the determination of at least one of the physical aspects of the user input and the frequency of interaction with the plurality of objects. |
| US09990064B2 |
Electronic device stack assembly
An electronic device includes a stack assembly. The stack assembly is provided with a stack of sub-assemblies such as a display for rendering content, front lighting layered on top of the display for illuminating the display, a capacitive touch sensor layered on top of the front lighting for detecting touch inputs, and a cover glass layered on top of the capacitive touch sensor. Each sub-assembly is adhered to another sub-assembly with a film optically clear adhesive before coupling sub-assemblies with each other, which forms a touch-sensitive front-lit display that is capable of accepting user input and rendering content in low ambient light conditions. |
| US09990062B2 |
Apparatus and method for proximity based input
A method is provided for controlling proximity detection based user interface functions. In response to detection of simultaneous presence of a first object and a second object in close proximity to the input surface, an input mode may be activated, in which input mode a first action is associated with an input by the first object and a second action is associated with an input by the second object. |
| US09990059B2 |
Ink modes
Techniques for ink modes are described. According to various embodiments, different ink modes are supported, such as a permanent ink mode, a transient ink mode, a shape recognition mode, a text recognition mode, a selection mode, a command mode, an ink note mode, an ink for emphasis mode, and so forth. For instance, embodiments support a permanent ink mode where ink applied to a document becomes part of primary content of the document. A transient ink mode is also supported in which ink applied to a document is processed according to transient ink mode behaviors. According to various embodiments, a visual affordance of a particular active ink mode is presented on a document with which a user is interacting. Further, different ink modes each are associated with different respective visual affordances. |
| US09990058B2 |
Shape changing device
In some examples, a device to facilitate prevention or alleviation of a repetitive motion disorder may include a physical interface and a motor. The physical interface may include a size, a shape, an orientation, and a position. The motor may be operably coupled to the physical interface. The motor may be configured to automatically change at least one of the size, the shape, the orientation, or the position of at least a portion of the physical interface ergonomically and repeatedly during use of the device to facilitate prevention or alleviation of the repetitive motion disorder. |
| US09990057B2 |
Mouse for computer
The present invention relates to a mouse for a computer, which is a computer input device. The mouse has an upper case with a vertical cushioning function against force imposed on the mouse, and thus can operate smoothly. The present invention provides a cushioning function to a mouse, thereby eliminating fatigue and muscle pain of the wrist and fingers even when a user uses the mouse for a long time. The mouse is manufactured by assembling an upper case and a lower case, and is configured such that a protrusion box which protrudes upwards is formed on the lower case, a boss is fixed on the lower side of the upper case and penetrates the protrusion box, thereby being joined with the same, and a spring which is supported by the protrusion box is inserted into the boss from the outside while the lower side of the boss can be prevented from being separated from the protrusion box. |
| US09990053B2 |
Keyboard with detachable keys and method of controlling the same
A keyboard and a method of controlling the same are provided. The keyboard includes a base, a plurality of keys, a plurality of key chips and a controller. The base has a plurality of connecting portions. Each key is detachably connected to one of the connecting portions. Each key chip is correspondingly disposed on one of the keys and has a corresponding key code. The controller is disposed on the base. The controller outputs an inquiring code to each key chip, and each key chip determines whether the key code thereof corresponds to the inquiring code. The key chip which has the corresponded key code feedbacks a press state of the corresponding key to the controller. |
| US09990052B2 |
Intent-aware keyboard
Systems, methods, and computer storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that provide contextual services are provided. Embodiments of the present invention allow an input mechanism to provide contextual services. Exemplary input mechanisms include a keyboard, a gesture interface, and a speech interface. These inputs may be used to provide user input into one or more applications running on a computer. The contextual services provided include composition assistance, grammatical assistance, communication-context assistance, and research assistance. In one embodiment, an input mechanism (“IME”) program provides the contextual service. The IME program may work with a remote contextual-service provider. The IME program communicates user input and contextual information to the contextual-service provider. The contextual-service provider analyzes the input and contextual information to determine whether one or more contextual services should be provided. |
| US09990051B2 |
Portable keyboard
A portable keyboard includes a plurality of key assemblies including a plurality of key tops, a main body of a pillar shape of n angles, which is located in the vicinity of a first key assembly among a plurality of the key assemblies and includes a plurality of sides, a flexible connection member configured to connect a plurality of the key assemblies with the main body, and a main board configured to be embedded in the inside of the main body and process input signals inputted from a plurality of the key assemblies. In this case, the main body includes a first side of which one edge of the first side is connected with the flexible connection member, a second side adjacent to another edge of the first side and the second side of which an angle with the first side is equal to or greater than 90 degrees, and a cradle configured to combine one end of the cradle with the second side using a hinge to make the cradle to be rotated and the cradle configured to be contacted with the second side. |
| US09990049B2 |
Information presentation apparatus and information processing system
There is provided an information presentation apparatus. A detection unit detects whether another information presentation apparatus is within a predetermined range from an own apparatus. A specification unit specifies a theme in which a first user corresponding to the own apparatus is interested. An execution unit, in a case where it is found by communication with the other information presentation apparatus which is detected as being in the predetermined range from the own apparatus by the detection unit that there is a common theme between a theme in which a second user corresponding to the other information presentation apparatus is interested and the first user's interest theme which is specified by the specification unit, executes a notification operation to notify that the first user and the second user are interested in the common theme to the first user and the second user. |
| US09990046B2 |
Visual collaboration interface
Embodiments described herein includes a system comprising a processor coupled to display devices, sensors, remote client devices, and computer applications. The computer applications orchestrate content of the remote client devices simultaneously across the display devices and the remote client devices, and allow simultaneous control of the display devices. The simultaneous control includes automatically detecting a gesture of at least one object from gesture data received via the sensors. The detecting comprises identifying the gesture using only the gesture data. The computer applications translate the gesture to a gesture signal, and control the display devices in response to the gesture signal. |
| US09990043B2 |
Gesture recognition systems and devices for low and no light conditions
Gesture recognition systems for detecting gesture commands in light conditions and in dark conditions including a computing system having a processor and a thermographic camera configured to detect infrared radiation from a gesture made by a user and communicate gesture image information to the processor for carrying out a computer-readable gesture command are shown and described. In some examples, the computing system and the thermographic camera are supported on an eyewear article frame. In some other examples, the computing system and the thermographic camera are components of a mobile device. In even other examples, the computing system and the thermographic camera are components of a desk top computer or a laptop computer. |
| US09990040B2 |
Haptic CAPTCHA
A system performs haptic challenge-response functionality. The system generates one or more haptic effects, provides the one or more haptic effects as a haptic challenge question to a user via a haptic output device, and receives an answer from the user corresponding to the haptic challenge question. The system then determines, based on a model of human perception, whether the answer corresponds to a correct answer to the haptic challenge question. One embodiment predicts the correct answer to the haptic challenge question, compares the correct answer with the answer received from the user, and determines that the user is a human when the answer matches the correct answer. One embodiment repeats the generating, the providing, the receiving, the predicting, and the comparing when the answer does not match the correct answer. |
| US09990038B2 |
Customizing haptic effects on an end user device
Systems, methods, and associated software are described herein for enabling a regular user of an end user device, such as a cellular telephone, to customize parameters associated with haptic effects applied to the user by the end user device. In one implementation, among several, a method described herein includes enabling a user of an end user device to access software adapted to design or modify haptic effects of the end user device. The method further includes enabling the user to open a haptic track file and enter or modify parameters associated with the haptic effects of the opened haptic track file. |
| US09990034B2 |
Transparent display device and control method therefor
Disclosed is a transparent display device. A transparent display device according to one embodiment displays a predetermined image through a transparent display panel and senses the direction of the line of sight of a person gazing at the transparent display panel, thereby displaying detailed information of an object on the transparent display panel if the line of sight of the person is directed toward the object positioned on the rear surface of the transparent display panel. |
| US09990029B2 |
Interface object and motion controller for augmented reality
A method for interfacing with an interactive program is provided. Images of an interface object and a motion controller disposed in a gameplay environment are captured, a tag defined on a surface of the interface object. The captured images are analyzed to identify the tag on the surface of the interface object. Movement of the interface object is tracked by tracking the tag. Augmented images are generated by replacing, in the captured images, the tag with a virtual object, wherein generating the augmented images includes processing the tracked movement of the interface object to define movement of the virtual object. The captured images are analyzed to identify a pointing direction of the motion controller in the gameplay environment. The pointing direction of the motion controller is processed to identify a selection of a portion of the virtual object. The augmented images are presented on a display. |
| US09990028B2 |
System and method for providing live augmented reality content
A rendering platform for providing live augmented reality content to a user device is disclosed. The rendering platform receives augmented reality content associated with an event via a multicast data channel. A coverage area of the multicast data channel covers a portion of a venue associated with the event. The rendering platform receives a request to present an augmented reality display of the event at the user device within the coverage area. Further, the augmented reality content in the augmented reality display is presented based on the request. |
| US09990023B2 |
Systems and methods for handling sudden power failures in solid state drives
Systems and methods for handling sudden power failures in non-volatile memory devices such as solid state drives are provided by having the non-volatile memory device boot up in a low power write mode, which limits substantially all programming operations to a single level cell (SLC) mode, as opposed to a normal mode in which the programming operations can be performed in a multi-level cell (MLC) mode. Thus, if the system experiences a sudden power failure when it is being powered solely by AC derived power and the battery is below a level sufficient for powering the device while it is programming in the SLC mode, data integrity will be preserved because the programming operation was being performed in SLC mode. The non-volatile memory device may be permitted to exit out the low power write mode into the normal mode when the charge level of the battery is sufficient for powering the system. |
| US09990019B2 |
Apparatus for powering an electrical consumer via a data connection
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for powering an electrical consumer (3, 4, 5) via a data connection (6, 7, 8). The apparatus comprises a power supply (2) for supplying power to the electrical consumer via the data connection, a data receiving unit (9) for receiving data to be sent to the electrical consumer, and a controller (10) for activating the supply of power to the electrical consumer via the data connection, if data to be sent to the electrical consumer have been received and the supply of power to the electrical consumer is deactivated. The electrical consumer itself does therefore not need to receive power from the apparatus, in order to stay alert to be able to react on data connection activity, thereby reducing the power consumption. |
| US09990014B2 |
Fan assembly for a computer system as well as holding device for a fan assembly
A fan assembly for a computer system that includes a fan, which has a flange having at least three fastening openings; and a holding device with at least two spring-loaded first fastening elements and a second fastening element. The fastening elements are arranged relative to one another such that in a relaxed state of the first fastening elements, the fan can be placed on the holding device in a first manner such that only the first fastening elements engage into respective two fastening openings, and in a second manner against a spring force of the first fastening elements. |
| US09990013B2 |
System and method for facilitating optimization of cooling efficiency of a data center
Disclosed is a system and method for facilitating optimizing cooling efficiency of a data center. The method may comprise receiving a layout of the data center. The method may comprise computing co-ordinates of each equipment of a plurality of equipments associated with the data center. Further, the method may comprise segregating the layout into a plurality of cells. The method may comprise capturing preliminary data associated with the data center. Further, the method may comprise determining a state value of the data center based upon the preliminary data. The method may comprise capturing CFD data and, selectively, thermal assessment data. Further, the method may comprise facilitating the optimization of the cooling efficiency of the data center by using an external analysis tool capable of performing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis or thermal assessment followed by the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis using the CFD data and the thermal assessment data. |
| US09990008B2 |
Modular multi-mode virtual reality headset
A modular virtual reality headset that may be operated in multiple modes. Embodiments enable a mount with modular receivers having electronic and mechanical interfaces that accept swappable modules. Swappable modules may include swappable display modules, swappable audio modules, and swappable sensor modules. Embodiments enable multiple modes of operation, including for example a virtual mode to display virtual reality environments, a real mode to display images of the real environment surrounding the user, and an augmented reality mode that overlays real scenes with other information. Embodiments may also provide multiple modes of operation for audio. |
| US09990003B2 |
Motion effect reduction for displays and touch input
A movement compensation system is described herein that compensates a user interface and received touch input based on detected external motion affecting a mobile computing device. The system uses the integration of accelerometer data to either offset screen rendering or adjust screen size to improve readability. The system may also improve touch target selection by offsetting received touch coordinates to compensate for device shifting. Offsets can be applied to either the screen rendering offset or can be applied to the touch coordinate input. The system may increase font size or the size of other user interface elements in response to detecting external motion. The system may also receive tuning parameters to account for device mass, dampening filters on accelerometer integrations, latency effects, and user responsiveness to motion effects. Thus, the system allows users to continue to use devices under high motion environmental conditions. |
| US09990000B2 |
Electronic display suitable for submersion
There is disclosed herein a water tight submersible electronic device, such as a dive computer or a dive watch, comprising a case, a bezel, and glass through which a display can be viewed. The glass, case and bezel can all be different materials. The bezel is affixed to the case, in a permanent or removable manner, and has an opening for the glass and an electronic display. The electronic display is positioned under the glass and within the electronic device. For example, the glass is separated from and locked to the bezel by at least a locking ring, a shock absorber and/or a gasket. As such the glass can be free floating so that it and the bezel can deform under pressure without being damaged or causing damage to each other while maintaining a water tight connection. |
| US09989997B2 |
Wearable electronic device including a formable display unit
Particular embodiments described herein provide for a wearable electronic device, such as a bracelet, watch, wristband or armband that includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which may include any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). One particular example implementation of a wearable electronic device may include a strap portion and a display portion that is secured to the strap portion. The display portion can include a formable display unit that comprises a formable material layer configured to be manipulated in one or more directions. The formable material layer can be configured to be manipulated in a first direction from a default position to a deformed position, which can be held until the formable material layer is manipulated in a second direction back to the default position. |
| US09989996B2 |
Wearable device, master device operating with the wearable device, and control method for wearable device
Provided is a wearable device that is wearable on a body of a user, the wearable device including a display configured to display a screen; a sensor configured to sense a motion of the user; and a controller configured to control the display based on the sensed motion. |
| US09989995B2 |
Electronic device with screen
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a window panel having a front area and a curved area extending from the front area, a display panel disposed beneath the window panel, and a fixed part which supports a curved area of the display panel. The display panel includes a front display area, a side display area extending from the front display area so as to be curved, and a wiring area extending from the side display area, and the fixed part supports a curved shape of the side display area or the wiring area. |
| US09989990B2 |
Connector with staggered electrical pins
A receptacle connector may include a housing for housing a first pin and a second pin. The first pin may be of a first length and configured to be coupled to a first corresponding pin of an information handling resource received by the receptacle connector, the first pin comprising two contact bumps for maintaining electrical contact with the first corresponding pin. The second pin may be of a second length and configured to be coupled to a second corresponding pin of the information handling resource. The second length may be substantially shorter than the first length such that when the information handling resource is inserted into the receptacle connector, the first corresponding pin engages with the first pin before the second corresponding pin engages with the second pin. The second pin may comprise one contact bump for maintaining electrical contact with the second corresponding pin. |
| US09989988B2 |
Distributed MEMS devices time synchronization methods and system
A method is provided for time synchronization in a MEMS (MicroElectroMecahnical system) based system having a MEMS processor and a plurality of MEMS devices. In a specific embodiment, the method includes, in the MEMS processor, transmitting a synchronization signal to the plurality of MEMS devices and saving a local time upon transmitting the synchronization signal. The MEMS processor also receives sampled data and time information from the plurality of MEMS devices, when the data and information become available. The method also includes, in one or more of the MEMS devices, receiving the synchronization signal from the MEMS processor and storing a local time upon receiving the synchronization signal. The MEMS device also performs a sensing operation and stores sampled sense data and sense time information. |
| US09989987B2 |
Device for detecting amount of pedal operation
A pedal operation amount detection apparatus comprising: a transmitting member that transmits a pedal operation force; a movement lever disposed so as to be movable with respect to the transmitting member; a sensor rod disposed so as to be connected to the transmitting member and the movement lever; and a deformable body that is disposed on the transmitting member and is deformed when the pedal operation force or a reaction force corresponding to the pedal operation force is transmitted from the movement lever to the deformable body, the pedal operation amount detection apparatus electrically detecting a pedal operation amount based on deformation of the deformable body, the sensor rod extending through both the movement lever and the deformable body, the pedal operation amount detection apparatus further comprising: a first locking portion provided at an end portion of the sensor rod on a side where the sensor rod protrudes from the deformable body; a second locking portion provided at an intermediate portion of the sensor rod between the deformable body and the movement lever; a first elastic member that is disposed between the second locking portion and the deformable body in a natural state or a compressed state when a pedal is not operated; and a second elastic member that is disposed to so as to be connected to the movement lever and the sensor rod, and urges the movement lever to cause the movement lever to contact the second locking portion, when the pedal is operated, a load in a direction to displace the sensor rod toward the first locking portion is applied from the movement lever to the second locking portion, the sensor rod being moved toward the first locking portion in a manner such that the first elastic member is elastically deformed between the second locking portion and the deformable body, and the deformable body being deformed. |
| US09989986B2 |
Hitch position encoder with reference indicator for agricultural work vehicle
An output control system of an agricultural work vehicle includes a controller, a reference indicator communicatively coupled to the controller, and a dial communicatively coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to control power output through an output value range between a minimum output value and a maximum output value based at least in part on a manual input signal, to determine a current setting of the power output, and to adjust the power output from the current setting upon receipt of the manual input signal. The reference indicator is configured to indicate the current setting. Adjustment of an orientation of the dial from an initial position generates the manual input signal. |
| US09989984B2 |
Reference voltage circuit
A reference voltage circuit is provided, which includes bandgap reference circuit, bias current generator, first capacitor, second capacitor, comparator and control logic circuit. In the active mode of the control logic circuit, the control logic circuit controls the bandgap reference circuit to deliver bandgap reference voltage. The comparator transmits first comparison signal to control logic circuit when the first and second capacitors are charged to the bandgap reference voltage. The control logic circuit enters low power mode and controls the bandgap reference circuit to stop delivering the bandgap reference voltage. If the comparator detects the potential difference between the first capacitor and second capacitor exceeds the threshold value, the control logic circuit returns to active mode according to the second comparison signal transmitted form the comparator. |
| US09989981B1 |
Cascaded LDO voltage regulator
A voltage regulator is disclosed. The voltage regulator is cascaded, including first and second stages. The first stage may be a capacitor-less first stage that includes a source follower implemented with a first PMOS transistor, with the first PMOS transistor receiving a first reference voltage on its respective gate terminal. The first stage is coupled to receive a first voltage from an external voltage supply, and to provide a second voltage to the second stage. The second stage may be directly and exclusively coupled to the first stage, with no capacitor or connection for one coupled to the first stage output. The second stage may provide an output voltage, on an output node, with the output voltage being less than the second voltage. |
| US09989979B2 |
Inflating module for use with an inflatable object
An inflating module adapted to an inflatable object includes a pressure controlling assembly configured to monitor air pressure in the inflatable object after the inflatable body has been inflated and a supplemental air pressure providing device. The pressure controlling assembly is configured to automatically activate the supplemental air pressure providing device when the air pressure inside the inflatable object decreases below a predetermined threshold after inflation, and to control the supplemental air pressure providing device to provide supplemental air pressure to the inflatable object so as to maintain the air pressure of the inflatable object within a predetermined range. |
| US09989974B2 |
Method and apparatus of mass flow controlling for use in integrated gas delivery system
An apparatus of mass flow controlling for use in an integrated gas delivery system, comprising an input terminal, a sensor unit, an electromagnetic valve, and a control unit. The control unit comprises an A/D converter, a microprocessor, and a valve control circuit. The A/D converter converts a flow rate setting signal inputted by the input terminal into a first digital signal, and converts a flow rate detection signal outputted by the sensor unit into a second digital signal. The microprocessor further comprises a control module and a calculation module. The valve control circuit opens the electromagnetic valve according to the first control signal only, and further regulates an openness of the electromagnetic valve according to the first control signal and the second control signal. It is concluded that response time of the mass flow control apparatus of the present invention is shorten, and control quality is improved. |
| US09989971B2 |
Vehicle management system and vehicle management method
A vehicle management system for managing vehicles used by users has a usage managing unit configured to accept a user's request for using to use one of the vehicles, and manage the vehicles and parking spaces in which the vehicles are parked, an acquisition unit configured to acquire energy information from the vehicles, the energy information indicating a remaining amount of energy used for traveling of the vehicle, a determination unit configured to compare the remaining amount acquired by the acquisition unit with a remaining amount threshold that represents a shortage of energy, determine that the vehicle needs supply of energy when the remaining amount is lower than the remaining amount threshold, and specify a recovery vehicle that has been determined as needing supply of energy as a recovery vehicle, and a command outputting unit configured to output a recovery command for recovering the recovery vehicle from the parking space. |
| US09989962B2 |
Self-traveling cleaner, controlling apparatus, and automatic cleaning system
An automatic cleaning system is configured by a single controlling apparatus, and a plurality of self-traveling cleaners. When the controlling apparatus has received from a self-traveling cleaner a dust location signal containing a dust location detected by the self-traveling cleaner, it writes the received information into a storage unit. When the controlling apparatus has received from one of the plurality of self-traveling cleaners, with respect to dust which is not removed by any self-traveling cleaner, a signal requesting a reservation of removing the dust, the controlling apparatus will not accept from any other of the plurality of self-traveling cleaners a signal requesting a reservation of removing the dust, until receiving from the one self-traveling cleaner information indicating that removing of the dust has been completed or information indicating that the removing of the dust has been stopped. |
| US09989961B2 |
Antenna positioning system
An antenna positioning system includes an outdoor unit with a rotating antenna driven by a motor, and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit via a communications link, such as a cable or a wireless link, that enables the indoor unit to control the outdoor unit. On startup, the processor of the indoor unit directs the antenna to search for available signals. The resulting signal information is stored and displayed on a user interface on the indoor unit. The user can then select a desired signal and the processor of the indoor unit will automatically rotate the antenna to the appropriate angular position. Both the search procedure and repositioning of the antenna rely on accurate calibration of the antenna's angular velocity to determine the antenna's angular position, rather than relying on a position sensor. |
| US09989959B2 |
Workpiece processing system for carrying out sequential execution of process of workpiece in each process chamber by setting start time of process in each process chamber based on necessary processing duration specific to each chamber and necessary conveyance duration between the chambers
A workpiece processing system and method to process a workpiece in processing chambers in order, in which even if processing duration varies at any chamber, such a variation does not affect the processing of the workpiece in other chambers. Each chamber performs processing of a workpiece in a predetermined order; a conveyor that conveys a workpiece to a next chamber; and a control device controls at least a start time of predetermined processing at each processing chamber. The control device sets: predetermined representative processing at a first chamber as a reference processing step, start time of the reference processing step as control start time, necessary processing duration specific to each chamber, necessary conveyance duration required to convey a workpiece between the chambers, and controls starting of the representative processing at each chamber while considering the control start time as origination. |
| US09989958B2 |
Using cloud-based data for virtualization of an industrial automation environment
A cloud-based virtualization generation service collects industrial-automation-system-related data from multiple industrial automation systems of multiple industrial customers for storage and analysis on a cloud platform. A virtualization management component analyzes the data and generates a virtualized industrial automation system of the industrial automation system based on the analysis results. The virtualization management component updates the virtualized industrial automation system based on operation of, and user interactions with, the industrial automation system. The virtualization management component receives user interactions with the virtualized industrial automation system to facilitate remotely interacting with and/or controlling the industrial automation system and/or generates corresponding control signals that it sends to the industrial automation system to facilitate controlling operation of the industrial automation system. The virtualization management component also customizes a user's view of the virtualized industrial automation system based on user's role, authorization, or location. |
| US09989953B2 |
Visual interface and control of converting machine operations
A control method for controlling a converting machine that acts on plate elements for forming containers, the method including displaying with a graphical control interface at least one image representing a plate element or a container formed by a plate element, and control areas which are superimposed on the image and which respectively symbolize characteristic magnitudes of the conversions to be induced on each plate element, receiving by a processing unit a command entered individually by the operator by activating a control area, and controlling in response to the individually entered command, the processing unit to generate at least two respective adjustment signals correlated by a predetermined adjustment law to adjust at least two respective adjustable parameters, whereby corresponding converting members induce a change in a characteristic magnitude. |
| US09989951B2 |
Generation and publication of shared tagsets
Systems and methods are provided to facilitate receipt of tag requests from one or more interfaces, based upon which a single tagset is compiled at a controller comprising all the requested tags for a given update rate, whereupon the single compiled tagset is subsequently forwarded to the one or more interfaces. A controller generates a superset of tags associated with an industrial process. Each interface can request a copy of the superset, from which the required tags are selected. The controller receives the requested tags from all of the interfaces and combines the requested tags into a single tagset, for a given update rate, comprising the various parameters associated with the tags. At the selected update rate, the tagset is forwarded to the interfaces. A masterset can be utilized to identify the sequence of tags in a tagset and check code can ensure continuity of the tags in the tagset. |
| US09989949B2 |
Grid tied, real time adaptive, distributed intermittent power
A method for predicting the reactive power needs (or other power characteristic needs) for a plurality of customer circuits on an intermediate circuit operably connected to the grid by averaging measurements of utility power characteristics (such as power factor, frequency, and voltage) from a plurality of energy management controllers (or other measuring devices) connected to said customer circuits so that the utility or other grid participant can tailor its power output to meet active and reactive power needs (or other power characteristic needs) to improve transmission efficiency, increase capacity and avoid voltage fluctuations. |
| US09989948B2 |
Methods and systems for dynamic memory backup for transfer-switch controllers
Methods and systems for transfer-switch controller backup and transfer-switch controller operation are provided. An example backup apparatus includes a memory configured to store transfer-switch data related to a first transfer-switch controller, wherein the first transfer switch-controller is a controller for a given transfer switch. The apparatus is capable of interfacing with a communication interface of the first transfer-switch controller. The apparatus is further capable of being removed from the communication interface of the first transfer-switch controller and thereafter interfacing with a communication interface of a second transfer-switch controller, wherein the second transfer-switch controller is a replacement controller for the given transfer switch. The memory is further configured to, after the apparatus interfacing with the communication interface of the second transfer-switch controller, provide the transfer-switch data related to the first transfer-switch controller to the second transfer-switch controller. |
| US09989947B2 |
Driver circuit for driving electromagnetic actuators
Techniques for driving a plurality of inductive actuators are described herein. According to these techniques, a driver unit includes a clock terminal that receives an external clock signal used by an external control unit. The driver unit further includes a serial bus interface configured to communicate with the external control unit via a serial bus. The serial bus is configured to communicate both of trigger commands synchronized to the external clock signal that indicate to at least one of a plurality of programmable control circuits (PCUs) to generate drive signals in response to the trigger commands that are synchronized with the external clock signal and data associated with at least one of the plurality of PCUs and synchronized with the external clock signal, wherein the data is used by the at least one of the plurality of PCUs to generate the drive signals in response to the trigger commands. |
| US09989943B2 |
HVAC systems and controls
The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods to control a HVAC system based on a state of an unloader of a compressor of the HVAC system. |
| US09989930B2 |
Mobile electronic device, control method, and non-transitory storage medium
A mobile electronic device according to one embodiment includes a sounding module that performs alarm sounding and a controller that determines whether the mobile electronic device is in a moving state. When it is determined that the mobile electronic device is in the moving state, the controller disables the alarm sounding by the sounding module. |
| US09989923B2 |
Electronic timepiece
An electronic timepiece includes an outer case, a back cover, and an antenna for receiving radio waves disposed in the outer case, wherein at least one of the outer case and the back cover is formed from a titanium alloy composed of aluminum in an amount of 3.50 mass % or more and 4.50 mass % or less and vanadium in an amount of 20.00 mass % or more and 23.00 mass % or less, with the remainder including titanium and impurities. |
| US09989921B2 |
Timepiece assortment using an amorphous metal alloy
The invention relates to a timepiece assortment including a timepiece component fixed to an arbor with the aid of a fixing element. According to the invention, the fixing element is made of at least partially amorphous metal alloy, is secured to the timepiece component by partial insertion and includes a hole into which the arbor is driven. |
| US09989920B2 |
Method of computing a hologram for reconstructing an object using a display device
A method of computing a hologram for reconstructing an object using a display device. The display device enables a holographic reconstruction of the object. The display device includes a light source and an optical system to illuminate a hologram-bearing medium being encodable with the hologram. The method includes the steps of: (a) computing the hologram by determining the wavefronts at an approximate observer eye position that would be generated by a real version of the object to be reconstructed; and (b) encoding the computed hologram in the hologram-bearing medium. |
| US09989919B2 |
Method for forming a hydraulic transfer film, hydraulic transfer film, and patterned article
A method for forming a hydraulic transfer film includes: (a) forming a water-soluble sacrificial layer on a water-soluble substrate; (b) forming a first holographic pattern on the water-soluble sacrificial layer; (c) forming a pattern forming layer on the water-soluble sacrificial layer such that the pattern forming layer is formed with a second holographic pattern on a surface that contacts the first holographic pattern and being complementary to the first holographic pattern, the pattern forming layer having a water-soluble region and an oil-soluble region; (d) forming an oil-soluble base layer on the pattern forming layer; and (e) forming an activating layer that is on the oil-soluble base layer and that includes a curable activating agent. |
| US09989918B2 |
Image forming apparatus having defined arrangement of heat discharge duct
An image forming apparatus includes a duct discharging a heat in a vicinity of a heating unit to an outer side of the image forming apparatus, a stay, and a toner cartridge storing a toner being supplied to a developing unit. The stay is arranged to be positioned between the duct and the toner cartridge in the vertical direction. |
| US09989909B2 |
Belt device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A belt device includes a belt member, a detected unit, a window, an optical detector, and a regulation member. The belt member is movable in a direction of belt movement. The detected unit disposed on at least one side of the belt in a width direction of the belt intersecting with the direction of belt movement and extending in the direction of belt movement. The window transmits detection light emitted toward the detected unit and reflected light from the detected unit. The optical detector detects the detected unit. The regulation member is disposed on at least one side in a width direction of the window to keep the detected unit away from the window. |
| US09989908B2 |
Image formation system, image density correction method, and image formation apparatus
Provided is an image formation system of series tandem type in which first and second image formation apparatuses connected in series execute an image formation process on a recording material, wherein the first image formation apparatus includes: a first image carrier; a first toner image formation unit; a first density detection unit; a first density control value setting unit; and a first temperature detection unit, the second image formation apparatus includes: a second image carrier; a second toner image formation unit; a second density detection unit; a second density control value setting unit; and a second temperature detection unit, and the image formation system includes: a recording material density detection unit; and a control unit. |
| US09989907B2 |
Image information apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion configured to form a developer image on a recording material, a fixing portion configured to heat-fix the developer image to the recording material, a first motor configured to drive the image forming portion, a second motor configured to drive the fixing portion, and a control portion configured to control the first motor and the second motor. The second motor is a stepping motor. The control portion allows the second motor to start rotation at a speed in a self-start region, temporarily stops the second motor at a timing at which the first motor is activated, then allows the second motor to restart rotation at a speed in the self-start region, and changes the speed of the second motor to a speed outside of the self-start region before the recording material arrives at the fixing portion. |
| US09989905B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a nip formation pad which is disposed opposite an endless belt and forms a fixing nip between the endless belt and a pressure rotator. A contact heater is disposed at least at one lateral end of the nip formation pad in a longitudinal direction thereof and heats at least one lateral end of the endless belt in an axial direction thereof. A thermal conduction aid contacts a belt-side face of each of the nip formation pad and the contact heater and conducts heat in the axial direction of the endless belt. A cover is disposed outboard from the thermal conduction aid in a longitudinal direction thereof. The cover covers the belt-side face of the contact heater. The contact heater includes a power supply portion disposed outboard from the thermal conduction aid in the longitudinal direction thereof and covered by the cover. |
| US09989902B2 |
Image forming apparatus and computer readable medium storing program
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing member, a pressing member, a heating unit and a controller. The fixing member heats a toner image formed on a sheet. The pressing member presses the sheet onto the fixing member. The heating unit heats the fixing member. The controller controls the heating unit. The sheet is located at the fixing member in a first period and the sheet is not located at the fixing member and the fixing member is located between sheets in a second period. The controller controls the heating unit such that the heating unit heats the fixing member in a first heating pattern in which a heating period does not include the second period or in a second heating pattern in which a heating period includes the second period. |
