| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US10216353B2 |
E-mail interface having an informational tool tip
An interface enables perception of information regarding e-mail communications. The interface includes an e-mail application user interface that enables perception of e-mail message information for one or more e-mails received by an e-mail participant and that enables active display of one or more of the received e-mails selected by the e-mail participant, The interface also includes a mechanism that determines a request for e-mail message information for one of the e-mails from within a desired e-mail message that is not actively displayed. The interface further includes an informational tool tip that provides a temporary perceivable indication to the e-mail participant of at least a portion of the requested information for the desired e-mail message while maintaining active display of the one or more selected e-mails. |
| US10216352B2 |
Method, device, and storage medium for selecting content of a webpage through automatically scrolling webpage content
Method, device, and storage medium for selecting edge content of a webpage. The method includes, upon detecting that a user performs the operation of dragging the cursor part of the two cursors used to define a selection area toward a screen edge of a touch-screen of a mobile terminal, moving the cursor toward the screen edge of the touch-screen; determining whether the distance between the screen edge and the cursor part after the movement of the cursor is within a first predetermined distance; and, when within the first predetermined distance, triggering the content webpage to move in an opposite direction. |
| US10216350B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing graphic user interface
A method of providing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) is provided. The method includes receiving an image to be used for the GUI, and selecting one or more object areas to be used for the GUI from the image, setting a GUI icon corresponding to the selected object area, and outputting the set GUI as a home screen for executing at least one of application on a display of the terminal. |
| US10216348B2 |
Display device with touch detection function and electronic apparatus
According to an aspect, a display device with a touch detection function includes: a substrate; a display area in which pixels each constituted by different color regions are arranged in a matrix and that includes color columns in which the color regions of the same colors extend side by side; a touch detection electrode that includes a plurality of conductive thin wires; and a drive electrode. Each of the conductive thin wires includes a plurality of portions at each of which the conductive thin wire extends in a direction at an angle with respect to a direction of extension of the color regions, and a plurality of bent portions at each of which the conductive thin wire is bent with the angle changed. The conductive thin wires include portions each overlapping all of the color columns in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the substrate. |
| US10216347B2 |
Transparent conductive coating for capacitive touch panel with silver having adjusted resistance
A multi-layer conductive coating is substantially transparent to visible light, contains at least one conductive layer comprising silver that is sandwiched between at least a pair of dielectric layers, and may be used as an electrode and/or conductive trace in a capacitive touch panel. The multi-layer conductive coating may contain a dielectric layer(s), and may be used in applications such as capacitive touch panels for controlling showers, appliances, vending machines, electronics, electronic devices, and/or the like. In certain example embodiments, different electrodes of the touch panel may have different resistance, with the respective silver-based structures of various electrodes being different from one another to provide different resistance for different electrodes. |
| US10216340B2 |
Touch detection device for improving touch detection and visibility and electronic device comprising same
One embodiment of the present invention provides a touch detection device comprising: a plurality of sensor pads disposed to form a plurality of rows and columns and forming a touch capacitance with a touch input tool; and a plurality of signal wirings for respectively connecting the plurality of sensor pads to a driving device, wherein at least one side of each of the plurality of sensor pads and at least one of the plurality of signal wirings include a plurality of segments forming an acute angle with a straight line parallel to the column direction. |
| US10216337B2 |
Micro deflectors on touch sensor
In various embodiments, a touch surface may comprise multiple individual sensors, each of which is capable of mechanical deflection in a direction parallel to the surface, with the device using the touch surface being able to detect such deflection in each sensor. With this capability, the device may be able to detect intended movement of a touch over the touch surface even if no additional sensors are activated by that movement. Such sensors may be useful for detecting very small motions, and may be especially useful for motions in which the shape of the user's thumb results in the same touch area being in contact with the thumb even though the thumb is executing an extension or retraction movement. |
| US10216334B2 |
Touch panel input item correction in accordance with angle of deviation
An information processing device for receiving user selections inputted using a touch panel includes an acquisition unit for acquiring a touch point on the touch panel touched by the user, a placement unit for placing, in an area surrounding a display reference point on a screen, the display of a plurality of input items capable of being inputted by the user by moving the touch point, a detection unit for detecting the direction of movement by the touch point from the initial touch point of the user, a calculation unit for calculating the angle of deviation between the direction of movement of the touch point by the user and a standard direction, and a correction unit for correcting the placement of the display of the plurality of input items in accordance with the angle of deviation. |
| US10216333B2 |
Phase error compensation in single correlator systems
Present disclosure provides techniques to compensate for the above-identified signal processing delays between an in-cell digitizer of the touch screen display system and a stylus (or pen). In one example, the delays may be compensated by estimating the stylus-digitizer phase error on the digitizer side and adjusting for the delay accordingly. Specifically, in this example, the digitizer may utilize a quadratic receiver to perform an in-phase and quadratic detection in time domain in order to estimate the phase error. Based on the in-phase and quadratic detection, the digitizer may adapt the subsequent stylus sampling windows to compensate for the detected phase error. In another example, the stylus may transmit a first signal and a second signal that is 90 degrees delayed during a predetermined time slot, and to adapt the stylus sampling windows on the digitizer side in order to compensate for the phase delay. |
| US10216329B2 |
Touch display panel
A touch display panel includes multiple first touch electrode units and multiple second touch electrode units. The first touch electrode units are arranged in an array in a first direction and a second direction, and the first touch electrode units are insulated from one another in a display region of the touch display panel. Each of the second touch electrode units includes multiple second strip-shaped electrodes electrically connected, and the second strip-shaped electrodes extend in the second direction. At least one of the first touch electrode units is arranged between any two adjacent second strip-shaped electrodes in the first direction. The second touch electrode units are insulated from one another in the display region, and a ratio of an effective width of the second touch electrode unit in the first direction to a width of the first touch electrode unit in the first direction is in a range from 0.8 to 1.2 inclusively. |
| US10216323B2 |
Touch substrate, display device and driving method thereof
A touch substrate, a display device and a driving method thereof, touch pressure driving electrodes and touch pressure sensing electrodes provided between the layer where the touch detecting electrodes is located and the substrate carrier are added within the touch substrate, and the touch pressure sensing electrodes and the touch pressure driving electrodes constitute a mutual-capacitance structure. When the touch substrate is pressed, the distance between the touch substrate and the underlying metal layer becomes small, causing that capacitance value of the mutual-capacitance structure becomes small. During the time period for detecting pressure, through applying the touch driving signal to the touch pressure driving electrodes to detect the change of signal amount of the touch pressure sensing electrodes caused by the pressure on the touch position, the change of the capacitance value of the mutual-capacitance structure can be determined to achieve the function of pressure sensing. During the time period for detecting touching, the touch detecting electrodes, the touch pressure driving electrodes, and the touch pressure sensing electrodes are applied with the same touch detecting signal simultaneously, the touch position can be determined by detecting the change of the capacitance value of each of the touch detecting electrodes, and the function of the two-dimensional detection of touching can be realized. |
| US10216322B2 |
Capacitive touch sense unit computation power reduction using keypad electrodes crosstalk
A touch sensitive capacitive keypad system (300) is provided with a keypad sensing electrode (304) disposed within sensing proximity of multiple electrodes (E0-E9) and formed under a keypad touch panel having defined key areas, where the electrodes are respectively aligned with the defined key areas to facilitate touch detection at the keypad touch panel with a controller (310) that is configured to determine which of the plurality of defined key areas is being touched by detecting a predetermined signal characteristic at the keypad sensing electrode (304) before sequential scanning the plurality of capacitive key electrodes to identify which capacitive key electrode is aligned with a defined key area being touched. |
| US10216319B2 |
Display device having touch sensor
A display device includes a display panel including a display driving circuit, and a touch sensing circuit. The display panel includes first and second panel blocks, each including pixel arrays including touch sensors. The display driving circuit includes a shift register for sequentially outputting a gate pulse applied to a gate line. The shift register includes first and second shift registers and a compensation stage. The first shift register applies a gate pulse to gate lines arranged in the first panel block, and the second shift register applies a gate pulse to gate lines arranged in the second panel block during at least a portion of the display period when a node of the second shift register is charged to a predetermined level. The compensation stage charges the node of the second shift register upon receiving a bridge clock during a touch sensing period of the first panel block. |
| US10216317B2 |
Touch screen, display device and method of operating display device
Disclosed is a touch screen which includes: a display panel; a cover plate located at a light exit side of the display panel; a plurality of touch electrodes located at a side of the cover plate facing towards the display panel; and a bezel portion surrounding the touch electrodes and comprising a non-black photoresist layer, a low-reflectivity conductive layer and an insulating layer which are successively stacked in a direction from the cover plate to the display panel. Also disclosed are a display device and a method of operating the display device. |
| US10216316B2 |
3-dimensional flat panel display with built-in touch screen panel
A 3-dimensional (3D) flat panel display with a built-in touch screen panel includes a first substrate, a plurality of pixels on the first substrate, a plurality of first electrode patterns spaced apart from one another at a first predetermined interval along a first direction, the plurality of first electrode patterns for driving the plurality of pixels, a second substrate positioned to face the first substrate, and a plurality of barrier patterns formed on an outer surface of the second substrate and spaced apart from one another at a second predetermined interval along a second direction, intersecting the first direction. At least one of the plurality of first electrode patterns and at least one barrier pattern of the plurality of barrier patterns serve as electrodes for the built-in touch screen panel. |
| US10216313B2 |
Electronic apparatus and control method of the same
Provided are a touch detector capable of detecting touch, a controller effecting control so that a touch operation is invalidated in a case where the touch area detected by the touch detector is equal to or larger than a threshold value, and so that a touch operation is validated in a case where the touch area detected by the touch detector is smaller than a threshold value, and a setting unit setting the threshold value used by the controller so that the threshold value used in a case of displaying a first screen is smaller than the threshold value used by the controller in a case of displaying a second screen in accordance with an operation relating to a displayed item displayed in the first screen having been performed. |
| US10216312B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal including a wearable device including a first wireless communication device, a sound output unit, and at least one camera; a second wireless communication device configured to perform wireless communication with the wearable device via the first wireless communication device; a touch screen configured to display information; and a control unit configured to display an icon on the touch screen for controlling the wearable device, and display a control screen including both a first control area including at least one sound control object for controlling sound output by the mobile terminal and a second control area including at least one camera control object for controlling the at least one camera of the wearable device, in response to a selection of the displayed icon. |
| US10216311B2 |
User authentication
A method, computer system, and computer program product for authenticating a user is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving a user input via a pressure-sensitive input interface, the user input being indicative of a possible component part of an authentication code or pattern, determining a pressure applied to the pressure-sensitive input interface by the user when providing the user input, determining whether to ignore the user input as a component part of the authentication code or pattern based on the pressure applied and irrespective of the whether the user input is determined to be ignored, providing an input acknowledgement signal to an output interface for indicating the user input was received. An associated apparatus is also included. |
| US10216309B2 |
Touch screen that includes a plurality of strain sensors
A touch screen is provided. The touch screen includes a first strain sensor located in a first region, a second strain sensor located in a second region, a first power supply and a first voltage detector. The first region is surrounded by the second region, the first power supply is configured to provide an operating voltage to the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor. The first voltage detector is configured to detect a voltage of a common terminal of the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor, and one terminal of the first voltage detector is connected to a first preset voltage, and the other terminal of the first voltage detector is electrically connected to the common terminal of the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor. |
| US10216301B2 |
Touch display module and electronic display product
A touch display module and an electronic display product are disclosed. The touch display module includes an in-cell touch display panel and a first FPC, which includes a touch FPC section and a key FPC section; the touch FPC section is connected to a touch signal line of the in-cell touch display panel, configured for achieving a touch function of the in-cell touch display panel; the key FPC section is configured for achieving a touch function of a touch key in a non-display region. With the touch display module and the electronic display product, a touch FPC and a key FPC that are arranged in a discrete manner in the past can be integrated, reducing material and labor costs and enhancing the production efficiency. |
| US10216297B2 |
Universal user interface device
A flexible, scalable hardware input device for interacting with a variety of devices ranging from a phone, to a media playback device to a steering wheel or a tablet PC is provided. The input device includes a set of mechanical input controls, each mapping to one or more independent functions and a set of touch sensitive input control areas (e.g., capacitive), where each touch sensitive input control area receives touch input independently. In addition, one or more of the touch sensitive input control areas interchangeably overlay one or more of the mechanical input controls, whereby interaction with the touch sensitive input control areas is processed together to determine a corresponding function for controlling the application, service or computing device. |
| US10216290B2 |
Gyroscope apparatus
A gyroscope apparatus for a device including an accelerometer and a magnetic component has a gravity vector generator connected to the accelerometer and receptive to acceleration readings therefrom. A magnetic component output generator is connected to the magnetic component and receptive to magnetic component readings. A sensor fusion engine is connected to the gravity vector generator and to the magnetic component output generator, with a gravity vector value and a magnetic field vector value at a first time instance being combined to represent a first orientation value. The gravity vector value and the magnetic field vector value at a second time instance are combined to represent a second orientation value. An orientation rate of change is derived from a difference between the first orientation value and the second orientation value. |
| US10216286B2 |
On-screen diagonal keyboard
A keyboard includes rows of keys defining a keyboard axis and side borders of the keyboard, the keyboard axis disposed mediate the side borders of the keyboard, the rows of keys disposed in series with each other along the keyboard axis, and the keyboard axis being disposed at an acute or obtuse angle relative to a user of the keyboard and being generally aligned along a length of an arm of the user holding the keyboard. Each key may be also defined by a unique region of numeric values or a unique region of color pixels allowing ease in changing keyboard location, size and orientation. |
| US10216283B2 |
User-wearable device for personal computing system, processing unit for personal computing system, and method associated therewith
