| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US10042465B2 |
Display device having unexposed touch wires
A display device includes a display panel including a display unit configured to display an image, a pad portion disposed in a periphery of the display unit, the pad portion configured to receive a driving signal for driving the display unit, and a touch sensor disposed on the display panel. The touch sensor includes sensing electrodes disposed on the display panel, and touch wires electrically connected to the pad portion and disposed on the display panel, the touch wires being respectively connected to the sensing electrodes to transmit a touch signal. |
| US10042462B2 |
Electronic apparatus and mode control method and touch sensing method thereof
A touch sensing method of an electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic device includes a touch sensor and a motion sensor. The touch sensing method includes: performing touch detection with the touch sensor to generate a touch signal having a first amplitude; performing motion detection with the motion sensor to generate a motion signal having a second amplitude; determining whether the first amplitude is smaller than a first predetermined value, and determining whether the second amplitude is greater than a second predetermined value; and when the first amplitude is smaller than the first predetermined value and the second amplitude is greater than the second predetermined value, increasing a signal gain corresponding to the touch signal. |
| US10042459B2 |
Dynamic voltage generation for touch-enabled displays
The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that provides power for a touch-enabled display, wherein the touch-enabled display cycles between a display mode and a touch mode. During the display mode, the system drives a display-mode voltage to the touch-enabled display through a power output, wherein the power output is coupled through a display-mode capacitor CD to ground. Next, during a transition from the display mode to the touch mode, the system couples the power output through a touch-mode capacitor CT to ground, wherein CT was previously charged to a touch-mode voltage, which causes the power output to rapidly transition to the touch-mode voltage. Then, during the touch mode, the system drives the touch-mode voltage through the power output. |
| US10042455B2 |
Detecting sensor having position detection and pressing force detection electrodes
A detecting sensor is disclosed that includes position detection electrodes provided on a surface of a board which has flexibility, and are provided at a distance in a planar direction. Furthermore, the detecting sensor includes an insulator film provided on the surface of the board that covers the electrodes; pressing force detection electrodes provided on a back surface of the board; and a pressing force detection electrode provided to oppose to the electrodes with a gap therebetween. Consequently, it is possible to provide the detecting sensor that can reliably receive a user's input operation and precisely detect a pressing position and a pressing force. |
| US10042452B2 |
Touch sensor device and method for forming the same
A touch sensor device is provided. The touch sensor device includes a substrate having a sensing region and a non-sensing region. There is a plurality of sensor electrodes disposed on the surface of the substrate in the sensing region. At least one of the sensor electrodes has a sidewall with a concave-convex contour. The concave-convex contour includes a first convex portion, a second convex portion, and a concave portion between the first convex portion and the second convex portion. The first convex portion is closer to the surface of the substrate than the second convex portion, and the first convex portion is more outward than the second convex portion. A method for forming the touch sensor device is also provided. |
| US10042446B2 |
Interaction modes for object-device interactions
In one embodiment, a method includes determining, based on output from a sensor, a proximity of an object to a device and comparing the determined proximity to a threshold proximity. The method further includes selecting, based on the comparison, an interaction mode for processing interactions between the object and the device. The method further includes processing interactions between the object and the device according to the selected interaction mode. |
| US10042445B1 |
Adaptive display of user interface elements based on proximity sensing
Described herein are techniques for adaptively displaying graphic elements (e.g., user interface elements) on a display of a device based on sensing proximity of an input device (e.g., a hand or fingertip of a user, a stylus, etc.) to the display of the device. For example, in response to an input device being detected to be less than a threshold distance from the display of the device, one or more graphic elements are presented or dynamically resized on the display. However, in response to no input device being detected to be less than the threshold distance from the display, the one or more graphic elements are not presented or are maintained in their current size on the display. |
| US10042436B2 |
Rolling foot controller
Various devices for providing foot controlled computing device inputs are discussed herein. Some embodiments may include a rolling foot controller including a housing, one or more motion sensors disposed within the housing, and processing circuitry. The housing may include an upper portion configured to interface with one or more feet, and a lower portion configured to facilitate motion of the rolling foot controller when disposed on a ground surface. The processing circuitry may be configured to receive the motion data generated by the one or more motion sensors, and provide the motion data to a computing device, especially with regards to rotation in the pitch, yaw, and roll directions. The upper portion is generally of convex shape, curved about one or more axes, and the lower portion is generally convex as well, curved about two or more axes. |
| US10042431B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium
There is provided an information processing apparatus including a data acquiring unit configured to acquire content to which metadata is attached and the metadata attached to the content, the metadata being generated from data obtained from a sensor mounted on a subject, and a display control unit configured to reflect contents of the metadata acquired by the data acquiring unit in display of the content to which the metadata acquired by the data acquiring unit is attached. |
| US10042428B2 |
Non-touch control apparatus and control method thereof
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a non-touch control apparatus, including: a main control integrated circuit, an ultrasonic generating circuit, a first transducer device and a second transducer device, wherein the main control integrated circuit is configured to, in response to a condition that the device is in a non-touch control mode, switch on the ultrasonic generating circuit so as to control the second transducer device to send out a first acoustic wave signal, the first transducer device is configured to be capable of receiving a second acoustic wave signal including the first acoustic wave signal, converting the second acoustic wave signal into a first electric signal, and outputting the first electric signal, wherein, the main control integrated circuit is configured to be capable of receiving a second electric signal derived from the first electric signal. |
| US10042425B2 |
Electronic device and method for controlling vibration of electronic device
A method for controlling vibration of an electronic device having a flexible screen and a vibration driving unit, which includes: acquiring a folding parameter of the flexible screen; and adjusting a vibration parameter of the vibration driving unit in the electronic device according to the folding parameter. With the method according to the disclosure, the vibration parameter of the vibration driving unit in the electronic device may be adjusted to different folding states, so that the vibration energy generated by the vibration driving unit could be sensed. |
| US10042424B2 |
Electrostatic adhesive based haptic output device
A haptic output device includes a substrate, an array of electrodes disposed on the substrate, and a layer of dielectric material disposed on the array of electrodes. The layer of dielectric material has an exposed outer surface comprising a micro-patterned texture configured to increase adhesion between the exposed outer surface and a contact surface in contact with the exposed outer surface. The haptic output device includes a controller configured to direct a voltage potential across the array of electrodes to generate an electrostatic adhesive force between the exposed outer surface and the contact surface as a haptic effect. |
| US10042422B2 |
Systems, articles, and methods for capacitive electromyography sensors
Systems, articles, and methods for improved capacitive electromyography (“EMG”) sensors are described. The improved capacitive EMG sensors include one or more sensor electrode(s) that is/are coated with a protective barrier formed of a material that has a relative permittivity εr of about 10 or more. The protective barrier shields the sensor electrode(s) from moisture, sweat, skin oils, etc. while advantageously contributing to a large capacitance between the sensor electrode(s) and the user's body. In this way, the improved capacitive EMG sensors provide enhanced robustness against variations in skin and/or environmental conditions. Such improved capacitive EMG sensors are particularly well-suited for use in wearable EMG devices that may be worn by a user for an extended period of time and/or under a variety of skin and/or environmental conditions. A wearable EMG device that provides a component of a human-electronics interface and incorporates such improved capacitive EMG sensors is described. |
| US10042418B2 |
Proximity detector in handheld device
Proximity based systems and methods that are implemented on an electronic device are disclosed. The method includes sensing an object spaced away and in close proximity to the electronic device. The method also includes performing an action in the electronic device when an object is sensed. |
| US10042417B2 |
Branch prediction with power usage prediction and control
A circuit arrangement maintains power usage prediction information for one or more functional units in branch prediction logic for a processing unit such that the power consumption of a functional unit may be selectively reduced in association with the execution of branch instructions when it is predicted that the functional unit will be idle subsequent to the execution of such branch instructions. |
| US10042408B2 |
Electrical power supply for an electronic vapor device
Provided is a method, comprising determining, by a processor, a case status corresponding to a power status of a power device of a case and a vaporizer status corresponding to a power status of a power device of a vaporizer device, determining, by the processor, whether power should be transferred between the power device of the case and the power device of the vaporizer device, and causing, by the processor, the determined power to transfer between the power device of the case and the power device of the vaporizer device. |
| US10042405B2 |
Adjusting source voltage based on stored information
Apparatuses and methods to adjust a source voltage based on stored information are provided. The apparatus includes a circuit configured to receive power from a power source through a power distribution network, a storage medium storing data specifying one or more electrical characteristics of the circuit, and a control circuit configured to adjust a source voltage at the power source based on the data stored in the storage medium. The method includes receiving power by a circuit from a power source through a power distribution network, reading data specifying one or more electrical characteristics of the circuit from a storage medium, and adjusting a source voltage at the power source based on the data stored in the storage medium. |
| US10042403B2 |
Management of power-over-ethernet installation
Described is a management unit (1) and a method for operating such a unit in a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) installation. The management unit (1) comprises at least one first port (12a) to which an external device (2) can be connected, and it is adapted to control the power delivered at a first port (12a) in dependence on predetermined switching rules. |
| US10042401B2 |
Apparatus and method for thermal management of a memory device
A system and method for thermal management of a memory device is described. In an embodiment, one or more thermal sensors sends a signal to a thermal control module indicating that a pre-determined temperature threshold for a memory device or devices has been reached. The thermal control module may then begin tracking memory thermals or initiate thermal management operations based on the signal and history of memory device temperatures over time. |
| US10042394B2 |
Foldable plate and foldable display device with the same
Provided are a foldable plate and a foldable display device with the same. A foldable plate includes: a first area including a first material having a first elastic modulus, a second area including the first material, the second area being separate from the first area, a third area including a second material having a second elastic modulus lower than the first elastic modulus, the third area being interposed between the first area and the second area. |
| US10042393B2 |
Soft display device for portable terminal
Disclosed is a soft display device for a foldable portable terminal, the soft display device including a first and a second folding parts which have been coupled to each other in a foldable manner, and a soft display part comprising a physically exposed portion. Each of the first and second folding parts has first and second outer surfaces, and the first and second outer surfaces face in opposite directions to each other. The first outer surfaces of the first and second folding parts come in contact with each other when the first and second folding parts are folded together. The exposed portion is disposed over the second outer surfaces of the first and second folding parts. |
| US10042392B2 |
Flexible device
A flexible device that includes a flexible display panel bent to have a curved surface and a supporting member provided at one end of the flexible display panel. The flexible display panel makes contact with a portion of the supporting member and surrounds the supporting member while being bent. |
| US10042386B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
[Object] To provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for enabling a user to easily and accurately determine an operation state of the apparatus.[Solution] An information processing apparatus includes a display panel 101a, a touch panel 101b for detecting a finger moving on the display panel, and a control unit 103 for designating a predetermined moving direction Dd and determining an operation state of the apparatus based on a difference between the designated moving direction Dd and a moving direction Da of the finger moving on the display panel according to the designation. When the apparatus is operated with either hand, a difference due to a finger used for the operation easily occurs between the designated moving direction and the moving direction of the finger due to a structure of the hand. When the apparatus is operated with both hands, a difference due to fingers used for the operation hardly occurs between the designated moving direction and the moving direction of the finger. An operation state of the apparatus can be determined based on the difference between the moving directions. |
| US10042383B2 |
Navigation system and mouse device
A clock calibration method of a navigation system is provided. The clock calibration method includes: entering a calibration mode; sequentially issuing, by a host, a count start signal and a count end signal separated by a time interval; counting a local oscillation frequency of a local oscillator when a navigation device receives the count start signal from the host; disabling the counting when the navigation device receives the count end signal from the host and generating a current count; generating a calibration signal according to the current count and a predetermined count corresponding to the time interval; and calibrating the local oscillation frequency of the local oscillator according to the calibration signal. |
| US10042381B2 |
Double wireless receipt and transmission with mechanical movement causing second wireless transmission
A mechanical or lockable device is operated based on the use of wireless transmission (electrical data connection or mechanical tapping) to a key housing. The key housing converts the transmission (a first transmission) into a code and checks if the code is correct. If so, a mechanical press of a button on a key fixedly held in place in the housing is made. The key is a further wireless transmitter which transmits, via a second transmission, a code to move a mechanical object, such as a latch in a car door lock or a garage door. In this manner, two wireless transmissions are made to two different receivers, causing two different mechanical movements, in sequence. |
| US10042376B2 |
MOS capacitors for variable capacitor arrays and methods of forming the same
A capacitor structure is described. The capacitor structure includes a substrate, a plurality of source/drain regions formed in the substrate, and a plurality of gates formed above the substrate. The plurality of gates formed above the substrate such that each of the plurality of gates is formed between each pair of source/drain regions of the plurality of source/drain regions to form a channel between each pair of source/drain regions. |
| US10042372B2 |
DC-DC converter device and sub DC-DC converter of parallel structure included therein
A DC-DC converter device and a sub DC-DC converter unit with parallel structure included in the same are disclosed. The DC-DC converter device includes a main DC-DC converter unit configured to receive a (1-1)th reference voltage, a (1-2)th reference voltage and a (n−1)th output voltage, and output an nth first output current corresponding to an nth output voltage; and a sub DC-DC converter unit configured to receive a second reference voltage and the (n−1)th output voltage, and output an nth second output current corresponding to the nth output voltage. Here, an output current in accordance with the nth output voltage corresponds to sum of the nth first output current and the nth second output current. |
| US10042371B2 |
Smart drain and method of control
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a drain system, including a sensor in communication with a reservoir and controller, uses algorithmic control of a drain valve to adjust the interval and duration of actuation of the drain valve to regulate a fluid level within the reservoir. In embodiments applying the drain system to a gas compressor system, the disclosed control algorithm enables the controller to prevent the loss of compressed gas through an open path out the drain and further to prevent condensate generated by operation of the compressor system from backing up in the reservoir and reentering the flow of compressed gas. The control algorithm adjusts the interval and period of actuation of the drain valve such that as operating conditions change the drain valve opens more or less frequently for longer or shorter periods in response to varying condensate load. |
| US10042370B2 |
Replacement of fluid in freshwater networks
A fluid network exchange system for efficiently exchanging fluid in a fluid network for prevention of hygiene risks. The system includes a source and a plurality of sinks. The system also includes flow meters for determining the flow rate at each of the sinks and automatic flushing devices for flushing fluid at each of the sinks. The system determines an order and a flushing time for the plurality of sinks to be flushed. The sinks are flushed starting with the sink with the highest flow rate and ending with the sink with the lowest flow rate. Flushing times are determined based on the length of different pathways corresponding to different sinks. |
| US10042369B2 |
Vapor device for filtering and testing material
A method is disclosed comprising drawing air into a robotic vapor device, exposing the drawn air to a sensor to detect one or more constituents in the drawn air, determining measurement data for the one or more constituents of the drawn air via the sensor, and engaging a filtration component in the robotic vapor device based on the measurement data. |
| US10042368B2 |
Flow rate measuring unit and flow rate control unit
A flow rate measuring unit, comprising a housing, which is composed of at least two housing parts that can be connected to one another and in which a flow passage extends, which branches off into a measuring channel branch and at least one bypass channel branch, wherein a substrate comprising a sensor system is disposed in the measuring channel branch. According to the invention, the flow passage includes a channel widening chamber in which an insert plate stack composed of at least two insert plates is disposed, which each include at least one plate-longitudinal recess extending in the longitudinal direction as the measuring channel branch and/or as the bypass channel branch. The insert plates are provided as insert parts for the channel widening chamber. |
| US10042367B2 |
System and method for monitoring and control for fluid management
The present invention discloses an application specific operating profile (or use-profile) that includes functions based on one or more criteria specific to an environment within which fluid is managed. The functions include a set of attributes, the values of which enable management of fluid. |
| US10042366B2 |
Control method and system for adjusting relative position of mobile household device with respect to human
A control method and system for adjusting the relative position of a mobile household with respect to a human is provided by the present disclosure. The mobile household device obtains the location information of the target object at multiple time points, and, according to the obtained location information, determines the current moving direction and positional relation of the target object relative to the mobile household device, and moves to the dominant hand side of the target object according to preset conditions. By detecting and analyze the state of the user, the mobile household device can actively adjust its motion, thus improving its intelligence level. |
| US10042364B1 |
Facilitating safer vehicle travel utilizing telematics data
Various devices are described, which are configured to use telematics data from one driver to facilitate safer vehicle travel for another driver. A remote server may include (1) a communication unit configured to receive a broadcast including telematics data generated and transmitted from a first mobile device or smart vehicle; and (2) a processor configured to determine (i) a travel event; (ii) a GPS location of the travel event; and/or (iii) an estimated or actual geographical or temporal scope of the travel event from computer analysis of the telematics data. The remote server may transmit a travel event-related wireless communication to a second mobile device or smart vehicle to facilitate safer vehicle travel for a second driver or vehicle based upon the telematics data associated with the first driver/vehicle. Insurance discounts may be provided for individuals or vehicles based upon having or using the risk mitigation or prevention functionality. |
| US10042362B2 |
Dynamic routing for autonomous vehicles
A route for a trip to a destination is generated using map information. A set of no-go roadway segments, where the vehicle is not able to drive in an autonomous mode, relevant to the route from the plurality of no-go roadway segments is identified from the map information. A local region around a current location of the vehicle is determined. A local map region including roadway segments of the map information that correspond to locations within the local region is determined. The set of the plurality of no-go roadway segments is filtered from the roadway segments of the local map region. A cost value is assigned to each roadway segment of the filtered roadway segments of the local map region. Any assigned cost values are used to determining a plan for maneuvering the vehicle for a predetermined period into the future. The vehicle is maneuvered according to the plan. |
| US10042359B1 |
Autonomous vehicle refueling
Methods and systems for autonomous vehicle recharging or refueling are disclosed. Autonomous vehicles may be automatically refueled by routing the vehicles to available fueling stations when not in operation, according to methods described herein. A fuel level within a tank of an autonomous vehicle may be monitored until it reaches a refueling threshold, at which point an on-board computer may generate a predicted use profile for the vehicle. Based upon the predicted use profile, a time and location for the vehicle to refuel the vehicle may be determined. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be controlled to automatically travel to a fueling station, refill a fuel tank, and return to its starting location in order to refuel when not in use. |
| US10042356B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus, method for correcting positional displacement, and storage medium
A substrate processing apparatus includes: first and second places in which a substrate can be placed; a substrate transfer device having a substrate holder that holds the substrate to transfer the substrate between the first and second places; and a substrate position measuring unit that detects a position of the substrate held by the substrate holder. The substrate position measuring unit, disposed independently of the substrate transfer device, is arranged at a position where the substrate held by the substrate holder of the substrate transfer device can be placed. |
| US10042355B2 |
Flexible time modeling of a facility
A decision support tool to assist decision-making in the operation of a facility. The decision support tool allows a user to perform planning and scheduling of the events within a facility so that established economic goals do not collide with feasibility of a schedule. This is achieved by flexible time modeling, which introduces a “look-ahead” planning and scheduling technique. This technique analyzes several time periods of the schedule in light of upcoming dominant events, in order for each segment of the schedule to remain as consistent with the planning objectives as possible. |
| US10042353B1 |
Plant operations console
Disclosed are various embodiments for optimizing how operators of facilities view and monitor data on displays via an operations console. A display hierarchy may be employed to facilitate access by an operator to relevant information concerning plant operations. Information may be classified and rendered on a display. An operator may navigate between the displays via interacting with a navigation menu located on a display. |
| US10042350B2 |
System and method for detecting printing filament for three dimensional printing
A system for detecting a filament for printing in three dimensional printing (3DP) which can automatically detect the presence of a filament includes a feeding device, a detection device, a driving device, and an indication module. The driving device drives the feeding device and the detection device detects and determines the normal presence of a filament from the feeding device. The indication module outputs a signal to correspond to the presence of a filament or otherwise. A 3DP filament detection method is also provided. |
| US10042349B2 |
Method and equipment for controlling a manufacturing process of a component of a tyre for vehicle wheels
A method and equipment for controlling a manufacturing process of a component of a tire for vehicle wheels, wherein at least one continuous elongated element fed by a supplying member is placed on a forming support by means of at least one pressing member active on the at least continuous elongated element along an application direction. During the manufacturing of the component of the tire, at successive sampling times Ti, the value Pi of a quantity indicative of the position of the pressing member is acquired along the application direction, where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1, Ti=i*1/f, and f is the sampling frequency. |
| US10042347B2 |
Standby control for machine tools
A standby control for a machine tool. The standby control is operable for regulating the energy consumption of one or more energy-consuming components of the machine tool during nonoperation of the machine tool. The standby control includes a controller operable to individually activate or deactivate energy-consuming components according to a predeterminable input value in order that a temperature of at least one of the individual components or a temperature of the machine tool is influenced during nonoperation of the machine tool. |
| US10042343B2 |
Control device and speed reducer system
This application discloses a control device for controlling a motor configured to drive an oscillatory cyclo-speed reducer including an oscillatory gear portion formed with at least one hole at an eccentric position. The control device includes an angle acquirer for acquiring input information about an input rotational angle indicating a rotational angle of the motor, an estimator for estimating an angular error between the input rotational angle and an output rotational angle indicating a rotational angle of the oscillatory cyclo-speed reducer based on a quantity of the hole(s) and a corrector for determining a compensation current value in correspondence to the angular error and setting a magnitude of a current to be supplied to the motor by correcting a command current value using the compensation current value. |
| US10042341B1 |
Systems and methods for monitoring building health
A building monitoring computer system for monitoring building integrity may be provided. Various types of sensors may be embedded throughout or within certain portions of different types of building or construction material making up the building, such as within roofing, foundation, or structural materials. The sensors may be in wireless communication with a home controller. The sensors may be water, moisture, temperature, vibration, or other types of sensors, and may detect unexpected or abnormal conditions within the home. The sensors and/or home controller may transmit alerts to a mobile device of the home owner associated with the unexpected condition, and/or that remedial actions may be required to repair the home or mitigate further damage to the home. The sensor data may also be communicated to an insurance provider remote server to facilitate the insurance provider communicating insurance-related recommendations, updating insurance policies, or preparing insurance claims for review for home owners. |
| US10042340B2 |
Systems and methods for extending the battery life of a wireless sensor in a building control system
A building control system includes a wireless measurement device and a controller. The wireless measurement device measures a plurality of values of an environmental variable and uses the plurality of measured values to predict one or more future values of the environmental variable. The wireless device periodically transmits, at a transmission interval, a message that includes a current value of the environmental variable and the one or more predicted values of the environmental variable. The controller receives the message from the wireless device and parses the message to extract the current value and the one or more predicted future values of the environmental variable. The controller periodically and sequentially applies, at a controller update interval shorter than the transmission interval, each of the extracted values as an input to a control algorithm that operates to control the environmental variable. |
| US10042339B2 |
Cloud-synchronized architecture for a home automation system
An architecture for a home automation system is provided that utilizes a home database stored in an in-home host controller that is synchronized with a configuration database maintained by remote cloud services. In one example embodiment, the home database of the host controller is synchronized over the Internet with the configuration database of cloud services. When there is connectivity between a mobile app used to configure and/or control the home automation system and the host controller via an in-home LAN, data interactions related to the home automation system are performed between the mobile app and the home database over the in-home LAN. When there is not this connectivity, data interactions related to the home automation system are performed between the mobile app and the configuration database over the Internet. If the host controller is reset or replaced, the home database may be restored by synchronization with the configuration database of cloud services. |
| US10042338B2 |
Method and system for controlling devices with a chat interface
Disclosed is a method and system to control devices using a chat interface. The approach is particularly applicable to home automation devices, though is not limited in its application to such devices. |
| US10042336B2 |
User-defined scenes for home automation
Techniques are provided for defining and activating scenes in a home automation system. In one embodiment, a user-defined scene is automatically captured based on current states in a home automation system and a last media query. Current states in the home automation system are automatically captured for services to build a set of states, the set of states including states of services provided by multiple different types of devices, the multiple different types including two or more of audio/video (A/V) devices, lighting devices, heating ventilation and cooling (HVAC) devices, security devices, shade control devices, energy conservation devices, or communications devices. A last media query performed by the home automation system is also captured. A user-defined scene is generated from both. The user-defined scene is stored, and when it is determined it should be activated, service requests are sent. |
| US10042327B2 |
Timepiece
A timepiece has a solar panel including a plurality of solar cells; a dial disposed on the face side of the solar panel and configured to transmit a light; a molding member disposed to the face side of the dial overlapping the outside edge of the dial when seen from the face side of the timepiece; and an opaque light shield disposed on the face side of the dial on the inside side of the molding member; the solar panel having connectors that connect adjacent solar cells in series, and at least part of each connector is covered by the light shield when seen from the face. |
| US10042325B2 |
Image processing method
An image processing method for processing a plurality of holograms includes the steps of: performing a Fourier transform operation on the holograms to result in a plurality of corresponding spectra in a spectrum space; calculating a sum of the plurality of spectra to obtain the synthetic spectrum; multiplying the synthetic spectrum by a weight function associated with the spectrum space to obtain a normalized synthetic spectrum, each function value of the weight function corresponding to a respective position in the spectrum space and being associated with distribution of the plurality of spectra in the spectrum space; and performing the inverse Fourier transform operation on the normalized synthetic spectrum to result in a normalized synthetic hologram. |
| US10042321B2 |
Drum cartridge
A drum cartridge, comprising: a photosensitive drum; and a drum frame having a first state where a developing device is attached to the drum frame, the developing device including a developing roller, and a second state where a developing cartridge is detachably attachable to the drum frame, the developing cartridge including a developing roller and a developing frame which stores toner, wherein, in the first state, a toner cartridge is detachably attachable to the developing device. |
| US10042319B2 |
Image forming device having a replaceable unit that includes a latching mechanism
An electrophotographic image forming device includes a replaceable unit having a body with a toner reservoir. A drive element on a rear end of the body is unobstructed to mesh with a corresponding drive element in the image forming device. A toner outlet port is positioned on a bottom of the body near the rear end of the body. A latch catch is positioned on a first side of the body to receive a corresponding latch when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device. A latch actuator at the front end of the body is movable between a home position and a releasing position. A release handle at the front end of the body is operatively connected to the latch actuator such that actuation of the release handle causes the latch actuator to move from the home position to the releasing position to unlatch the body. |
| US10042313B2 |
Image forming apparatus for reducing influence of a rotary member's surface velocity change
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, an image carrier driver which rotates the image carrier, a rotation detector which detects rotation of the image carrier, a rotary member in contact with the image carrier, a rotary member driver which rotates the rotary member, a first controller which controls the rotary member driver, and a second controller. The second controller controls the image carrier driver based on an output of the rotation detector and also controls the image carrier driver in a manner which attenuates a fluctuation component at a specific frequency. When the first controller changes a surface velocity of the rotary member, the second controller controls the image carrier driver in a manner that attenuates a fluctuation component at a specific frequency related to the changed surface velocity of the rotary member. |
| US10042312B2 |
Image forming apparatus having reduced component and assembling cost
An image forming apparatus arranged to form an image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus including an object, an electrically conductive member; and an urging member arranged to urge the electrically conductive member towards the object and to electrically couple the electrically conductive member and the object to each other. In the image forming apparatus, the electrically conductive member is formed of a material having a low elastic coefficient that is lower than that of the urging member. |
| US10042310B2 |
End member, photosensitive drum unit, developing roller unit, and process cartridge
An end member is disposed at an end portion of a columnar rotating body mounted on an image forming apparatus body. The end member includes a tubular bearing member and a shaft member held by the bearing member. The shaft member includes a shaft-like rotating shaft which is disposed coaxially to the bearing member, and which rotates around a shaft line with respect to the bearing member to move in a direction of the shaft line, and a tip end member which is disposed coaxially to the rotating shaft, and at which a rotating force receiving member having a tip end provided with an engaging member which engages with a driving shaft of the image forming apparatus body is disposed. A rotating force around the shaft line is transmitted to the rotating force receiving member, the rotating shaft, and the bearing member in order. |
| US10042309B2 |
Photoreceptor and image forming apparatus
A photoreceptor includes: a cylindrical support on which a photosensitive layer is formed and to which a predetermined voltage is applicable; and a flange provided in an end portion of the support, the flange including a Helmholtz resonator including a cavity portion and a communication portion allowing the cavity portion and an outside to communicate with each other. |
| US10042308B2 |
Electrophotographic printing and foiling
Herein is disclosed a method of electrostatic printing and foiling comprising: forming a colored toner image on a print substrate by electrostatically printing an electrostatic ink comprising a first resin component comprising an ethylene acrylic acid resin, an ethylene methacrylic acid resin or combinations thereof; forming an adhesive toner image disposed on the colored toner image on the print substrate by electrostatically printing a liquid electro photographic (LEP) printing composition comprising a first resin component comprising an ethylene acrylic acid resin, an ethylene methacrylic acid resin or combinations thereof, and a second resin component present in an amount of about 20% to about 80% by weight of total solids content of the LEP printing composition, the second resin component having a melting point of from about 50° C. to about 75° C., which is below the melting point of the first resin component; and forming a foiled image disposed on the adhesive toner image by heating the print substrate to at least partially melt the adhesive toner image and applying a foiling material to the print substrate such that the foiling material adheres to the at least partially molten adhesive toner image. |
| US10042306B2 |
Electro-photographic sheet of paper duplex printing machine
The electro-photographic sheet of paper duplex printing machine includes a sheet supply section, a sheet positioning section which positions sheets and sends out sheets to a backup roller in an electro-photographic printing section, the electro-photographic printing section transfers an image which has been transferred onto the transfer roller onto the sheet, a chain delivery section, a delivery section and a sheet carrying section for turnover. The chain delivery section selectively transfers printed sheets, which has been transferred from the backup roller to the delivery section or sheet carrying section for turnover. The sheet carrying section for turnover supplies one side printed sheet to the sheet positioning section. The sheet fed from the sheet supply section and one side printed sheet fed from the sheet carrying section for turnover are alternately carried to the sheet positioning section and the toner image on the printed sheet is fixed by the fixing device. |
| US10042305B2 |
Sheet processing device and sheet processing method
A sheet processing device includes a standby tray, a sheet post-processing unit, a first pressing member, a second pressing member, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to control the first pressing member to press a first sheet conveyed into the standby tray at a first location, cause the first sheet to be conveyed upstream to a first position, control the second pressing member to press the first sheet at a second location, cause a second sheet to be conveyed on top of the first sheet while the first sheet is no longer pressed by the first pressing member but is still pressed by the second pressing member, press the second sheet at the first location, and cause the first sheet to be conveyed upstream to a second position that is offset from the first position. |
| US10042304B2 |
Sheet conveyance apparatus
A sheet conveyance apparatus according to an embodiment includes a conveyance roller and a register roller arranged downstream of the conveyance roller along a sheet conveyance path. A sensor unit detects a first deflection amount of the sheet and a second deflection amount of the sheet when the sheet is pressed against the register roller. A movable section is connected to at least one end of the conveyance roller. A control section determines a tilt of a rotation axis of the conveyance roller relative to a rotation axis of the register roller based on a difference in the first and second deflection amounts detected by the sensor unit. The control section controls the movable section to move the conveyance roller so that the rotational axis of the conveyance roller is positioned relative to a rotational axis of the register roller in accordance with the determined tilt. |
| US10042299B2 |
Image heating apparatus
An image heating apparatus includes first and second rotatable members configured to form a nip for heating a toner image on a sheet, a compressor, an air nozzle configured to blow air, generated by the compressor, on the first rotatable member, and a supplying mechanism configured to supply the air from the compressor to the air nozzle, the supplying mechanism including a plurality of air tubes and a plurality of clamps for clamping the air tubes at a plurality of different clamping positions. The plurality of clamping portions includes a predetermined clamping portion capable of being unclamped by a predetermined internal pressure lower by 20% or more than an internal pressure by which any other clamping portion, of the plurality of clamping portions, is unclamped. |
| US10042298B2 |
Film and image heating device using film
A cylindrical film used in an image heating device heating a recording material, on which an image has been formed, has a resin layer, this resin layer being made from a resin in which a crystalline resin and an amorphous resin having a higher glass transition temperature than the crystalline resin are blended, wherein a volume ratio of the crystalline resin with respect to the amorphous resin in the resin layer is 70/30 to 99/1. |
| US10042297B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A fixing device includes a flexible endless belt formed into a loop and having an inner circumferential surface, a heater to heat the endless belt, and a nip formation assembly disposed inside the loop formed by the endless belt. The nip formation assembly includes a pressure pad made of heat-resistant resin including a hollow filler, and a supplementary thermal conductor having a belt sliding-contact face over which the inner circumferential surface of the endless belt slides. The supplementary thermal conductor is interposed between the endless belt and the pressure pad to conduct heat from the heater in an axial direction of the endless belt. The fixing device further includes a pressure rotator to press against the nip formation assembly via the endless belt to form a fixing nip between the endless belt and the pressure rotator, through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. |
| US10042293B2 |
Image forming apparatus having transfer bias power controller
An image forming apparatus includes a transfer power supply and a controller. The controller is configured to execute control for an end-portion voltage that is a DC voltage of a transfer bias at a time of transferring a toner image to an end portion of a recording sheet and a body-portion voltage that is a DC voltage of a transfer bias at a time of transferring a toner image to a body portion on a rear side of an end portion of a recording sheet, such that the end-portion voltage is set to be higher than the body-portion voltage in the DC transfer bias and a value obtained by dividing the end-portion voltage by the body-portion voltage in the superimposed transfer bias is set to be smaller than a value obtained by dividing the end-portion voltage by the body-portion voltage in the DC transfer bias. |
| US10042292B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method for measuring electrical resistance value of recording medium