| US09989895B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a movable endless belt, a first image bearing member, second image bearing members provided upstream of the first image bearing member with respect to a movement direction of the belt, a first transfer roller, second transfer rollers, an auxiliary roller provided upstream of a most upstream second transfer roller of the second transfer rollers with respect to the movement direction of the belt, and an executing portion capable of executing an operation in a full-color mode in a first roller arrangement and an operation in a monochromatic mode in a second roller arrangement. |
| US09989894B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A separation member includes a contact surface contacting a photosensitive member when a transfer member is positioned at a second position, and a regulation unit that regulates a position of the separation member with respect to the photosensitive member, in which the regulation unit contacts the photosensitive member earlier than the contact surface in a process of inserting a cartridge in an apparatus main body. |
| US09989889B2 |
Toner container
In one embodiment, a toner container comprises a toner container body in which toner is stored, a cover portion configured to cover the toner container body, and a projection. The projection is provided in the vicinity of a rear end portion in a longitudinal direction of the cover portion or a longitudinal direction of the toner container body, and projecting toward a rear side of the toner container. |
| US09989886B2 |
Communicating a classification of a consumable product
A non-volatile memory includes a mechanism that communicates a classification of the consumable product to a device. |
| US09989884B2 |
Toner amount detection sensor
A toner amount detection sensor has a first light receiving element, a second light receiving element, and a toner amount calculation unit. The first light receiving element is provided on a side opposite to a light emitting element with respect to a plane extending in a direction perpendicular to a surface of a transfer belt. The second light receiving element is provided at a position avoiding a plane containing the light emitting element and the first light receiving element and is provided separately from the first light receiving element. The toner amount calculation unit calculates the toner amount from the light quantity of the light equivalent to the specular reflection light received by the first light receiving element and the light quantity of the diffuse-reflected light received by the second light receiving element. |
| US09989879B2 |
Charging member, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A charging member is provided which can prevent electrostatic adhesion of a toner and/or an external additive of the toner to the surface of the charging member, and exhibits stable charging performance during long-term use. The charging member comprises a support, and a surface layer on the support, and the surface layer comprises a polymetalloxane containing at least one metal atom selected from the group consisting of aluminum, titanium, zirconium and tantalum, and a specific group which is bonded to the at least one metal atom in the polymetalloxane. |
| US09989878B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of controlling the same
An image forming apparatus is configured to change one of the expected adjustment timing and the expected switching timing so as to be matched with the other, to determine a timing for predetermined adjustment and switching of print modes. |
| US09989876B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method for calculating a toner degradation rate
An image forming apparatus includes a toner pattern bearer to bear a first toner pattern having a first image area and a second toner pattern having a second image area different from the first image area. A toner adhesion amount detector detects a toner adhesion amount of toner of each of the first toner pattern and the second toner pattern. A toner degradation rate calculator calculates a first deviation in the toner adhesion amount of the first toner pattern and a second deviation in the toner adhesion amount of the second toner pattern based on the toner adhesion amount detected by the toner adhesion amount detector. The toner degradation rate calculator compares the first deviation with the second deviation and calculates a toner degradation rate based on a comparison result. |
| US09989867B2 |
Substrate holder, lithographic apparatus, device manufacturing method, and method of manufacturing a substrate holder
A substrate holder for a lithographic apparatus has a planarization layer provided on a surface thereof. The planarization layer provides a smooth surface for the formation of an electronic component such as a thin film electronic component. The planarization layer may be provided in multiple sub layers. The planarization layer may smooth over roughness caused by removal of material from a blank to form burls on the substrate holder. |
| US09989866B2 |
Wafer-based light source parameter control
A photolithography method includes producing, from an optical source, a pulsed light beam; and scanning the pulsed light beam across a substrate of a lithography exposure apparatus to expose the substrate with the pulsed light beam including exposing each sub-area of the substrate with the pulsed light beam. A sub-area is a portion of a total area of the substrate. For each sub-area of the substrate, a lithography performance parameter associated with the sub-area of the substrate is received; the received lithography performance parameter is analyzed, and, based on the analysis, a first spectral feature of the pulsed light beam is modified and a second spectral feature of the pulsed light beam is maintained. |
| US09989862B2 |
Optical system for producing lithographic structures
An optical system for producing lithographic structures is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for determining relative coordinates of a position of a writing field relative to a position of a preview field in such an optical system, and a method for producing lithographic structures using such an optical system. |
| US09989858B2 |
Apparatus operable to perform a measurement operation on a substrate, lithographic apparatus, and method of performing a measurement operation on a substrate
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for performing a measurement operation on a substrate in accordance with one or more substrate alignment models. The one or more substrate alignment models are selected from a plurality of candidate substrate alignment models. The apparatus, which may be a lithographic apparatus, includes an external interface which enables selection of the substrate alignment model(s) and/or alteration of the substrate alignment model(s) prior to the measurement operation. |
| US09989857B2 |
Photomask and method of forming the same and methods of manufacturing electronic device and display device using the photomask
A phase shift mask includes a substrate, a second phase shift pattern on the substrate, the second phase shift pattern extending to an outermost perimeter of the substrate, the second phase shift pattern being formed of a material that is semi-transmissive to light of a first wavelength and the substrate being substantially transparent to the light of the first wavelength such that the mask transmits about 2 to about 10% of the light of the first wavelength at the second phase shift pattern, and a first phase shift pattern on the substrate, the second phase shift pattern being disposed between the outermost perimeter of the substrate and the first phase shift pattern. |
| US09989856B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor devices
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing semiconductor devices. A dummy gate structure is formed on a pattern area defined by an edge area of a substrate. An interlayer insulating layer pattern is formed to cover the pattern area and exposing the edge area of the substrate. A blocking pattern is formed on the interlayer insulating layer pattern such that the edge area of the substrate is covered with the blocking pattern and the pattern area of the substrate is exposed through the blocking pattern. A gate hole in the pattern area of the substrate in correspondence to the dummy gate structure, and a metal gate structure is formed in the gate hole. Accordingly, the edge area of the substrate is protected in the etching process and the deposition process of the replacement gate metal (RGM) process. |
| US09989855B2 |
Chemical supply unit capable of automatically replacing a canister and a substrate treatment apparatus having the same
A substrate treatment apparatus includes a substrate treatment unit configured to provide a chemical solution to a substrate to treat the substrate, and a chemical supply unit configured to supply the chemical solution to the substrate treatment unit. The chemical supply unit includes a loader configured to load a canister containing the chemical solution to the chemical supply unit, a clamp configured to clamp the canister in place, a chemical supply line through which the chemical solution is supplied to the substrate treatment unit, and a coupler configured to couple the chemical supply line to the canister. The chemical supply unit is capable of automatically replacing the canister and the substrate. |
| US09989853B2 |
Hardmask composition and method of forming pattern using the hardmask composition
A hardmask composition includes a first material including one of an aromatic ring-containing monomer and a polymer containing a repeating unit including an aromatic ring-containing monomer, a second material including at least one of a hexagonal boron nitride and a precursor thereof, a chalcogenide-based material and a precursor thereof, and a two-dimensional carbon nanostructure and a precursor thereof, the two-dimensional carbon nanostructure containing about 0.01 atom % to about 40 atom % of oxygen, and a solvent. |
| US09989850B2 |
Photoresist system and method
A system and method for photoresists is provided. In an embodiment a cross-linking or coupling reagent is included within a photoresist composition. The cross-linking or coupling reagent will react with the polymer resin within the photoresist composition to cross-link or couple the polymers together, resulting in a polymer with a larger molecular weight. This larger molecular weight will cause the dissolution rate of the photoresist to decrease, leading to a better depth of focus for the line. |
| US09989842B2 |
Method of generating test patterns using random function
Provided is a method of generating test patterns. The method includes generating a first polygon, disposing the first polygon in a pattern region, selecting one region from peripheral regions of the first polygon, generating a second polygon, disposing the second polygon in the selected region, and repeating the above processes. |
| US09989840B2 |
Light shielding device and light shielding method
Provided is a light shielding device including a light shielding wall configured to include a plurality of panels, the light shielding wall being used as a partition of a first space and a second space, the plurality of panels being controllable in either a light transmission state in which light is transmitted or a light shielding state in which light is shielded, an optical path specifying unit configured to specify a predetermined optical path to be passed through the light shielding wall, a panel specifying unit configured to specify a panel on the light shielding wall, the panel being corresponded to a position at which the predetermined optical path specified by the optical path specifying unit passes through the light shielding wall, and a controller configured to control a light transmission state or a light shielding state for the plurality of panels on the light shielding wall. |
| US09989839B2 |
Light module for a projection or illumination arrangement
A light module includes an excitation radiation source designed to emit an excitation radiation having a polarization, at least one first phosphor, an output, at which an output signal is providable, at least one first polarization beam splitter, a first polarization modulator arranged serially between the radiation source and the first splitter. The first modulator is designed to modify the polarization of the radiation source depending on a control signal. The first splitter is designed to split the radiation incident on it depending on the polarization between a first and a second of two optical partial paths connected in parallel with one another. The first optical partial path includes the at least one first phosphor and ends at the output of the light module. The second optical partial path, whilst bypassing the at least one first phosphor, ends at the output of the light module. |
| US09989838B2 |
Light emitting element, light source apparatus, and projector
A light emitting element includes a base material having a rough surface and a phosphor layer which is directly or indirectly formed on the rough surface of the base material and includes a plurality of phosphor particles which are bonded to each other by a binder. |
| US09989836B1 |
Optical mounting device
An optical mounting device is disclosed that enables an optical device to be pointed in the desired orientation with minimal effort between a horizontal and a vertical position. The device includes a yoke, a saddle, and a payload platform assembly. The device can lock the position of the optical device into a desired orientation. The payload platform assembly has a lower base that is coupled to the saddle and an extendable upper section attached to a rotation pivot guide that allows the upper section to rotate up to 90 degrees from horizontal landscape orientation to a vertical portrait orientation. |
| US09989835B1 |
System and method for mounting a camera on a work vehicle
A camera mounting assembly includes a first bezel configured to be positioned on a first side of a panel of a work vehicle and to support a camera. The camera mounting assembly also includes a second bezel configured to be positioned on a second side of the panel and to couple to the first bezel to support the camera between the first bezel and the second bezel, and to couple the camera mounting assembly to the panel. |
| US09989832B2 |
Optical unit with shake correction function
An optical unit may include a movable module holding an optical element having an optical axis; a fixed body comprising; a support mechanism swingably supporting the movable module; a drive mechanism structured to swing the movable module; and a flexible circuit board connected with the movable module and fixed body. The flexible circuit board may include a leading-out part extending from the movable module on a first side of the optical axis; a first extended part extending from the leading-out part to a second side of the optical axis; a first curved part which is curved from a tip end side of the first extended part toward a rear side; a second extended part extending from the first curved part toward the first side; and a fixed part of the second extended part connected with the fixed body on the first side of optical axis. |
| US09989829B2 |
Multi-color electro-optic displays
An electro-optic display comprising at least two separate layers of electro-optic material, with one of these layers being capable of displaying at least one optical state which cannot be displayed by the other layer. The display is driven by a single set of electrodes between which both layers are sandwiched, the two layers being controllable at least partially independently of one another. Another form of the invention uses three different types of particles within a single electrophoretic layer, with the three types of particles being arranged to shutter independently of one another. |
| US09989827B2 |
Display device
A display device is provided. The display device includes a base; a gate conductor disposed directly on the base and including a gate line and a gate electrode; a gate insulating layer disposed on the gate conductor and including an overlap portion, which overlaps with the gate conductor, and a non-overlap portion, which is connected to the overlap portion, does not overlap with the gate conductor, and is spaced apart from the base; and a semiconductor pattern disposed on the gate insulating layer and overlapping with the gate electrode, wherein edges of the gate insulating layer project further than edges of the gate conductor and edges of the semiconductor pattern. |
| US09989826B2 |
Liquid-crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate on which a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area are defined; a plurality of gate lines disposed in the display area and extending in a first direction; a plurality of data lines disposed in the display area and extending in a second direction, the data lines intersecting the gate lines; and a black matrix extending in the first line to cover the gate lines or in the second direction to cover the data lines, where a width of the black matrix at a location adjacent to a boundary line between the display area and the non-display area is larger than a width of the black matrix at a location adjacent to a center of the display area. |
| US09989824B2 |
Array substrate, display panel and display device having the same, and method thereof
The present application discloses an array substrate comprising a base substrate, a row of a plurality of pixel units, and a first gate line and a first common electrode line adjacent to the row of the plurality of pixel units and on a first side of the row of the plurality of pixel units in plan view of the array substrate. The first gate line and the first common electrode line are spaced apart by a gap; and a light shield at least partially covering the gap for reducing light leakage from the gap. |
| US09989821B2 |
Display substrate structure
A display substrate structure includes a substrate, at least one chip, and a plurality of conductive lines. A display region and a periphery region are defined on the substrate. The periphery region is disposed around the display region, and the chip is disposed in the periphery region. The conductive lines are disposed in the periphery region and at least between the chip and the display region. Each conductive line has a fan-out portion and at least one adjustment portion. Each adjustment portion is electrically connected to the fan-out portion of the same conductive line. The adjustment portion of each conductive line has a winding wire, and at least one of the adjustment portions of the conductive lines has a straight wire, which is electrically connected to and at least partially overlaps the winding wire of the same conductive line. |
| US09989820B2 |
Display device including flexible printed circuit board
A display device is disclosed. In one aspect, the display device includes a panel including a plurality of wiring patterns and a flexible printed circuit board formed over and at least partially overlapping an edge of the panel. The flexible printed circuit board includes a connection portion electrically connected to the panel and the connection portion includes first and second surfaces opposing each other. The wiring patterns include a plurality of first wiring patterns connected to the first surface of the connection portion and a plurality of second wiring patterns connected to the second surface of the connection portion. |
| US09989819B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus
Each of branch portions of a pixel electrode and inclined portions of data lines extends in a direction different from an x direction and a y direction in a pixel region and inclined with respect to the y direction. Further, a liquid crystal layer is orientated in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region and inclined with respect to the y direction. |
| US09989818B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
Provided are display device. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device comprising a first substrate, a gate wiring which is formed on the first substrate and extends in a first direction, a data wiring which is insulated from the gate wiring, intersects the gate wiring, and extends in a second direction, and a pixel electrode which comprises a first subpixel electrode to which a first data voltage is applied from the data wiring and a second subpixel electrode to which a second data voltage lower than the first data voltage is applied from the data wiring, wherein the first subpixel electrode is surrounded by the second subpixel electrode, and the second subpixel electrode does not overlap the data wiring. |
| US09989817B2 |
Pixel structure
A pixel structure includes a scan line, a signal line and a first pixel. The first pixel includes a switch device and a pixel electrode. A gate of the switch device is electrically connected to the scan line. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the switch device, and the pixel electrode includes a plurality of slits. The signal line includes a first portion and a second portion, the pixel electrode overlaps the first portion of the signal line, and the scan line overlaps the second portion of the signal line. The first portion of the signal line includes at least one bent portion, the bent portion is disposed along the arrangement directions of the slits, and the pixel electrode covers the edges of the bent portion of the signal line. |
| US09989815B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes an insulating substrate, a data line disposed on the insulating substrate and extended in a first direction, a plurality of pixel electrodes which is disposed on the insulating substrate and in which a slit pattern is defined, a common electrode facing the pixel electrodes, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the pixel electrodes and the common electrode, where each of the pixel electrodes includes an edge electrode portion and a plurality of branch electrode portions protruding in a direction toward a central portion of the pixel electrode from the edge electrode portion, and at least a portion of the edge electrode portion overlaps the data line. |
| US09989811B2 |
Display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a method of manufacturing a display apparatus and the display apparatus. A method of manufacturing a display apparatus includes preparing a first substrate including a display; adhering a second substrate to the first substrate by using a sealing element; exposing the sealing element by using a blocking member including a plurality of blocking patterns arranged apart from one another; and cutting the first substrate and the second substrate along portions thereof inside the blocking member. |
| US09989810B2 |
Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
An electro-optical device comprises an element substrate, a counter substrate, and an inorganic film. The counter substrate is arranged so as to face the element substrate. The seal material is arranged between the element substrate and the counter substrate so as to join the element substrate and the counter substrate. The inorganic film covers a side face of the seal material, a peripheral region of the element substrate between the side face of the seal material and a side of the element substrate, and a peripheral region of the counter substrate between the side face of the seal material and a side of the counter substrate. |
| US09989802B2 |
Display device including reflective sheet having cover part
A liquid crystal display device includes a backlight unit and a display panel. The backlight unit includes a light source member and a reflective sheet. The light source member includes light emitting elements, and the light emitting elements include a lens totally reflecting light laterally towards a side surface of backlight unit. The reflective sheet defines a bottom part and cover parts. The bottom part extends to be disposed under the light source member and defines a plurality of opening parts of the first reflective sheet. The cover parts are respectively bent from one side of each of the opening parts toward the display panel. Also, the cover parts are in one-to-one correspondence with the opening parts. |
| US09989800B2 |
Polarizer and method of manufacturing the same and liquid crystal display device using the same
A method of manufacturing a polarizer, includes forming a polarizing layer having a light axis for polarized light, forming an upper coating layer on an upper surface of the polarizing layer, forming an adhesive layer on an upper surface of the upper coating layer, forming a lower coating layer on a lower surface of the polarizing layer, and forming a protection layer on a lower surface of the lower coating layer, wherein the lower coating layer includes a wavelength conversion material configured to convert a wavelength of a received light to a different wavelength. |
| US09989799B2 |
Coating device, method of manufacturing display substrate using the same and display substrate manufactured using the same
A coating device includes an upper stage, a lower stage and a spraying part. The upper stage masks an upper surface of a display panel. The lower stage masks a lower surface of the display panel. The spraying part sprays ink to a side surface of the display panel. The side surface of the display panel is exposed between the upper stage and the lower stage. The coating device includes the upper stage and the lower stage, so that the coating device may form a coating layer of uniform thickness by precisely spraying ink. In addition, a cross-section of the coating layer may be precisely formed having specific shape such as an L or C shape. A display apparatus having high light usage efficiency and reduced light leakage may be provided by using the coating device. |
| US09989796B2 |
Display device comprising first and second transistors electrically connected to first and second pixel electrodes
A display device with less light leakage and excellent contrast is provided. A display device having a high aperture ratio and including a large-capacitance capacitor is provided. A display device in which wiring delay due to parasitic capacitance is reduced is provided. A display device includes a transistor over a substrate, a pixel electrode connected to the transistor, a signal line electrically connected to the transistor, a scan line electrically connected to the transistor and intersecting with the signal line, and a common electrode overlapping with the pixel electrode and the signal line with an insulating film provided therebetween. The common electrode includes stripe regions extending in a direction intersecting with the signal line. |
| US09989794B2 |
Back plate and liquid crystal display device having the same
A back plate of a liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a first region as an appearance of the entire LCD device, in which a plurality of first and second reinforcing ribs crossing each other are disposed, the plurality of first reinforcing ribs are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction, and an angle α between the first reinforcing rib and a vertical direction ranges from 40° to 50°. The plurality of second reinforcing ribs are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction, and an angle β between the second reinforcing rib and the vertical direction ranges from 40° to 50°. Each of the first reinforcing ribs at least crosses one of the second reinforcing ribs. A liquid crystal display device including the back plate as described above is also disclosed. |
| US09989792B2 |
Display device and assembling method thereof
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a display device and an assembling method thereof. The display device comprises a frame and a display module provided inside the frame, and the display module comprises a liquid crystal panel and a transparent cover plate. A transparent bonding adhesive is fully filled between a light exit surface of the liquid crystal panel and a surface of the transparent cover plate facing the liquid crystal panel and bonds the light exit surface of the liquid crystal panel with the surface of the transparent cover plate facing the liquid crystal panel. A support mechanism is disposed on an inner surface of the frame, and the support mechanism is bonded with the liquid crystal panel and/or the transparent cover plate. |
| US09989790B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a display panel having a curved area and a substantially flat area, a guide unit including a curved area and a first area, and a casing unit. The first area of the display panel extends from a first end of the curved area of the display panel. The curved area of the guide unit supports the curved area of the display panel. The first area of the guide unit supports the first area of the display panel. The casing unit covers at least a portion of the curved area of the display panel. |
| US09989780B2 |
Corkies sunglasses holder
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a sunglasses or eyeglasses holder. The holder generally includes a wine cork on a monofilament line. Ends of the line are secured in a crimp. Optionally, the ends may be sealed within a portion of a heat shrink wrap tube. The other end of the heat shrink wrap tube can be secured to the ends of glasses temples. In another example, monofilament line may be secured/crimped with respect to the glasses temple. The holder described herein provides a flotation feature due to the buoyancy of the wine cork. The holder described herein can also optionally be secured to a wearer's sunglasses by applying heat to the heat shrink wrap. Alternatively, the user may tie and crimp the holder it in place with respect to an existing hole in the glasses temple. Embodiments also relate to methods for manufacturing a sunglasses or eyeglasses holder described herein. |
| US09989778B2 |
Image display device
An image display device includes a light source, a scanner, a screen, a virtual image optical system and a screen incident angle correcting optical system. The light source emits laser light. The scanner scans the laser light. An image is formed on the screen by the scanned laser light. The virtual image optical system generates a virtual image of the image by the laser light having transmitted through the screen. The screen incident angle correcting optical system orients the scanned laser light toward the screen. The scanner performs at least first scanning and second scanning that has a scanning direction different from a scanning direction of the first scanning. The screen includes a lenticular lens having a lens pitch in a direction parallel to the first scanning. The lens pitch of the lenticular lens is larger than a beam diameter of the laser light near a light receiving surface of the screen. |
| US09989775B2 |
Dual-sided pepper's ghost illusion
Systems and methods herein are directed to a dual-sided Pepper's Ghost Illusion is shown and described. In particular, various embodiments are described that allow using multiple image sources (e.g., projected bounces and/or panel displays) so the holographic image can be seen from both sides of the holographic system. In one embodiment, a specifically designed “Z frame” may be used to minimize the visible components in such a dual-sided system (e.g., particularly for smaller displays). |
| US09989766B2 |
Spectacle lens for a display device that can be fitted on the head of a user and generates an image, and display device with such a spectacle lens
A spectacle lens for a display device can be fitted on the head of a user and generate an image. The spectacle lens includes a curved front and/or side, wherein a light guiding channel which is suitable for guiding light bundles of pixels of the generated image, which are coupled into the spectacle lens via the coupling-in section of the spectacle lens, in the spectacle lens to the coupling-out section to couple them out of the spectacle lens via the coupling-out section. The coupling-out section includes at least two deflecting surfaces arranged next to each other which reflect the light bundles in the direction of the rear side for the coupling out. Deflecting surfaces can be formed as a switchable layer which can be switched into a first and a second state, wherein the reflectivity of the switchable layers in the first state is higher than in the second state. |
| US09989765B2 |
Tile array for near-ocular display
A display device includes a two-dimensional array of tiles. Each tile includes a two-dimensional array of pixels, and a lens, of a two-dimensional array of lenses, configured to direct at least a portion of the respective pattern of light from the two-dimensional array of pixels to a pupil of an eye of a user. Each pixel is configured to output light so that the two-dimensional array of pixels outputs a respective pattern of light. The display device also includes one or more processors coupled with the two-dimensional array of tiles and configured to activate at least a subset of the two-dimensional array of tiles for outputting, from at least the subset of the two-dimensional array of tiles, a collective pattern of light that is directed to the pupil of the eye of the user. |
| US09989761B2 |
Tilting mechanism and display device provided with the same
There is provided a tilting mechanism. The tilting mechanism includes a drive source configured to drive a plate, a movement unit connected to the drive source, a conveyance unit configured to be moved linearly by the movement unit, and a plate support member to which the plate is fixed and which is partially engaged with the conveyance unit so that the plate support member is moved by the conveyance unit. The plate is moved linearly by linearly moving the conveyance unit together with the plate support member. Tilting operation of the plate is performed by tilting the plate support member, the tilting of the plate support member being caused by pushing the plate support member by the conveyance unit, which moves linearly in a state that the linear movement of the plate support member is stopped. |
| US09989758B2 |
Debris protection system for reflective optic utilizing gas flow
The present disclosure is directed to a system for protecting a reflective optic and/or any other surface in a plasma-based illumination system from debris by actively flowing gas against the debris flow direction. According to various embodiments, a vacuum chamber is configured to contain a target material, wherein a laser or discharge produced plasma is generated in response to an excitation of the target material. One or more outlets within the chamber are configured to receive gas flowing from a fluidically coupled gas source and further configured to actively flow the gas towards a source of debris and away from the reflective optic or any other protected surface at a controlled flow rate. |
| US09989756B2 |
Motion sensing and energy capturing apparatus, system and methods
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for motion sensing and energy capturing. In an embodiment, a motion sensing and energy capturing system comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements configured to be arranged in a walking surface, each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements being identifiable relative to a portion of the walking surface; a communications module coupled with the plurality of piezoelectric elements; a processing engine configured to receive via the communications module activation data from at least one of the plurality of piezoelectric elements when the at least one of the piezoelectric elements is activated by activity on a corresponding portion of the walking surface, the activation data including time of activation data, and to process the activation data received for the walking surface over a period of time to identify a time-varying traffic pattern; a user interface configured to display the time-varying traffic pattern; and an energy capture element electrically coupled with the plurality of piezoelectric elements to receive energy produced by the at least one of the plurality of piezoelectric elements when the at least one of the piezoelectric elements is activated by activity on a corresponding portion of the walking surface. |
| US09989754B2 |
Light scanning microscope with spectral detection
A light scanning microscope with an illumination module switchable between an illumination with m number of spots and an illumination with n number of spots, a deflecting unit which moves the m or n spots in a predetermined sample region, and a detector module for confocal and spectrally resolved detection of the sample radiation. The detector module has a confocal diaphragm unit, a splitting unit which is arranged downstream of the confocal diaphragm unit, a detector, and an imaging unit which images the partial beams on the detector in a spatially separated manner. The confocal diaphragm unit is switchable between a confocal diaphragm with exactly m apertures for m-spot illumination and a confocal diaphragm with n apertures for n-spot illumination. The splitting unit has a first beam path for m-spot illumination and a second beam path for n-spot illumination. The splitting unit is switchable between the two beam paths. |
| US09989753B2 |
Centrosymmetric changer for optical elements
This invention minimizes the needed space for a changer device for optical elements which can be mounted in front or in the back or on either fork side of telescopes. It implements a design whose profile is circular and centrosymmetric and gravitanionally neutral in respect to the path of light of the surrounding optical devices as well as an optimized mechanical depth. This is achieved by moving the centrosymmetrically arranged optical elements individually into the optical path i.e. the central opening of the changing device in contrary to prior art designs wherein the optical elements are mounted on a revolving disk whose axis of rotation is not congruent with the optical axis. The invention minimizes the obstructing area and shape of the changing device as well as the gravitational stress on surrounding structures by incorporating a design with minimal space requirements. |
| US09989743B2 |
Projection zoom lens
Disclosed is a projection zoom lens used in an image display device configured to project an image onto a target projection surface and display a magnified image of the image, in which the projection zoom lens has a five-lens-group configuration in which first to fifth lens groups G1 to G5 are arranged from the magnification side toward the reduction side, and each of the constituent lens groups or lenses included in the lens groups has a combination of negative and positive refractive powers, and in the lens configuration, focal lengths of the constituent lens groups, relative travel distances, lens distances to the image display element, and constituent lens shapes are properly selected. |
| US09989741B1 |
Photographing optical lens assembly, image capturing unit and electronic device
A photographing optical lens assembly includes five lens elements which are, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element and a fifth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof. The second lens element has negative refractive power. The fourth lens element has an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof. The fifth lens element has an object-side surface and an image-side surface being both aspheric. |
| US09989740B2 |
Optical image capturing system
An optical image capturing system includes, along the optical axis in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, a sixth lens, and a seventh lens. At least one lens among the first to the sixth lenses has positive refractive force. The seventh lens have negative refractive force, wherein both surfaces thereof can be aspheric, and at least one surface thereof has an inflection point. The lenses in the optical image capturing system which have refractive power include the first to the seventh lenses. The optical image capturing system can increase aperture value and improve the imagining quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US09989739B2 |
Optical image capturing system
An optical image capturing system includes, along the optical axis in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, a sixth lens, and a seventh lens. At least one lens among the first to the sixth lenses has positive refractive force. The seventh lens can have negative refractive force, wherein both surfaces thereof are aspheric, and at least one surface thereof has an inflection point. The lenses in the optical image capturing system which have refractive power include the first to the seventh lenses. The optical image capturing system can increase aperture value and improve the imagining quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US09989737B2 |
Optical lens assembly
An optical-lens-set includes a first lens of a convex object surface near the optical-axis, a second lens of negative refractive power of an object surface with a convex portion near the optical-axis and a convex portion near its periphery, a third lens of a convex image surface near its periphery, a fourth lens of a concave object surface near its periphery and a convex image surface near its periphery, a fifth lens of a concave object surface near its periphery and an image surface with a convex portion near the optical-axis and a convex portion near its periphery, a sixth lens of a concave image surface near the optical-axis so that an F-number, the total thickness ALT of all six lens, an air gap G34 between the third lens and the fourth lens and an air gap G45 between the fourth lens and the fifth lens satisfy F-number≤1.8 and ALT/(G34+G45)≥9.0. |
| US09989736B2 |
Optical image capturing system
A six-piece optical lens for capturing image and a six-piece optical module for capturing image are provided. In order from an object side to an image side, the optical lens along the optical axis includes a first lens with refractive power, a second lens with refractive power, a third lens with refractive power, a fourth lens with refractive power, a fifth lens with refractive power and a sixth lens with refractive power. At least one of the image-side surface and object-side surface of each of the six lens elements is aspheric. The optical lens can increase aperture value and improve the imagining quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US09989733B2 |
Camera lens
A camera lens includes an open aperture; and a falcate first lens having a positive refractive power with a convex surface toward an imaging surface side. The camera lens satisfies specific conditions. |
| US09989723B2 |
Loose tube-type optical fiber unit
An optical fiber ribbon comprises a plurality of optical fiber strands that are arranged side-by-side in one direction and integrated. The optical fiber ribbon comprises a plurality of optical fiber strands that are bonded in parallel. In the optical fiber ribbon, the adjacent optical fiber strands are bonded using a bonding section in which the same are continuously bonded along the entire length thereof and a bonding section in which the same are intermittently bonded at prescribed intervals. In other words, either of the bonding sections is formed between the adjacent optical fiber strands. |
| US09989722B2 |
Fiber optic cables and assemblies for fiber toward the subscriber applications
A fiber optic cable includes an optical fiber, strength components disposed on opposite sides of the optical fiber, and a polymeric cable jacket. The optical fiber includes a glass core, a glass cladding, and a polymer coating. The cable jacket surrounds the optical fiber and the strength components. Further, the cable jacket is tightly drawn onto the optical fiber, where excess fiber length of the optical fiber is such that positive strain is present in the optical fiber at room temperature (25° C.). |
| US09989718B2 |
Optical module with electromagnetic absorption
An optical module includes a board; a photoelectric transducer disposed on the board; an optical waveguide that is connected to the board and transmits light entering or emitted from the photoelectric transducer; an optical connector including a first end connected to the optical waveguide and a second end to be connected to an optical cable; a housing that houses the board, the photoelectric transducer, the optical waveguide, and the optical connector; and a conductive part that is provided between the optical waveguide and the housing, in contact with the housing, and formed of an elastic conductive material or a radio absorbing material. |
| US09989716B2 |
Feedthrough assembly and method of assembling a feedthrough assembly
The present application describes a signal conveying system including plural cables and a feedthrough assembly. The feedthrough assembly includes a main housing. The assembly also includes at least one housing positioned within the main housing with an internal wall that defines a plurality of conduits. The assembly also includes a volume defined by an internal surface of the main housing. The assembly further includes a sealing material provided in the volume. The application also describes a method of conveying optical signals. |
| US09989712B1 |
MPO connector assembly with push-pull tab
An optical fiber connector assembly comprising an MPO connector and a push-pull tab. The connector may have an outer housing and an inner housing extending beyond a rear end of the outer housing, the outer housing having a first protrusion and the inner housing having a second protrusion positioned at a distance from the first protrusion. The push-pull tab may comprise a main body and an extender coupled to the main body, the main body having a plurality of walls forming a passageway configured to receive the connector, the plurality of walls including a first wall having a window sized according to the distance between the first and second protrusions and configured to receive the first and second protrusions. In another embodiment, the push-pull tab may comprise a first piece and a second piece configured to couple to each other to form a passageway for receiving the connector. |
| US09989710B2 |
Multi-fiber ferrule and optical connector including the same