A wearable device suitable for being worn by a user, said wearable device comprising a proximity sensor configured to detect a proximity parameter representative of a distance between said wearable device and another wearable device; a transceiver configured to send proximity information pertaining to said detected proximity parameter to a processing unit and to receive from said processing unit visual output generated based on said proximity information; and a display layer configured to display said visual output. |
| US10216278B2 |
Haptic information presentation system and method
A system and method are disclosed in which in a conventional non-grounding man-machine interface having no reaction base on the human body and for giving the existence of a virtual object and the impact force of a collision to a person, a haptic sensation of a torque, a force and the like can be continuously presented in the same direction, which cannot be presented by only the physical characteristic of a haptic sensation presentation device. In a haptic presentation device, the rotation velocity of at least one rotator in the haptic presentation device is controlled by a control device, and a vibration, a force or a torque as the physical characteristic is controlled, so that the user is made to conceive various haptic information of the vibration, force, torque or the like. |
| US10216275B2 |
Touch and haptics device
There is provided a method of generating a desired haptic sensation and providing a desired touch sensitivity in a touch sensitive device, the touch sensitive device comprising a touch sensitive member and at least one transducer connected to the touch sensitive member, the method comprising: processing electrical signals to be applied to one or more of said at least one transducer connected to the touch sensitive member by applying appropriate algorithms to provide the desired haptic sensation; and processing electrical signals from one or more of said at least one transducer connected to the touch sensitive member by applying the said appropriate algorithms to generate output signals to provide the desired touch sensitivity. |
| US10216274B2 |
Systems, articles, and methods for wearable human-electronics interface devices
Systems, articles, and methods for wearable human-electronics interfaces are described. A wearable human-electronics interface device includes a band that in use is worn on an appendage (e.g., a wrist, arm, finger, or thumb) of a user. The band carries multiple sensors that are responsive to vibrations. The sensors are physically spaced apart from one another on or within the band. The band also carries an on-board processor. The sensors detect vibrations at the appendage of the user when the user performs different finger tapping gestures (i.e., tapping gestures involving different individual fingers or different combinations of fingers) and provide corresponding vibration signals to the processor. The processor classifies the finger tapping gesture(s) based on the vibration signals and an on-board transmitter sends a corresponding signal to control, operate, or interact with a receiving electronic device. The sensors include inertial sensors, digital MEMS microphones, or a combination thereof. |
| US10216271B2 |
Method and apparatus for independent control of focal vergence and emphasis of displayed and transmitted optical content
A first optic adjusts the focus of environment content in independent regions, and delivers the environment content to a see-through display. The display adds display content, and delivers environment and display content to a second optic. The second optic adjusts the focus of the environment and display contents in independent regions, and delivers the environment and display contents to a viewing point. The focuses of the environment and display contents are adjustable independently of one another and in different regions. Environment content may be similar in focus before and after passing through the first and second optics. Display content may be similar in focus to environment content after the display content passes through the second optic. A modifier also may darken, change opacity, or otherwise modify the environment content, independently in different regions; the display also may brighten, enlarge, or otherwise alter the display content, independently in different regions. |
| US10216263B2 |
Display active alignment systems utilizing test patterns for calibrating signals in waveguide displays
A display system includes a display alignment tracker configured track the position of a first signal in a first waveguide and the position of a second signal in a second waveguide. The display alignment tracker optically multiplexes a portion of a first signal and a portion of the second signal into a combined optical signal and measures a differential between the first signal and the second signal. The differential is used to adjust the position, dimensions, or a color attribute of the first signal relative to the second signal. |
| US10216260B2 |
Selective rendering of sparse peripheral displays based on element saliency
Peripheral visualizations are based on various attributes associated with a scene. Characteristics of elements in a scene are determined. Based on these characteristics, the salience of the elements is determined. When the element is salient, then this determination also includes a saliency magnitude of the element. Thereafter, the embodiments determine whether the element's saliency magnitude exceeds a particular saliency threshold. If the magnitude does exceed this threshold, then the embodiments render a corresponding peripheral visualization with the peripheral display(s) proximate the salient element(s). |
| US10216253B2 |
Universal serial bus hub and control method thereof
A universal serial bus and a control method thereof are provided. Different voltages are respectively provided to circuit groups when a universal serial bus hub is in a suspend state and a normal working state, so as to reduce leakage current. |
| US10216252B2 |
Voltage and frequency balancing at nominal point
In an approach for determining voltage and frequency pairs, the computer identifies an integrated circuit design. The computer identifies a timing model associated with the identified integrated circuit design. The computer identifies at least a nominal voltage, a nominal clock signal, and a voltage range associated with the integrated circuit design. The computer receives a number n that defines the number of at least one alternate voltage within the voltage range. The computer analyzes the identified integrated circuit based on the received number n for each number n for at least one alternate voltage within the voltage range. The computer calculates a nominal slack. The computer calculates one or more clock periods based on the calculated nominal slack. The computer provides a report based on the calculated one or more clock periods. |
| US10216248B2 |
Method and device for controlling power consumption
The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for controlling power consumption of an electronic device, which belongs to the technical field of smart devices. The method includes determining a type of an operating system of the electronic device, determining a monitoring scheme based on the type of operating system, monitoring in real time whether the operating system currently has a task to perform based on the determined monitoring scheme, and switching the operating system to a reduced power mode from a normal operation mode when the system currently has no task to perform. In the present disclosure, a common power consumption management can be implemented in uniform and brief software architecture. It can facilitate development of a framework, distribution of SDK. Moreover, it can eliminate the need to analyze specific operation characteristics of the devices, independent of the functions of the devices, broadly and flexibly applicable to a variety of devices. |
| US10216245B2 |
Application ramp rate control in large installations
To eliminate the adverse effects of power swings in a large scale computing system during the life cycle of an application or job, control of several operating characteristics for the collective group of processors is provided. By providing certain levels of coordination for the many processors utilized in large scale computing systems, significant and abrupt changes in power needs can be avoided. In certain circumstances, this may involve limiting the transition between several C-States of the processors involved and the overall power transitions for a large scale system are not detrimental and do not create issues for the data center or local power utility. Some cases will require stepped transitions between C-States, while other cases will include both stepped and modulated transitions. Other cases will incorporate random wait times at the various transitions in order to spread the power consumption involved. In yet further circumstances the C-States can be pinned to a specific setting, thus avoiding transitions caused by C-State transitions. To deal with further issues, the processor P-States can also be overridden. |
| US10216244B2 |
Electronic device and method for controlling the same
Disclosed is an electronic device that may perform a procedure for activating a display simultaneously with a procedure for activating other components of the electronic device among procedures for driving the display, allowing for quick activation of the display after the display is released from the power saving mode. Methods utilizing the electronic device are also disclosed. |
| US10216240B2 |
Configurable power supplies for dynamic current sharing
An apparatus includes a distribution network that includes circuitry configured to receive first power from a first voltage source and second power from a second voltage source, and to deliver power to each of a plurality of electronic circuitry blocks (ECBs), including to deliver first ECB power to a first ECB and second ECB power to a second ECB. The first ECB power includes a first portion of the first power and a first portion of the second power. The apparatus also includes power management logic to dynamically adjust the power to be provided to each ECB. Responsive to a change in a first activity level of the first ECB, the power management logic is to change the first ECB power by adjustment of the first portion of the first power and adjustment of the first portion of the second power. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US10216236B1 |
Systems and methods for temperature management in wearable devices
Systems and methods for managing temperatures of wearable device components are disclosed. In one aspects, a method includes determining a temperature of an electronic component of the wearable device, determining a rate of temperature change of the electronic component, and determining whether to increase or decrease a transmission rate limit of the electronic component based on the temperature and the rate, adjusting the transmission rate limit based on the determination, and limiting a rate of transmission of the electronic component based on the adjusted transmission rate limit. |
| US10216235B2 |
Data storage mounting apparatus
A mounting apparatus for data storage devices includes a plurality of installing racks and a plurality of data storage devices. The installing racks are stackable together and can be fixed together, or can be installed singly to match the required number of data storage devices. Each installing rack defines a receiving space into which one data storage device can be received. |
| US10216223B2 |
Hinge assembly
A hinge assembly includes first and second linkage rods pivoted to a base seat, a cam connected to the first and second linkage rods, and a kickstand support pivoted to the cam. A latch is disposed in the cam. When the first and second linkage rods, the kickstand support, and the cam are received inside the base seat, the latch is in a first locking position, where the latch locks rotational movement of the kickstand support relative to the cam. When the second linkage rod moves outward of the base seat and brings the first linkage rod to rotate relative to the cam, the latch is pushed by the kickstand support to move into a second locking position, where the first linkage rod is limited from rotating relative to the cam. |
| US10216222B2 |
Portable electronic device case
Systems and methods are involved with but are not limited to: a keyboard case portion including a first base portion and one or more first flaps so positioned with one or more first gaps between the first base portion and the one or more first flaps. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. |
| US10216220B1 |
Accurate time capture and transfer between clock domains
A first request signal that indicates a request for a time maintained by a clock implemented in first circuitry is sent from second circuitry. The first circuitry utilizes a first clock signal derived from a first oscillator and the second circuitry utilizes a second clock signal derived from a second oscillator. The first circuitry adjusts a first time value from the clock to compensate for a first latency or jitter caused by converting the first request signal to a second request signal synchronized to the first clock. The second circuitry further adjusts the adjusted first time value to generate a second time value that compensates for i) a second latency between sending the first request signal and receiving the adjusted first time value, and ii) a third latency or jitter caused by synchronizing the adjusted first time value to the second clock. |
| US10216217B1 |
Adaptive compilation and execution for hardware acceleration
Hardware acceleration for a kernel can include selecting, using a processor, a kernel, determining, using the processor, a clock frequency for the selected kernel, and programming, using the processor, a clock circuit to generate a clock signal having a clock frequency compatible with the clock frequency of the selected kernel. Using the processor, the selected kernel can be implemented as a kernel circuit within a region of programmable circuitry. The kernel circuit can be clocked using the clock signal from the clock circuit having the compatible clock frequency. |
| US10216216B2 |
Lever unit
A lever unit is provided with a start lever rotatably provided on a securing shaft, a ratchet mechanism that restricts a movement direction of the start lever to one direction, and a reset mechanism that releases the restriction on the movement direction by the ratchet mechanism, wherein the ratchet mechanism is provided with a rotation plate that rotates integrally with the start lever and on which multiple teeth are formed on an outer edge thereof, and multiple latch pieces having engaging portions that mesh with tooth depression portions between the teeth of the rotation plate, wherein the multiple latch pieces are set in an array along an outer edge of the rotation plate so that each time the rotation plate moves a single pitch portion of the teeth, the engaging portions of all of the latch pieces mesh alternately with one of the tooth depression portions. |
| US10216211B2 |
Control method and control circuit for voltage switch circuit and usb power delivery
A method of controlling a voltage switch circuit can include: controlling an output voltage of the voltage switch circuit to be switched from a first voltage input to a first switch circuit to a second voltage input to a second switch circuit to be no larger than a smaller one of the first and second voltages before the second switch circuit starts conducting; switching the output voltage to the second voltage when the second switch circuit starts conducting, where outputs of the first and second switch circuits are coupled together to provide the output voltage; and controlling the first switch circuit to turn off after the second switch circuit conducts and when the output voltage is no larger than the smaller one of the first and second voltages. |
| US10216204B2 |
Determining shear rate and/or shear stress from sonar based velocity profiles and differential pressure
The present invention provides a new method and apparatus for receiving signals containing information about a plurality of velocity profiles of a flow in a pipe and about a pressure gradient of the flow over a length of the pipe; and determining information about an injection of a chemical into the flow in the pipe based at least partly on the information contained in the signals. |
| US10216199B2 |
Reservoir control systems and methods
Embodiments relate generally to a management system for controlling operations of a reservoir. The management system comprises a wireless transceiver in communication with a controller associated with the reservoir to allow the management system to communicate with the controller over a communications network. The management system further comprises a processor for determining weather data for a particular region, wherein the reservoir is associated with the region, determining operation instructions based on at least the weather data; and transmitting via the wireless transceiver a command signal to the controller, wherein the command signal includes operation instructions for activating a flow control mechanism associated with the reservoir. |
| US10216198B2 |
Methods and apparatus to perform observer-based control of a vehicle
Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to perform observer based control of a vehicle are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an error module to calculate a difference between a first state of a vehicle and a second state of the vehicle, the second state based on a measurement from a sensor, an observer module todetermine a third state of the vehicle based on the difference, a baseline control module to generate a first command based on the third state, and a vehicle module to execute the first command to control the vehicle. |
| US10216196B2 |
Methods to operate autonomous vehicles to pilot vehicles in groups or convoys
A method comprising accessing sensor data from one or more autonomous escort vehicles in a convoy moving along a route, detecting based on the sensor data, an environmental vehicle along or in proximity to the route of the convoy, determining based on the sensor data and movement of the convoy, that the environmental vehicle should be prevented from interfering with the movement of the convoy, identifying a particular autonomous escort vehicle that is available to modify its position to prevent the environmental vehicle from interfering with the movement of the convoy, generating instructions for the autonomous escort vehicle to modify its position to prevent the environmental vehicle from interfering with the movement of the convoy along the route, and causing the instructions to be communicated to and executed by the autonomous escort vehicle to modify its position to prevent the environmental vehicle from interfering with the movement of the convoy. |
| US10216195B2 |
Applications for using mass estimations for vehicles
Various applications for use of mass estimations of a vehicle, including to control operation of the vehicle, sharing the mass estimation with other vehicles and/or a Network Operations Center (NOC), organizing vehicles operating in a platoon and/or partially controlling the operation of one or more vehicles operating in a platoon based on the relative mass estimations between the platooning vehicles. When vehicles are operating in a platoon, the relative mass between a lead and a following vehicle may be used to scale torque and/or brake commands generated by the lead vehicle and sent to the following vehicle. |
| US10216188B2 |
Autonomous ground vehicles based at delivery locations