An image forming apparatus includes a transfer unit and a pair of measuring units. The transfer unit transfers an image onto at least one recording medium by applying a voltage between the at least one recording medium and the image along a thickness direction of the at least one recording medium. Before the transfer unit applies the voltage, the pair of measuring units measure respective electrical resistance values of a front surface and a rear surface of the at least one recording medium in a direction crossing the thickness direction. |
| US10042289B2 |
Image forming apparatus with vibration controlling member
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member configured to carry a toner image; a cleaning member contacted to the image bearing member to clean a surface of the image bearing member by movement of the surface of the image bearing member: a supporting member configured to support the cleaning member; a case provided with a space configured to hold the supporting member therein; a viscoelasticity member; and a vibration controlling member configured to suppress vibration of the cleaning member, wherein the vibration controlling member is mounted on an outer surface of the case by the viscoelasticity member. |
| US10042288B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of effectively developing images
An image forming apparatus, a process cartridge, and a developing unit includes a developer carrying member to carry developer, first and second rotary members arranged in parallel to each other and configured to rotate to agitate and convey the developer, and an enclosure having an inside space to contain the developer, the inside space being divided by a partition with communication openings formed therein at opposite ends thereof into a first chamber configured to maintain the developer above a first level and to hold the first rotary member therein which supplies the developer to the developer carrying member while agitating and conveying the developer, and a second chamber configured to communicate with the first chamber through the communication openings, to maintain the developer at a second level lower than the first level, and to hold the second rotary member therein which circulates the developer with the first chamber through the communication openings. |
| US10042279B2 |
Ink composition
Provided in one example herein is a liquid electrophotographic ink composition, comprising: a carrier fluid comprising a polymer; ink particles comprising pigment particles and a polymeric resin, the pigment particles comprising titanium dioxide and being distributed in the polymeric resin; and a charge director, wherein the ink particles have an average diameter of between about 10 μm and 50 μm; and the pigment particles are between about 10 wt % and about 50 wt % of the ink particles. Methods of making and using the ink composition are also provided. |
| US10042278B2 |
Electrostatic ink compositions
Herein is disclosed a magenta liquid electrostatic ink composition comprising a carrier liquid; and ink particles comprising a resin, a magenta pigment and a black pigment, wherein the black pigment is present in the composition in an amount of 0.01 to 0.5 wt % by total solids of the composition. |
| US10042274B2 |
Primer composition and method
A method for determining coat weight of a transparent primer coating for liquid electrophotographic printing processes is described, in which an optical brightening agent is added to an aqueous transparent primer composition in an amount of less than 0.1 wt. % based on the total solids content of the primer composition to produce a test composition, the test composition is applied onto a test substrate to produce a transparent primer coating, the fluorescence of the transparent primer coating is measured, and the coat weight of the transparent primer coating based on the fluorescence of the transparent primer coating is determined. |
| US10042272B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member, method for producing the same, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus
To provide an electrophotographic photosensitive member being excellent in abrasion resistance and having good electrical characteristics. The surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member contains a copolymerized product of a hole transporting compound having a specified structure and a compound having a specified structure. |
| US10042271B2 |
Projection exposure system for microlithography with a measurement device
A projection exposure system (10) for microlithography which includes: a mask holding device (14) holding a mask (18) with mask structures (20) disposed on the mask, a substrate holding device (36) holding a substrate (30), projection optics (26) imaging the mask structures (20) onto the substrate (30) during an exposure process, and a measurement structure (48) disposed in a defined position with respect to a reference element (16) of the projection exposure system (10), which defined position is mechanically uncoupled from the position of the mask holding to device (14). The projection exposure system (10) also includes a detector (52) arranged to record an image of the measurement structure (48) imaged by the projection optics (26). The projection exposure system (10) is configured such that during operation of the projection exposure system (10) the imaging of the mask structures (20) and the imaging of the measurement structure (48) take place at the same time by the projection optics (26. An evaluation device (54) is configured to establish a lateral position of the image of the measurement structure (48) in the area of the detector (52) during the exposure process. |
| US10042268B2 |
Method, apparatus and substrates for lithographic metrology
A substrate has three or more overlay gratings formed thereon by a lithographic process. Each overlay grating has a known overlay bias. The values of overlay bias include for example two values in a region centered on zero and two values in a region centered on P/2, where P is the pitch of the gratings. Overlay is calculated from asymmetry measurements for the gratings using knowledge of the different overlay bias values and an assumed non-linear relationship between overlay and target asymmetry, thereby to correct for feature asymmetry. The periodic relationship in the region of zero bias and P/2 has gradients of opposite sign. The calculation allows said gradients to have different magnitudes as well as opposite sign. The calculation also provides information on feature asymmetry and other processing effects. This information is used to improve subsequent performance of the measurement process, and/or the lithographic process. |
| US10042265B2 |
Lithographic projection objective
Projection objectives, such as projection objectives of lithography projection exposure apparatuses, as well as related systems, components and methods, such as methods of revising and/or repairing such objectives, are disclosed. |
| US10042264B2 |
Measuring device for determining a polarisation parameter
A measurement system (10) for determining a polarization parameter of an optical system (50) has an illumination system (12) providing an optical radiation (14), a measurement mask (22) arranged between the illumination system and the optical system and including measurement structures (24) arranged at a plurality of field points (26) of the measurement mask, a polarization variation device (28) arranged in a beam path of the optical radiation and configured to vary a polarization state of the optical radiation in a field-point-dependent manner, such that at the same point in time one of the field points is irradiated with the optical radiation (14-1) in a first polarization state and another of the field points is irradiated with the optical radiation (14-2) in a second polarization state, and a detection module (32), which is configured to detect the optical radiation after it has interacted with the optical system. |
| US10042259B2 |
Topcoat compositions and pattern-forming methods
Topcoat compositions comprise: a matrix polymer; a surface active polymer comprising a polymerized unit formed from a monomer of the following general formula (I): wherein: R1 represents H, F, methyl or fluorinated methyl; R2 represents optionally substituted C1 to C8 alkylene or optionally substituted C1 to C8 fluoroalkylene, optionally comprising one or more heteroatom; R3 represents H, F, optionally substituted C1 to C10 alkyl or optionally substituted C5 to C15 aryl, optionally comprising one or more heteroatom; R4 represents optionally substituted C1 to C8 alkyl, optionally substituted C1 to C8 fluoroalkyl or optionally substituted C5 to C15 aryl, optionally comprising one or more heteroatom; X represents O, S or NR5, wherein R5 is chosen from hydrogen and optionally substituted C1 to C5 alkyl; and a is 0 or 1; and a solvent. Also provided are coated substrates and pattern-forming methods which make use of the topcoat compositions. The invention has particular applicability in photolithographic processes as a photoresist topcoat layer in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. |
| US10042253B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition, film prepared by using the photosensitive resin composition, and organic light-emitting display device including the film
A photosensitive resin composition includes a first binder resin represented by Formula 1. The photosensitive resin composition may be cured at a low temperature (e.g., about 0° C. to about 100° C., about 40° C. to about 100° C., or about 70° C. to about 100° C.). A film may be formed from the photosensitive resin composition. An organic light-emitting display (OLED) device may include the film prepared from the photosensitive resin composition. |
| US10042247B2 |
Mask blank, method for manufacturing mask blank and transfer mask
There is provided a mask blank including on a substrate: a thin film for forming a transfer pattern; a resist underlayer formed on the thin film and made of a resist underlayer composition containing a polymer having a unit structure having a lactone ring and a unit structure having a hydroxyl group; a resist film formed on the resist underlayer film and made of a resist composition; and a mixed film formed so as to be interposed between the resist underlayer film and the resist film and made of a mixed component containing the resist underlayer composition and the resist composition. |
| US10042244B2 |
Performance system with multi-projection environment
The present invention provides a performance system with a multi-projection environment including a stage installed for a performance and a plurality of projection surfaces arranged around the stage and arranged so as not to be parallel to each other, in which synchronized images are projected on the plurality of projection surfaces. |
| US10042240B2 |
Projection system, light source system and light source assembly
Provided is a projection system, a light source system, and a light source assembly. The light source system (100) comprises an excitation light source (101), a wavelength conversion device (106), a color filtering device (107), a drive device (108), and a first optical assembly. The wavelength conversion device (106) comprises at least one wavelength conversion region. The optical filtering device (107) is fixed face-to-face with the wavelength conversion device (106), and comprises at least a first optical filtering region. The drive device (108) drives the wavelength conversion device (106) and the optical filtering device (107), allowing the wavelength conversion region and the first optical filtering region to act synchronously, and the wavelength conversion region is periodically set on the propagation path of the excitation light, thereby converting the excitation light wavelength into converted light. The first optical assembly allows the converted light to be incident on the first optical filtering region. The first optical filtering region filters the converted light, so as to enhance the color purity of the converted light. The light source system is simple in structure, easy to implement, and highly synchronous. |
| US10042238B1 |
Projector
A projector has a body, a rotating device, a projection device, and a supporting device. The body has a lower housing, an upper housing, and an operation chamber. The rotating device is mounted in the operation chamber, is located in the upper housing, and has a driving device, a rotating axle, a power supply circuit board, and a film base. The projection device is mounted in the operation chamber of the body and has a light unit, a Fresnel lens, a film holder, and a lens assembly. The supporting device is mounted on a bottom of the lower housing. |
| US10042237B1 |
Projector for projecting an image having a firework effect
A projector has a body, a control device, a driving assembly, and a light device. The control device is mounted in the body. The driving assembly is mounted in the body and has a holding frame, a driving unit, and a transmitting unit. The holding frame has a central tube. The driving unit is electrically connected with the control device, and has a casing, a driving device, a rotating axle, a gear assembly, two limiting switches and an eccentric wheel. The light device is mounted on the holding frame, is electrically connected with the control device, and has a main light unit, a pattern film, and multiple auxiliary light units. |
| US10042235B2 |
Illumination device and illumination control method
An illumination device selects any one of a first mode, in which, when a detection unit detects a rotation of a second casing even when a second casing is not rotated by a drive unit, a control unit causes the drive unit to rotate the second casing to a position of the second casing before the rotation of the second casing is detected by the detection unit or a second mode, in which, when the detection unit detects the rotation of the second casing even when the second casing is not rotated by the drive unit, the control unit does not cause the drive unit to rotate the second casing to the position of the second casing before the rotation of the second casing is detected by the detection unit. |
| US10042233B2 |
Intelligent adjustment method when video camera performs automatic exposure and apparatus therefor
The present invention relates to the field of video camera image processing. Disclosed are an intelligent adjustment method when a video camera performs automatic exposure and an apparatus therefor. In the present invention, a first corresponding relationship between a rate and an aperture is pre-set. The first corresponding relationship records corresponding upper and lower aperture limits required by each rate for achieving the best depth of field of an image. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring the current rate of a video camera; searching for upper and lower aperture limits corresponding to the current rate in a first corresponding relationship; if the current aperture value exceeds the range of the searched upper and lower aperture limits corresponding to the current rate, adjusting the current aperture value to be within the range of the upper and lower aperture limits; and according to the adjusted aperture value, adjusting exposure time and gain to satisfy the need of image brightness. In the present invention, according to different field scenario rates, the aperture is adjusted to be within the aperture range corresponding to the best depth of field so as to acquire the best depth of field, and a shutter and gain are adjusted accordingly, so that the best brightness can be ensured and the best depth of field is achieved at the same time so as to improve image quality. |
| US10042231B2 |
Method and device for cavity-enhanced broadband intrapulse difference frequency generation
A method of creating difference frequency (DF) laser pulses (1) by difference frequency generation (DFG) comprises the steps of providing ultrashort laser pulses (2) having a spectral bandwidth corresponding to a Fourier limit of below 50 fs and containing first spectral components and second spectral components having larger frequencies than the first spectral components, and driving a DFG process by the ultrashort laser pulses (2) in an optically non-linear crystal (10), wherein the DF laser pulses (1) are generated in the crystal (10) by difference frequencies between the first and second spectral components, resp., said difference frequencies comprising third spectral components being lower in frequency than the first and second spectral components, wherein at least one enhancement cavity (20) with resonator mirrors (Mi1 to M14) spanning a beam path (22) is provided and the crystal (10) is placed in the beam path (22) of the enhancement cavity (20), the ultrashort laser pulses (2) are input coupled and coherently added in the at least one enhancement cavity (20), at least one circulating ultrashort laser pulse (3) is created in the at least one enhancement cavity (20), which drives the DFG process in the crystal (10) for generating the DF laser pulses (1), and the at least one enhancement cavity (20) is adapted for recycling the at least one ultrashort laser pulse (3) passing through the crystal (10). Furthermore, a photonic source (100) for creating DF laser pulses (1) is described, including one or more enhancement cavities. |
| US10042220B2 |
Liquid-crystal display device
A display device includes an array substrate having a first data line along a first direction. The array substrate further includes a first insulating layer and a common electrode. The insulating layer disposes on the first data line. The common electrode disposes on the insulating layer and includes a plurality of sub-common electrode rows disposed along the second direction which is different from the first direction. The sub-common electrode rows extend along the second direction. The sub-common electrode rows include a first portion, a second portion separated from the first portion, and a connection portion connecting the first and second portions. The first data line overlapping the sub-common electrode rows, and the number of first portions overlapping the first data line is greater than the number of connection portions overlapping the first data. |
| US10042219B2 |
Pixel structure, display panel and display device
A pixel structure includes a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array. Each of the pixel units includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a thin film transistor, the first electrode having a plate-like structure, and the second electrode having a plurality of strip-shaped electrodes and connecting electrodes to connect the strip-shaped electrodes together. A slit is formed between each two adjacent strip-shaped electrodes, and an end of each slit facing towards the thin film transistor is angled. In any two adjacent pixel units in each column of pixel units, a structure of the second electrode in one pixel unit is in a mirror symmetrical relation with that in the other pixel unit relative to a row direction, and an aperture ratio of a pixel unit in which the slit of the second electrode is angled towards the thin film transistor is larger than an aperture ratio of the other pixel unit. |
| US10042218B2 |
Liquid-crystal display device
A liquid-crystal display device, including: a first data line and a second data line each lengthwise extended in a first direction and spaced apart from each other, a gate line lengthwise extended in a second direction different from the first direction, the gate line defining: a first region thereof overlapping the first data line, a second region thereof overlapping the second data line and a third region thereof extended between the first region and the second region, and a pixel including a switching element, a first electrode of the switching element being connected to the first data line and a second electrode of the switching element overlapping each of the first to third regions. In the first direction, a width of the third region is smaller than a width of each of the first and second regions. |
| US10042217B2 |
Liquid-crystal display
A liquid-crystal display includes a first substrate including several sub-pixels. A micro-structure layer is formed on the first substrate, and the micro-structure layer corresponding to one of the sub-pixels includes a first main trunk portion, a second main trunk portion crossed the first main trunk portion, and several striped branch portions. The striped branch portions are connected with the first and second main trunk portions, wherein an angle is formed between the striped branch portions and the first main trunk portion, and the striped branch portions are alternately arranged with a pitch. A first electrode layer is conformally formed on the micro-structure layer. Specifically, the pitch in one of the sub-pixels is different from the pitch in another one of the sub-pixels, or the angle in one of the sub-pixels is different from the angle in another one of the sub-pixels. |
| US10042216B2 |
Array substrate and manufacturing method thereof, liquid crystal panel and liquid crystal display device
An embodiment of the present disclosure discloses an array substrate, including a base substrate, a drain electrode of a thin film transistor and a pixel electrode corresponding to the drain electrode arranged on the base substrate, wherein the pixel electrode and the drain electrode are attached to each other. |
| US10042214B2 |
Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display includes forming display pixels which display an image and dummy pixels which do not display the image on a lower substrate including a display area and a non-display area positioned in at least one side outside the display area, coating a light blocking member material layer on a first dead space area adjacent to the display area and having a dummy area where the dummy pixels are positioned, a second dead space area adjacent to the first dead space area, and a third dead space area adjacent to the second dead space area in the non-display area, and forming first to third light blocking members through exposure by using an optical mask in which at least two or more halftone regions and a full-tone region are mixed. |
| US10042212B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
A first organic insulating film is arranged in a circumference area outside an active area on a first substrate. A circumference color filter is arranged in the circumference area on a second substrate. A second organic insulating film covers the circumference color filter. A seal material is arranged between the first and second organic insulating films to attach the first substrate and the second substrate. The seal material extends up to a position in which end portions of the first and second substrates overlap. A first spacer is arranged between the first and second organic insulating films in the circumference area. The first spacer is arranged on an active area side in the seal material. A second spacer is formed between the first and second organic insulating films in a position in which the end portions of the substrates overlap. |
| US10042210B2 |
Mask and method of fabricating display device using the mask
A mask includes a base substrate, and a light shielding pattern including a light transmitting portion and a light shielding portion on the base substrate, wherein the light shielding portion includes a third source electrode portion, a third drain electrode portion spaced apart from the third source electrode portion and including at least a portion parallel to the third source electrode portion, a first auxiliary light shielding portion at an end portion of the third source electrode portion facing the third drain electrode portion, and a second auxiliary light shielding portion at an end portion of the third drain electrode portion facing the third source electrode portion. |
| US10042205B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module includes a light guide plate, a plurality of light transmission elements and a light source. The light guide plate has at least one light incident surface, and the light transmission elements are disposed near the light incident surface and aligned to from at least one light transmission element row. The light source is disposed near one end of the light transmission element row and capable of emitting a light beam to the light transmission element row. Each of the light transmission elements reflects a part of the light beam to the light guide plate to form multiple independent light reflection paths, and the light transmission elements successively transmits a part of the light beam to form a light transmission path in the light transmission element row. |
| US10042198B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal display device, a display panel includes a display region in which an image is to be displayed, and a non-display region formed into a frame shape surrounding the display region. The non-display region includes a first region in which the gate driver is arranged, and a second region in which the source driver is arranged. The non-display region has a non-light transmitting layer formed therein, which is configured to restrict transmission of light. The non-light transmitting layer has a first slit formed therein, which extends through the first region and the second region and passes through the non-light transmitting layer. |
| US10042197B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a first display segment having an at least partly transparent cover element that has a main plane of extent and a front side and a rear side, and a second display segment having at least one display unit arranged on the rear side of the partly transparent cover element. The partly transparent cover element has a higher transparency in the region of the display unit than in at least one other region. The partly transparent cover element has a transitional region between the region of low transparency and the region of higher transparency. The transitional region has an extent parallel to the main plane of extent of the cover element. |
| US10042192B2 |
Electro-absorption modulator with local temperature control
Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided including an electro-absorption modulator (EAM) with local temperature control for optical communication. One aspect provides an optical EAM including a semiconductor portion configured to modulate light for transmission or reception of an optical signal. The modulator includes a temperature sensing element configured to sense temperature and to provide an output signal based on the sensed temperature, and a temperature control element configured to control temperature of the semiconductor portion based on the output signal from the temperature sensing element. In one example, the semiconductor portion includes germanium silicon (GeSi). |
| US10042189B2 |
Backplane for electrophoretic display
A backplane for an electrophoretic display is provided with a plurality of layers, including a base film layer, an interconnect layer, a foil layer, and a display film layer. The foil layer includes at least one laser-formed gap, with the gap being defined in the foil layer after the foil layer has been applied to one of the other layers. In one embodiment, the interconnect layer is a printed interconnect layer. In another embodiment, the interconnect layer is a second foil layer. |
| US10042186B2 |
Electronic eyewear and display
Novel eyewear apparatuses including a display are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a frame. The frame includes a side region that includes an extendable arm. The first end of the extendable arm is attached to the frame and a second end of the extendable arm is attached to the display. The side region includes a cavity, where the extendable arm is adapted to retract back. The extendable arm is further adapted to extend out of the cavity and orient the display to be visually observable by a user of the eyewear apparatus. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a concave reflective and an image source. The image source and the concave reflective surface are oriented to enable a user of the eyewear apparatus to view at least an image from the image source as reflected by the concave reflective surface. |
| US10042185B2 |
Full-frame adhesive anti-fog film structure
The present invention is to provide a full-frame adhesive anti-fog film structure, comprising: an anti-fog film, which has a front side and a back side opposing the front side; and an adhesive, which is disposed at an edge of the back side and arranged along the edge so as to be frame-shaped. The anti-fog film of the present invention is attachable to a planar, cylindrical or spherical lens through the full frame-shaped adhesive so that not only can the anti-fog film be fully attached to the lens but the full attachment of film also prevents bubbles from forming between the two attached surfaces. Also, an airtight space is formed between the full-frame adhesive anti-fog film structure and the lens to stop heat transfer and prevent fog from being formed, so as to not only provide good vision to users but also reduce the chance that the user will fall prey to an accident if the user's view is blocked. |
| US10042183B2 |
Ophthalmic device molds formed from water-soluble vinyl alcohol copolymer, ophthalmic devices molded therein, and related methods
Ophthalmic device molds made from at least one water-soluble vinyl alcohol copolymer, ophthalmic devices such as ocular inserts and contact lenses and including silicone hydrogel devices formed using these molds, packaged ophthalmic devices present in a solution comprising the at least one water-soluble vinyl alcohol copolymer, and related methods are described. The methods of manufacturing ophthalmic devices can use wet demolding processes, or wet delensing processes or both wet demolding and wet delensing processes involving dissolving the molds in water or an aqueous solution. |
| US10042177B1 |
Grid-based measuring and aiming reticle for optical sight
An aiming reticle comprising two primary characteristic feature sets consisting of a grid system and auxiliary crosshairs. The grid comprises horizontal crosshairs that are perpendicular to but do not intersect with a primary vertical crosshair. Omission of markings along the primary vertical crosshair and non-intersecting horizontal crosshairs provides improved target visibility along the vicinity of the primary vertical crosshair. The grid horizontal crosshairs are marked with intersecting major stadia lines, preferably at unit spatial intervals. The grid system further comprises self-contained crosses of predetermined size, within the space enclosed by the grid major stadia lines and grid horizontal crosshair separations to provide sub-unit reference in the vertical and horizontal reference. |
| US10042176B2 |
Polarization conversion element, polarization-conversion-element manufacturing method, light-source unit, and optical device
This invention provides a polarization conversion element that is highly resistant to the heat and light that result from increased brightness levels. In said polarization conversion element, inorganic half-wave plates provided selectively on the output surface of a polarizing beam-splitter array have obliquely deposited layers comprising a dielectric material and the side surfaces of said obliquely deposited layers are covered by protective films. |
| US10042175B2 |
Three dimensional display apparatus
A three dimension apparatus is provided and includes a backlight source, a display panel and a fly-eye lens array. The backlight source is used for providing an emitted light, the display panel is used for displaying an image based on data signals, scan signals, and the emitted light from the backlight source. The backlight source includes a plurality of sub-pixel units. The fly-eye lens array includes a plurality of lens units for performing a convergence operation on the emitted light for the backlight source to achieve a three dimensional displaying for naked eyes. The shape of each of the lens units is a square. |
| US10042171B2 |
Head mounted display device, control method for head mounted display device, and computer program
A transmission type head mounted display device includes an imaging unit that images an outside scene and an image display unit that is capable of transmitting the outside scene. An imaging range of the imaging unit is set based on a set distance from the image display unit set based on a focal length of a user and an estimated field of view estimated as a field of view of the user who wears the image display unit. |
| US10042165B2 |
Optical system for retinal projection from 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 assembly, of a two-dimensional array of lens assemblies, 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 lens assembly includes multiple distinct optical elements, such as one or more lenses and/or one or more diffraction gratings. |
| US10042163B2 |
Onboard image display device for vehicle
An onboard image display device for a vehicle includes a projector that projects an image including information conveyed to a passenger, the information including a state of a vehicle and a warning, the projected image being displayed on a window glass of the vehicle. The projector is provided in a space which is formed by a plate-shaped member in the vehicle. For example, the projector is mounted in an inner panel reinforcement of an inner panel of a side door. That is, the projector is mounted within a space which is originally provided by the inner panel reinforcement to ensure reinforcement function. Image light from the projector is projected on the window glass of the side door. |
| US10042158B2 |
Lens module
A lens module including a base, a lens, a front cover, at least a shielding plate and a gasket is provided. The lens is disposed within the base. The front cover is disposed over the base and the lens, and the base and the front cover may rotate relatively. The shielding plate is pivoted on the base and has a first guide portion. The gasket is fixed on the front cover, the shielding plate is located between the gasket and the base. The gasket has a through hole corresponding to the lens and a second guide portion coupled to the first guide portion. When the base and the front cover rotate relatively, the first guide portion is guided by the second guide portion, the shielding plate can limitedly swing to move to the through hole to cover the lens or move away from the through hole to expose the lens. |
| US10042157B2 |
Eyepiece optical system, optical apparatus and method for manufacturing eyepiece optical system
Provided is an eyepiece optical system including at least three lenses disposed in order from an observation object (Ob) along an optical axis. A final lens disposed closest to an eye point (EP) (corresponds to the third lens (L3) in FIG. 1) is fixed when adjusting the diopter, and the following conditional expressions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 2.2<|fe/fa|<6.0 (1) 0.5<|Re2/fa|<5.0 (2) where fe denotes a focal length of the final lens, fa denotes a focal length of the total eyepiece optical system (EL), and Re2 denotes a radius of curvature of the eye point (EP) side lens surface of the final lens. When an optical surface is aspherical, a paraxial radius of curvature is used for calculation. |
| US10042154B1 |
System and method for introducing display image into afocal optics device
A system and method for introducing a display image into an afocal optics device through an objective lens and without using a beamsplitter. A display device emits the image in a first direction, a focusing lens focuses the image, and a first reflector redirects the image in a second direction. A second reflector redirects the image through a periphery of the lens so that both the image and gathered light received from a target appears on the same focal plane such that the image appears to a user to be located between the lens and the target. The periphery of the objective lens may be a distance which is no more than 30% of a diameter of the lens from an edge of the lens. If the optics device is a rifle scope, the image may communicate such relevant information as range, inclination, wind direction or velocity, or temperature. |
| US10042153B2 |
Microscope and method for 3D high-resolution localization microscopy with an enlarged measurement region
A microscope for high-resolution imaging of a sample in a depth direction and transversely thereto has an excitation beam path for illuminating a sample,—an imaging beam path with an objective and two detectors,—and a phase element. The phase element is situated in a pupil of the imaging beam path and has a different influence on two halves of the pupil cross section. The imaging beam path is split into two partial imaging beam paths downstream of the pupil as seen in the imaging direction, which partial imaging beam paths each lead to one of the two detectors. The two partial imaging beam paths have imaging lengths that differ by a specific wavelength difference such that the two detectors record images of the sample from two different focal planes, which are spaced apart by a distance in the depth direction. |
| US10042152B2 |
Immersion microscope objective and microscope using the same
An immersion microscope objective includes a first lens group having a positive refractive power, a second lens group having a positive refractive power, and a third lens group having a negative refractive power. The first lens group includes a first lens surface and a second lens surface. The first lens surface is positioned nearest to the object side, and the second lens surface is positioned on an image side of the first lens surface and nearest to the first lens surface. The conditional expression −3≤(rG12/f)×(NAob/ndimm)2≤−1.7 is satisfied, in which rG12 denotes a radius of curvature at the second lens surface, f denotes a focal length of an entire system of the immersion microscope objective, NAob denotes an object-side numerical aperture of the immersion microscope objective, and ndimm denotes a refractive index of an immersion liquid for a d-line. |
| US10042150B2 |
Microscopy of a tissue sample using structured illumination
Systems and methods are provided for evaluating a fresh tissue sample, prepared as to fluoresce under illumination, during a medical procedure. A structured light source is configured to project a spatially patterned light beam onto the fresh tissue sample. An imaging system is configured to produce an image from fluorescence emitted from the illuminated fresh tissue sample. A system control is configured to provide a human-comprehensible clinically useful output associated with the medical procedure. |
| US10042143B2 |
Image capturing lens system, image capturing apparatus and electronic device
An image capturing lens system includes six 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, a fifth lens element and a sixth lens element. The first lens element has positive refractive power. |
| US10042142B2 |
Optical image capturing system
The invention discloses a three-piece optical lens for capturing image and a three-piece optical module for capturing image. In order from an object side to an image side, the optical lens along the optical axis comprises a first lens with positive refractive power; a second lens with refractive power; and a third lens with refractive power; and at least one of the image-side surface and object-side surface of each of the three lens elements are aspheric. The optical lens can increase aperture value and improve the imaging quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US10042140B2 |
Lens driving device
An embodiment comprises: a housing supporting a first coil; a bobbin supporting a magnet, the bobbin being moved inside the housing in a first direction, which is parallel with an optical axis, by an electromagnetic interaction between the magnet and the first coil; an elastic member coupled to the bobbin and to the housing; a first circuit board electrically connected to the elastic member; a second circuit board arranged below the housing; a second coil arranged on the second circuit board; and a support member electrically connecting the first circuit board and the second circuit board or electrically connecting the elastic member and the second circuit board. |
| US10042139B2 |
Camera lens module
A camera lens module includes a case and a bottom coupled with the case to form an accommodating space, having an upper spring, a lens assembly and a lower spring accommodated in the accommodating space. The lens assembly includes a lens barrel main body and a group of lenses provided in the lens barrel main body. An upper end of the lens barrel main body is suspended on the upper spring, and a lower end of the lens barrel main body is suspended on the lower spring. The upper spring is connected with the case, and the lower spring is connected with the bottom. In the camera lens module, the lens assembly is directly suspended on upper and lower springs. This eliminates the camera lens mount of existing camera lens module as well as the connecting screw structure between the camera lens mount and the lens barrel. |
| US10042133B2 |
Optical module
A first conductive layer includes a first signal wiring including, at a position except for an end portion, a wide portion having a width wider than that of the other portion. A second conductive layer includes a signal electrode electrically continuous with the end portion of the first signal wiring, a first ground plane overlapping the wide portion, and a ground terminal. A third conductive layer includes a second signal wiring including an end portion overlapping and bonded to the signal electrode, and a ground electrode overlapping and bonded to the ground terminal. A fourth conductive layer includes a second ground plane. The second ground plane includes a through hole overlapping the end portion of the second signal wiring. A fifth conductive layer includes a third groundplane. The third groundplane overlaps the end portion of the second signal wiring inside the through hole. |
| US10042131B1 |
Architecture for silicon photonics enabling wafer probe and test
Embodiments herein describe techniques for testing or aligning optical components in a photonic chip using a grating coupler. In one embodiment, the photonic chip may include an edge coupler and a grating coupler for optically coupling the photonic chip to external fiber optic cables. The edge coupler may be disposed on a side or edge of the photonic chip while the grating coupler is located on a top or side of the photonic chip. During fabrication, the edge coupler may be inaccessible. Instead of using the edge coupler to test the photonic chip, a testing apparatus can use the grating coupler along with a splitter to transfer optical test signals between an optical component in the photonic chip (e.g., a modulator or detector) and a test probe optically coupled to the grating coupler. |
| US10042130B1 |
Latch fitting and latching mechanism for an opitcal transceiver, optical transceiver including the same, and methods of latching and delatching an optical transceiver
A latch fitting, a (de)latching mechanism, and an optical transceiver including the same are disclosed. The latch fitting includes a latch body, a catch extending from a first end of the latch body, a latch tail extending from an opposite end of the latch body, first and second wings extending from the latch body in opposite or complementary directions, and a spindle around which the latch fitting is rotatable. The latch tail is configured to engage with a latch handle to latch and de-latch the optical transceiver. Thus, the (de)latching mechanism includes the latch fitting and the latch handle. The present latch fitting, (de)latching mechanism and optical transceiver are more robust and less susceptible to damage than conventional latch fitting, (de)latching mechanisms, and optical transceivers. |
| US10042128B2 |
Space saving optical fiber connector
In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed at an optical fiber connector that occupies a small volume, and can therefore fit into small optical modules. In some embodiments, the optical fiber connector may comprise a removable faceplate. During installation, the faceplate may be removed to allow an optical fiber plug with a flange to be placed within the optical fiber connector. The flange may comprise one or more spring tabs. The faceplate may then be re-attached to the optical fiber connector, wherein at least a portion of the faceplate engages with the flange and secures the optical fiber plug with the optical fiber connector. The one or more spring tabs may also engage with the removable faceplate, thereby holding the optical fiber plug in place so as to ensure proper light transmission from the fiber to an opposing fiber. |
| US10042123B2 |
Rugged passively cooled high power laser fiber optic connectors and methods of use
There are provided high power laser connectors and couplers and methods that are capable of providing high laser power without the need for active cooling to remote, harsh and difficult to access locations and under difficult and harsh conditions and to manage and mitigate the adverse effects of back reflections. |
| US10042117B2 |
Photonic-crystal all-optical and-transformation logic gate
The present invention discloses a photonic crystal (PhC) all-optical AND-transformation logic gate, which comprises a PhC-structure unit, an optical-switch unit, a wave-absorbing load, a NOT-logic gate and a D-type flip-flop; two intermediate-signal output ports of the optical-switch unit are respectively connected with the intermediate-signal input port and the wave-absorbing load of the PhC-structure unit; a clock-signal CP input port is connected with three-branch waveguide, and three output ports are respectively connected with first clock-signal CP input port of the optical-switch unit, second clock-signal CP input port of the PhC-structure unit and the NOT-logic-gate input port; the NOT-logic-gate output port is connected with third clock-signal CP input port of the D-type flip-flop; the signal-output port of the PhC-structure unit is connected with the D-signal input port of the D-type flip-flop. The structure of the present invention is compact in structure and ease of integration with other optical-logic elements. |
| US10042116B2 |
Techniques for direct optical coupling of photodetectors to optical demultiplexer outputs and an optical transceiver using the same
An arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) device for use in an optical transceiver is disclosed, and can de-multiplex an optical signal into N number of channel wavelengths. The AWG device can include an AWG chip, with the AWG chip providing a planar lightwave (PLC) circuit configured to de-multiplex channel wavelengths and launch the same into output waveguides. A region of the AWG chip may be tapered such that light traveling via the output waveguides encounters an angled surface of the tapered region and reflects towards an output interface region of the AWG chip. Thus detector devices may optically couple to the output interface region of the AWG chip directly, and can avoid losses introduced by other approaches which couple an output of an AWG to detectors by way of a fiber array or other intermediate device. |
| US10042114B2 |
Multicore fiber for communication
A multicore fiber for communication 10 which allows propagation of an optical signal includes: a clad 12; a core 11a which is arranged in a center of the clad 12; and seven to ten cores 11b which are arranged at equal intervals surrounding the core 11a, and the cladding diameter is 230 μm, distances between centers of the mutually neighboring cores 11a and 11b are 30 μm or more, distances between the centers of the cores 11b and an outer peripheral surface of the clad 12 are 35 μm or more and a mode field diameter of light propagating in the cores 11a and 11b is 9 μm to 13 μm. |