A ferrule for an optical connector includes a body, a cavity extending into the body from a back end of the body, and first and second groups of micro-holes extending into the cavity from a front end of the body. The cavity includes at least one bottom surface extending under an opening in a top surface of the body and below a first plane that extends through or below the first and second groups of micro-holes. The cavity also includes a divider extending under the opening in the top surface of the body, with the divider having a divider surface positioned above the first plane such that the divider surface is offset from the at least one bottom surface. |
| US09989708B1 |
Connector with lateral and angular tolerance
A connector having a front and rear origination and configured to mate with a mating connector, said connector comprising a ferrule defining at least one borehole for receiving a fiber, and having a second diameter less than the opening of the housing through which it extends such that a gap is defined between said ferrule and said orifice to allow said ferrule to move within said orifice angularly and laterally with respect to said axis. A sleeve containing a lens is disposed around a portion of said ferrule forward of the opening of the housing and extends beyond the front end of the ferrule. |
| US09989707B2 |
Enclosure for fiber optic/electrical system
A fiber optic and electrical connection system includes a fiber optic cable, a ruggedized fiber optic connector, a ruggedized fiber optic adapter, and a fiber optic enclosure. The cable includes one or more electrically conducting strength members. The connector, the adapter, and the enclosure each have one or more electrical conductors. The cable is terminated by the connector with the conductors of the connector in electrical communication with the strength members. The conductors of the connector electrically contact the conductors of the adapter when the connector and the adapter are mechanically connected. And, the conductors of the adapter electrically contact the conductors of the enclosure when the adapter is mounted on the enclosure. |
| US09989706B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing multiport free-space wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) device using a prism
A multiport free-space wavelength division multiplexing (“WDM”) device is capable of handling multiple optical signals carried in multiple wavelengths (“λn”) using a prism. The WDM device includes an input collimator, prism, and optical filter. The input collimator receives an optical beam containing multiple wavelengths λn traveling through free-space. The prism uses at least two (2) surfaces to generate a first optical beam which travels in opposite direction of the optical beam. The optical filter is situated at a predefined angle with respect to the interface surface of the prism for facilitating frequency separation as well as extracts a first wavelength (“λ1”) from λn to form a first light signal with λ1 and form a second optical beam with the remaining wavelengths of λn. A collimator is used to guide the first light signal to a port. |
| US09989700B1 |
Optical coupler for optical communications transceiver
A planar lightwave circuit may include a set of components. The set of components may include an input waveguide to couple to an optical communications transceiver. The set of components may include an output waveguide to couple to the optical communications transceiver. The set of components may include a common port to couple to an optical fiber. The set of components may include a first polarization beam splitter. The set of components may include a second polarization beam splitter. The set of components may include a third polarization beam splitter. The set of components may include a rotator assembly including a Faraday rotator and a quarter-wave plate. |
| US09989698B2 |
Light pipe and electronic apparatus using the same
A light pipe includes a plurality of light guide units, and a connection unit that integrally connects the plurality of light guide units, the connection unit including a light interference suppression hole formed between the light guide units adjacent to each other, the light interference suppression hole including at least one surface that satisfies a total reflection condition of light entering the light interference suppression hole from the connection unit. |
| US09989693B2 |
Double-sided liquid crystal display device and backlight module thereof
A double-sided liquid crystal display device is provided, which includes a light guide plate, a light source, a first liquid crystal panel, a second liquid crystal panel and a reflective Dual Brightness Enhancement Film (DBEF). The light guide plate has a light incident side, a first light exit surface and a second light exit surface. The light source is disposed adjacent to the light incident side. The first liquid crystal panel is disposed opposite to the first light exit surface, and a first lower polarizer of the first liquid crystal panel faces the first light exit surface. The DBEF is disposed between the first lower polarizer and the first light exit surface, and a direction of light transmission axis of DBEF is in parallel with that of the first lower polarizer, and the direction of light transmission axis of DBEF is perpendicular to that of the second upper polarizer. |
| US09989690B2 |
Thermal expansion compensated backlight illumination
An electronic device includes a display frame, a light guide plate disposed within the display frame, and a light source disposed along an edge of the light guide plate. The light source is secured to the display frame. The electronic device further includes an enclosure in which the display frame and the light guide plate are disposed. The enclosure is configured to allow thermal expansion of the display frame and of the light guide plate. The light guide plate and the display frame have substantially similar coefficients of thermal expansion. |
| US09989687B2 |
Wave plate having consistent birefringence properties across the visible spectrum and manufacturing method for same
A wave plate capable of increasing a birefringence quantity and being made into a thin film, and a method of manufacturing the wave plate. The wave plate includes a substrate, whereon convex portions and concave portions are formed with a period less than or equal to the wavelength of light that is used therewith, columnar portions, wherein fine grains of a dielectric material are layered by oblique vapor deposition of a dielectric material from two directions, in a columnar shape on the convex portions in the vertical direction relative to the surface of the substrate, and interstices that are located on the concave portions and disposed between the columnar portions. Using birefringence from the fine grains of the dielectric material and birefringence from the concave/convex portions of the substrate allows increasing the birefringence quantity and making a thin film. |
| US09989686B2 |
Tinted polarizing optical element and method for manufacturing such an element
The invention relates to a tinted polarizing optical element (1), including a polarizing assembly (5) consisting of at least a first layer (7) and a second layer (9) made of a thermoplastic or thermosetting material and sandwiching a polarizing film (11) therebetween, and to a method for manufacturing said optical element. The latter further comprises a third layer (13) made of a tinted thermoplastic material adhering, by means of injection, to the second layer (9), characterized in that the element includes a fourth layer (15) which is made of a crystal thermoplastic material adhering, by means of injection, to the third layer (13), and which is to be surfaced so as to achieve a corrective effect. |
| US09989681B2 |
Fluorescent display
Fluorescent displays are manufactured by lamination of at least one film A containing a polyvinyl acetal PA and, optionally, a plasticizer WA and at least one film B containing a polyvinyl acetal PB and at least one plasticizer WB between two glass panes, wherein prior to lamination, film A contains less than 22 wt. % plasticizer WA and contains 0.001 to 5 wt. % fluorophores, and film B contains at least 22 wt. % plasticizer WB and contains 0.005-5 wt. % UV absorber, each before lamination. |
| US09989679B2 |
Infrared transparent film
The invention relates to a thermal infrared transparent polymer film suitable for use in an identification device, said film comprising an infrared transparent polymer matrix with a pigment dispersed therein, wherein the thickness of the polymer film is greater than 30 micron and wherein the polymer film has an average transmission in the thermal infrared of greater than or equal to 0.5. Preferably, the pigment comprises an inorganic material. There is further provided a thin film, thermally reflective material (20) comprising the afore-mentioned infrared transparent film (21) and an infrared reflective layer provided on one surface thereof (22). |
| US09989678B2 |
Anisotropic optical film
In an anisotropic optical film including two or more anisotropic light diffusion layers where a linear transmittance varies depending on an incident light angle, each of the anisotropic light diffusion layers has a matrix region and a plurality of pillar regions that differ in refractive index from the matrix region, at least two types of anisotropic light diffusion layers (a) and (b) that differ in aspect ratio between a short diameter and a long diameter at a cross section perpendicular to an orientation direction of the pillar regions are used as the anisotropic light diffusion layers, the aspect ratio between the short diameter and the long diameter in the pillar regions is made less than 2 in the anisotropic light diffusion layer (a), and the aspect ratio between the short diameter and the long diameter in the pillar regions is made 2 or more and 20 or less in the anisotropic light diffusion layer (b). |
| US09989673B2 |
Photonic crystal microsphere
A photonic crystal microsphere, comprising: a plurality of mono-dispersed polymer particles in a closely-packed and regularly-ordered structure, with interstition therebetween, forming the photonic crystal microsphere; and a co-assembly material contained in the interstition. The photonic crystal microsphere provides a structure of enhanced strength and a good color effect. |
| US09989671B2 |
Tunnel construction large-scale integrated geophysical advanced detection model test device
The present invention presents a tunnel construction large-scale integrated geophysical advanced detection model test device. The model test device includes a tunnel surrounding rock, a main tunnel model, a model test case, a water-containing geological structure device, a numerical control automated construction device and a main control chamber. The model test device is a large-scale integrated geophysical advanced detection model test device meeting the detection using a seismic wave method, an electromagnetic method and a direct-current electric method. By using the geophysical advanced detection model test device, the geophysical response features of the water-containing geological structure device in front of a tunnel face may be studied, multiple geophysical advanced detection forward and inversion methods for the water-containing geological structure device are verified, and the relationship between some geophysical detection method results and water burst quantity is studied, for the advanced prediction and water burst quantity prediction in actual engineering. |
| US09989666B2 |
Imaging of earth formation with high frequency sensor
A method for determining at least one electrical property of an earth formation includes emitting an electromagnetic signal into the earth formation from an antenna and measuring an electromagnetic signal from the earth formation. The antenna is a broadband log antenna mounted on a substrate having at least a high dielectric permittivity, defined as a dielectric permittivity of about ∈=100 to ∈=1000 or a gigantic dielectric permittivity, defined as a dielectric permittivity of about ∈=1000 or greater. The antenna has a radius between about 2.5 millimeters (mm) and 10 centimeters (cm). The method further includes determining at least one electrical property of one or more of a borehole, a borehole fluid, and the earth formation based on measuring the electromagnetic signal. |
| US09989658B2 |
Method of, and apparatus for, processing positron emission tomography data
A positron emission tomography (PET) data processing method comprises obtaining PET data from a PET detector, wherein the PET detector comprises an array of detector elements, and wherein the PET data is representative of a PET measurement of at least part of a subject. The method comprises identifying in the PET data a plurality of paired events, wherein each paired event comprises a first photon event in a first region of the PET detector and a second photon event in a second region of the PET detector. The first photon event comprises an energy deposition in a first detector element of the array or in a first detection region of the first detector element due to a scattering of a first photon at a first azimuthal scattering angle and an associated energy deposition by the scattered first photon in a second detector element of the array or in a second detection region of the first detector element or of the second detector element. The second photon event comprises an energy deposition in a third detector element of the array or in a third detection region of the third detector element due to a scattering of a second photon at a second azimuthal scattering angle and an associated energy deposition by the scattered second photon in a fourth detector element of the array or in a fourth detection region of the third detector element or of the fourth detector element. The method further comprises processing the PET data in dependence on the first and second azimuthal scattering angles for the paired events. |
| US09989657B2 |
Readout circuit
A readout circuit for reading out an output current from a photoelectric conversion element which collectively outputs currents generated in a plurality of pixels, each of which includes an avalanche photodiode, includes a current mirror circuit configured to receive the output current and output first and second currents having magnitudes in proportion to the output current, a photon counting circuit configured to count the number of photons incident on the photoelectric conversion element on the basis of the first current, an integral circuit configured to integrate the second current to generate a voltage signal, and a signal processing unit configured to determine a magnitude of light incident on the photoelectric conversion element on the basis of a counting result output from the photon counting circuit and a magnitude of the voltage signal output from the integral circuit. |
| US09989656B2 |
Radiation imaging apparatus
A radiation imaging apparatus includes a pixel array where a plurality of pixels configured to detect radiation are arrayed, a sensor configured to detect radiation irradiation for exposure control, a reader configured to read out signals from the plurality of pixels and the sensor, and a processor configured to process the signals read out by the reader. The processor corrects, based on the signals read out from the sensor by the reader, the signals read out from the plurality of pixels by the reader. |
| US09989654B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing polarization in imaging detectors
A method is provided including acquiring detection events with a radiation detector including a semiconductor plate and configured to produce electrical signals in response to absorption of ionizing radiation in the semiconductor plate, wherein electrons and holes are generated responsive to absorption of the ionizing radiation. The semiconductor plate includes a first surface opposed to a second surface, with sidewalls interposed between the first surface and the second surface. A cathode electrode is disposed on the first surface and pixelated anode electrodes are disposed on the second surface. The method also includes optically coupling infrared (IR) radiation into a first portion of at least one of the sidewalls of the semiconductor plate of the radiation detector, and not coupling IR radiation into a second portion of the at least one of the sidewalls. |
| US09989653B2 |
Detector, nuclear medical imaging apparatus, PET-CT apparatus, and PET-MRI apparatus
A detector of an embodiment includes a plurality of photomultipliers, a signal line, and identifying circuitry. The photomultipliers each convert light converted from radiation into an electric signal and output the electric signal. The signal line has a first path and a second path through which the electric signal passes and that have different lengths for each of the photomultipliers. The identifying circuitry identifies the photomultiplier that outputs the electric signal by a time difference between the electric signal passing through the first path and the electric signal passing through the second path. |
| US09989651B2 |
Geopositioning method with trust index, and associated terminal
In the field of satellite geolocation, a geopositioning method with a trust index is implemented by a geopositioning terminal. According to the method, the positioning of the terminal is estimated by geopositioning satellites and the trust index is provided by comparison with at least one pseudo-distance measurement recorded by at least one additional geopositioning satellite, which is different from those used to compute the position of the terminal. |
| US09989640B2 |
Optical apparatus, light sensitive device with micro-lens and manufacturing method thereof
There is provided an optical apparatus including a substrate, a light emitting device, a light sensitive device and a plurality of micro-lenses. The light emitting device is disposed on the substrate and adapted to provide a light beam. The light sensitive device is disposed on the substrate and adapted to receive a light beam reflected from an object, wherein the light sensitive device has a plurality of photosensitive units arranged in matrix. The micro-lenses are disposed above the light sensitive device and respectively opposite to the associated photosensitive units. There is further provided a light sensitive device with micro-lens and a manufacturing method thereof. |
| US09989639B2 |
Wireless water regimen detecting device, system and method based on WIFI
A wireless water regimen detecting device includes a fish finder module, a data communication module connected to the fish finder module and a WIFI module connected to the data communication module, which are arranged within a housing. The wireless water regimen detecting device utilizes the wireless communication way of WIFI to make the display terminal of the fish finder module not be limited to the wireless receiving terminal which is especially prepared for it, but can use existing intelligent terminals with a WIFI wireless communication function, such as smart phone, tablet PC, notebook computer or other portable mobile devices, to display. Sweb operating mode of monopoly serial communication port can be utilized, thus the user can carry on related operation on the webpage of the display terminal by visiting the web server to obtain detecting information of the fish finder module. Much convenience is provided to the user. |
| US09989636B2 |
Multi-use detection system for work vehicle
A work vehicle may include a chassis, a plurality of ground-engaging devices connected to the chassis and configured to provide support and traction to the chassis along a ground surface, an operator station connected to the chassis, and a rear object detection system configured to detect a presence of an object in an area at least partially rearward of the operator station. The rear object detection system may be further configured to detect a presence of a depression of the ground surface in the area. |
| US09989631B2 |
Laser radar device and radar image generating method
A system controller 16 determines whether the quality of either a distance image or a light intensity image satisfies reference quality, and, when the quality of either the distance image or the light intensity image dos not satisfy the reference quality, outputs a speed change command to lower a speed, an altitude change command to change a submarine altitude (depth), or the like to a navigation control unit 2, thereby changing a physical relative relation between a measurement plane 3 and a device in question. As an alternative, the system controller changes a beam scanning rate f, a beam divergence θ, or the like within limits at which the amount of variation in a spatial resolution does not exceed a permissible amount. |
| US09989624B2 |
System and method for estimating the position and orientation of a mobile communications device in a beacon-based positioning system
An example of a technique for compensating for effects of Earth's magnetic field variations on a mobile device positioning system. A mobile device utilizes a compass to obtain an absolute heading when located relative to a visible light source. The mobile device obtains a heading correction value based on an identifier of the visible light source. An orientation of a map displayed on the mobile device is rotated based on the absolute heading and the heading correction value in order to provide an indication of a location of the mobile device properly oriented on the map. |
| US09989623B2 |
Detector for determining a longitudinal coordinate of an object via an intensity distribution of illuminated pixels
A detector for determining a position of at least one object. The detector includes: at least one optical sensor configured to detect a light beam traveling from the object towards the detector, the optical sensor including at least one matrix of pixels; and at least one evaluation device configured to determine an intensity distribution of pixels of the optical sensor that are illuminated by the light beam, the evaluation device further configured to determine at least one longitudinal coordinate of the object by using the intensity distribution. |
| US09989620B1 |
Estimating the location of a wireless terminal based on radio-frequency pattern matching and cooperative measurements
A method for estimating the location of a wireless terminal is disclosed that is based on using: the known location of one or more devices, empirical data that indicates the relative position of the wireless terminal to the devices, and empirical data that indicates the relative position of the wireless terminal (which is at an unknown location) relative to other wireless terminals that are also at unknown locations. |
| US09989619B2 |
Bulk propagation timing measurement messaging
A bulk propagation fine timing measurement (BFTM) allocation message is generated by a scheduling mobile computing device that identifies other mobile computing devices in the area. The BFTM allocation message generated by the scheduling mobile computing device indicates a scheduling order for the identified mobile computing devices and contention-free periods for the mobile computing devices to transmit the timing measurement messages. The responding mobile computing devices generate bulk propagation timing measurement (BPTM) messages that include propagation times between pairs of mobile computing devices—either two other devices or the responding device and another device. These BPTM messages are then transmitted during scheduled times frames indicated in the scheduling order. |
| US09989612B2 |
Quiet magnetic resonance angiographic imaging
A magnetic resonance scan sequence is executed in which nuclear spins are prepared in a preparation region with preparation parameters. The scan sequence provides first image data that image a scan region. The first image data are based on magnetic resonance data acquired with ultrashort echo times. The first image data are combined with reference image data that map the scan region, in order to obtain a resultant image. |
| US09989611B2 |
Systems and methods for image reconstruction using variable-density spiral trajectory
In image reconstruction using a variable-density spiral trajectory, a method includes acquiring magnetic resonance (MR) data, which includes determining a multi-level undersampling pattern based on sampling distance and probability functions, and determining a desired variable-density spiral trajectory based on the undersampling pattern. Acquiring the MR data also includes generating spiral gradient waveforms based on the desired trajectory, and tracing a variable-density spiral trajectory using the spiral gradient waveforms. After tracing, the MR data can be sub-sampled based on the variable-density spiral trajectory. One or more images can be reconstructed based on the acquired MR data. |
| US09989606B2 |
Multiple shot magnetic resonance imaging with ghosting stability correction
An image dataset comprises multiple shots of imaging data acquired using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner (10). The signal power of each shot of the image dataset is normalized (24) to a reference signal power to generate a power normalized shot representation having total signal power matching the reference signal power. A reconstructed image is generated (26) from the power normalized shot representations. Odd/even phase correction (22) may also be performed on the image dataset. The phase correction, normalizing, and generating operations are suitably performed by an electronic data processing device (20). |
| US09989605B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes: a magnetostatic field magnet formed in the shape of a substantially circular cylinder; a gradient coil formed in the shape of a substantially circular cylinder on the inside of the magnetostatic field magnet; a cylindrical part that is formed in the shape of a substantially circular cylinder on the inside of the gradient coil and includes at least one selected from a sound absorbing material layer and a sound blocking material layer; and a ring part that is substantially ring-shaped, covers the space formed between the magnetostatic field magnet and the cylindrical part on at least one end face of a magnet structure being formed in the shape of a substantially circular cylinder and including the magnetostatic field magnet, the gradient coil, and the cylindrical part, and includes at least one selected from an sound absorbing material layer and a sound blocking material layer. |
| US09989602B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and a power control method of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
An MRI apparatus includes a data acquisition system, a charge/discharge element and a power control unit. The data acquisition system acquires nuclear magnetic resonance signals from an imaging region by performing a scan. The charge/discharge element is a part of an electric power system of the MRI apparatus, and is charged with external electric power. The power control unit controls the electric power system in such a manner that at least one unit excluding the data acquisition system is supplied with electric power from the charge/discharge element. |
| US09989599B2 |
Magnetic sensor cell for measuring three-dimensional magnetic fields
A magnetic sensor cell includes a magnetic tunnel junction including a reference layer having a reference magnetization oriented parallel to the plane of the reference layer, a sense layer having a sense magnetization, and a tunnel barrier layer between the sense and reference layers. A magnetic device is configured for providing a sense magnetic field for aligning the sense magnetization. The sense layer magnetization is orientable between a direction parallel to the plane of the sense layer and a direction perpendicular to the plane of the sense layer when the sense magnetic field is provided. The magnetic sensor cell can be used for sensing an external magnetic field including a component oriented parallel to the plane of the sense layer and a component oriented perpendicular to the plane of the sense layer. |
| US09989593B2 |
Modular test environment for a plurality of test objects
The present invention relates to an arrangement for providing a testing environment for the testing of test objects. The testing environment includes a first test object receiving apparatus and a second test object receiving apparatus, each of which are configured to receive a test object. The testing environment also includes a connection interface configured to connect the first test object receiving apparatus and the second test object receiving apparatus to the testing environment. In one embodiment, the first test object receiving apparatus has a first external connection interface, and the second test object receiving apparatus has a second external connection interface, wherein said first and second external connection interfaces are configured to be selectively coupled with the connection interface of the testing environment. |
| US09989587B2 |
Apparatus for testing multiple semiconductor dice with increased throughput
A die tester comprising a testing table on which a plurality of dice arranged in an array are mountable, and a first probe and a second probe that are adjustable to a fixed position with a fixed separation distance between the first probe and the second probe. The fixed position corresponds to predetermined test points on the plurality of dice, and the testing table and the first and second probes are movable relative to each other so as to position test points of a first die of the plurality of dice to the first probe and the second probe for testing the first die. The die tester further comprises movable third and fourth probes that are movable relative to each other and positionable to test points on a second die of the plurality of dice for testing the second die. |
| US09989586B2 |
Converter circuit and open-circuit detection method of the same
A converter circuit is provided. The converter circuit includes a capacitor module, bridge arms, a voltage measuring module and an open-circuit detection module. Each bridge arm is connected to the capacitor module in parallel and includes an upper arm and a lower bridge arm connected at a middle point. The voltage measuring module measures voltage differences between each two bridge arms. The open-circuit detection module transmits test impulse signals to the bridge arms to activate at least one upper-conducted bridge arm and at least one lower-conducted bridge arm. The open-circuit detection module retrieves the voltage differences of each pair of the upper-conducted and lower-conducted bridge arms to make comparison with a reference value to determine an operation state thereof, and makes comparison of the operation state determined according to the different groups of test impulse signals to determine whether the upper and the lower bridge arms are actually open circuit. |
| US09989584B2 |
Controlling signal path inductance in automatic test equipment
Example automatic test equipment (ATE) may include: a device interface board (DIB) on which the DUT is mounted; a system for sending signals to, and receiving signals from, the DUT; and an energy source unit (ESU) to provide current to the DUT via the DIB, where the ESU includes current paths to provide the current, and where the current paths are configured to limit a combined inductance of the current paths. |
| US09989582B2 |
Device for measuring threshold voltage of a transistor based on constant drain voltage and constant drain source current
A threshold voltage measuring device may include a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistor, a drain voltage clamping circuit configured to control a drain voltage of the MOS transistor wherein the drain voltage having a substantially constant level, and a constant current supply circuit configured to cause a drain-source current to flow through the MOS transistor wherein the drain-source current having a substantially constant magnitude. |
| US09989581B2 |
Method and device for locating partial discharges in electric cables
Methods and devices for locating partial discharges in electric cables with a high-voltage source coupled to the cable to be tested, a decoupling unit connected to an end of the cable and a data-processing system that is connected via a sensor unit to the decoupling unit and that detects a partial discharge or partial discharges when they exist from the sensor signals. The methods and devices particularly distinguish themselves by a short evaluation duration for the locating process. This is done by detecting events, parameterizing the events identified as pulses, formation of pairs of the events identified as pulses and parameterized, classification of the event pairs, assignment of a partial discharge from the classification and determination of the location of the partial discharge(s) from the different in transit times between the respective partial discharge and its accompanying reflection. |
| US09989578B2 |
Self-warning system for unlocked connectors
A sealing gasket for an electrical connector system includes a resilient element configured to seal an interface between a header surface and a connector surface. The sealing gasket further includes thin-film sensing elements in contact with the resilient element that are configured to define a resistance of an electrical network based on a force applied to the sealing gasket. In some configurations, the sensing elements are arranged in a series electrical network and establish a conductive path when the force is greater than a predetermined force at each of the sensing elements. The thin-film sensing elements may be coupled to a controller that is configured to output a diagnostic based on a state of the electrical network. |
| US09989577B2 |
Continuity inspection device
In this continuity inspection device, a reference electrode plate held at ground potential is disposed along an intermediate portion of electric wires to be inspected for continuity, and a discharge path (positive charge leaking path) for static electricity charged on the electric wires after the continuity inspection is secured by the reference electrode plate. Thus, accumulation of static electricity after the continuity inspection on electric wires is avoided. Moreover, the electric potential of the static electricity charged on the electric wires by application of voltage to power supplying probes is measured by measuring equipment as the absolute potential with respect to the ground potential of the reference electrode plate through the surface potential of the terminals of the electric wires. Thus, the electric potential of the static electricity of the electric wires is accurately measured without being affected by cross talk due to stray capacitance between the electric wires. |
| US09989574B2 |
System and method for short-circuit detection in load chains
An embodiment method for short-circuit detection includes determining a set of local reference voltages each associated with a respective load chain in a plurality of load chains, and determining a global reference voltage in accordance with the set of local reference voltages. The method also includes determining, for each load chain in the plurality of load chains, a respective per-chain reference voltage in accordance with the global reference voltage, and comparing, for each load chain in the plurality of load chains, the respective per-chain reference voltage relative to a respective measured voltage across each load chain to determine a respective short-circuit condition. |
| US09989572B1 |
Method and apparatus for testing interposer dies prior to assembly
A method and a probe device for testing an interposer prior to assembly are described herein. The method includes coupling a plurality of probe tips of a probe device to the plurality of signal interconnect paths of the interposer to be tested. A test signal is provided from the probe device to the plurality of signal interconnect paths of the interposer and a quality characteristic of signal interconnect paths of the interposer is detected based on behavior of the interposer in response to the test signal. |
| US09989571B2 |
Thermoelectric system and method
A method for detecting a fault in a thermoelectric device (102), the method comprising: applying a voltage across the thermoelectric device (102); ceasing to apply the voltage to the thermoelectric device (102) after a predefined period of time; measuring a Seebeck voltage Vs across the thermoelectric device (102); comparing Vs to a first threshold voltage VT; and creating a record of a fault if Vs is below VT. |
| US09989569B2 |
Electrode configuration for a capacitive sensor device and a capacitive sensor device for the detection of an approximation
An electrode configuration for a capacitive sensor device has a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode, wherein the transmitting electrode can be brought into a capacitive coupling with the receiving electrode, wherein the electrode configuration has at least one first and second sensor area, wherein both of the electrode surfaces of the transmitting electrode and of the receiving electrode in the first sensor area are small compared to the electrode surfaces of the transmitting electrode and of the receiving electrode in the second sensor area. A capacitive sensor device for the detection of an approximation may have such an electrode configuration. An electrical device, particularly an electrical hand-held device, may have at least one such capacitive sensor device. |
| US09989566B2 |
Method for detecting power interruption duration of an electronic device
A method is disclosed for detecting power interruption duration of an electronic device. The method can include establishing a curve model of linearly synthesized values of temperature sensor readings versus time; after power-on, acquiring each of the initial temperature values by respective temperature sensors mounted on the electronic device, and transmitting the temperature initial values to a microprocessor; calculating a linearly synthesized value of the temperature sensor readings of the electronic device according to a power-on duration for this time and a stored curve model, and storing the linearly synthesized value of the temperature sensor readings as a basis for calculating the power interruption duration thereafter. When the electronic device is powered on again after power interruption, a linearly synthesized value of the temperature sensor readings according to the power-on time for this time can be calculated, and used for calculating the power interruption duration thereafter. |
| US09989564B2 |
Lossless over-current detection circuit for Royer oscillators and push-pull converters
A circuit including over-current protection includes a voltage input, first and second switching transistors that are complementarily switched and that receive current from the voltage input, a first resistor, a first diode including a first anode and a first cathode, and a second diode including a second anode and a second cathode. The first anode and the second anode are connected to each other and are connected to the voltage input via the first resistor. The first cathode is connected to the first switching transistor and the second cathode is connected to the second switching transistor such that the connection of the first and second anodes provides an over-current signal that is related to the current in the first and second switching transistors. |
| US09989563B2 |
Disturbance rejection for current-measurement systems
Apparatus and associated methods relate to an in-hole current-measurement system having three or more magnetic-field sensors and a transient-disturbance selection module configured to form an output signal from a selected subset of sensor signals while decoupling the output signals from a non-selected subset of sensor signals during a predetermined time window when a disturbance signal is expected at the non-selected set of sensor signals. In an illustrative example, a disturbance producing operation may be performed on alternating subsets of sensors while the undisturbed subset of sensors measures an electrical current in the electrical conductor. For example, each selected subset of sensors may be aligned on an axis configured to be mounted perpendicular to current flow within a hole in the electrical conductor. Some embodiments may advantageously provide continuous electrical current measurement while being uninterrupted by the predetermined transient disturbances. |
| US09989562B2 |
Sensor and method for electric current measurement
A sensor of electric current including a fiber (1) from a soft magnetic material with a uniform cross-sectional area and uniform magnetic properties along its whole length, equipped with an excitation coil (2) wound on said fiber (1) with a uniform winding density along the substantially whole length and possibly equipped with a sensing coil (3) wound on said fiber (1) with uniform winding density along the substantially whole length, where said fiber (1) ends are mechanically joined to form a loop enclosing the measured current carrying conductor (4) by said fiber (1), wherein said excitation coil (2) is connected to the current output of a current source (5) through a current transducer (6) generating a current signal corresponding to the excitation current flowing through said excitation coil (2) wherein the sensor is equipped with a voltage transducer (7) generating a voltage signal corresponding to the voltage on the possibly present sensing coil (3) or on the excitation coil (2) wherein said voltage signal and said current signal are fed into a processor unit (8). The present disclosure also relates to a method for electric current measurement using said sensor. |
| US09989561B2 |
Voltage measurement device and voltage sensor
A voltage measurement device is provided. The voltage measurement device includes a contact portion configured to contact an electric wire for transmitting an alternating current (AC) voltage and to output an induced voltage induced by the AC voltage in a surface of the electric wire, a capacitive element connected in series to the contact portion, and a controller configured to calculate amplitude of the AC voltage using the induced voltage output from the contact portion and a second voltage output from the capacitive element. |
| US09989558B2 |
Probe head assemblies, components thereof, test systems including the same, and methods of operating the same
Probe head assemblies, components of probe head assemblies, test systems including the probe head assemblies and/or components thereof, and methods of operating the same. The probe head assemblies are configured to convey a plurality of test signals to and/or from a device under test and include a space transformer, a contacting assembly, and a riser that spatially separates the space transformer from the contacting assembly and conveys the plurality of test signals between the space transformer and the contacting assembly. The contacting assembly may include a frame that defines an aperture and has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is within a threshold difference of that of the device under test, a flexible dielectric body that is attached to the frame, maintained in tension by the frame, and extends across the aperture, and a plurality of conductive probes. The plurality of conductive probes may include a dual-faceted probe tip. |
| US09989557B2 |
System and method for analyzing electronic devices having opposing thermal components
A system for analyzing electronic devices is described. An input station receives a plurality of electronic devices. A pick-and-place transport apparatus having a pick up tip for engaging and transporting one of the electronic devices at a time from the input station to the electric machine interface station, disengaging from the electronic device, and moving away from the electronic device The pick up tip is movable for engaging the electronic device while at the electric machine interface station and transporting the electronic device away from the electric machine interface station to disengage the electronic devices from the electric machine interface. First and second thermal devices secured to the support structure on opposing sides of the electronic device when the electronic device is at the electric machine interface station to simultaneously transfer heat to or form the electronic device. |
| US09989555B2 |
Miniature vector sensor
A vector sensor for use in acoustic instruments is described. The vector sensor includes: a cylindrical bulkhead partition defining a plurality of channels extending longitudinally on a circumferential wall of the bulkhead partition between a first surface and a second surface of the bulkhead partition; first and second cylindrical piezoelectric transducing pieces affixed to the bulkhead partition and extending outwardly as cantilever beams and contained within respective pressure housing capsules. The sensor may include cylindrical foam end pieces fitted over the capsules and having corresponding channels in their outer surfaces that correspond to channels in the bulkhead partition, so as to allow wiring and strength members to pass through. The cylindrical piezoelectric transducing pieces may be formed from a piezoelectric cylindrical tube with a first electrode covering its inner surface and a second electrode on its outer surface. The second electrode may be formed from a plurality of electrically disconnected electrodes spaced around the tube and located towards a fixed end of the tube, leaving a portion of the outer surface near the free end of the tube uncovered. |
| US09989554B2 |
Acceleration sensor, especially duplex acceleration sensor, arrangement and method for detecting a loss of adhesion of a vehicle tire
The invention relates to an acceleration sensor, especially a duplex acceleration sensor, an arrangement and a method for detecting a loss of road grip of a vehicle wheel (3). The acceleration sensor comprises a tube (5) having a longitudinal axis forming a circular arc segment, and two closed ends. A mass (15; 315) is arranged inside the tube (5) such that is able to move inside the tube (5) in the longitudinal direction thereof. A magnet arrangement (17; 203; 205; 317) is designed to counteract, by way of a magnetic force exerted on the mass (15; 315), a movement of said mass (15; 315) from an idle position (25), and a read-out unit (608) is designed to detect a movement of said mass (15) from the idle position (25). |