Autonomous ground vehicles (“AGVs”) are utilized to retrieve items from transportation vehicles (e.g., delivery trucks) for delivery to specified locations (e.g., user residences, etc.). In various implementations, the AGVs may be owned by individual users and/or may service a group of users in a given area (e.g., in an apartment building, neighborhood, etc.). The AGVs may travel out (e.g., from a user's residence, apartment building, etc.) to meet a transportation vehicle (e.g., a delivery truck on the street) to receive items, and may be joined by other AGVs that have traveled out to meet the transportation vehicle, and may line up in a particular order (e.g., according to delivery addresses, etc.). After the items are received, the AGVs may travel back (e.g., to the user residences) to deliver the items, and may be equipped to open and close access barriers (e.g., front doors, garage doors, etc.). |
| US10216187B2 |
Unmanned vehicle operating modes
A vehicle includes a frame, drive elements configured to drive movements of the frame, and a computer configured to receive mission planning and manual commands and to control operations of the drive elements to operate in a safe mode in which mission commands are accepted but manual commands are refused, a manual mode in which mission commands are refused but manual commands are accepted and an enroute mode. The computer is further configured to only allow mode transitions directly between the safe mode and the manual mode and directly between the safe mode and the enroute mode. |
| US10216182B2 |
Command and control of a robot by a contact center with third-party monitoring
Acceptance of robotic service agents may be improved if robots are compliant with a monitoring program of a third party. A robot may be allowed to perform certain operations if monitored or prevented from such operations if unmonitored. If authorized, a robot may be able to perform certain operations unmonitored; however, the third party may report the authorized exception. Should the robot be unmonitored, and absent unauthorized exception, the robot performs only those operations approved for unmonitored mode. Otherwise, the robot is enabled to perform tasks approved for monitored and unmonitored mode. The third party may report the monitoring, lack of monitoring, and compliance with a monitoring program accordingly. |
| US10216178B2 |
Local analytics at an asset
Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods related to assets and predictive models and corresponding workflows that are related to the operation of assets. In particular, examples involve assets configured to receive and locally execute predictive models, locally individualize predictive models, and/or locally execute workflows or portions thereof. |
| US10216177B2 |
Facilitating device control
A method of deriving autonomous control information involves receiving one or more sets of associated environment sensor information and device control instructions. Each set of associated environment sensor information and device control instructions includes environment sensor information representing an environment associated with an operator controllable device and associated device control instructions configured to cause the operator controllable device to simulate at least one action taken by at least one operator experiencing a representation of the environment generated from the environment sensor information. The method also involves deriving autonomous control information from the one or more sets of associated environment sensor information and device control instructions, the autonomous control information configured to facilitate generating autonomous device control signals from autonomous environment sensor information representing an environment associated with an autonomous device, the autonomous device control signals configured to cause the autonomous device to take at least one autonomous action. |
| US10216171B2 |
3-D printing protected by digital rights management
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for managing 3-D printing. The methods, systems, and apparatus include actions of receiving a request for objects that are stored by the server, providing information describing the objects, receiving a request for digital rights for printing the objects, and providing a description of the digital rights for printing the objects. Additional actions include receiving a request to print the particular object by a particular printer, determining whether digital rights for printing the particular object permit the request to print the particular object by the particular printer to be fulfilled, generating printer instructions for printing the object, and providing the printer instructions to a printer controller that controls the particular printer. |
| US10216169B2 |
Automatic parameter adjustment device for adjusting parameter corresponding to processing condition
An automatic parameter adjustment device capable of quantitatively determine the degree of importance of a processing time and a processing accuracy, and effectively adjusting a parameter in accordance with a processing condition. The adjustment device includes: a parameter changing part which changes a control parameter; a test program executing part which transmits a test program to a numerical controller for executing the test program; an execution result obtaining part which obtains an execution result of the test program; a storing part which stores the execution result and the parameter corresponding thereto; a weighting part which determines weighting coefficients of the processing time and processing accuracy as evaluation criteria based on input or setting by an operator; and a parameter extracting part which evaluates the execution result based on the weighted evaluation criteria, and extracts an optimum parameter from the storing part based on the evaluated execution result. |
| US10216168B2 |
Operation aware control of processing machine with redundant actuators
An operation of a processing machine with redundant actuators is controlled according to a reference trajectory by selecting, from a set of points forming a segment of the reference trajectory to be processed for a period of time, a subset of points corresponding to a fraction of the period of time. The subset of points is selected such that the redundant actuators are capable to position the worktool at each point in the subset within the period of time and are capable to maintain the worktool at the last point of the subset after the period of time while satisfying constraints on motion of the redundant actuators. The constraints on motion are selected based on the mode of operation of the processing machine. The segment of the reference trajectory is modified in the time domain and the control inputs for controlling the motion of the redundant actuators are determined using the modified segment of the reference trajectory. |
| US10216167B1 |
Position detection system for a slat flap lever control
A system for positional monitoring of a slat flap lever control assembly including multiple radio frequency identification device (RFID) tags operatively coupled to a movable portion of the control assembly, the movable portion operatively coupled to a lever. Also included is a RFID reader operatively coupled to a stationary portion of the control assembly and in operative communication with the RFID tags. Further included is a processor operatively connected to the RFID reader. The processor is configured to transmit a carrier signal via the RFID reader to the RFID tags. The processor is also configured to receive, via the RFID reader, reflected signals from the RFID tags, each of the reflected signals comprising a different carrier frequency. The processor is further configured to determine, based on the reflected signal from the RFID tags, an angular position of the movable portion of the lever assembly relative to the stationary portion. |
| US10216166B2 |
Apparatus and method for third party creation of control logic
Third party developed control logic for automation controllers is provided to customers using a communication network. At least one tool is provided for a third party to develop control logic for an automation controller. The automation controller is remotely located from the communication network. A hardware platform on which to operate the control logic is selected. Once built, the control logic is linked to at least one operational characteristic of the hardware platform such that the control logic is operable to perform at least one predetermined function of the automation controller using the hardware platform. |
| US10216163B2 |
Manufacturing system for driving plural types of manufacturing apparatuses with program based on common language specification
A manufacturing system comprises plural types of manufacturing apparatuses driven by operation programs of which language specifications differ from each other. The manufacturing system comprises a cell control apparatus which generates the operation program to be executed in the manufacturing apparatus and communication apparatuses which send the operation programs generated by the cell control apparatus to the respective manufacturing apparatuses. A language specification common to the manufacturing apparatuses of which the types differ from each other is predetermined. The cell control apparatus includes a reading part which reads a common program generated based on the common language specification and a conversion part which converts the common program into the operation programs for the respective manufacturing apparatuses. |
| US10216160B2 |
Matching a building automation algorithm to a building automation system
Methods, devices, and systems for matching a building automation algorithm to a building automation system are described herein. One device includes a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to select a building automation algorithm from a pre-defined library of building automation algorithms, determine whether the selected building automation algorithm matches a building information model associated with the building automation system, and output, upon the selected building automation algorithm matching the building information model, the selected algorithm. |
| US10216156B2 |
Controlling cutting height and angle of a combine header
A header assembly for a combine harvester includes a header carried by an adapter on the feeder house of the combine controlling an angle of the header defined by a tilt cylinder and height of the header at the feeder house. Wings of the header are carried on gauge wheels the height of which relative to the header frame can be adjusted by cylinders. A driver interface inside the cab includes inputs to be set by the driver of cutter bar height and header angle. These are converted by the controller program into inputs for the tilt cylinder and the gauge wheel cylinders. |
| US10216146B2 |
Indicator actuating organ for a timepiece
An actuating organ for actuating an indicator in a timepiece, including: a fixing portion; a mobile portion; a first elastic portion connecting the mobile and fixing portions, the first elastic portion guiding the mobile portion relative to the fixing portion and exerting an elastic return action on the mobile portion; an actuation portion engaging with a toothed component of the timepiece upon actuation of the mobile portion relative to the fixing portion to actuate the toothed component, thereby actuating the indicator; and a second elastic portion connecting the actuation portion to the mobile portion, the second elastic portion being arranged to guide the actuation portion relative to the mobile portion so as to allow the actuation portion to retract when leaving the toothed component after release of the mobile portion, the second elastic portion being also arranged to exert an elastic return action on the actuation portion. |
| US10216143B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a lubricant and developer of opposite polarity
An image forming apparatus includes a cartridge having an image bearing member and a developer bearing member that bears a developer, and a detection unit configured to detect if the cartridge is new. A lubricant of a polarity opposite to a polarity of the developer is coated on the developer bearing member, and if the cartridge is detected to be new, prior to start of an image forming operation, a discharging operation of discharging the lubricant from a surface of the developer bearing member onto the image bearing member is performed. When a predetermined time elapses from a start of the discharging operation and before an end of the discharging operation, a potential difference between a surface potential of the image bearing member and a surface potential of the developer bearing member is set smaller than when the discharging operation is started. |
| US10216142B2 |
Image forming apparatus with cartridge having regulation portion for guiding movement of cleaning member
An image forming apparatus, including: a cartridge including a photosensitive drum and a regulation portion; a light emitting device configured to emit light from a light emission surface to the photosensitive drum; and a movement unit configured to reciprocate the light emitting device between an exposure position and a retracted position, wherein the regulation portion regulates a cleaning member, which includes a cleaning portion configured to rub and clean the light emission surface by a sliding movement of the cleaning member on the light emission surface of the light emitting device positioned at the retracted position so as to prevent the cleaning member from contacting the photosensitive drum and so as to bias the cleaning portion to prevent the cleaning portion from being separated from the light emission surface during the sliding movement of the cleaning member. |
| US10216141B2 |
Fuser architecture for enabling interchangeability in an imaging device
An imaging device having a fuser and print engine architecture that enables complete interchangeability between fuser types with a common print engine. The imaging device has a frame configured to separately receive a first fuser assembly of a first fuser type and a second fuser assembly of a second fuser type different from the first fuser type. The first fuser assembly includes a first fuser frame having a first datum tab. The second fuser assembly includes a second fuser frame having a second datum tab. The frame of the imaging device has a datum aperture that is sized to receive the first datum tab that when inserted into the datum aperture, causes the first fuser assembly to be positioned at a first operative position, and the second datum tab that when inserted into the datum aperture, causes the second fuser assembly to be positioned at a second operative position. |
| US10216137B2 |
Opening-closing member detecting device and image forming apparatus
The device of the present invention includes a frame that supports a switch and a link provided between an opening-closing member and the switch. The link has a first fulcrum forming portion supported at a first support portion of the frame to form a first fulcrum, a power-point portion pushed by the opening-closing member, a second fulcrum forming portion supported at a second support portion of the frame to form a second fulcrum, and a switch operation portion that presses the switch. The first fulcrum forming portion is separable with respect to the first support member. An urging member for urging the link is provided, with the urging member urging the first fulcrum forming portion toward the first support portion. |
| US10216134B2 |
Image formation device and method for starting image formation device
An image formation device includes a power controller that controls transition to an energy-saving mode to reduce power consumption in a standby state and starts up out of the energy-saving mode and a timer in which a timing schedule that starts up the device out of the energy-saving mode is set. The power controller controls the surface temperature of the fixing roller of the image generator to be a temperature lower than the fixing temperature that enables image formation when the image formation device is started up out of the energy-saving mode according to the timing schedule set in the timer. |
| US10216132B2 |
Liquid electro-photographic printing
In one example, a printing process includes: forming a first latent image on a photoconductor; applying a first LEP ink to the photoconductor to develop the first latent image into a first ink image; forming a second latent image having a first part on the first ink image and a second part on the photoconductor; and applying a second LEP ink to the first ink image and to the photoconductor to develop the second latent image into a second ink image and form a composite on the photoconductor in which some of the second ink image overlaps some of the first ink image. |
| US10216121B2 |
Transfer unit and image forming apparatus
A transfer unit includes a transfer roller, a guide, a holder and a lever. The transfer roller is configured to be pressed against an image carrier to form a transferring nip and to transfer a toner image from the image carrier to a sheet at the transferring nip. The guide is configured to guide the sheet to the transferring nip. The holder is configured to support a rotating shaft of the transfer roller in a rotatable manner and to support the guide. The lever is configured to support the holder in a turnable manner around the rotating shaft so as to press the transfer roller against the image carrier. The guide has an engaged part. The lever has an engagement part which is engaged with the engaged part. An engagement of the engagement part with the engaged part prevents a turning of the guide with respect to the lever. |
| US10216112B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a developing unit which develops a toner image on a surface of a photosensitive member and which collects toner which remains on the surface of the photosensitive member after the developed toner image is transferred to a transfer member. The image forming apparatus includes a controller configured to determine whether a cleaning operation of cleaning the surface of the photosensitive member is to be performed after an image forming operation is performed or control a period of time in which the cleaning operation is performed in accordance with a measured downtime of the image forming apparatus which is a period of time after the image forming operation is terminated and before a next image forming operation is started. |
| US10216108B2 |
Toner production method and polymer
A toner production method including: a melt-kneading step of melt-kneading a resin composition including a binder resin, a colorant, a wax, and a wax dispersant to obtain a melt-kneaded product; and a pulverizing step of pulverizing the melt-kneaded product. Where the temperature of the melt-kneaded product at the end of the melt-kneading step is Tk (° C.), and the softening point of the wax dispersant is Tm (° C.), the relationship of −18≤[Tk−Tm]≤10 is satisfied. The wax dispersant is a polymer in which a styrene acrylic polymer is graft-polymerized to a polyolefin. The styrene acrylic polymer has a monomer unit derived from α-methylstyrene and a monomer unit derived from a cycloalkyl (meth)acrylate. |
| US10216104B2 |
Imprint method, imprint apparatus, and method of manufacturing article