| US10042111B2 |
Light guiding unit, light guiding device, and lighting and/or signal indicating device
A light guiding unit, light guiding device, and lighting and/or signal indicating device comprising a light entry side, for receiving incident light; a light exit side, opposite the light entry side, for emitting emergent light; and a first reflecting side, on which is disposed a reflecting face for reflecting, towards the light exit side, at least a portion of light that has entered through the light entry side, wherein the first and second entry faces have curved shapes and are disposed on the light entry side, the first and second entry faces receiving a first incident and a second incident light portion respectively, and collimating the first incident and second incident light portion respectively in a plane lying along a first direction, wherein one of the first and second entry faces guides the first or second incident light portion corresponding thereto towards the reflecting face on the first reflecting side. |
| US10042110B2 |
Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display includes a display panel having a lower substrate, an upper substrate disposed opposite to the lower substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the lower and upper substrates, a light source which emits light, a glass light guide plate which diffuses the light from the light source to the display panel, and a first bonding member which bonds the lower substrate to the glass light guide plate. |
| US10042107B2 |
Illumination structure for decoration
An illumination structure for decoration includes a light-guiding member and a decorative member on a surface of the light-guiding member. The decorative member has a plurality of lighting parts configured to light in a dot form. A lens layer is between the light-guiding member and the decorative member and includes a plurality of convex lens parts, each of the convex lens parts facing at least one of the lighting parts. Each of the convex lens parts has a convex lens surface on a surface facing the light-guiding member, the convex lens surface being configured to curve and protrude toward the light-guiding member and focus light adjacent to the lighting parts. |
| US10042103B2 |
Display device
Provided is a display device, which includes a light source, a light guide plate, a light conversion member, and a display panel. Light is incident to the light guide plate from the light source. The light conversion member is between the light source and the light guide plate. The display panel is on the light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a central region corresponding to an available display region of the display panel for displaying an image, an outer region around the central region, and a total reflection surface inclined from an optical axis of the light source, and disposed in the outer region. |
| US10042101B2 |
Projection system for a projector and/or a vehicle light with a scanning device and a hologram
A projection system for a projector and/or a vehicle light, comprising a light-scattering and/or conversion device and having a scanning device with which a light impingement region of the projected light is shiftable on the light-scattering and/or conversion device; the light-scattering and/or conversion device being configured for conversion and/or for physical scattering of the light projected onto the light-scattering and/or conversion device so that a light emitted into an external environment of the projection system encompasses an emitted light and/or physically scattered light having the at least one output wavelength; and the projection system encompassing a hologram onto which a physically unscattered light having the at least one output wavelength, which is transmitted at least once through the light-scattering and/or conversion device, impinges, and by which the physically unscattered light is deflectable. |
| US10042099B2 |
Wire grid polarizer and manufacturing method thereof, and display device
Disclosed are a wire grid polarizer and a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device, which relate to the display technical field. The problem of high production cost in a manufacture process of a wire grid polarizer can be solved. The manufacturing method of the wire grid polarizer includes: coating a first polymer monomer on the surface of the base substrate; subjecting the first polymer monomer corresponding to the first preset position to a curing treatment; forming a pattern of first protrusions with intervals on the surface of the base substrate; coating a mixture of the second polymer monomer and metal particles on the surface of the substrate provided with the first protrusions; subjecting the mixture corresponding to the second preset position to a curing treatment; forming a pattern of wire grid formed of the second protrusions with intervals on the surface of the base substrate; wherein each second protrusion covers at least one surface for polarization of one first protrusion. |
| US10042098B2 |
Polarizer, method for manufacturing polarizer, and display panel
A polarizer, a method for manufacturing a polarizer, a display panel including a polarizer, and a display device are provided. The polarizer includes: a first transparent layer; a second transparent layer; a polarizing layer, disposed between the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer; and a first organic layer disposed between the first transparent layer and the polarizing layer, where a direction of a shrinkage stress of the first organic layer is perpendicular to a direction of a shrinkage stress of the polarizing layer. |
| US10042096B2 |
Waveguides
A method for manufacturing a waveguide for a display apparatus comprising providing a planar optical waveguide part (20), depositing upon the optical waveguide part a fluid material (11) curable to form an optically transparent solid, impressing (30) upon the fluid material an impression defining an input diffraction grating region, an intermediate diffraction grating region and an output diffraction grating region wherein the fluid material of the intermediate diffraction grating region is continuous with the fluid material of at least the input diffraction grating region, curing (45) the impressed fluid material to solidify said impression. The physical location of the input diffraction grating is located wholly within the geographical area of the intermediate grating, and the grating vectors of the input diffraction grating and the intermediate diffraction grating are oriented in different respective directions. |
| US10042094B2 |
Weatherable solar reflector with high abrasion resistance
Described herein are solar reflectors which provide a low cost reflector construction that has a unique set of attributes: high solar reflectance, abrasion resistance, UV stability, mechanical integrity, and flexibility. The abrasion resistance is enabled through incorporation of an abrasion-resistant coating into a polymer film metal mirror construction. Methods of using the solar reflectors in solar concentrating applications are also provided. |
| US10042092B2 |
Heat-insulation material and production method thereof
A heat-insulation material does not cause deterioration in heat-insulation performance and any loss of components included therein, and possesses an excellent radiation-preventing function. The heat-insulation material includes: a first heat-insulation layer that includes a first silica xerogel and a first radiation-preventing material; and a third heat-insulation layer that includes a third silica xerogel and second fibers, wherein the first heat-insulation layer and the third heat-insulation layer are layered. An electronic device includes the heat-insulation material. Yet further disclosed is a method for producing the heat-insulation material. |
| US10042085B2 |
Quantum dot-based identification, location and marking
An identification system includes a quantum dot form factor disposed on an article, and quantum dots disposed on the quantum dot form factor, the quantum dots emitting a predetermined emission. A marking system includes a secondary reservoir including a plurality of quantum dots configured to be expelled from the reservoir and a means for dispersing the quantum dots from the secondary reservoir to engage the area to be marked. A location system includes a main reservoir having a plurality of quantum dots disposed within the main reservoir, wherein the main reservoir is a water dissolvable material that dissolves over a predetermined period while exposed to water. An identification system includes a sensor for detecting a light wave query, a strobe for flashing, and a filter that includes quantum dots that the light from the strobe energizes to emit light at a predetermined frequency. |
| US10042083B2 |
Systems and methods for microwave sensing of object properties
A thermal sensing device can include an electromagnetic radiation source configured to generate electromagnetic radiation, a first antenna configured to direct electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation source toward a target, and a second antenna configured to receive microwave radiation emitted from an internal portion of the target. The thermal sensing device can also include a microwave sensor coupled to the second antenna and configured to acquire sensor data regarding the microwave radiation emitted from an internal portion of the target. A processing device, included in the thermal sensing device, can be configured to produce thermal data based on the sensor data. |
| US10042081B2 |
System and method for dynamic formation detection using dynamic depth warping
In one example, a system and method for correlating first well log data with a previously generated well with second well log data from an actively drilling well. A identifying a starting depth is identified above a geological formation. The first well log data is dynamically gain adjusted to the second well log data. The gain adjusted first well log data is dynamically depth warped to the second well log data to correlate the first well log data with the second well log data. |
| US10042079B2 |
Image-based object detection and feature extraction from a reconstructed charged particle image of a volume of interest
Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for analyzing a reconstructed charged particle image of a volume of interest from charged particle detector measurements to detect objects within the volume of interest and then extracting features from the detected objects based on their statistical and geometric properties. In one aspect, this technique partitions the reconstructed charged particle image of the volume into a set of voxels, wherein each voxel is associated with an intensity value. The technique next performs a segmentation operation on the said image to identify a subset of the set of voxels as object-candidate voxels for generating objects. The technique then performs a connected-component analysis on the object-candidate voxels to identify one or more objects within the said image of the volume. The technique subsequently extracts a set of object features from each identified object based at least on the statistical and geometric properties of the identified object. |
| US10042078B2 |
System and method for viewing images on a portable image viewing device related to image screening
An image screening apparatus includes an image scanner that scans an object and generates an image of the object; at least one portable image viewing device; and a controller including circuitry configured to transmit the generated image to the at least one portable image viewing device, trigger display of the transmitted image on a screen of at least one of the portable image viewing devices, and match the displayed image with the scanned object. An area of interest of the scanned object can be displayed on one portable image viewing device by hovering the one portable image viewing device over the area of interest. |
| US10042074B2 |
Underground utility line locator and method for use
A locator for determining the location of a buried utility line from an offset position. The locator has a top peak antenna, a bottom peak antenna, and a null antenna. The locator is tilted until the null antenna is pointed directly at the utility line with the top and bottom peak antennas disposed in a locating plane that is substantially vertical and perpendicular to the line. The tilt angle of the locator and the direct distance between the locator and the utility is measured. The tilt angle and direct distance are used by the processor to determine the vertical and horizontal distances between the locator and the utility. |
| US10042072B2 |
Omni-inducer transmitting devices and methods
Omnidirectional electromagnetic signal inducer (omni-inducer) devices are disclosed. The omni-inducer device may include a housing, which may include a conductive base for coupling signals to ground, and an omnidirectional antenna node including a plurality of antenna coil assemblies, where the node may be disposed on or within the housing. The omni-inducer device may further include one or more transmitter modules for generating ones of a plurality of output signals, which may be generated at ones of a plurality of different frequencies, and one or more control circuits configured to control the transmitters and/or other circuits to selectively switch the ones of the plurality of output signals between ones of the plurality of antenna coil assemblies. |
| US10042071B2 |
Proximity switch
The present invention provides a proximity switch, which can detect whether a detected object containing multiple metals exists in a specific range. The induction type proximity switch includes: an oscillation switch of which the amplitude is attenuated due to the proximity of the detected object containing metal, so as to detect the excessive proximity of the detected object; a detection circuit for detecting the amplitude of a high frequency generated by the oscillation of the oscillation circuit; an operation and comparison part for comparing the detected amplitude of the high frequency with the threshold set for the amplitude, i.e., a boundary as the excessive proximity, and outputting a detection signal of the excessive proximity when the detected amplitude is under the threshold; and a threshold setting part, for selecting a threshold corresponding to a designated metal type according to the designation on the metal type from the outside. |
| US10042070B2 |
Method for locating mobile utensils presented before a network of magnetometers
A method for locating utensils involves (step a) measuring, by magnetometers, of the amplitude of the magnetic field, and (step b) estimating, with the magnetometer measurements the positions, orientations and amplitudes of the magnetic moments of the objects of the utensils. The method also includes (step c) detecting each immobile utensil and, in response, adding the immobile utensil to a list, and (step d) establishing measurements from the magnetometers when they are exclusively in the presence of a reference magnetic field generated only by magnetic objects of all the immobile utensils in the list of immobile utensils. The method further includes (step e) calculating the amplitude of a disturbance on the basis of the differences between the measurements performed in step a) and the measurements established in step d). If the amplitude of the disturbance crosses a predetermined threshold, step b) is executed, otherwise the method returns to step a). |
| US10042066B2 |
Method and device for passively and automatically winding seismic survey equipment cable
A passive, automatic cable winding system is coupled by a cable to a seismic source or streamer and automatically adjusts a payout of the cable connecting the seismic source or streamer to a float. The passive, automatic cable winding system includes a tensioning system configured so that when the seismic source or streamer is deployed during a seismic survey the water exerts force on the seismic source or streamer and the passive, automatic cable winding system pays out the cable so that the seismic source or streamer is at the desired depth for the seismic survey. When the seismic source or streamer is pulled out of the water during recovery, the passive, automatic winding system reduces the length of the cable between the float and the seismic source or streamer, and thus reduces the chances of the cable becoming tangled during recovery. |
| US10042063B2 |
Method and apparatus of generating shear waves for seismic exploration
An apparatus of confining an earth block to engage with a horizontal vibrator for generating shear dominated seismic source and a method of applying the apparatus are related. An apparatus of confining an earth block to be engaged with at least one vibrator for generating a shear dominated seismic source comprises a plurality of horizontal steels, a plurality of vertical steel sheet piles, a plurality of vertical elongated steel pile sheets, a plurality of horizontal elongated steels, and at least one vibrator. |
| US10042062B2 |
Earthquake prediction device
An earthquake prediction device comprises a predicted value calculation unit 16 that calculates, from a prediction formula below, a predicted value (MMIap) indicating a predicted intensity of a ground motion on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale, using a maximum acceleration value (Aumax), which is a maximum absolute value among absolute values of vertical acceleration component of the ground motion, after a sensor starts detecting the ground motion caused by an earthquake. The prediction formula is: MMIap=αa log10(Aumax)+βa. |
| US10042061B2 |
Radiation detector and method of operating the same
A radiation detector and a method of operating the radiation detector. The radiation detector includes: a photoconductive layer between the array substrate and the counter electrode and having a particle-in-binder (PIB) structure in which a photoconductive particle and a binder are mixed; and an optical unit for providing light energy to the photoconductive layer to detrap a charge trapped in an interface between the photoconductive particle and the binder. The light energy includes ultraviolet rays and/or visible rays. |
| US10042059B2 |
Radiation detector using gas amplification, manufacturing method for radiation detector using gas amplification, and method for detecting radiation by radiation detector using gas amplification
A radiation detector using gas amplification, includes: an insulator having a first surface and a second surface positioned at a back surface side of the first surface; a first electrode layer that is provided on the first surface of the insulator and has a circular opening portion; a pixel electrode positioned inside the opening portion; a second electrode layer provided on the second surface of the insulator; and a via hole conductor that has one end surface thereof bonded to the second electrode layer through the interior of the insulator and has the other end surface thereof bonded to the pixel electrode, in which at least a part of the other end surface side of the via hole conductor exhibits a column or truncated cone shape and an outer diameter of the via hole conductor becomes smallest at the one end surface. |
| US10042055B2 |
Traffic volume estimation
Systems and methods for using a plurality of probe reports to augment a geographic database with traffic volume data. The plurality of probe reports are identified for a road segment for a time period. A probe value is determined for the road segment for the time period based on the plurality of probe reports. A probe probability value is calculated for the road segment for the time period based on the probe value. The probe probability value is adjusted using road attributes. The adjusted probe probability value is used to estimate traffic volume. The geographic database is augmented with the estimated traffic volume. |
| US10042054B2 |
Optical individual-point measurement
A distance measuring method for a point on an object is performed by emitting measurement radiation. When an optical measurement axis of the measurement radiation is aligned with the point to be measured, an optical measurement point region is defined by the beam cross section of the radiation on the object. The beam cross section may be, for example, a maximum of eight times the standard deviation of a Gaussian steel profile of the measurement radiation. The the distance to the point on the object is determined by receiving measurement radiation reflected from the object. The method includes altering, at least once, a measurement direction as emission direction of the measurement radiation with respective emission and reception of the measurement radiation. Altering the measurement direction is carried out such that respective area centroids defined by the beam cross section on the object lie within the measurement point region. |
| US10042050B2 |
Vehicle radar system with blind spot detection
A vehicle radar system for monitoring a blind spot of a vehicle includes a radar transmitter mounted on the vehicle and a transmitting antenna coupled to the radar transmitter. The transmitting antenna transmits radiation in a pattern into a region adjacent to the vehicle, the pattern comprising a first radiation lobe and a second radiation lobe. A null region of the pattern between the first lobe and the second lobe is directed into the region approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the longitudinal axis running between a rear end of the vehicle and a front end of the vehicle and running along a line of travel of the vehicle. |
| US10042046B2 |
System and method for radar imaging using distributed arrays and compressive sensing
A method and system for generating a high resolution two-dimensional (2D) radar image, by first transmitting a radar pulse by a transmit antenna at an area of interest and receiving echoes, corresponding to reflection the radar pulse in the area of interest, at a set of receive arrays, wherein each array includes and a set of receive antennas that are static and randomly distributed at different locations at a same side of the area of interest with a random orientation within a predetermined angular range. The the echoes are sampled for each receive array to produce distributed data for each array. Then, a compressive sensing (CS) procedure is applied to the distributed data to generate the high resolution 2D radar image. |
| US10042042B2 |
Rotating lidar
A lidar system, including a base, a sensor body, and a motor having a shaft. The motor is affixed to the base, and can drive the sensor body in rotation with respect to the base. An LED device and a light sensor are each mounted upon the sensor body. A data processing device is also mounted upon the sensor body, and is programmed to produce range information based upon the sensor data. The shaft carries two slip rings. The LED, the sensor and the data processing device all receive electrical power via the two slip rings. The data processing device is configured to transmit the range information via the two slip rings using pulse width modulation. |
| US10042041B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting and correcting for blockage of an automotive radar sensor
A radar system and method in a host system include a radar detector detecting reflected radar signals and converting the reflected radar signals into digital data signals. A motion detector detects motion of the host system and indicates velocity of the host system. A processor receives the digital data signals and processes the digital data signals to categorize the digital data signals into target categories, one of the target categories being an environmental clutter category, the processor associating each of a plurality of processed groups of the digital data signals with a velocity, one of the groups of digital data being associated with a first preselected velocity. When the velocity of the host system changes, if the velocity associated with the one of the groups of digital data of the environmental clutter category has not changed, then the processor indicates that the radar detector is at least partially blocked. |
| US10042039B2 |
Device system and method for dynamic signal measurement range scaling
A measurement device is disclosed, having a receiver/transmitter with extended instantaneous dynamic range. The receiver/transmitter includes at least one input port, which is configured to receive signals; a primary receiver/transmitter coupled to the input/output port via a primary path; and a plurality of auxiliary receivers/transmitters. The plurality of auxiliary receivers/transmitters are coupled to the input/output port via secondary paths. The attenuation of each of the secondary paths is higher than the attenuation of the primary path. |
| US10042037B2 |
System and method for estimating time of arrival (TOA)
A technique is provided for estimating time of arrival of a signal transmitted as a pulse and received as a sum of pulses. The received signal is filtered with a novel filter that lowers the early side lobes of the received signal to noise level. A first energy rise point is identified at a point of the main lobe of the filtered received signal, at which the energy is higher than the noise by a predetermined level. Starting from the identification of the first energy rise points, the time of arrival is estimated via curve matching, in which the shape of the filtered received signal is matched to the shape of composed by a sum of one or more reference curves that are shifted both in time and in energy. The reference curves are found by applying to the transmitted signal the same filter applied to the received signal. |
| US10042036B2 |
Pseudo-doppler shift three dimensional location mapping
An apparatus for a radar antenna mapping system is described. The system comprises a plurality of antenna arrays configured to receive signals emitted from a transmitter. The system further comprises wherein the transmitter emits signals of a plurality of frequencies, wherein the transmitter is coupled to a component within a data center, and wherein each of the plurality of antenna arrays are configured to receive a signal of one of the plurality of frequencies. The plurality of antenna arrays each comprise a plurality of antenna elements configured to determine a location of the transmitter in a respective coordinate plane by receiving signals of one of the plurality of frequencies. The system further comprises a computer with a central processor configured to determine the location of the transmitter based upon the signals received by the plurality of antenna arrays and construct a map of the location of the component. |
| US10042035B2 |
System and method for tile-based reduction of access point location information
Embodiments of a system and method for tile-based reduction of access point location information are described. Embodiments may reduce a set of network access points and respective locations to generate a reduced set. For instance, embodiments may include parsing a representation of a geographic region into multiple tiles. Embodiments may also include, for each sub-area or “bucket” of multiple buckets that make up a given tile, evaluating the set of network access points and respective locations to identify network access points residing in that bucket, and based on a ranking of the network access points in that bucket, eliminating at least some network access points of that sub-area from the reduced set. Embodiments may also include, for each sub-tile of multiple sub-tiles of the given tile, assigning within the reduced set a common location to multiple access points residing within different locations of that sub-tile. |
| US10042033B2 |
Apparatus and method for calibrating a radio positioning based position finding device
Described is an apparatus for calibrating a position finding device, having a comparer for comparing a received radio signal pattern to a multitude of reference radio signal patterns, a determiner for determining a signal strength difference, and a determiner for determining a calibration value. The comparer for comparing is configured to select a selection subset from the multitude of reference radio signal patterns by means of a measure of matching between the received radio signal pattern and one reference radio signal pattern, respectively. Determination of the calibration value is based on the signal strength difference, and the determiner for determining the calibration value is further configured to provide the calibration value to the position finding device. Also described are a position finding device for radio-based localization, having such an apparatus for calibrating, a method of calibrating a position finding device based on radio-based localization, and a computer program for performing the method are described. |
| US10042028B2 |
Medical imaging apparatus and method of processing medical image
A medical imaging apparatus includes: an output unit configured to display a magnetic resonance (MR) image matrix in which MR images, obtained by performing magnetic resonance imaging on a heart, are arranged in columns and rows; and an image processor configured to display at least one first indicator which indicates a column of the MR image matrix corresponding to at least one of end diastole and end systole and display at least one second indicator which indicates a row of the MR image matrix corresponding to at least one of an apex and a base of the heart, wherein the columns of the MR image matrix are arranged according to time when MR images included in the columns are captured, and the rows of the MR image matrix are arranged according to a position on a longitudinal axis of the heart corresponding to MR images included in the rows. |
| US10042025B2 |
System and method for chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging using magnetization transfer
A system and method is provided for producing a map of a static magnetic field (B0) of a magnetic resonance imaging system. The method includes forming a first dataset by acquiring, with the MRI system, a first plurality of different echo signals occurring at a respective plurality of different echo times. The method also includes forming a second dataset by acquiring, with the MRI system, a second plurality of different echo signals occurring at a respective plurality of different echo times. The second dataset includes signals resulting from a magnetization transfer (MT) between free water and bound molecules. The method further includes generating MT-weighted maps using the first dataset and the second dataset, determining, using the MT-weighted maps, a phase difference between the first plurality of different echo signals, and using the phase differences, generate a corrected map of the static magnetic field (B0) of the MRI system. |
| US10042022B2 |
Method for magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance device
In order to provide an improved homogeneity of a primary magnetic field during a magnetic resonance imaging process, a method for magnetic resonance imaging of a subject under examination using a magnetic resonance device includes an acquisition of magnetic resonance image data in a plurality of scanning blocks. Different shim settings are set in each case for the plurality of scanning blocks. |
| US10042017B2 |
NMR spectrometer comprising a superconducting magnetic coil having windings composed of a superconductor structure having strip pieces chained together
An NMR spectrometer (131) with an NMR magnet coil (91) having windings of a conductor with a superconducting structure (1), which have a plurality of band-segments (2, 2a, 7a-7e, 8a-8d, 15) made of band-shaped superconductor. Each band-segment (2, 2a, 7a-7e, 8a-8d, 15) has a flexible substrate (3) and a superconducting layer (4) deposited thereon, wherein the band-segments (2, 2a, 7a-7e, 8a-8d, 15) each have a length of 20 m or more. At least one of the band-segments (2, 2a, 7a-7e, 8a-8d, 15) forms a linked band-segment (2, 2a), and each linked band-segment (2, 2a) is connected to at least two further band-segments (7a-7e) in such a way that the combined further band-segments (7a-7e) overlap with at least 95% of the total length (L) of the linked band-segment (2, 2a). The magnet coil generates particularly high magnetic fields in a sample volume and has a low drift. |
| US10042016B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and control apparatus of cryogenic cooling system and control method thereof
There is provided an MRI apparatus including a superconducting magnet that includes a refrigerant container and a superconducting coil, a cryogenic cooling system with which the superconducting magnet is provided, and a controller that controls the operation of the cryogenic cooling system. The cryogenic cooling system includes a cold head, a cryo-cooler, a compressor that supplies a compressed gas to the cryo-cooler, and a detection unit that detects the pressure in the refrigerant container, the refrigerant container being provided with the cold head, the cryo-cooler, the compressor, and the detection unit. An upper limit value of the maximum number of times of halts of the compressor within a predetermined period of time is set in advance. The controller intermittently halts the compressor within a range in which the pressure detected by the detection unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined upper limit value and performs control such that the number of times of halts of the compressor within the predetermined period of time reaches the upper limit value of the maximum number of times of halts. |
| US10042014B2 |
Apparatus and method for analyzing samples with NMR
An apparatus and method for testing and analyzing the molecular structure of a sample material in an NMR device are described. A sample is held in a pre-determined stretched state in an apparatus that includes the sample arranged between two body components that are secured together with one or more retaining members that fit around the bodies or portions thereof. The apparatus is inserted into an NMR device to obtain NMR spectrums for analyzing the molecular structure of the samples, for instance, identifying strain-induced crystallinity and quantifying the same at pre-determined stretch ratios of a sample material. |
| US10042011B2 |
Method to detect or monitor the demagnetization of a magnet
A method to detect a decrease of the demagnetization of permanent magnets of the generator of a wind turbine, wherein a frequency converter is able to adapt to the variable frequency of the generator output voltage to the frequency of a power grid, wherein the AC/DC converter or the DC/AC converter of the frequency converter is been disabled, the electrical connections between the generator and the frequency converter are switched on via circuit breakers, the generator speed is determined; the generator output voltage is determined by a voltage sensor which is part of the frequency converter,the magnetic flux density of the generator is calculated depending on the generator speed and the generator output voltage, a demagnetization event is determined by comparing the resulting flux density value with a predetermined flux density value is provided. |
| US10042009B2 |
Die-sized atomic magnetometer and method of forming the magnetometer
The cost and size of an atomic magnetometer are reduced by attaching together a first die which integrates together a vapor cell, top and side photo detectors, and processing electronics, a second die which integrates together an optics package and a heater for the vapor cell, and a third die which integrates together a VCSEL, a heater for the VCSEL, and control electronics. |
| US10042007B2 |
Method for detecting a failing rectifier or rectifier source
A method is provided for detecting a failure of a rectifier or a rectifier source in context of an uninterruptible power supply. The method includes: measuring an input current into the rectifier from a primary power source; determining a rate of change in the measured current; determining a current difference between a reference current and the measured current; measuring voltage output by the rectifier; determining a voltage difference between a reference voltage and the measured voltage; and detecting a failure condition of the rectifier as a function of the measured input current, the rate of change in the measured current, the current difference, the measured voltage and the voltage difference. More specifically, a failure condition of the rectifier is identified when the input current is decreasing and the rate of change in the measured current is decreasing and the current difference is increasing and the voltage difference is increasing. |
| US10042003B2 |
Faulty circuit detection of shut off valve
Systems and methods for detecting circuit conditions are provided. A method for detecting a condition of a circuit may comprise: applying electrical energy to at least a circuit element in the circuit, a level of the electrical energy being insufficient to fully actuate the circuit element. The method may further comprise verifying integrity of the circuit. |
| US10042002B2 |
System and method for contact measurement circuit
According to an embodiment, a contact measurement circuit is configured to be coupled between a first contact and a second contact, and the contact measurement circuit includes a first transistor, a control capacitor, and a voltage measurement unit. The first transistor includes a first conduction terminal configured to be coupled to the first contact, a second conduction terminal, and a first control terminal. The control capacitor includes a first capacitor terminal coupled to the second conduction terminal and a second capacitor terminal coupled to the first control terminal. The voltage measurement unit is coupled to the first capacitor terminal and the second capacitor terminal, and the second capacitor terminal is configured to be coupled to the second contact. |
| US10041995B2 |
Test method for eliminating electrostatic charges
In a test method for eliminating electrostatic charges, at least one test process is firstly performed by a test equipment comprising a tester and a platform, and electrostatic charges are generated on the test equipment in the test process. In the test process, the tester contacts and tests at least one tested integrated circuit (IC) on a test area of the platform, and then the tested IC is removed from the tester and the test area. Next, a conduction device which is grounded is moved to the test area, so that the tester contacts the conduction device to discharge the electrostatic charges to ground. Next, the conduction device is removed from the tester and the test area. Finally, the method returns to the test process to test the next tested IC. |
| US10041994B2 |
Method and system for predicting high-temperature operating life of SRAM devices
A method for predicting high-temperature operating life of an integrated circuit (IC) includes performing bias temperature instability tests and high-temperature operating life tests on a device of the IC, establishing a relationship between the device bias temperature instability and the IC's high-temperature operating life based on a result of the bias temperature instability tests and the high-temperature operating life tests. The method further includes providing a lot of subsequent integrated circuits (ICs), performing wafer-level bias temperature instability tests on a device of the ICs, and predicting high-temperature operating life of the ICs based on a result of the wafer-level bias temperature instability tests and based on the established relationship between the device's bias temperature instability and the IC's high-temperature operating life. The method can save significant effort and time over conventional approaches for accurate prediction of high-temperature operating life of an IC. |
| US10041977B2 |
Voltage detecting probe and measuring device
A voltage detecting probe includes a first shield with an insertion concave formed at a front end; a second shield that has a base end of the first shield inserted thereinto; and a detection electrode formed of a conductive cylindrical member, covered with an insulating covering, and housed inside the first shield. The first shield or detection electrode moves along an axis when an operation lever is moved. When the insulating covering on the front end contacts a measured wire inserted into the insertion concave, the detection electrode and wire become capacitively coupled. The operation lever includes a pillar portion inserted through a guide hole in the second shield and connected to the first shield or detection electrode. A third shield, which is attached to the pillar portion, moves with the operation lever, and shields the guide hole, is disposed inside and/or outside the second shield. |
| US10041976B2 |
Gimbal assembly test system and method
Aspects of the present disclosure provide a gimbal assembly test system including: a protective cover affixed to a test surface of a wafer probe card mounted within a gimbal bearing, wherein the protective cover includes an exterior surface oriented outward from the test surface of the wafer probe card; and a recess extending into the exterior surface of the protective cover and shaped to matingly engage a load cell tip therein. |
| US10041971B2 |
Nanoscale scanning sensors
A sensing probe may be formed of a diamond material comprising one or more spin defects that are configured to emit fluorescent light and are located no more than 50 nm from a sensing surface of the sensing probe. The sensing probe may include an optical outcoupling structure formed by the diamond material and configured to optically guide the fluorescent light toward an output end of the optical outcoupling structure. An optical detector may detect the fluorescent light that is emitted from the spin defects and that exits through the output end of the optical outcoupling structure after being optically guided therethrough. A mounting system may hold the sensing probe and control a distance between the sensing surface of the sensing probe and a surface of a sample while permitting relative motion between the sensing surface and the sample surface. |
| US10041970B2 |
High speed adaptive-multi-loop mode imaging atomic force microscopy
A method for imaging a sample using a high speed dynamic mode atomic force microscope may include scanning a tip of a cantilever probe over a surface of the sample, regulating a vibration amplitude of the tip to remain constant at a set point value (Aset), via a first signal generated in a first feedback controller, measuring a mean tapping deflection of the tip, regulating the mean tapping deflection via a second signal generated in a second feedback controller, tracking and measuring an adjustment to the measured mean tapping deflection during the regulating. The method may further include generating an image topography of the sample based on the first signal, the second signal, and the measured adjustment of the mean tapping deflection of the cantilever probe. |
| US10041967B2 |
Method and system for ultrasonic airflow measurements
A method of determining a velocity of air flowing in an air flow direction through an opening. The method includes locating first and second transducer assemblies in the opening, to position the first and second transducer assemblies spaced apart by a predetermined distance along a substantially straight line of sight defining a non-zero angle in a horizontal plane between the line of sight and the air flow direction. A controller is operatively connected with the first and second transducer assemblies respectively, via a four-wire interface in which two of the wires are for power transmission and two of the wires are for transmitting signals. The transducer assemblies are time-synchronized. First and second electronic signal pulses are transmitted between the first and second transducer assemblies. Based on the transit times, the non-zero angle, and the predetermined distance, the velocity of the air flowing in the air flow direction is determined. |
| US10041966B2 |
Method for estimating the speed of an engine in a predefined position
This method includes the following steps: —determining the angular position and the rotational speed for a first point of measurement and a second point of measurement of a engine position sensor, —determining at least one gradient of the rotational speed different from the speed gradient between the two points of measurement of the previous step, —approximating the actual rotational speed curve with respect to the angular position with a polynomial function of degree two, and —carrying out a calculation, in advance, for determining an estimated rotational speed at the predefined position, the position defining a future angular position of the crankshaft, by applying the polynomial function to the predefined future position. The method can be used to predict engine rotation reversal. |
| US10041965B2 |
Modified device for transporting a container of biological products in a laboratory automation system
Described is a carrier device for a single container of biological products or single test tube, comprising a base with a cavity, and a closing element. The base has a central pin with a cavity in which an RFID transponder is accommodated, is rotationally coupled to a toothed rotor, and further comprises four coupling holes, obtained in four cylinders projecting upward and having vertical axes, in which pins of four vertical gripping fingers are inserted. |
| US10041963B2 |
System for adjusting automatic analysis, method for adjusting automatic analysis
Various mechanisms of an automatic analysis device are adjusted to suppress the occurrence of a difference in adjustment quality between an experienced person and an inexperienced person. An adjustment system includes a current position information acquiring unit for acquiring information indicating a current position of an adjustment object, a predetermined position information storage unit preliminarily storing information indicating a predetermined position where the adjustment object should be located and an adjustment value calculation unit which, by comparing the information indicating the current position of the adjustment object acquired by the current position information acquiring unites with information indicating the predetermined position of the adjustment object that has been stored in the predetermined position information storage unit, calculates an adjustment value that is required for adjusting the position of the adjustment object from the current position to the predetermined position. |
| US10041962B1 |
Sensing paper and method of sensing abused drugs
A sensing paper suitable for sensing a target substance is provided. The sensing paper includes a filter paper, a wax, and a plurality of fluorescent materials. The wax is printed on the filter paper, wherein the sensing paper has a plurality of opening patterns, and each of the opening patterns respectively exposes a portion of the filter paper. The plurality of fluorescent materials is attached to the portion of the filter paper that is exposed by each of the opening patterns. Each of the fluorescent materials emits fluorescence, and after the fluorescent materials react with the target substance, an intensity of the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent materials is quenched. |
| US10041954B2 |
Biomarker for psychiatric and neurological disorders