| US09989553B2 |
Extracting inertial information from nonlinear periodic signals
Systems and methods are described herein for extracting inertial information from nonlinear periodic signals. A system for determining an inertial parameter can include circuitry configured for receiving first and second analog signals from first and second sensors, each sensor responsive to motion of a proof mass. The system can include circuitry configured for determining a difference between the first and second analog signals, determining a plurality of timestamps corresponding to times at which the difference crosses a threshold, and determining a plurality of time intervals based on the timestamp. The system can include circuitry configured for determining a result of applying a trigonometric function to a quantity, the quantity based on the plurality of time intervals and determining the inertial parameter based on the result. |
| US09989551B2 |
Real-time volume confirmation dispensing apparatus and methods
A method of confirming volume during dispensing of a liquid using pressure. The method includes attempting to dispense a volume of the liquid from a dispense port, measuring a pressure associated with the attempted dispense of the liquid and providing a measured pressure signal, determining a liquid dispensing start time and a stop time based on a slope of the measured pressure signal, integrating the measured pressure signal between the start time and the stop time to provide an integrated pressure value, and comparing the integrated pressure value to one or more preset threshold values. Liquid dispensing apparatus are provided, as are other aspects. |
| US09989539B2 |
Method for detecting injury to the brain
Provided is a method for detecting injury to the brain comprising: a) determining the level of a tight junction (TJ) protein in exosomes isolated from a test sample from a subject, wherein the TJ protein is occludin, claudin-3, claudin-5, claudin-12, ZO-1, ZO-2, ZO-3, JAM-A, JAM-B or JAM-C, or any combination thereof; b) comparing the level of the TJ protein in the test sample to the level of the TJ protein in a control sample, wherein an elevated level of the TJ protein in the test sample relative to the level of the TJ protein in the control sample indicates that the subject has an injury to the brain. |
| US09989538B2 |
Monoclonal IgE antibody that binds to sweat allergy antigen protein
Provided include a human IgE antibody that binds to a sweat allergy antigen protein and a human high-affinity IgE receptor but does not induce degranulation in a reaction with the sweat allergy antigen protein, and a composition for treatment or diagnosis of sweat allergy comprising the same. |
| US09989530B2 |
Methods and materials for the detection of dengue virus infection
The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies that are specific for the Dengue non-structural glycoprotein NS1 in monomeric and/or oligomeric (primarily dimeric) form, together with methods, including ELISA and lateral flow assays, that employ the disclosed antibodies for the early detection of Dengue virus infection. Diagnostic kits for the detection of Dengue infection are also provided, such kits including the disclosed monoclonal and/or polyclonal antibodies. |
| US09989529B2 |
Method for detection of Legionella bacteria employing purified antigen-specific antibodies
The present invention involves extracting from Legionella bacteria, particularly L. pneumophila bacteria, an essentially protein-free O-polysaccharide or carbohydrate antigen, coupling this antigen to an activated chromatographic column through a protein space molecule which is first conjugated to the antigen, utilizing the column thus prepared for the affinity purification of raw polyvalent antibodies to the same Legionella bacterium from which the O-polysaccharide or carbohydrate antigen was separated—thereby obtaining antigen-specific antibodies which are useful for the rapid detection of the corresponding Legionella bacterium or its antibody in human bodily fluids such as urine, sputum, blood and the like or in environmental samples suspected of harboring theLegionella bacterium. |
| US09989528B2 |
Synthetic olgononucleotides for detection of nucleic acid binding proteins
Synthetic oligonucleotides that comprise a nucleic acid binding protein binding site, PCR primer sequences, and tag sequences that do not bind to nucleic acid binding proteins, with a total length of 85-130 nucleotides are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are libraries and kits comprising the synthetic oligonucleotides as well as methods of detecting nucleic acid binding proteins in a sample using the synthetic oligonucleotides. |
| US09989517B2 |
Methods and compositions for marking urine samples to identify source
The present invention is generally related to methods and compositions for uniquely marking individual urine samples to be identifiable to a particular subject either individually or from among a group of subjects. |
| US09989514B2 |
Poly bag and polywrap detection system
A system for detecting Poly-Bag and Poly Wrap on mail pieces, intended to be a sub-assembly on a mail unit open system that automatically opens wrapped bundles of either letter or flat mail. The system generally includes two orthogonally-opposed but otherwise identical Poly Bag Detectors both controlled by a programmable controller and deploying a swinging pendulum test, plus a Poly Wrap detector employing a rolling friction wheel test. |
| US09989509B2 |
System and method for detection of a contaminated beverage
An apparatus may be configured to test a beverage, the apparatus may include but is not limited to, a food container, wherein the food container includes a material. An indicator may be combined with at least a portion of the material of the food container, wherein the indicator may be associated with a brand profile that may identify a brand of the food, wherein the indicator may visibly react when the indicator is contacted with the food to show whether the food is identified as the brand of the food, and wherein the visible reaction may be shown on at least the portion of the material of the food container via the indicator combined with at least the portion of the material of the food container. |
| US09989504B2 |
Simultaneous multicompound analysis method and simultaneous multicompound analysis program using mass spectrometry
The operation efficiency and accuracy of the simultaneous analysis of phospholipids, including fatty acid compositions are increased. After a first-time LC/MS/MS analysis for determining the phospholipid classes of the phospholipid contained in a sample is performed (S2-S3), a second-time LC/MS/MS analysis for determining fatty acid compositions is performed only for the detected phospholipids (S4-S8). By associating a method list in which an MRM transition for phospholipid class determination is recorded for each compound of phospholipid classes with a method list in which an MRM transition for fatty acid composition determination is recorded for each phospholipid compound, it is possible to promptly select MRM transitions for fatty acid composition determination that correspond to compounds of the detected phospholipid classes, and to easily create an analysis method for the second-time analysis. |
| US09989501B2 |
Method and apparatus for acoustic emissions testing
A method and apparatus for analyzing an object using acoustic emissions. Load data is received for the object. Acoustic waveform data is received for the object from an acoustic sensing system. The acoustic waveform data represents acoustic emissions emanating from the object and is detected using the acoustic sensing system. A plurality of bins is created for the load data. A plurality of frequency distribution functions is generated for the plurality of bins using the acoustic waveform data. A set of learning algorithms is applied to the plurality of frequency distribution functions and the acoustic waveform data to generate an output that allows an operator to more easily and quickly assess a structural integrity of the object. |
| US09989500B2 |
SAFT analysis of defects close to the surface
A method and device for the ultrasonic testing of test objects by means of a test head. A computer device directly acquires, during a SAFT analysis for determining points in time of the amplitudes to be summed up from among the image time signals, a propagation time, which depends on the test head, from the test head positioned at a measuring point to the location of each of a plurality of voxels and uses the propagation time for calculating an amplitude total for the plurality of voxels. |
| US09989495B2 |
Acoustic monitoring method for additive manufacturing processes
A method of monitoring an additive manufacturing process in which a directed energy source is used to create a weld pool at an exposed build surface of a mass of powdered material, and selectively fuse the powdered material to form a workpiece, the method including measuring acoustic energy generated by the weld pool to generate a measured acoustic profile. |
| US09989494B2 |
Method for manufacturing chip comprising microchannel and chip
A method for manufacturing a chip that includes a microchannel is described, wherein the method includes the steps of: fixing a cationic polymer having a quaternary onium group to at least one surface of each of a pair of resin substrates; and joining the resin substrates together on the surfaces on which the cationic polymer has been fixed. |
| US09989493B2 |
Electroblot transfer buffer
A semi-dry, one step electroblot transfer buffer composition for rapid transfer of proteins or polypeptides from polyacrylamide gel to a suitable membrane such as nitrocellulose or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF). The composition contains components that minimized electrical resistance and enabled high efficiency rapid semi-dry transfer using conventional readily available filter paper, i.e., cotton cellulose fiber. |
| US09989492B1 |
Mobile electrochemical air quality meter
According to various embodiments of this disclosure, an electrochemical sensor/cell includes 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 attached to a glass or ceramic panel. The glass or ceramic panel may have one or more apertures allowing gas to flow therethrough. The plurality of electrodes include a working electrode configured to react a molecular species (e.g., gas or aerosolized substance) that diffuses through the one or more apertures, wherein said reaction produces ions mobile in the ionic conductor between two or more of the plurality of electrodes. The lid assembly may further include a three-phase interface positioned over at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes. |
| US09989490B2 |
Application of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in sensor systems, devices, and related methods
A diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure is applied to measure values of impedance-related parameters for one or more sensing electrodes. The parameters may include real impedance, imaginary impedance, impedance magnitude, and/or phase angle. The measured values of the impedance-related parameters are then used in performing sensor diagnostics, calculating a highly-reliable fused sensor glucose value based on signals from a plurality of redundant sensing electrodes, calibrating sensors, detecting interferents within close proximity of one or more sensing electrodes, and testing surface area characteristics of electroplated electrodes. Advantageously, impedance-related parameters can be defined that are substantially glucose-independent over specific ranges of frequencies. An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) enables implementation of the EIS-based diagnostics, fusion algorithms, and other processes based on measurement of EIS-based parameters. |
| US09989489B2 |
Methods for calibrating an array of chemically-sensitive sensors
Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis. |
| US09989488B2 |
Field-effect sensor and associated methods
An apparatus comprising: a first layer (512) configured to enable a flow of charge carriers from a source electrode (505) to a drain electrode (506); a second layer (513) configured to generate a voltage in response to a physical stimulus, the second layer (513) positioned so that the generated voltage can affect the conductance of the first layer (512); and a third layer (514) positioned between the first (512) and second (513) layers to prevent a flow of charge carriers therebetween. The third layer (514) comprises a material configured to form electric double-layers (516, 517) at the interfaces with the first (512) and second (513) layers in response to the generated voltage. The formation of the electric double-layers (516, 517) enhances the effect of the generated voltage on the conductance of the first layer (512) such that determination of the conductance of the first layer (512) can be used to allow the magnitude of the physical stimulus to be derived. |
| US09989484B2 |
X-ray fluorescence analyzing system
An X-ray fluorescence analyzing system includes: a cassette (3) in which a substrate (1) is housed; a vapor phase decomposing device (20) for dissolving and then drying a measurement object (2) on a sample substrate surface (11a) to be held thereon; at least one measurement substrate (12); a sample recovering device (30) for dripping and drying a recovery liquid (4), which has recovered the measurement object (2) from the sample substrate (11), onto a predetermined dripping position on a measurement substrate surface (12a) to hold the recovery liquid (4) thereon; an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (40); a conveying device (50) for conveying the substrate (1); and a control device (60) for controlling the devices (20, 30, 40, 50). The recovery liquids (4) of the measurement objects (2) from a plurality of the sample substrates (11) are dripped and dried on the single measurement substrate surface (12a) to be measured. |
| US09989480B2 |
Inspection system having an expanded angular coverage
An inspection system having an expanded angular coverage, the inspection system may include a line camera; a first curved mirror; a second curved mirror; a first focusing lens that is positioned between the first mirror and an object; a second focusing lens that is positioned between the second mirror and the object; a first light source that is configured to direct a first part of a first light beam towards the first curved mirror and a second part of the first light beam towards the first focusing lens; a second light source that is configured to direct a first part of a second light beam towards the second curved mirror and a second part of the second light beam towards the second focusing lens. |
| US09989478B2 |
Method and device for inspecting packaging welds
A method of inspecting packaging welds comprises the steps of creating a light beam that produces at least one light transition (t) and acquiring a raw matrix image (B(N)) covering the light transition. For each image (B(N)) obtained, a measurement of the diffusion of the light transition is stored. For each of N successive scanning increments, the raw matrix image (B(N)) is used to create an image line in which each pixel receives as its value the measurement in the raw matrix image (B(N)) of the diffusion of at least the light transition. The at least N image lines are stored in succession to obtain a matrix image and the matrix image is analyzed to determine that the weld along said fraction is in conformity when its transverse width remains, at all points, greater than a given minimum. |
| US09989477B2 |
Simultaneous multi-spot inspection and imaging
A compact and versatile multi-spot inspection imaging system employs an objective for focusing an array of radiation beams to a surface and a second reflective or refractive objective having a large numerical aperture for collecting scattered radiation from the array of illuminated spots. The scattered radiation from each illuminated spot is focused to a corresponding optical fiber channel so that information about a scattering may be conveyed to a corresponding detector in a remote detector array for processing. In one embodiment, a one-dimensional array of illumination beams is directed at an oblique angle to the surface to illuminate a line of illuminated spots at an angle to the plane of incidence. Radiation scattered from the spots are collected along directions perpendicular to the line of spots or in a double dark field configuration. |
| US09989474B2 |
Gas sensor, refrigerator having the same, and method for manufacturing the gas sensor
A gas sensor, a refrigerator having the gas sensor, and a method for controlling the gas sensor recognizes the ripening degree of a target food on the basis of a variation in color using a pH indicator having a color that is changed with pH variation generated when the pH indicator reacts with target gas, a refrigerator having the gas sensor. The gas sensor for detecting target gas includes: a base provided for gas permeation; and a detection unit provided at the base, and is discolored in response to pH variation generated when reacting with target gas having permeated the base. |
| US09989471B2 |
Device for spectroscopic detection and monitoring of biologically relevant molecules
There is a need in the point-of-care diagnostic community for an efficient and portable method for testing blood and other biological fluids that can be easily translated across multiple applications. An aspect of the invention described involves monitoring the optical properties of molecularly-mediated nanoparticle assemblies though an optically transparent and magnetically active microfluidic chip, which has recently emerged as an attractive method for biomarker detection as it is an efficient tool for monitoring the binding events that take place in a sensing assay. In one embodiment, this device is directed towards two-nanoparticle assays that rely on the assembly or disassembly of plasmonic and magnetic nanoparticles in response to a certain analyte. A further embodiment is directed to a spiral microfluidic using inertial forces to filter fluid components by size, connected to a magnetically active channel comprised of a nickel micropad array, optically transparent microchannel, and permanent magnets. |
| US09989470B1 |
Methods and devices for sample analysis
Methods and devices for cytometric analysis are provided. A cytometry apparatus is provided which may be used with a stationary sample cuvette for analysis of a stationary sample or with a flow sample cuvette for analysis of a flowing sample. The methods and devices provided herein may be used to perform cytometric analysis of samples under a wide range of experimental and environmental conditions. |
| US09989467B2 |
Cointegration of optical waveguides, microfluidics, and electronics on sapphire substrates
A semiconductor structure includes a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide located 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. |
| US09989459B2 |
Systems and methods for refractive index detection
The invention provides differential refractive index detectors and methods for the use of differential refractive index detectors. In an exemplary embodiment, a differential refractive index detector includes a flow cell body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a flow axis extending between the proximal and the distal end. The flow cell body includes a first chamber and a second chamber and the fluid conduits coupled to the flow cell body can be tapered to reduce dispersion. |
| US09989457B2 |
System and assessment of reflective objects along a roadway
A system for classifying different types of sheeting materials of road signs depicted in a videostream compares estimated retroreflectivity values against known minimum retroreflectivity values for each of a plurality of colors. Once a road sign has been identified in the videostream, the frames associated with that road sign are analyzed to determine each of a plurality of colors present on the road sign. An estimated retroreflectivity for each of the plurality of colors present on the road sign is then determined. By comparing the estimated retroreflectivity for each of the plurality of colors against known minimum retroreflectivity values for the corresponding color for different types of sheeting materials, an accurate determination of the classification of the sheeting material of the road sign is established. Preferably, certain conditions of gross failure of the sheeting material are filtered out before classification of the sheeting material is determined. |
| US09989451B2 |
Method and system for measuring porosity of particles
A method for analyzing porosity of a particle and a medium disposed in the porosity of the particle. A video-holographic microscope is provided to analyze interference patterns produced by providing a laser source to output a collimated beam, scattering the collimated beam off a particle and interacting with an unscattered beam to generate the interference pattern for analyzation to determine the refractive index of the particle and a medium disposed in the porosity of the particle to measure porosity and the medium. |
| US09989448B2 |
Specimen processing systems and methods for holding slides
At least some embodiments of the technology are directed to an automated slide processing apparatus configured to apply at least one reagent to a specimen carried by a microscope slide. The slide processing station can include a support element with a support surface, at least one vacuum port, and a sealing member having a non-round shape. In an uncompressed state, the sealing member can extend upwardly beyond the support surface. In a compressed state, the sealing member can be configured to maintain an airtight seal with a backside of the microscope slide as the microscope slide is pulled against the support surface by a vacuum drawn via the at least one vacuum port. |
| US09989447B1 |
Shape-preserving transformations of organic matter and compositions thereof
The present invention relates to methods of transforming organic matter into organic-inorganic composites, inorganic replicas, or conductive replicas. Organic matter, such as biological cells and tissue and organs, can be converted into such composites and replicas using the methods described herein. In particular, such methods transform organic matter (into inorganic, organic-inorganic, or conductive constructs), while simultaneously preserving microscopic and/or macroscopic structural detail. |
| US09989445B2 |
Device for taking air samples for the environmental microbiological control
A device comprises a main body equipped with at least one handle, three sampling chambers that are mounted outside the main body and a control unit. The three sampling chambers are independent of each other and protrude radially from a predefined portion of the main body. The control unit is device can effect multiple environment to be controlled programmed so that the samplings from an in one, two or three different positions in the space, remaining stationary. |
| US09989442B2 |
Hydraulic system sensor
A hydraulic system includes a hydraulic circuit and a sensor for sensing a characteristic of hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic circuit. An energy harvester is configured to harvest energy from the hydraulic circuit. A controller interfaces with the sensor and is powered at least in part by the energy harvester. Various types of sensors are employed, including pressure and temperature sensors. A battery may further be included for powering the controller in addition to the energy harvester. |
| US09989438B2 |
Control valve testing method
A control valve testing method comprises steps: providing a testing device, inputting data in the testing device, electrically connecting the testing device to the location transmitter installed on the control valve, the transmitter connected with a pointer of a valve spindle, the testing device providing an electric current with a testing opening to an electric current air transformer, the electric current air transformer controlling air compressor applying a specific pressure according to the current on the control valve for triggering a valve spindle action to drive the location transmitter to obtain valve spindle action strokes data, transferring the data and performing a comparison between the data with the previously inputted actual opening data for analyzing the error percentage of the actual opening and the testing opening. If the error percentage is within a tolerance range, the result is qualified, and if not, the result is not qualified. |
| US09989437B2 |
Vibration generator moving vibrator by magnetic field generated by coil and vibrator-mounted holder used in vibration-generator
A vibrator-mounted holder is attached to a casing of a vibration generator which moves a vibrator to generate a vibration when used. The vibrator-mounted holder includes a vibrator, a vibrator retention unit retaining the vibrator, a fixing unit fixed to a casing, and an arm. The vibrator includes a magnet having a plate shape parallel to a horizontal surface and a yoke arranged on the magnet. The arm connects the fixing unit to the vibrator retention unit, and supports the vibrator retention unit in a manner that the vibrator retention unit is displaceable with respect to the fixing unit. The yoke has a projecting portion which is projected downward and fixed to the vibrator retention unit. The arm is connected to a portion, at which the projecting portion is arranged, within the vibrator retention units. |
| US09989436B1 |
Method and device for detecting the location and magnitude of a leak in a pipe measuring aberrant electromagnetic radiation from within a pipe
Method and device for detecting the location and magnitude of a leak in a pipe by measuring aberrant electromagnetic radiation from within the pipe. A probe comprising three orthogonally oriented coils coupled to a control unit and an electrode are inserted into a pipeline trailing a metered wire. The coils detect an anomalous current flow when a leak is encountered, enabling the magnitude and location of the leak to be detected. |
| US09989431B2 |
Multilevel pressure sensor
A pressure sensor comprises a deformable measuring diaphragm, and a mating body connected in a pressure-tight manner and forms a measuring chamber in which a reference pressure is present. A pressure can be applied to an outside of the measuring diaphragm. The pressure sensor has a capacitive transducer having at least one mating body electrode and at least one diaphragm electrode. Above a pressure limit value for the pressure, at least one central surface section of the measuring diaphragm rests against the mating body with a contact surface area, the size of which is dependent on the pressure. The pressure sensor also has a resistive transducer for converting a pressure-dependent deformation of the measuring diaphragm, when pressed in a range of values above the pressure limit value, into an electrical signal using an electrical resistance which is dependent on the contact surface area of the measuring diaphragm on the mating body. |
| US09989428B2 |
Bi-directional force sensing device with reduced cross-talk between the sensitive elements
The invention provides a method and a bi-directional force sensing device with reduced cross-talk between the sensitive elements. The device contains an L-shaped mounting base, which supports force sensitive elements positioned on mutually perpendicular mounting legs of the mounting base. These force sensitive elements are interconnected by a sensor cross-talk reducing member via respective adapters in such a way that one force is translated to the one force sensitive element without affecting or disturbing another force sensitive element, thus reducing the cross-talk between the first and the second force measurements. |
| US09989427B2 |
Force sensor
A force sensor includes: a base; a first movable portion arranged to face the base; a second movable portion arranged to face the first movable portion; a support that is provided on the base and rockably supports the first movable portion and the second movable portion; a joint that is provided to the support and rotatably supports the second movable portion; and a first detection unit that can detect a force component causing the first movable portion and the second movable portion to rock and a second detection unit that can detect a force component causing the second movable portion to rotate, when external force is applied to at least one of the first movable portion and the second movable portion. |
| US09989424B2 |
Multi-functional sensor system for gas turbine combustion monitoring and control
Thermoacoustic sensors, such as dynamic pressure sensors, in the combustor measure vibratory responses of the combustor. An integrated monitoring and control system controller correlates sensor readings with combustion thermoacoustic properties in order to identify combustion anomalies by wavelet or Fourier analysis techniques; determine bulk temperature characteristics within the combustor with dominant mode frequency analysis techniques; and optionally determines absolute active path temperatures within the combustor with acoustic pyrometry transmission and time-of-flight analysis techniques. In some embodiments all of the monitoring functions are performed with a commonly shared array of thermoacoustic sensors that function as both combustion dynamics thermoacoustic vibration/wave receivers and acoustic transmitters. The monitored combustion properties are used for controlling gas turbine combustion. |
| US09989423B2 |
Systems and methods for measuring temperature in a gas turbine using acoustic interference
Systems and methods for measuring temperature in a gas turbine are disclosed. The method can include directing a first acoustic signal towards a gas path in a turbine; directing a second acoustic signal towards the gas path in the turbine; receiving the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal at a downstream gas path location; combining the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal to create a combined acoustic signal, where a portion of the first acoustic signal cancels out a portion of the second acoustic signal; and determining a temperature of the gas path based at least in part on the combined acoustic signal. |
| US09989422B2 |
System, method and computer accessible medium for determining tissue thermal property
An exemplary system, method and computer-accessible medium for constructing information regarding a distribution of thermal properties of an object(s), can be provided. For example, data related to a temperature of the object(s) can be received at multiple points in time and space at which a portion(s) of the object(s) is heated or cooled. The information can be constructed using the data based on a bio-heat equation. |
| US09989421B2 |
Surface temperature sensor
A surface temperature sensor, including: an NTC or PTC thermistor; and a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or flexible flat cable (FFC) or conducting wire including at least two rows of single calendaring copper wires. The NTC or PTC thermistor and the FPC or FFC or conducting wire are welded together to form welding points. The thermistor and the welding points are packed inside a thin film by hot pressing. The thin film is a polyimide, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, an aramid fiber, an aromatic polyamide, a polyether ether ketone, or a silicone rubber. |
| US09989419B2 |
Immersion device for an optical fiber for measuring the temperature of a melt
An immersion device for disposable guiding tubes of a robotic immersion device includes a stack for the disposable guiding tubes, a feeding channel for feeding an optical fiber into the disposable guiding tube and for feeding the disposable guiding tube together with the optical fiber into a melt, and a transfer mechanism for transferring one disposable guiding tube from the stack into the channel. |
| US09989417B2 |
Temperature measurement arrangement
Disclosed is a system for dielectrically processing a product in a radio frequency (RF) cavity. The system may include a cavity; an RF feeding module that includes a plurality of radiating elements configured to feed RF radiation into the cavity, and a plurality of dummy loads for receiving RF energy coupled from the cavity into the radiating elements; and the system includes a processor configured to (a) estimate an effect operating the system at each of a plurality of sets of operating parameters will have on the temperature of each of the dummy loads; (b) choosing among the plurality of sets of operating parameters at least one set based on the estimation; and (c) controlling the system to operate at the chosen at least one set of operating parameters. |
| US09989414B2 |
Noise reduction for pulsed lasers using clustering
An optical measurement method in which a series of light pulses are generated using a pulsed laser having a set of different mode hop sequences (e.g., an external-cavity quantum cascade laser (EC-QCL)), the light pulses are detected with the detector to generate a respective pulse data set for each of the light pulses, and the pulse data sets are sorted into classes based on correlation coefficients. Sorting the pulse data sets into classes allows the pulse data sets originating from each of the mode hop sequences of the pulsed laser to be treated independently of the pulse data sets originating from others of the mode hop sequences in subsequent processing. |
| US09989410B2 |
Tunable photo-detector device
A photo-detector device may include a substrate having a bottom surface. The photo-detector device may further include a photocell secured to the bottom surface of the substrate. The photo-detector device may further include a metallic block having a top portion secured to a bottom surface of the substrate to enclose the photocell, wherein an opening is formed within the metallic block that extends from the top portion of the metallic block to a bottom portion of the metallic block to form an aperture for light to travel through the metallic block to the photocell. The photo-detector device may further include a member insertable into the metallic block to vary an open area of the aperture. |
| US09989408B2 |
Photodetector and electronic apparatus
A photodetector includes a semiconductor substrate; a light receiving part for signal detection and an infrared light receiving part which are formed in the semiconductor substrate and are covered at least by first color filters having a common color; and second color filters which overlap with the first color filters on the infrared light receiving part and are configured to block light in a wavelength range transmitting through the first color filters. |
| US09989406B2 |
Systems and methods for calibrating an optical distance sensor
A calibration system is provided including an aperture layer, a lens layer, an optical filter, a pixel layer and a regulator. The aperture layer defines a calibration aperture. The lens layer includes a calibration lens substantially axially aligned with the calibration aperture. The optical filter is adjacent the lens layer opposite the aperture layer. The pixel layer is adjacent the optical filter opposite the lens layer and includes a calibration pixel substantially axially aligned with the calibration lens. The calibration pixel detects light power of an illumination source that outputs a band of wavelengths of light as a function of a parameter. The regulator modifies the parameter of the illumination source based on a light power detected by the calibration pixel. |
| US09989404B2 |
Portable terminal, portable-terminal condition determining system, storage medium, and portable-terminal condition determining method
A portable terminal includes: an acceleration measuring unit that measures acceleration of the portable terminal; a calculating unit that calculates a first feature value for in-plane directions in which the portable terminal is in contact with an object and a second feature value for an out-of-plane direction on the basis on the acceleration measured by the acceleration measuring unit in a state in which the portable terminal is put on the object, when the portable terminal is vibrated; and a specifying unit that specifies a material of the object on the basis of the first feature value and the second feature value. |
| US09989400B2 |
Method to provide a quality measure for meter verification results
A system for evaluating a flow rate measurement includes a flowmeter and a diagnostic system. The diagnostic system is configured to perform a diagnostic test for detecting a physical change in the flowmeter that could impair operation of the flowmeter, output a result of the diagnostic test, evaluate a reliability of the diagnostic test using information about a process condition, and output an indication of the reliability of the diagnostic test. |
| US09989394B2 |
Automatic shut off valve
A shut off valve featuring a flow conduit with a fluid inflow end and a fluid outflow end, at least one electrically actuated flow control element coupled to the conduit with a blocking state and a flow state, control circuits coupled to the element and a local power source coupled at least to the control circuits. Wherein, in response to a received signal from a displaced source, the control circuits switch the element from the flow state to the blocking state. |
| US09989388B2 |
Optical fiber cable
Embodiments of the present invention provide a cable for optical fiber sensing applications formed from fiber wound around a cable core. A protective layer is then preferably placed over the top of the wound fiber, to protect the fiber, and to help keep it in place on the cable core. The cable core is preferably of a diameter to allow bend-insensitive fiber to be wound thereon with low bending losses. The effect of winding the fiber onto the cable core means that the longitudinal sensing resolution of the resulting cable is higher than simple straight fiber, when the cable is used with an optical fiber sensing system such as a DAS or DTS system. The achieved resolution for the resulting cable is a function of the fiber winding diameter and pitch, with a larger diameter and reduced winding pitch giving a higher longitudinal sensing resolution. |
| US09989382B2 |
Detecting movement of a seatbelt sensor
Provided herein are approaches for detecting movement of a seatbelt sensor. In some approaches, a detector includes a sensor housing coupled to a plate of a vehicle restraint system, and a sensor disposed within the sensor housing, wherein the sensor is operable to sense a position of a magnet in proximity to the sensor. The detector further includes a magnetic field accumulator (e.g., a pole-piece) coupled to the sensor, wherein the magnet and the magnetic field accumulator move relative to one another, and wherein the sensor receives an indication of a magnetic field accumulated by the magnetic field accumulator as the magnet and the magnetic field accumulator move relative to one another. A change in the magnetic field distribution correlates to a change in position of the plate, to which the magnet is coupled. |
| US09989379B2 |
Techniques for counting resource usage
Disclosed are various systems and methods related to improving the accuracy of resource usage counting of a metered resource by a computing device. The computing device disables interrupts used by the processor to count pulses received from a utility meter on respective first and second wires of a cable. A data level for the first wire attached to the one or more sensors of the computing device is detected and recorded. The data level indicating whether a pulse is presently being received on the first wire. The computing device then disconnects a common ground in the cable between the computing device and the utility meter, and initiates performance of a test of the cable. The computing device then restores the individual interrupts and the common ground in a defined sequence based upon detection of a pulse in one of the two wires. |
| US09989378B2 |
Display of aircraft altitude
A method for displaying an attitude of an aircraft includes receiving a roll angle, a pitch angle and a yaw angle of the aircraft, generating a display image indicating the roll angle, the pitch angle and the yaw angle, and displaying the display image on a display device. The display image includes a spherical shell with a track angle scale projected onto the spherical shell along a latitude line of the spherical shell and with a pitch angle scale projected onto the spherical shell along a longitude line of the spherical shell. Furthermore, the display image includes a graphical aircraft attitude indicator inside the spherical shell rotated with respect to the spherical shell such that the graphical aircraft attitude indicator indicates the roll angle, the pitch angle and the yaw angle of the aircraft with respect to the spherical shell. |
| US09989376B2 |
Systems and methods for generating signature ambient sounds and maps thereof
Systems and methods are provided for generating signature ambient sounds and maps thereof to assist in navigation based on a start location, a destination location, start time and average walking speed. The maps are generated by concatenating two or more of the signature ambient sounds and two or more of voice based navigation guidance. The signature ambient sounds for up to all location coordinate pairs in a map, for up to all time ranges and for up to all walking speed ranges are generated and tagged to the corresponding location coordinate pair, the corresponding time range and the corresponding average walking speed. The signature ambient sounds are generated by applying digital signal processing techniques on ambient sounds recorded by client devices, that are filtered and outlier removed. |
| US09989375B2 |
Method for transmitting travel route information
A method for transmitting travel route information to a person present outside of a motor vehicle, and to a system for transmitting such information. The method for transmitting travel route information to a person present outside of a motor vehicle provides that a navigation system present in the motor vehicle wirelessly transmits a data stream including the information to be transmitted directly or indirectly to a display device carried by the person. The information to be transmitted can be perceived by the person by the display device. |
| US09989373B2 |
Coverage based demand response signals
According to one or more aspects, demand response (DR) management for an electric vehicle (EV) may be provided as follows. A current location and a destination location for the EV may be received. A determination as to whether the EV is eligible to participate in a DR event may be made. A travel route from the current location to the destination location may be analyzed to determine whether it is associated with a non-coverage area where a telematics control unit (TCU) of the EV has limited connectivity with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) server. The DR signal may be transmitted as a DR request based on the EV having current coverage along the travel route and the EV travelling towards the non-coverage area such that an anticipated loss of signal or coverage may occur. |
| US09989369B2 |
Proactive re-routing of vehicles to control traffic flow
Aspects of the present disclosure include a navigation system and computer-implemented methods for proactively re-routing vehicles to control traffic flow. Consistent with some embodiments, the navigation system seeks to reduce traffic flow along primary navigation routes (e.g., routes with relatively short travel times) by re-routing vehicles to alternative navigation routes (e.g., routes with relatively longer travel times) using incentives. As an example, upon detecting a vehicle traveling along an alternative route instead of a primary route, the navigation system updates a data structure that represents a user account of a vehicle occupant to reflect an increased account balance. Consistent with some embodiments, the amount of value provided to an occupant of a vehicle traveling along an alternative routes may be obtained from user accounts of occupants of other vehicles that are traveling along a primary route. |
| US09989368B2 |
Identifying closed roads and routes
A set of smart devices includes a first smart device physically placed at a first geolocation and a second smart device physically placed at a second geolocation. The first and second smart devices obtain their first and second current geolocations. The first smart device sends the first current geolocation and a first roadway status information indicating a start of the roadway to a mapping service over a wireless communications network, and the second smart device also sends the second current geolocation and a second roadway status information indicating an end of the roadway to the mapping service. The first and second roadway status information may further indicates that the roadway defined by the first and second current geolocations is a closed roadway or a detour. The mapping service may calculate routes based on the first and second geolocations and the first and second roadway status information. |
| US09989363B2 |
Hemispherical resonator gyro
A hemispherical resonator gyro includes: a vibration mode shape extractor to extract, based on sine and cosine wave signals corresponding to an actuator drive frequency and radial displacement of a hemispherical resonator, a vibration mode shape excited in the hemispherical resonator; a drive frequency corrector to cause, based on a resonance phase characteristic of the hemispherical resonator, the actuator drive frequency to match resonance frequency of the hemispherical resonator; a nodal quadrature vibration controller to generate, based on a vibration amplitude of a nodal quadrature vibration and azimuth orientation of wave antinode of a resonance mode, an actuator DC drive signal to suppress the nodal quadrature vibration; and a resonance controller to generate an actuator AC drive signal to control the vibration amplitude to be a constant value, and detect a rotational angle in an angle measurement axis direction from the azimuth orientation of wave antinode of the resonance mode. |