The present invention provides an imprint method of forming a pattern on a shot region formed on a substrate by using a mold having a pattern region, the method comprising performing control for deformation of at least one of the pattern region and the shot region in accordance with a deformation amount, obtaining a shift amount between each of a plurality of marks provided on the pattern region and a corresponding one of a plurality of marks provided, on the shot region after the deformation, selecting marks to be used for controlling an overlay between the pattern region and the shot region so as to satisfy a preset condition based on the shift amounts, and performing feedback control for the overlay based on detection results on positions of the selected marks, after the deformation in the performing control for deformation. |
| US10216103B2 |
Imprint method, imprint apparatus, and method of manufacturing article
The present invention provides an imprint method of molding an imprint material supplied on a shot region of a substrate by a mold having a pattern region in which a pattern has been formed, the method comprising a deformation step of performing, based on information indicating at least one among a shape of the pattern region and a shape of the shot region, deformation of at least one region among the pattern region and the shot region, an estimation step of estimating a moving amount of a mark by the deformation, the mark being provided in the at least one region, and an overlay step of performing, based on the moving amount and detection results of positions of a mark in the pattern region and a mark in the shot region, overlay between the pattern region and the shot region. |
| US10216102B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus having a first outlet to provide a thermally conditioned fluid with a first flow characteristic to at least part of a sensor beam path, and a second outlet associated with the first outlet and to provide a thermally conditioned fluid with a second flow characteristic, different to the first flow characteristic, adjacent the thermally conditioned fluid from the first outlet. |
| US10216099B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus includes an indexer block, a first processing block, a second processing block, and an interface block. The indexer block includes a pair of carrier platforms and a transport section. A carrier storing a plurality of substrates in multiple stages is placed in each of the carrier platforms. The transport section includes transport mechanisms. The transport mechanisms concurrently transport the substrates. |
| US10216092B2 |
Light source apparatus, illumination device, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
A light source apparatus including a light source configured to emit a light flux from an emission region having a predetermined size and a rotationally symmetrical emission intensity distribution; and a condenser configured to condense the light flux to allow the light flux to exit to the outside. The condenser is rotationally symmetrical about an optical axis and is disposed to surround the emission region, and has four or more reflection mirrors each having a reflecting surface for reflecting the light flux emitted from the emission region. The reflection mirrors include elliptical surface reflection mirrors where the reflecting surface is elliptical and spherical surface reflection mirrors where the reflecting surface is spherical, and are alternately arranged in the direction of the optical axis, and a light flux reflected by one spherical surface reflection mirror is further reflected by one elliptical surface reflection mirror oppositely disposed across the emission region. |
| US10216089B2 |
Methods of forming flexographic printing members
Flexographic printing members are prepared by developing an exposed flexographic printing member precursor with an aqueous flexographic developer. The aqueous flexographic developer comprises: a) a fatty acid composition consisting of one or more saturated or unsaturated fatty acids or alkali metal salts thereof, each saturated or unsaturated fatty acid or alkali metal salt thereof independently having 12 to 20 carbon atoms, the fatty acid composition being present in an amount of 0.25-2.0 weight %, and at least 85 weight % of the fatty acid composition is composed of one or more C18 mono- or poly-unsaturated fatty acids or alkali metal salts thereof; b) an aminopolycarboxylic acid or alkali metal salt thereof in an amount of 0.05-0.30 weight %; c) a buffer compound in an amount of 05-0.60 weight %; and d) water. Such aqueous flexographic developers can also be provided in concentrated form and appropriately diluted before or during use. |
| US10216082B2 |
Layout design system, system and method for fabricating mask pattern using the same
According to example embodiments of inventive concepts, a layout design system includes a processor, a storage unit configured to store a layout design, and a stitch module. The layout design includes a first pattern group and a second pattern group disposed in accordance with a design. The first pattern group including a first pattern for patterning at a first time. The second pattern group including a second pattern for patterning at a second time that is different than the first time. The stitch module is configured to detect an iso-pattern of the second pattern using the processor. The stitch module is configured to repetitively designate at least one of the first pattern, which is spaced apart from the iso-pattern by a pitch or more, to the second pattern group using the processor. |
| US10216078B2 |
Individual visualization of image information concealed in a light projection
A system (02) is provided with a projection device (01) comprising a light source (03) and an information imprinting device (08) and at least one projection surface (05, 07). The at least one projection surface (05) may have a sectionally phase-maintaining surface. At least one filtering device (11) is arranged between the projection surface (05) and an observation point (15) or a filtering device (09) is arranged independently of the at least one projection surface between an output of the information imprinting device (08) of the projection device (01) and the projection surface (05, 07), wherein the phase modulation is converted into an amplitude modulation by means of the filtering device. Usage of such a system for multistage elective display of information on at least one projection surface (07, 09) is also proposed. |
| US10216074B2 |
Image generation device and image projection apparatus for generating an image
An image generation device includes an image generator, a stationary unit, a movable unit, a driver, and a wiring board. The image generator receives light and generate an image. The movable unit includes a movable plate movably supported by the stationary plate of the stationary unit, the image generator mounted on the movable plate, and a diffusion heat radiator connected to the movable plate, to cool the image generator. The driver relatively moves the movable unit with respect to the stationary unit. The driver includes a driving coil disposed in the radiator and a driving magnet opposed to the coil. The wiring board is connected to the movable unit, to pass a current through at least the coil. A movable area of the wiring board in which the wiring board moves with movement of the movable unit does not overlap any of the coil and the magnet in plan view. |
| US10216073B2 |
Projection apparatus
A projection apparatus including an illumination system, a light valve, an optical actuation element and a projection lens is provided. The illumination system provides an illumination beam. An image display surface of the light valve includes a first region and a second region. First pixels of the first region convert the illumination beam into first sub-image beams. Second pixels of the second region convert the illumination beam into second sub-image beams. A transmission path of one of the first sub-image beams in the optical actuation element is a first transmission path. A transmission path of one of the second sub-image beams in the optical actuation element is a second transmission path. A length of the first transmission path is smaller than a length of the second transmission path. In this way, the projection apparatus has good image quality. |
| US10216070B2 |
Adjustable support arm for use between camera and camera support
A support assembly for supporting a camera relative to a camera support includes an elongate support arm, a first bracket assembly for mounting the camera to the support arm and a second bracket assembly for mounting the support arm to the camera support. Each bracket assembly includes i) a clamp member for clamping onto the support arm, ii) a support member pivotal coupled by a pivot shaft on the clamping member, iii) a mounting member supporting the camera equipment relative to the support member; and iv) a locking member adapted to be coupled between the clamping member and the support member so as to simultaneously fix the mounting member relative to the clamping member at a selected angular position and fix the clamping member relative to the support arm at a selected longitudinal position. |
| US10216068B2 |
Camera and task light on adjustable arm and weighted base
One embodiment provides an apparatus, including: an arm; a head that attaches to the arm; the head comprising a camera; and a base attached to the arm; the base including: a power and data connector; a device operatively coupled to the power and data connector; wherein the camera shares the power and data connector with the device of the base. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US10216067B2 |
Internet protocol camera with efficient heat conduction path
The IP Camera of the present invention includes a housing, a heat conducting component, a base and a supporting structure. The heat conducting component is disposed inside the housing to directly contact a heat generating component. The base can be put on or fixed onto a supporting plane, so as to hold a weight of the IP Camera by the supporting plane. An end of the supporting structure extends through the housing to directly contact the heat generating component, and the other end of the supporting structure extends into the base. The heat conducting component and the supporting structure are used to be an uninterrupted heat conduction path between the heat generating component and the base, and a coefficient of heat conductivity of the uninterrupted heat conduction path is greater than 5W/m*K, so that the IP Camera has preferred heat dissipating efficiency. |
| US10216064B2 |
Optical parametric waveform synthesizer and method for synthesizing optical waveforms
Parametric optical waveform synthesizer (100) creating optical waveforms (4) includes: pump source device (10); seed source device (20); optical parametric amplifier device (30) having master channel (30A) with at least one optical parametric amplifier unit (31A, 32A), and having at least one slave channel (30B, 30C), with at least one optical parametric amplifier unit (31B, 32B, 31C, 32C); beam combiner device (40), detector devices (50), and control system (60), which is configured for orthogonal control of seed source device (20) and optical parametric amplifier device (30). |
| US10216063B2 |
Single pass laser amplifier with pulsed pumping
Systems and methods for spectrally broadening seed pulses with a single pass laser amplifier are disclosed. A bulk TM:II-VI polycrystalline material with combined gain and nonlinear characteristic provides passive (cold) spectral broadening of high power seed pulses. Continuous pumping provides more significant spectral broadening. In particular, pulsed pumping of TM:II-VI polycrystalline material (e.g. Cr2+:ZnS, Cr2+:ZnSe, and Cr2+:CdSe) is shown to provide significant spectral broadening to the super continuum generation SCG level. Pulse picking, pump sources, master oscillators and various optical components are described. |
| US10216062B2 |
Electromagnetic frequency converter
An electromagnetic frequency converter includes an atomic ensemble; one or more first sources (6, 8) of electromagnetic radiation (P, R) to be incident upon the atomic ensemble to excite atomic valence electrons from a ground state to a first Rydberg state; one or more second sources (6, 14) of electromagnetic radiation (A, C) to be incident upon the atomic ensemble to excite atomic valence electrons from an excited state to a second Rydberg state; a first input (20) and/or output (26) for electromagnetic radiation (L) to be incident upon the atomic ensemble from the first input or received from the atomic ensemble at the first output; and a second input (14) and/or output (24) for electromagnetic radiation (M) to be incident upon the atomic ensemble from the second input or received from the atomic ensemble at the second output. |
| US10216061B2 |
Contact image sensor using switchable bragg gratings
A contact image sensor comprises: a light source providing a collimated beam; a detector and a switchable grating array comprising first and second transparent substrates sandwiching an array of switchable grating elements with transparent electrodes applied to said substrates, said substrates together providing a total internal reflection light guide. A first transmission grating layer overlays said first substrate. A second transmission grating layer overlays said second substrate. A quarter wavelength retarder layer overlays said second transmission grating layer. A platen overlays said quarter wavelength retarder layer; a polarization-rotating reflecting layer overlaying said first transmission grating layer. An input coupler for directing light from said light source into said light guide and an output coupler for extracting light out of said light guide towards said detector are also provided. |
| US10216058B2 |
Display devices and the display panels thereof
The present disclosure relates to a display panel including a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, a masking layer on the first substrate, a buffering layer arranged on the masking layer and the first substrate, a first semiconductor layer on the buffering layer, and an active layer on the first semiconductor layer and the buffering layer. The present disclosure also relates to a display device. With such configuration, the leakage current of the TFTs may be reduced, which also reduces the cross-talk and the flicker of the liquid crystal panel. |
| US10216057B2 |
Array substrate and manufacturing method thereof, display panel and display device
An array substrate and a manufacture method thereof, a display panel and a display device are provided, and the array substrate includes a base substrate, and gate lines, first data lines, second data lines, and pixel units arranged in a matrix which are disposed on the base substrate. Each row of the pixel units is driven by one corresponding gate line; in the pixel units, every two rows of the pixel units forms one pixel unit row group that receives a same gate signal during the operation of the array substrate; each column of the pixel units is driven by one corresponding first data line and one corresponding second data line, and the first data lines and the second data lines that are adjacent are at least partially overlapped with each other in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the base substrate. |
| US10216049B2 |
Display panel and display device
Provided are a display panel and a display device. The display panel includes a substrate, a plurality of pixel electrodes on the substrate, and a plurality of thin-film transistors on the substrate; each pixel electrode includes a plurality of first pixel electrodes and at least three second pixel electrodes as compensation pixel electrodes, an area of the substrate occupied by each compensation pixel electrode is less than an area of the substrate occupied by each first pixel electrode; the thin-film transistors are arranged in row in first direction and column in second direction, the thin-film transistors are electrically connected with the pixel electrodes in one-to-one correspondence, and orthographic projection of at least one second pixel electrode on the substrate does not overlap with orthographic projection of at least one thin-film transistor correspondingly connected with the at least one of the at least three second pixel electrodes on the substrate. |
| US10216048B2 |
Liquid-crystal display device and electronic apparatus
According to an aspect, a liquid-crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid-crystal layer. The first substrate includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a pixel electrode provide, the first electrode includes an electrode base portion extending in a first direction and comb tooth portions extending in a second direction and protruding in a comb teeth shape from the electrode base portion with a predetermined distance interposed therebetween, and adjacent comb tooth portions include adjacent comb tooth portions having a relation in which a first long side of one comb tooth portion closest to a boundary between pixels is not parallel to a first long side of the other comb tooth portion. |
| US10216040B2 |
Cholesteric liquid crystal reflective polarizing plate and liquid crystal display including the same
A cholesteric liquid crystal reflective polarizing plate includes a cholesteric liquid crystal layer and a λ/4 compensation layer disposed on the cholesteric liquid crystal layer. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer includes a first left-handed circularly polarizing portion which extends in a first direction that include a left-handed cholesteric liquid crystal material, and a first right-handed circularly polarizing portion which extends in the first direction adjacent to first left-handed circularly polarizing portion and that includes a right-handed cholesteric liquid crystal material. The λ/4 compensation layer includes a first λ/4 compensation pattern which extends in the first direction and overlapping the first left-handed circularly polarizing portion, and a second λ/4 compensation pattern which extends in the first direction adjacent to the first λ/4 compensation pattern and overlaps the first right-handed circularly polarizing portion. The first λ/4 compensation pattern and the second λ/4 compensation pattern have slow axes perpendicular to each other. |
| US10216032B1 |
Color filter substrate and display device
The disclosure discloses a color filter substrate and a display device, where the color filter substrate includes a substrate including an active area and a peripheral area, there is such a first black matrix layer on a first surface of the substrate that has a part in the active area, there is a second black matrix layer on a second surface of the substrate facing away from the first surface; and an orthographic projection of the second black matrix layer onto the second surface, and an orthographic projection of the first black matrix layer onto the second surface, after they are overlapped with each other, covers the peripheral area of the color filter substrate; and the display device includes an array substrate, a liquid crystal layer, and the color filter substrate above. |
| US10216031B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method for adjusting liquid crystal display
A technique disclosed in the specification relates to preventing a reduction in aperture ratio and visible lines between bright and dark portions. A liquid crystal display in a technique disclosed in the specification includes a plurality of pixel arranged in a liquid crystal display panel in a plan view, a light blocking layer disposed between the plurality of pixels in a plan view, and a colorant layer provided to overlap each of the plurality of pixels. The light blocking layer includes a first region and a second region narrower than the first region in a plan view. The colorant layer has a transmittance lower in a region adjacent to the second region than a transmittance in a region adjacent to the first region. |