The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a biomarker for psychiatric and neurological disorders, in particular, a biomarker for diagnosing psychiatric and neurological disorders; and a test kit and test method for psychiatric and neurological disorders. The inventors discovered that there is a significant increase in the concentration of free κ immunoglobulin chains and free λ immunoglobulin chains in the blood samples from patients with psychiatric and neurological disorders. Consequently, the present invention provides a biomarker for psychiatric and neurological disorders that includes at least one selected from the group consisting of free κ immunoglobulin chains, free λ immunoglobulin chains, and fragments thereof. Using this biomarker for psychiatric and neurological disorders enables the psychiatric and neurological disorders to be easily tested and diagnosed with the blood samples from the subjects. The biomarker enables more effective tests and diagnoses to be conducted combining inflammatory cytokines in the blood of patients with psychiatric and neurological disorders. |
| US10041953B2 |
Mass spectrometric determination of drug resistance
The invention relates to a method to determine drug resistance in microbes. The method relates to measuring the drug resistance conferring protein by mass spectrometry. The mass spectrum acquired provides information whether an drug resistance conferring protein is present and information on the type of drug resistance conferring protein, on mutations of the drug resistance conferring protein as well as on the expression level of this protein. |
| US10041950B2 |
Signaling conjugates and methods of use
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a signaling conjugate, embodiments of a method of using the signaling conjugates, and embodiments of a kit comprising the signaling conjugate. The disclosed signaling conjugate comprises a latent reactive moiety and a chromogenic moiety that may further comprise a linker suitable for coupling the latent reactive moiety to the chromogenic moiety. The signaling conjugate may be used to detect one or more targets in a biological sample and are capable of being covalently deposited directly on or proximally to the target. Particular disclosed embodiments of the method of using the signaling conjugate comprise multiplexing methods. |
| US10041949B2 |
Multiplexed imaging of tissues using mass tags and secondary ion mass spectrometry
A method of generating a high resolution two-dimensional image of a sample comprising cells and extracellular structures is provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: labeling a sample with at least one mass tag, thereby producing a labeled sample; scanning the sample with a secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) ion beam to generate a data set that comprises spatially-addressable measurements of the abundance of the mass tag across an area of the sample; and outputting the data set. In many embodiments, the data set contains the identity and abundance of the mass tag. A system for performing the method is also provided. |
| US10041948B2 |
Materials and methods for determining cancer risk
This document relates to materials and methods involved in assessing inflammatory bowel disease patients at risk for developing cancer. For example, materials and methods for monitoring colorectal cancer risk in ulcerative colitis patients are provided. |
| US10041946B2 |
Reagents for HCV antigen-antibody combination assays
The present invention is directed to combination immunoassays, reagents and kits for simultaneous detection of HCV antigens and anti-HCV antibodies in a sample. The combination immunoassays of the present invention employ a non-ionic detergent that effectively exposes or releases the HCV core antigen from virions in a sample without interfering with the performance of other reagents such as the capture of anti-HCV antibodies by recombinant HCV antigens. |
| US10041941B2 |
Assay test strips with multiple labels and reading same
In one aspect, an assay test strip includes a test label that specifically binds a target analyte and a control label that is free of any specific binding affinity for the target analyte and has a different optical characteristic than the test label. In another aspect, an assay test strip includes a test label that specifically binds a target analyte and at least one non-specific-binding label that is free of any specific binding affinity for the target analyte. Systems and methods of reading assay test strips also are described. |
| US10041939B2 |
Binding assay with multiple magnetically labelled tracer binding agents
The present invention relates to a cartridge (1) for the detection of an analyte (2) in a binding assay with magnetic labels (3), the cartridge comprising at least one capture binding agent (4) against a binding site on the analyte and comprising at least two magnetically labelled tracer binding agents (51 and 52) against further different binding sites on the analyte, characterized in that the cartridge comprises at least two regions (61 and 62) wherein a first region (61) comprises the at least one capture binding agent (4) and a first magnetically labelled tracer binding agent (51) and wherein a second region (62) comprises at least one capture binding agent (4) and a second magnetically labelled tracer binding agent (52). Herein the first region (61) does not comprise a magnetically labelled tracer binding agent other than the first magnetically labelled tracer bind agent (51) and wherein the second region (62) does not comprise a magnetically labelled tracer binding agent other than the second magnetically labelled tracer binding agent (52). |
| US10041937B2 |
Macrophage identification agent, and identification method, sorting method, evaluation method, screening method and kit using the macrophage identifier agent
An object of the present invention is to provide an identification method for a macrophage subtype using an organic compound. Another object of the present invention is to provide a macrophage identification agent containing an organic compound in which a spectral characteristic obtained when the organic compound is added is different depending on a macrophage subtype. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an evaluation method for a macrophage subtype using a macrophage identification agent, an analysis method for correlation between a macrophage subtype and a test substance, a screening method for correlation between a macrophage subtype and a test substance, and a kit. An identification method for a macrophage subtype utilizing that a spectral characteristic obtained with an organic compound added is different depending on a macrophage subtype is provided. |
| US10041936B2 |
Neuronal cells cultured on microparticles and methods of using same
The present invention provides methods for culturing neuronal cells for transplantation into a subject. The methods include culturing neuronal cells with microparticles to provide a microparticle and neuronal cell culture composition, wherein the microparticles are coated with a compound that provides for attachment of neuronal cells. The present invention also provides methods of screening the cultured neuronal cells as well as kits and systems for use in the same. |
| US10041935B2 |
Identification of olfactory receptors sensitive to different odorants
This disclosure provides methods for identification of olfactory sensosry neurons (OSN) that recognize specific odorants. The method comprises introducing into the OSN, a permanent activity marker which exhibits a detectable and permanent change upon activation of the neuron in response to an odorant and exposure to an exteranal stimulus, such as light. The OSN can be isolated and its receptor characterized. |
| US10041934B2 |
Whole cell assays and methods
The disclosure provides methods for analysis of disease cell response to a therapeutic agent. In embodiments, a method comprises administering the therapeutic agent to a disease cell sample from the subject in a device that measures at least one physiological parameter of a cell; determining whether a change occurs in the physiologic parameter of the disease cell sample in response to the therapeutic agent as compared to a baseline measurement or the physiological parameter before administration of the therapeutic agent, and selecting the therapeutic agent that results in the change in the at least one physiologic parameter. In embodiments, the disease cells are whole, viable, and/or label free. |
| US10041925B2 |
Detection of quantity of water flow using quantum clusters
The preparation of silver quantum clusters embedded in organic-templated-boehmite-nanoarchitecture (OTBN) and its use as a sensor for quantity of water flow measured by change of color in visible light upon flow of contaminated water have been provided. Silver quantum clusters-embedded OTBN are highly luminescent. Since the quantum clusters are embedded in the matrix, they are highly stable over a long period of time. The composition described here is utilized in the form of a device for ‘visible/ultraviolet light color change-based detection’ upon passage of water through a water purification device. Upon interaction with ions present in water, luminescent silver clusters undergo chemical transformation to Ag2S nanoparticles. The transformation is reflected in the form of visible color change (from pink to black) and luminescence quenching (from red emission to negligible luminescence). |
| US10041924B2 |
Concentration-factor measurement device and method
Provided are a concentration-factor measurement device and method for accurately calculating a concentration factor of circulating water, and a method for measuring a water-quality index value of the circulating water. The concentration-factor measurement device includes a light-absorbance measurement unit (1) for measuring absorbance by irradiating each of cells (12A-12C) with light, and an electrode measurement unit (2) equipped with electrodes (16, 17) that are inserted into a water sample in a container (20). For each item of water quality, the device calculates a concentration factor on the basis of a measured value measured when the water sample (W) is the circulating water, and a measured value measured when the water sample (W) is makeup water. A plurality of concentration factors are calculated on the basis of the measured values for plural items of water quality. Hence an accurate concentration factor can be obtained. |
| US10041912B2 |
Sound wave sensor
A sound wave sensor, capable of reliably detecting presence or absence of a banknote very easily with use of sound waves, is provided. The sound wave sensor includes a sounding body 2 that outputs a sound wave signal of a predetermined frequency, an echo body 3 opposed to the sounding body 2 in a direction in which the sounding body 2 outputs the sound wave signal, the echo body 3 being provided at a position where the sound wave signal resonates at the predetermined frequency; a slit 5 through which a sheet-like banknote 4 passes, the slit 5 being provided between the sounding body 2 and the echo body 3; and a resonance determination unit 6 that determines a resonant state of the frequency output from the sounding body 2. The resonance determination unit 6 determines a resonant state by detecting variation in power consumption of the sounding body 2. |
| US10041910B2 |
Method and system with oppositely-facing ultrasonic transducers for determining tissue pathology
A method for determining a pathology of a tissue sample. The method includes steps of coupling the tissue sample between two oppositely-facing ultrasonic transducers; acquiring a pulse-echo ultrasonic measurement and a through-transmission ultrasonic measurement of the tissue sample using the ultrasonic transducers; analyzing at least one of the pulse-echo ultrasonic measurement and the through-transmission ultrasonic measurement using time domain analysis; analyzing at least one of the through-transmission ultrasonic measurements and the pulse-echo ultrasonic measurements using frequency domain analysis; and determining the pathology of the tissue sample based on at least one of the time domain analysis and the frequency domain analysis. |
| US10041908B2 |
Volatile organic compound sensor
A VOC detection sensor includes: a photoemission acceleration unit including a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from each other to face each other and a power source unit forming an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode, photoemission means disposed within a space formed by the first electrode and second electrode of the photoemission acceleration unit and emitting photoelectrons, a light source supplying light energy by which the photoemission means emits photoelectrons, and an ammeter measuring the amount of charges flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein VOCs in the space between the first electrode and the second electrode are ionized through a collision against photoelectrons accelerated by the photoemission acceleration unit, and the ammeter detects a concentration of the VOCs by measuring the amount of charges formed by the ionized VOCs between the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US10041905B2 |
Electrochemically active agents for pH modulation in biological buffers
Device and methods for use in a biosensor comprising a multisite array of test sites, the device and methods being useful for modulating the binding interactions between a (biomolecular) probe or detection agent and an analyte of interest by modulating the pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor. An electrochemically active agent that is suitable for use in biological buffers for changing the pH of the biological buffers. Method for changing the pH of biological buffers using the electrochemically active agents. The methods of modulating the binding interactions provided in a biosensor, analytic methods for more accurately controlling and measuring the pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor, and analytic methods for more accurately measuring an analyte of interest in a biological sample. |
| US10041899B2 |
Portable electrical capacitive tomography imaging device and method of operation
An Electrical Capacitive Tomography (ECT) sensor system for imaging heterogeneous dielectric material includes multiple ECT sensor heads, a portable, wireless ECT reader that interfaces with the ECT sensor heads. The ECT reader includes an efficient low computational cost fuzzy logic dielectric ECT image synthesizer. The fuzzy logic dielectric ECT image synthesizer can an independent processing chain for each pixel. Due to the low computation cost the fuzzy logic image synthesizer is able to produce video imagery of dynamic flows or reactions. |
| US10041898B2 |
3D micro and nanoheater design for ultra-low power gas sensors
High-efficiency, ultra-low power gas sensors are provided. In one aspect, a gas detector device is provided which includes: at least one gas sensor having a plurality of fins; a conformal resistive heating element on the fins; a conformal barrier layer on the resistive heating element; and a conformal sensing layer on the barrier layer. A method of forming a gas sensor as well as a method for use thereof in gas detection are also provided. |
| US10041897B2 |
Hermetic implantable sensor
At least one conductor is formed at a preselected location on a substrate made of a first insulating material having a high temperature resistance. The conductor is made from a solidified electrically conductive thick film material. A coating made of a second insulating material is formed over the substrate to hermetically seal at least a portion of the conductor. An exposed distal region of the conductor provides a detection electrode. The conductor has a reduced porosity that inhibits migration of fluid or constituents thereof through the conductor. |
| US10041896B2 |
Sensor fitting for biotech process bag
A fluid process application bag includes a flexible film body having an opening, a port plate sealed around the opening of the flexible film body, a sensor fitting and a sensor contained within the sensor fitting. The port plate has a receptacle defining a passage in fluid communication with an interior of the flexible film body and the sensor fitting has a body portion seated within the passage of the receptacle and is coupled to the receptacle. The sensor has at least one probe communicating with the interior of the flexible film body. |
| US10041893B2 |
Methods and systems for identifying hydrocarbon fluid transition characteristics using nuclear magnetic resonance
Methods are provided for identifying one or more transition characteristics in a hydrocarbon fluid such as asphaltene onset pressure (AOP), bubble point or dew point. A transition characteristic is determined by subjecting the fluid to different pressures or temperatures, conducting NMR tests at the different pressures or temperatures to obtain signals, processing the signals to obtain values of a function of an NMR parameter as a function of pressure or temperature, and analyzing the values to find a discontinuity that identifies the transition characteristic. In embodiments, the NMR parameters may include at least one of a relaxation parameter such as T2 or a T1-T2 ratio, a diffusion parameter and an initial magnetization parameter. In embodiments, dual linear fitting, Bayesian change point detection algorithms, and instantaneous slope analysis may be utilized to analyze the values in order to find a discontinuity. |
| US10041889B2 |
System and method for high speed surface and subsurface FOD and defect detection
A system and method for the detection of foreign object debris materials or defects on and/or under a surface (e.g., outer ply) of a composite part being formed by a composite layup machine. A gantry moves over the composite part along a predetermined length thereof. A thermal excitation source fixed to the gantry directs infrared radiation across the width of the surface of the composite part. A infrared camera fixed to the gantry a predetermined distance away from the thermal excitation source scans the surface as the gantry moves to detect and output scan information thereof. A controller is coupled to the thermal excitation source and to the infrared camera. The controller processes the sequence of infrared images to identify a foreign object debris material or defect located on and/or under the surface. |
| US10041887B2 |
Lithium reagent composition, and method and device for quantifying lithium ions using same
A lithium reagent composition for determining lithium concentration, with which it is possible to instantaneously determine the amount of lithium contained in an aqueous solution, such as a biosample or an environmental sample, by means of a simple colorimeter or ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer and which renders a visual assessement possible; and a method and device for quantifying lithium ions using the composition. A lithium reagent composition obtained by mixing the compound represented by the structural formula, wherein all of the hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms of tetraphenylporphyrin have been replaced with fluorine atoms, as a chelating agent with a basic organic compound selected from monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine and producing an aqueous solution thereof that further contains a pH regulator with which the pH has been regulated to 5 or higher; and a method and device for quantifying lithium ions using the composition. |
| US10041886B2 |
Monolayer of nanorods on a substrate and method of forming the same
Provided is a method of forming a monolayer of nanorods on a substrate, wherein the nanorods are at least substantially vertically aligned, the method including providing a droplet of a solution including the nanorods on a substrate, and controlling the temperature and the evaporation of the solution such that the internal region of the droplet is kept at near equilibrium status to allow formation of the monolayer of nanorods. Also provided is a monolayer of nanorods on the substrate thus obtained. Also provided is an optical arrangement and use of the optical arrangement. |
| US10041883B2 |
System and method for time-resolved fluorescence imaging and pulse shaping
A time-resolved fluorescence imaging (TRFI) system that images a target medium without lifetime fitting. Instead of extracting the lifetime precisely, the system images the fluorophore distribution to allow for a simple and accurate method to obtain the fluorescence image without lifetime-extraction for time-resolved fluorescence imaging. An illumination source circuit for TRFI is also disclosed that shapes the excitation pulse. In one embodiment, the illumination source comprises an LED and stub line configured for generating a linear decay profile. |
| US10041877B2 |
Smoke detection using two different wavelengths of light and additional detection for measurement correction
In accordance with certain embodiments, a smoke detector determines the presence of smoke particles outside its housing based on measurements of light detected at different wavelengths and corrected based on an ambient light level. |
| US10041872B2 |
Method for evaluating the cleaning state of an aeration and/or conditioning plant of a room
The present invention places in the field of the maintenance of aeration, conditioning, air-conditioning, etc. plants, and in particular the present invention relates to a method for evaluating the cleaning state of a plant, with particular reference to the atmospheric particulate. |
| US10041870B2 |
Fluid densitometer with temperature sensor to provide temperature correction
A sensor for measuring a density of a fluid is provided. The sensor (200) includes a flow tube (104) for receiving the fluid and a vibration driver (102) coupled to the flow tube, the vibration driver configured to drive the flow tube to vibrate. The sensor also includes a vibration detector (106) coupled to the flow tube, the vibration detector detecting characteristics related to the vibrating flow tube, and a distributed temperature sensor (202) coupled to the flow tube, the distributed temperature sensor measuring a temperature of the flow tube as the flow tube vibrates. The sensor further includes measurement circuitry (110) coupled to the vibration detector and the distributed temperature sensor, the measurement circuitry determining a density of the fluid from the detected characteristics related to the vibrating flow tube and the measured temperature of the flow tube. |
| US10041869B2 |
Measuring tape abrasivity and wear of a tape head-type structure
Embodiments of the present invention relate to wear measurement. A system according to one embodiment includes a transport mechanism for running a tape across a wear structure and a measuring device for optically measuring an extent of wear of the wear structure by directly optically detecting a back of the tape. A method according to one embodiment includes positioning a tape across a wear structure and optically determining a first position of a back of the tape by directly optically detecting the back of the tape. The tape is rim across the wear structure for a period of time, and a second position of the back of the tape is optically determined by directly optically detecting the back of the tape after the period of time. A difference between the first and second positions is determined. |
| US10041868B2 |
Estimation of lifetime remaining for a consumable-part in a semiconductor manufacturing chamber
A consumable part, for use inside a chamber where plasma is used to process a semiconductor substrate, includes a body and a trigger feature. The body has a surface configured to be exposed to the plasma during processing in the chamber, and the trigger feature is integrated within the body. The trigger feature includes a void disposed under the surface of the body, where the void is configured to become visible when the surface is eroded from exposure to the plasma over time. The void becoming visible is an identifiable feature on the surface of the body that indicates a wear level for the consumable part, the wear level being associated with an amount of processing time remaining for the consumable part. |
| US10041863B2 |
Method of measuring carbonation levels in open-container beverages
Carbon dioxide levels in an open-container beverage are measured by transferring a quantity of the beverage to a vessel. A closure is secured onto the vessel to form an enclosed volume containing the beverage. A probe is inserted through the closure to contact the beverage, and a sample is transferred from the vessel to a measurement instrument to determine the carbon dioxide level. The methods allow for significantly greater precision and reliability in measuring carbonation levels of open-container beverages relative to currently available techniques. |
| US10041860B2 |
Method for detecting a faulty air handler in a heat pump appliance
A method for detecting a faulty air handler of a heat pump appliance is provided. The method includes activating a compressor of the heat pump appliance and deactivating the compressor of the heat pump appliance at a predetermined period of time after the step of activating. The method also includes determining temperatures of a fluid treated by the heat pump appliance and refrigerant in the heat pump appliance and requesting replacement of the air handler of the heat pump appliance if various conditions associated with the temperatures of fluid treated by the heat pump appliance and refrigerant in the heat pump appliance are met. |
| US10041858B2 |
Dynamometer control device and method for estimating moment of inertia using same
To provide a dynamometer control device whereby excitation control can be performed so that a resonance phenomenon does not occur even when the moment of inertia of an engine is unknown. A dynamometer control device 6 is provided with an excitation signal generating unit 61 for generating a randomly or periodically fluctuating excitation signal, a speed controller 62 for generating an input signal to a dynamometer whereby a dynamo rotation speed matches a predetermined dynamo command rotation speed, a shaft torque compensator 64 for generating an input signal to the dynamometer whereby vibration of a shaft for connecting an engine and the dynamometer is suppressed using the detection value of a shaft torque sensor, and an adder 65 for generating a torque electric current command signal by adding the input signals generated by the speed controller 62 and the shaft torque compensator 64 to the excitation signal. |
| US10041853B2 |
Leak detection method
A leak detection method tests a tubing collar of wellbore tubing. The leak detection method can include the steps of introducing tracer gas under pressure to a tubing collar, introducing water to the tubing collar, detecting the tracer gas from a sample obtained outside the tubing collar, controlling a water system, a gas system, and the gas analysis system, flowing the tracer gas under pressure to the tubing collar and then the water to the tubing collar sequentially and allow the sample to flow to a gas analyzer, initially pressurizing the tubing collar with the tracer gas to a first pressure, pressurized the tracer gas to a second pressure, obtaining the sample from outside the tubing collar, and analyzing the sample for the tracer gas by the gas analyzer, and providing an alert that indicates a leak is present in the tubing collar. |
| US10041851B2 |
Manufacturing catheter sensors
Pressure sensors and their methods of manufacturing, where the pressure sensors have a small, thin form factor and may include features designed to improve manufacturability and where the method of manufacturing may improve yield and reduce overall costs. |
| US10041844B1 |
Fluid flow rate assessment by a non-intrusive sensor in a fluid transfer pump system
Embodiments for assessing energy in a fluid transfer pump system in a cloud computing environment by a processor. A fluid flow rate may be cognitively determined according to a tracer stimulus, injected into the fluid transfer pump system, and adequately detected by one or more Internet of Things (IoT) sensors located at one or more selected positions of a piping network in the fluid transfer pump system. |
| US10041839B2 |
Thermal observer and overload protection for power switches
The present disclosure proposes the placing of temperature sensors embedded in the power semiconductor device. In this, at least one of the embedded temperature sensors is placed within or close to the heat source, active areas or channels of the power semiconductor circuit, and at least one of the embedded temperature sensors is placed more apart from the heat source, active areas or channels of the power semiconductor circuit. Furthermore, a new the temperature measurement method is provided, with timing of the temperature measurement and adjusting measurement parameters to appropriate threshold values. |
| US10041835B2 |
Coherent spectroscopic methods with extended interrogation times and systems implementing such methods
Coherent spectroscopic methods are described, to measure the total phase difference during an extended interrogation interval between the signal delivered by a local oscillator (10) and that given by a quantum system (QS). According to one or more embodiments, the method may comprise reading out at the end of successive interrogation sub-intervals (Ti) intermediate error signals corresponding to the approximate phase difference (φ) between the phase of the LO signal and that of the quantum system, using coherence preserving measurements; shifting at the end of each interrogation sub-intervals (Ti) the phase of the local oscillator signal, by a known correction value (φ(i)FB) so as to avoid that the phase difference approaches the limit of the inversion region; reading out a final phase difference (φf) between the phase of the prestabilized oscillator signal and that of the quantum system using a precise measurement with no restriction on the destruction; reconstructing a total phase difference over the extended interrogation interval, as the sum of the final phase difference (φf) and the opposite of all the applied phase corrections figure (I). |
| US10041834B2 |
Color measuring apparatus, image forming apparatus and color measuring method
A color measurement device includes a light source for illuminating an object with light; a dispersing portion for spectrally dispersing light emitted and reflected by the object; a light receptor for receiving the light dispersed by the dispersing portion; and a controller for effecting color measurement based on a result of light reception of the light receptor from the object which is an image formed on a recording material; wherein the emitted light has a first intensity of light in a first wavelength range and a second intensity lower than the first intensity in a second wavelength range, and wherein the controller deduces a value relating to color measurement for the second wavelength range on the basis of a result of light reception of the light receptor for the first wavelength range. |
| US10041832B2 |
Mid-infrared super-continuum laser
A super continuum light source includes an input light source having semiconductor diodes generating an input beam having a wavelength shorter than 2.5 microns. Optical amplifiers receive the input beam and form an amplified optical beam having a spectral width. The optical amplifiers may include a cladding-pumped fiber amplifier doped with rare-earth materials. A nonlinear element may include mid-infrared fibers to receive the amplified optical beam and to broaden the spectral width of the received amplified optical beam to 100 nm or more through a nonlinear effect forming an output beam, wherein the output beam is pulsed. At least a portion of the output beam is in a mid-infrared wavelength range between 2 microns and 5 microns and at least a portion of the one or more mid-infrared fibers comprises a ZBLAN fluoride fiber coupled to a chalcogenide fiber. |
| US10041824B2 |
Method for detecting the flow rate value of a centrifugal pump
A method serves for detecting the flow rate of a centrifugal pump, wherein the rotation speed of the pump or of the motor driving the pump, a hydraulic variable of the pump, typically the delivery pressure and an electrical variable of the drive motor, for example the electrical power are determined, and the flow rate is evaluated by way of these variables. For this, variables dependent on the flow rate are determined by way of a mathematic linking of terms of equations describing physical relations of the pump and drive motor, wherein one term contains the rotation speed of the pump and a hydraulic variable of the pump and another term contains an electric or mechanical variable of the drive motor of the pump and the rotation speed of the pump. The flow rate is determined by way of the functional relation between the flow rate and the dependent variable. |
| US10041823B2 |
Thermal mass flow meter and mass flow controller
A mass flow controller and mass flow meter are disclosed. The mass flow controller and mass flow meter include a sensor tube configured to transport a fluid, and an upstream heater element and a downstream heater element which are formed of heating resistance wires provided in an outer periphery of the sensor tube. At least one weld terminal is electrically connected to an end of one or more of the heating resistance wires by spot welding material. A temperature difference between the melting point of the weld terminal and a melting point of the heating resistance wires does not exceed 100 degrees Celsius, and one or more coat layer(s) is provided on a surface of the weld terminal. |
| US10041822B2 |
Methods to shorten calibration times for powered devices
A calibration method for a hand-held surgical instrument is disclosed. The hand-held instrument includes a drive motor, a firing rod controlled by the drive motor and having at least one indicator, and a sensor configured to detect the at least one indicator. A microcontroller includes a pulse modulation algorithm stored therein to control the drive motor. The microcontroller executes a calibration algorithm to adjust at least one program coefficient in the pulse modulation algorithm. |
| US10041821B2 |
Indicating-needle type meter device
In an indicating-needle type meter device, when starting excitation of a stepping motor, a controller sets the phase of an excitation signal to a predetermined excitation start position and returns the phase of the excitation signal by a predetermined reversal angle such that an indicating-needle rotates in the backward direction, thereby positioning the indicating-needle at a stopper position. Subsequently, the controller advances the phase of the excitation signal by an origin return angle to rotate the indicating-needle in the forward direction to an origin position apart from the stopper position by a predetermined angle, thereby positioning the indicating-needle at the origin position. Here, the origin return angle is an angle obtained by adding a backlash angle, a predetermined positive pre-offset angle, and a positive placing error correction angle set based on a placing error of the indicating-needle with respect to the stopper. |
| US10041818B2 |
Wireless temperature and/or humidity sensor assembly
A wireless sensor assembly for monitoring conditions in an ambient environment, such as for use in a climate control system for a data center is disclosed. The sensor assembly has a small form-factor housing extending along a longitudinal axis and defining an interior space. A sensor circuit is disposed within the housing and includes at least one sensor element for detecting temperature and/or humidity that is enclosed within a vented sub-chamber of the housing. A mounting member forming part of an exterior surface of the housing mounts the sensor assembly vertically along the at an installation location within an ambient environment being monitored. |
| US10041817B2 |
Damping component and integrated-circuit testing apparatus using the same
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a damping component. The damping component includes a housing, at least one sliding piece, a fluid, and at least one damping elastomer. The housing may have at least one opening. The sliding piece slidably seals the opening, and partially protrudes outside the opening, to form an accommodation space within the housing. The fluid can fill up the accommodation space. The damping elastomer can be disposed inside the accommodation space. |
| US10041816B2 |
Sagnac-ring fiber-optic interferometric system with Rayleigh length spaced polarizer
Disclosed is an optical fiber interferometric system including a light source (1), a fiber optic coil (8), a coil splitter (3), a photodetector (2), and a polarization filtering unit. According to an embodiment, the polarization filtering unit includes a first waveguide polarizer (51), at least one second thin-plate polarizer (52) and an optical waveguide section (12), the at least one second polarizer (52) being disposed in the Rayleigh zone between a first waveguide end (21) of the first polarizer (51) and a second waveguide end (22) of the optical waveguide section (12). |
| US10041811B2 |
Transimpedance amplifier-based reduction of hall sensor parasitic impedance
A high bandwidth Hall sensor includes, for example, a Hall element for generating a first polarity Hall-signal output current. An amplifier receives, at a first input, the first polarity Hall-signal output current and outputs a feedback current of a second polarity opposite the first polarity in response. The feedback current is coupled to the first input, and the feedback current suppresses an instantaneous voltage generated by the first polarity first Hall element output current at the first input. In an embodiment, the feedback current suppresses the instantaneous voltage generated by first polarity Hall element output current such that the effects of the Hall element source impedance are reduced. |
| US10041810B2 |
Arrangements for magnetic field sensors that act as movement detectors
Magnetic field sensors can sense speed of movement and direction of movement of a ferromagnetic object. The magnetic field sensors employ both planar Hall effect elements and vertical Hall effect elements to generate two-state signals in two different signal paths with relative phases that are ninety degrees apart, the ninety degrees having sufficient margin to aid in detection of the direction of motion. Other magnetic field sensors use at least four vertical Hall effect elements to identify a speed of rotation and a direction of rotation of a moving ferromagnetic object. |
| US10041806B2 |
Providing road guidance based on road attributes and directions
A computer program product and a computer system for providing road guidance on a navigation system. The navigation system determines a moving direction of a cursor on a map of the navigation system, wherein the cursor is movable by a user. The navigation system obtains a road near the cursor. The navigation system determines whether one or more attributes of the road coincide with predetermined attribute settings. The navigation system determines whether a direction of the road coincides with the moving direction of the cursor, in response to determining that the one or more attributes of the road coincide with the predetermined attribute settings. The navigation system determines to provide guidance, in response to determining that the direction of the road coincides with the moving direction of the cursor. |
| US10041805B2 |
Navigation server and program
The same navigation information and facility information are directly distributed to both a vehicle-mounted navigation device and a portable terminal. A server is connected to the vehicle-mounted navigation device and portable terminal in a manner able to communicate, wherein on the basis of an information distribution request from the vehicle-mounted navigation device, facility information satisfying a predetermined standard is searched from a storage unit and distributed to the vehicle-mounted navigation device, it is determined whether or not the portable terminal is present within the vehicle on the basis of the current position information of the vehicle received from the vehicle-mounted navigation device and the current position information of the portable terminal received from the portable terminal, and when it has been determined that the portable terminal is present within the vehicle, the searched-for facility information satisfying the predetermined standard is directly distributed to the portable terminal as well. |
| US10041803B2 |
Scoring system for travel planning
A method for facilitating travel reservations is described. The method may commence with receiving a travel-related query from a user and parsing the travel-related query to derive at least one attribute of the travel-related query. One or more further users may be selected based on comparing the at least one attribute of the user with attributes of the one or more further users. The at least one attribute of the user may be ranked based on preference data of the one or more further users. The method may continue with assigning weights to the at least one attribute based on the ranking to create at least one weighted attribute. Feasible travel itineraries may be searched based on the at least one attribute. The feasible travel itineraries may be scored based on the at least one weighted attribute and travel itineraries selected based on the scoring may be presented. |
| US10041802B1 |
Methods and systems for depicting own ship
A method for depicting own ship on a display is described. The method includes receiving position data and heading data for own ship from at least one system, correlating, with a processing device, the position data and heading data with data from a map database, generating a map display on the display based on the correlation between the position data and the data from the map database, overlaying a depiction of own ship on the map display, the depiction based on the correlation between the position and heading data and the data from the map database, and encircling the own ship depiction with a circle overlay and a north indicator overlay proximate the circle overlay, the north indicator indicating a north direction. |
| US10041798B2 |
Determination of position, velocity and/or heading by simultaneous use of on-device and on-vehicle information
Systems, apparatus and methods to supplement, combine, replace, verify and calibrate in-vehicle and in-device sensors and GNSS systems are presented. A mobile device and a vehicle navigation system share sensor and GNSS information to arrive at an improved navigation solution. For example, a navigation solution computed by a vehicle may rely on a sensor signal from a mobile device. Similarly, a navigation solution computed by a mobile device may use a sensor signal or a GNSS signal from a vehicle. |
| US10041795B2 |
Electronic device, sensor calibration method and storage medium
An electronic device includes a magnetic sensor which detects a magnetic field around the electronic device and outputs magnetic data in accordance with the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor, a position acquiring section which acquires position information regarding a geographic position of the electronic device, and a processing unit. The processing unit acquires, from the position acquiring section, specific position information for a specific position of the electronic device when an output vector of the magnetic data is oriented to a magnetic pole direction of the earth, derives a geomagnetic vector at the specific position based on the specific position information, and acquires an offset value based on a comparison between the geomagnetic vector and the output vector. |
| US10041793B2 |
Providing a point cloud using a surveying instrument and a camera device
Some embodiments of the invention include a method for providing a 3D-point cloud using a geodetic surveying instrument. Some embodiments also include an image capturing unit. A method, according to some embodiments may include scanning a surrounding with the surveying instrument according to a defined scanning region with at least partly covering the object and generating a scanning point cloud corresponding to the scanning region with reference to a surveying coordinate system which is defined by the surveying instrument and generating a first image on side of the surveying instrument covering a region basically corresponding to the scanning region, the first image representing a reference image the pose of which is known with reference to the surveying coordinate system due to the position and orientation of the surveying instrument for acquiring data the first image is base on. |
| US10041792B2 |
Pressure tap structures for barometric altimeters for unmanned aerial vehicles
Various embodiments include a structure configured to at least partially expose a barometric altimeter of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to air pressure at a location on the UAV where there is reduced pressure perturbations caused by downwash of propellers. The structure may include a proximal portion configured to encompass a barometric altimeter of a circuit board of the UAV. The proximal portion may form at least a partial barrier between the barometric altimeter and a first ambient air pressure that is disturbed by a downwash from propellers of the UAV during flight of the UAV. The structure may also include a distal portion extending away from the barometric altimeter, with the distal portion configured to channel to the barometric altimeter a second ambient air pressure that is disturbed less than the first ambient air pressure by the downwash from propellers of the UAV during flight of the UAV. |
| US10041791B2 |
Object detection apparatus method
In an object detection apparatus, a range image generator, based on distance information indicative of distances from a given measurement point to objects in real space, generates a range image indicative of a distribution of distance information of objects located around the measurement point. A subgroup generator horizontally divides the range image into a number of column regions of prescribed width, and for each column region, generates one or more subgroups that extend continuously in a vertical direction of the range image and fall within a given range of distance information. A continuity determiner determines, for each of the subgroups, whether or not there is distance continuity between the subgroup and its horizontally adjacent subgroup in the range image. A merger merges together horizontally continuous-in-distance subgroups. An object detector detects an object in each of regions of the range image corresponding to the respective merged groups. |
| US10041789B2 |
Integrated emissivity sensor alignment characterization
A workpiece alignment system has a workpiece support to support a workpiece. A first light emitter directs a first light beam toward the workpiece. A first light receiver receives the first light beam. A rotation device rotates the workpiece support about a support axis. A second light emitter directs a second light beam toward a peripheral region of the workpiece. A second light receiver receives the second light beam concurrent with the rotation of the workpiece. A controller determines a transmissivity of the workpiece based on a total initial emittance of the first light beam a transmission of the first light beam through the workpiece. The controller determines a position of the workpiece with respect to the support axis based, at least in part, on a rotational position of the workpiece, a portion of the second light beam received, and the determined transmissivity. |
| US10041788B2 |
Method and device for determining three-dimensional coordinates of an object