| US09989357B2 |
Aerial device that cooperates with an external projector to measure three-dimensional coordinates
A three-dimensional (3D) coordinate measuring system includes an external projector that projects a pattern of light onto an object and an aerial drone attached to a 3D imaging device, the 3D imaging device and the external projector cooperating to obtain 3D coordinates of the object. |
| US09989354B2 |
Conveying apparatus
A conveying apparatus for transporting and for measuring an object includes a sensor having a light transmitter arranged at a conveyor belt and transmits first light beams in the direction of the conveyor belt. The sensor also has a light receiver that is arranged at the conveyor belt and that receives second light beams. The sensor further has an evaluation device for determining a dimension of the object by evaluating the received second light beams. The conveyor belt is an endless conveyor belt that is driven by at least one drive unit and that moves in a main conveying direction. At least one gap is provided in the endless conveyor belt free of interruption, through which gap the first light beams pass, and the first light beams form a scan plane in the at least one gap transversely to the main conveying direction of the conveyor belt. |
| US09989353B2 |
Registering of a scene disintegrating into clusters with position tracking
A method for optically scanning and measuring a scene by a laser scanner includes generating multiple scans; tracking scanner positions with a position-tracking device for the multiple scans and providing tracked scanner positions in response; registering sequentially scans selected from the multiple scans into clusters using registration points or targets and confirming registration of the scans into the clusters according to specified quality criteria being fulfilled; selecting scans from the clusters and forming pairs of scans; forming an intersection of the selected pairs and comparing a size of the intersection with a threshold value obtained based at least in part on the tracked scanner positions; and attempting to register the pairs of scans if the size of the intersection exceeds the threshold value and accepting the registered pairs of scans if the registration is successful. |
| US09989351B2 |
Tomographic image capturing device
The tomographic image capturing device of the present invention comprises a display means (18) configured to: split light from a light source (11) into measurement light and reference light and cause the measurement light and the reference light to be incident to an object (E) and a reference object (49), respectively; capture tomographic images of the object (E) on the basis of interference light generated by superposition of the measurement light reflected from the object (E) and the reference light reflected from the reference object (49); and display tomographic pictures of the object generated on the basis of the captured tomographic images. The tomographic image capturing device has a first image capturing mode and a second image capturing mode. The first image capturing mode is a mode in which the measurement light is two-dimensionally scanned by raster scan to be incident to the object (E) and the tomographic images of the object (E) are captured. The second image capturing mode is a mode in which the measurement light is two-dimensionally scanned by raster scan to be incident to the object (E) and the tomographic images of the object (E) are captured. The raster scan in the second image capturing mode is thinned from the raster scan in the first image capturing mode. The display means (18) is configured to be switchable between a first display mode and a second display mode. The first display mode is a mode in which a plurality of tomographic pictures including a region of interest of the object (E) is selected from among the tomographic pictures generated on the basis of the tomographic images captured in the second image capturing mode and only the selected plurality of tomographic pictures is displayed. The second display mode is a mode in which all of the tomographic pictures generated on the basis of the tomographic images captured in the second image capturing mode are in turn displayed. The capturing of the tomographic images in the first image capturing mode is performed after separately performing a first adjustment operation and a second adjustment operation for adjustment of an image capturing condition necessary for capturing the tomographic images in the first image capturing mode. The first adjustment operation is based on the tomographic pictures displayed in the first display mode. The second adjustment operation is based on the tomographic pictures displayed in the second display mode. |
| US09989348B2 |
Systems and methods for control and calibration of a CMM
A method of operating an articulated arm CMM is provided. Instructions for the CMM can be inputted to the CMM arm by an action chosen from the group consisting of placing the arm in a predefined position and moving the arm in a predefined manner. |
| US09989347B2 |
Method and apparatus for inspecting workpieces
A series of nominally identical workpieces is received from a manufacturing process and measured on a measuring apparatus. They are received at a non-ambient temperature because of heat introduced during the manufacturing process, but they are placed on the measuring apparatus in a repeatable manner, e.g. by a robot, such that their non-ambient temperatures when measured are repeatable. One of the workpieces is measured as a reference workpiece at the non-ambient temperature, and these measurements are compared to calibrated values obtained from an external source, in order to generate an error map or error function. The error map or error function is used to correct measurements of subsequent workpieces of the series which are measured at the repeatable non-ambient temperature. |
| US09989345B2 |
Linear displacement measuring apparatus
There is provided a linear displacement measuring apparatus which notifies a user when being installed defectively. A slider includes a traveling body which travels along a main scale on the main scale, a carriage part mounted on an object, and coupling means which couples the traveling body with the carriage part. The coupling means allows relative displacement between the traveling body and the carriage part and biases the traveling body towards the main scale. The coupling means has a connecting rod arranged so as to couple the traveling body with the carriage part via a ball joint. The slider further has misalignment detecting means which detects that the relative displacement between the traveling body and the carriage part exceeds a prescribed allowable range. The misalignment detecting means is a pair of projecting pieces arranged in a vicinity of the connecting rod so that the displacement of the connecting rod is regulated within a predetermined range. |
| US09989339B2 |
Fragmenting projectile having projectile cores made of Pb or Pb-free materials having fragmentation in steps
The invention relates to fragmenting projectiles. In order that all projectiles of a*waffe*Bug projectile type have the same point of impact, i.e., the same projectile weight, the same center of gravity and the same geometry, and that the marksman can set the fragmentation behavior solely by selecting the projectile, fragmenting projectiles having defined fragmentation in steps for the same point of impact, designed as two projectile types, namely as partially fragmenting projectiles or as jacketed projectiles, are proposed, wherein all fragmenting projectiles of a projectile type have the same projectile weight, the same center of gravity, and the same geometry, a fragmentable core is arranged in the front nose region for both projectile types, all fragmentable cores of a projectile type have the same density and differ from each other in the weight of the fragmentable core depending on the fragmentation, and all projectiles of a projectile type having the same weight of the fragmentable core have an identical marking that can be seen or felt from the outside. |
| US09989338B2 |
Fin deployment system
A fin deployment system for a projectile is provided, the fin deployment system defining a longitudinal axis and including: an actuator plate, a first mechanical stop arrangement, an actuation assembly, a plurality of fin assemblies, and a second mechanical stop arrangement. The actuator plate is pivotable from a first pivot position to a second pivot position about the longitudinal axis. The first mechanical stop arrangement is configured for initially locking the actuator plate at the first pivot position, and for selectively unlocking the actuator plate from the first pivot position responsive to an actuating force, to thereby allow the actuator plate to pivot to the second pivot position. The actuation assembly is for selectively applying the actuating force to the first mechanical stop arrangement, to thereby unlock the actuator plate from the first pivot position. Each fin assembly includes a fin pivotable from a stowed position to a deployed position about a respective fin hinge defining a respective deployment axis, each fin assembly forming a kinematic pair with the actuator plate such that the pivoting of the actuator plate between the first pivot position and the second pivot position, and the pivoting of each fin from the respective the stowed position to the respective the deployed position, are concurrent. The second mechanical stop arrangement is for locking the fin assemblies in the respective deployed positions responsive to the actuator plate pivoting from the first pivot position to the second pivot position. |
| US09989333B2 |
Armor and vehicle
To parry a blast caused by an explosive object, absorb explosive energy, and improve durability. An armor to be installed on a bottom surface of a vehicle, including: a bottom plate formed to have a shape in which a central portion protrudes downward, and a porous metal member-disposed on the upper side of the bottom plate. |
| US09989328B2 |
System and method for firearm rail cover
A rail insert is disclosed. The rail insert includes a backing member, at least one locating pin connected to the backing member, and at least one locking pin connected to the backing member. The backing member has a rail side and a grip side. The at least one locking pin has at least one compressible member. |
| US09989326B2 |
Firearm with magazine release lever
An AR-style firearm includes a specially designed lower receiver, a specially designed upper receiver mounted to the lower receiver, a hand grip mounted to the lower receiver, a handguard mounted around a barrel, a specially designed magazine well formed in the lower receiver that is configured to receive an AK-47 magazine or similar magazine, and a specially designed, ambidextrous magazine release that holds and selectively releases the magazine from the magazine well. |
| US09989325B2 |
Secure smartphone-operated gun lock with means for overriding release of the lock
A gun locking and unlocking device, which may be configured to be disposed adjacent the trigger of a gun to alternatively prevent or enable firing, includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether data received by the receiver is the same, or substantially the same, as data stored in the data memory. One or more separate electronic gun keys are provided to transmit gun lock/unlock data to the data receiver of the gun lock device. The logic device responds to a gun control signal transmitted by one of the gun key devices with priority over a gun control signal transmitted by another gun key device. The logic device automatically locks the gun when it is located in a proscribed area, such as within a school zone or outside a prescribed protected area. The logic device also locks the gun when the gun user is intoxicated or acting in an irrational manner. Once locked, the user must set a timer which allows the gun to be unlocked only after a specified “wait” time. In case of emergency, when the gun must be available for immediate use, the user can override the safety features and unlock the gun by speaking a “secret word” or phrase. |
| US09989322B2 |
Heat recovery device with improved lightweight flow coupling chamber and insertable valve
A heat recovery device such as an EGHR device includes a bypass valve, a gas/liquid heat exchanger and a flow duct. The flow duct has an open top and an open bottom. A top surface of the duct seals to a surface surrounding an opening of a gas flow conduit, such as an exhaust pipe. A duct wall extends from the top surface to the bottom surface, to which the heat exchanger is secured. The flow duct provides a passage through gas flows between the gas flow conduit and the heat exchanger. The bypass valve is mounted in the flow duct and is movable between a bypass position and a heat exchange position. The bypass valve may be mounted adjacent to the top or bottom of the duct, and may be a butterfly-type valve, a one-sided flap valve, or a pair of one-sided flap valves. |
| US09989321B2 |
Heat dissipation device
A heat dissipation device includes a heat dissipation member, a heat transfer member, and a reinforcing member. The heat transfer member has one side attached to the heat dissipation member, and two opposite lateral edges thereof are respectively provided with at least one connection portion and at least one through hole. The reinforcing member is connected to the other side of the heat transfer member, and two opposite lateral edges thereof are respectively formed with at least one mating connection portion for correspondingly connecting to the connection portion. The reinforcing member is provided at a central portion with an opening. With these arrangements, the heat transfer member can bear a larger locking force when the heat dissipation member is locked thereto, and is also prevented from deformation. |
| US09989317B2 |
Heat exchanger
In a heat exchanger, an outside air passage, through which outside air flows, is provided between adjacent tubes of the refrigerant tube and the coolant tubes. Disposed in the outside air passage is an outer fin joined to at least one of the refrigerant tube and the coolant tube and configured to accelerate heat transfer between the fluids. A dimension of the refrigerant tube in a flow direction of the outside air is different from a dimension of the coolant tube in the flow direction of the outside air. Hence, with respect to the outer fin joined to both of the refrigerant tube and the coolant tube, an area of a joint surface between the refrigerant tube and the outer fin is different from an area of a joint surface between the coolant tube and the outer fin. |
| US09989316B2 |
Fin-tube type heat exchanger
The present invention relates to a pin-tube type heat exchanger, comprising: tubes through the inside of which a heat medium flows and which are arranged in parallel with a uniform distance therebetween, so that a combustion product can pass through space between the tubes; and heat transfer fins which are separately coupled to the outer surface of the tubes along the longitudinal direction thereof, so as to be parallel to the direction of flow of the combustion product, wherein inside the tubes a first turbulent flow-generating member is installed for creating turbulence in the flow of the heat medium, wherein the first turbulent flow-generating member comprises a flat plate part, arranged in the longitudinal direction of the tubes, for dividing the inner space of the tubes into two sides, and first guide pieces and second guide pieces which are protrudingly provided at a tilted angle and are separately and alternately provided along the longitudinal direction of both sides of the flat plate part. |
| US09989314B2 |
Heat exchanger assembly
A heat exchanger assembly, by means of which compressed charge air for an internal combustion engine is cooled by way of a liquid, includes a housing with a heat exchanger that has a stack of pairs of plates and fins which are arranged between the pairs, and has two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides. Flow plates are arranged in the plate pairs and, toward the longitudinal sides, expose in each case one edge channel within the plate pairs. An inlet and an outlet are connected to the edge channels, and a liquid flows through the flow plates between the edge channels, the liquid flowing in counterflow with respect to the charge air which flows in on one side of the housing, through the fins, and leaves the housing again on an opposite other side. |
| US09989313B2 |
Smelting ladle and method for improving use efficiency thereof
A smelting ladle and a method for improving use efficiency thereof. The smelting ladle includes a housing, a working layer, and a permanent layer. The method includes: 1) rebuilding the working layer to have an outer layer and an inner layer, the inner layer being a consumable working layer which contacts with molten steel and steel slag, and the outer layer being a circulating working layer which contacts with the permanent layer or directly contacts with the housing; 2) allowing the smelting ladle to work, when the thickness of the consumable working layer is reduced to be between 0 and 20 mm, removing a residue of the consumable working layer and masoning a new consumable working layer for the smelting ladle; and 3) repeating 2) until the circulating working layer reaches a designed service life thereof, and casting a new circulating working layer for the smelting ladle. |
| US09989312B2 |
Channel inductor
A channel inductor of a channel induction furnace, the channel inductor comprising (a) a channel liner and (b) a back-up liner that supports the channel liner such that the integrity of the channel liner is not compromised during heat-up, dry-out, or operation of the channel induction furnace. |
| US09989311B2 |
Multi-chamber furnace for vacuum carburizing and quenching of gears, shafts, rings and similar workpieces
Multi-chamber furnace for vacuum carburizing and quenching of gears, shafts, rings and similar components has at least two process chambers connected in parallel, with a continuous feeding mechanism for individual workpieces. Those chambers—the first one being a heating chamber, the second being a carburizing chamber and the third one diffusion chamber—are configured in a vertical arrangement, placed in a shared vacuum space with gas-tight division, whereas at the ends of each chamber there are incorporated heating chambers with thermal insulation, with a graphite heating system and stepping feeding mechanism incorporated in the core for the purpose of continuous feeding of individual workpieces. At the ends of those chambers the construction incorporates transport chambers featuring loading and unloading systems X-Y enabling cooperation with individual process chambers through thermal and gas-tight doors installed in chamber ends, while external access to the transport chambers is ensured through loading and unloading locks. |
| US09989310B2 |
Dryer exhaust heat recovery
Waste heat is extracted from the exhaust (20) of a biomass dryer (14) in a grain alcohol plant (10). A boiler circuit (74) provides high pressure steam to a balance of the plant (64). A recovered energy circuit (76) extracts heat from the exhaust via a dryer exhaust condensing economizer (24) and provides a steam mixture (60) to satisfy an intermediate pressure steam demand of the balance of the plant, thereby bypassing a portion of the boiler circuit. Working fluids in the boiler and recovered energy circuits are intermixed in a boiler feed vessel (72). Dryer exhaust condensate (30) may be used in an exhaust gas scrubber (22) upstream of the dryer exhaust condensing economizer to remove pollutants and to saturate (26) the exhaust gas for improved heat transfer. Heat transfer may be further improved by operating the dryer exhaust condensing economizer at an elevated pressure. |
| US09989309B1 |
Condenser assembly for an apparatus for removing liquid from a suspension
A condenser assembly comprises: a main cabinet; one or more filters mounted to a filter frame that is moveable between a first (operating) position within the main cabinet and a second (maintenance) position substantially outside of the main cabinet; and a condenser box that is moveable between a first (operating) position within the main cabinet and a second (maintenance) position substantially outside of the main cabinet. In some applications, the condenser assembly is part of an apparatus for removing liquid from a suspension. |
| US09989308B2 |
Hand dryer
A hand dryer comprising a jetting nozzle comprising a duct in fluid communication with a slot which forms a nozzle outlet, and a blower which blows air through the jetting nozzle to produce an air jet. The jetting nozzle is configured such that the angle of inclination of the air jet with respect to a direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slot varies in the longitudinal direction of the slot. |
| US09989307B2 |
System and method for removing moisture from water laden structures
An improved method of drying wet or water damaged surfaces using a vacuum source, a manifold, and a plastic sheet covered grid having a lattice formation with spaces to permit the passing of moisture and air from and beneath the surface to the vacuum source. |
| US09989304B2 |
Method for utilization of lean boil-off gas stream as a refrigerant source
This invention relates to a system and method for liquefying natural gas. In another aspect, the invention concerns an improved liquefied natural gas facility employing a closed loop methane refrigeration cycle. In another aspect, the invention concerns the utilization of lean boil-off gas. |
| US09989301B2 |
System and method for controlling flow of fluid
A flow control system for a flow of a cryogenic fluid over a component is provided. The system includes a first tubing containing a first fluid therein and positioned upstream of the component with respect to the flow of the cryogenic fluid. The system includes a second tubing containing a second fluid therein and positioned downstream of the component with respect to the flow of the cryogenic fluid. The system also includes a parameter sensing device fluidly connected to the first tubing and the second tubing for comparing a first parameter associated with the first tubing and a second parameter associated with the second tubing. The system further includes a flow control device coupled to the parameter sensing device to regulate the flow of the cryogenic fluid over the component based, at least in part, on the comparison. |
| US09989298B1 |
Powered adjustable shelf for refrigerator appliance
A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet and a powered track disposed within the cabinet for receiving adjustable shelves at various shelf mounting positions. The powered track can include a first and a second power bus in electrical communication with a power source. The adjustable shelf can include a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector that are biased in electrical communication with the first and second power bus, respectively, when the adjustable shelf is mounted to the powered track. |
| US09989291B2 |
Ice machine discharge assembly ratchet structure
An ice machine includes an ice discharge gear to which an output of a motor is transmitted. The ice discharge gear is configured to rotate about a rotation axis, a cam member is disposed at a first axial side of the ice discharge gear and provided with a ratchet structure between the cam member and the ice discharge gear, and an ice discharge shaft is connected to the cam member in a facing relationship with the cam member and configured to scrape out ice pieces with ice discharge claw portions during rotation of the ice discharge shaft. A flat or substantially flat sleeve is disposed at a second axial side of the ice discharge gear so as to face the ice discharge gear across a gap, and an elastic member is interposed between the sleeve and the ice discharge gear. |
| US09989287B2 |
Refrigerator and control method thereof
A control method includes initially operating a compressor at the same RPM as an operating RPM of the compressor during a previous cycle, adjusting the RPM in consideration of an operation rate of the previous cycle such that the RPM is increased when the operation rate is greater than a first set value, reduced when the operation rate is less than a second set value, and maintained when the operation rate is within a range between the first set value and the second set value, and operating the compressor at the adjusted RPM, the first set value being greater than the second set value. |
| US09989278B1 |
Solar energy collector and/or concentrator, and thermal energy storage and retrieval system including the same
A solar energy collector and/or concentrator, a thermal energy storage and retrieval system including the same, and methods of storing and recovering thermal energy are disclosed. The solar energy collector and/or concentrator may include an array of lenses configured to concentrate solar energy, a plurality of conduits through which a heat storage or heat transport fluid flows, and one or more heat transfer elements on each of the conduits, configured to receive the concentrated solar energy from the lenses and transfer the concentrated solar energy to the heat storage/transport fluid. The conduits are configured to move in at least first and second angular dimensions. The thermal energy storage and retrieval system may include the solar energy collector and/or concentrator, a thermodynamic cycle, and a heat storage and retrieval subsystem. Heat is transferred from the heat storage/transport fluid to the heat storage and retrieval subsystem and/or the thermodynamic cycle. |
| US09989276B2 |
Condensate drainage device for heat exchanger
A condensate drainage enhancing device is provided for an evaporator. An integrally molded plastic part snap fits around the conventional lower manifold, with rails maintained in tight engagement with the front and rear edges of the refrigerant flow tubes. These interrupt the meniscus films of columns of retained water that would otherwise form and, which instead drains down ribs that depend from the rails. |
| US09989266B2 |
Automatic set point detection for water heaters operating in a demand response
An electric water heater that includes a thermostat is retrofitted for remote control as follows. A relay is installed on an electrical feed to the electric water heater. Water temperature and electric current or power through the electrical feed are measured over time with the relay closed, and the thermostat deadband maximum and minimum are detected as the water temperature at which the thermostat turns the heating element off, and the water temperature at which the thermostat turns the heating element on, respectively. The detected thermostat deadband maximum and minimum are stored as load controller deadband maximum and minimum, respectively. The thermostat set point is raised, and the electric water heater is thereafter controlled using the load controller by operations including closing the relay when the water temperature falls below the load controller deadband minimum and opening the relay when the water temperature rises above the load controller deadband maximum. |
| US09989263B2 |
Radiator
The invention relates to a radiator (1, 11) with a heating water duct system, within which heating water is able to be transported from a heating water intake (3, 15) to a heating water outlet (4, 16),wherein the heating water duct system comprises: heating segments (5,6,12,13,14) with respectively an internal cavity for receiving heating water, which in a ready-to-operate state of the radiator (1, 11) are arranged over one another in gravitation direction, and which respectively have an inlet opening for the supply of heating water and an outlet opening for the removal of heating water; a connecting pipe (7, 17), which connects the outlet opening of a first heating segment (5, 12) with the inlet opening of a second heating segment (6, 13); wherein the heating water inlet (3, 15) is connected to the inlet opening of the first heating segment (5, 12), and wherein the second heating segment (6, 13) in the ready-to-operate state of the radiator (1, 11), viewed in gravitation direction, is arranged above the first heating segment (5, 12). |
| US09989258B2 |
Premixed-combustion gas turbine combustor
A gas turbine combustor forms a combustion region R1 therein by burning a premixed gas obtained by previously mixing a fuel and combustion air. The gas turbine combustor includes: a burner cylinder (51) in which the premixed gas passes; a film air supply port (61) that is provided on the burner cylinder 51, and supplies a film air formed into a film shape and flowing along the inner wall surface (the inner circumferential surface) of the burner cylinder (51); and a cooling passage (71) in which a cooling air passes. The cooling air cools a back-step surface (65) facing the formed combustion region R1. The cooling passage (71) includes a side from which the cooling air flows out, and the side is connected to the film air supply port (61). |
| US09989250B2 |
Automatic gas torch ignition in an oxygen rich environment
A method of starting an auto-ignition gas torch includes increasing a flow of oxygen above zero and increasing a flow of fuel gas to a level lower than the flow of oxygen for improved start reliability. In one form, the flow of oxygen is from about two times to about six times higher than the flow of fuel gas. |
| US09989245B2 |
Superheated steam treatment apparatus
To provide a superheated steam treatment apparatus capable of efficiently treating an object by superheated steam containing a high concentration of hydroxyl radicals. The superheated steam treatment apparatus includes an induction heating unit 4 configured to generate superheated steam by induction heating saturated stream, a treatment chamber 5 configured to allow the superheated steam generated by the induction heating unit 4 to be introduced thereinto, and a discharge treatment unit 6 located in the treatment chamber 5 and configured to treat the introduced superheated steam by discharge. The discharge treatment unit 6 has a frame serving as a support for the discharge treatment unit, a discharge electrode located at an upper part of the frame, a mesh-like opposite electrode located below the discharge electrode, and a high-frequency power source configured to supply high-frequency, high-voltage power between the discharge electrode and the opposite electrode to cause the discharge, whereby an object immediately below the opposite electrode is allowed to be treated by the superheated steam having an increased hydroxyl radical concentration due to the discharge. |
| US09989242B1 |
Umbrella with fiber optic lights and a flashlight handle
An umbrella, comprising a support pole including an upend end and a lower end, a canopy connected to the upper end of the support pole, the canopy including a plurality of struts that support a waterproof material and transition the canopy between an expanded open position and a contracted closed position, an upper handle unit permanently attached to the lower end of the support pole, the upper handle unit including an upper battery compartment, a lower handle unit removably attached to the upper handle unit, the lower handle unit including a lower battery compartment, a plurality of fiber optic lights embedded within the plurality of struts wired directly to and powered by the upper battery compartment, and a flashlight within the lower handle unit wired directly to and powered by the lower battery compartment. |
| US09989240B2 |
LED lamps for retrofit on high wattage metal halide ballasts
According to some embodiments, a system and housing provide a lamp including a heat sink including: an annular tube including a first end and a second end, a plurality of fins extending radially from an exterior surface of the annular tube, wherein a length of each fin extends from the first end of the annular tube to the second end of the annular tube; a plurality of light sources in thermal contact with the heat sink; a driver circuit operative to provide the input voltage and current for the plurality of light sources; and a capper positioned at the second end of the annular tube, wherein the capper is operative to be received in a socket. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US09989238B2 |
Low light failure, high power led street lamp and method for manufacturing the same
A low light failure high power LED street lamp and a manufacturing method therefor. Color mark is made on tail end of N-type semiconductor element (6) or P-type semiconductor element (7); then N-type and P-type semiconductor element (6, 7) are arranged in matrix manner between upper beryllium-oxide ceramic wafer (8) and lower beryllium-oxide ceramic wafer (9), so that head end of N-type semiconductor element (6) is connected with tail end of P-type semiconductor element (7) or tail end of N-type semiconductor element (6) is connected with head end of P-type semiconductor element (7), then lower beryllium-oxide ceramic wafer (9) is attached, through graphene thermal conductive greaseon layer (4), on backside of circuit board (2) which is mounted with LED bulbs (3), and heat sink (15) is mounted on upper beryllium-oxide ceramic wafer (8), then circuit board (2) together with heat sink (15) are mounted into street lamp housing (1). |
| US09989237B2 |
Light source device
A light source device includes a light emitting element adapted to emit exciting light; a fluorescent element having a phosphor and adapted to convert at least a portion of the exciting light emitted from the light emitting element into fluorescence and to reflect the fluorescence; and a common cooling member adapted to cool the light emitting element and the fluorescent element. The cooling member includes a first cooling surface coupled to the light emitting element for cooling the light emitting element, and a second cooling surface coupled to the fluorescent element for cooling the fluorescent element. The first cooling surface and the second cooling surface are placed in parallel with each other and are placed in such a way as to be oriented in the same direction. |
| US09989232B2 |
Shelf height adjusting flippers having an integrated electrical contact
A height-adjustable shelving system for an appliance includes an appliance having a plurality of walls that define an interior cavity. The appliance has an electrical system that extends into at least one of the walls of the appliance. A shelf is selectively disposed within the cavity and includes a lighting fixture. A shelf support system in communication with the electrical system includes at least one rotatable body operable between a plurality of support positions, the at least one rotatable body removably receiving and supporting the shelf, wherein each of the support positions of the rotatable body corresponds to a different shelf height. The removable engagement between the shelf and the rotatable body in any of the plurality of support positions places the lighting fixture in communication with the electrical system. |
| US09989225B2 |
System configured for mounting with a ceiling support grid and method of installation
Technologies are described for a system for mounting a louver, a lens, or a rectangular or square light LED light source to a ceiling support grid. A mounting frame has at least one fixed flat extension extending from the first side and at least one retractable extension on a second side. The mounting frame is configured to be inserted into a grid opening and mounted to the grid and provide a frame for the mounting of a louver, a lens, or a rectangular or square light LED light source to the ceiling support grid. |
| US09989224B2 |
Lighting system
A lighting system and related methods are disclosed herein. The lighting system may have a mounting fixture and a light fixture. The mounting fixture is configured to engage a mounting surface. The light fixture is configured to engage the mounting fixture and has a driver configured to drive a light source. A first fastener having a movable elongated member is configured to removably couple the light fixture to the mounting fixture in an extended configuration. A second fastener having a quick connect feature is configured to removably couple the light fixture to the mounting fixture in a retracted configuration. |
| US09989217B2 |
Beam framing system for an automated luminaire
Described are an improved automated luminaire and automated luminaire system with both a spot light and wash light mode of operation, which employs an improved beam shutter blade system that serves as framing shutters in spot light mode and barn doors in wash light mode. |
| US09989216B2 |
Interior exterior moving designs
An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises at least one vehicle panel having a first photoluminescent portion and a second photoluminescent portion. The first photoluminescent portion has a first luminescent absorption range and the second photoluminescent portion has a second luminescent absorption range. The illumination apparatus further comprises a first light source configured to emit a first emission at a first wavelength, wherein the first wavelength is within the first absorption range and outside the second absorption range. |
| US09989214B2 |
Light emitting device and method of manufacturing light emitting device and optical component used in the same
A light emitting device wherein discoloration of a reflective layer in an optical component can be prevented and a stable optical output power can be maintained, and a method of manufacturing an optical component used in the light emitting device. The optical component includes a supporting member defining a through-hole, a reflective layer formed on an inner wall defining the through-hole, a protective layer formed on the reflective layer, and a light transmissive member having a light incident surface, a light emitting surface, and an outer circumference side-surface, and disposed in the through hole. The light transmissive member is fixed in the through-hole with a joining portion where the outer circumference side-surface and the protective layer are joined, and an end portion at the light emitting side of the joining portion is covered with a second protective layer disposed continuously on the protective layer and the light transmissive member. |
| US09989212B2 |
Reduced glare LED light device
A device for providing light including: a housing; an array of a plurality of LED lights mounted to the housing, wherein, when active, each LED emits a highest intensity beam of light along a primary axis and emits a lower intensity beam of light along a secondary axis; a lens mounted to the housing, the lens including an optic element corresponding to each of the plurality of LED lights, each optic element intersected by the primary axis of the corresponding LED light; and a translucent edge-light diffusing layer located between two or more of the plurality of LED lights, the edge diffusing layer is not intersected by the primary axis and is intersected by the secondary axis of the LED lights. |
| US09989211B2 |
Vehicle lamp with particular sealing gasket
A vehicle lamp has a housing for holding a circuit board, and a gasket mounted on the housing to waterproof the circuit board. A fastening portion is provided on the gasket to fasten the circuit board to the housing. A lid member is provided which is connected to the housing to fasten the gasket. |
| US09989208B2 |
Light emitting apparatus for vehicle
A light emitting apparatus for a vehicle includes a light source, a diffuser and a beam guider. The light source emits light having a beam pattern with a first imaginary line starting from a center of the beam pattern and extending to a perimeter of the beam pattern and a second imaginary line starting from the center of the beam pattern and extending to the perimeter of the beam pattern at a preset angle relative to the first imaginary line. The first and second imaginary lines have lengths different from each other. The diffuser receives the light of the light source and diffuses the received light to reduce the difference between the lengths of the first and second imaginary lines. The beam guider guides the diffused light along a path to produce an outlet light within a preset range. |
| US09989204B2 |
Substrate tensioning systems
An example embodiment of substrate tensioning system is disclosed that may comprise a frame including four sides and channels, wherein the channels may comprise a first surface, a second surface that opposes the first surface, and an edge truss retention feature. The substrate tensioning system may further comprise at least one substrate including four major edges and a first surface, wherein each major edge is configured with one or more edge trusses configured from corresponding folds in the at least one substrate, such that the edge trusses may be configured at an angle relative to the first surface of the substrate. The at least one substrate may attach to the frame, wherein each edge truss may nest inside, and be secured inside a corresponding frame channel, wherein a perimeter edge of each outermost edge truss may be engaged by the corresponding frame channel's edge truss retention feature. |
| US09989201B1 |
Lighting device having switches exposed through corresponding holes formed on housing
A lighting device includes a housing; a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) located on a first side of the housing; a plurality of switches for controlling the plurality of LEDs; and a controller operably coupled with the plurality of switches and configured to control operations of the plurality of LEDs in response to inputs received via the plurality of switches. Each of the plurality of switches is exposed through a corresponding hole formed at the housing, and a top surface of each of the plurality of switches is lower than a surface of the housing through which the plurality switches are exposed. |
| US09989199B2 |
Illumination device and light-emitting module thereof
The instant disclosure provides an illumination device and a light-emitting module thereof. The light-emitting module includes a cover structure, a light-emitting structure and an assembled type capacitor assembly. The cover structure has a through opening. The light-emitting structure includes a circuit substrate disposed under the cover structure and a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the circuit substrate and exposed from the through opening. The assembled type capacitor assembly includes at least one assembled type capacitor electrically connected the circuit substrate through an assembled type electrical connection assembly, and the at least one assembled type capacitor is separated from the circuit substrate. |
| US09989198B2 |
Replacement LED light module
The present invention relates to a replacement LED light module with a plurality of LED lights on a PCB board is attached to a heat sink, providing good heat dissipation and provide an easy installation mechanism using magnetic supports that can be quickly put in place to difficult locations, such as ceiling, where there is suitable magnetic flat surface for the magnetic attraction to take effect. The power wires, along with the wire nuts, provide a sort of “back up” tensile support in the event where the magnetic connection may lose its pulling power. |
| US09989197B2 |
Optical device and light source module including the same
An optical device and a light source module including the same are provided. The optical device includes a first surface having an incident portion; a second surface emitting light incident through the incident portion outwardly; a support portion protruding from the first surface; and a blocking portion surrounding an outer portion of the support portion, the blocking portion being stepped with respect to the first surface. |
| US09989196B2 |
Adjustable LED lamp with rotatable LED tubes
The invention relates a LED lamp. The LED lamp includes: a sleeve; a female joint received in the sleeve; a pluggable connector rotatably connected to the sleeve; a LED tube connected to the pluggable connector; and a male joint received in the pluggable connector and engaging the female joint; wherein the pluggable connector is provided with a plurality of clips on an outer sidewall thereof extending towards the LED tube, the clip is provided with a protrusion, the sleeve defines an annular groove on an inner wall thereof, the protrusion is latched in the annular groove when the pluggable connector is inserted into the sleeve, thereby preventing the pluggable connector from disengaging from the sleeve. |
| US09989193B2 |
Natural gas leakage detection device
An aspect of the disclosure includes a natural gas leakage detection device. The natural gas leakage device includes a metering interface for detecting usage of natural gas. A clock is provided to determine time of day and one or more predetermined times when no natural gas usage is expected. A first sensor is used to determine whether a furnace is operating. A monitoring device is provided. The monitoring device being operable during the one or more predetermined times when no natural gas usage is expected, to monitor the metering interface and the first sensor and to perform an action in response to natural gas usage being detected during the one or more predetermined times when no natural gas usage is expected and the first sensor determines that the furnace is not operating. |
| US09989192B2 |
Pressure reducer with flow selector for gas cylinder
A device for regulating the pressure and/or flow of pressurized gas, comprising a body with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a gas passage connecting the outlet with the inlet, a pressure reducer and a flow selector arranged downstream of the pressure reducer, a hand-wheel rotatably mounted on the body and cooperating with the flow selector for adjusting the flow, and a pressure indicator located at the center of the hand-wheel. The device comprises also a shaft rigidly fixed to the body and rotatably bearing the hand-wheel, the shaft supporting the pressure reducer and comprising a gas channel fluidly connected to the gas passage in the body. |
| US09989191B2 |
Friction stop device