| US10216030B2 |
Color filter on array type liquid crystal panel and manufacturing method for the same
A color-filter-on-array (COA) type liquid crystal panel and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. An alignment film in the COA type liquid crystal panel is formed by a photo-alignment technology of an ultraviolet induced multi-domain vertical alignment (UV2A). Also, a problem of image sticking of an existing COA type liquid crystal display is improved by controlling the dielectric constant (Δε) of the liquid crystal molecules of a liquid crystal layer in the COA type liquid crystal panel. |
| US10216027B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a liquid crystal display panel (3) and a backlight source (2), and further includes a plurality of bandpass filters (1) corresponding to respective pixel units of the liquid crystal display panel (3), the bandpass filters (1) being configured to perform narrowband filtering on the light emergent from the backlight source (2). By adopting the bandpass filters (1), the narrowband filtering on the red, green and blue light is realized by using a narrowband interference filtering method, such that the effect of improving the gamut of the display device is achieved and the high-gamut display is realized. |
| US10216022B2 |
Display device
A display device includes: a display panel; a protective member that is disposed on a display surface side of the display panel, and that has an end portion extending outward from an end portion of the display panel; a mold frame that is disposed on an opposite side to the display surface of the display panel, and that constitutes at least a side surface of a backlight except a back surface of the backlight; and a flange frame that is disposed outside the mold frame, and that includes a sidewall portion fixed to the mold frame, and a flange portion that is a peripheral portion extending outward from an upper end portion of the sidewall portion, the flange portion being fixed to a peripheral portion of the protective member. |
| US10216017B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel
A liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a third substrate, a pixel electrode layer, a first common electrode layer, a first control electrode layer, a first liquid crystal layer, a second common electrode layer, a second control electrode layer and a second liquid crystal layer. The second substrate is opposite to the first substrate. The third substrate is opposite to the second substrate. The pixel electrode layer and the first common electrode layer are disposed on the first substrate. The first control electrode layer is disposed on the second substrate. The first liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second common electrode layer is disposed on the second substrate. The second control electrode layer is disposed on the third substrate. The second liquid crystal layer is disposed between the second substrate and the third substrate. |
| US10216014B2 |
Electrical line arrangement
An electrical line arrangement, comprising a first and a second electrical line forming a coplanar strip line and at least one terminating resistor terminating the first and the second electrical line, is provided. In a first region of the electrical line arrangement the first and the second electrical line extend in a first distance from one another and in a second region of the electrical line arrangement the first and the second electrical line extend in a second distance from one another that is larger than the first distance. The terminating resistor is physically arranged at a position between the first and the second electrical line in the second region of the electrical line arrangement. At least one electrically conductive structure is arranged between the first and the second electrical line at least partially in the second region of the electrical line arrangement. |
| US10216013B2 |
Vanadium dioxide-based optical and radiofrequency switches
Switches for electromagnetic radiation, including radiofrequency switches and optical switches, are provided. Also provided are methods of using the switches. The switches incorporate layers of high quality VO2 that are composed of a plurality of connected crystalline VO2 domains having the same crystal structure and orientation. |
| US10216012B2 |
Wearable accessory with an inner chamber
A wearable accessory can include one or more retainer arms and a housing. The one or more retainer arms can couple to a wearable article. The housing can define an inner chamber that is sized for receiving component that is coupled to the one or more retainer arms. The housing can move between a closed position and an open position. The housing can protect the component from the environment external to the chamber in the closed position and reveal the component to the environment external to the chamber in the open position. |
| US10216007B2 |
Contact lens having a moiré structure, contact lens moiré structure processing method
Contact lens includes central optical zone for clearly focusing image of incident light onto retina clear central image region of user's eyeball and peripheral optical zone surrounding central optical zone, and one or multiple moiré portions located on peripheral optical zone for focusing the image of incident light onto peripheral out-of focus region of retina of user's eyeball. The moiré portions are processed by: using an aberrometer to measure aberration of retina of user's eyeball and to further generate a three-dimensional image map, dividing the three-dimensional image map into clear central image region and peripheral out-of focus region, and then using an aberration correction software to calculate the power of sphere and the power and axis of cylinder on contact lens and then inputting the three-dimensional image map into processing machine for enabling the processing machine process the desired moiré portions on contact lens according to the three-dimensional image map. |
| US10216004B2 |
System for providing an opthalmic lens
A system, ophthalmic lens manufacturing equipment, and method for providing an ophthalmic lens. The method includes transmitting an order request of an ophthalmic lens from an ordering side to an ophthalmic lens calculator, the order request including at least prescription data of a wearer of the ophthalmic lens, generating an ophthalmic lens model from the order request, the ophthalmic lens model containing data related to the ophthalmic lens to be provided, the ophthalmic lens model data including geometrical data related to the ophthalmic lens, the geometrical data of the ophthalmic lens model being coded by using mathematical functions to define surfaces of the ophthalmic lens in a continuous way. The method further includes receiving the ophthalmic lens model and the order request at a management entity, and transmitting the ophthalmic lens model from the management entity to an ophthalmic lens manufacturing module. |
| US10215999B2 |
Macro lens and imaging unit
A macro lens includes: a first focus lens group having negative refractive power; and a second focus lens group arranged closer to an image side than the first focus lens group is arranged and having positive refractive power. At time of performing a focusing operation from an object at infinite to an object at a close distance, the first focus lens group travels toward the image side, and the second focus lens group travels with a traveling amount different from a traveling amount of the first focus lens group. The second focus lens group is configured of only one positive lens. |
| US10215998B2 |
Optical imaging systems with microlens array with integral structure
An optical imaging system with microlens array with integral structure includes a microlens array having a back surface for depositing sample material to be imaged and one or more microlenses on a front surface. At least one of the one or more microlenses are aligned to the deposited sample material. A plate is attached to the microlens array. A microscope objective is positioned proximate to the plurality of microlenses. |
| US10215995B2 |
Large area, low f-number optical system
Large area, low f-number optical systems, and microfluidic systems incorporating such optical systems, are disclosed. Large area, low f-number optical systems may be used to collect light from plurality of micro channels associated with a plurality of flow cytometers. The optical systems may be configured to collect light from a source area having an object lateral length or width within a range of 25 mm and 75 mm, configured to have an f-number within a range of 0.9 to 1.2, and configured to have a working distance within a range of 10 mm to 30 mm. |
| US10215994B2 |
Display panel, method of manufacturing display panel, and display apparatus
A display panel, a method of manufacturing the display panel, and a display apparatus are provided in the embodiments of the present invention. The display panel comprises a first substrate assembly and a second substrate assembly, and a first polarizing filter and a second polarizing filter. The first substrate assembly and the first polarizing filter are located on a light output side. A lens grating is disposed between the first polarizing filter and the first substrate assembly of the display panel, and a substrate of the first substrate assembly serves as a substrate of the lens grating. |
| US10215991B2 |
Hand-held emergency vision apparatus and system
A hand-held emergency vision apparatus comprises an enclosed tubular structure having opposite first and second ends; first and second clear members disposed at respective the first and second ends; the structure including a plurality of tubular members retractable to a shorter length and extendable to one of several lengths, the tubular members are rigid and sealed from the outside air; and a filter operably associated with the tubular structure to filter the outside air such that when the tubular structure is extended from the compact form air the outside air is forced through the filter and clean air enters the tubular structure. |
| US10215983B2 |
Method and system for near-eye three dimensional display
A 3D near eye display device is provided, the display device comprising a display screen for displaying more than one 2D images, at least one focusing element for collimating the images to sub-images, a spatial multiplexing unit capable of remapping the sub-images to different depths while forcing their centers to align to form remapped sub-images, and an eye piece. The device and methods allow for a high quality, compact 3D display system that can be wearable and overcomes the vergence-accommodation conflict that leads to visual discomfort and fatigue caused by traditional 3D near eye display devices. |
| US10215981B2 |
Movable mirror device
A movable mirror device is provided as a unitary device with a position sensor and an analog-to-digital converter included in the unitary device. |
| US10215978B2 |
Eyepiece optical system with large field-of-view angle and head-mounted display apparatus
Disclosed is an eyepiece optical system with a large field-of-view angle, and a head-mounted display apparatus. The eyepiece optical system comprises a first lens group (G1) and a second lens group (G2) which are arranged coaxially and successively along an optical axis from a human eye to an image source and meet a certain focal length relationship. A distance (D12) between the first lens (L1) and the second lens (L2), a focal length relationship of lenses within the second lens group (G2) and the material properties of various lenses meet a certain relationship. The eyepiece optical system has the advantages of large aperture, large field-of-view, high resolution, low distortion, and small size, etc., and is suitable for a head-mounted display and similar apparatuses. |
| US10215975B2 |
Method and/or system for stabilization, tracking, and/or control of microscopic systems
Some embodiments of the invention include a system comprising a positioning device configured to a hold a sample and adjust a position of a sample in response to receiving a drift compensation signal; a first light source disposed to transilluminate the sample; a second light source disposed to epi-illuminate the sample; an optical system configured to receive light from the sample and generate a three-dimensional point spread function from the light from the sample; an image sensor disposed relative to the optical system that produces an image from the light collected from the sample via the optical system; and logic electrically coupled with the image detector and the positioning device, the logic configured to determine one or more drift compensation values from images imaged by the image detector, and configured to send one or more drift compensation signals to the positioning device. |
| US10215969B2 |
Image forming lens system and image pickup apparatus using the same
An image forming lens system includes an aperture stop, and an image-side lens unit group which is disposed on an image side of the aperture stop. The image-side lens unit group includes a first image-side lens unit having a negative refractive power, a second image-side lens unit having a positive refractive power, and a third image-side lens unit having a negative refractive power. Any one of the first image-side lens unit, the second image side lens unit, and the third image-side lens unit is a focusing lens unit which moves along the optical axis at the time of focusing, and the following conditional expression (1) is satisfied: 0.06<|ffo/f|<0.4 (1) where, f denotes a focal length of the image forming lens system at the time of focusing at an object at infinity, and ffo denotes a focal length of the focusing lens unit. |
| US10215968B2 |
Optical lens assembly and electronic device including the same
A curved-type optical lens assembly and an electronic device are provided. The optical lens assembly focuses an image of an object on the image sensor. The optical lens assembly includes a reflector configured to reflect incident light, a lens array including a plurality of lenses arranged between the reflector and the image sensor, a first light blocker arranged at an object side of the reflector to block the light, and a second light blocker arranged at an image side of the reflector to block the light. The optical lens assembly further includes a first optical axis of the light proceeding towards the reflector and a second optical axis of the light reflected by the reflector. |
| US10215967B2 |
Optical image capturing system
An optical image capturing system includes, along the optical axis in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, and a fifth lens. At least one lens among the first to the fifth lenses has positive refractive force. The fifth lens can have negative refractive force. The lenses in the optical image capturing system which have refractive power include the first to the fifth lenses. The optical image capturing system can increase aperture value and improve the imaging quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US10215964B2 |
Photographing lens assembly
A photographing lens assembly includes, 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 with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The second lens element, the third lens element and the fourth lens element have refractive power. The fifth lens element with negative refractive power has a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, wherein the surfaces thereof are aspheric, and at least one of the surfaces thereof has at least one inflection point thereon. The sixth lens element with negative refractive power has a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, wherein the surfaces thereof are aspheric, and at least one of the surfaces thereof has at least one inflection point. |
| US10215956B2 |
Imaging lens system, image capturing device and electronic device
An imaging lens system includes, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens element with positive refractive power having an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof; a second lens element with negative refractive power; a third lens element with refractive power, wherein an object-side surface and an image-side surface thereof are aspheric; a fourth lens element with refractive power, wherein an object-side surface and an image-side surface thereof are aspheric; and a fifth lens element with negative refractive power having an object-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof and an image-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof, which are both aspheric. The imaging lens system is further provided with an aperture stop, and there is no lens element with refractive power disposed between the aperture stop and the first lens element. |
| US10215954B2 |
Focus monitoring arrangement and inspection apparatus including such an arrangement
A focus monitoring arrangement (1000) is provided for a scatterometer or other optical system. A first focus sensor (510) provides a first focus signal (S1-S2) indicating focus relative to a first reference distance (z1). A second focus sensor (1510) for providing a second focus signal (C1-C2) indicating focus relative to a second reference distance (z2). A processor (1530) calculates a third focus signal by combining the first focus signal and the second focus signal. By varying the proportions of the first and second focus signals in calculating the third focus signal, an effective focus offset can be varied electronically, without moving elements. |
| US10215953B2 |
Tilting an optical element
An optical unit, in particular a facet mirror unit, includes an optical element and a supporting device. The optical element has an optical surface, in particular an elongate optical surface, which defines a plane of main extension and a direction of main extension in the plane of main extension. The supporting device includes a supporting unit and an actuator unit. The actuator unit is configured for tilting the optical surface, in that a tilting moment is exerted on the optical element by way of the actuator unit. The tilting moment runs in an inclined manner in relation to the plane of main extension. The supporting unit is configured to predefine a tilting axis for the optical surface that lies substantially in the plane of main extension of the optical surface when there is tilting of the optical surface by the tilting moment of the actuator unit. |
| US10215952B2 |
Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes a first member including a holding member, the retaining member holding a lens; a second member surrounding the first member; an imaging device arranged opposite to the first member and the lens; and a driving member arranged in a region adjacent to the first member driving the first member in the vertical direction relative to the imaging device. The first member includes at least a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first outer diameter and the second portion having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, the first and second portions respectively having a first corner and a second corner, the first and second corners respectively having a first cutout portion and a second cutout portion. At least a portion of the driving member is disposed at a region corresponding to the second portion. |
| US10215948B2 |
Optical element module with minimized parasitic loads