Some embodiments of the invention relate to an optical measuring device for determining 3D coordinates of an object. The optical measuring device may include a projector device for illuminating the object with at least one predefined pattern; at least one PSA camera for capturing a 2D image of the pattern as reflected from the object; computing means for measuring a sequence of brightness values of at least one 2D image point from the 2D images, and calculating a 3D coordinate of an object point which is correlated with the measured sequence of brightness values of the 2D image point. The optical measuring device may also include a TOF camera for capturing at least one range image of the object, the range image including distance information of the object for the dissolution of ambiguity in calculating the 3D coordinate. |
| US10041787B2 |
Object detection device
An object detection device includes a light source, an irradiation optical system that converts emitted light from the light source to measurement light having a predetermined pattern and emits the measurement light to a reference surface, and a light reception element that images the reference surface, and includes an imaging member that reads an image captured by the light reception element for each of a plurality of lines extending in a horizontal direction and arranged at predetermined intervals, and a detection unit that detects an object to be measured entering between a pattern forming unit and the reference surface based on image data from the imaging element, in which the pattern includes a plurality of division patterns arranged in the horizontal direction to correspond to the lines in the reference surface. |
| US10041785B2 |
Sensor system and method for characterizing a stack of wet paint layers
A method of characterizing a wet paint layer stack of a painted body by individual parameters of the wet paint layers, based on fitting to a physical model, is provided. The method includes: emitting a THz radiation signal towards the painted body such that the THz radiation interacts with the wet paint layer stack; detecting a response signal being the detected THz radiation signal having interacted with the wet paint layer stack; determining model parameters of the physical model by optimizing the model parameters such that a predicted response signal of the physical model is fitted to the detected response signal, at least some of the model parameters being indicative of optical properties of the wet paint layers and of a wet paint layer thickness; and determining, from the determined model parameters, the individual paint layer parameters of at least one of the wet paint layers. |
| US10041780B2 |
Position sensor
The disclosure relates in particular to a method for parameterizing a system for measuring an absolute position, the system including a permanent magnet, at least one probe that is mobile relative to the magnet over a given path, and a controller providing position information calculated on the basis of the arctangent of the ratio, wherein a correction coefficient G is assigned, between the output signals of the probe, wherein the signals are pseudo-sinusoidal and squared. The method includes an optimization operation that involves selecting the value of the coefficient G that minimizes the errors of the measurement system resulting from the pseudo-sinusoidal character of the signals output from the probe. |
| US10041776B1 |
Three-piece primer insert having an internal diffuser for polymer ammunition
The present invention provides a three piece primer insert for use in polymer ammunition comprising: an upper primer insert portion comprising an upper primer bottom surface, an upper primer aperture through the upper primer bottom surface, a groove positioned around the upper primer aperture, wherein the groove is adapted to receive a polymer overmolding and a substantially cylindrical coupling element extending away from the upper primer bottom surface; a middle primer insert portion comprising a middle aperture and positioned in contact with the upper primer bottom surface and adjacent to the groove, wherein the middle aperture is smaller than the upper primer aperture; and a lower primer insert portion in contact with the middle primer insert portion comprising a lower primer bottom surface in contact with the middle primer insert portion and opposite a lower primer top surface, a primer recess in the lower primer top surface that extends toward the lower primer bottom surface and adapted to fit a primer, a lower aperture through the lower primer bottom surface, wherein the lower aperture is larger than the upper primer aperture. |
| US10041774B2 |
Multi-hypothesis fire control and guidance
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for intercepting a moving target by a plurality of interceptors that individually have insufficient capability to achieve intercept. An electronic processor can receive information corresponding to a state of the moving target at a first time. The electronic processor can determine a plurality of hypotheses for the future maneuvers of the moving target. The hypotheses can be based in part on the state of the moving target at the first time and the location of any defended assets. The electronic processor can assign a respective target maneuver hypothesis or set of hypotheses to each of a plurality of interceptors. The electronic processor can assign firing times and/or initial guidance commands to each interceptor. The electronic processor can control each interceptor to maneuver such that the moving target is intercepted, based on the respective target maneuver hypotheses. |
| US10041771B1 |
Polymer Ammunition having a three-piece primer insert
The present invention provides polymeric ammunition comprising: a three piece primer insert; a substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body extending about the three piece primer insert, wherein the substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body comprises: a substantially cylindrical polymeric bullet-end coupling element at a first end of the substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body opposite a substantially cylindrical polymeric coupling end connected by a powder chamber, wherein the substantially cylindrical polymeric coupling end extends over the substantially cylindrical coupling element and covers an circumferential surface of the primer flash hole aperture; and a substantially cylindrical polymeric bullet-end upper portion comprising a bullet-end coupling element connected to the substantially cylindrical polymeric bullet-end coupling element opposite a projectile aperture adapted to engage a bullet. |
| US10041769B2 |
Scintered powder metal shaped charges
A shaped charge includes a casing defining an interior volume, wherein the casing is prepared by sintering a metal powder or a mixture of metal powders; a liner located in the interior volume; and an explosive between the liner and the casing. A method for manufacturing a shaped charge casing includes the steps of mixing a metal powder or a metal powder mixture with a binder to form a pre-mix; pressing the pre-mix in a mold to form a casing green body; heating the casing green body to a first temperature to vaporize the binder; raising the temperature to a second temperature in an inert or reducing atmosphere to sinter the metal powder or the metal powder mixture to produce the shaped charge casing. |
| US10041767B2 |
Blast/impact frequency tuning and mitigation
A tuning and mitigation system for mitigating a blast or impact event having a tuning layer assembly having an acoustic impedance chosen to tune stress waves resulting from the blast or impact to one or more specific tuned frequencies, and a dissipative layer assembly made of a viscoelastic material having a critical damping frequency that matches at least one or more specific tuned frequencies. |
| US10041759B2 |
Pistol grip and conversion kit
A replacement grip for a Makarov pistol which include a body. The body may include a first lever connected to a first interior side wall, the first lever may a first end portion adjacent the top end portion of the body and a second end portion, proximate the bottom end portion. The second end portion may include a projection extending toward a second interior side wall. The first lever may be movable about between a first position and a second position such that in the first position the projection is spaced a first distance from the third interior side wall, and such that in the second position the projection is spaced a second distance from the third interior side wall, the second distance being less than the first distance. When installed on a Makarov pistol, the first lever may be used to release the magazine catch. |
| US10041758B2 |
Assembly for ejecting the contents of a bottle containing an effervescent liquid such as champagne and a sealing-diffusing gasket for said assembly
The invention relates to an assembly (1) which includes a sealing-diffusing gasket (2) provided with a diffusion opening, intended for being clamped resiliently around the neck (5) of the bottle (3) and for sealing the mouth (7) of the bottle. The assembly also includes a fast portion (8) forming a hand grip, secured to the sealing-diffusing gasket (2), and including first hand-gripping means of the bottle (6) and first nesting means (8). The assembly also comprises a second portion (12) forming a hand grip and provided with second nesting means (12) suitable for nesting with the first nesting means (8) and second hand-gripping means (16) secured to the second nesting means (12). The assembly makes it possible to produce a jet of effervescent liquid of a selected size, duration and distance, by a user agitating the first and/or second hand grip portions (6 and 16) thus nested inside one another. |
| US10041751B2 |
Rotary lockup action
Disclosed herein is a rotary lockup action including a firing mechanism for a firearm. The firearm including a receiver having a cavity therein configured to accept the firing mechanism. The firing mechanism comprising a bolt guide rail fixed to the inner surface of the cavity of the receiver. The firing mechanism also comprises a bolt sliding along a longitudinal axis on the bolt guide rail. Also disclosed is a change handle rotatably mounted to the bolt so as to rotate relative thereto about a vertical axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The charge handle may be mounted to the bolt so as to longitudinally reposition therewith. The charge handle having a surface defining a cut therein aligned with a slot in the bolt when the bolt is in a rearward position; and wherein the surface defining a cut in the charge handle is not aligned with the slot in the bolt when the bolt is in a forward position. |
| US10041750B2 |
Bolt carrier
A bolt carrier having a first gas port, wherein the first gas port provides fluid communication between an interior and an exterior of the bolt carrier; a second gas port, wherein the second gas port provides fluid communication between an interior and an exterior of the bolt carrier; and a third gas port, wherein the third gas port provides fluid communication between an interior and an exterior of the bolt carrier. |
| US10041748B2 |
Carbon coated articles and methods for making the same
An article includes a substrate having a first major surface and optionally a second major surface. A layering arrangement is disposed on either or both of the first major surface and the second major surface. The layering arrangement includes a carbon layer and a conducting polymer layer. |
| US10041746B2 |
Enthalpy exchanger element and method for the production
Enthalpy exchanger elements which allow the creation of enthalpy exchangers whereby the efficiency of sensible energy exchange and latent energy exchange can be varied and controlled and especially improved. Also, a method for the production of enthalpy exchanger elements including: ⋅a) perforating a flat plate element (1) according to a predetermined perforation pattern (2, 2, . . . ) within the plate outer dimensions, or providing a plate element (1) with an inherent pore structure; ⋅b) applying to at least one side (1a) of the plate element (1) a thin polymer film (3) with water vapor transmission characteristics; ⋅c) forming the plate element (1) into a desired shape exhibiting a corrugation pattern (4, 4, . . . ), whereby the polymer film (3) is formed into the same corrugation pattern shape as that of the plate element (1). |
| US10041745B2 |
Fractal heat transfer device
A heatsink comprising a heat exchange device having a plurality of heat exchange elements each having a surface boundary with respect to a heat transfer fluid, having successive elements or regions varying according to a fractal relationship. According to one embodiment, a noise spectrum due to fluid flow is wideband. According to another embodiment, surface boundary layers are disrupted to increase heat transfer. Flow-induced vortices may be generated at non-corresponding locations of the plurality of fractally varying heat exchange elements. |
| US10041743B2 |
Energy recovery ventilator
An energy recovery system includes a heating or cooling system and an energy recovery ventilator operably connected to a component of the heating or cooling system. The energy recovery ventilator includes a supply port extending into the component to provide a supply of fresh airflow from the energy recovery ventilator to the component for use by the component. A return port extends into the component configured to receive a flow of stale air from the component while minimizing ingestion of the fresh air flow from the component into the return port. A method of operating an energy recovery system includes flowing a flow of fresh air from an energy recovery ventilator through a supply port into a component of a heating or cooling system. Stale air is flowed from the component through a return port into the energy recovery ventilator. |
| US10041740B2 |
Heat exchanger and production method therefor
A heat exchanger is formed by a plurality of heat exchanger units each including a respective small tank at each end of a core, the units being stacked in a thickness direction of the cores, and oil is supplied to finned tubes constituting the core of each of the units via a header. Each of the tanks has an opening for communicating with the header which opening is at a position on the length of the tank different from that of each of the adjacent tanks. |
| US10041737B2 |
Evaporator
The present application provides an evaporator. The evaporator may include a housing, a coil assembly mounted within the housing, and a replaceable fan module positioned within the housing. The replaceable fan module may include a fan mounted therein. |
| US10041735B2 |
Baking device for liquid crystal alignment films
The present disclosure provides a baking device for liquid crystal alignment films, wherein the baking device includes a heating table with openings and lift pins extending and penetrating through the openings, and the lift pins can move between a retracting position and a stretching position to support a glass substrate coated with alignment films, wherein a blocking member is arranged on the lift pin in a surrounding manner to be tightly engaged thereon, so as to block the air stream flowing toward the glass substrate through the openings when the lift pins are situated in the retracting position. With the provision of the blocking members, the air streams flowing toward the glass substrate coated with alignment films can be resisted in the baking process, which prevents the air streams from affecting heat distribution and temperature distribution. |
| US10041734B2 |
Dental furnace
A dental furnace (10), with a furnace head (including firing space 16) and a firing space bottom (12) is provided which is suited to accommodate a dental restoration part (40). At least one optical sensor (22) is positioned at the dental furnace (10) or in its vicinity, which sensor comprises an output port (26) which is connected to an evaluation device for evaluating the dental restoration part (40) and/or a muffle (14) and/or a press plunger (52) and/or a firing-charge carrier as far as its dimensions and/or its shape and/or its position are concerned. |
| US10041733B2 |
Apparatus for the heat treatment of coated semi-finished steel products
An apparatus for heat treatment of coated semi-finished steel products may comprise a heatable continuous furnace having a conveyer for moving the coated semi-finished steel products. The conveyer may be comprised of a plurality of conveyer elements, such as rollers, for example, for supporting the coated semi-finished steel products. To prevent, or at least substantially prevent, interaction between semi-finished steel products having different coatings, a decoupling portion of the continuous furnace may include a first conveyer element group and a second conveyer element group, each having at least one conveyer element. The coated semi-finished steel products may be supported in the decoupling portion either by the conveyer elements of the first conveyer element group or by the conveyer elements of the second conveyer element group. |
| US10041732B2 |
Pellet dryer with outlet guidance plate
A pellet dryer is provided having a housing with an inlet and a two separate outlets for discharging dried pellets and fluid, a vertical bladed rotor for centrifugally separating fluid by a screen surrounding the bladed rotor, an outlet duct connected to the outlet opening for the dried pellets, and a curved outlet guidance plate close to the top of the housing. The outlet guidance plate extends from a central position above the screen through the pellet outlet opening into the outlet duct to smooth transitional movement of the pellets between the upper end of the screen and the outlet duct. |
| US10041730B2 |
Plasma vacuum system having a completely enclosed chamber extruded profile
A vacuum system, such as the form of a plasma system, includes a vacuum chamber. The side walls of the vacuum chamber are configured in the form of a completely closed chamber extruded profile. A first end face of the chamber extruded profile is closed off with a plate. A second end face of the chamber extruded profile, which lies opposite the first end face, has a reversibly openable and closable door. The door is fastened by at least one hinge pivotably to the chamber extruded profile. The side walls, which are fully closed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the chamber extruded profile, enable a simple and cost-effective production of the vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber may be accommodated at least partially in a housing, which may likewise be configured at least partially in the form of an extruded profile. |
| US10041726B2 |
Vacuum insulation body
The present invention relates to a vacuum insulation body with a vacuum-tight envelope, wherein through the region surrounded by the envelope at least one lead-through extends, which surrounds a free space, and/or wherein at least one port extends from the envelope. According to the invention, the lead-through and/or the port likewise is formed vacuum-tight and vacuum-tightly connected with the envelope. |
| US10041725B2 |
Mobile cabinet with insulation
A mobile cabinet may include a cabinet body, a door, a heating or refrigeration module, and at least one attachable insulation panel. The insulation panel may be a single panel, or a plurality of panels, to provide insulation for the cabinet. The insulation panel may include a hinge to couple multiple wall sections that can be attached to different walls of the cabinet and integral hand holds. |
| US10041723B2 |
Refrigerator
The refrigerator has a main body, a storage space in the main body, a storage container located in the main body, and a divider unit mounted in the storage container. The divider unit divides the unit body and storage space disposed in the storage container At least one divider protruding from the unit body, and a holder protruding from the unit body and provided to hang the stored object. The divider unit improves the efficiency of the storage space and can store various types of storage. |
| US10041722B2 |
Air conditioner having a cooling unit adjacent the blower and the discharge
An air conditioner includes a housing including a front panel provided with at least one opening, and a rear lower panel disposed at a rear side of the front panel, at least one discharge outlet exposed to a front of the front panel through the opening, at least one suction inlet formed in the housing, at least one heat exchanger to exchange heat with external air through the suction inlet, at least mixed-flow fan rotatably disposed between the heat exchanger and the discharge outlet to suction the air having exchanged heat with the heat exchanger and discharge the air through the discharge outlet, and a drain panel disposed at a lower portion of the heat exchanger to collect condensate produced during heat exchange, and integrated with the rear panel through injection molding. |
| US10041721B2 |
Heat pump comprising primary defrost operation and secondary defrost operation and method of operating heat pump
One embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a method of managing defrost operations in HVAC systems. In one embodiment a primary defrost operation comprises allowing a cooling cycle of the heat pump and a secondary defrost operation comprises allowing fans of the heat pump to operate at a low speed. |
| US10041716B2 |
Refrigerator
Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main body including a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment, a machine room defined in a lower portion of the main body and in which a base is disposed, a compressor placed on the base to compress a refrigerant, a condenser placed on the base, the condenser being disposed at one side of the compressor, a valve device into which the refrigerant condensed in the condenser is introduced, the valve device including a plurality of discharge parts for discharging the refrigerant, a plurality of expansion devices connected to the plurality of discharge parts, and a plurality of evaporators including a first evaporator and a second evaporator which are connected to the plurality of expansion devices. The valve device is disposed inclined at a set angle toward one discharge part of the plurality of discharge parts with respect to a virtual line that is perpendicular to the base. |
| US10041714B2 |
Air conditioner
A rotational speed Cr of a compressor 21 during a defrosting operation is controlled within a control range that corresponds to a capacity ratio P, a total sum Pi of rated capacity of an indoor unit, or a refrigerant pipe length Lr. Accordingly, even in the case where a refrigerant circulation amount during the defrosting operation is reduced due to an installation state of an air conditioner 1, it is possible to prevent suction pressure from being significantly reduced and falling below a performance lower limit value of the compressor 21. Thus, damage to the compressor 21 can be prevented. In addition, it is possible to prevent a case where the suction pressure falls below the performance lower limit value of the compressor 21 and thus low-pressure protection control is executed. Therefore, a case where the restoration of the heating operation is delayed does not occur. |
| US10041713B1 |
Method and apparatus for measuring and improving efficiency in refrigeration systems
An apparatus for optimizing an efficiency of a refrigeration system, comprising means for measuring a refrigeration efficiency of an operating refrigeration system; means for altering a process variable of the refrigeration system during efficiency measurement; and a processor for calculating a process variable level which achieves an optimum efficiency. The process variables may include refrigerant charge and refrigerant oil concentration in evaporator. |
| US10041711B2 |
Superconducting rotating machine and cooling method thereof
Provided are a superconducting rotating machine which improves the cooling efficiency of a rotor by using schemes of passively or actively circulating a coolant and a cooling method thereof. The superconducting rotating machine includes a rotor supported rotatably about a rotation axis and including: at least one superconductive coil; and a central cavity; and a cooling apparatus disposed at an exterior of the rotor and configured to communicate with the cavity, wherein the cooling apparatus includes: a condenser configured to condense a gas coolant supplied through a gas coolant supplying pipe to generate a condensed coolant; a coolant circulating unit configured to supply the condensed coolant into the cavity, configured to recover a vapor coolant evaporated in the cavity into the condenser and configured to circulate the condensed coolant; and a forced circulating unit configured to actively circulate the condensed coolant into the cavity in response to the rotor being tilted. |
| US10041708B2 |
Heat pump and method for pumping heat in a free cooling mode
A heat pump includes an evaporator with an evaporator inlet and an evaporator outlet; a compressor for compressing operating liquid evaporated in the evaporator; and a condenser for condensing evaporated operating liquid compressed in the compressor, wherein the condenser includes a condenser inlet and a condenser outlet, wherein the evaporator inlet is connected to a return from a region to be heated, and wherein the condenser inlet is connected to a return from a region to be cooled. |
| US10041705B2 |
Outdoor device for an air conditioner
An outdoor device for an air conditioner is provided that may include a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser that condenses the refrigerant compressed in the compressor, an expansion device that decompresses the refrigerant condensed in the condenser, an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device, and a refrigerant storage that bypasses at least a portion of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser to store the bypassed refrigerant therein. The refrigerant storage may include a first storage that stores the bypassed refrigerant, and a second storage in which the refrigerant passing through the evaporator is introduced. The second storage may discharge a gaseous refrigerant of the introduced refrigerant to the compressor. The first storage may be provided above the second storage to supply the refrigerant stored therein into the second storage. |
| US10041703B2 |
Field instrument temperature apparatus and related methods
Example field instrument temperature apparatus and methods for affecting or regulating a temperature of a field instrument are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a vortex tube having an inlet to receive a fluid, a first outlet to dispense a first portion of the fluid at a first temperature and a second outlet to dispense a second portion of the fluid at a second temperature, the second temperature being greater than the first temperature. The example apparatus also includes a first passageway fluidly coupled to the first outlet to direct the first portion of the fluid to an electronic device in a process control system to affect a temperature of the device. |
| US10041702B2 |
Apparatus and method for hybrid water heating and air cooling and control thereof
A system for conditioning air circulated from an interior of a building includes a refrigerant path, an air-cooled condenser in the refrigerant path, a water-cooled condenser in the refrigerant path that transfers heat from refrigerant in the refrigerant path to the building water, an evaporator in the refrigerant path, and a control system. The control system moves the system between operation of the air-cooled condenser and the water-cooled condenser based upon predetermined system conditions. |
| US10041699B2 |
Forced flue heater
A forced flue heater draws out combustion gas using a burner fan installed downstream from a heat exchanger to prevent a burner fan motor from being heated to high temperature. The forced flue heater blows air to an air channel using a blower fan, and warms the air using the heat exchanger contained in the air channel. The pressure upstream from the heat exchanger is higher by a value corresponding to the resistance of the heat exchanger. The blower fan contained in an outer case draws in the surrounding air to lower the pressure inside the outer case. A partition separating between the inside and the outside of the air channel has an air outlet located upstream from the heat exchanger. This allows the cool air upstream from the heat exchanger to flow outside the partition. The air is then used as cooling air for cooling the burner fan motor. This structure prevents the burner fan motor from being heated to high temperature when the burner fan is heated to high temperature. |
| US10041694B2 |
Air conditioning management system
An air conditioning management system manages air conditioning units having unique physical addresses using logical addresses. The system includes a local controller collecting driving information for the air conditioning units, and an operating unit for each air conditioning unit. The local controller has a memory section which stores identification information for each of the air conditioning units, an information collecting section which collects the driving information, and an associating section which associates the driving information with the logical addresses. The identification information for each of the air conditioning units has a physical address section, a real address section set from the operating unit, and a temporary address section arbitrarily settable without the operating unit. The associating section uses the real address as the logical address when the real address is set and uses the temporary address as the logical address when the real address is not set. |
| US10041693B2 |
Solar-powered ridge vent fan unit
A solar powered fan kit is provided for installation in a roof and in the ridge of the roof. The solar powered fan kit includes a fan attached to a fan bracket. The fan bracket is configured to be suspended from a roof within a ridge vent of the roof. A solar panel is attached to the roof to supply power to the fan. |
| US10041688B1 |
Vent pipe cover
A vent pipe cover for providing a water tight flashing seal around pipes penetrating from the exterior wall of a structure. The vent pipe cover generally includes a sealing unit adapted to be secured around vent pipe extending from a building. The sealing unit includes a central gasket which seals the gap between the pipe and the building and an outer flange adapted to receiver fasteners for securing the sealing unit to the building. A trim unit is also included which may be slidably connected to the sealing unit to cover the outer flange and provide a finished look. |
| US10041687B1 |
Vent extender method having intake air option for conveying ventilation to close proximity of a fume and odor source
One vent extender method comprises providing the underside of an over-the-range type vent hood with an exhaust enclosure having an outlet opening and at least one inlet opening. The outlet opening is disposed upstream to the existing exhaust fan. An exhaust ducting system comprises a tube having a downstream end attachable to an inlet opening and an upstream end attachable to a first canopy. The exhaust ducting system delivers the suction power of the exhaust fan closer to the fume and odor source and guides the vapors toward the outlet opening of the enclosure. An improved method comprises the use of an intake ducting system enveloping the exhaust ducting system for delivering intake air right to the periphery of the cooking vessel. Another improvement comprises the use of a double-walled canopy with two separate top openings for connecting to an exhaust power source and an intake air source. |
| US10041686B2 |
Door for a domestic appliance
The present invention relates to a door for a domestic appliance, in particular a cooking oven. Said door comprises a door frame (14) formed as a closed rectangular frame, at least one outer glass panel (10) attached or attachable at an outer side of the door frame (14), at least one inner glass panel (16) attached or attachable at an inner side of the door frame (14), at least one outer sealing element (38) arranged or arrangeable between the inner side of the outer glass panel (10) and the outer side of the door frame (14), and at least one inner sealing element (40) arranged or arrangeable between the outer side of the inner glass panel (16) and the inner side of the door frame (14). The large area side of the outer glass panel (10) is bigger than the large area side of the door frame (14). Further, the large area side of the outer glass panel (10) is bigger than the large area side of the inner glass panel (16). At least one inner space inside the door frame (14) and between the outer glass panel (10) and inner glass panel (16) is hermetically closed. Further, the present invention relates to a domestic appliance, in particular a cooking oven, including at least one door. |
| US10041684B2 |
Gas safety ignition switch
The present invention provides a gas safety ignition switch, comprising components of a gas switch body, a closer unit, a rotary knob unit, a presser, a micro switch and an electronic ignition device, characterized in that: one side of the gas switch body is configured with an opening, the opening being corresponding to an actuation point of the micro switch and the spindle, an actuator, configured inside the opening in a movable manner, including an contacting end and a pushing end, the pushing end being corresponding to the actuation point of the micro switch; the edge of the driving diaphragm is also configured with an indentation corresponding to one end of the actuator; thus, when pressing the spindle of the rotary knob unit, the driving diaphragm can move so that the contacting end of the actuator will be right inside the indentation, and when turning the spindle, the driving diaphragm will turn synchronously to tightly push against the contacting end, and will push the actuator to further drive the micro switch, so that the electronic ignition device can ignite the gas. |
| US10041681B2 |
Multi-stage combustor with a linear actuator controlling a variable air bypass
The present application provides a combustor for use with a gas turbine engine. The combustor may include a primary stage nozzle in communication with a linear actuator and a number of stationary secondary nozzles surrounding the primary stage nozzle in whole or in part. The linear actuator varies the position of the primary stage nozzle with respect to the stationary secondary nozzles. |
| US10041674B2 |
Ceramic heater and glow plug
A ceramic heater includes a substrate containing a ceramic, and a resistor containing another ceramic and embedded in the substrate. The resistor includes two lead portions, a joint portion connecting the two lead portions, and an electrode portion formed integrally with at least one lead portion and extending in a direction crossing an axial line of the one lead portion. The electrode portion has a base end portion connected to the one lead portion, a distal end portion exposed at an outer surface of the substrate, and a connection portion disposed between the base end portion and the distal end portion and connecting the base end portion and the distal end portion together. A cross section of either the base end portion, the distal end portion, and the connection portion has an imaginary plane perpendicular to an extension direction of the electrode portion and has a streamline shape. |
| US10041673B2 |
Flare stack monitoring
Methods, systems, and computer-readable and executable instructions are described herein. One method includes receiving a sequence of images of a flare stack area from a thermal imaging component, identifying a first portion of the flare stack area moving at a first threshold optical flow using the sequence of images of the flare stack area, and identifying a second portion of the flare stack area moving at a second threshold optical flow using the sequence of images of the flare stack area. |
| US10041670B2 |
Burner, reactor and process for gasification of a hydrocarbon feed
Process, reactor and burner for the gasification of a hydrocarbon fuel. The burner comprises coaxial channels for the separate supply of an oxidizer gas, a hydrocarbon fuel and a moderator gas. A coaxial channel with the smallest width is bordered by a separating wall with at least one gas exchange. The gas exchange passage can for example be formed by a retracted end of the separating wall and/or by openings in the separating wall. |
| US10041669B2 |
Catalytic burner
A catalytic burner with electric start. The method of using the catalytic burner comprises an electric-start device that may actuated via a switch or remotely via radio signal. |
| US10041666B2 |
Burner panels including dry-tip burners, submerged combustion melters, and methods
Combustion burner panels, submerged combustion melters including one or more of the panels, and methods of using the same are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the burner panel includes a panel body having a first major surface defined by a lower fluid-cooled portion of the panel body, and a second major surface defined by an upper non-fluid cooled portion of the panel body. The panel body has at least one through passage extending from the first to the second major surface, the through passages accommodating a set of substantially concentric inner and outer conduits. The inner conduit forms a primary passage for fuel or oxidant, and the outer conduit forms a secondary passage between the outer conduit and the inner conduit for fuel or oxidant. A protective member is associated with each set. The burner panels promote burner life and melter campaign length. |
| US10041653B2 |
Backlight unit of display apparatus and display apparatus
A backlight unit for a display apparatus is disclosed. For example, the backlight unit including an integrated support for a display apparatus is disclosed. A disclosed example provides the backlight unit for a display apparatus including the integrated support which enables a thin display apparatus using the backlight unit including the integrated support. |
| US10041652B2 |
Laser spot light with twinkling function
The present invention provides a laser spot light with twinkling function including a laser head, a body case defining an opening, a heat radiator supporting the laser head and fixed within the body case, a light baffle configured between the opening and the laser head, a first grating has a star pattern configured between the light baffle and the laser head, a second grating has a pattern of figures configured between the first grating and the laser head, a motor, a gearbox driven by the motor and configured to drive the light baffle to rotate or translate. The light baffle defines a plurality of through holes. The laser spot light of the invention utilize a motor driving a light baffle to rotate or translate, such that the static light spots generated by the first grating are blocked and unblocked alternately, resulting a lot of twinkling light spots. |
| US10041651B1 |
Projection lamp
A projection lamp includes a transparent first shell, a second shell connected with the first shell, a light source seat, a light source fixed on the light source seat, a hollow cylinder-shaped light processing cylinder, and a driving device connected with the light processing cylinder. The light source and at least one part of the light source seat are received in the light processing cylinder, and do not rotate along with the light processing cylinder. The projection lamp of the present invention utilizes the light processing cylinder, so that a pattern projected is in a rolling state, and is unlikely to cause a dizzy feeling. Due to the fact that the transparent first shell is adopted, through a preset light processing effect designed on the first shell, the change of the projected pattern is more abundant and more interesting. |
| US10041650B2 |
Illuminated instrument panel storage compartment
An illuminated storage assembly disposed within a vehicle is provided herein. The illuminated storage assembly includes a housing defining a storage compartment laterally extending into an instrument panel. A cover is operably coupled to the housing to support the cover between open and closed positions. A light source is disposed within the illuminated storage assembly and is configured to illuminate a feature of the illuminated storage assembly based on the position of the cover. |
| US10041646B2 |
Optic and apparatus for making an optic
An optic can manage light emitted by a light emitting diode. The optic can comprise a backside that faces the light emitting diode and a front side opposite the backside. The front side can be convex. The backside can have a central region that is adjacent the light emitting diode and that is either concave or convex. One or more grooves can extend peripherally about the central region. An injection molding system can produce optics in which the backside comprises the concave central region as well as optics in which the backside comprises the convex central region. The molding system can utilize one molding member shaped according to the front side of the optic. That molding member can be compatible with two other molding members that are shaped according to the different backsides of the optic. Thus, two different optic forms can be produced with three molding members. |
| US10041642B2 |
Laser based visual effect device and system
Disclosed is a laser-based device for use primarily for laser light effects. The laser device comprises multiple red, green, and blue lasers. Each laser has a lens to collimate and focus each individual beam. The lasers are aligned such that each laser shares a common output axis. The intensity of each laser is adjustable thereby allowing the overall output color of the device to change. The overall output has over 16 million colors. Each laser-based device has a gimbal-like system to allow the devices change theft orientation. A remote control system allows for the control and synchronization of multiple devices. Multiple devices may connect to the remote control system using cables, wireless transceivers, or both. Multiple devices may be located in close proximity to create a more powerful overall output beam. The remote control system allows for viewer interaction through an application installed onto a personal communication device. |
| US10041637B2 |
Randomly bendable and shapable LED light bar
A randomly bendable and shapeable LED light bar is provided, including a plurality of LED light strings in parallel, a shaping metal rod and an insulating wrapping layer, wherein each LED light string includes two fine leads in parallel and a plurality of LED light emitting units; an anode and a cathode of each LED light emitting unit are welded/soldered with the two fine leads; the two fine leads are electrically connected with an anode and a cathode of a power supply; the plurality of LED light strings are parallel to the shaping metal rod and are both wrapped by the insulating wrapping layer. Compared with the prior art, the randomly bendable and shapeable LED light bar disclosed is relatively flexible, can be formed into various rich shapes, and is convenient to mount and shape, reliable in light emission, relatively high in practicability and relatively wide in application range. |
| US10041633B2 |
Lighting device and luminaire
Disclosed is a lighting device (10) comprising a heat sink (30) having an annular portion (31) including an annular surface portion (33) delimiting a central aperture (37), said annular surface portion (33) carrying a plurality of SSL elements (50); and a bulbous member (20) cooperating with the heat sink (30), said bulbous member (20) having a first surface portion (21) opposite said SSL elements (50) and a second surface portion (22) extending from said first surface portion (21) through said central aperture (37); wherein the bulbous member (20) is used as a light guide member for light emitted by the plurality of SSL elements (50). A luminaire including such a lighting device (10) is also disclosed. |
| US10041628B2 |
Gas filling apparatus
To provide a gas filling apparatus with high handleability and safety. A gas filling apparatus including: a filling mechanism for carrying a gas through gas carrying pipes while measuring flow rate of the gas from a gas supply source (accumulator); a filling hose connected to the gas carrying pipe and having a filling nozzle at an end of the filling hose; and an attachment sensor (nozzle attachment detecting portion) for outputting a detection signal after detecting that the filling nozzle is attached to a filling port of an in-vehicle tank, wherein filling gas to the in-vehicle tank by the filling mechanism becomes possible after the detection signal is inputted to the filling mechanism from the attachment sensor. The gas filling apparatus may further include: a pressure gauge for measuring a pressure in the in-vehicle tank; a thermometer for measuring ambient temperature; and a target pressure calculating means (comparing means) for calculating a pressure in the in-vehicle tank when filling up the in-vehicle tank or filling preset amount of the gas is finished before filling gas to the in-vehicle tank based on a capacity of the in-vehicle tank and the measured pressure in the in-vehicle tank and the measured ambient temperature; wherein the filling mechanism stops carrying the gas to the in-vehicle tank when the pressure in the in-vehicle tank reaches the target pressure. |
| US10041626B2 |
Lubricant applicator
The present invention relates to a lubricant applicator for applying lubricant to a fastener. The applicator includes engagement means for engaging with and applying lubricant to the fastener. The engagement means typically includes an absorbent felt liner. The applicator further includes a dispenser for dispensing lubricant to the engagement means. |
| US10041623B2 |
Systems, devices, and/or methods for a vehicle utility attachment
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising a hitch member. The hitch member is constructed to be releasably coupled to a towing hitch port of a vehicle. The system can comprise a cross-member. The cross-member can be operatively coupled to the hitch member. When uncoupled from the vehicle, the hitch member can be constructed to rotate around a longitudinal axis of the cross-member. The system can comprise a first adjustable leg and a second adjustable leg. |
| US10041619B2 |
Methods and apparatuses to moderate an airflow
Methods and apparatus to reduce instabilities and/or turbulence of an airflow of a HVAC system are described. The method may include positioning an airflow moderating zone in an airflow passage to reduce instabilities and/or turbulence in the airflow. Apparatuses to create the airflow moderating zone are also provided. The apparatus may be configured to have a plurality of openings and an airflow resistance structure so as to provide airflow resistance to instabilities and/or turbulence in the airflow. The airflow moderating zone may be, for example, a sheet-like material including a plurality of openings. |
| US10041612B1 |
Curvilinear duct fabricated with additive manufacturing
Curvilinear ducts manufactured by depositing one or more runs of material in a conjoined helix, a conjoined plurality of conjoined planar spirals, and a plurality of conjoined conical spirals. |
| US10041611B2 |
Pipe securing apparatus