Deployment apparatus (10) including a deployment object (12), a deployment arm (16) with a first end (22) coupled to the deployment object and a second end (24) having a pivot (26), and a hinge assembly (18) rotatably attached to the pivot of the deployment arm. The hinge assembly (18) includes an enclosure (44) and a friction stop device (82) disposed within the enclosure such that the friction stop device includes a friction portion (80) configured to be pressed against a lateral surface of the pivot (26) of the deployment arm such that the friction portion provides a predetermined torque. The predetermined torque may be calculated based on maintaining a deployed angle of the deployment arm (16) such that the deployment object (12) is held in a raised deployed position. |
| US09989182B2 |
Method of forming a sealed joint between a tubular article and a sheet article
A method of forming a sealed joint between a tubular article (10) and a thin sheet article (14) wherein the articles (10, 14) are made of metallic materials that are capable of fusion welding together. One step in the method involves locating an end of the tubular article in a collar (20) surrounding a hole (12) formed in the thin sheet article (14). An end (22) of the tubular article (14) is positioned to lie substantially flush with a proximal end (24) of the collar (20). Next the ends (22, 24) of the collar and the tubular article are fusion welded forming a circumferential bead (26) creating an integral joint. Consequently in effect the previously separate a tubular article (10) and a thin sheet article (14) become a single piece. |
| US09989180B2 |
Attachment for air valve
An air valve connecting device or attachment includes a mouth engaged in a housing and having a compartment for engaging with either a US or French inflation valve, a barrel engaged into the housing and engaged onto the mouth, an actuator slidably engaged in the housing and engageable with the barrel, and a cam member is engageable with the actuator for selectively forcing the actuator and the barrel to compress the mouth to grasp either of the inflation valves to the housing, a tube is slidably engaged in the actuator and extendible into the mouth, and a catch is slidably engaged in the actuator and engageable into the actuator for selectively engaging with and for retaining the tube to the actuator. |
| US09989175B2 |
Fluid component adapter and method
An exemplary adapter configured as a transition between a fitting and a fluid system component. In one exemplary embodiment, the adapter is configured as a transition between a compression fitting and a fluid system component. The adapter comprises a body portion, a compression portion, and a flange portion. A first end of the body portion is inserted into a port of the compression fitting and the compression portion compresses a resilient seal against a sealing shoulder of the fitting. A nut of the compression fitting engages the flange portion of the adapter to connect the adapter to the compression fitting. A second end of the body portion is connected to a fluid system component. The adapter provides a fluid tight connection between the compression fitting and the fluid system component without using a gasket ring or a locking ring of the compression fitting. |
| US09989165B1 |
Dual mode flow control valve
An electropneumatic proportional flow control device improves electropneumatic control of pneumatically operated valves. A single integrated valve incorporates a proportional valve component in operational and physical coordination with a pressure regulator valve component. The flow path of fluid is initially passed through the regulator component whereby pressure is regulated to within a manageable range for operation of a balanced type proportional valve component. |
| US09989164B1 |
Air-operated, magnetic, non-stall air directional control valve
In one example, a valve includes a body defining a chamber, and a spool disposed in the chamber and configured to move within the chamber, such that a first operating position of the valve is defined when the spool is in a first position in the chamber, and a second operating position of the valve is defined when the spool is in a second position in the chamber. The valve also includes a magnetic element connected to the spool and responsive to a magnetic field such that the spool is biased in a first direction when the spool is in the first position and the spool is biased in a second direction when the spool is in the second position, and the second direction is different from the first direction. |
| US09989163B2 |
Diaphragm valve drive
Device for actuating a diaphragm valve, comprising a housing, wherein the housing is preferably formed of a top and bottom part, and further comprising an electric motor, a base board for the fastening of electrical components, a gear unit for actuating the diaphragm valve or the spindle nut of the diaphragm valve, and a position indicator for indicating the degree of opening of the diaphragm valve, wherein the position indicator is driven via the gear unit. |
| US09989157B2 |
Valve vented redundant stem seal system
A valve stem packing assembly can seal a valve stem to a valve body having a body cavity. The packing assembly includes a packing ring circumscribing the valve stem within a stem opening extending axially through the valve body. A primary dynamic seal is positioned to seal a dynamic leak path between the packing ring and the valve stem. A secondary dynamic seal is spaced axially apart and functionally independent from the primary dynamic seal and positioned to redundantly seal the dynamic leak path. A primary static seal is positioned to seal a static leak path between the packing ring and the valve body. A secondary static seal is spaced axially apart and functionally independent from the primary static seal and positioned to redundantly seal the static leak path. |
| US09989153B2 |
Sealing ring
A sealing ring for a seal assembly is described that comprises: a main body rotating about an axis; and a first surface, which is defined by the main body, extends transversely to the axis and is suitable for abutting against a further sealing ring in a direction parallel to the axis; the first surface comprises a plurality of grooves forming respective hydropads; the grooves are delimited by a first edge and a second edge facing one another; the first edge and the second edge delimit the grooves in a circumferential direction to said axis; at least one of the first edge and the second edge is shaped like an elliptical arc, which has coincident or separate foci;comprises first grooves and second grooves alternating with one another in a circumferential direction to said axis and staggered from each other in a radial direction to said axis. |
| US09989150B2 |
Control device for belt-type continuously variable transmission
A belt-type continuously variable transmission is equipped with a belt wrapped around across a primary pulley and a secondary pulley, and a CVT control unit for controlling pulley hydraulic pressures to the primary pulley and the secondary pulley. The CVT control unit determines whether an operating state is a driving state where the direction of an input torque inputted to the belt-type continuously variable transmission is from a driving source or a coasting state where the input torque direction is from drive road wheels. The pulley hydraulic pressure for the input torque for when it is determined that the operating state is the coasting state is set higher than the pulley hydraulic pressure for the input torque for when it is determined that the operating state is the driving state, thereby suppressing a slippage of the belt. |
| US09989147B2 |
System and methods of adjusting a transmission shift schedule
A method for a vehicle includes receiving a shift schedule for a transmission of a vehicle, the shift schedule indicating when shift events occur based on operation of the vehicle. The method further includes receiving vehicle operation data during operation of the vehicle. The method further includes determining a power to overcome vehicle losses based on the vehicle operation data. The method further includes determining an adjustment to the shift schedule to optimize a vehicle operating parameter based on the determined power to overcome vehicle losses and implementing the adjustment to the shift schedule. |
| US09989146B1 |
Adaptive clutch slip learning for critical capacity clutch fusing in a continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission, a control system, and a method are provided. The control system and method are configured to learn a desired running pressure to be applied to a clutch that is lower than a pulley clamping pressure and higher than a pressure at which the clutch would slip (a clutch critical pressure), so that the clutch can act as a fuse to avoid pulley slip. A plurality of clutch slip tests are performed, each of which include decreasing pressure supplied to the clutch until a clutch slip occurs. Clutch slip data points are collected at the point of slip and used to determine a gain and an offset, where the gain is a clutch pressure versus clutch torque capacity gain, and the offset is a clutch pressure offset, which is used to determine the clutch critical pressure. |
| US09989144B2 |
Motor coupling device
A motor coupling device for connecting a drivetrain of a hybrid vehicle to a motor and transferring a driving torque of the motor to the drivetrain, the motor coupling device comprising: a coupling plate connected to a rotation shaft of the motor and engaging with a connecting plate of the drivetrain; and a first backlash compensation unit installed at one surface of the coupling plate, interfering with the connecting plate, and compensating for backlash when a motor reverse torque is generated. |
| US09989142B2 |
Linear actuator
A linear actuator includes: a pinion shaft coaxially coupled to a motor shaft; a driven gear that is engaged with a pinion gear on the pinion shaft; a nut that rotates with the driven gear; a feed screw mechanism that converts rotation movement of the nut into linear movement of a rod; a coupling part allowing an outer peripheral surface of the motor shaft to be serration coupled to an inner peripheral surface of a vertical hole in the pinion shaft; and a pressurizing unit that generates a pressure that axially acts between e motor shaft and the pinion shaft in the coupling part. |
| US09989141B2 |
Fastening structure for fastening driven member to strain wave gearing device unit, and strain wave gearing device unit
A press plate is tacked to a boss of a cup-shaped flexible externally toothed gear of a wave gear device unit. A second arm as a driven member is attached by a fastening bolt to an end surface on an outer side of an output flange of the wave gear device unit. The fastening bolt is screwed into and secured in a tap hole of the press plate from each bolt insertion hole of the second arm, via a flange-side bolt insertion hole and a boss-side bolt insertion hole. A fastening structure can be achieved in which a driven member is fastened to a wave gear device unit in which holes are easily machined into the output flange, and only a few fastening bolts are needed to fasten the boss, the output flange, and the driven member. |
| US09989139B2 |
Axle assembly having a clutch collar actuator
An axle assembly having a bearing cap, an actuator, and a fork. The bearing cap may be disposed in a cavity defined by an axle housing and a differential carrier and may be fixedly disposed on the differential carrier. The fork may be disposed in the cavity and may couple the actuator to a clutch collar. |
| US09989138B2 |
Integrated drive generator having a variable input speed and constant output frequency and method of driving
An integrated drive generator having a variable input speed and constant output frequency, where the integrated drive generator includes a generator disposed about a first centerline. Also included is a hydraulic trimming device disposed about a second centerline. Further included is an epicyclic differential having a ring gear and a sun gear, wherein at least one of the ring gear and the sun gear drives the generator at a constant output frequency, wherein the epicyclic differential is disposed about a third centerline, wherein the third centerline is coaxial with the second centerline. |
| US09989134B2 |
Dual clutch transmission
A dual clutch transmission 1 includes a first clutch 2, a second clutch 3, a first input shaft 4, a second input shaft 5, a counter shaft 6, an output shaft 7, a first splitter gear changing portion 10, a second splitter gear changing portion 20, and an output portion 30. The first splitter gear changing portion 10 has a first input gear 11a, a first counter gear 11b, a second input gear 12a, a second/counter gear 12b, and a first coupling mechanism 13. The second splitter gear changing portion 20 has an input/output gear 21a, a third counter gear 21b, a second coupling mechanism 22, and a third coupling mechanism 23. The output portion 30 has a fourth counter gear 31a, a forward output gear 31b, and a fourth coupling mechanism 33. |
| US09989133B2 |
Modular actuator
A modular actuator (1) includes an actuation module (10), a gear module (20) and a telescoping module (30). The actuation module (10) includes a motor (11) and a drive worm (12) driven by the motor (11). The gear module (20) includes a gearbox (21) and a deceleration gear assembly (22) disposed in the gearbox (21). The deceleration gear assembly (22) includes a deceleration worm gear (221) engaged with the drive worm (12) and includes a deceleration worm (222) driven to rotate by the deceleration worm gear (221). The telescoping module (30) includes a drive worm gear (31), a lead screw (32) driven to rotate by the drive worm gear (31), and an extendable pipe (33) threadedly connected to the lead screw (32). The drive worm gear (31) is engaged with the deceleration worm (222), and the lead screw (32) is arranged parallel to the drive worm (13). |
| US09989124B2 |
Automatic transmission
A power transmission 1 includes an output shaft 9 disposed in parallel to an input shaft 5, and provided at one end with an output gear 35 and at an opposite end with a final drive gear 36 meshing with a final driven gear 37 of a differential device 10, the output gear 35 normally meshing with a reverse speed drive gear 26, and with a first speed driven gear 31 in an array 39 of driven gears 31, 32, 33, and 34 on a counter shaft 8 normally meshing with a first speed drive gear 14 in an array 20A of odd-speed shift position drive gears 14, 15, 16, and 17 on an odd-speed shift position drive shaft 6. |
| US09989115B2 |
Disc brake system
A brake system including a piston brake system and an integral parking brake system. The brake system includes a brake piston having a piston bore, and a brake pad. The parking brake system includes a rotary to linear stage mechanism located at least partially within the piston bore. During a brake apply, the brake piston and the brake pad are moved against a brake rotor to create a clamp force. During a parking brake apply, the rotary to linear stage mechanism transfers torque into a linear force to move the same brake piston and the same brake pad against the brake rotor to create a clamp force. |
| US09989112B1 |
Caliper housing having a mass damper
A caliper housing having a) an inboard side; b) an outboard side distanced from the inboard side so that a rotor gap is formed between the inboard side and the outboard side; c) a bridge structure which extends from both the inboard side and the outboard side over the rotor gap and connects the inboard side with the outboard side; d) a damper bore passing through the caliper housing from the inboard side into the bridge structure; and e) a mass damper residing within the damper bore; wherein the mass damper is adapted to dampen vibrations occurring during use of the caliper housing. |
| US09989111B2 |
Adjustable brake pad spreader
The adjustable brake pad spreader (20) compresses a brake pad against a brake caliper with the brake pad having a first flank and a second flank at opposite edges of the brake pad. The adjustable brake pad spreader (20) comprises a pair of frames (122, 222) and a pair of rods (138, 238) with each of the rods (138, 238) extending through the rear of each of the frames (122, 222) and along a pair of spreading axes (A, B) parallel and spaced an adjustment length (L) from one another. The adjustable brake pad spreader (20) further comprises an adjustment mechanism (84) supporting each of the frames (122, 222) for adjusting the adjustment length (L) between each of the spreading axes (A, B) to engage a brake pad at various distances between the first flank and second flank of the brake pad. |
| US09989104B2 |
Wedge clutch with mutually supporting wedge plates and self-locking displacement assembly
A wedge clutch, including: a hub; a ring located radially outward of the hub; a wedge plate radially between the hub and the ring; and a displacement assembly including an element and an engagement arm. To transition from a disconnect mode for the wedge clutch, in which the hub and the ring are relatively rotatable, to a connect mode for the wedge clutch, the engagement arm is arranged to pivot in a first rotational direction to displace the hub in a first axial direction. To transition from the connect mode to the disconnect mode, the engagement arm is arranged to pivot in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction and the element is arranged to displace the hub in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction. |
| US09989090B2 |
Slewing roller bearing with sealing arrangement
A slewing bearing providing a first ring, a second ring, the rings being concentric around a central axis (X1), at least one row of rolling elements arranged between the rings in order to form an axial thrust that can transmit axial forces, at least one row of rolling elements arranged between the rings in order to form a radial thrust that can transmit radial forces, and at least one sealing assembly arranged between the first ring and the second ring. The sealing assembly provides first sealing means being arranged outside second sealing means, an annular sealed chamber being defined between the first sealing means and second sealing means. |
| US09989081B2 |
Method and system of affixing a plaque to a solid surface
A method and system of affixing a plaque to a solid surface is provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one opening in a face of the solid surface and inserting a plaque support into the at least one opening. The plaque support includes a body defining a passageway therethrough and having a first end and a second end. The first end has a flange portion. Further, at least one outer tab member extends radially outward toward the first end and at least one inner tab member extends radially inward toward the second end. The outer tab member engages the solid surface upon insertion of the plaque support into the at least one opening. The method and system further include providing the plaque with at least one installation fastener. The at least one installation fastener is inserted into the passageway of the plaque support, such that the at least one inner tab member engages the at least one installation fastener. |
| US09989075B2 |
Working cylinder
A cylinder has first and second coupling partners. The first coupling partner is a cylindrical tube. The second coupling partner is a closing element. One coupling partner is inserted axially into the other coupling partner. Each of the coupling partners has an annular groove. The groove of the inserted coupling partner is an external groove. The groove of the remaining coupling partner is an internal groove and the grooves of the coupling partners lie opposite one another. The working cylinder includes a spring-loaded coupling ring, and which when deformed in a tensioning direction, can be fully accommodated by the groove of one coupling partner and which, when deformed in the release direction, engages in the grooves of both coupling partners. The inserted coupling partner is oversized in relation to the remaining coupling partner and provides a additional frictional connection. |
| US09989073B2 |
Centrifugal fan
A centrifugal fan having improved efficiency and noise reduction includes a hub configured to have a central part combined with a rotary shaft, a shroud spaced apart from the hub, and a plurality of blades provided between the hub and the shroud. The shroud includes outer circumferential parts each connecting the trailing edges of a plurality of respective adjacent blades. Each outer circumferential part is asymmetrically formed based on the center of the outer circumferential part. |
| US09989072B2 |
Fan
A fan includes an impeller and a frame. The frame is used for accommodating the impeller. The frame includes a plurality of static blade groups. Each of the static blade groups has a plurality of static blades. Moreover, at least one first static blade of a first static blade group and at least one first static blade of a second static blade group are symmetric with respect to a central axis of the frame. |
| US09989071B2 |
Fastener arrangement for hydraulic unit
The invention relates to a hydraulic unit including a motor housing for receiving components of an electric motor; having a pump housing for receiving components of a pump, which is driven in order to pump a pressure medium from the electric motor, the pump housing having at least one through-bore for fixing the motor housing to the pump housing by a screw; and having a control device which is arranged on the pump housing face opposite the motor housing. A retaining region for the screw is provided in the through-bore of the pump housing for the purpose of an efficient attachment, the retaining region having an inner thread which is cut or tapped into the retaining region by the thread of the screw during the screw-in process. |
| US09989070B2 |
Air cycle machine strut plate assembly
According to one aspect, an air cycle machine includes a fan rotor, a diffuser cone axially aligned with the fan rotor, and a strut plate assembly. The strut plate assembly includes a first strut plate and a second strut plate with an ejector formed between the first strut plate and the second strut plate. The first strut plate is axially positioned between the fan rotor and the ejector, and the second strut plate is axially positioned between the fan rotor and the diffuser cone. The first strut plate includes a plurality of outer struts and is absent inner struts between the fan rotor and the ejector. The second strut plate includes a plurality of inner struts and outer struts, where the inner struts are axially positioned between the ejector and the diffuser cone. |
| US09989068B2 |
Method for controlling a trim-adjustment mechanism for a centrifugal compressor
A method for controlling an inlet-adjustment mechanism in an air inlet for a compressor so as to switch the mechanism in a binary fashion between two positions P1 and P2 for adjusting a flow area of the inlet. The method includes identifying a threshold line on a compressor map of pressure ratio versus corrected flow rate for the compressor. The threshold line is a line on which the pressure ratio and flow rate of the compressor are the same for the P1 and P2 positions of the inlet-adjustment mechanism at equal speeds. When the operating point of the compressor on the compressor map crosses the threshold line, the inlet-adjustment mechanism is switched from one of its binary positions to the other. |
| US09989060B2 |
Fuel system with liquid ring pump with centrifugal air/fuel separator
A fuel system incorporating a boost pump unit, a boost pump unit and method of pumping fuel are provided. The fuel system and boost pump unit are preferably self-priming and do not utilize an airframe mounted pump for supplying fuel for an aircraft combustor. The boost pump unit includes a liquid ring pump and an air/fuel separator. The air/fuel separator has an inlet and first and second outlet ports. The inlet is operably fluidly coupled to an outlet of the liquid ring pump. The air/fuel separator has an arcuate flow path. The first outlet port is in fluid communication with a radially outer portion of the arcuate flow path and the second outlet port is in fluid communication with a radially inner portion of the arcuate flow path. A return line connected to the first outlet port is configured to return fuel to the liquid ring pump. |
| US09989057B2 |
Variable volume ratio scroll compressor
A compressor may include a scroll member, a hub, a discharge valve and a bypass valve. An end plate of the scroll member includes a recess, a discharge passage in communication with the recess, and a bypass passage in communication with the recess and disposed radially outward relative to the discharge passage. The hub may be received in the recess and may include a central opening in communication with the discharge passage and the bypass passage. The discharge valve may be disposed between the hub and the end plate and may control fluid flow through the discharge passage. The bypass valve may be disposed between the hub and the end plate and may be movable between a first position restricting fluid flow through the bypass passage and a second position allowing fluid to flow through the bypass passage, around the discharge valve and through the central opening. |
| US09989054B2 |
Compact ultrahigh pressure dynamic seal assembly with pressure activating backup ring
The invention features a seal assembly for a high pressure liquid system. The seal assembly includes a seal carrier having abuse portion defining a proximal end, a distal end, and a bore. The seal carrier also includes a seal disposed within the bore of the seal carrier. The seal carrier also includes a backup ring disposed within the bore of the seal carrier. The seal carrier also includes a hoop ring disposed substantially between the seal and the backup ring, the hoop ring having a proximal surface and an outer surface. |
| US09989045B2 |
Manual piston air pump having high flow electric rotary pump
A triple action air pump includes a manual pump mechanism and an electrical pump mechanism. The mechanical pump mechanism has a piston mounted within a cylindrical housing, a shaft having a first end coupled to the piston and a second end that passes out of the cylindrical housing via an aperture in an end of the cylindrical housing, and a handle coupled to the second end of the shaft. The mechanical pump mechanism operates on both upstrokes and down-strokes of the handle. In one embodiment, the cylindrical housing has a single inner chamber and the electrical pump mechanism is mounted within the same chamber as the piston. In a second embodiment, the cylindrical housing has two separate inner chambers, with the mechanical pump mechanism mounted within one chamber and the electrical pump mechanism mounted within the other chamber. |
| US09989044B2 |
Offset valve bore in a reciprocating pump
A fluid end (15) for a multiple reciprocating pump assembly (12) comprises at least three plunger bores (61) or (91) each for receiving a reciprocating plunger (35), each plunger bore having a plunger bore axis (65) or (95). Plunger bores being arranged across the fluid head to define a central plunger bore and lateral plunger bores located on either side of the central plunger bore. Fluid end (15) has suction valve bores (59) or (89), each suction valve bore receiving a suction valve (41) and having a suction valve bore axis (63) or (93). Discharge valve bores (57) or (87), each discharge valve bore receiving a discharge valve (43) and having a discharge valve bore axis (63) or (93). The axes of at least one of suction and discharge valve bores is inwardly offset in the fluid end from its respective plunger bore axis. |
| US09989040B2 |
Actuator and method for improving an actuator
The present invention is about an actuator comprising at least one shape-memory-alloy based converter in a housing and at least one preload spring. The actuator is configured to cause a motion of at least one movable member. The optimal structures along with corresponding methods for improving an actuator are claimed in the independent claims. Preferable embodiments are presented in the dependent claims. |
| US09989037B2 |
Vertical axis wind turbine with low visual impact
Vertical axis wind turbine, indistinctly applicable in land or sea, the main characteristic of which is its low visual impact due to the collapse of its tower and rotor as required by environmental or meteorological conditions.It is constituted by a structure that includes a base (3, 5), a plurality of supporting arms (10, 13), an elevation set (6, 7, 8) and a drive shaft (17) that acts on the generating elements (29) arranged at the base. Said structure supports a rotor (1) and its corresponding blades (2), attached by means of motorized shafts (20) that collapse and expand the blades (2) over the rotor (1).Whenever the electric motor (6) winds the tensioning element (8) attached to two pairs of lower arms (10), they rotate at their base and intermediate point and raise, during their movement, the upper arms (13) and the drive shaft (17). The entirety of this structure is secured with braces (21, 24), which act on the upper and lower part of their corresponding arms (10, 13), achieving a safe collapse and expansion. |
| US09989036B2 |
Wind turbine blade lightning bypass system
A wind turbine blade is described having a lightning bypass system located at the root end of the blade. The lightning bypass system comprises a stay bolt formed from an electrically insulating material having a conductive core. The conductive core of the stay bolt provides a conductive path for a lightning down conductor system through the root end of a wind turbine blade to the turbine hub or nacelle, bypassing any sensitive root end components of the wind turbine blade. |
| US09989035B2 |
Controlling wind turbine
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a wind turbine. The method includes: dividing a plurality of wind turbines into at least one group based on a similarity in status information of the plurality of wind turbines; in response to having detected a fault in a first wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines, searching a group to which the first wind turbine belongs for a second wind turbine matching status information of the first wind turbine; and controlling the first wind turbine based on parameters from the second wind turbine. |
| US09989034B2 |
Wind turbine controller and method for controlling a power production of a wind turbine
A wind turbine controller for controlling power production of a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine is arranged within a wind farm coupled to a public power network via a point of common coupling. The wind turbine controller has a receiving unit for receiving a measured value of a property of the wind farm taken at the point of common coupling and for receiving a reference value for the property, and a control unit for controlling the power production of the wind turbine by regulating a local property of the wind turbine based on the received measured value and the received reference value such that the measured value of the wind farm taken at the point of common coupling corresponds to the reference value. Further, a wind turbine having such a controller, a wind farm and a method for controlling a power production of a wind turbine are provided. |
| US09989033B2 |
Horizontal axis wind or water turbine with forked or multi-blade upper segments
Efficiency of a horizontal axis wind/water turbine (HAWT) is increased by the addition of a secondary blade associated with each main blade. The secondary blade is preferably a blade segment paralleling the main blade only in the outer reach of the main blade. The secondary blade travels rotationally ahead of the main blade and axially behind it, in an area in which air has not been disturbed by the main blades and in which disturbance of air by the secondary blade is not seen by the main blades. In one embodiment the secondary blade is carried by its associated main blade. In another embodiment, the secondary blades are carried by a ring or wheel which rotates with the main blades and the axle to which they are attached. |
| US09989032B2 |
Control device for spark ignition type internal combustion engine
To alleviate or eliminate a problem of unburned fuel discharged to the outside of a cylinder in a case in which an air fuel mixture is insufficiently combusted in a combustion chamber. During the expansion stroke in which a high voltage is applied to an ignition plug via an ignition coil, and a spark discharge is caused to occur at the ignition plug, thereby the air fuel mixture in the combustion chamber is ignited and combusted, in a case in which deterioration of combustion state is detected, a microwave electric field is created in the combustion chamber prior to an opening timing of an exhaust valve at an end stage of the expansion stroke, thereby plasma is generated and enlarged in the combustion chamber. |
| US09989025B2 |
Injector assembly
A distal end portion of an injector is fitted into a mounting member. A fuel joint having a connecting pipe portion is connected to a proximal portion of the injector. A joint pressing member which restricts the displacement of the fuel joint in the direction away from the mounting member is fixed by fastening to the mounting member. The injector is fixed to the mounting member by restricting the displacement of the fuel joint by the joint pressing member. |
| US09989019B2 |
Fuel vapor recovery apparatus
A fuel vapor recovery apparatus includes an adsorbent canister capable of capturing fuel vapor, a vapor passage connecting the adsorbent canister to a fuel tank. In addition, the apparatus includes an atmospheric air passage communicating the adsorbent canister with the atmosphere, a purge passage coupling the adsorbent canister to an intake pipe of an internal combustion engine, a purge pump configured to generate a gas flow from the adsorbent canister to the intake pipe through the purge passage, and a flow control valve provided at the purge passage downstream of the purge pump in a direction of the gas flow and configured to regulate the gas flow through the purge passage. Further, the apparatus includes a decompressor configured to decrease pressure upstream of the flow control valve when the pressure upstream of the flow control valve in the direction of the gas flow is higher than the atmospheric pressure. |
| US09989015B2 |
Launcher stage comprising a temporary support structure for temporarily supporting nozzle sections allowing access to the core of the engine
A stage of a space launcher including an engine core, a tank secured above the engine core, and a nozzle including a first deployable nozzle section secured below the engine core, the nozzle further including a second and a third section configured to be situated extending from each other when the nozzle is in a deployed propulsion configuration. The stage further includes a structure for temporarily supporting nozzle sections mounted on the tank, configured to change the nozzle to a configuration for accessing the engine core wherein the nozzle sections are inserted into each other, with the third section bearing against a lower support of the temporary structure. |
| US09989008B2 |
Elongate cooling channel inlet for cooling channel pistons and method for operating
The invention relates to a piston for an internal combustion engine, having a piston lower part, an upper part, an internal cooling channel having at least one coolant inlet opening and at least one outlet opening defined by a rim hole. The rim hole having a screw thread into which at least one tubular element is inserted and selectively positioned relative to the cooling channel for regulating the coolant level in a cooling channel. |
| US09989004B2 |
System for determining piston pin bore wear
A machine may comprise a piston; a memory; and an electronic control module. The electronic control module may be configured to obtain information identifying a previous amount of wear of the piston pin bore and information identifying a wear limit; determine a base piston pin bore wear rate; calculate an effective piston pin bore wear rate based on the base piston pin bore wear rate; determine an amount of time between a current time and a time when the previous amount of wear of the piston pin bore was calculated; and calculate a current amount of wear of the piston pin bore based on the previous amount of wear, the amount of time, and the effective piston pin bore wear rate. The electronic control module may further be configured to calculate an amount of damage to the piston pin bore based on the current amount of wear and the wear limit. |
| US09989003B2 |
Methods and systems for identifying insufficient combustion based on exhaust gas content
Various methods and systems are provided for diagnosing a condition of a cylinder of an engine. In one example, a method includes adjusting recirculated exhaust gas responsive to a determined emission value and indicating insufficient combustion of one or more engine cylinders based on an amount by which the recirculated exhaust gas is adjusted. |
| US09988994B2 |
Systems and methods for EGR control
Methods and systems are provided for reducing torque transients experienced when a dedicated EGR cylinder is deactivated to reduce EGR. Before deactivating the dedicated cylinder, an intake throttle position and spark timing of remaining engine cylinders is adjusted to build-up torque reserve in anticipation of a negative torque transient at deactivation. Then, the throttle position or spark timing is adjusted to reduce torque when a positive torque transient is expected. |
| US09988991B2 |
Cylinder pressure based control of dual fuel engines
Systems and methods for controlling operation of dual fuel internal combustion engines in response to cylinder pressure based determinations are disclosed. The techniques control fueling contributions from a first fuel source and a second fuel source to achieve desired operational outcomes in response to the cylinder pressure based determinations. |
| US09988987B2 |
Method of starting a turbomachine while reducing thermal unbalance
A method of starting a turbomachine, performed by an electronic unit, the turbomachine including a gas turbine engine including at least one rotor and a starter to drive the rotor in rotation, the method including: receiving an order to start the turbomachine, and executing in response to receiving the order to start: a primary acceleration during which the starter is operated to increase speed of rotation of the rotor; a thermal homogenization during which the starter is operated to keep the speed of rotation of the rotor constant or to decrease it until a predetermined condition is satisfied; after the predetermined condition is true, a secondary acceleration in which the starter is operated to increase the speed of rotation of the rotor; and an ignition in which ignition of the engine is ordered. |
| US09988984B2 |
Turbo-charging system of an engine
A turbo-charging system of an engine comprising: a central body on which a turbine and a compressor, both keyed on a same shaft, are mounted; and at least two flange diffusers connected to two Venturi tubes comprised in the central body and ending with nozzles. The turbocharging system is interposed between the engine air filter and the engine throttle unit, the turbine receiving from the nozzles the engine intaking air at the output of the air filter whose flow determines the handling of the turbine and, through the shaft, of the compressor. |
| US09988981B2 |
Thermal insulation coating composition and thermal insulation coating layer
Disclosed is a thermal insulation coating composition including: a polymer resin; an aerogel; and an amphiphilic compound including specific functional groups and having a weight average molecular weight of about 200 to about 5000. A thermal insulation coating layer obtained from the thermal insulation coating composition is also provided. |
| US09988980B2 |
System for a mechanical conversion of an internal combustion engine of 4 strokes into 8 strokes
A converting mechanical system including a dual connecting rod having a top section adapted to be pivotally connected to a piston on a conventional internal combustion engine and a bottom section adapted to be connected to a crankshaft of a conventional internal combustion engine. A support surrounds each dual connecting rod and includes a retractable device. A decoupling device is adapted to be located on the crankshaft a conventional internal combustion engine. The dual connecting rod has a first working position and in which the dual connecting rod is rigid and connected to the crankshaft when the piston moves. In the second working position, the dual connecting rod disconnects the crankshaft from the piston by action of the decoupling device. |
| US09988979B2 |
Power generation system for internal combustion engine
A power generation system for an internal combustion engine includes: a turbocharger capable of performing a turbocharger power generation using rotation of a turbine provided in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine; and a control unit including at least one electronic control unit. The control unit is configured to calculate a first power generation instruction value required for the turbocharger, and determine whether or not a magnitude relationship in which generated power of the turbocharger power generation is larger than an increase amount of a pumping loss of the internal combustion engine resulting from the turbocharger power generation is satisfied based on an operational state of the internal combustion engine, and calculate the first power generation instruction value larger when the magnitude relationship is satisfied than when the magnitude relationship is not satisfied. |
| US09988977B2 |
Heat shield with centering features
A turbocharger (10) includes a shaft (26) rotatably supported within a bearing housing (28), a turbine wheel (22) connected to the shaft (26), and a heat shield (150, 250) disposed between the turbine wheel (22) and the bearing housing (28). The heat shield (150, 250) includes surface features (80, 180) formed on at least one of a sidewall (57) portion thereof and a flange (63) portion thereof that locate the heat shield (150, 250) relative to the bearing housing (28) such that the heat shield (150, 250) is coaxial with the rotational axis of the shaft (26). |
| US09988975B2 |
Exhaust-gas turbocharger
An exhaust-gas turbocharger (1) having a turbine (2) which has a turbine wheel (3) surrounded by an inflow duct (4), and having a VTG cartridge (5), which VTG cartridge has a disk (6) and a vane bearing ring (7), which delimit the inflow duct (4), and which VTG cartridge has a multiplicity of vanes (8) which are arranged in the inflow duct (4) and which are mounted in the vane bearing ring (7) by way of rotatable vane shafts (9), which vane shafts are connected to vane levers (10), the lever heads (11) of which engage into associated grooves (12) in an adjusting ring (13) which surrounds the vane bearing ring (7) on the outside. At least one min-flow stop (25, 26) has, on an outer surface (31), a laser-cut portion (32). |
| US09988972B2 |
Hybrid intercooler system using multiple cooling media and method of controlling the hybrid intercooler system using multiple cooling media
A hybrid intercooler system using multiple cooling media includes a first cooler for cooling air supercharged in a turbocharger using transmission oil, a second cooler for cooling the supercharged air passing through the first cooler using cooling water, and a third cooler for cooling the supercharged air passing through the second cooler using outdoor air. |
| US09988971B2 |
Air leading type two-stroke engine and intake system for same, and carburetor
An amount of air taken into an air leading type two-stroke engine is increased to enhance an engine output, and gas emission characteristic deterioration caused by blow-back is inhibited. An inhibition member 16 is disposed between a choke valve 4 in a full open position and a throttle valve 6 in a full open position. The inhibition member 16 includes, for example, a mesh member like a metal mesh. Mixed fuel containing oil is supplied to the air-fuel mixture channel 14. Numerous pores of the inhibition member 16 (mesh member) are occluded by a membrane of oil components of the mixed fuel. Consequently, entry of a blow-back flow of an air-fuel mixture from the air-fuel mixture channel 14 into the air channel 12 through the numerous pores of the flow inhibition member 16 (mesh member) can be inhibited. |
| US09988970B2 |
Suction tube unit of stratified scavenging engine
A suction tube unit connected between a cylinder block and a carburetor in a stratified scavenging engine has a suction tube for mixture made of an elastic material; and a suction tube for stratified scavenging air made of an elastic material. The suction tube for mixture and the suction tube for air have, at respective inlet ends connected to the carburetor, respective wall portions which face each other and have complementary shapes. A clearance space is provided between the wall portions of the suction tube for mixture and the suction tube for air. |
| US09988969B2 |
Fluid management system for a heat exchanger of a vehicle air conditioning system
A fluid management system for a cooling module of a vehicle air conditioning system. The cooling module includes a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with a liquid cooling system of the vehicle and a second heat exchanger disposed upstream of the first heat exchanger and in fluid communication with the vehicle air conditioning system, wherein the fluid management system minimizes an inlet fluid temperature of the second heat exchanger of the cooling module. |
| US09988967B2 |
Cooling system, device and method for a vehicle
A cooling system includes a cooling loop containing a cooling fluid configured for circulation through an engine, an auxiliary alternator configured to be driven by the engine for powering auxiliary loads of the rail vehicle, and a canned pump positioned within the cooling loop and being configured to circulate the cooling fluid through the cooling loop. The canned pump includes an integrated induction motor for driving the pump. The system further includes an electronic control system electrically connected to the auxiliary alternator and configured to electrically power the induction motor of the canned pump independently of a mechanical output of the engine. |