An optical element module includes an optical element unit and a support structure. The optical element module includes an optical element. The support structure includes a support device and a contact device connected to the support device. A surface of the contact device contacts a surface of the optical element unit and exerts a holding force on the optical element unit along a holding force direction. |
| US10215946B2 |
Apparatus for supporting cable
A cable supporting device includes a channel member. The channel member has a curved section bounding an interior. A top flange, a bottom flange, and an outer wall define a channel. The channel has an opening facing the interior. |
| US10215944B2 |
Modular fiber optic tray
The present invention provides modular trays having cutout features that are configured to engage with a mounting feature of one or more removable rails. The removable rails may be removeably secured to a tray body in a plurality of positions to allow a user to install or uninstall rails to support different sized fiber optic modules. For example, a tray may support a twenty-four optical fiber module, two twelve optical fiber modules, or three eight optical fiber modules. Fiber optic enclosures housing the trays can be affixed to the outside of a fiber optic enclosure and allow for easy stacking and unstacking. |
| US10215938B2 |
Photoelectric conversion assembly
A photoelectric conversion assembly is proposed. The photoelectric conversion assembly comprises a photoelectric conversion module having an interposer, at least one optical element and an optical bench. The at least one optical element is configured on the interposer, and the optical bench is used to support for the interposer. A circuit board is used to support for the photoelectric conversion module, having metal pads for coupling the at least one optical element. An optical transmission component is used for transmitting light. An optical ferrule is used for engaging with the photoelectric conversion module and an optical transmission component. A plug is used for electrically connecting the circuit board. |
| US10215933B2 |
Systems and methods for optically connecting fiber arrays with paired transmit and receive fibers
Systems and methods for optically connecting first and second fiber arrays at different locations with paired transmit and received fibers are disclosed. A method includes establishing at a first location first and second fiber arrays of fibers T and R, and establishing at a second location third and fourth fiber arrays of fibers T′ and R′. A trunk cable is then used to optically connect fibers T to fibers R′ and fibers R′ to fibers T to form first fiber pairs (T,R) where T=1 to (N/2) and R=[(N/2)+1] to N, and second fiber pairs (T′,R′), where T′=1′ to (N/2)′ and R′=[(N/2)+1]′ to N′, wherein N is an even number greater than 2. |
| US10215932B2 |
Fiber optic ferrule with rear holes to align a guide pin clamp with field changeable guide pins
A fiber optic ferrule with rear holes and a guide pin clamp allows for changing guide pins in the field. The guide pin clamp has a forward clamp portion to engage the rear face of the fiber optic ferrule, a rearward clamp portion configured to engage the biasing spring, and a guide pin retaining plate. The guide pin retaining plate is movable from a first position to a second position to allow for the removal or insertion of guide pins. |
| US10215931B1 |
Optical fiber connector having a slidable outer enclosure and a handle
Provided is an optical fiber connector including a connector body, an outer enclosure and a handle. The connector body is provided with a head and a first sliding slot. The outer enclosure is configured to enclose the connector body and to be slidable along the connector body. The handle includes a holding portion and a hooking portion. The hooking portion extends forward from the holding portion, and is slidable along the first sliding slot. The connector body and the handle are each provided with a abutting portion. When the handle moves forward along the first sliding slot, the handle abuts against the connector body through the abutting portions to push the connector body forward. When the handle moves backward along the first sliding slot, the hooking portion is hooked onto the outer enclosure to pull the outer enclosure backward. |
| US10215930B2 |
Fiber optic connector with field installable outer connector housing
An optical connector includes a first sub-assembly that is factory-installed to a first end of an optical fiber and a second sub-assembly that is field-installed to the first end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber and first sub-assembly can be routed through a structure (e.g., a building) prior to installation of the second sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly interlocks with the first sub-assembly to inhibit relative axial movement therebetween. Example first sub-assemblies include a ferrule, a hub, and a strain-relief sleeve that mount to an optical fiber. Example second sub-assemblies include a mounting block; and an outer connector housing forming a plug portion. |
| US10215929B2 |
Plug protection cap, optical fiber connector assembly, fiber plug, and network device
The present disclosure discloses a plug protection cap that includes a main body, a connecting sleeve, and a traction stub. An accommodating cavity is disposed in the main body. An inlet is through the accommodating cavity that is disposed on an end face of one end of the main body. A locking part is disposed at a position that is on an inner circumferential surface of the accommodating cavity and that is near the inlet. One end of the connecting sleeve detachably sheathes one end that is of the main body and that is away from the inlet, and the other end of the connecting sleeve is rotatably connected to one end of the traction stub. The present disclosure further discloses an optical fiber connector assembly, a fiber plug, and a network device. |
| US10215928B2 |
Unitary fiber optic ferrule and adapter therefor
A unitary fiber optic ferrule reflects light off an interior lens and through the fiber optic ferrule. Optical fibers can be easily secured in the unitary fiber optic ferrule. An adapter to secure the unitary fiber optic ferrule to a optical component assembly is also presented. The adapter provides a sealing function for the lenses and to provide routing for optical fibers from other assemblies of unitary fiber optic ferrules and adapters. |
| US10215927B2 |
Alignment system and method for calibrating position of optical fiber bore ferrule
The present invention discloses an alignment system for calibrating a position of an optical fiber (30) in a bore (31) of a ferrule (20), comprising: a calibration ferrule (200) having an alignment guide hole (201) formed therein; an alignment guide element (100) for calibrating a center position of a guide hole (21) of the ferrule, so that a center of the guide hole (21) of the ferrule (20) is aligned with a center of the alignment guide hole (201); a fiber core alignment element (300) comprising a fiber core (302) having a center positioned at a theoretical center relative to a positioning reference defined by the center of the alignment guide hole (201); an optical vision system for identifying a center position of a fiber core (32) of the optical fiber (30) and the center position of the fiber core (302) of the respective fiber core alignment element (300); and a controlling and moving system for actively adjusting the position of the optical fiber (30) in the bore (31) of the ferrule (20) under the guide of the optical vision system, so that the center of the fiber core (32) of the optical fiber (30) is aligned with the center of the fiber core (302) of the respective fiber core alignment element (300), and so that the center of the fiber core (32) of the optical fiber (30) is positioned at a theoretical center relative to a positioning reference defined by the center of the guide hole (21) of the ferrule (20). |
| US10215925B1 |
Systems and methods for resonance stabilization of microring resonator
Systems and methods are provided for stabilizing the resonance properties of a microring resonator modulator. Intrinsic optical absorption within the p-n junction of a microring modulator resonator is employed as a feedback signal for thermally stabilizing the microring resonator modulator. In some example embodiments, the input optical power provided to a bus waveguide that is optically coupled to the microring resonator modulator is sufficiently low such that the photocurrent dependence on input power is predominantly linear in nature, thereby avoiding or reducing the effect of nonlinear absorption through two-photon absorption. The example embodiments described herein may be employed to achieve a fabrication process that is free of heterogeneous device integration, for example, avoiding the integration of germanium detectors with a silicon-based integrated optical circuit or the need to sacrifice a portion of the ring resonator circumference for the integration of an extrinsic defect-mediated photodetector, thus reducing complexity and manufacturing cost. |
| US10215919B2 |
Optical coupling arrangement
An optical coupling arrangement is provided, comprising a lightwave circuit (LC), a coupling element and an optical waveguide element, wherein the lightwave circuit has a first surface area and wherein the coupling element is attached to the first surface area) such that an optical signal can be transmitted from the lightwave circuit to the coupling element. The optical waveguide element is attached to the coupling element at a first junction zone such that the optical signal can be transmitted from the coupling element to the optical waveguide element). The coupling element is configured to perform mode transformation to the optical signal transmitted from the lightwave circuit to the optical waveguide element and such that adiabatic coupling of the optical signal to the optical waveguide element is enabled. Thus, a better coupling efficiency can be achieved. |
| US10215918B2 |
Subwavelength photonic crystal waveguide in optical systems
An optical system is disclosed. The optical system comprising: a substrate; and a subwavelength photonic crystal waveguide atop the substrate, wherein the subwavelength photonic crystal waveguide comprises a periodic one or two-dimensional array of two or more interleaved dielectric pillars; wherein the periodicity of the one or two-dimensional array is constant, a combination of two or more periods, or random; wherein the one or two-dimensional array is substantially linear or curved; wherein each of the pillars of the one or two-dimensional array is at least one of a triangular prism, a trapezoidal prism, an elliptic cylinder, a cylinder, a tube, a frustum, a pyramid, a trapezoidal prism, and an asymmetric frustum; and wherein each of the pillars of the one or two-dimensional array comprises a solid, liquid, and/or gas. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US10215916B2 |
Optical fiber rod, optical fiber, image fiber, and method for manufacturing optical fiber rod
An optical fiber rod (30) according to the present invention includes a center region (35), an outer region (31) formed around the center region (35), and an intermediate region (33) formed between the center region (35) and the outer region (31), and satisfies nA>nB>nC where nA is the refractive index of a material A produced by polymerization of a monomer ma, nB is the refractive index of a material B produced by polymerization of a monomer mb, and nC is the refractive index of a material C produced by polymerization of a monomer mc. The center region (35) is made of a material produced by polymerization of a monomer mixture containing the monomer ma, the outer region (31) is made of a material produced by polymerization of a monomer mixture containing the monomer mc, and the intermediate region (33) is made of a material produced by polymerization of a monomer mixture containing the monomer mb. The refractive index decreases in the order: the center region (35)>the intermediate region (33)>the outer region (31). |
| US10215914B2 |
Light-diffusing optical fiber having nanostructured inner and outer core regions
A light-diffusing optical fiber having nanostructured inner and outer core regions is disclosed. The nanostructured inner core region is defined by a first configuration of voids that defines a first amount of light scattering. The outer core region is defined by a second configuration of voids that defines a second amount of light scattering that is different from the first amount of light scattering. A cladding surrounds the nanostructured core. Light scattered out of the inner core region scatters from the outer core region and then out of the cladding as scattered light. Selective bending of the light-diffusing optical fiber is used to define a bending configuration that allows for tailoring the intensity distribution of the scattered light emitted from the fiber as a function of the length of the fiber. |
| US10215911B2 |
Lighting assembly
The light fixture includes a frame, an optically transmissive panel assembly, a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and driving circuitry. The frame has a frame length measured along a length axis and a frame width measured along a width axis, wherein the frame length is greater than the frame width. The optically transmissive panel assembly receives light from the set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and emits light from an emission area in a patterned luminous intensity, using patterning optics adjacent a light guide plate. The driving circuitry is disposed within the frame and is operatively coupled to the set of LEDs and to a power supply external to the light fixture. The driving circuitry may include a first circuitry segment disposed within a first edge channel of the frame, and a second circuitry segment disposed within a second edge channel of the frame. |
| US10215910B2 |
Backlight unit and display apparatus including the same
A backlight unit includes a plurality of light source groups each including a plurality of light source units which generate light. The backlight unit further includes a light source substrate on which the light source groups are disposed and a plurality of light source drivers connected to the light source substrate to drive the light source groups. The light source substrate includes a first extension portion extended in a first direction. The light source units are disposed on the first extension portion. The light source substrate further includes a plurality of second extension portions extended from the first extension portion in a second direction crossing the first direction and a plurality of third extension portions extended from ends of the second extension portions in the first direction. The light source drivers are connected to the third extension portions to drive the light source groups. |
| US10215906B2 |
Light guide plate, backlight module, and method for manufacturing light guide plate
The present invention provides a light guide plate, a backlight module, and a method for manufacturing the light guide plate. The light guide plate include a light guide plate body, on which at least two layers of dots having a refractive index different from the light guide plate body are distributed. According to the light guide plate of the present invention, the dots are distributed on at least two layers, rather than merely on a single interface as that in the traditional light guide plate. As a result, the dot density in an identical region of the light guide plate will exceed the limit of 100%, and thereby a better light guide effect will be achieved. In addition, according to the method of the present invention, the light guide plate is manufactured based on a 3D printing technology. |
| US10215901B2 |
Polarizer, polarizing plate, and method of producing polarizer
There is provided a polarizer excellent in heat resistance. A polarizer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a resin film containing iodine, wherein an end portion of the resin film has formed therein a high-concentration portion having a concentration of a substance that forms a counter ion of iodine higher than that of another portion. |
| US10215893B2 |
Infrared reflective patterned product including oriented tabular metal particles
An infrared reflective patterned product includes an infrared reflective pattern portion which has an infrared reflective material in a region constituting at least a part of a support. The infrared reflective pattern portion has an uneven structure which includes a plurality of protruding or recessed portions. Metal particles are contained on surfaces of the protruding or recessed portions. The particles include 60 number-percent or greater of tabular metal particles in a hexagonal or circular shape, and the tabular particles which are plane-oriented so that an angle between a principal plane of the particle and a surface of the uneven structure closest to the particle is in a range of 0° to ±30° are adjusted to be 50 number-percent or greater of all tabular metal particles. In the patterned product, the ratio of the reflectance of the infrared reflective pattern portion at a wavelength with the highest reflectance in an infrared region of 780 nm to 2500 nm to the reflectance of a non-pattern portion is large in a case where the infrared reflective pattern portion is obliquely irradiated with infrared rays. |
| US10215890B2 |
Optical field curvature control using multi-layer Fresnel lens in VR display
A lens assembly has two opposing surfaces, each surface introducing field curvature in a direction opposite of the field curvature introduced by the opposing surface, and thus the field curvatures introduced by the two surfaces at least partially cancel each other out, resulting in a net field curvature that provides for a substantially flat image plane or for an image plane with a specified curvature. The lens assembly may be implemented as a lens with two opposing Fresnel surfaces so that the field curvature in one direction introduced by one of the Fresnel surfaces is at least partially canceled out by the field curvature in the opposite direction as introduced by an opposing Fresnel surface. Alternatively, the lens assembly may be implemented as a lens with a positive continuous aspheric surface facing the user's eye and an opposing Fresnel surface facing the display panel. |
| US10215881B2 |
Systems and methods to differentiate elements located at different distances using neutron-induced gamma-ray spectroscopy and the doppler effect
Systems and methods are provided for distinguishing between elements located at different distances from a radiation detector used in neutron-induced gamma-ray spectroscopy using a Doppler effect. A pulsed neutron generator may emit neutrons out of a downhole tool in a geological formation at an energy level high enough to cause inelastic scattering with nuclei of an element to generate gamma-rays. A gamma-ray detector may detect the energy levels of the gamma-rays, in the reference frame of the detector, and data processing circuitry takes the detected spectrum of gamma-rays and distinguishes spectra of gamma-ray energy levels for nuclei of the element located nearer to or farther from the detector based at least in part on the Doppler shift of the energy levels of respective gamma-rays. |
| US10215879B2 |
System for detecting counterfeit goods and method of operating the same