A device for securing a pipe to a wall, including an exterior wall of a building, is provided. The device has a generally flat surface which adheres to the wall and a generally curved support unit which receives the pipe. An optional securing bar may be locked over the top of the pipe to prevent movement of the pipe. In an embodiment, the device has an extension flange which allows the pipe to be secured to the wall in an off-set manner. Preferably, a plurality of the present aligned devices secure the pipe to the wall in a horizontal or vertical manner. The device allows the pipe to be secured to a wall in compliance with governmental regulations. An adapter unit may be inserted over the curved support unit for one or more smaller pipes. |
| US10041610B2 |
Methods and apparatus of stabilizing a valve positioner when testing a solenoid valve
Methods and apparatus of stabilizing a valve positioner when testing a solenoid valve are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a solenoid valve and a valve positioner fluidly and communicatively coupled to the solenoid valve. The valve positioner is to be set in a pressure control state prior to conducting a test of the solenoid valve. The valve positioner is to detect a pressure change across the solenoid valve caused by the solenoid valve transitioning from a first state to a second state and transition the valve positioner from the pressure control state to a saturated state upon detecting the pressure change. The full supply pressure is to stabilize the valve positioner to conduct the test of the solenoid valve. The valve positioner is to maintain the saturated state until the pressure across the solenoid valve returns to the predetermined initial value. |
| US10041609B2 |
Sink and shower handle restraint
Systems and methods are provided herein for restraining sink and shower handles. In a first aspect of a sink handle restraint, a first sink handle cuff fits over a first sink handle of a sink faucet, and a second sink handle cuff fits over a second sink handle of the sink faucet. The first sink handle cuff and second sink handle cuff slide along an elongated element that locks the first sink handle cuff and second sink handle cuff into place, preventing the first and second sink handles from being rotated into an “on” position. |
| US10041608B2 |
Switching valve for the regulation of a mass flow
Switching valve for controlling a mass flow in a cold or hot circuit. The valve includes a valve housing having a feed opening and a discharge opening; a valve piston which has a valve-closure member directed towards the discharge opening and which, in a closed position, abuts a valve seat of a through-bore between the feed opening and the discharge opening; a pilot valve having a pilot bore in the valve piston, which bore opens into the through-bore and traverses the valve piston; a path-generating device having an actuatable ram accommodating a closure member which closes the pilot bore and, with the closure member, can be moved into an opening position which opens the pilot bore; and a bypass duct formed between the feed opening and the pilot bore. At least one connection element forcibly transfers at least some of the stroke movement of the ram onto the valve piston. |
| US10041606B2 |
Specific gravity valve
A specific gravity valve, has a floating valve member with a specific gravity that is less than the specific gravity of a first liquid and greater than the specific gravity of a second, heavier liquid. A valve seat is associated with the floating valve member. A valve member retainer retains the floating valve member and permits limited vertical movement of the floating valve member between an open position away from the valve seat and a closed position engaged with the valve seat, such that in the open position, fluid flow through the respective outlet is permitted, and in the closed position, fluid flow through the respective outlet is prevented. The specific gravity valve may be used with a production tank to prevent an unintended draw off of the wrong fluid component in the tank. |
| US10041603B2 |
Hydraulic valve
A hydraulic valve, in particular a hydraulic transmission valve including a magnetizable housing which envelops a magnet coil at an outer circumference and at least at one face of the magnet coil; a pole cap arranged in an interior of the housing, wherein the pole cap includes a pole core and a pole tube arranged in an axial sequence towards a face of the magnet coil, wherein the pole core and the pole tube are integrally connected in one piece by a connection bar, wherein the pole core is connected with the connection bar by a pole core cone and/or the pole tube is connected with the connection bar by a pole tube cone, and wherein the pole tube includes an end that is closed with a termination plate at a face of the pole tube that is oriented away from the connection bar. |
| US10041602B2 |
Top entry axial flow regulator
An axial flow regulator includes a lateral access port through a portion of the valve body that provides access to a valve seat assembly and/or other portions of the valve trim without having to remove or uncouple the outlet flange or the inlet flange from the adjacent pipe sections. The lateral access port may extend through an outlet flange portion of the valve body and is configured to allow a valve seat assembly to be laterally inserted into and removed from the outlet flange. A valve seat assembly which may be configured for installation in the axial flow regulator includes a pad holder and a support ring for the pad holder that is separable from the pad holder. The pad holder may have alignment struts projecting radially outwardly from a pad support body. The support ring may include strut receivers that slidably receive the alignment struts of the pad holder. |
| US10041599B2 |
Multi-way valve and multi-way valve skid thereof
Multi-position valve and a multi-position valve skid. The multi-position valve comprises an upper valve body, a lower valve body, and a rotary valve core that includes a valve core body and a protruding part and has an oil-directing passageway through the protruding part and the valve core body. The lower valve body has oil inlet passageways through lower end and upper ends. The oil outlet of the oil inlet passageway is on a circle having a radius of the distance from the oil inlet of the oil-directing passageway to its axis, the center of the circle being the axis of the valve core body. When the valve core body rotates, the oil-directing passageway can abut any of the oil inlet passageways. The oil inlet passageways in the multi-position valve run to the lower end of the lower valve body, such that after being connected. |
| US10041597B2 |
Seal ring for axially sealing two parts arranged so as to be able to move axially with respect to one another, and seal system having the seal ring
A seal ring is provided for axially sealing two parts arranged so as to be able to move axially with respect to one another. The seal ring has two sealing lips which are arranged circumferentially on an axial first end side of the seal ring. In this context, the sealing lips are designed such that they can be spread apart from one another by a first fluid pressure of a first fluid volume to bear in a sealing manner against mutually opposing sealing faces of a first of the parts. The seal ring also has a sealing projection which is arranged circumferentially on a second end side of the seal ring, oriented axially away from the first end side. In that context, the sealing projection is designed in order, when in a state bearing against a sealing surface of a second of the parts, to seal the first fluid volume in a region arranged radially inward with respect to the sealing projection against a second fluid volume at a second fluid pressure in a region arranged radially outward with respect to the sealing projection. |
| US10041590B2 |
Shift drum assembly of a transmission
A shift-by-wire transmission system is provided. The system includes a gearbox that is configured and arranged to receive a rotational input and provide a select rotational output. The gearbox includes a plurality of gear assemblies that are operationally coupled together to provide the select rotational output from the rotational input. A shift assembly is operationally coupled to the plurality of gear assemblies of the gearbox to selectively change gearing of gearbox. An electric motor is operationally coupled to the shift assembly to activate the shift assembly to selectively change the gearing of the gearbox. A manual shift override is employed that is coupled between the shift assembly and the electric motor. The manual shift override is configured and arranged to manually disconnect the electric motor from the shift assembly and activate the shift assembly. |
| US10041588B2 |
Working machine
A working machine having a belt-type continuously variable transmission in a working power transmission system includes a target working speed setting section for optionally setting a target working rotational speed of a working unit, a working unit speed sensor that detects an actual working rotational speed of the working unit, a speed reduction ratio regulation mechanism that regulates a minimum speed reduction ratio of a rotational speed of a driven pulley with respect to a drive pulley, and a control unit. The control unit controls a drive source rotational speed to bring the actual working rotational speed close to the target working rotational speed, obtains a minimum limit speed reduction ratio based upon a target minimum rotational speed of a drive source and the target working rotational speed, and controls the speed reduction ratio regulation mechanism to keep the minimum limit speed reduction ratio. |
| US10041585B2 |
Electromagnetic valve control system and a method of controlling the electromagnetic valve
An electromagnetic valve control apparatus controlling an electromagnetic valve in a control valve apparatus supplying driving oil to an automatic transmission may include an electromagnetic valve driving circuit structured to apply a driving current to the electromagnetic valve based on a set driving condition; an operating state input unit structured to input an engine operating state of the vehicle; an oil pressure state decision unit structured to decide an oil pressure state from a pressure value of the oil at an output side of the electromagnetic valve; a storage unit structured to store decision results of the oil pressure state decision unit; and a driving condition setting unit structured to set the driving condition based on the decision results stored in the storage unit in response to a determination that an engine operating command signal is input based on the operating state input to the operating state input unit. |
| US10041581B2 |
Planetary roller power transmission device
A planetary roller power transmission device includes: a stationary ring; a sun shaft; planetary rollers provided between the stationary ring and the sun shaft so as to be pressed against them; a carrier that supports the planetary rollers so that the planetary rollers are rotatable and that rotates in conjunction with revolution of the planetary rollers; and a disk-shaped support plate supporting an oil-containing member that can be in contact with a peripheral surface of each planetary roller. Axial free movement of the support plate is restricted by the planetary rollers and the sun shaft or a member that is integrated with the sun shaft so as to be integrally rotatable. The support plate is structured so as to be rotatable relatively to the sun shaft in conjunction with rotation of the sun shaft due to contact with the sun shaft or the member. |
| US10041579B2 |
Device with a torque-proof first structural component and a second structural component that is connected at least in certain parts in a rotatable manner to the first structural component
A device includes a torque-proof first structural component and a second structural component rotatably connected to the first component. Hydraulic fluid is guided to lubrication points via the components. A sealing device seals an interface between the components. The interface includes a transition area limited by areas of the components that overlap in the radial direction and which carries hydraulic fluid, and which is connected to supply areas for hydraulic fluid of the first component and transmission areas for hydraulic fluid of the second component. The hydraulic fluid forms a floating hydrodynamic bearing between the components. The sealing device includes at least one thread area in the area of a surface of the second component or of the first component that is facing towards the surface of the first component or the second component. |
| US10041575B2 |
Torsional damper system
A damper system includes a turbine shaft rotatably connected to a torque converter having a clutch. A hydraulically actuated clutch is coupled to the turbine shaft. A first spring cage has a first cage portion connected to the hydraulically actuated clutch and a second cage portion connected to a friction plate. A first spring set is connected to the first and second cage portions. Springs of the first spring set are deflected by axial rotation between the first and second cage portions when the torque converter clutch is engaged. A second spring cage has a first cage section connected to the hydraulically actuated clutch and a second cage section connected to a torque converter turbine. A second spring set has second springs having a spring constant different than the first spring set. The second spring set springs are deflected by axial rotation between the first and second cage sections. |
| US10041572B2 |
Radially engaging coupling system
The radially engaging coupling system comprises numerous embodiments for connecting two or more concentric components with radially extending or retracting bolts. Most embodiments include a ring having a plurality of Archimedean spiral slotted segments. Each bolt has a pin extending laterally therefrom to engage a corresponding slot in the ring. Rotation of the ring drives the pins and their bolts outward or inward to engage or disengage an outer component. Some embodiments have inwardly or outwardly spaced pin passages in the ring, rather than the spiral slots. The disc may comprise a snap ring. Another embodiment has two axially spaced spirally slotted rings, with a plurality of cylindrical rollers therebetween. Rotation of the rings drives the rollers inward or outward to engage corresponding axial grooves in the inner shaft. In another embodiment each bolt has an arcuate segment extending thereacross, to engage a corresponding circumferential groove in an outer component. |
| US10041571B2 |
Tensioner
Provided is a simple-structured tensioner that can ensure a smooth flow of oil while enabling a reduction in the production cost. A tensioner 10 includes a plunger 30 provided with a plunger through hole 32 extending from an outer circumferential surface to an inner circumferential surface of the plunger 30, and a tensioner body 20 provided with an oil supply hole 25 extending from an outer wall of the tensioner body 20 to the plunger bore 21. The oil supply hole 25 is formed in an elongated shape that extends along a protruding direction of the plunger. |
| US10041560B2 |
Piston head assembly for radio controlled cars shock absorber and method
An apparatus and method for a piston head assembly for an R/C car shock absorber provides for differing flow rates through the piston depending on whether the piston is presently in rebound or compression movement. A piston head may be constructed with a plurality of separate recesses further having at least first and second one way valve holes and a plurality of two way valve holes surrounding the central recess. In one embodiment, two sealing members fit within two separate recesses whereby the sealing member keeps the first and second one way valve holes generally closed. When fluid flow contacts the sealing member during the rebound stroke, fluid flows through the first and second one way valve holes moves the seal member to the open position thereby providing more fluid flow and a quicker rebound damping response. |
| US10041559B2 |
Fluid damper device and apparatus with damper
A fluid damper device and an apparatus with thereof are provided. In a damper chamber of this fluid damper device, a protruded part of a valve body protrudes from a base part toward the outside in the radial direction of a turning shaft, and toward one side around the axial line of the turning shaft, and a valve body support part of the turning shaft is equipped with a base part support part between a first protruded part and a second protruded part. An inner side portion of the protruded part of the valve body has a first portion and a second portion separated from each other in the direction in which the protruded part protrudes, and when the valve body is in the open position this first portion and second portion are supported by a receiving part formed on the first protruded part of the turning shaft. |
| US10041553B2 |
Clip for use in a disc brake assembly and disc brake assembly including such a clip
A brake clip adapted for use in a disc brake assembly comprises a brake clip configured to be disposed between an anchor bracket and at least one brake pad of the disc brake assembly. The brake clip has at least one tab extending therefrom which is configured to initially contact and prevent the at least one brake pad from falling free prior to installation of the disc brake assembly on a vehicle. |
| US10041550B2 |
Clutch for vehicle
A clutch for a vehicle may include a first rotor locked to a rotating shaft controlling rotations of the first rotor; a second rotor rotatably provided on the rotating shaft; a clutch part inclinedly protruding from the second rotor toward the first rotor, wherein an outer circumferential surface of the clutch part is configured as a conical surface; an inner ring rotating along with the first rotor; a cone rotating along with the second rotor; an outer ring rotating along with the first rotor; and a sleeve rectilinearly slidable at an outside of an outer circumferential surface of the first rotor along a direction of the rotating shaft to press the outer ring toward the second rotor, forming friction surfaces between the outer ring and the cone, between the cone and the inner ring, and between the inner ring and the clutch part. |
| US10041548B2 |
Silicon wafer edge protection device with collision protection function
A wafer edge protection apparatus, including an electrical control module having a servomotor, a vertical motion mechanism and a protection mechanism. The protection mechanism includes: a shaft coupler, in fixed connection with a shaft of the servomotor and having a plurality of first connecting components; and a transmission sleeve, in fixed connection with the vertical motion mechanism and having a plurality of second connecting components in movable connection with the plurality of first connecting components. The plurality of first connecting components is in movable connection with the plurality of second connecting components such that, in the event of a torque output by the shaft of the servomotor not exceeding a limit, the plurality of first connecting components is engaged with the plurality of second connecting components, and in the event of the torque output by the shaft of the servomotor exceeding the limit, the plurality of first connecting components is disengaged from the plurality of second connecting components, thereby preventing a rotational motion generated by the servomotor from transferring to the vertical motion mechanism. |
| US10041546B2 |
Multi-rate torsional bar
A driveline joint includes an outer member, an inner member, and a biasing member. The outer member is connected to a first shaft and has a back wall, an end portion, and an inner surface extending between the back wall and the end portion. The inner member is connected to a second shaft and has a first end, a second end, and an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end. The biasing member is disposed between the back wall and the first end and resists translation of the inner member relative to the outer member. |
| US10041542B2 |
Bearing assembly
A bearing assembly including a bearing having a first ring with a hole, two front edges and an outer cylindrical surface, and a second ring with a hole, two radial edges and an outer cylindrical surface is provided. The first and second rings rotate relatively about a central axis. The bearing includes at least one row of rolling elements housed in a chamber formed between an outer cylindrical surface and a hole of the rings, the first and second rings and the rolling elements determining a pitch diameter of the bearing. A sealing means is provided having an engagement portion rigidly connected to one of the rings and a tapered annular body extending from the engagement portion towards the other ring. When idle, the body forms a non-zero angle with a plane perpendicular to the pitch diameter and is in direct or indirect contact with the other bearing ring. |
| US10041537B2 |
Slide member for shock absorber of vehicle
According to the present invention, there is provided a slide member for a shock absorber of a vehicle including a back metal, a porous sintered metal layer containing a porous sintered metal formed on the back metal and a resin with which the porous sintered metal is impregnated and covered, and a resin slide layer formed on the porous sintered metal layer and having a smooth slide surface, and the slide member is formed in a cylindrical shape so that the resin slide layer is disposed on an inner peripheral side. The resin slide layer is composed of polytetrafluoroethylene and a plurality of granular elements dispersed in the polytetrafluoroethylene, and the granular element is composed of molybdenum disulfide and molybdenum trioxide, and/or tungsten disulfide and tungsten trioxide. |
| US10041531B2 |
Sensor device with mounting means
A sensor device for monitoring a component of interest, including at least one sensor for measuring at least one parameter indicative of condition of the component of interest, signal processing device for processing the signals of the sensor, and a mounting element for mounting the sensor device close to the component of interest. The mounting element can be made of a zinc alloy. |
| US10041529B2 |
Device for measuring the wear of a ball-and-socket joint, ball-and-socket joint incorporating said device and method for measuring the wear of such a ball-and-socket joint
A device adapted to measure the wear of a ball-and-socket joint. The ball-and-socket joint comprising a first ring, which delimits a spherical housing, a second spherical ring, which is positioned concentrically in the housing of the first ring, and a lining, which is made from an elastically insulating material and is inserted between the second ring and the spherical housing of the first ring. A wear measuring feature includes at least two electrodes provided to be connected to the first ring and the second ring, respectively, or to the lining, so as to form a capacitor structure and a capacitance measuring device for measuring the capacity of the capacitor thus formed. The device further comprises an electronic circuit, which is a resonant circuit including the capacitor, an inductance and a resistance positioned in series. |
| US10041523B2 |
Quick fastening device for panels
A QUICK FASTENING DEVICE FOR PANELS, of the type containing two elements that interact with one another by virtue of the moving parts thereof and which is used to provide an anchoring point for the fastening of an application to the hole in a panel, being formed from a clip and a pin, said clip incorporating tabs descending downwards from the base, and having elastic ability in order to move closer toward the center of said clip through the sliding action of elbows or hooks on said tabs, acting on the inclined profile of cavities provided in said pin. |
| US10041516B2 |
Modular clamping system
A clamping system includes a housing, a clamping lever pivotally coupled relative to the housing, a clamping arm pivotally coupled relative to the housing and the clamping lever, and an expandable link coupled to the clamping arm. The clamping lever and the clamping arm are rotatable from an open position to a closed position. A method of mounting a device on a substrate using the clamping system is also provided. |
| US10041510B2 |
Hydraulic actuator
A hydraulic actuator employing, in part, a short piston stroke distance and a planet gear amplification to achieve a relatively rapid actuation through a relatively low power input. |
| US10041509B2 |
Hydraulic device
A hydraulic device wherein an orifice is provided upstream of the discharge valve in an oil passage from the electric pump, a drain oil passage from the second hydraulic servo communicates between the orifice and the discharge valve in the oil passage from the electric pump, and an oil pressure in the oil passage upstream of the orifice is maintained at a predetermined pressure higher than the set pressure. |
| US10041501B2 |
Vortex pump and fuel vapor treatment device comprising the vortex pump
A vortex pump may include a motor portion and a pump portion. The pump portion includes an impeller that rotates integrally with an output shaft of a motor. The motor portion and the pump portion are separated by a separation wall. A vane-groove region including vane grooves is provided on a surface of the impeller facing the separation wall. The separation wall includes a facing groove facing the vane-groove region and extending along a rotation direction of the impeller. A communication hole that communicates the motor portion and the pump portion is provided on the facing groove. The communication hole extends in a direction along swirling flow formed by the vane grooves and the facing groove when the vortex pump is operating. |
| US10041492B2 |
Fluid pump having a return passage parallel to a suction passage
A fluid pump includes a housing, a rotary shaft, and pump units which are contained in the housing and sucks in, pressurizes, and discharges fluid with being rotationally driven by the rotary shaft. The housing has a suction passage conducting the fluid from a suction port to the pump unit, a discharge passage conducting the fluid from the pump unit to a discharge port, a return passage returning a portion of the fluid flowing through the discharge passage to an upstream side of the pump unit, and a control valve controlling a flow of the returned fluid. The return passage is formed so as to conduct the returned fluid in the same direction as a flow of a sucked fluid flowing through the suction passage to make the returned fluid flow together with the sucked fluid. |
| US10041489B2 |
Auxiliary pump and gas turbine engine oil circuit monitoring system
A method of monitoring performance of an auxiliary pump is provided. A monitoring system measures a first pressure at a location supplied by a main pump and the auxiliary pump while the auxiliary pump is operated at a first speed. The monitoring system measures a second pressure at the location while the auxiliary pump is operated at a second speed. The monitoring system calculates performance of the auxiliary pump based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure divided by a difference between the first speed and the second speed. The monitoring system tracks the performance of the auxiliary pump over time by repeating the measuring and calculating over time. |
| US10041488B2 |
Pump roller assembly with independently sprung rollers
A roller assembly comprises a central section with a hub; a plurality of arms coupled to the central section such that each arm is capable of moving independently with respect to the central section; a plurality of spring pins, one spring pin associated with each arm; a plurality of retaining pins, one retaining pin associated with each arm; and a plurality of rollers, one roller coupled to each arm. |
| US10041482B2 |
Compressor, air conditioner system comprising the compressor and heat pump water heater system
Provided is a compressor, an air conditioner system comprising the compressor and a heat pump water heater system. The compressor comprises: a low-pressure compression component, a medium-pressure chamber, a low-pressure chamber gas discharge passageway, an enthalpy-increasing component, a high-pressure compression component, a medium-pressure gas passageway and a high-pressure chamber gas discharge passageway. The medium-pressure gas passageway comprises a passageway section at the side toward the low-pressure chamber gas discharge passageway and a passageway section at the side toward the high-pressure chamber gas suction passageway, wherein a ratio between a minimum cross sectional area of the passageway section at the side toward the low-pressure chamber gas discharge passageway and a minimum cross sectional area of the passageway section at the side toward the high-pressure chamber gas suction passageway is ranged from 1.4 to 4. In the compressor, the pressure fluctuation and the flow velocity fluctuation of the refrigerant are relatively smaller, which can improve the first-stage gas discharge plumpness and the second-stage gas suction plumpness, and increase the gas replenishment volume, thereby improving the working efficiency and the energy efficiency ratio of the compressor, and reducing the energy consumption. |
| US10041478B2 |
Vertical axis windmill
A vertical axis windmill comprises three or more frames rotatable in unison about a substantially vertical axis and a plurality of airfoils hingedly affixed to each frame. Each airfoil is able to swing away from its respective frame in a first direction from a closed position to an open position and not able to swing away from its respective frame in a second direction from the closed position. |
| US10041474B2 |
Wind turbine radial velocity system
A wind turbine system may be configured with at least one wind turbine having an exterior surface. A distribution pipe positioned between the exterior surface and a drag feature with the drag feature connected to the exterior surface via at least one attachment feature. At least one nozzle can continuously extend from the distribution pipe through the drag feature. A controller connected to the distribution pipe may selectively activate the at least one nozzle to eject compressed fluids from the turbine blade to modify a preexisting radial velocity of the at least one turbine blade. |
| US10041472B2 |
Blade for a wind turbine and wind turbine comprising said blade
The present invention relates to a blade for a wind turbine comprising at least a longitudinal component comprising at least two longitudinal stretches with fibers at different orientations depending on the location of these stretches along the blade, where the orientation of the fibers in the stretches of the blade is adapted to the prevailing load states in each of the stretches. |
| US10041467B2 |
Device for capturing wave energy
A device (OWC Oscillating Water Column) for capturing wave energy, the upper part of which contains a pressure accumulator (3) connected to the atmosphere through a unidirectional outlet turbine (4) and a vacuum accumulator (6) connected to the atmosphere through a unidirectional inlet turbine (5). The lower portion is formed by at least one block, where each block is made up of a structural column (19), which when submerged in the water gives rise to a water column (8) and an air chamber (1) in the upper portion. Each block is connected to the pressure accumulator (3) through a non-return intake valve (2), and to the vacuum accumulator (6) through a non-return exhaust valve (7), and having an inlet (16) arranged in the lower portion of each structural column (19).One of the main characteristics of the device is that the pressure (3) and vacuum (6) accumulators act as an air manifold, inhaling and exhaling through the blocks, and at the same time damping sudden changes in pressure. |
| US10041465B2 |
Water wheel device and control mechanism therefor
A water turbine device is disclosed. The water turbine device includes a water shaft, a plurality of blade frames, a plurality of turbine blades, a pivot shaft and a blade control mechanism. The water shaft has a first axis. The plurality of blade frames are radially distributed around the water shaft. The plurality of turbine blades are mounted on the plurality of blade frames respectively. The pivot shaft is disposed on a corresponding one of the plurality of blade frames, has a second axis, and allows one of the plurality of turbine blades corresponding to the corresponding blade frame to be pivotally mounted on the corresponding blade frame. The blade control mechanism is disposed on an end opposite to the pivot shaft on the corresponding blade frame, wherein the turbine blade mounted on the corresponding blade frame has a stopper adjacent to the blade control mechanism. |
| US10041462B2 |
Electric drive vehicles
An electric drive vehicle which is capable of performing a bidirectional voltage conversion between two DC power supplies and a rotary electric machine, and a connection switch between a series connection and a parallel connection of the two power supplies with respect to the rotary electric machine. The electric drive vehicle can supply electric power without a delay in response to a change in a load request. A controller sets the connection between the two power supplies to the parallel connection when an estimated value of an output electric current in accordance with a torque command to the rotary electric machine exceeds a tolerable electric current value of at least one of the two power supplies. |
| US10041459B2 |
Pressure control valve for a fuel injection system
A pressure control valve for a fuel injection system, in particular a common-rail injection system, for controlling pressure in a high-pressure fuel reservoir, includes a magnetic actuator configured to actuate a spherical valve closing element. The magnetic actuator interacts with a reciprocatingly displaceable armature that is connected to an armature pin in order to transmit a force of the magnetic actuator to the spherical valve closing element. At least one of the spherical valve closing element and the armature pin is axially displaceably guided in a valve piece which forms a valve seat configured to interact with the spherical valve closing element. |
| US10041458B2 |
Injector clamp
An injector clamp for clamping at least two injectors to an engine head includes a body having at least a first arm and a second arm. Each arm having a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface on opposing sides of the body. A distance between the first clamping surfaces of the first arm and the second arm is different from a distance between the second clamping surfaces of the first arm and the second arm. The body is configurable, for use, in one of: a first position in which the first clamping surfaces from each of the first and second arms can abut with an injector; and a second position in which the second clamping surfaces from each of the first and second arms can abut with an injector. |
| US10041450B2 |
Valve assembly for a tank of a vehicle
A valve assembly for a tank of a vehicle is disclosed. A valve body is adapted to be attached to the tank. A seat is disposed inside the valve body and defines an outlet for venting the tank. A float is disposed inside the valve body and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body in response to a liquid fluid level inside the tank. A support is coupled to the float and is movable with the float between the first and second positions. A sealing member is attached to the support and has an engagement portion supported by a base to define a space between the engagement portion and the support to allow movement of the engagement portion between an initial position when in the first position and a displaced position when in the second position. |
| US10041449B2 |
Evaporative emissions testing using inductive heating
Methods and systems are provided for conducting an evaporative emissions test on a fuel tank and an evaporative emissions system in a vehicle. In one example, pressure for the evaporative emissions test is provided by inductive heating of the fuel tank while the vehicle undergoes an inductive battery charging operation. In this way, evaporative emissions testing may be enabled under conditions wherein sufficient heat rejection from the engine to the fuel tank is not available, and further enables evaporative emissions testing without the use of an external pump thus eliminating additional costs, and reducing the space occupied in the vehicle for evaporative emissions testing diagnostics. |
| US10041438B2 |
Unburned fuel venting in internal combustion engines
An internal combustion engine is disclosed. The engine may have a cylinder that defines a combustion chamber for combusting an air/fuel mixture. The engine may also have a piston reciprocally movable within the cylinder between a top dead center (TDC) and a bottom dead center (BDC). The piston may have an uppermost piston ring configured to sealingly contact the cylinder. The engine may have an annular crevice facing the combustion chamber. The crevice may be defined by the cylinder, the piston, and the uppermost piston ring. The engine may also have a flow channel fluidly connected to the combustion chamber. The flow channel may direct unburned air/fuel-mixture out of the combustion chamber. The at least one flow channel may be fluidly connected to the annular crevice for a crank angle range of about 85° to 95° and about 265° to 275° after the top dead center (TDC). |
| US10041435B2 |
Direct injection fuel system with controlled accumulator energy storage and delivery
A direct injection (DI) fuel supply system includes an accumulator valve coupled to a high pressure fuel line at a position between an accumulator and a fuel rail. A controller of the DI fuel supply system is configured to control the accumulator valve to maintain the pressurized fuel housed in the fuel rail at a desired pressure and to control the accumulator valve proximate a fuel injection event by a fuel injector such that the accumulator supplies the fuel rail with approximately the portion of the pressurized fuel injected by the fuel injector during the fuel injection event. This positioning of the accumulator valve between the DI positive displacement fuel pump and the fuel rail together with active control thereof also insulates the fuel rail and the fuel injector from fuel pressure pulsations generated by the DI positive displacement fuel pump. |
| US10041434B2 |
Fuel injection operation
A method of operating an engine with multi-fuel injector per cylinder capabilities to accommodate reaching minimum fuel pulsewidth conditions of any of the injectors under various operating conditions including hot and cold engine starts. The method reduces engine performance and emissions variations resulting from changes in fuel injection mass below minimum mass. |
| US10041430B2 |
System for adjusting a fuel injector actuator drive signal during a fuel injection event
The present disclosure provides a system for adjusting a fuel injector drive signal during a fuel injection event wherein the system comprises an engine having a fuel injector, a fuel control module configured to generate control signals corresponding to a desired fueling profile of a fuel injection event, and a fueling profile interface module that outputs drive profile signals to the fuel injector in response to the control signals to cause the fuel injector to deliver an actual fueling profile, wherein the fueling profile interface module changes the drive profile signals during the fuel injection event in response to a parameter signal indicating a characteristic of the actual fueling profile. |
| US10041419B2 |
Valve flap device
A valve flap device having at least one valve housing having a shaft comprising a bearing surface and a valve axis, the shaft being rotationally supported about the valve axis by means of the bearing surface in the valve housing. A bearing element having a sliding bearing surface, wherein the bearing surface of the shaft contacts the sliding bearing surface. A bearing housing provided on the valve housing, in which the bearing element is supported at least in the radial direction to the valve axis, wherein the bearing element has an outer surface contacting the bearing housing. The support of the shaft is intended to be sufficiently tightly sealed, even for gaseous media, while simultaneously ensuring precise and statically determinate support. To this end, the bearing element is designed as a separate component coupled to the bearing housing about the valve axis with respect to the circumferential direction, such that the relative position between the bearing element and the bearing housing does not change in the circumferential direction when the shaft is rotated. |
| US10041416B2 |
Combustor seal system for a gas turbine engine
A system for providing a seal between a combustor and a turbine vane. The system includes a flange configured to extend radially from the combustor, and a seal. The flange includes a flange surface configured to face in an axial direction toward a surface of the vane. The seal is configured to be axially loaded between the flange surface and the surface of the vane. |
| US10041412B2 |
Starting of aircraft engine
A multi-engine system 10 for use on an aircraft 14 is disclosed. The system 10 may comprise a first aircraft engine 16A and a second aircraft engine 16B configured to drive at least one device 12 of the aircraft 14. A starter 20 may be coupled to one of the first and second aircraft engines 16A, 16B to assist starting of the one of the first and second aircraft engines 16A, 16B. An energy source 24 may be configured to deliver energy to the starter 20 at a rapid rate during rapid starting of the one of the first and the second aircraft engines 16A, 16B, the rapid rate being higher than a regular rate used during regular starting of the one of the first and the second aircraft engines 16A, 16B. The energy source 24 may comprise at least one supercapacitor. |
| US10041411B2 |
Compact dosing device for an injector with two fuel circuits for an aircraft turbomachine
A fuel dosing device for a fuel injector of an aircraft turbomachine, including an opening, a movable member for sealing the opening, and elastic return, with the member able to be displaced under the effect of the fuel pressure. The device includes a first outlet communicating with a primary circuit of the injector as well as a second outlet communicating with a secondary circuit. In addition, it is designed such that up to a defined level of displacement of the sealing member, the latter allows the fuel coming from the opening to reach the first outlet and, only beyond the defined level of displacement, the member allows the fuel coming from the opening to reach the second outlet. |
| US10041406B2 |
Flow rate measurement device, fuel efficiency measurement device, program for flow rate measurement device and flow rate measurement method
In order to provide a flow rate measurement device that can measure a flow rate of a sample fluid passing a tube body with high accuracy even though temperature irregularity of the sample fluid generates along a radial direction of the tube body, the flow rate measurement device comprise a temperature measurement device that measures a mean temperature of a sample fluid discharged from an internal combustion engine or temperature distribution of the sample fluid along a radial direction of the tube body, and a flow rate of the sample fluid is measured based on the mean temperature or the temperature distribution measured by the temperature measurement device. |
| US10041399B2 |
Exhaust gas turbocharger with wear-free connection of components of its wastegate system
An exhaust gas turbocharger includes a wastegate system. A control rod and a wastegate lever connected to the control rod by a connecting element belong to the wastegate system. The connecting element is a spring element. |
| US10041396B2 |
Overrun air recirculation valve for a compressor of an internal combustion engine
A divert-air valve for a compressor of an internal combustion engine includes a flow housing with a duct, an actuator, a control body moved by the actuator to control a throughflow cross section of the duct, an armature, openings in the control body, a valve housing with a housing wall, a support ring with a ring-shaped plate and a cylinder wall, and a sealing ring which seals the housing interior with respect to a part of the duct. The armature is connected to the control body. The openings fluidically connect the housing interior to a part of the duct. The valve housing surrounds the actuator and a part of the control body. The support ring bears, via the cylinder wall, radially from the outside against the housing wall. The radial sealing ring lies axially against the ring-shaped plate and bears radially at the outside against the housing wall. |
| US10041394B2 |
Air/oil-cooled internal combustion engine
An air/oil-cooled internal combustion engine capable of increasing accuracy in detection of the temperature of the air/oil-cooled internal combustion engine by a temperature sensor and carrying out the warm-up operation after the start-up of the air/oil-cooled internal combustion engine favorably. The air/oil-cooled internal combustion engine includes cooling fins that are provided on the circumferences of a cylinder block and a cylinder head; and a cooling passage that is provided in a combustion chamber upper wall covering a combustion chamber of the cylinder head and is used for cooling the combustion chamber upper wall with lubrication oil. The air/oil-cooled internal combustion engine has a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the air/oil-cooled internal combustion engine by detecting the temperature of oil. The temperature sensor faces a cooling oil outlet portion of the cooling passage. |
| US10041393B2 |
Method for checking the efficacy of an exhaust gas after-treatment device
The invention relates to a method for checking the efficacy of an exhaust gas after-treatment device (9), especially of a catalyst, for an internal combustion engine, exhaust gas generated by a donor internal combustion engine (2) flowing through the exhaust gas after-treatment device (9) to be checked. In order to allow the efficacy of an exhaust gas after-treatment device (9) to be checked with a high degree of flexibility and in a simple manner, a partial quantity is withdrawn from the exhaust gas flow of the donor internal combustion engine (2) and is fed to a defined partial inlet cross-section (22) of the exhaust gas after-treatment device (9) to be checked. |
| US10041389B2 |
Valve housing and valve
A housing for fluidically connecting an exhaust gas line to an exhaust gas heat exchanger, wherein the main flow channel of the housing extends in the direction of a central axis (X), from an inlet opening to an outlet opening, with an average flow cross section (SQ). In the main flow channel, at least one opening is provided in the housing for a valve shaft, and on the housing, at least one bypass opening formed by a connecting piece is provided between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The housing is formed by a maximum of two deep-drawn sub-shells made of sheet metal, wherein the connecting piece is formed circumferentially around the bypass axis (Y) for connecting an exhaust gas heat exchanger via the upper shell and/or via the lower shell. |
| US10041388B2 |
Exhaust valve for muffler and muffler including the same
An exhaust valve for a muffler which is mounted inside the muffler includes: a mounting bracket having an arc shape; a shaft which is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket; a flap which is fixed to the shaft and rotates together with the shaft; and an elastic member which elastically support the flap with respect to the mounting bracket. |
| US10041383B2 |
Variable valve mechanism