| US09988966B2 |
Engine system having coolant control valve
An engine system with a coolant control valve includes: a valve housing having a first valve space and a second valve space formed at both sides by a partition and including a connection passage formed in the partition; a first rotary valve disposed in the first valve space and having first coolant passages; a second rotary valve disposed in the second valve space and having second coolant passages; distribution lines respectively connected to positions corresponding to the first coolant passages and the second coolant passages and distributing the coolant coming through the first rotary valve and the second rotary valve; and a driver to rotate the first rotary valve and the second rotary valve. In particular, the first and second coolant passages are connected to the connection passage depending on the rotation positions of the first rotary valve and the second rotary valve. |
| US09988965B2 |
Coolant control valve apparatus
An engine cooling system compromises a main channel connecting an engine and a radiator, and a coolant control valve apparatus controlling a flow rate of coolant water in the main channel having a main rotary valve. The main valve includes a rotor and a casing that has an inner peripheral surface facing an outer peripheral surface of this rotor, and a gap is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the rotor and the inner peripheral surface of the casing. The inner peripheral surface of the casing has a main opening part that is connected to the main channel, and this main opening part is provided with a sealing member that protrudes to the outer peripheral surface of the rotor. This sealing member composes a channel that connects an opening part of the rotor and an opening part of the casing. |
| US09988963B2 |
Method for monitoring an oxidation catalysis device
A method for monitoring an oxidation catalysis device or DOC arranged in an exhaust line of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, in a predetermined range of inlet (2) and outlet (3) temperatures of the DOC, includes injecting predetermined successive quantities of fuel in stages (5, 6) into the inlet of the DOC, recording the outlet (3) temperature of the DOC after each injected quantity of fuel, recording the total quantity injected for a given stage, for which the outlet temperature (3) of the DOC begins to decrease, determining a characterization of the DOC monitored, then comparing this characterization with a test characterization of a similar DOC which has been established beforehand in order to determine a threshold degradation of the DOC monitored that is not to be exceeded. |
| US09988962B2 |
Exhaust emission control system of internal combustion engine
An exhaust emission control system of an internal combustion engine may include a filter, a temperature raising device, a differential pressure detecting device, and an electronic control unit. The filter may include a first region as a part of the filter, and a second region as another part of the filter. The electronic control unit may be configured to calculate a first deposition amount such that a calculated deposition amount is larger as a proportion of a magnitude of the first differential pressure reduction amount to the length of the first oxidation period is larger. The electronic control unit may be configured to calculate an amount of the particulate matter deposited in the second region based on a length of the second oxidation period and a second differential pressure reduction amount. |
| US09988956B2 |
System and method for continuous removal of water from oil via membrane separation
An oil circulation system and method for continuously purifying engine oil including an engine operably connected to an oil reservoir, wherein at least one stream of oil is conveyed from the oil reservoir to the engine via a conduit, and circulated through the engine and conduit via engine operating pressure and/or one or more pumps, and at least one membrane unit positioned in a path of the oil stream such that oil containing dissolved/emulsified droplets of water is fed continuously through the membrane unit. A cross flow hollow fiber module adapted to be positioned in a system for continuously purifying engine oil, the hollow fiber module having a central feed distributor tube, hollow fiber membranes positioned around the central feed distributor tube, end caps with ports for receiving and emitting a flow of sweep air, and optionally a shell casing, wherein the central feed distributor tube includes openings sized and positioned to allow oil to flowing into the feed distributor tube to flow out radially. |
| US09988955B1 |
Dry sump system warm up strategy
A drive unit, method, and control system are provided that warm drive unit fluid in a drive unit having a main pump, a scavenge pump, and an electric motor for powering an axle of a vehicle. The control system and method are configured to fill a main sump of the drive unit with drive unit fluid to a predetermined fill level. In a warm-up mode, the method and control system operate the electric motor to heat the drive unit fluid within the main sump while the vehicle is stationary and the electric motor is at least partially disposed in the drive unit fluid within the main sump. Further in the warm-up mode, the method and control system are configured to operate the scavenge pump to pump the drive unit fluid from the main sump into an auxiliary reservoir after the drive unit fluid has been heated by the electric motor. |
| US09988954B2 |
System and method for reducing engine oil dilution
Methods and systems are provided for filtering an oil dilution amount based on a current value of the oil dilution amount. In one example, filtering the oil dilution amount may include decreasing a sensitivity of filtering at lower oil dilution below a threshold; otherwise, increasing the sensitivity of filtering. The sensitivity of the filtering may be decreased by implementing a larger time constant, while the sensitivity of the filtering may be increased by implementing a smaller time constant. |
| US09988950B2 |
Valve stem seal with gas relief features
A valve stem seal can include an elastomeric component having a first portion for having a sealed engagement with a valve stem, and a pressure relief lip engaging a valve guide. The pressure relief lip can have a sealing configuration and a venting configuration. The venting configuration can allow excess exhaust gases to vent from a combustion chamber. After the venting of excess exhaust gases, the pressure relief lip can close to the sealing configuration to prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber. The elastomeric body or the valve guide can include a pressure relief channel. The elastomeric body can also include a bumper engaging the valve guide. The pressure relief channel can be disposed in the bumper. |
| US09988949B2 |
Method and system for variable cam timing device
Methods and systems are described for an engine with a cam torque actuated variable cam timing phaser. Phaser positioning control is improved by reducing inaccuracies resulting from inadvertent spool valve and/or phaser movement when the spool valve is commanded between regions. In addition, improved spool valve mapping is used to render phaser commands more consistent and robust. |
| US09988943B2 |
Fitting for mid-turbine frame of gas turbine engine
A fitting according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a main body portion having a first axial end and a second axial end opposite the first axial end, an inlet provided at the first axial end, and an outlet adjacent the second axial end. The outlet includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart slots formed through the main body portion, and each slot has an area within a range of 0.52 and 0.59 square inches. |
| US09988937B2 |
Hydraulic and electrical interface ring for a turbine engine
The disclosed subject matter relates to a hydraulic and electrical interface ring for a turbine engine, characterized in that said ring comprises fluid transfer pipes which axially pass therethrough and having axial ends that form axial interlocking means, the supporting means of at least one electrical device, and at least one electrical linking connector of the device, said connector being configured to engage by axial interlocking with a complementary electrical connector of another part. |
| US09988934B2 |
Gas turbine engines including channel-cooled hooks for retaining a part relative to an engine casing structure
A gas turbine engine is provided. The gas turbine engine includes an engine casing structure and a part retained relative to the engine casing structure by a channel-cooled hook. The channel-cooled hook includes at least a portion of a hook cooling channel. A vane assembly for the gas turbine engine is also provided. |
| US09988931B2 |
Turbine exhaust cylinder/ turbine exhaust manifold bolted part span turbine exhaust flaps
A system and method to minimize flow induced vibration in a gas turbine exhaust is provided. The system includes a turbine exhaust manifold connected to a turbine exhaust cylinder establishing a fluid flow path, the fluid flow path bounded radially outward by an outer cylindrical surface and bounded radially inward by an inner cylindrical surface. At least one tangential strut is arranged between the outer cylindrical surface and the inner cylindrical surface. A first flap is arranged diagonally between the tangential strut and the outer cylindrical surface or the inner cylindrical surface where the first flap minimizes vortex shedding of the fluid flow from the tangential strut. |
| US09988927B2 |
Housing for a gas turbine, aircraft engine, and a process for operating a gas turbine
A housing for a gas turbine is disclosed. At least one wall element is housed on the housing so as to move, which limits a flow channel of the housing in the radial direction from a rotational axis of a rotor of the gas turbine toward the exterior. The housing includes at least one variably adjustable guide blade which extends through the wall element into the flow channel. The wall element can be moved between a sealing setting, in which the wall element makes contact at least in a partial area of a side of a blade leaf of the guide blade facing toward the wall element, and an open setting, in which the blade leaf and the wall element are spaced some distance apart from one another. A gas turbine as well as a process for operating a gas turbine is also disclosed. |
| US09988925B2 |
Laser measurement system for detecting turbine blade lockup
A laser measurement system for detecting at least one locked blade assembly in a gas turbine. The system includes at least one laser device for emitting a laser beam that impinges on a blade surface of each blade in a row of blade assemblies. The laser beam is also transmitted through a space between adjacent blades to impinge on corresponding internal surfaces of the gas turbine. Further, the system includes a photon detector for detecting a first time period in which first laser energy is reflected from each blade surface and a second time period in which second laser energy is reflected from each internal surface and transmitted through each space. The system also includes a controller for detecting a change in at least one second time period to indicate that a distance between consecutive blades has changed and that at least one locked blade assembly is locked. |
| US09988919B2 |
Dual compliant seal
The present disclosure relates generally to a seal between two circumferential components. The seal comprises a first rope seal partially disposed within a first retainer, a second rope seal partially disposed within a second retainer, a carrier including a first end operatively coupled to the first retainer and a second end operatively coupled to the second retainer. |
| US09988913B2 |
Using inserts to balance heat transfer and stress in high temperature alloys
A method for forming a gas turbine engine component comprises the steps of forming a block of a high temperature alloy material. An external surface of the block is machined to form an external surface of a gas turbine engine component. At least one cooling passage within the component that is open to at least one end of the component is machined. At least one insert with a heat transfer feature is formed. The insert is installed within the at least one cooling passage. A component for a gas turbine engine is also disclosed. |
| US09988910B2 |
Staggered core printout
A core for gas turbine engine component comprises a body extending between first and second ends to define a length, and extending between first and second edges to define a width. A plurality of core extensions are formed as part of the body. The plurality of core extensions are positioned to be staggered relative to each other such that at least two adjacent core extensions are variable relative to each other in at least one dimension. A gas turbine engine component is also disclosed. |
| US09988908B2 |
Gas turbine engine airfoil
A gas turbine engine include a combustor section arranged between a compressor section and a turbine section. A fan section has multiple fan blades. A geared architecture couples the fan section to the turbine section or compressor section. The fan blades include an airfoil that has pressure and suction sides. The airfoil extends in a radial direction from a 0% span position at an inner flow path location to a 100% span position at an airfoil tip. The airfoil has a relationship between a trailing edge dihedral and a span position. The trailing edge dihedral positive from the 0% span position to the 100% span position. A positive dihedral corresponds to suction side-leaning and a negative dihedral corresponds to pressure side-leaning. |
| US09988902B2 |
Determining the quality of data gathered in a wellbore in a subterranean formation
Methods for determining the quality of data gathered in a wellbore in a subterranean formation including (a) collecting a formation fluid sample in the wellbore in the subterranean formation using a formation tester for receiving the formation fluid, wherein the formation tester is lowered to at least one depth in the wellbore in the subterranean formation by a conveyor; (b) acquiring a wellbore measurement (“WM”) from the least one depth with the formation tester; (c) determining from the WM a measured quality value (“MQV”); (d) assigning a threshold value (“TV”) to the MQV; (e) assigning a range value (“RV”) to the MQV, based on geometric scaling of the TV, the RV defining the limits of the MQV above and below the TV; and (f) calculating a score value (“SV”) based on the MQV, the TV, and the RV, wherein the SV is a number between 0 and 2*TV, and wherein the quality of the WM increases as the SV increases. |
| US09988896B2 |
Method and system for transmitting a data frame of an electromagnetic telemetry signal to or from a downhole location
Methods, techniques, and systems for transmitting a data frame of an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry signal to or from a downhole location can be performed using multi-channel transmissions in which at least two different channels at two different frequencies are used to send a long header and the data frame. At least a portion of the long header is transmitted at a first frequency, and at least a portion of the data frame and any remaining portion of the long header not transmitted at the first frequency are transmitted at one or more additional frequencies different from each other and the first frequency. In one example, only two channels are used: one channel is used to transmit all of the long header, another channel is used to transmit all of the data frame, and either of the channels is used to transmit an identifier identifying the type of the data frame. |
| US09988894B1 |
System and method for installing a power line in a well
System and method for installing a power line in a well. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are a powered device engaged with a power line connectable to a power supply by a power connector, and a sensor coupled to the power connector and communicatively coupled to the power line, the sensor is configured to provide data indicative of the environment in the vicinity of the power connector during installation of the power line. |
| US09988888B2 |
Electric fracturing of a reservoir
A device is proposed for fracturing a geological hydrocarbon reservoir, including two packers defining a confined space therebetween in a well drilled in the reservoir, an apparatus for regulating the temperature of a fluid in the confined space, a pair of two electrodes arranged in the confined space, and an electric circuit to generate an electric arc between the two electrodes. The circuit includes at least one voltage source connected to the electrodes and an inductor coil between the voltage source and one of the two electrodes. This allows improved fracturing of the reservoir. |
| US09988887B2 |
Metal bellows equalizer capacity monitoring system
A bellows position monitoring arrangement to determine the axial position of a bellows assembly within the outer housing of a seal section or equalizer. The position can be correlated to an amount of motor oil being retained within the bellows assembly. |
| US09988880B2 |
Systems and methods of drilling control
A system to optimize a drilling parameter of a drill string includes a drill string control subsystem. The system includes an optimization controller to coordinate operations of the drill string control subsystem during a drilling process at least in part by: determining a first optimized rate of penetration based on a drilling parameter model and a first drilling parameter estimate; providing a first set of commands to the drill string control subsystem based on the first optimized rate of penetration; determining a second drilling parameter estimate during the drilling process based, at least in part, on the drilling parameter model and feedback corresponding to the drill string control subsystem; determining a second optimized rate of penetration during the drilling process based on the second drilling parameter estimate; and providing a second set of commands to the drill string control subsystem based on the second optimized rate of penetration. |
| US09988879B2 |
Zonal allocation for multilayered subterranean reservoirs
A system, method, and software are provided for use in modeling zonal allocation in multilayered subterranean reservoirs. Information associated with a wellbore that is in fluid communication with producing zones of a multilayered subterranean reservoir is provided. A methodology is selected to compute zonal splits for the wellbore and zonal splits for the wellbore are automatically computed using the selected methodology and the information associated with the wellbore. |
| US09988878B2 |
One trip cleaning and tool setting in the cleaned location
A combination tool allows delivery of a tool such as a packer or bridge plug with a variety of well cleanup tools that are retracted for running in. Once in the vicinity of where the plug or packer is to be set or if an internal diameter is to be targeted using clean up tools after passing a restriction, an inner mandrel can be activated such as in conjunction with a j-slot to selectively extend one or more cleaning tools against the force of a return spring out though openings in an outer housing. Circulation is established either through an open port or by opening a circulation port with mandrel movement. Just the zone near where the packer or bridge plug is to be set is cleaned. The cleaning tools retract after use with further mandrel movement. The packer or plug is picked up into position and set and the bottom hole assembly is removed. The plug or packer can be set in a variety of ways. |
| US09988874B2 |
Diamond switching devices, systems and methods
An apparatus, device or system according to one or more aspects includes a first-type diamond semiconductor moveably positioned relative to a second-type diamond semi-conductor, the first-type diamond semiconductor operationally connected to a tool element, the first-type diamond semiconductor moving relative to the second type diamond semiconductor in response to movement of the tool element, and an electrical signal created in response to the first-type and the second-type diamond semi-conductors moving in and out of contact with one another, where the electrical signal or electrical signals are indicative of a monitored condition. |
| US09988873B2 |
Controlled swelling of swellable polymers downhole
A method of using a swellable polymer downhole may include introducing a first treatment fluid comprising a first aqueous fluid, a salt with a multivalent cation, and the swellable polymer into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; placing the swellable polymer in a portion of the subterranean formation; contacting the swellable polymer in the portion of the subterranean formation with a second treatment fluid comprising a second aqueous fluid and at least one selected from the group consisting of a precipitating agent, a chelating agent, and a combination thereof; and swelling the swellable polymer in the portion of the subterranean formation, thereby reducing fluid flow through the portion of the subterranean formation. |
| US09988869B2 |
Jarring using controllable powered bidirectional mechanical jar
A method for jarring allowing the operator to selectively control the jarring force while the tool is downhole and a powered bidirectional mechanical jar therefor, is disclosed. The jar includes a housing, an anvil fixed within the interior the housing, first and second hammers movably disposed within the housing at obverse sides of the anvil, first and second springs disposed to urge the hammers towards the anvil, and a rod with a radial catch that selectively engages and disengages the hammers so as move the hammers to compress the springs and thereafter release the hammers to be accelerated against the anvil. A actuator operates the catch. By controlling the movement of the rod, the spring compression and resultant jarring intensity can be controlled. A stroker tool may be provided to move the rod. |
| US09988867B2 |
Deploying an expandable downhole seat assembly
A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying a seat assembly into a tubing string; releasing the seat assembly at a downhole location inside the tubing string; pumping the seat assembly to a restriction in the tubing string at a second downhole location; and using an untethered object received in a seat assembly to form an obstruction in the tubing string. |
| US09988862B2 |
Elevator roller insert system
A device, system, and/or method for reducing friction required to rotate a tubular within an elevator during the process of running tubulars in an oil and gas well are provided. An elevator roller insert may be used in conjunction with an elevator, such as a single joint elevator. Such an insert may comprise upper and lower rollers which are positioned on upper and lower roller sets or a combination roller set containing multiple upper and/or lower rollers. The result is the provision of a plurality of rollers which bear the weight of a tubular yet still allow the tubular to rotate rather freely, facilitating the maintenance of proper thread integrity of the connections while making up a stand to a string of tubulars as well as preventing the loss of resources due to galled or crushed threads or a tubing segment or stand falling to the rig floor. |
| US09988861B2 |
Anti-recoil control design using a hybrid riser tensioning system in deepwater drilling
A riser data logging system can be installed on the riser top to provide real time information of the riser, instead of or in addition to relying on sensors installed on a tensioner. The riser recoil detection system can thus be made independent of any motion of the vessel. This logging system can feedback the riser top acceleration, velocity, position, and the wire-line tensions into a controller. By comparing the acceleration difference between the riser top and the vessel body, the controller can provide more reliable and faster detection of events occurring on a vessel, potentially detecting the condition within one second. If the acceleration exceeds a certain limit, the electrical tensioners are able to reduce the wire-line tension nearly instantaneously, providing a much more effective anti-recoil control that conventional hydro-pneumatic tensioners. |
| US09988858B1 |
End fitting for sucker rods
The disclosure relates to an end fitting attachable to an end of a sucker rod. The end fitting includes a generally cylindrical body including a receptacle portion and a coupling portion along a longitudinal axis. The receptacle portion includes a receptacle extending inwardly from an open end surface of the body along the longitudinal axis for receiving the sucker rod end therein. The receptacle includes a plurality of wedge portions disposed therein and the coupling portion extends from a coupling end surface of the body opposite the open end surface. The wedge portions each have a peak portion, a first angled portion and a second angled portion. Each second angled portion has an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis wherein each angle of the second angled portions increases from the open end surface of the receptacle portion toward the coupling portion of the end fitting. |
| US09988857B2 |
Method for manufacturing superior 13Cr friction-welded drillrod
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a superior 13Cr friction-welded drillrod, the method comprising the following steps: manufacturing a superior 13Cr tube body; manufacturing a superior 13Cr internally threaded coupler and a superior 13Cr externally threaded coupler, respectively; connecting the superior 13Cr internally threaded coupler and the superior 13Cr externally threaded coupler respectively to the two ends of the superior 13Cr tube body by means of frictional butt welding; after heating seam areas to 950° C.-1000° C., cooling same to below 200° C. by ejecting compressed air onto the surfaces of the seam areas, and then cooling the seam areas to room temperature by spraying water; and tempering the seam areas by heating same to 640° C.-700° C. By the present method, a superior 13Cr friction-welded drillrod can be manufactured, which, in the case of the exploration of a gas filed containing a relatively high level of CO2, can be not only used as a drillrod in an earlier stage of nitrogen well-drilling operation, but also used as an oil tube in a later stage of well completion with oil tube. |
| US09988855B2 |
Methods and apparatus for generating electromagnetic telemetry signals
An electromagnetic telemetry signal generating assembly comprises a first section of drill string, a second section of drill string, a gap sub configured to insulate the first section from the second section, and a power source configured to provide a first voltage to a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to drive a second voltage between the sections of drill string. The gap sub provides a gap of at least 12 inches (30 cm). The second voltage may be different than the first voltage. |
| US09988853B2 |
Retention of multiple rolling cutters
A cutting tool may include a tool body. At least one blade extends radially from the tool body, and cutters are coupled to the at least one blade. At least one retention component contributes to the retention of at least two of the plurality of cutters. |
| US09988852B2 |
Underreamer with adjustable cutter block expansion
An underreamer for increasing a diameter of a wellbore. The underreamer includes a body having an axial bore extending at least partially therethrough. A sleeve is arranged and designed to move a first axial distance within the body. A cutter block is movably coupled to the body. The cutter block is arranged and designed to move at least the first axial distance with respect to the body to contact the sleeve in response to hydraulic pressure in the bore. The cutter block moves from a first outer diameter to a second outer diameter as the cutter block moves the first axial distance. |
| US09988850B2 |
Symmetrical seal
A downhole seal system for roller cone drill bits includes a seal gland having a width larger than it depth. In one implementation, the seal gland includes a protrusion along its base on which a seal element seats. The seal element is a single, annular seal element with a recess formed therein so as to define two lobes. The seal element seats in the gland so that the recess engages the protrusion. The lobes function as separate seal elements, although they are a single unitary seal element disposed in a single gland. |
| US09988848B2 |
Method and apparatus for drilling multiple subsea wells from an offshore platform at a single site
A floating, offshore drilling and/or production platform is equipped with a rail-mounted transport system that can be positioned at a plurality of selected positions over the well bay of the vessel. The transport system can move a drilling riser with a drilling riser tensioner system and a blowout preventer from one drilling location to another without removing them from the well bay of the vessel. Using the transport system, the drilling riser is lifted just clear of a first well head and positioned over an adjacent, second well head using guidelines. The transport system may then move the upper end of the drilling riser (together with its attached tensioner and BOP) to a second drilling location. A dummy wellhead may be provided on the seafloor in order to secure the lower end of the drilling riser without removing it from the sea while production risers are being installed. |
| US09988845B2 |
Vibrating soil probe
A vibrating soil is provided for locating one or more underground utility conduits. The vibrating soil probe includes a handle, an elongate rigid probe body attached to the handle at a proximal end of the probe body, a probe head attached to a distal end of the probe body, a drive shaft attached to a motor at a first end of the drive shaft, the driveshaft disposed within the elongate rigid probe body, and a vibration mechanism disposed within the probe head, the vibration mechanism attached to a second end of the drive shaft. The vibration mechanism induces a vibration in the probe head of the soil probe to enable the probe head to penetrate the soil. |
| US09988838B2 |
TDBU window covering with carriage structure
A TDBU (top down, bottom up) window covering includes a first crossbeam and a second crossbeam below a fixture, wherein a slat assembly is connected between the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam. A first control structure is further provided in the first crossbeam, and a second control structure is provided in the second crossbeam. The first control structure moves the first crossbeam toward or away from the fixture, and the second control structure moves the second crossbeam toward or away from the first crossbeam. Whereby, the assembling and the maintenance of the window covering are more convenient and easier. |
| US09988837B2 |
Variable force brake for a window covering operating system
An operating system for a window covering includes at least one spring motor, at least one variable force brake, and at least one lift spool assembly operatively coupled to a panel for raising and lowering a panel. An effective shaft is operatively coupled to and synchronizes the spring motor, the variable force brake, and the lift spool. The variable force brake comprises a one-way clutch operatively coupled to the shaft. A brake member is operatively engaged with the one-way clutch to apply a brake force to the one-way clutch when the shaft is rotated. The magnitude of the brake force applied to the one-way clutch is determined by the rotational position of the shaft. |
| US09988835B2 |
Protection arrangement for an electric vehicle
A protection arrangement for a current collector arranged on a vehicle having a rechargeable energy storage includes a first protective state in which the current collector is covered by the protection arrangement and a second open state in which the protection arrangement allows contact between the current collector and a corresponding current supply during charging of the energy storage and where the protection arrangement is automatically opened from the protective state to the open state when the vehicle has reached a predefined charging position. The current collector can be enclosed when the vehicle is not charged and the protection arrangement can open automatically when a charging position is reached. This can improve the safety of the vehicle and obviate the need of a specific circuit breaker that can disconnect the current collector from the electric energy storage. The charging of the vehicle can also be simplified. |
| US09988830B2 |
Latch arrangement having a handle
A latch arrangement for fastening a panel of a door or a window to a frame element is provided. The latch arrangement includes a locking element mounted on the frame element and displaceable between a locked position in which the locking element can be engaged with a depression formed on the panel locking thereby the panel to the frame element, and an unlocked position in which the locking element can be disengaged from the depression on the panel unlocking thereby the panel from the frame element; an actuating mechanism including a manually operable handle, the actuating mechanism being mounted on the panel and being configured to selectively engage the locking element and to displace the locking element away from the depression to the unlocked position. |
| US09988826B1 |
Animal door interface system
An animal door system includes a door forming a body having: a front surface; a back surface; a first side; and a second side. The system further includes a plurality of hinges secured to the second side; a handle extending through a thickness of the body and configured to manipulate a latch extending through the first side of the body; a latch blocker secured over the latch and rigidly attached to the first side of the body; an animal interface rigidly secured to the first side of the body and configured to protrude relative to the front surface of the body; and an adjustable door return device secured to the back surface of the body of the door, the adjustable door return device is configured to return the door to a closed position. |
| US09988821B2 |
Floor covering element with slip resistant backing
A floor panel (10, 100) with an average density of between 1.5 and 2.5 g/cm3 and a mass per unit area (EN ISO 23997) of between 3.5 and 8 kg/m2, includes at least one soft elastic core layer (12) made from a PU material and a non-slip backing (22) having an embossing, with the lateral edges of the floor panel (10, 100) being contrived such that two adjacently installed floor panels (10, 100) abut against each other along their lateral edges in a non-locking manner. |
| US09988820B2 |
Panel construction member and mounting structure thereof
Provided are a panel construction member and a mounting structure for the same that can be rigidly mounted to a building and for which the panel, after being mounted, has excellent flexural strength and flexural rigidity. A panel construction member 1 has a layered structure in which a core plate 4 is disposed between a pair of metal plates 2, 3, wherein the panel construction member 1 is provided with a groove 5 that extends along at least one pair of edges of the panel construction member 1, and an undercut portion 5a that penetrates between the metal plates 2, 3 from the groove 5. A rail member 6 is mounted in the groove 5 of the panel construction member 1, and the panel construction member 1 is mounted to a ceiling or a wall by means of the rail member 6. |
| US09988817B2 |
Gate valve downspout diverter for rainwater collection
A downspout diverter for rainwater collection that is installed through a hole in the wall of a downspout and functions as a gate valve by redirecting the flow of water from a pan-like Interior gate through a fitted bushing and exterior hose spout. The gate can be turned from its horizontal capture position to its vertical non-capture position by rotating the bushing. It is easy to install and remove without disconnecting the downspout, and its small size and accessory plug effect a finished appearance to the downspout. |
| US09988814B2 |
Facade structure
A facade structure comprises a load-bearing underground, an insulating layer fastened to the load-bearing underground, said insulating layer being made of dimensionally-stable insulating panels with flat and supporting outer surfaces, and a tile covering which forms the outer skin of the facade structure and which comprises a plurality of tile elements fastened to the insulating layer by way of an adhesive, wherein the adhesive is designed to be elastic and is applied to the tile elements and/or the insulating layer in point or row-like fashion, and that spacers are disposed between the tile elements and the insulating layer, said spacers defining hollow interconnected spaces between the individual tile elements and the insulating layer. |
| US09988810B2 |
Fire barrier for wall sheathing materials
A sheathing material includes a layer of ceramic paper to help prevent the burning of the sheathing during a fire. The material may include insulation disposed between the ceramic paper and the substrate to further reduce damage to the substrate, and may include a thin layer of wood or paper placed over the ceramic paper to protect the ceramic paper and to allow the sheathing to be used in a manner similar to that of a conventional sheathing material. |
| US09988807B2 |
Drilling rig with self-elevating drill floor
The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, relates to a drilling rig with a self-elevating drill floor. The drilling rig may have one or more jacking systems that may operate to raise the drill floor. The one or more jacking systems may raise the drill floor to a height sufficient to accommodate a substructure such as a substructure box. A substructure box may be placed, and the one or more jacking systems may lower the drill floor onto the substructure box. Substructure boxes may be placed beneath the drill floor, using the one or more jacking systems, until a desired drill floor height is reached. In some embodiments, the one or more jacking systems may additionally operate to move the drilling rig, for example between adjacent wells on a pad drilling site. The jacking systems may operate the move the drilling rig using walking feet or another movement mechanism. |
| US09988804B2 |
Floor drain for same floor drainage without descending floor of building
A floor drain for same floor drainage of a building consists of a floor drain body and a floor drain cover The floor drain body consists of a lower accumulated water collection tank, a lateral accumulated water collection tank and an accumulated water discharge port. A bottom of the lower accumulated water collection tank is sealed, and has an angle of 70° to 120° with the lateral accumulated water collection tank. The floor drain cover is a plate with holes, and is divided into a lower upstream face and a lateral upstream face. The lower upstream face of the floor drain cover is located above the lower accumulated water collection tank, and the lateral upstream face of the floor drain cover is located outside the lateral accumulated water collection tank. |
| US09988802B1 |
Pre-primed siphonic toilet
A siphonic toilet including a bowl, a passageway and a valve. The passageway includes an entrance fluidly connected to the bowl, an outlet, and a dam located between the entrance and the outlet, wherein the dam and bowl are configured to hold a first volume of water prior to a flush cycle. An inlet is located in the passageway downstream from the dam to introduce water into the passageway downstream from the dam. The valve is located between the inlet and the outlet of the passageway, and the valve retains a second volume of water when in a closed position prior to the flush cycle of the toilet to affect a siphon during the flush cycle. |
| US09988792B2 |
Hydraulic apparatus based on confluence control mode
A hydraulic apparatus based on a confluence control mode includes a load sensing unit provided with first and second reversing valves, and a throttle governing unit provided with a fourth reversing valve. A confluence valve and a one-way valve, which communicate with the load sensing unit and the throttle governing unit, are arranged on a parallel oil path arranged in parallel with the fourth reversing valve. The confluence valve includes a confluence channel that controls opening and closing of the parallel oil path to shunt fluid of the throttle governing unit to the load sensing unit. A first pilot pressure acting on the first reversing valve and a second pilot pressure acting on the second reversing valve act on the confluence valve independently or simultaneously to change a position of the confluence channel, thus implementing reversing of the confluence valve. |
| US09988790B2 |
Working machine
A working machine includes a machine body including a motor room, a motor mounted on the machine body and housed in the motor room, a fan arranged above the motor, the fan being to generate an air flow downward, a radiator arranged above the fan, an oil cooler arranged above the fan, and a shroud disposed around the fan. The shroud includes an opening rim portion forming an air inlet to take air from the motor room. |
| US09988786B2 |
Skid steer loader lift linkage assembly
A lift linkage assembly for a work machine having a work tool. The lift linkage assembly includes a frame, a boom arm, an upper link, a lower link, and a hydraulic actuator. The boom arm is configured to be pivotally coupled to the work tool and has a surface that defines a longitudinal axis. The upper link has a first end pivotally coupled to the frame and a second end pivotally coupled to the boom arm. The lower link has a first end pivotally coupled to the frame and a second end pivotally coupled to the boom arm. The hydraulic actuator has a rod that is pivotally coupled to the boom arm and moves between a retracted position and an extended position. The upper link, lower link, and hydraulic actuator are each spaced from the longitudinal axis. |
| US09988781B2 |
Sand cleaning vehicle and a method of cleaning sand using the same
A sand cleaning vehicle including a debris collection mechanism that collects debris from sand, a storage compartment that stores the collected debris, a capture device that captures at least one image of the collected debris, a memory storing a computer program, and a processor that executes the computer program. The computer program categorizes the collected debris into a plurality of different debris types using at least one image of the collected debris. |
| US09988774B2 |
Attachment for clearance of worksites
A cutting device adapted to be pulled by a trailer. The cutting device comprises a frame which supports an engine and a cutting drum assembly powered by the engine. The cutting drum assembly comprises a self-aligning mount that allows movement of its drum relative to the frame. The engine is positioned such that its weight is provided to the cutting drum assembly to maintain a consistent depth of the cutting drum. A linear actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, allows the frame to pivot internally, so that the cutting drum assembly may be raised and lowered relative to the ground while translating the frame on wheels. |
| US09988773B2 |
Road paver having layer thickness detecting device and method
A road paver includes a screed for applying a material layer to a foundation and a layer thickness detecting device for detecting the thickness of the applied material layer. The layer thickness detecting device includes a first sensor for detecting a first distance from the applied material layer and a second sensor for detecting a second distance from the foundation. The layer thickness detecting device is securely attached to the screed. |
| US09988770B1 |
Impact wear plates for vibratory plate compactor
A vibratory plate compactor. The vibratory plate compactor may comprise a base plate configured to vibrate and compact a work surface, and an upper yoke having at least one leg disposed above and facing the base plate. The vibratory plate compactor may further comprise an impact wear plate affixed to the bottom surface of the at least one leg. The impact wear plate may be unattached to the base plate, and may be at least partially formed from a non-metallic material. |
| US09988768B2 |
System, method, and apparatus to restrict movement of railway guard bar
The disclosure provides a guard bar restraint for restricting movement of a guard bar. The guard bar restraint includes a hook block coupled to the front face of the guard bar, a back plate configured to contact the back face of the guard bar, and at least one fastener configured to hold the hook block against the front face of the guard bar and to hold the back plate against the back face of the guard bar. The guard bar restraint is coupleable to the guard bar and configured to allow no more than a maximum predetermined amount of lateral movement by the guard bar. |
| US09988766B2 |
Process of determining features of a papermaking fabric based on sizes and locations of knuckles and pockets in the fabric
A process of determining features of a fabric. A representation of a portion of a surface of the fabric is formed showing locations and sizes of knuckles and pockets in the fabric surface. The representation is a print or a photograph of the fabric surface. An image is generated based on the representation. At least a portion of the image is displayed on a computer screen. The sizes and locations of the knuckles or pockets is determined. A unit cell is drawn for the portion of the fabric surface in the image. The unit cell is defined by guidelines that (i) pass through the centers of the knuckles and (ii) form shapes that surround areas of the image that correspond to where the pockets are formed between the knuckles. A fabric planar volumetric index is calculated based on properties of the unit cell formed by the guidelines. |