A computer-implemented method of handling a container includes performing a first scan of the container. The container includes objects therein. The scan includes irradiating the container with polychromatic x-rays with a first x-ray scanning system at a first geographic location and generating a first scan record using a processing device. The method also includes moving the container from the first geographic location to a second geographic location. The method further includes performing a second scan of the container including irradiating the container with polychromatic x-rays with a second x-ray scanning system at the second geographic location and generating a second scan record using a processing device. The method also includes comparing the first scan record and the second scan record. The method further includes determining the second scan record is substantially indistinguishable or distinguishable from the first scan record. |
| US10215878B2 |
Gain compensated directional propagation measurements
A method for obtaining gain compensated electromagnetic logging while drilling propagation measurements includes rotating an electromagnetic logging while drilling tool in a subterranean wellbore. The tool includes a plurality of transmitter antennas and a plurality of receiver antennas symmetrically spaced along a logging while drilling tool body with the transmitter antennas including at least one axial transmitter antenna and at least one transverse transmitter antenna and the receiver antennas including at least one axial receiver antenna and at least one transverse receiver antenna. Electromagnetic voltage measurements are acquired from the receiver antennas while rotating. The acquired voltage measurements are processed to compute harmonic voltage coefficients. Ratios of selected ones of the harmonic voltage coefficients are in turn processed to compute gain compensated quantities including symmetrized and anti-symmetrized quantities. |
| US10215877B2 |
Airborne electromagnetic survey system with multiple transmitter arrangements
An airborne electromagnetic survey system includes: a transmitter arrangement comprising at least one current source configured to connect with a transmitter coil arrangement, and a switch arrangement between the at least one current source and the transmitter coil arrangement, the switch arrangement configured to (1) connect the at least one current source with the transmitter coil arrangement to build up a connecting secondary electromagnetic field, and (2) disconnect the at least one current source from the transmitter coil arrangement to build up a disconnecting secondary electromagnetic field; and a receiver arrangement comprising at least one receiver coil; wherein the airborne electromagnetic survey system further comprises an additional transmitter coil arrangement and a switch arrangement controller, the switch arrangement controller configured to disconnect the at least one current source from the transmitter coil arrangement and the additional transmitter coil arrangement at substantially a same time. |
| US10215874B2 |
Capacitive based system to detect objects behind an obscuring surface
A capacitive detection and display device and method is used to simultaneously detect and display an image of an object hidden behind an obscuring surface. An electrode applies an electric field to a chamber having a visual display material which is located between the electrode and the obscuring surface. A sensitivity enhancement device is located within the electric field between the chamber and the obscuring surface to increase the sensitivity of the detection and display device and increase its depth of penetration through the obscuring surface. In one embodiment, the sensitivity device comprises an array of sensitivity electrodes formed on a nonconductive substrate. The shape of a hidden object is visually displayed by the visual display material. |
| US10215873B2 |
Generating seismic pulses by compressive force to map fractures
The methods described are for determining distribution, orientation and dimensions of networks of hydraulically-induced fractures within a subterranean formation containing fluids. Detectable signals are generated by particles introduced into the fractures. In an exemplary method proppant-like particles are positioned in the formation during fracturing and allowed to generate a signal during or after fracturing activity. The detectable signals generated by the proppant-like particles are used to map fracture space. |
| US10215870B2 |
System and method for analyzing geologic features using seismic data
A system and method for analyzing geologic features including fluid estimation and lithology discrimination may include the steps of identifying areas of interest on a seismic horizon, computing statistical data ranges for the seismic amplitudes within the areas of interest, and analyzing the geologic features based on the amplitude variation with offset (AVO) or angle (AVA) curves including the statistical data ranges. |
| US10215867B2 |
Vibration analyzing system, vibration analyzing apparatus, and vibration analyzing method
A vibration analyzing apparatus includes a vibration detecting unit set in a building where a person can reside and configured to detect vibration and output a detection signal based on the detected vibration, a mode determining unit configured to determine presence or absence of vibration of the building caused by an earthquake, and a control unit including a vibration analyzing unit configured to analyze the vibration on the basis of the detection signal, the control unit setting an analysis mode of the vibration analyzing unit. The control unit sets one of a normal time analysis mode for causing the vibration analyzing unit to analyze a vibration waveform indicated by the detection signal on the basis of a first condition and obtaining information concerning residence of the person and an earthquake analysis mode for obtaining information concerning deformation of the building. |
| US10215861B2 |
Track for vehicle environment sensors
Arrangements related to sensing systems and methods are described. A sensing system can include a sensor track and one or more sensors. The sensor track can be operatively connected to a vehicle surface, such as at least a portion of a perimeter of a roof of a vehicle. The one or more sensors can be operatively connected to the sensor track such that the one or more sensors move along the sensor track while scanning an environment of the vehicle. The sensing systems can include a controller operatively connected to the one or more sensors to control the movement of the one or more sensors along the sensor track. The controller can also receive signals from the one or more sensors relating to the environment. In one or more arrangements, the one or more sensors can include LIDAR sensors. |
| US10215860B2 |
Vehicle environment scanning by a phase-controlled laser
A driver assistance system (106) of a vehicle (100) includes a laser scanner (101) with a phase-controlled laser (102), a sensor unit (104) and an evaluation unit (103). The phase-controlled laser is configured to produce a controllable laser beam by beam forming and to direct the laser beam into an environment outside of the vehicle. The sensor unit (104) is configured to detect a retroreflection caused by the laser beam. The evaluation unit (103) produces driver assistance data by evaluating the detected retroreflection. |
| US10215859B2 |
LIDAR detection scheme for cross traffic turns
A LIDAR system for use in a vehicle may include at least one processor configured to control at least one light source in a manner enabling light flux of light to vary over a scanning cycle of a field of view. The processor may also be configured to control at least one deflector to deflect light to scan the field of view. The processor may also be configured to obtain input indicative of an impending cross-lane turn of the vehicle, and in response, coordinate the control of the at least one light source with the control of the at least one light deflector to increase light flux on a side of the vehicle opposite a direction of the cross-lane turn, causing a detection range opposing the direction of the cross-lane turn of the vehicle to temporarily exceed a detection range toward a direction of the cross-lane turn. |
| US10215854B2 |
Distance measuring module comprising a variable optical attenuation unit including an LC cell
The invention relates to a surveying apparatus, in particular tachymeter, laser scanner, profiler or laser tracker, comprising an electronic laser distance measuring module, which comprises an optical transmission channel and an optical reception channel for laser measurement radiation, wherein a variable optical attenuation unit for the laser measurement radiation is provided in the optical transmission channel and/or optical reception channel. According to the invention, light impinging on the attenuation unit is attenuated by means of liquid crystals. The attenuation unit comprises at least one polarizer, in particular comprising a polarization sheet, a liquid crystal shutter, in particular comprising nematic liquid crystals, having a variable transmission, a first analyzer, in particular comprising a polarization sheet. |
| US10215852B1 |
Robotic radar assistance
Examples relate to implementing robotic radar assistance. A robotic device may use radar antennas coupled at different positions on the robotic device to monitor a buffer that extends proximate around one or more portions of the robotic device. In some instances, the buffer has a shape that corresponds to exterior shapes of the one or more portions of the robotic device. The robotic device may receive object location information from the radar antennas that indicates positions of respective objects within the buffer relative to the robotic device. Using the object location information, the robotic device may identify when an unexpected object enters within the buffer, and adjust robotic operation as a result. |
| US10215848B2 |
Method and system for ladar transmission with interline detouring for dynamic scan patterns
Various embodiments are disclosed for improved scanning ladar transmission, including but not limited to an example embodiment where a dynamic scan pattern for a scanning ladar transmission system includes interline skipping and detouring. |
| US10215845B2 |
Simultaneous ranging and remote chemical sensing utilizing optical dispersion or absorption spectroscopy
A system for simultaneous optical pathlength determination and remote chemical sensing of a sample disposed along an optical path. A modulated laser source configured for modulated light emission so that at least one spectral sideband with a sideband frequency is created, the modulated light emission is directed along the optical path and sideband frequency is varied over time. A detector is configured to detect transmitted light along the optical path and generate a detected light intensity signal. A frequency down-converter is configured to receive the detected light emission signal and generate a frequency down-converted light intensity signal. A demodulator is configured to demodulate the frequency of the down-converted light intensity signal and output an instantaneous frequency. A pathlength calculator is configured to determine an optical pathlength to the sample based on the instantaneous frequency. A frequency down-converted light intensity signal is simultaneously output for spectroscopic chemical sensing. |
| US10215844B2 |
Radar alignment apparatus and method of controlling the same
A method of controlling a radar alignment apparatus includes calculating a first target information by using a first radar and a second target information by using a second radar spaced apart from the first radar on a vehicle by a predetermined interval. The method includes determining whether the first target and the second target are a same target based on comparing at least some of the first target information with the second target, and determining whether misalignment exists in at least one of the first radar and the second radar based on a comparison of a first angle included a first target information with a second angle included in a second target information, correcting the misalignment by using the first target information and the second target information when it is determined that the misalignment exists in at least one of the first radar and the second radar. |
| US10215841B2 |
FMCW radar system on a chip measuring phase noise
A cascaded radar system is provided that includes a master radar system-on-a-chip (SOC) with transmission signal generation circuitry and a slave radar SOC coupled to an output of the master radar SOC to receive a signal from the transmission signal generation circuitry of the master SOC. In this system, the slave radar SOC is operable to measure phase noise in the signal received from the transmission signal generation circuitry of the master SOC. |
| US10215837B1 |
Methods and systems for localization
This invention relates to methods and systems for localization. It is particularly concerned with localization techniques based on time difference of arrival for wireless devices. Embodiments of the invention relate to techniques in which a transmitter transmits periodic distinguishable signals which are relayed upon receipt by the client whose location is sought in a form distinguishable from that of the transmitter. Signals from both the transmitter and the client are received by at least three signal receivers which generate a time difference of arrival based on the difference taken for a signal to reach the receiver directly and via the client. Further embodiments of the invention provide a phase detector in the receivers to determine the time difference of arrival between the signals. |
| US10215835B1 |
Estimating location of source of signal of interest
A method of estimating the location of the source of a signal of interest (SOI), includes the steps of: (a) sensing a plurality of directional samples of the SOI by using at least one signal receiving system at disparately located signal receiving locations; (b) with at least one of the signal receiving systems, measuring the power variable of the received SOI; and (c) processing the sensed directional samples of the SOI in combination with the power variable measurement of the SOI to estimate the location of the source of the SOI. |
| US10215833B1 |
Two-axis interferometric tracking utilizing pairs of shearing interferometers
An interferometric tracking device including: an optical cascade comprising a plurality of image dividers, each of the image dividers splitting incident light into a plurality of non-parallel orthogonally polarized beams, the plurality of image dividers including: an incident image divider receiving light into the optical cascade; one or more intermediary image dividers optically coupled to the incident image divider; and one or more exit image dividers, each exit image divider optically coupled to one of the intermediary image dividers; a plurality of pairs of shearing interferometers, each pair of the shearing interferometers being optically coupled between optically adjacent image dividers in the optical cascade; and one or more focal plane arrays, the orthogonally polarized beams from the one or more exit image dividers being imaged onto the one or more focal plane arrays. |
| US10215829B2 |
Use of echo shapes in nuclear magnetic resonance log data acquisition and quality control
A method to process information from a wellbore tool is disclosed having steps of placing a wellbore nuclear magnetic resonance tool in a wellbore to a scan a geological formation, activating the nuclear magnetic resonance tool to send signals to and receive signals from the geological formation, acquiring the received signals from the geological formation wherein the received signals have an echo shape, storing the echo shape according to at least one of a quadrature phase and a nominal signal phase, computing an echo shape from all of the received signals, determining a presence of a noise from the received signals, defining a noise filter based upon the received signals from the nuclear magnetic resonance tool and using the filter to remove noise from the received signals. |
| US10215825B2 |
Magnetic microstructures for magnetic resonance imaging
The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance structure with a cavity or a reserved space that provides contrast and the additional ability to frequency-shift the spectral signature of the NMR-susceptible nuclei such as water protons by a discrete and controllable characteristic frequency shift that is unique to each MRS design. The invention also relates to nearly uniform solid magnetic resonance T2* contrast agents that have a significantly higher magnetic moment compared to similarly-sized existing MRI contrast agents. The invention also relates to a magnetic resonance sensor that alters it shape in response to a condition of an environment such that the condition may be detected. |
| US10215822B2 |
Image processing apparatus and magnetic-resonance imaging apparatus
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a processor, and a memory that stores processor-executable instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor to give a sample value to at least a part of sampling positions having no sample value in first k-space data so as to create a second k-space data, the first k-space data having a sample value at a part of sampling positions on a k-space. The instructions cause the processor to create a first image from the first k-space data and a second image from the second k-space data. The instructions cause the processor to derive weighting factors for the first image and the second image. The instructions cause the processor to calculate a magnetic resonance image by performing weighted addition using the weighting factors on the first image and the second image. |
| US10215821B2 |
Methods for simultaneous multi-angular relaxometry and RF mapping of tissue using magnetic resonance imaging
Methods of obtaining quantitative MRI images of a subject that includes fitting a theoretical model that accounts for tissue-specific relaxation properties and magnetization transfer effects to MRI measured data is disclosed. |
| US10215813B2 |
Storage battery state monitoring system, storage battery state monitoring method, and storage battery state monitoring program
In a state monitoring of a storage battery, accuracy of estimation of the remaining service life of the storage battery can be improved by monitoring the state of the storage battery and distinguishing an initial failure and an accidental failure from degradation over time. A storage battery state monitoring system which monitors a state of each of a plurality of storage batteries connected in series and constituting an assembled battery provided in an apparatus, the system includes a control/power supply device which detects a current in each of the storage batteries, and a slave device which measures an operation time, a temperature, a voltage, and an internal resistance of each of the storage batteries, the internal resistance being measured at at least two or more kinds of frequencies, and in a state that is not normal in each of the storage batteries is determined by distinguishing an initial failure or an accidental failure from degradation over time based on at least one or more values of the temperature, the voltage, and the internal resistance measured by the slave device and a direct current resistance of each of the storage batteries obtained from a ratio between a change in a current value detected by the control/power supply device and a change in a voltage value measured by the slave device during discharging of each of the storage batteries. |
| US10215810B2 |
Battery monitoring system