A variable valve mechanism includes a first cam unit including cams configured to drive an intake valve on a first side in a first cylinder; a first sliding mechanism configured to slide the first cam unit such that the first cam unit is switched between two positions to select any one of the cams; a second cam unit including cams configured to drive an intake valve on a second side in the first cylinder, cams configured to drive an intake valve on the first side in a second cylinder, and cams configured to drive an intake valve on the second side in the second cylinder; and a second sliding mechanism configured to slide the second cam unit such that the second cam unit is switched among three positions to select any one of the cams for each of the intake valves. |
| US10041381B2 |
Kinematically independent, thermo-hydro-dynamic turbocompound generator
A power generator may include a digital programmable governor, a plurality of power modules. The power modules have working fluid including compound gas and a magneto-responsive liquid column disposed therein, a thermal generator capable of adding heat to the working fluid, one Or more cooling exchangers configured to remove heat from the working fluid, at sets of electro-hydro-dynamic actuators, and a plurality of bidirectional turbines. The sets of electro-hydro-dynamic actuators are disposed proximate to the power modules, responsive to control of the digital programmable governor and in association with a thermal cycle of adding heat to and removing heat from the working fluid, provide influence to drive reciprocal flows of the working fluid through the power modules. The bi-directional turbines are disposed to receive the reciprocal flows and perform a kinematically independent conversion of the operating medium reciprocal flows to rotary motion power output. |
| US10041378B2 |
Systems and methods for adjusting floor pressure levels to improve combined cycle plant startup
A method for adjusting startup floor pressure levels of HRSG steam circuits is implemented by a pressure controlling computing device including a processor and a memory. The method includes receiving a plurality of measured plant operating values associated with a HRSG steam circuit, identifying a plurality of candidate pressure levels for use in pressurizing the HRSG steam circuit, determining a calculated steam velocity level for each of the plurality of candidate pressure levels, identifying a steam velocity limit for a steam piping section of the HRSG steam circuit, selecting a lowest pressure level of the plurality of candidate pressure levels, wherein the lowest pressure level is associated with a determined calculated steam velocity level that does not exceed the identified velocity limit, and pressurizing the HRSG steam circuit to the selected lowest pressure level. |
| US10041376B2 |
Exhaust-gas turbocharger
An exhaust-gas turbocharger (1) having a compressor housing (2) in which a compressor wheel (2′) is arranged; a bearing housing (3); and a turbine housing (4) in which a turbine wheel (4′) is arranged. The axial abutment surfaces (5, 6) are provided between the bearing housing (3) and the turbine housing (4). The axial abutment surfaces (5, 6) have at least one notch (9). |
| US10041374B2 |
Gas turbine engine component with platform cooling circuit
A component according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a platform and a feed cavity that feeds a cooling fluid inside of the platform. The feed cavity includes a leg portion and a main body portion that extends from the leg portion inside of the platform. A cooling cavity is inside the platform and in fluid communication with the feed cavity. |
| US10041371B1 |
In-situ measurement of blade tip-to-shroud gap in turbine engine
A robotically articulated inspection scope (56, 69) inserted into a pilot fuel nozzle port (58) of a turbine engine (20) for in-situ measurement of gaps (59) between tips of turbine blades (40A) and the surrounding shroud (44). A non-contact gap measuring device (52) on a distal end (79) of the scope may be navigated through a combustor (28) and transition duct (34) into a position proximate a blade tip gap. The scope may be controlled via computer (68) via a robotic drive (66) affixed to the pilot fuel nozzle port. Multiple scopes may be used to measure gaps (59A-D) at multiple azimuths of the turbine simultaneously. The turbine disk (37) may be rotated on its operating turning gear to sequentially measure each blade at each azimuth. The computer may memorize an interactively navigated path for subsequent automated positioning. |
| US10041368B2 |
Turbine assembly
The invention relates to a turbine in which a bypass-passage extends through a base member of a stationary vane to join seal cavities of adjacent rotating blade rows so that seal flow passing between a casing and shrouds of the rotating blades at least partially bypasses the turbine main flow passage. |
| US10041364B2 |
Inner diffuser case cone and skirt
An inner diffuser case for a gas turbine engine may include a pre-diffuser including a plurality of struts. At least one of the struts may include an aperture therethrough. A cone may have a downstream end coupled to the pre-diffuser downstream of, and proximate to, the aperture. A skirt may have a forward end coupled to the pre-diffuser downstream of, and proximate to, the aperture. The forward end of the skirt may be axially aligned with the downstream end of the cone. |
| US10041362B2 |
Bladed rotor arrangement and a lock plate for a bladed rotor arrangement
A lock plate of a bladed rotor arrangement is hollow. The bladed rotor arrangement comprises is a bladed turbine rotor of a gas turbine engine. The hollow lock plate has reduced weight compared to a solid lock plate and reduces the centrifugal load on the rim of the rotor and reduces the stresses in the lock plate groove on the rotor blade and hence increases the working life of the rotor and the working life of the rotor blade respectively. The lock plate may have radially extending chambers and openings to provide a flow of coolant onto the rotor posts of the rotor. |
| US10041358B2 |
Gas turbine engine blade squealer pockets
A blade for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil having a tip with a terminal end surface and multiple squealer pockets recessed into the terminal end surface. A method of cooling a blade includes the steps of providing cooling fluid to a first squealer pocket in an airfoil tip, and providing cooling fluid to a second squealer pocket in the airfoil tip in an amount that is different than that provided to the first squealer pocket. |
| US10041355B2 |
Fluidfoil
A fluidfoil includes a selectively fluid chargeable capillary and a flexible body adjacent the capillary, the shape of the flexible body being adjustable in use via controlling the degree to which the capillary is charged and therefore the forces that the capillary exerts on the flexible body. |
| US10041350B2 |
Hydrostatic positive displacement machine
A hydrostatic positive displacement machine has a cam ring for adjusting the displacement volume thereof. This cam ring is guided in translation by approximately diametrically arranged outer circumferential surface segments on associated inner surface segments of a housing of the positive displacement machine. |
| US10041348B2 |
Optical device and method for predicting and mitigating hydrate formation using an integrated computation
An optical computing device and method utilizing an Integrated Computational Element (“ICE”) to predict and/or mitigate hydrate formation. Fluid is allowed to flow through a first conduit. A sample fluid is separated from the fluid flowing through the first conduit. The sample fluid is allowed to flow through a second conduit. At least one property of the sample fluid corresponding to hydrate formation is detected using at least one Integrated Computational Element (“ICE”) computing device positioned along a tubular. A determination is made as to whether the detected at least one property is adequate for hydrate formation. |
| US10041346B2 |
Communication using electrical signals transmitted through earth formations between boreholes
An embodiment of a system for communication with a downhole component includes a downhole component configured to be disposed in a first borehole in an earth formation, the first borehole including a first electrically conductive component, and a power source electrically connected via a conductor to the first conductive component and to a second electrically conductive component disposed in a second borehole, the power source configured to induce a voltage difference between the first conductive component and the second conductive component, the voltage difference causing electrical signals to propagate along an electric circuit that includes the first conductive component, the second conductive component and a region of an earth formation between the first borehole and the second borehole. The system a processor configured to control the power source and the voltage difference to transmit an electrical signal between the downhole component and a communication device via the electric circuit. |
| US10041335B2 |
Switching device for, and a method of switching, a downhole tool
The switching device comprises an electronic switch embedded within a downhole tool (100) and an activator for remote switching of the electronic switch. The activator may be a handheld unit that is used at the surface of the wellbore by an operator or may be a wireline run unit. The activator permits wireless and contactless activation of the electronic switch without the need for mechanical switches which could provide a point of failure for the downhole tool. The electronic switch comprises an electronics module and a power source such as one or more batteries wherein in the active configuration, the switch can allow electrical connection between the electronics module and the power source and in the inactive configuration, the switch prevents electrical connection between the electronics module and the power source. |
| US10041332B2 |
Dual isolation well assembly
A working string is used to actuate a first valve of a completion string in a well to seal a float shoe of the completion string from a remainder of the completion string. The working string is also used to actuate a second valve of the completion string to seal the center bore of the completion string. Actuating the first valve and the second valve is performed without withdrawing the working string from the well. In certain instances, the working string is a washpipe that includes a shifting profile for each valve. |
| US10041323B2 |
Adjustable actuator
An apparatus to define a shoulder within equipment includes a pin assembly and an actuator. The pin assembly includes a pin assembly housing with a passage formed therethrough, a pin movably positionable, at least partially, within the passage of the pin assembly housing, an outer stop to limit outward movement of the pin within the passage of the pin assembly housing, and an inner stop to limit inward movement of the pin within the passage of the pin assembly housing. The actuator is operably coupled to the pin assembly such that the actuator is capable of moving the pin within the pin assembly housing of the pin assembly. |
| US10041320B2 |
Wellbore tubing cutting tool
In some aspects, a cutting tool is provided. The cutting tool can include a mandrel, a sleeve, and first and second cutting elements. The mandrel can include first and second protrusions positioned at respective first and second lengths along the mandrel. The sleeve can at least partially surround the mandrel. Each of the first and second cutting elements can move from a respective position within the sleeve to a respective position at least partially protruding from the sleeve in response to a respective force exerted by a respective one of the first and second protrusions. |
| US10041319B2 |
Downhole apparatus with anchors and failsafe high torque transmission drive
According to one aspect, a downhole apparatus includes an anchor element mechanically coupled between first and second housings and linked to move radially between first and second radial positions; and a high torque electromechanical transmission drive; wherein the anchor element is adapted to engage a preexisting structure when the downhole apparatus extends within the preexisting structure, the high torque electromechanical transmission drive is energized, and the anchor element is in the second radial position; and wherein the high torque electromechanical transmission drive is failsafe in that the anchor element is permitted to move radially from the second radial position towards the first radial position in response to de-energization of the high torque electromechanical transmission drive. In several embodiments, the preexisting structure is a casing positioned within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation. |
| US10041314B2 |
Closed loop drilling mud cooling system for land-based drilling operations
A drilling mud cooler includes a first mud heat exchanger that is adapted to receive a flow of drilling mud, a first closed-loop cooling system that is adapted to cool a first cooling fluid that is circulated through the first mud heat exchanger so as to reduce a temperature of the flow of drilling mud from a first temperature to a second temperature, a second mud heat exchanger that is adapted to receive the flow of reduced temperature drilling mud from the first mud heat exchanger, and a second closed-loop cooling system that is adapted to cool a second cooling fluid that is circulated through the second mud heat exchanger so as to further reduce the temperature of the flow of drilling mud from the second temperature to a third temperature. |
| US10041313B2 |
Method and system for extending reach in deviated wellbores using selected injection speed
A method for extending reach of a coiled tubing string in a deviated wellbore includes vibrating the tubing string while the tubing string is injected into the wellbore at a first injection speed, finding the peak speed of lateral vibration of the tubing string, determining a second injection speed as a function of the obtained peak speed of lateral vibration, and adjusting the injection speed of the vibrating tubing string from the first injection speed to the determined second injection speed based on said function. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to execute the foregoing method is provided, along with a system for extending reach of a coiled tubing string in a deviated wellbore. |
| US10041312B2 |
Device for handling drill string components of a drill string, method for handling drill string components and rock drilling rig
Handling device for a rock drill rig for handling drill string components for a drill string, wherein the handling device includes a linear guide, a slide being displaceable along the linear guide, and, supported by the slide, a gripping device, being displaceable between a drill string position in the rock drill rig and a delivering position outside the rock drill rig. The gripping device is supported by a swing arm which is swing drivable around a first rotational axis. The swing arm is swing drivable in respect of the slide around a second rotation axis. The swing arm support and the swing arm are swing drivable around a third rotational axis for swinging the gripping device to the drill string position. |
| US10041308B2 |
Oilfield tubular connection system and method
A mineral extraction system including a first oilfield tubular, a second oilfield tubular to engage with the first oilfield tubular, a first flange coupled to the first oilfield tubular, a second flange coupled to the second oilfield tubular, and a plurality of fasteners to couple the first flange and the second flange. |
| US10041306B2 |
Fatigue performance enhancer
A rigid riser system including a rigid riser and one or more fatigue performance enhancers. The rigid riser includes a plurality of rigid metal sections welded together to form a plurality of girth weld joints. The one or more fatigue performance enhancers are positioned over one or more of the plurality of girth weld joints of the rigid riser to enhance the fatigue resistance and/or fatigue life. The body of the fatigue performance enhancer may include a central region and two end regions with the central region having a greater average radial cross-sectional thickness than each of the end regions. Methods of enhancing fatigue performance of the rigid riser and fatigue performance enhancers are also disclosed. |
| US10041304B2 |
Polycrystalline diamond compacts and methods of manufacture
An example polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate and a diamond table attached to the substrate. A multilayer joint interposes the substrate and the diamond table and comprises at least two component parts selected from the group consisting of a base layer, one or more intermediate layers, and a braze layer. The at least two component parts are formed via a thin film deposition process. |
| US10041302B2 |
Method and system for directional drilling
A method, system and bit steering assembly for directional drilling of a borehole in a formation is presented. The method includes the steps of: providing a drill string having a central fluid passage extending along a longitudinal axis of the drill string for passing drilling fluid to the drill bit. The drill bit has a plurality of nozzles for expelling the drilling fluid, wherein each nozzle is arranged eccentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis. The method includes introducing a bit steering assembly, rotating the drill string, and pumping drilling fluid through the central fluid passage. The drilling fluid activates a first impeller of a first rotor section to rotate in a first direction, and activates a second impeller of a second rotor section to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction. The method includes adjusting a coupling between the first rotor section and the second rotor section. |
| US10041300B2 |
Organo-clay free invert emulsion fluids
A method of drilling a subterranean formation includes providing an invert emulsion fluid comprising an oleaginous continuous phase; an internal phase comprising water; bentonite; and mixed metal layered hydroxides comprising hydroxide ions associated with at least two metal cations wherein one is divalent and another is trivalent; and drilling the subterranean formation with the drilling fluid. Invert emulsion drilling fluids include an oleaginous continuous phase; an internal phase comprising water; sodium bentonite; and mixed metal layered hydroxides comprising hydroxide ions associated with at least two metal cations. |
| US10041298B2 |
Detachable combined-type drive key for rotary drilling rig power head
A detachable and combined drive key of a power head of a rotary drilling rig is provided. The drive key includes torque transfer keys and a pressure transfer key. Each torque transfer key is respectively assembled on a key groove on an inner wall of the drive sleeve. The pressure transfer key is assembled at a bottom of a drive sleeve and includes a circular ring structure and a plurality of pressure pads. Each pressure pad has a width less than the torque transfer key. A central surface of each pressure pad is aligned with a central surface of each torque transfer key. The drive sleeve, the torque transfer keys, and the pressure transfer key are combined to form an integrated drive key with a same circular cross-section. |
| US10041293B2 |
Method of automatically controlling motorized window treatments
A load control system automatically controls the amount of daylight entering a building through at least one window of a non-linear façade of the building. The load control system comprises at least two motorized window treatments located along the non-linear façade, and a system controller. The controller is configured to calculate an optimal position for the motorized window treatments at each of a plurality of different times during a subsequent time interval using at least two distinct façade angles of the non-linear façade, such that a sunlight penetration distance will not exceed a maximum distance during the time interval. The controller is configured to use the optimal positions to determine a controlled position to which both of the motorized window treatments will be controlled during the time interval and to automatically adjust each of the motorized window treatments to the controlled position at the beginning of the time interval. |
| US10041283B2 |
Snap hinge with damped closing
A snap hinge with damped closing includes a first articulated quadrilateral defined by a coupling plate associated with a fixed element, a first lever and a third lever, which are articulated to the coupling plate, and a second lever interposed between the preceding levers and is articulated thereto. A second articulated quadrilateral has a fixing plate associated with a movable element with which are associated and articulated respective ends of the second lever and of a fourth lever, the opposite end of which is associated and articulated with the first lever. The plates have various arrangements with respect to each other, rotating about a substantially horizontal rotation axis as the hinge moves between the open and closed configurations. The hinge has at least one damping element that acts during closing and is interposed directly between the coupling plate and the second lever. |
| US10041282B2 |
Micro-hinge for an electronic device
A personal computing device is provided with a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and a hinge joining the first housing portion to the second housing portion. The hinge is configured to allow the first housing portion to rotate substantially three-hundred-sixty degrees relative to the second housing portion. The hinge can be implemented as a plurality of interlinked parallel hinge segments, each hinge segment to rotate about a respective one of a plurality of parallel axes of the hinge to enable the rotation of the first housing portion. |
| US10041281B1 |
Door control system
In an aspect, a door control system is provided for a vehicle door and includes a pushrod and a locking device. The pushrod has a first end connected to one of the vehicle body and the vehicle door. At least a portion of the locking device is mounted to the other of the vehicle body and the vehicle door. The locking device includes a leadscrew, a leadscrew nut mounted on the leadscrew, a housing including a guide path, and a brake. The pushrod has a second end connected to the leadscrew nut. The leadscrew nut is constrained against rotation but is slideable along the guide path by movement of the pushrod, which causes rotation of the leadscrew. The brake is positionable in a braking position in which the brake prevents rotation of the leadscrew, and a release position in which the brake permits rotation of the leadscrew. |
| US10041279B2 |
Motor vehicle lock
The invention is directed to a motor vehicle lock for a motor vehicle door arrangement, wherein a pivotable catch and an inlet mouth for a lock striker are provided, wherein the catch can be brought into at least one closed position and into at least one open position, wherein the catch as such in its closed position may hold the lock striker by a holding engagement between the catch and the lock striker and in its open position may release the lock striker, wherein during a closing cycle the lock striker comes into an actuating engagement with the motor vehicle lock such that the catch moves from its open position into the direction of its closed position, preferably into its closed position. |
| US10041277B1 |
Outdoor cooking apparatus
An improved outdoor cooking apparatus features a specially configured pot with multiple specially configured cooking inserts and burner frame that supports a burner element. One insert is a rack that can be used for cooking one or more whole poultry carcasses. Another insert is a perforated basket that can be used to hold items to be cooked. The pot has a lower tapered section that includes a tapering downwardly sidewall or walls meeting a smaller, generally rectangular bottom panel. The pot has an upper section with a larger transverse cross section than the pot bottom, preferably comprised of generally vertically oriented side all sections. The basket can be correspondingly shaped to the contour of the pot interior. |
| US10041276B2 |
Vehicle locking apparatus for a vehicle using a coupling device
A vehicle locking apparatus for a vehicle using a coupling device for the separable connection of a vehicle door to a vehicle structure part, includes a first coupling element with two locking wedges mounted so as to be displaceable parallel to one another and having wedge faces. At least one of the locking wedges is formed with a locking nose on the wedge-side end face, and a second coupling element interacts with the first coupling element. The second coupling has two retaining jaws receiving the first coupling element therebetween with wedge grooves having wedge faces. The locking wedges are pushed via a driving device into the wedge grooves by separation of the wedge faces apart from one other and the locking nose is thereby received in a locking opening arranged in a wedge groove of a retaining jaw. |
| US10041266B1 |
Suspension system for distributing forces
Disclosed is a suspension system configured for distributing forces impinged on a body. The suspension system may include a plurality of tubes, each including a hollow space configured to accommodate a shaft. Additionally, the suspension system may include a plurality of shafts corresponding to the plurality of tubes. Further, the suspension system may include a plurality of pulleys comprising one or more counterpoised pulleys mounted on one or more ends of one or more shafts of the plurality of shafts and at least two adjunct pulleys mounted on the body. Furthermore, the suspension system may include one or more conduits of tensile force operationally coupled to each of the one or more counterpoised pulleys and the at least two adjunct pulleys. Accordingly, a force acting upon a shaft may be transmitted, via counterpoised pulleys and the one or more conduits of tensile force, to one or more other shafts. |
| US10041259B2 |
Floor panel
A floor panel has a rectangular and oblong shape, and includes a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate and forming a decorative side of the floor panel. The top layer is composed of a print provided on a carrier sheet and a transparent thermoplastic layer situated above the print. The substrate has a thickness from 2 to 10 millimeter and forms at least half of the thickness of the floor panel. The substrate is a polyurethane-based substrate and the transparent thermoplastic layer is polyurethane-based. The floor panel has a length of more than 1.1 meters and has a plurality of reinforcing layers situated outside the center line of the substrate. A reinforcing layer may be provided in combination with the substrate and the top layer. |
| US10041256B2 |
Undercut clip anchor system for cladding of materials
The present subject matter relates to method(s), system(s) and device(s) for cladding of materials, and in particular to an undercut clip anchor system. The system comprises a horizontal rail which mounts both an upper undercut clip and a lower undercut clip for attaching an upper cladding panel and a lower cladding panel, respectively. Serrations on the undercut clips and on a nut bar serrated washer allow for the accurate vertical adjustment of the cladding panels. |
| US10041247B2 |
Reinforced brick masonry column with polyester thread reinforcement strips
A method of reinforcing a masonry structure is described wherein polyester thread reinforcement strips are manufactured and mounted on the masonry structure to protect it from lateral forces caused by earthquake and other natural occurring phenomena that generally produce bending moments in the masonry structure. The disclosed method can easily and economically be applied to reinforce masonry structures in underprivileged regions. |
| US10041245B2 |
Acoustic sleeper
An acoustic sleeper for sound suppression in a floor assembly may be formed as a solid sleeper body made entirely from a resilient acoustic isolating material. The sleeper body has a thickness, a width, a length, a generally rectangular cross-section and first and second sides. The sleeper body first side includes a first side area and a first sleeper load-bearing surface for contacting a first floor assembly structure, the first sleeper load-bearing surface having a first load-bearing surface area equal to or less than the first side area. The sleeper body second side has a pair of solid sleeper feet extending therefrom. The sleeper feet collectively provide a second sleeper load-bearing surface for contacting a second floor assembly structure. The second sleeper load-bearing surface has a second load-bearing surface area that is less than the first side area by at least a factor of three. |
| US10041243B2 |
Modular building unit, system and method
The invention is for a modular building unit (10, 200, 210) for use in constructing a building. The building unit (10, 200, 210) has a planar body (12) having two major side faces (12.1) and two ends (12.2) between each side face (12.1), and a connection interface (28, 30) provided at each of the ends, for connecting similar building units (10, 200, 210) with complemental connection interfaces. The body (12) comprises three walls (14, 16, 18) arranged side-to-side and transversely spaced from each other, the three walls (14, 16, 18) thus defining two planar spaces (20, 22) therebetween, and a plurality of reinforcing webs (24) in the first space, for providing structural support to the building unit (10, 200, 210). The second space (22) defines at least one hollow cavity for receiving a matched insulation insert (25) thereby to impart insulating properties to the building unit (10, 200, 210). |
| US10041242B2 |
Toilet flange assembly with cover
A toilet flange is provided with a planar perimeter portion to assist the installer in accurately determining the distance to an adjacent wall as well as insuring the toilet fastening bolts are aligned parallel thereto. The toilet flange assembly includes a cover to store needed fastening elements while simultaneously preventing debris from entering the plumbing riser pipe. Additionally, a sleeve is provided that protects the threads of the toilet fastening bolts during construction and acts as an extendable flexible guide sleeve. The guide sleeve functionally extends the height of the toilet fastening bolt thereby assisting the toilet installer as a visual aid during installation. |
| US10041241B2 |
Method and apparatus for installation of a toilet system on an aircraft
A method of installing a toilet system on board an aircraft is generally described. The toilet system includes a base support having a right base support and a left base support, a toilet bowl, a right side support and a left side support each supporting the toilet bowl. The method comprises lowering the toilet bowl on to the base supports to at least partially engage a first locking mechanism; sliding the toilet bowl in a forward direction to engage a second locking mechanism; and inserting a first pin to couple the right base support to the right side support and a second pin to couple the left base support to the left side support in order to completely engage the first locking mechanism. |
| US10041239B2 |
Water conservation device
A water conservation device for use within a toilet is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a connector having a base adapted for connectivity and placement adjacent to a traditional pole assembly and proximate to an opening valve within a tank of the toilet. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a flexible pressure arm integrally formed with the connector base and adapted to couple to the opening valve within the tank of the toilet and adapted to provide a pressure to the opening valve to lessen overall water utilized in each flush of the toilet and thereby conserve water. The water conservation device is adapted for either a total or partial flush of the toilet as selected by a user. |
| US10041237B2 |
Device for child bath safety
A device for controlling the duration of time water is retained in a bath tub or other liquid retaining receptacle; the device comprising a timer element and a plug assembly operable between a closed state and an opened state; the plug assembly changing from the closed state to the opened state at the expiry of a time duration pre-selected on the timer element. |
| US10041236B2 |
Multi-function fixture for a lavatory system
Systems and methods for a multi-function lavatory fixture are disclosed. The lavatory fixture includes a first and second leg, where a first end of each leg is configured to be mounted to a deck and a second end of each leg is located over a basin of the lavatory fixture. A connecting section extends between the second ends of each leg and includes outlets to dispense water, soap, and air to wash a user's hands. The fixture also includes indicators located proximate each of the outlets to indicate to the user the location of each outlet. A sensor located near each outlet identifies the presence of a user's hands near the outlet and dispenses water, soap, or air accordingly. A controller within the lavatory fixture receives inputs from each sensor and activates the appropriate pump, fan, valve, and the like to deliver the desired product at the appropriate outlet. |
| US10041234B2 |
Mixing valve
A mixing valve having a housing and first and second flow control valves. The housing has a mixing chamber, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first flow control valve controls fluid flow through the first outlet to the mixing chamber, and the second flow control valve controls fluid flow through the second outlet to the mixing chamber. The first and second outlets each have a size so that the mixing valve has a flow coefficient of approximately 2.5 in a mid-open position of both flow control valves, and the housing has a length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, and the largest of these dimensions is no more than approximately 65 millimeters. |
| US10041230B2 |
Implement tooth assembly with tip and adapter
A ground engaging tip of a tooth assembly for a base edge of a ground engaging implement, is provided, wherein the tooth assembly includes an adapter configured for attachment to a base edge of the ground engaging implement and having a forwardly extending adapter nose. The ground engaging tip may have a substantially keystone-shaped contour providing additional wear material at the top surface for use in top-wearing earth moving applications. |
| US10041227B2 |
Strongarm device for use with a hydro excavation hose
A strongarm device for use with a hydro excavation hose includes a support frame configured to carry hydro excavation equipment, a support post having first and second ends, the first end being secured to the support frame, and a boom having a first end and a second end, where the first end is pivotally connected to the second end of the support post and configured for the second end of the boom to rotate relative thereto. In addition, the strongarm device includes a bracket secured to and suspended from the second end of the boom, and a roller secured to the bracket and configured for the hydro excavation hose to roll back and forth over an upper surface of the roller. |
| US10041225B2 |
Drive control system for work machine
A drive control system for a work machine. A gradual stoppage command and an operation speed limitation command are calculated and output. A pilot pressure is corrected such that, upon a stoppage operation of a control lever, a drive actuator is stopped gradually; and the pilot pressure is corrected such that an operation speed of the drive actuator is limited. A supply of the pilot hydraulic fluid to the speed increasing unit is interrupted when a failure of a speed increasing solenoid proportional valve of the speed increasing unit is detected. |
| US10041221B2 |
Steel plate and concrete composite tank unit, tank group and offshore platforms
A steel plate and concrete composite tank unit, tank groups and offshore platforms with new type of tank units are disclosed. The tank unit comprises an outer concrete tank that comprises an outer tank shell, two heads and ring shell connections at both ends, an inner steel tank that comprises an inner tank shell, epitaxial structures at both ends of the inner steel tank. Inner tank shell is connected to the outer tank shell by epitaxial structures, and an isolation layer that is formed from the gap between the outer concrete tank and the inner steel tank where it is filled with isolation medium. |
| US10041220B1 |
Dog debris scoop
A dog debris scoop preferably includes a tubular entrance member, a tubular rear member and a carrying ring. The tubular entrance member preferably includes a top wall, two opposing side walls and a bottom wall. A pair of opposing bag slots are formed in the two opposing side walls. A ring projection is formed on an outer surface of the top wall to receive the carrying ring. An inside perimeter of the front rim projection is sized to receive the outside perimeter of the rear rim projection. The pair of opposing retention fingers extend forward from opposing sides of the tubular rear member past a front thereof. An inside distance between opposing inside surfaces of the pair of opposing attachment fingers are sized to receive the tubular entrance member. |
| US10041219B2 |
Reusable hand scrapers for waste removal
Reusable hand scrapers for waste removal include a pair of scrapers configured to manipulate waste into a bag when the bag is positioned over the waste. Each of the scrapers has a strap being configured to be wrapped around a user's hand for leverage when in use. A hazard detection unit and an alert device are further provided, enabling the user to be alerted if a hazardous material is detected. |
| US10041217B2 |
Traffic barrier structure
A traffic barrier structure includes posts fixedly installed at the median or roadside of the road, guiderail units composed of guiderails horizontally connected in series between the posts and each having a longitudinal slot, a rail holder installed in the guiderail and having a slot holder piece closely engaged against the slot in the guiderail and a deformation-resistant piece extending from the slot holder piece, closely conforming to a portion of an inner curved portion of the guiderail, to prevent deformation of the guiderails and enlargement of the slots when shock is applied the guiderails, and a rail connector inserted into respective connection part of adjacent guiderails to longitudinally connect the adjacent guiderails. |
| US10041208B1 |
Textile fabrication system
A textile fabrication system for creating a textile panel having a glistening multicolor appearance, using a foil panel, thread, a board, and a backer panel. The board has a first edge, second edge, a front, and a rear. The thread is wound repeatedly on the board across the front from the first edge to second edge, and across the rear to create a threaded area. The foil panel is adhered to the thread in the threaded area on the front, and then is unwound onto a spool, fragmenting the foil as it remains adhered to the thread. The coated thread may be rewound onto the front of the board, and then attached to a backer panel to create a textile panel. The coated threads are cut along the first edge and the textile panel is removed from the board for use in a garment. |
| US10041207B2 |
Coated scrim reinforced thermoplastic olefin roofing membrane
A scrim reinforced roofing membrane comprising a coated scrim layer having a first side and a second side and a first TPO layer on the first side of the coated scrim layer. The coated scrim layer contains a scrim fabric which contains a plurality of warp yarns in a first direction and a plurality of weft yarns in a second direction approximately perpendicular to the first direction. The warp yarns cross the weft yarns at crossing points. The scrim fabric has a polyvinyl acetate coating which is located along the length of the warp yarns and the weft yarns and between the warp and weft yarns at the crossing points. The coated scrim is at least partially embedded in the first TPO layer. |
| US10041206B2 |
Cutting guide with seam allowance recess
A cutting guide having a seam allowance recess and methods of cutting a piece of material with such cutting guide. |
| US10041205B2 |
Portable clothes drying assemblies
Portable clothes-drying assemblies are provided to allow travelers to quickly and easily dry articles of clothing. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, an assembly includes a specially configured garment bag from which a conventional hand held hair dryer is suspended. An adapter tube for directing hot air from the hair dryer into the interior of the garment bag is also provided. The adapter tube has a proximal end configured to sealingly engage the nozzle of the hair dryer and a distal end configured to sealingly engage an inlet formed at the bottom of the garment bag. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the hair dryer is suspended from a horizontal rod, such as a closet rod, from which an article of clothing is also hung. An adapter assembly is also provided. The adapter assembly includes an adapter tube and a plurality of flexible distribution tubes that extend through the adapter tube and are configured to be inserted into the article of clothing. Each of the tubes has an proximal end configured to receive hot air from the hair dryer nozzle, a closed distal end, and an elongated intermediate portion made from either a porous material such as cloth or an apertured non-porous material that allows hot air to pass into the article of clothing. |
| US10041203B2 |
Clothes treating apparatus with heat pump
A clothes treating apparatus may include a heat pump that is detachable and controlled according to a plurality of operation modes. The plurality of operation modes may include a drying mode configured to control operation of the heat pump when the heat pump is mounted on the cabinet and a dehumidification mode configured to control operation of the heat pump when the heat pump is separated from the cabinet. The heat pump may be used in a separable manner when separated therefrom as well as when mounted thereon. |
| US10041202B2 |
Laundry treating appliance and methods of operation
A method of estimating water mass extraction in a laundry treating appliance where the geometry changes in a laundry load affect inertia estimations includes accelerating rotation of the drum during a water extraction cycle to at least two distinct speeds, each for a dwell time, by way of acceleration ramps; determining, during the accelerating rotation, by a controller communicably coupled with the motor, a torque of the motor, an acceleration of the drum, a speed of the drum, and/or an angular position of the drum; and estimating with a parameter estimator inertia values of a laundry load in the drum, based on the torque, acceleration, speed, and/or angular position of the drum at the beginning and the end of each dwell time. The estimated inertia values are transformed based on differing geometries of the laundry load, and water mass extraction is determined based on the transformed estimated inertia values. |
| US10041198B2 |
Curable fiberglass binder comprising salt of inorganic acid
Formaldehyde-free binder compositions are described that include an aldehyde or ketone, a nitrogen-containing salt of an inorganic acid, and an acidic compound. The acidic compound may be an organic acid, such as maleic acid or citric acid among others. The acidic compound is supplied in quantities that lower the pH of the binder composition to about 5 or less. The binder compositions may be used in methods of binding fiberglass and the resulting fiberglass products have an improved tensile strength due to the addition of the acidic compound. |
| US10041192B1 |
Ultra-low shrinkage polyester industrial yarn and its preparation method
The present invention discloses an ultra-low shrinkage polyester industrial yarn and its preparation method. The ultra-low shrinkage polyester industrial yarn is prepared by subjecting a polyester to dissolution, washing and solid state polycondensation followed by spinning. The ultra-low shrinkage polyester industrial yarn has a dry heat shrinkage rate of 1.8±0.25% under test conditions of 177° C.×10 min×0.05 cN/dtex. The polycondensation catalyst consists of magnesium ethylene glycol and antimony ethylene glycol, has a small thermal degradation coefficient. The present invention reduces oligomers during polymerization, reduces thermal degradation during processing, and as a result the invention greatly reduces impurities and nucleating agent in the polyester, leading to an increase in the probability of homogeneous nucleation based on the reduction of heterogeneous nucleation. The dissolution and washing of polyester further decreases oligomer content, facilitating the growth of the grain size and the optimization of crystal perfection in the ultra-low shrinkage polyester industrial yarn. |
| US10041186B2 |
Method for producing nitride crystal
It is used a crucible containing a flux and a source material, a reaction vessel containing the crucible, an intermediate vessel containing the reaction vessel, and a pressure vessel containing the intermediate vessel and used to fill a gas comprising at least a nitrogen atom. When the flux and the source material are melted by heating to grow the nitride crystal, a vapor of an organic compound is provided in a space outside of the reaction vessel and inside of the intermediate vessel. |
| US10041185B2 |
Cylinder plating apparatus and method
Provided are a cylinder plating apparatus and a cylinder plating method, in which the distance between an insoluble electrode and a cylinder to be processed can be kept constant regardless of the diameter of the cylinder to be processed, and the surface area of the insoluble electrode is increased to reduce the current density of the insoluble electrode, thereby being capable of reducing burden on the insoluble electrode. The cylinder plating apparatus is configured to plate an outer peripheral surface of the cylinder to be processed in such a manner that a pair of the insoluble electrodes each having a shape in which at least a lower part thereof is curved inward and being constructed such that at least the lower part has a comb-like portion are brought close to both side surfaces of the cylinder to be processed with predetermined intervals. The insoluble electrodes face each other in a staggered pattern so that projections of the comb-like portion of one of the insoluble electrodes are located at positions of recesses of the comb-like portion of another one of the insoluble electrodes. The insoluble electrode is configured to rotate about an upper end of the insoluble electrode so that the distance of closeness of the insoluble electrode to the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder to be processed is adjustable depending on the diameter of the cylinder to be processed. |
| US10041182B2 |
Reaction products of amino acids and epoxies
Reaction products of one or more amino acids and one or more epoxies are included in copper and copper alloy electroplating baths to provide good throwing power. Such reaction products may plate copper and copper alloys with good surface properties and good physical reliability. |
| US10041180B2 |
Method for concentrating an aqueous caustic alkali via splitting a catholyte into a first stream for heat recovery and a second stream for evaporation