| US09988759B2 |
Fluorosilicone polymers and surface treatment agent
A surface treatment agent, which can impart the excellent water- and oil-repellency, soil resistance and feeling to the substrate, is obtained from a fluorine-containing polymer which contains: (A) a monomer which comprises; (A1) a fluorine-containing monomer of the formula: CH2═C(—X)—C(═O)—Y—Z—Rf wherein X is a hydrogen atom, a monovalent organic group, or a halogen atom, Y is —O— or —NH—, Z is a direct bond or a divalent organic group, and Rf is a fluoroalkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and (A2) a (meth)acrylate monomer having a cyclic hydrocarbon group, and (B) at least one functional organopolysiloxane selected from the group consisting of a mercapto-functional organopolysiloxane, a vinyl-functional organopolysiloxane, a (meth)acrylamide-functional organopolysiloxane and a (meth)acrylate-functional group. |
| US09988757B2 |
Accommodating device for a removable filter in a domestic appliance
The invention relates to an accommodating device for a removable filter in a domestic appliance, having an accommodating opening for accommodating the filter at least in part, and having a seal which, with the filter inserted, seals the accommodating opening in relation to the filter. In order for fluff, hair and other deposits and contaminants both adhering to the filter and deposited in the vicinity of the accommodating opening to be reliably kept away from the accommodating opening when the filter is being removed, the seal is arranged at the accommodating opening and has at least one sealing element which, when the filter is being removed, passes out of a sealing operating position into a screening position, in which it encloses at least part of the accommodating opening with screening action. |
| US09988754B2 |
Apparatus and method for identifying treating chemistry in a laundry treating appliance dispensing assembly
A laundry treating appliance comprising a dispensing assembly which can identify laundry treating chemistry filled in a loading cup by way of a material sensor, and supplying said laundry treating chemistry to a proper corresponding bulk reservoir. |
| US09988753B2 |
Laundry treating appliance and methods of operation
A method of operating a laundry treating appliance includes controlling rotation of a drum during a cycle of operation by a controller communicably coupled to a motor, sending an excitation signal to a controller that randomly fluctuates an acceleration command to affect acceleration of the motor, determining, by the controller during excitation, one or more inputs sensed from the motor, and estimating with a parameter estimator parameter values of a laundry load in the drum based on the inputs. The cycle of operation can then be adjusted based on the estimated parameter values of the laundry load. |
| US09988752B2 |
Washing machine motor and washing machine comprising same
Provided are a washing machine motor including: an outer shaft connected to a washing tub; an inner shaft rotatably disposed inside the outer shaft and connected to a pulsator; an inner rotor connected to the outer shaft; an outer rotor connected to the inner shaft; a stator disposed between the inner rotor and the outer rotor with an air gap; and a planetary gear setmounted on the inner shaft so as to reduce a rotational speed. The washing machine motor includes the planetary gear set which increases a torque by reducing a rotational speed in the inner shaft connected to the pulsator to thereby allow implementation of a large-capacity washing machine. |
| US09988751B2 |
Laundry treating appliance and methods of reducing tub contact therein
Methods of reducing a likelihood of contact between a rotating laundry-container, such as a basket or drum, located within a tub of a laundry treating appliance where the method includes accelerating a rotational speed of the rotating laundry-container during an extraction cycle speed ramp, monitoring the friction associated with the rotating laundry-container during the speed ramp and comparing to a threshold and altering the accelerating of the rotational speed of the rotating laundry-container when the comparing indicates the threshold is satisfied. |
| US09988749B2 |
Under-thread supply device for sewing machine
The present invention relates to an under-thread supply device for a sewing machine, and more particularly, to an enhanced under-thread supply device for a sewing machine, in which the device of the present invention and a unit for mounting said device are just partially changed so as to increase the winding amount of the under-thread of conventional sewing machines in order to achieve improved efficiency of sewing and efficiently reduce the puckering of a work piece without causing changes in the basic structure of conventional sewing machines. |
| US09988747B2 |
Thread aspirating device for a dial group of a circular knitting machine
A thread aspirating device (1) for circular knitting machines, comprising a body (2) of the thread aspirating device having a lower side (3), defining an inlet opening (4) enabling inlet of one or more threads in the thread aspirating device, and an up per side (5), provided with an engaging portion (6) delimiting a passage opening (7) in the upper side. The thread aspirating device comprises a mouthpiece (10) extending between an open lower end (11), defining a mounting portion (12) complementarily shaped to the engaging portion, and an upper end (13) provided with an aspirating opening (14). The mouthpiece is superiorly mounted on the body of the device so that the mounting portion corresponds to the engaging portion; the mouthpiece and the body internally define an aspirating space (20) of the threads between the inlet opening and the aspirating opening. The mouthpiece and the body overall form, in mounting condition, a thread aspirating device in a single body. |
| US09988746B2 |
Partially degradable fibers and microvascular materials formed from the fibers
A partially degradable polymeric fiber includes a thermally degradable polymeric core and a coating surrounding at least a portion of the core. The thermally degradable polymeric core includes a polymeric matrix including a poly(hydroxyalkanoate), and a metal selected from the group consisting of an alkali earth metal and a transition metal, in the core polymeric matrix. The concentration of the metal in the polymeric matrix is at least 0.1 wt %. The partially degradable polymeric fiber may be used to form a microvascular system containing one or more microfluidic channels. |
| US09988742B2 |
Centrifugal electrospinning process
The present disclosure provides a fiber-forming process that includes: providing a centrifugal electrospinning apparatus that includes: an emitter that includes a rotating element having a rotational speed of 10,000 rpm or less; and a collector; and providing a spinning solution including at least one polymer dissolved in at least one solvent; supplying the spinning solution to the emitter; and directing the spinning solution from the emitter toward the collector under conditions effective to form separate fibrous streams from the spinning solution, vaporize the solvent, and produce polymeric fibers on the collector. |
| US09988740B1 |
Shaped induction field crystal printer
A crystal printer for fabricating a crystalline part, where the printer includes a crucible for holding a magnetic material that will be fabricated into the part. The printed also includes a heat sink being operable to cool the crucible and a plurality of shaped induction field generators disposed around the crucible and being operable to generate time-varying shaped magnetic fields. A controller controls the plurality of induction field generators so as to generate the time-varying shaped magnetic fields in a manner so that the magnetic fields interact with the material to heat selective areas within the material so that unheated areas in the material are cooled by the heat sink to harden the part into a desired crystalline orientation. |
| US09988734B2 |
Lipseals and contact elements for semiconductor electroplating apparatuses
Disclosed are cup assemblies for holding, sealing, and providing electrical power to a semiconductor substrate during electroplating which may include a cup bottom element having a main body portion and a moment arm, an elastomeric sealing element disposed on the moment arm, and an electrical contact element disposed on the elastomeric sealing element. The main body portion may be such that it does not substantially flex when a substrate is pressed against the moment arm, and it may be rigidly affixed to another feature of the cup structure. The ratio of the average vertical thickness of the main body portion to that of the moment arm may be greater than about 5. The electrical contact element may have a substantially flat but flexible contact portion disposed upon a substantially horizontal portion of the sealing element. The elastomeric sealing element may be integrated with the cup bottom element during manufacturing. |
| US09988730B2 |
Method of forming a metal layer and method of manufacturing a substrate having such metal layer
In a substrate like a printed circuit board comprising an insulator and a copper layer laminated on part of the insulator, said insulator outer surface and said copper layer outer surface are simultaneously subjected to a process (1) comprising treatment with an alkali metal hydroxide solution, a process (2) comprising treatment with an alkaline aqueous solution containing an aliphatic amine, a process (3) comprising treatment with an alkaline aqueous solution having a permanganate concentration of 0.3 to 3.5 wt % and a pH of 8 to 11, a process (4) comprising treatment with an acidic microemulsion aqueous solution containing a thiophene compound and an alkali metal salt of polystyrenesulphonic acid, and a process (5) comprising copper electroplating, which are implemented sequentially. |
| US09988727B2 |
Composite electrodes for the electrolysis of water
An electrode is provided that is suitable for use with the electrolysis of water in a liquid electrolyte medium, the electrode formulated by the following formulation method: a) dissolving, in a volatile solvent or a mixture of volatile solvents, at least one ion-conducting polymer binder that allows, in the solid state, the diffusion of the gases formed during electrolysis; b) adding, to the solution obtained in step a), at least one electrocatalytic material in the form of divided powder, in order to obtain a mixture; and c) depositing the mixture obtained in step b) on a metallic or metallic-type conductive support or collector, said support or said collector being openwork and chemically stable in an aqueous medium, steps a) and b) being able to be implemented simultaneously, successively or to be reversed. |
| US09988725B2 |
Electronic device having metal housing and method for manufacturing the same
An electronic device having a metal housing includes an external housing including a first face facing a first direction, a second face facing a second direction which is the opposite direction of the first direction, and a lateral face at least partially surrounding a space formed between the first and second faces, and a display exposed through the first face of the external housing, wherein the external housing includes a metal substrate having a first part at least partially forming the second face and a second part at least partially forming the lateral face, the second part being integrally extended from the first part; and a non-metallic material coated on the first part, and wherein the second part includes micro dimples having a repeated pattern on the lateral face. |
| US09988723B2 |
Surface treatment to passivate sublimation surfaces to hydrophobic contaminants
The sublimation capability of a porous metal plate used in a sublimator is maintained by heating the porous metal plate at an elevated temperature in a flowing stream of oxygen for an extended period of time to form an oxidized surface. A short chain molecule, such as citric acid, is attached to the oxidized surface having multiple functional carboxylate groups and no hydrophobic tail. |
| US09988720B2 |
Charge transfer roller for use in an additive deposition system and process
An electrostatic charge based additive deposition system that includes a charge transfer roller and a charging device. The charging device configured to selectively charge a portion of the charge transfer roller. A substrate portion is selectively charged based on contact with the selectively charged portion of the charge transfer roller. The selectively charged substrate portion then undergoing an additive deposition process in which electrostatically charged additive material is deposited onto the substrate based on the selective electrostatic charging of the substrate. |
| US09988718B2 |
Directed energy deposition with cooling mechanism
A material deposition system and method for cooling a component after material deposition. The method of deposition and cooling comprising a platform, a deposition head, and a cooling mechanism. The platform adapted to support a component for the addition of material. The deposition head including a material depositor configured to deposit material on a surface of a component supported on the platform an and an energy source configured to energize material deposited onto a surface of a component supported on the platform to bond the material to the component. The cooling system including bristles. |
| US09988716B2 |
Coating methods and apparatus
An apparatus for depositing a coating on a part comprises: a chamber; a source of the coating material, positioned to communicate the coating material to the part in the chamber; a plurality of thermal hoods; and means for moving a hood of the plurality of thermal hoods from an operative position and replacing the hood with another hood of the plurality of hoods. |
| US09988712B2 |
Substrate holding device
A device for holding at least one substrate in a process chamber of a CVD or PVD reactor includes a flat upper side on which at least one bearing area for the at least one substrate is located. An outline contour line corresponding to the outline contour of the substrate is flanked by positioning edges for positioning a respective section of an edge of the substrate. The device further includes carrying protrusions projecting from a bearing area base surface of the bearing area that is surrounded by the outline contour line. The carrying protrusions have contact surfaces that are raised in relation to the bearing area base surface, on which contact surfaces the substrate can be placed. In order to improve the temperature homogeneity of the surface of the substrate, each of the carrying protrusions originate from a recess of the bearing area base surface. |
| US09988711B2 |
Apparatus and method for multilayer deposition
An apparatus may include an extraction assembly comprising at least a first extraction aperture and second extraction aperture, the extraction assembly configured to extract at least a first ion beam and second ion beam from a plasma; a target assembly disposed adjacent the extraction assembly and including at least a first target portion comprising a first material and a second target portion comprising a second material, the first target portion and second target portion being disposed to intercept the first ion beam and second ion beam, respectively; and a substrate stage disposed adjacent the target assembly and configured to scan a substrate along a scan axis between a first point and a second point, wherein the first target portion and second target portion are separated from the first point by a first distance and second distance, respectively, the first distance being less than the second distance. |
| US09988710B2 |
Sputtering target and method for producing same
Provided are a sputtering target which has excellent machinability and is capable of forming a compound film that mainly contains Cu and Ga and a method for producing the sputtering target. The sputtering target of the present invention has a component composition that contains 15 to 40 at % of Ga, 0.1 to 5 at % of Bi, and the balance composed of Cu and unavoidable impurities with respect to all metal elements in the sputtering target. The method for producing the sputtering target includes a step of melting at least Cu, Ga and Bi as simple substances or an alloy that contains two or more of these elements at 1,050° C. or higher to produce an ingot. |
| US09988709B2 |
Sintered compact magnesium oxide target for sputtering, and method for producing same
A sintered compact magnesium oxide target for sputtering having a purity of 99.99 wt % or higher excluding C, a density of 3.57 g/cm3 or higher, and a whiteness of 60% or less. In order to uniformly deposit a magnesium oxide film, a magnesium oxide target having a higher purity and a higher density is being demanded. An object of this invention is to provide a target capable of realizing the above, and a method for producing such a target. While a magnesium oxide sintered compact sputtering target is produced by hot-pressing a raw material powder, there is a problem in that color shading occurs in roughly φ60 (within a circle having a diameter of 60 mm) at the center part of the target. Conventionally, no particularly attention was given to this problem. However, in recent years, it has become necessary to investigate and resolve this problem in order to improve the deposition quality. |
| US09988708B2 |
Dyeing method and apparatus for dyeing resin body by vaporization and deposition
A dyeing device dyes a resin body by vaporizing and depositing a sublimation dye adhered to a dyeing base to a resin body and fixing the dye to the resin body. The dyeing device lowers the pressure inside a closed chamber that closes the periphery of the resin body by a pump. In the state where the adhesion surface of the dyeing base to which the dye is adhered faces the resin body without contact, by heating the dye adhered to the dyeing base inside the closed chamber of which the pressure is lowered, the dye is sublimated, vaporized, and deposited on the resin body. The pressure inside the closed chamber is raised higher than the pressure at the vaporizing and depositing time. By irradiating the resin body on which the dye is vaporized and deposited with electromagnetic wave, the resin body is heated and the dye is and fixed. |
| US09988704B2 |
Manufacturing method of nitrided steel member
A manufacturing method of a nitrided steel member and the nitrided steel member include: performing a nitriding treatment on a steel member made of a carbon steel or an alloy steel in an atmosphere of a nitriding treatment gas in which when the total pressure is set to 1, a partial pressure ratio of NH3 gas is set to 0.08 to 0.34, a partial pressure ratio of H2 gas is set to 0.54 to 0.82, and a partial pressure ratio of N2 gas is set to 0.09 to 0.18, at a flow speed of the nitriding treatment gas set to 1 m/s or more, at 500 to 620° C.; and thereby, forming an iron nitride compound layer having a thickness of 2 to 17 μm on a surface of the steel member. |
| US09988701B2 |
Method for coating a substrate with a spray material and functional layer achievable with this method
A method for coating a substrate, in which a wire-shaped spray material is melted in an electric arc and is deposited as a functional layer on the substrate. The invention also relates to a functional layer which can be produced on the substrate by this method. The functional layer has a high hardness value and good corrosion resistance on exposure to diesel fuel with a high sulphur proportion. |
| US09988700B2 |
High-strength steel sheet and high-strength galvanized steel sheet excellent in shape fixability, and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a high-strength steel sheet excellent in shape fixability. The high-strength steel sheet contains C, Si, Mn, P, S, Al, N, and O with predetermined contents, in which a retained austenite phase of 5 to 20% in volume fraction is contained, an amount of solid-solution C contained in the retained austenite phase is 0.80 to 1.00% in mass %, WSiγ is 1.10 times or more WSi*, WMnγ is 1.10 times or more WMn*, and when a frequency distribution is measured with respect to a sum of a ratio between WSi and WSi* and a ratio between WAl and WAl*, a mode value of the frequency distribution is 1.95 to 2.05, and a kurtosis is 2.00 or more. |
| US09988698B2 |
Method of hardening articles and articles comprising the same
Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing on a base article a nickel-titanium alloy; where the nickel is in an amount of about 58 to about 62 weight percent and titanium in an amount of about 38 to about 42 wt %, based on the total weight of the nickel-titanium alloy; and applying a pressure of 12 to 20 kilopounds per square inch at a temperature of 1400 to 2100° F. for a period of 1 to 8 hours to form a nickel-titanium alloy coating on the base article. Disclosed is an article comprising a base article; and a nickel-titanium alloy; where the nickel-titanium alloy is disposed on the base article; where the nickel is in an amount of about 58 to about 62 weight percent and titanium in an amount of about 38 to about 42 wt %, based on the total weight of the nickel-titanium alloy. |
| US09988695B2 |
Method for producing an agglomerate made of fine material containing metal oxide for use as a blast furnace feed material
The invention relates to a method for producing an agglomerate, which is used as a blast furnace feed material, by mixing a fine material containing metal and/or metal oxide, a mineral binder, which comprises a mineral raw material and a lime-based material, and optionally other additives to form a mass and solidifying the mass to form an agglomerate, wherein a raw material comprising a silicon oxide fraction of at least 40 wt %, a fine grain fraction of less than 4 μm of at least 20 wt %, and a grain size fraction of less than 1 μm of at least 10 wt % is used as the mineral raw material. The invention further relates to a blast furnace feed material that can be produced by means of the method according to the invention, and to a pre-mixture for producing the blast furnace feed material. |
| US09988693B2 |
Genetic loci associated with resistance of soybean to cyst nematode and methods of use
Various compositions and methods are provided for identifying and selecting plants with enhanced resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Further provided are transgenic plants, plant parts, and seed and methods of their use comprising a heterologous polynucleotide operably linked to a promoter active in the plant are provided, as are methods of making such plants and methods of use, wherein said heterologous polynucleotide comprises at least one, or any combination thereof, of Glyma18g2580, Glyma18g2590, Glyma18g2600, Glyma18g2610; and Glyma18g2570 or an active variant or fragment thereof. Expression of the heterologous polynucleotide enhances the resistance of the plant to cyst nematode. |
| US09988682B2 |
Method for measuring bone loss rate
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing bone loss rate, particularly in the field of bone anchored implants. The present patent provides with a method that comprises the steps of: a) quantifying the expression level of one or more markers or ratio thereof related to the activity of osteoclasts and/or osteoblasts in an ex vivo sample; and b) determining the bone loss rate as a function of ongoing loss of marginal bone level by interpolating the value obtained in step a) in one or more calibration curves. The invention also relates to a kit for performing said method. |
| US09988678B2 |
DNA sequencing detection field effect transistor
A semiconductor structure is provided that can be used for DNA sequencing detection. The semiconductor structure includes a doped epitaxial source semiconductor material structure located on a first portion of a semiconductor substrate and a doped epitaxial drain semiconductor material structure located on a second portion of the semiconductor substrate. A gate dielectric portion is located on a third portion of the semiconductor substrate and positioned between the doped epitaxial source semiconductor material structure and the doped epitaxial drain semiconductor material structure. A non-stick nucleotide, DNA and DNA polymerase material structure is located atop the doped epitaxial source semiconductor material structure and atop the doped epitaxial drain semiconductor material structure, wherein a cavity is present in the non-stick nucleotide, DNA and DNA polymerase material structure that exposes a topmost surface of the gate dielectric portion. |
| US09988676B2 |
Microfluidic cartridge
A microfluidic cartridge can include at least one nucleic acid analysis portion. Each nucleic acid analysis portion can include a fluidic network being configured for micro-liter volumes or less, a sample input at the beginning of the fluidic network, a plurality of vent ports and fluidic channels in the fluidic network configured to effectuate hydrodynamic movement within the fluidic network, an extraction mixture reservoir in the fluidic network, a mixing chamber in the fluidic network, an amplification chamber in the fluidic network, and a separation channel in the fluidic network. A nucleic acid analyzer can be capable of performing nucleic acid analysis using the microfluidic cartridge. A nucleic acid analysis method can be performed using the microfluidic cartridge. |
| US09988673B2 |
Nucleic acid production and sequence analysis
A method for producing a nucleic acid molecule from a template nucleic acid sequence and a linking unit attached to a primer, which method comprises a step of contacting the template nucleic acid sequence with a nucleic acid polymerase under conditions which allow the nucleic acid polymerase to produce the nucleic acid molecule from the primer based on the template nucleic acid sequence, wherein the linking unit is attached to a target site in the template nucleic acid sequence with a covalent linkage. |
| US09988669B2 |
Medium used for blood sample collection and transport
The present invention provides materials and methods for the stable transport of aqueous biological samples without refrigeration. Samples stabilized and handled by the methods of the present invention are stable for weeks, months or longer. |
| US09988667B2 |
Device and methods for epigenetic analysis
Provided herein are methods and devices for single object detection. The methods and devices can be used to identify a plurality of epigenetic markers on a genetic material, or a chromatin, encompassing fragments thereof. The invention provides for the characterization of the genetic material flowing through a channel in a continuous body of fluid based on detection of one or more properties of the genetic material. The methods and systems provided herein allow genome-wide, high-throughput epigenetic analysis and overcome a variety of limitations common to bulk analysis techniques. |
| US09988665B2 |
Methods for determining protein binding specificity using peptide libraries
A method for determining protein binding specificity using a screen of a peptide library is provided. The method can be used to determine binding specificity for human NAD+-dependent deacetylase SIRT1, and to identify the most efficiently deacetylated peptide sequences. The method can be also used to screen a combinatorial H4 histone N-terminal tail peptide library to examine the binding preferences of a α-phos (S1) H4 antibody toward all known possible H4 histone modification states. |
| US09988664B2 |
Fiber sampler for recovery of bioaerosols and particles
A bioparticle collection device and an aerosol collection system. The bioparticle collection device includes a collection medium including a plurality of fibers formed into a fiber mat and configured to collect bioparticles thereon, and includes a viability enhancing material provider disposed in a vicinity of the plurality of fibers and configured to provide a viability enhancing material to the collected bioparticles to maintain viability of the bioparticles collected by the fiber mat. The aerosol collection system includes an aerosol pumping device configured to entrain particles in an gas stream, an aerosol saturation device configured to saturate the particles in the gas stream with a biocompatible liquid, and an aerosol collection medium downstream from the aerosol saturation device and including a plurality of fibers formed into a fiber mat for collection of the saturated aerosol particles. |
| US09988647B2 |
Methods of anaerobic digestion of biomass to produce biogas
Improved methods for anaerobic digestion of organic matter to produce biogas. Among the improvements given are including ferric iron in a hydrolysis reactor to increase the rate and efficiency of anaerobic hydrolysis to provide substrates for methanogenesis. A solids separation step is added after hydrolysis and before methanogenesis to improve the efficiency of the methanogenesis step. Other improvements involve using separate tanks for the hydrolysis and methanogenesis stages and using two (or more) methanogenesis tanks in sequence, and switching the order of the two (or more) methanogenesis tanks periodically. |
| US09988646B2 |
Methods of anaerobic digestion of biomass to produce biogas
Improved methods for anaerobic digestion of organic matter to produce biogas. Among the improvements given are including ferric iron in a hydrolysis reactor to increase the rate and efficiency of anaerobic hydrolysis to provide substrates for methanogenesis. A solids separation step is added after hydrolysis and before methanogenesis to improve the efficiency of the methanogenesis step. Other improvements involve using separate tanks for the hydrolysis and methanogenesis stages and using two (or more) methanogenesis tanks in sequence, and switching the order of the two (or more) methanogenesis tanks periodically. |
| US09988645B2 |
Vectors with modified initiation codon for the translation of AAV-REP78 useful for production of AAV
The present invention relates nucleic acid constructs for the production of recombinant parvoviral (e.g. adeno-associated viral) vectors in insect cells, to insect cells comprising such constructs and to methods wherein the cells are used to produce recombinant parvoviral virions. The insect cells preferably comprise a first nucleotide sequence encoding the parvoviral rep proteins whereby the initiation codon for translation of the parvoviral Rep78 protein is a suboptimal initiation codon that effects partial exon skipping upon expression in insect cells. The insect cell further comprises a second nucleotide sequence comprising at least one parvoviral (AA V) inverted terminal repeat (ITR) nucleotide sequence and a third nucleotide sequence comprising a sequences coding for the parvoviral capsid proteins. |
| US09988644B2 |
Compounds for improved viral transduction
The present invention provides methods and compositions for improving the efficacy of viral transduction of cells. More particularly, the present invention provides methods and materials useful for safely and reliably improving the efficiency of methods for transducing cells, such as human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), with viruses and/or viral vectors. The compositions and methods are useful for therapeutic indications amenable to treatment with hematopoietic stem cell gene therapies. |
| US09988640B2 |
Nucleic acid sequences encoding transcription factors regulating alkaloid biosynthesis and their use in modifying plant metabolism
Plant metabolism and alkaloid levels can be regulated by transcription factors that regulate the nicotinic alkaloid biosynthetic pathway. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a transcription factor that negatively regulates alkaloid biosynthesis, such as nicotine biosynthesis. |
| US09988638B2 |
Synthetic bi-directional plant promoter
This disclosure concerns compositions and methods for promoting transcription of a nucleotide sequence in a plant or plant cell, employing a minimal core promoter element from a Arabidopsis thaliana Ubiquitin-10 gene promoter or Cassava Vein Mosaic Virus promoter, and the full-length nucleotide sequence elements from a Cassava Vein Mosaic Virus promoter. Some embodiments relate to a synthetic CsVMV bi-directional promoter that functions in plants to promote transcription of two operably linked nucleotide sequences. |
| US09988632B2 |
Composition including pint gene expression inhibitor or pint activity inhibitor and use thereof
Provided are a composition for stimulating DNA damage in cells, the composition including a p53 induced non-coding transcript (PINT) gene expression inhibitor or a PINT activity inhibitor, a method of killing senescent cells in a subject, and a method of monitoring DNA damage in cells. |
| US09988628B2 |
Agents useful in treating facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
The invention teaches antisense agents and RNA interference agents useful for treating diseases and conditions the treatment of which can benefit from reducing the expression of double homeobox 4 and/or double homeobox 4c, more particularly facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Further elaborated are methods, uses and further products employing such agents. |
| US09988619B2 |
Non-natural amino acid tRNA synthetases for pyridyl tetrazine
The invention provides methods and compositions for a mutein aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase that preferentially charges a tRNA with a non-natural amino acid. Also provided are methods for incorporating the non-natural amino acids, pyridinyl-amino tetrazine amino acids, into a protein, and further conjugating a biologically active adduct to the pyridinyl-amino tetrazine. |
| US09988609B2 |
Fructose amino acid oxidase, preparation method and enzyme-containing kit for detecting glycated albumin
Fructosyl amino acid oxidase is provided, which has an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQID. No. 1 or fructosyl amino acid oxidase having a homology of more than 80% with this amino acid sequence, on a corresponding site of an amino acid selected from following (a) to (f), having one or more amino acid residues conducting a substitution, obtained fructosyl amino acid oxidase having a higher thermostability: (a) 59-site glutamic acid, (b) 98-site glutamic acid, (c) 225-site glycine, (d) 277-site lysine, (e) 285-site glutamic acid, and (f) 355-site aspartic acid. The method for preparing the above oxidase and the test kit containing the enzyme for determining glycated albumin are also provided. |
| US09988607B2 |
Artificial three-dimensional microenvironment niche culture and methods of using the same
Described here are three-dimensional microenvironment niches prepared from biomaterial compositions that support growth and self renewal of stem cells. The invention also provides methods for inducing pluripotency in a somatic cell using chemical compounds, as well as methods for screening for compounds that can induce pluripotency in a somatic cell. |
| US09988599B2 |
Modular single-use kits and methods for preparation of biological material
Disclosed herein are standardized and optimized, modular single-use kits and methods for sterile or non-sterile preparation of biological material, such as cells or tissue, for immediate use, further preparation, or storage. These single-use kits and methods facilitate and improve a healthcare practitioner's ability to prepare biological material for research, diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in a convenient, consistent, repeatable, safe and effective manner. |
| US09988597B2 |
Method and apparatus for cultivating cells
In a method for cultivating cells, there is provided a container (4) comprising an at least partly flexible container wall structure (41). The container is at least resting on a support structure (2). Into the container's interior space (42) there is introduced a gas, a liquid medium (5) and a cell culture. At least part of said support structure together with the container thus resting thereon are being moved, thereby inducing motion to the liquid medium in the container. An upwardly facing outer surface structure of said support structure comprises an elongate downwardly recessed portion (24, 25, 26) which causes a gutter (7) in the container's bottom wall structure (43). |
| US09988596B2 |
Controlled germination apparatus
Embodiments herein disclosed relate to a computer-controlled germination system built around a rotating vessel within which a germinating process takes place. The system includes automatable controls over air flow, water flow, temperature, and vessel rotation. |
| US09988595B2 |
Water soluble unit dose article comprising an aversive agent
Water soluble unit dose article comprising detergent or cleaning composition, a water-soluble film surrounding the composition and a particle comprising an aversive agent coated onto the outer surface of the water soluble film, and a process for making the water soluble unit dose article. |
| US09988594B2 |
Low-VOC cleaning substrates and compositions containing a non-ionic surfactant
A cleaning composition for sanitizing and/or disinfecting hard surfaces, comprising: a cationic biocide, surfactant and low levels of VOC solvents. The cleaning composition is adapted to clean a variety of hard surfaces without leaving behind a visible residue and creates low levels of streaking and filming on the treated surface. The cleaning composition contains less than 5% by weight of VOCs. The cleaning composition may be used alone as a liquid or spray formulation or in combination with a substrate, for example, a pre-loaded cleaning wipe. |
| US09988592B2 |
Organic compounds
An aryl-substituted alkanal compound having a molecular weight of less than 300 g/mol and which bears a substituent on the aryl ring ortho to a substituent bearing the aldehyde functionality. Said compounds are useful as perfume ingredients in personal care and household care products. |
| US09988591B2 |
Perfume compositions
An ethanol-free perfumed composition includes a fragrance and: a) at least one crypto anionic surfactant, b) at least one ethoxylated nonionic surfactant having a molecular weight greater than 1700 containing at least 40% of ethylene oxide, d) at least one glycol having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and e) water; wherein the weight ratio of the fragrance to the surfactants and glycols is from 1/1 to 1/6. |
| US09988587B2 |
Process for removal of nitrogen from natural gas
A method for removing nitrogen from natural gas includes contacting substantially dry natural gas that contains unwanted nitrogen with lithium metal. The nitrogen reacts with lithium to form lithium nitride, which is recovered for further processing, and pipeline quality natural gas. The natural gas may optionally contain other chemical species that may be reduced by lithium, such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and small amounts of water. These lithium reducible species may be removed from the natural gas concurrently with the removal of nitrogen. The lithium nitride is subjected to an electrochemical process to regenerate lithium metal. In an alternative embodiment, lithium nitride is reacted with sulfur to form lithium sulfide and nitrogen. The lithium sulfide is subjected to an electrochemical process to regenerate lithium metal and sulfur. The electrochemical processes are advantageously performed in an electrolytic cell containing a lithium ion selective membrane separator. |
| US09988580B2 |
System and method for removing hydrogen sulfide from oilfield effluents
Mobile treatment systems and methods for use in removing hydrogen sulfide from oilfield effluents. The systems and methods use a pre-treatment subsystem, a vapor treatment subsystem and a treatment subsystem interconnected by a plurality of piping and valve subsystems. The systems and methods are not dependent on pH and may operate at temperatures as low as −20° C. The systems are easily transported to, and readily assembled at a site and are inexpensive, simple, quick, and extremely effective at removing large-scale quantities of hydrogen sulfide from oilfield effluents. |
| US09988578B2 |
Method of fuel for energetics production
Pressure vessels containing a charge are preheated at pressure of 2 to 5 kPa with liquid heat carrier to maximally 120° C. They are afterheated in another place to maximally 550° C. The pressure vessels are continually added and/or replaced and generated gasses are continuously drawn off, cooled to maximally 60° C. and separated oily condensate. Residual gasses and solid residues are burned after treatment in a cogeneration unit. |
| US09988573B2 |
Slurry, polishing liquid set, polishing liquid, method for polishing substrate, and substrate
The polishing liquid according to the embodiment comprises abrasive grains, an additive and water, wherein the abrasive grains satisfy either or both of the following conditions (a) and (b). (a) Producing absorbance of at least 1.50 for light with a wavelength of 400 nm in an aqueous dispersion with a content of the abrasive grains adjusted to 1.0 mass %, and also producing light transmittance of at least 50%/cm for light with a wavelength of 500 nm in an aqueous dispersion with a content of the abrasive grains adjusted to 1.0 mass %. (b) Producing absorbance of at least 1.000 for light with a wavelength of 290 nm in an aqueous dispersion with a content of the abrasive grains adjusted to 0.0065 mass %, and also producing light transmittance of at least 50%/cm for light with a wavelength of 500 nm in an aqueous dispersion with a content of the abrasive grains adjusted to 1.0 mass %. |
| US09988572B2 |
Lighting apparatus
This lighting apparatus is provided with a blue LED chip having a maximum peak at a wavelength of 420-480 nm and a fluorescent material-containing resin layer disposed on the front of the blue LED chip in the light emission direction. The fluorescent material-containing resin layer is obtained by mixing and dispersing a LuAg fluorescent material, which is represented by the formula Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+ and in which the Ce activation rate is 2 mol. % or lower relative to Lu, and a double fluoride fluorescent material represented by the formula A2(B1−xMnx)F6 (in the formula, A is at least one type of element selected from among the group consisting of Li, Na, K and Cs, B is at least one type of element selected from among the group consisting of Si, Ti, Nb, Ge and Sn, and x is an integer that falls within the range 0.001≤x≤0.1) in a resin. The present invention is capable of achieving a higher sense of brightness, high visibility and a sense of brightness across a wide range under scotopic conditions or mesopic conditions with an emitted light color close to black body radiation. |
| US09988567B2 |
Azeotrope-like compositions of tetrafluoropropene and hydrofluorocarbons
Provided are azeotrope-like compositions comprising tetrafluoropropene and hydrofluorocarbons and uses thereof, including use in refrigerant compositions, refrigeration systems, blowing agent compositions, and aerosol propellants. |
| US09988560B2 |
Antistatic silicone release coating films
The invention relates to an antistatic silicone release film having a layer coated with an antistatic silicone release composition, and, used for semiconductors, electronics and display devices while addressing problems of static electricity generated when a general release film is separated from adhesive or an adhesive layer, and of contamination by such static electricity that causes critical product defects. The invention also relates to an antistatic silicon release film that can reduce product contamination caused by static electricity in peeling the film from adhesive or an adhesive layer, and achieves close adhesion between a substrate and a coated layer because of no interruption in curing a release layer, and also thereby has a stable release property. |
| US09988555B2 |
Water-borne polyamide-urea dispersions
Polymers are disclosed that incorporate large portions of elastomeric polyamide oligomers connected with polyisocyanates. These polymers have enhanced properties over similar polyurethanes due to better hydrolysis resistance of polyamides over polyesters and better UV resistance of polyamides over polyethers. Polyurea linkages can also improve properties over polyurethane linkages. Composites and hybrids of these polymers and other polyamides with vinyl polymers are also disclosed and claimed. |
| US09988553B2 |
Thermosetting coating compositions
The present invention provides emulsions comprising curable polyesters and certain surfactants. The emulsions are useful as coatings binders in waterborne thermosetting coating compositions and can be used in conjunction with cross-linking compounds reactive with curable polyesters. Also provided are shaped or formed articles coated with the waterborne thermosetting coating compositions of the invention. |
| US09988534B2 |
Polyimide precursor composition and method for producing polyimide precursor composition
A polyimide precursor composition includes a solvent mixture containing an alcohol solvent and a water-insoluble solvent that is at least one selected from the solvent group consisting of water-insoluble ketones and water-insoluble ethers; and a polyimide precursor dissolved in the solvent mixture. |
| US09988532B2 |
Flame retardant thermoplastic elastomers
A flame-retardant thermoplastic elastomer compound includes polyphenylene ether, a hydrogenated styrene block copolymer, at least one solid non-halogenated phosphorus containing flame retardant, a nucleated olefinic polymer, two different specific UV stabilizers, and pigment. The compound has a before-aging tensile elongation of >200% and an after-aging tensile elongation residual of at least 75% according to UL 62. The compound is useful for making an insulation layer, a jacketing layer, or both for protected electrical lines such as alternating current wire and cable products, accessory cables, and a variety of injection molded electrical or electronic parts. |
| US09988529B2 |
High flow polyaryletherketone composition
A polymer composition that contains a polyaryletherketone and thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer, which are melt processed in the presence of a flow modifier. The flow modifier is a functional compound that contains one or more hydroxyl functional groups. |