A method for concentrating an aqueous caustic alkali produced by a membrane cell process by using a single or multiple effect evaporator system in which the vapor flows in a counter direction to the aqueous caustic alkali flow and the heat recovered from the catholyte circulation line is used as part of the concentration process. In one embodiment, a catholyte heat recovery heat exchanger and flash evaporation chamber are located after the last effect of a multiple effect evaporator system. In another embodiment, the catholyte heat recovery heat exchanger and flash evaporation chamber are located prior to the single or multiple effect evaporator system. In yet another embodiment, the catholyte heat recovery process is used in conjunction with additional heat exchanger processes to further concentrate the final product as desired. |
| US10041179B2 |
Non-noble metal based electro-catalyst compositions for proton exchange membrane based water electrolysis and methods of making
The invention provides electro-catalyst compositions for an anode electrode of an acid mediated proton exchange membrane-based water electrolysis system. The compositions include a noble metal component selected from the group consisting of iridium oxide, ruthenium oxide, rhenium oxide and mixtures thereof, and a non-noble metal component selected from the group consisting of tantalum oxide, tin oxide, niobium oxide, titanium oxide, tungsten oxide, molybdenum oxide, yttrium oxide, scandium oxide, cooper oxide, zirconium oxide, nickel oxide and mixtures thereof. Further, the non-noble metal component can include a dopant. The dopant can be at least one element selected from Groups III, V, VI and VII of the Periodic Table. The compositions can be prepared using any solution based methods involving a surfactant approach or a sol gel approach. Further, the compositions are prepared using noble metal and non-noble metal precursors. Furthermore, a thin film containing the compositions can be deposited onto a substrate to form the anode electrode. |
| US10041177B2 |
Water treatment system and method
A water treatment system comprising a housing adapted to receive a flow of water. An electrolytic treatment system disposed within the housing, for producing one or more product substances to treat the water. A hydro generation system disposed within the housing, for generating power from the flow of water. An electronic control system disposed within the housing, for receiving and managing the electrical power produced by the hydro generation system, and for controlling the transfer of electrical power to the electrolytic treatment system to control the production of the one or more product substances. |
| US10041176B2 |
No-rinse pretreatment methods and compositions
Conversion and passivation coatings and methods for metal surfaces such as steel and aluminum are disclosed. The coating compositions comprise an aqueous sol of cerium oxide and/or silica particles and a ureido silane compound. The methods of the invention comprise contacting the requisite metal surface with the coating composition. |
| US10041172B2 |
Gas injection apparatus and thin film deposition equipment including the same
A gas injection apparatus, which can sequentially supply a substrate with at least two kinds of source gases reacting with each other in a container, and thin film deposition equipment including the gas injection apparatus, are provided. The gas injection apparatus includes a base plate, a first gas supply region protruding from the base plate, a second gas supply region protruding from the base plate and adjacent the first gas supply region, and a trench defined by a sidewall of the first gas supply region and a sidewall of the second gas supply region. The sidewall of the first gas supply region and the sidewall of the second gas supply region face each other and extend in a radial direction on the base plate. |
| US10041171B2 |
Particulates for additive manufacturing techniques
A particulate for an additive manufacturing technique includes metallic particulate bodies with exterior surfaces bearing a polymeric coating. The polymeric coating is conformally disposed over the exterior surface that prevents the underlying metallic body from oxidation upon exposure to the ambient environment by isolating the metallic particulate bodies from the ambient environment. Feedstock materials for additive manufacturing techniques, and methods of making such feedstock, are also disclosed. |
| US10041170B2 |
Dummy wafer, thin-film forming method, and method of fabricating a semiconductor device using the same
Provided are a dummy wafer, a thin-film forming method, and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device using the same. The dummy wafer includes an insulating substrate with a first surface opposite a second surface, and a plurality of openings formed in the insulating substrate. The plurality of openings penetrate at least a portion of the insulating substrate in a direction from the first surface toward the second surface. The first and second surfaces of the insulating substrate, and an inner surface of each of the plurality of openings, include protrusions. |
| US10041169B2 |
System and method for loading a substrate holder carrying a batch of vertically placed substrates into an atomic layer deposition reactor
The invention relates to methods and apparatus in which precursor vapor is guided along at least one in-feed line into a reaction chamber of a deposition reactor, and material is deposited on surfaces of a batch of vertically placed substrates by establishing a vertical flow of precursor vapor in the reaction chamber and having it enter in a vertical direction in between said vertically placed substrates. |
| US10041168B2 |
Graphene structure
A method of forming graphene includes placing a substrate in a processing chamber and introducing a cleaning gas including hydrogen and nitrogen into the processing chamber. The method also includes introducing a carbon source into the processing chamber and initiating a microwave plasma in the processing chamber. The method further includes subjecting the substrate to a flow of the cleaning gas and the carbon source for a predetermined period of time to form the graphene. |
| US10041167B2 |
Cyclic sequential processes for forming high quality thin films
Methods are described for a cyclical deposition and curing process. More particularly, the implementations described herein provide a cyclic sequential deposition and curing process for filling features formed on a substrate. Features are filled to ensure electrical isolation of features in integrated circuits formed on a substrate. The processes described herein use flowable film deposition processes that have been effective in reducing voids or seams produced in features formed on a substrate. However, conventional gap-filling methods using flowable films typically contain dielectric materials that have undesirable physical and electrical properties. In particular, film density is not uniform, film dielectric constant varies across the film thickness, film stability is not ideal, film refractive index is inconsistent, and resistance to dilute hydrofluoric acid (DHF) is not ideal in conventional flowable films. The cyclic sequential deposition and curing processes address the issues described herein to create films with higher quality and increased lifetime. |
| US10041163B1 |
Plasma spray coating for sealing a defect area in a workpiece
A method for applying a coating to a defect area of a reactor component includes forming a patch on the reactor component at the defect area using a plasma-spray coating process. The plasma-spray coating process includes grounding the reactor component and a power supply of a plasma gun to a common ground such that a potential difference exists between the reactor component and a cathode of the plasma gun, and concurrently directing an ion-etching stream and a coating stream towards the region of the reactor component using the plasma gun while maintaining a desired distance between the plasma gun and the region of the reactor component. The directing the ion-etching stream includes heating the region of the reactor component using a plasma stream exiting a spray nozzle of the plasma gun. The coating stream includes droplets of a coating material. |
| US10041162B2 |
Metal sheet with a ZnAl coating
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a metal sheet. In this method, at least one of the following equations is satisfied: Z d + 18 ln ( Z d ) < 8 ln ( P V ) - 27.52 ( A ) fO 2 < 2.304 · 10 - 3 ( 27.52 + Z d + 8 ln ( V P ( Z d ) 2.25 ) ) 2 ( B ) wherein: Z is the distance between the metal sheet and the nozzle along the main ejection direction (E), Z being expressed in mm, d is the average height of the outlet of the nozzle along with the running direction of the metal sheet in front of the nozzle, d being expressed in mm, V is the running speed of the metal sheet in front of the nozzle, V being expressed in m·s−1, P is the pressure of the wiping gas in the nozzle, P being expressed in N·m−2, and fO2 is the volume fraction of oxygen in the wiping gas. A metal sheet, part and land motor vehicle are also provided. |
| US10041157B2 |
Low-alloyed steel and components made thereof
A low-alloyed steel, comprising about 0.3 to about 0.50 wt. % carbon, about 2.0 to about 5.0 wt. % silicon, and a remainder of iron, optionally containing low amounts of molybdenum, titanium and/or boron, with up to about 0.5 wt. % impurities. The low-alloyed steel is useful for making structural components having a tensile strength of greater than about 1000 to about 2000 MPa, a yield strength of greater than about 700 to approximately 950 MPa; a break elongation of greater than about 17% and a scaling resistance of greater than about 650° C. |
| US10041156B2 |
High strength austenitic-based steel with remarkable toughness of welding heat-affected zone and preparation method therefor
The present invention relates to a high strength austenitic-based steel with remarkable toughness of a welding heat-affected zone and a preparation method therefor. One embodiment of the present invention provides: a high strength austenitic-based steel with remarkable toughness of a welding heat-affected zone, comprising 0.8-1.5 wt % of C, 15-22 wt % of Mn, 5 wt % or less of Cr (except 0), and the balance of Fe and other inevitable impurities, and further comprising at least one of the following (a) and (b), wherein the microstructure of a welding heat-affected zone comprises 90% or more of austenite by volume fraction; and a preparation method therefor. (a) Mo: 0.1-1% and B: 0.001-0.02% (b) Ti: 0.01-0.3% and N: 0.003-0.1%. |
| US10041153B2 |
Ultra supercritical boiler header alloy and method of preparation
A high temperature, high strength Ni—Co—Cr alloy possessing essentially fissure-free weldability for long-life service at 538° C. to 816° C. contains in % by weight about: 23.5 to 25.5% Cr, 15-22% Co, 1.1 to 2.0% Al, 1.0 to 1.8 % Ti, 0.95 to 2.2% Nb, less than 1.0% Mo, less than 1.0% Mn, less than 0.3% Si, less than 3% Fe, less than 0.3% Ta, less than 0.3% W, 0.005 to 0.08% C, 0.01 to 0.3% Zr, 0.0008 to 0.006% B, up to 0.05% rare earth metals, 0.005% to 0.025% Mg plus optional Ca and the balance Ni including trace additions and impurities. The strength and stability is assured at 760° C. when the Al/Ti ratio is constrained to between 0.95 and 1.25. Further, the sum of Al+Ti is constrained to between 2.25 and 3.0. The upper limits for Nb and Si are defined by the relationship: (% Nb+0.95)+3.32(% Si)<3.16. |
| US10041151B2 |
Method for imparting improved fatigue strength to wire made of shape memory alloys, and medical devices made from such wire
Wire products, such as round and flat wire, strands, cables, and tubing, are made from a shape memory material in which inherent defects within the material are isolated from the bulk material phase of the material within one or more stabilized material phases, such that the wire product demonstrates improved fatigue resistance. In one application, a method of mechanical conditioning in accordance with the present disclosure isolates inherent defects in nickel-titanium or NiTi materials in fields of a secondary material phase that are resistant to crack initiation and/or propagation, such as a martensite phase, while the remainder of the surrounding defect-free material remains in a primary or parent material phase, such as an austenite phase, whereby the overall superelastic nature of the material is preserved. |
| US10041146B2 |
Processes for producing low nitrogen metallic chromium and chromium-containing alloys and the resulting products
Processes for producing low-nitrogen metallic chromium or chromium-containing alloys, which prevent the nitrogen in the surrounding atmosphere from being carried into the melt and being absorbed by the metallic chromium or chromium-containing alloy during the metallothermic reaction, include vacuum-degassing a thermite mixture comprising metal compounds and metallic reducing powders contained within a vacuum vessel, igniting the thermite mixture to effect reduction of the metal compounds within the vessel under reduced pressure i.e., below 1 bar, and conducting the entire reduction reaction in said vessel under reduced pressure, including solidification and cooling, to produce a final product with a nitrogen content below 10 ppm. The final products obtained, in addition to low-nitrogen metallic chromium in combination with other elements, can be used as raw materials in the manufacture of superalloys, stainless steel and other specialty steels whose final content of nitrogen is below 10 ppm. |
| US10041144B2 |
Method for smelting nickel oxide ore
Provided is a method for smelting nickel oxide ore by which the occurrence of cracking due to heat shock can be suppressed when nickel oxide ore is pelletized and charged into a smelting step (reduction step). A method for smelting nickel oxide ore according to the present invention uses pellets of nickel oxide ore, the method being characterized by comprising a pellet production step S1 for producing pellets from nickel oxide ore, and a reduction step S2 for heating the resulting pellets at a predetermined reduction temperature in a reduction furnace, the reduction step S2 comprising preheating the pellets obtained in the pellet production step S1 to a temperature of 350 to 600° C. in the reduction furnace and thereafter charging the pellets into the reduction furnace and raising the temperature of the reduction furnace to the reduction temperature. |
| US10041138B1 |
Sugar compositions
A sugar composition comprising: at least 40% dissolved solids in an aqueous solution having a viscosity at least 10% lower than a 42 DE (Dextrose Equivalents) reference solution with a same dissolved solids concentration at a given temperature. |
| US10041137B2 |
High mannose proteins and methods of making high mannose proteins
The invention features a method of producing a high mannose glucocerebrosidase (hmGCB) which includes: providing a cell which is capable of expressing glucocerebrosidase (GCB), and allowing production of GCB having a precursor oligosaccharide under conditions which prevent the removal of at least one mannose residue distal to the pentasaccharide core of the precursor oligosaccharide of GCB, to thereby produce an hmGCB preparation. Preferably, the condition which prevents the removal of at least one mannose residue distal to the pentasaccharide core is inhibition of a class 1 processing mannosidase and/or a class 2 processing mannosidase. The invention also features an hmGCB preparation and methods of using an hmGCB preparation. |
| US10041134B2 |
Dual probe assay for the detection of HCV
The present invention relates to a method for amplifying and detecting a target nucleic acid of HCV in a sample, wherein an amplification of the nucleic acids in said sample is carried out. This amplification involves a polymerase, primers for generating an amplicon and at least two detectable probes specific for different sequence portions of said amplicon. Detection of the obtained amplicon is brought about by detecting hybridization of the probes mentioned above to said different sequence portions of the amplicon.The invention further provides reaction mixtures and kits for amplifying and detecting a target nucleic acid of HCV involving the use of at least two detectable probes specific for different sequence portions of an amplicon. |
| US10041127B2 |
Systems and methods to detect rare mutations and copy number variation
The present disclosure provides a system and method for the detection of rare mutations and copy number variations in cell free polynucleotides. Generally, the systems and methods comprise sample preparation, or the extraction and isolation of cell free polynucleotide sequences from a bodily fluid; subsequent sequencing of cell free polynucleotides by techniques known in the art; and application of bioinformatics tools to detect rare mutations and copy number variations as compared to a reference. The systems and methods also may contain a database or collection of different rare mutations or copy number variation profiles of different diseases, to be used as additional references in aiding detection of rare mutations, copy number variation profiling or general genetic profiling of a disease. |
| US10041126B2 |
Monocyte biomarkers for cancer detection
The disclosure relates to the field of biomarkers to diagnose a disease, more particularly to the field of biomarkers to diagnose cancer, and most particularly to colorectal cancer. Specifically, these biomarkers are expressed in monocytes of a subject, particularly circulating monocytes, as can be isolated from peripheral blood. The markers are particularly useful for early detection of cancer. |
| US10041122B2 |
Biomarkers of mineralocorticoid receptor activation
The present invention relates to the use of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and/or SERPINA3 as biomarkers of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor (MR) activation in a patient. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for predicting the responsiveness of a patient to a treatment with a MR antagonist or an aldosterone synthase inhibitor, said method comprising determining in a biological sample obtained from said patient the expression level of the NGAL gene and/or of the SERPINA3 gene. |
| US10041121B2 |
Method for detection of a genetic variant
A method and kit for detecting a genetic variant associated with a disease or disorder, including incompatibility with a pharmaceutical. The method and kit using a first nano-particle coupled to at least one morpholino nucleic acid probe comprising a target complimentary region base sequence that is a perfect match to a genetic variant sequence. |
| US10041120B2 |
Predictive analysis for myocardial infarction
Compositions, systems and methods for the diagnosing the risk of acute myocardial infarction are provided. The methods described herein relate to the use of biomarkers, such as gene expression profiles, and analytical tools for providing information to a health care provider or the patient, that is relevant to the cardiovascular health of the patient. |
| US10041117B2 |
Primers and methods for the detection and discrimination of nucleic acids
The present invention provides novel primers and methods for the detection of specific nucleic acid sequences. The primers and methods of the invention are useful in a wide variety of molecular biology applications and are particularly useful in allele specific PCR. |
| US10041109B2 |
Method for detection of a nucleic acid target sequence
Disclosed is a method of facilitating detection of a nucleic acid target sequence. The method may include utilizing a toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement apparatus comprising a portion complementary to the nucleic acid target sequence. The method may further include utilizing a RNA toehold switch comprising a RNA sequence. Further, the toehold portion of the RNA sequence may be complementary to a portion of the toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement apparatus. The method may further include combining the toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement apparatus and the RNA toehold switch in an assay, such that the two are never in direct physical contact with each other. Accordingly, a sample containing the nucleic acid target sequence on the substrate may displace a nucleic acid strand from the toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement apparatus and bind a portion of it to the RNA toehold switch resulting in expression of the reporter protein. |
| US10041105B2 |
Methods and devices for detection of resistance to an enzyme inhibitor
Embodiments described herein relate to assay methods and kits for detecting resistance of any enzyme to its inhibitor due to functional alteration of the enzyme, comprising, conducting two or more reactions with two or more reagent mixes optionally containing substrates for the enzyme. The mixes are substantially similar, except that one contains no enzyme inhibitor whereas the others contain an enzyme inhibitor being tested for resistance. The ratio of the signal from the reaction with an inhibitor to that from a reaction without an inhibitor is used to indicate whether the enzyme is resistant to the enzyme inhibitor and also determine the susceptibility or resistance of the enzyme to various inhibitors and further identify enzyme variants. Embodiments further relate to assay methods comprising only two reactions—one conducted in a mix containing the inhibitor and the other without the inhibitor. Further included are devices for conducting such assays. |
| US10041102B2 |
Expression of mammalian proteins in Pseudomonas fluorescens
The invention is a process for improved production of a recombinant mammalian protein by expression in a Pseudomonad, particularly in a Pseudomonas fluorescens organism. The process improves production of mammalian proteins, particularly human or human-derived proteins, over known expression systems such as E. coli in comparable circumstances. Processes for improved production of isolated mammalian, particularly human, proteins are provided. |
| US10041100B2 |
Method of producing sugar solution
A method of producing sugar solution by repeating a sugar solution production process includes steps (1) to (3), wherein a wash solution obtained in step (4) of washing a separation membrane after step (3) is used for step (1) of subsequent sugar solution production processes: step (1): preparing slurry of pretreated cellulose-containing biomass; step (2): hydrolyzing the slurry of pretreated cellulose-containing biomass in step (1) using cellulase from filamentous fungi; and step (3): subjecting the hydrolyzate of step (2) to solid-liquid separation into a solution component and a hydrolysis residue, filtering the solution component through an ultrafiltration membrane and recovering the cellulase from filamentous fungi as a non-permeate, and recovering the sugar solution as a permeate. |
| US10041097B2 |
Deaeration process
A process for producing an oil, or a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), is described where an aqueous liquid comprising cells is deaerated, and the oil or PUFA is obtained from the cells. Deaeration can be performed by a wide variety of techniques, including the application of a vacuum (or reduced pressure), mechanical deaeration or degassing by reduced stirring or subjecting the broth to centrifugal forces, reducing viscosity (by dilution or heating), reduction in the supply of oxygen or air during fermentation or a reduction in stirring rate, lowering the pH (to lower the solubility of CO2), filtration using PTFE capillaries, gas displacement (by bubbling in nitrogen or helium) or chemical deaeration (using oxygen scavengers). |
| US10041093B2 |
Semi-synthetic terephthalic acid via microorganisms that produce muconic acid
The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having a muconate pathway having at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a muconate pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce muconate. The muconate pathway including an enzyme selected from the group consisting of a beta-ketothiolase, a beta-ketoadipyl-CoA hydrolase, a beta-ketoadipyl-CoA transferase, a beta-ketoadipyl-CoA ligase, a 2-fumarylacetate reductase, a 2-fumarylacetate dehydrogenase, a trans-3-hydroxy-4-hexendioate dehydratase, a 2-fumarylacetate aminotransferase, a 2-fumarylacetate aminating oxidoreductase, a trans-3-amino-4-hexenoate deaminase, a beta-ketoadipate enol-lactone hydrolase, a muconolactone isomerase, a muconate cycloisomerase, a beta-ketoadipyl-CoA dehydrogenase, a 3-hydroxyadipyl-CoA dehydratase, a 2,3-dehydroadipyl-CoA transferase, a 2,3-dehydroadipyl-CoA hydrolase, a 2,3-dehydroadipyl-CoA ligase, a muconate reductase, a 2-maleylacetate reductase, a 2-maleylacetate dehydrogenase, a cis-3-hydroxy-4-hexendioate dehydratase, a 2-maleylacetate aminoatransferase, a 2-maleylacetate aminating oxidoreductase, a cis-3-amino-4-hexendioate deaminase, and a muconate cis/trans isomerase. Other muconate pathway enzymes also are provided. Additionally provided are methods of producing muconate. |
| US10041092B2 |
Methods for genomic integration
Provided herein are methods of integrating one or more exogenous nucleic acids into one or more selected target sites of a host cell genome. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise contacting the host cell genome with one or more integration polynucleotides comprising an exogenous nucleic acid to be integrated into a genomic target site, a nuclease capable of causing a break at the genomic target site, and a linear nucleic acid capable of homologous recombination with itself or with one or more additional linear nucleic acids contacted with the population of cells, whereupon said homologous recombination results in formation of a circular extrachromosomal nucleic acid comprising a coding sequence for a selectable marker. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise selecting a host cell that expresses the selectable marker. |
| US10041090B2 |
Method of detecting and/or identifying adeno-associated virus (AAV) sequences and isolating novel sequences identified thereby
Adeno-associated virus rh.8 sequences, vectors containing same, and methods of use are provided. |
| US10041085B2 |
Plant type related protein, and coding gene and application thereof
A plant type related protein, and a coding gene and an application thereof are provided. The protein is: (a) a protein consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; (b) a SEQ ID NO: 1-derived protein having substitution, deletion, and/or addition of an amino acid residue on the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, and related to the plant type and/or inactivation of a plant brassinolide type, or (c) a protein having more than 80% homology to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and related to a plant type and inactivation of a plant brassinolide type. The protein and its coding gene have very important value in improving crop production, improving the visual enjoyability of a green plant, implementing simple cultivation of a plant and improving the breeding efficiency, and has a broad prospective in genetic improvement of a plant, new variety cultivation and an application. |
| US10041084B2 |
Nucleic acid encoding N-methylputrescine oxidase and uses thereof
The gene encoding N-methylputrescine oxidase (MPO) and constructs comprising such DNA are provided, including methods of regulating MPO expression independently or with other alkaloid biosynthesis genes to modulate alkaloid production in plants and host cells. MPO genes or fragments thereof are useful for reducing pyrrolidine or tropane alkaloid production in plants, for increasing pyrrolidine or tropane alkaloid production in plants, and for producing an MPO enzyme in host cells. |
| US10041083B2 |
Regulatory nucleic acid molecules for enhancing seed-specific and/or seed-preferential gene expression in plants
The present invention is in the field of plant molecular biology and provides methods for production of high expressing seed-specific and/or seed-preferential promoters and the production of plants with enhanced seed-specific and/or seed-preferential expression of nucleic acids wherein nucleic acid expression enhancing nucleic acids (NEENAs) are functionally linked to the promoters and/or introduced into plants. |
| US10041076B2 |
Immune regulatory oligonucleotide (IRO) compounds to modulate toll-like receptor based immune response
The invention provides immune regulatory oligonucleotides (IRO) as antagonist of TLRs and methods of use thereof. These IROs have unique sequences that inhibit TLR-mediated signaling in response to a TLR ligand or TLR agonist. The methods may have use in the prevention and treatment of cancer, an autoimmune disorder, airway inflammation, inflammatory disorders, infectious disease, skin disorders, allergy, asthma or a disease caused by a pathogen. |
| US10041075B2 |
Modulation of pre-mRNA using splice modulating oligonucleotides as therapeutic agents in the treatment of disease
The present invention encompasses a class of compounds known as splice modulating oligonucleotides (SMOs) that modulate pre-mRNA splicing, thereby affecting expression and functionality of a specific protein in a cell. The present invention further provides compositions and methods for modulating pre-mRNA splicing using a SMO of the invention to abrogate disease-causing mutations in a protein. Accordingly, the present invention provides compositions and methods of treating a subject at risk of, susceptible to, or having a disease, disorder, or condition associated with aberrant or unwanted target pre-mRNA expression or activity. |
| US10041072B2 |
Method for expression of small antiviral RNA molecules with reduced cytotoxicity within a cell
In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle. In yet a further aspect, the invention provides methods for expression of a small RNA molecule within a cell, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, wherein expression of the small RNA molecule is relatively non-cytotoxic to the cell. The invention also includes small RNA molecules, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, that are relatively non-cytotoxic to cells. |
| US10041071B2 |
Cell-type specific aptamer-siRNA delivery system for HIV-1 therapy
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for delivery of siRNA to specific cells or tissue. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for cell type-specific delivery of anti-HIV siRNAs via fusion to an anti-gp120 aptamer. |
| US10041070B2 |
MicroRNAs modulating the effect of glucocorticoid signaling
The present invention discloses microRNAs (miR) involved in the regulation of the lipid and glucose metabolism. Several conserved miR molecules were found as direct targets of the glucocorticoid hormone/glucocorticoid receptor signaling axis. Hence, the present invention pertains to inhibitors of these miRs—such as antimiRs and blockmiRs—as well as isolated miR molecules or miR expression constructs for the treatment or prevention of metabolic disorders caused by deregulated glucocorticoid signaling, such as insulin resistance, the metabolic syndrome, obesity and/or diabetes type II. Particular preferred embodiments of the invention pertain to antagonists or agonists of a miR of the conserved miR-379-410 cluster, particularly of miR-379. |
| US10041067B2 |
Methods and compositions for rapid assembly of genetic modules
Provided herein are methods and compositions for rapid assembly of genetic modules, as well as seamless transition from in vitro to in vivo testing of genetic constructs. |
| US10041065B2 |
De novo design of allosteric proteins
Methods and compositions for making and isolating allosteric DNA binding proteins that bind to one or more allosteric effectors to induce a conformation change in the proteins are provided. |
| US10041063B2 |
Polypeptide display libraries and methods of making and using thereof
Disclosed herein are expression vectors which display a passenger polypeptide on the outer surface of a biological entity. As disclosed herein the displayed passenger polypeptide is capable of interacting or binding with a given ligand. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the expression vectors. N/C terminal fusion expression vectors and methods of making and using are also disclosed. |
| US10041062B2 |
System and method for processing and detecting nucleic acids
A system and method for processing and detecting nucleic acids from a set of biological samples, comprising: a capture plate and a capture plate module configured to facilitate binding of nucleic acids within the set of biological samples to magnetic beads; a molecular diagnostic module configured to receive nucleic acids bound to magnetic beads, isolate nucleic acids, and analyze nucleic acids, comprising a cartridge receiving module, a heating/cooling subsystem and a magnet configured to facilitate isolation of nucleic acids, a valve actuation subsystem configured to control fluid flow through a microfluidic cartridge for processing nucleic acids, and an optical subsystem for analysis of nucleic acids; a fluid handling system configured to deliver samples and reagents to components of the system to facilitate molecular diagnostic protocols; and an assay strip configured to combine nucleic acid samples with molecular diagnostic reagents for analysis of nucleic acids. |
| US10041058B2 |
Process for generation of protein and uses thereof
A method of generating a protein with an improved functional property, the method comprising: (a) identifying at least one Target amino acid Residue in a first protein, wherein said Target amino acid Residue is associated with said functional property; (b) comparing at least one homologous second protein from the same or a different phylogenetic branch as the first protein with the first protein and identifying at least one Variant amino acid Residue between the first protein and the second protein; (c) selecting at least one Candidate amino acid Residue from the Variant amino acid Residue identified in (b) on the basis of said Candidate amino acid Residue affecting said Target amino acid Residue with respect to said functional property; (d) forming at least one Candidate Mutant protein in silico or producing at least one Candidate Mutant protein in vitro in which said at least one Candidate amino acid Residue from the second protein substitutes a corresponding residue in the first protein; and (e) screening said at least one Candidate Mutant protein produced in (d) to identify a protein having said improved functional property; a Rubisco protein and its large subunit polypeptide produced by the method; and polynucleotides encoding the same. |
| US10041057B2 |
Near-infrared light-activated proteins
Methods and constructs are provided for controlling processes in live animals, plants or microbes via genetically engineered near-infrared light-activated or light-inactivated proteins including chimeras including the photosensory modules of bacteriohytochromes and output modules that possess enzymatic activity and/or ability to bind to DNA, RNA, protein, or small molecules. DNA encoding these proteins are introduced as genes into live animals, plants or microbes, where their activities can be turned on by near-infrared light, controlled by the intensity of light, and turned off by near-infrared light of a different wavelength than the activating light. These proteins can regulate diverse cellular processes with high spatial and temporal precision, in a nontoxic manner, often using external light sources. For example, near-infrared light-activated proteins possessing nucleotidyl cyclase, protein kinase, protease, DNA-binding and RNA-binding activities are useful to control signal transduction, cell apoptosis, proliferation, adhesion, differentiation and other cell processes. |
| US10041050B2 |
Method for endotoxin removal
The present invention relates to a method for endotoxin removal from a sample comprising the following steps: combining the sample comprising one or more target molecule(s) with a chromatography media comprising beads having an inner porous core functionalized with ligands capable of binding endotoxin and an outer porous layer without functional groups and a pore size small enough to exclude the target molecule from the inner core; and collecting the sample from the media, wherein the sample comprises an endotoxin level which is at least 75% less, preferably 90% less, than before the removal and the yield of the target molecule is at least 75%. |
| US10041048B2 |
Immortalization of epithelial cells and methods of use
The present invention is directed towards methods of culturing non-keratinocyte epithelial cells, with the methods comprising culturing non-keratinocyte epithelial cells in the presence of feeder cells and a calcium-containing medium while inhibiting the activity of Rho kinase (ROCK) in the feeder cell, the non-keratinocyte epithelial cells or both during culturing. |
| US10041046B2 |
Compositions and methods for epithelial stem cell expansion and culture
Described are cell culture solutions and systems for epithelial stem cell and organoid cultures, formation of epithelial constructs and uses of the same in transplantation. A single layer of epithelial cells that actively self-renews and is organized into crypts and villi clothes the intestine. It has been recently shown that the renewal of intestinal epithelium is driven by Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells (ISC) that reside at the base of these crypts (Barker et al., 2007). Lgr5+ stem cells can be isolated and cultured in vitro to form organoids containing crypt-vcllus structures that recapitulates the native intestinal epithelium (Sato et al., 2009). |
| US10041044B2 |
Age-associated clonal hematopoiesis accelerates cardio-metabolic disease development
As demonstrated herein, a preferential and progressive expansion of a subset of hematopoietic cells bearing somatic mutations in TET2 leads to pro-inflammatory IL-1β signaling at multiple levels, including increased IL-1β transcription, increased NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β secretion, and increased IL-1-Receptor 1-mediated IL-1β signaling. Accordingly, provided herein are compositions, methods, and assays for modulating TET2 mutation-mediated IL-1β (interleukin-1β) proinflammatory activity, particularly when caused by somatic mutations in TET2. |
| US10041043B2 |
Method of producing erythrocytes without feeder cells
Provided herein are methods of producing erythrocytes from hematopoietic cells, particularly hematopoietic cells from placental perforate in combination with hematopoietic cells from umbilical cord blood, wherein the method results in accelerated expansion and differentiation of the hematopoietic cells to more efficiently produce administrate erythrocytes. Further provided herein is a bioreactor in which hematopoietic cell expansion and differentiation takes place. |
| US10041040B2 |
Culture method of embryoid bodies and/or neural stem cells derived from human differentiated cell-derived pluripotent stem cells
A method for differentiating a human differentiated cell-derived pluripotent stem cell into a neural stem cell is provided, which includes the steps of: making an embryoid body from the human differentiated cell-derived pluripotent stem cell; and culturing the embryoid body in a medium containing LIF to differentiate into a neural stem cell, so that, when the neural stem cell is allowed to differentiate in vitro after multiple subculturing of the neural stem cell, it differentiate mainly into neurons but substantially not into glial cells. |
| US10041037B2 |
Small mobile stem cells (SMS) and uses thereof
The presently disclosed subject matter relates, in general, to the identification, isolation, and use of a population of stem cells isolated from umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood and/or other sources and that are referred to herein as Small Mobile Stem cells (short: SMS). More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to isolating said SMS stem cells and employing the same, optionally after in vitro manipulation, to treat tissue and/or organ damage in a subject in need thereof. |
| US10041033B2 |
Culture apparatus
A culture apparatus comprises an outer case, an inner case configured with two side plates, a bottom plate and a top plate, and arranged inside the outer case, a door configured to open and close an opening formed in a front face of the inner case, and a plurality of shelves. Each of the side plates include raised portions vertically arranged and formed by press working. The raised portions of the side plates constitute plural pairs of shelf rests. Each of the raised portions includes an upper face as a placement portion, on which one of the plurality of shelves is to be placed, and a lower face. A stopper portion which limits movement in a vertical direction of a shelf placed on an immediately lower pair of shelf rests is provided on the lower face and protrudes from the lower face by the press working. |
| US10041031B2 |
Apparatus and process for continuous saccharification of marine algae and cellulosic biomass
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and process for continuous saccharification of marine algae and cellulosic biomass. |
| US10041030B2 |
Bioreactor vessels and associated bioreactor systems
A bioreactor vessel (100) is provided with a rigid ledge projecting to a side thereof and defining fluid conduits (136a-c) between three respective externally-facing ports (132a-c) and a vessel chamber (105). A bioreactor system includes a cell culture module (10) having a receiving station (14) in which the vessel (100) is received, in use. Three fluid connection ports (314a-c) are located adjacent to the receiving station (14) and are in fluid connection with associated gas and/or liquid input lines (302a-c, 316, via a valve assembly (300). When the vessel (100) is inserted into the receiving station, the rigid nature of the ledge and the defined positions of the receiving station connection ports (314a-c) mean that the externally-facing ports (132a-c) on the vessel are brought into registration with the receiving station connection ports (314a-c), thereby forming respective fluid connections automatically, without having to manually couple fluid lines on the vessel (100) to ports on the cell culture base (12). |
| US10041024B2 |
Bis-azo colorants for use as bluing agents
This invention relates to bis-azo colorants for use as bluing agents, laundry care compositions comprising bis-azo colorants that may serve as bluing agents, processes for making such bluing agents and laundry care compositions and methods of using the same. The bluing agents are generally comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. These bluing agents are advantageous in providing a whitening effect to fabrics, while not building up over time and causing undesirable blue discoloration to the treated fabrics. |
| US10041023B2 |
Composition
A composition comprises a source of oxygen and a polyurethane for use in a treatment operation in cleaning a fabric material. |
| US10041022B2 |
Laundry additive and drum treatment
The present invention relates to a liquid laundry additive composition and method of use in washing laundry. Not only does the composition reduce laundry odors but it also reduces washing machine drum odor. |
| US10041019B2 |
Drilling fluid system
An aqueous based metalworking fluid that is environmentally friendly and process for metalworking with the fluid. The metalworking fluid is sampled at periodic intervals and replenished to predetermined operating specifications with the aqueous based metalworking fluid without the need for individual boosters. |
| US10041016B2 |
Two-step process for production of RON-enhanced mixed butanols and diisobutenes
A two-step process for the oligomerization and hydration of a mixed butenes feed is provided and is implemented in a two-stage system. The two-step process yields a product consisting of diisobutenes (DIBs) and mixed butanols. The DIBs are produced via the selective oligomerization of isobutene in a first stage and the mixed butanols are produced via the hydration, in a second stage, of mixed butenes that remain unreacted in the first stage. |
| US10041015B2 |
Methodology for the removal of inorganic components from biomass of agro/forest/urban origin and from low-quality coal such as peat, lignite, sub-bituminous and bituminous coals
A methodology for the removal of the harmful components of the ash of biomass of agro/forest/urban origin and of low-quality coal fuels, as peat, lignite, sub-bituminous and bituminous coals, is invented. The harmful components are alkaline metals, chlorine and sulphur. They are removed before the thermochemical conversion in order to prevent or minimise the corrosion, scaling/deposition, ash agglomeration problems, as well as the alkaline metal, chlorine, sulphur emissions. Furthermore, it aims in the production of materials of low moisture content, low hygroscopicity, which can be easily ground, and mixed with various other materials, easily fed to commercial boilers for energy production, which can be easily pelletised with or without other materials at various proportions and with very low energy requirements. The removal is achieved with pre-pyrolysis/pre-gasification at 250-320° C. for 5 min to 2 h of biomass of agro/forest/urban origin, as well as, of low-quality coal fuels, as peat, lignite, sub-bituminous and bituminous coals. Then the pre-pyrolysed/pre-gasified sample is washed with a 0.5%-20% weight basis aqueous calcium acetate and/or magnesium acetate and/or aluminum acetate and/or ammonium acetate solution. These acetate salts can be mixed in a proportion of 0% to 100% to form an active salt which is used for the preparation of the aqueous solution. Any kind tap water from a public water supply system, spring, etc. can be used for the preparation of aqueous solution. The solid-to-liquid ratio is 33 g/L to 600 g/L, the temperature varies from 13° C. to 95° C., and the treatment duration between 5 min to 24 h. |
| US10041011B2 |
Processes for recovering hydrocarbons from a drag stream from a slurry hydrocracker
A process for recovering hydrocarbons from a slurry hydrocracking reactor. The hydrocarbons are recovered by taking a drag stream of the slurry in the reactor. After separating lighter hydrocarbons in a separation zone, the heavier hydrocarbons can be processed in a deashing zone, with a vacuum column bottoms from a separation of the effluent stream recovered from the reactor. The deashing zone can recover the heavier hydrocarbons in a deashed pitch. Additionally, a VGO rich stream from the deashing zone may be recycled back to the reactor. |
| US10041008B2 |
Process and apparatus for hydroprocessing with two product fractionators
A process and apparatus are disclosed for recovering hydroprocessing effluent from a hydroprocessing unit utilizing a hot stripping column and a cold stripping column. A light fractionation column fractionates naphtha from kerosene predominantly from a cold stripped stream. A heavy fractionation column fractionates diesel from unconverted oil predominantly present in a hot stripped stream. Only the hot hydroprocessing effluent is heated in a fired heater prior to entering the heavy fractionation column, resulting in substantial operating and capital savings. |
| US10041004B2 |
Processes for producing deashed pitch
A process for de-ashing pitch. The pitch from a slurry hydrocracking process is mixed with a solvent. The mixture is separated into solvent and soluble materials and insoluble materials. The insoluble materials can be dried to recover solvent which may be recycled. The solvent and soluble materials are separated. The solvent may be recovered and recycled. Hi-Sol 15 may be the solvent. Additionally, CSO may be the solvent and a portion thereof may be used with the de-ashed pitch to make an asphalt binder. |