A battery monitoring system includes: an input circuit to which voltage signals of battery cells are inputted; a multiplexer selecting a battery cell for voltage detection from the battery cells, selecting voltage signals inputted from the input circuit, and outputting the selected voltage signals; first and a second voltage measuring circuits simultaneously measuring voltages based on the voltage signals in first and second routes outputted from the multiplexer; a comparator comparing measurement results by the first voltage measuring circuit and by the second voltage measuring circuit; and a control unit that judges, on a basis of a comparison result by the comparator, at least one of a voltage of each battery cell, an operation check of equalizing the voltages of the battery cells, a presence or absence of a disconnection of a detection line of each battery cell, and a presence or absence of a failure in the multiplexer. |
| US10215808B2 |
Scan test circuit, scan test method, and method of designing scan test circuit
A scan test circuit includes a scan chain formed of a plurality of sub-scan chains, an input distribution circuit, and an output compression circuit. With the use of a bypass circuit, a plurality of sub-scan chains are formed in a compression scan mode by connecting scan cell circuits of a high confidentiality-requiring circuit among a plurality of scan cell circuits included in an internal circuit, and a plurality of sub-scan chains are formed in a non-compression scan mode by bypassing the scan cell circuits of the high confidentiality-requiring circuit. |
| US10215807B2 |
Decompressed/compressed data parallel scan paths with input/output shift register, SCI/SCO
The disclosure describes novel methods and apparatuses for accessing test compression architectures (TCA) in a device using either a parallel or serial access technique. The serial access technique may be controlled by a device tester or by a JTAG controller. Further the disclosure provides an approach to access the TCA of a device when the device exists in a daisy-chain arrangement with other devices, such as in a customer's system. Additional embodiments are also provided and described in the disclosure. |
| US10215806B2 |
Decompressed/compressed data parallel scan paths with tap decoded shift/scan clocks
The disclosure describes novel methods and apparatuses for accessing test compression architectures (TCA) in a device using either a parallel or serial access technique. The serial access technique may be controlled by a device tester or by a JTAG controller. Further the disclosure provides an approach to access the TCA of a device when the device exists in a daisy-chain arrangement with other devices, such as in a customer's system. Additional embodiments are also provided and described in the disclosure. |
| US10215795B1 |
Three level gate monitoring
A method of monitoring a gate of a transistor includes monitoring a gate voltage of the transistor; measuring a first time difference between when a gate control signal is asserted and when the gate voltage of the transistor crosses a first voltage threshold based on the monitoring; measuring a second time difference between when the gate voltage of the transistor crosses the first voltage threshold and when the gate voltage of the transistor crosses a second voltage threshold based on the monitoring; and determining whether the first time difference falls within a first time window, and whether the second time difference falls within a second time window. |
| US10215789B2 |
Device and method for monitoring a high-voltage contactor in a vehicle
A device for monitoring a high-voltage contactor in a vehicle having a coil with an anchor, the coil is energized with a coil current or a coil voltage to switch the high-voltage contactor, and the high-voltage contactor is switched by a motion of the anchor, thus also changing the inductivity of the coil includes an interface for reading in a measurement value function for the generated coil voltage and/or for the generated coil current during the switching cycle of the high-voltage contactor; an analysis device for determining a motion information representing a travel distance of the anchor based on the measurement value function; and a comparison device for comparing the motion information with a threshold value information. A fault signal is generated when the motion information falls below the threshold information |
| US10215787B2 |
Radio wave measurement device having a large aperture
A radio wave measurement device enabling highly sensitive measurements of radio waves at an extremely low temperature is disclosed. The radio wave measurement device has a radiation-blocking filter through which a targeted radio wave is transmitted, a radio wave-transparent material to reflect a non-targeted electromagnetic wave included in radio waves, and a radio wave detector which are placed in a vacuum vessel, in which the radio waves are transmitted through the radiation-blocking filter, the non-targeted electromagnetic wave included in the radio waves is reflected toward the radiation-blocking filter by the radio wave-transparent material and collected as heat into the radiation-blocking filter, and the heat is exhausted out of the system, allowing the radio waves transmitted through the radio wave-transparent material to be measured with high sensitivity by the radio wave detector. |
| US10215786B2 |
Sensor arrangement for a packaging of a medicament
The present invention relates to a sensor arrangement to monitor at least one ambient parameter, the sensor arrangement comprising: a first layer exhibiting a first electrical conductivity, and at least a second layer exhibiting a second electrical conductivity different than the first electrical conductivity and being at least partially in direct contact with the first layer, wherein the first and the second layer in an initial configuration comprise different concentrations of a diffusible component, having an impact on the conductivity of the first and/or the second layer. |
| US10215785B2 |
Signal processing device, detection device, sensor, electronic apparatus and moving object
A signal processing device includes a Kalman filter that extracts a DC component of an input signal by performing Kalman filter processing on the basis of observation noise and system noise which are estimated from the input signal. |
| US10215784B1 |
Measuring apparatus including phase locked loop and measuring method thereof
A measuring system, during a measurement process thereof, uses a phase-locked loop mechanism of a stator phase voltage and a stator phase current of a three-phase AC motor to effectively remove harmonics and to sense and obtain the amplitude effective values of the phase voltage and the phase current of the three-phase AC motor and the phase difference between the phase voltage and phase current. Therefore, the measuring apparatus is capable of quickly and accurately calculating the input power of the motor without having to measure the parameters of the motor. |
| US10215782B2 |
Device for measuring the current flowing in an inductive load
A device measures the current in an inductive load using two separate current-measuring paths to detect the current in the inductive load. The inductive load is connected between first and second nodes, and the first node connected to a first voltage. The device includes first and second transistors cascaded together between the first node and a third node that is connected to a second voltage. First and second sense amplifiers measure the current in the inductive load. The first and second sense amplifiers are connected to at least one terminal of the first and second transistors. Two blocks sample and hold signals from the first and second sense amplifiers, which represent, respectively, the currents in the two separate current-measuring paths. The two currents are subtracted in a comparison node for generating an error signal that is compared with a predefined window and if outside the window a failure signal is generated. |
| US10215781B2 |
Current sensor
To provide a current sensor excellent in insulation resistance. A current sensor (1) includes a conductor (10); a support part (30) for supporting a signal processing IC (20); a magnetoelectric conversion element (13) configured to be electrically connectable to the signal processing IC (20), and arranged in a gap (10a) of the conductor (10) so as to detect a magnetic field generated by a current flowing through the conductor (10); and an insulation member (14) supporting the magnetoelectric conversion element (13). |
| US10215773B2 |
Material property measurements using multiple frequency atomic force microscopy
Apparatus and techniques for extracting information carried in higher eigenmodes or harmonics of an oscillating cantilever or other oscillating sensors in atomic force microscopy and related MEMs work are described. Similar apparatus and techniques for extracting information using contact resonance with multiple excitation signals are also described. |
| US10215771B2 |
Droplet velocity detection
Methods and systems are provided for measuring a velocity of a droplet passing through a microfluidic channel. |
| US10215767B2 |
Method of detecting platelet activating antibodies that cause heparin-induced thrombocytopenia/thrombosis
The present invention provides a method of detecting platelet activation in a patient, the method comprising the steps of a) obtaining a blood sample from a patient suspected of having heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT); b) incubating an effective amount of platelet factor 4 (PF4) with a sample of platelets to yield a sample of PF4-treated platelets; c) contacting the patient blood sample with the PF4-treated platelets; and d) measuring the extent of platelet activation, wherein an increase in platelet activation compared with results obtained using a normal blood sample is indicative of the patient having HIT. |
| US10215765B2 |
Detection of vitamins A and E by tandem mass spectrometry
Methods are described for measuring the amount of one or more of vitamin A, α-tocopherol, and the combination of β-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying one or more of vitamin A, α-tocopherol, and the combination of β-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol in a sample. |
| US10215761B2 |
Bcl-2-like protein 11 SRM/MRM assay
Specific peptides, and derived ionization characteristics of those peptides, from the Bcl-2-like protein 11 (BIM) are provided that are particularly advantageous for quantifying the BIM protein directly in biological samples that have been fixed in formalin by the method of Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry, or what can also be termed as Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM). Such biological samples are chemically preserved and fixed where the biological sample is selected from tissues and cells treated with formaldehyde containing agents/fixatives including formalin-fixed tissue/cells, formalin-fixed/paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue/cells, FFPE tissue blocks and cells from those blocks, and tissue culture cells that have been formalin fixed and or paraffin embedded. A protein sample is prepared from the biological sample using the Liquid Tissue™ reagents and protocol, and the BIM protein is quantitated in the Liquid Tissue™ sample by the method of SRM/MRM mass spectrometry by quantitating in the protein sample at least one or more of the peptides described. These peptides can be quantitated if they reside in a modified or an unmodified form. An example of a modified form of a BIM peptide is phosphorylation of a tyrosine, threonine, serine, and/or other amino acid residues within the peptide sequence. |
| US10215758B2 |
Platinum-labeled probes for mass cytometry
The present disclosure provides analyte-specific binding reagents conjugated with a platinum-containing moiety, e.g., cisplatin, and methods, compositions, and kits for their production and use in assays for analyte detection. |
| US10215757B2 |
Real-time imaging sensor for measuring cellular thiol level
The present invention relates to a fluorescence sensor capable of real-time imaging for measuring a cellular thiol level. The present invention reveals that the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent real-time SH group-tracer (FreSH-Tracer) of the present invention increases or decreases continuously, ratiometrically or reversibly depending on the thiol level in living cells, and thus can be usefully used as a biosensor which is remarkably susceptible to quantitative or qualitative real-time detection of the cellular thiol level in living cells. |
| US10215756B2 |
Composition for diagnosing pancreatic cancer and method for diagnosing pancreatic cancer using the same
The present invention relates to: a composition for diagnosing pancreatic cancer, containing a preparation for measuring the expression level of a protein or a gene thereof, and capable of being used for determining whether there is a risk of pancreatic cancer; a kit; and a method for diagnosing pancreatic cancer by using the same. The present invention can significantly predict or identify the risk of pancreatic cancer or a precancerous lesion of pancreatic cancer, the early diagnosis thereof and the extent of diseases thereof by providing a diagnostic marker of pancreatic cancer, and can be utilized in the research of pancreatic cancer oncogenesis. In addition, the diagnostic method of the present invention can provide simple and early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer from the blood and the like in a non-invasive manner. |
| US10215755B2 |
Method of diagnosing and treating Epstein Barr virus-based myalgic encephalomyelitis chronic fatigue syndrome patients
A method of diagnosing a subset of Epstein Barr Virus, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) patients through a multi-prong clinical/serological analysis is provided wherein Epstein Barr Virus Abortive Lytic Replication (EBV) is determined as the specific causal agent through the use of serum antibodies to EBV encoded dUTPase and serum antibodies to EBV DNA Polymerase as molecular markers. A method of treating patients diagnosed with Epstein Barr Virus Abortive Lytic Replication (EBV), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) with specific antiviral nucleosides is also provided, to alleviate the condition. |
| US10215745B2 |
Mobile water analysis
An embodiment provides a cuvette, including: a body having a fluid channel therein; and an outer surface having encoded information disposed thereon and readable by a reader of a sample instrument. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US10215739B1 |
Liquid block probe for wet gas
A liquid block apparatus integrated into a sample probe that is inserted into the pressurized process to prevent entrained liquids from entering the probe and being extracted for sampling. The present invention enhances sampling of pressurized process fluids for on-stream and spot sampling of pressurized process fluid such as natural gas or the like, particularly pressurized process gas having liquid entrained therein, or otherwise referenced as multiphase or “wet”. |
| US10215736B2 |
Acoustic monitor for power transmission lines
An acoustic monitor detects and logs events based on the acoustic characteristics of the event. The acoustic monitor is placed on a power transmission tower, and a baseline acoustic signature is established. Events can be defined by variance from the baseline, or by matching one of a set of predefined acoustic signatures. When an event is detected, the acoustic monitor logs the event. A repair person queries the acoustic monitors to narrow down where the event occurred to be between two towers, and can then query the acoustic monitors on those two towers. Using the timestamps of the event in each of the towers, and using the known speed of sound in air, the repair person can quickly calculate the location of the event from both towers. By knowing the location of the event, the repair person knows exactly how to quickly access the location to make the needed repairs. |
| US10215735B1 |
Treatment method for service life extension of pressure vessels
Provided herein are systems and methods for achieving an extended service life for a pressure vessel that has experienced a prior service life. In some embodiments, the service life of the vessel has expired. The service vessel has an unknown damage condition, including defects sustained during the service life. Despite these defects and unknown accumulated damage state, the embodiments described herein may be used to test these vessels, to safely pressurize the vessels beyond pressures deemed safe for the vessel to experience in its damaged state, and to recommission a new service life for the vessel. The recommissioning of the vessel for an additional service interval may include meeting certain requirements for the pressure vessel, and embodiments described herein include exemplary measurements and observations to assure these requirements of the rejuvenated vessel are met. |
| US10215732B2 |
Dielectric barrier discharge ionization detector
A dielectric barrier discharge ionization detector includes: a discharging section for generating plasma from argon-containing gas by electric discharge, including a dielectric tube on the outer wall of which a high-voltage electrode connected to AC power source as well as upstream-side and downstream-side ground electrodes and are circumferentially formed; and a charge-collecting section for ionizing sample-gas components by the plasma and detecting ion current formed by ionized components. The dielectric tube is made of a material whose resistivity is 1.0×1013 Ωcm or lower. Furthermore, the detector satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the upstream-side ground electrode is longer than a ground electrode length which allows creeping discharge between the high-voltage electrode and a tube-line tip member; or the downstream-side ground electrode is longer than a ground electrode length which allows creeping discharge between the high-voltage electrode and the charge-collecting section. |
| US10215729B2 |
Method of monitoring the dry cleaning progress of a transcutaneous sensor
The proposed invention provides a method of monitoring the dry cleaning progress of a transcutaneous sensor having an electrode for measuring pCO2 and an electrode for measuring pO2, both electrodes opening into a measuring surface of the sensor. The method comprises receiving an AC signal from the pCO2 electrode, initiating a cleaning of the sensor, and monitoring the cleaning progress by analyzing AC signals subsequently received from the pCO2 electrode. |
| US10215726B2 |
Sensor element for detecting at least one property of a measured gas in a measured gas chamber, and method for manufacturing the same
A sensor element for detecting a level of a gas component in the measured gas or a temperature of the measured gas. The sensor element includes at least one solid electrolyte layer. The solid electrolyte layer has at least one plated-through hole. The sensor element further includes a conductive element, which produces an electrically conductive connection through the plated-through hole. In the plated-through hole, the solid electrolyte layer is electrically insulated from the conductive element by an insulating element. At least one opening region of the plated-through hole is stabilized against phase transition by a stabilizing element. The stabilizing element is made at least partially of a material, which includes a noble metal and an element selected from the group consisting of: V, Nb, Ta, Sb, Bi, Cr, Mo, W. A method for manufacturing the sensor element is also provided. |
| US10215723B2 |
System for determining the adiabatic stress derivative of temperature for rock
A system for determining an adiabatic stress derivative of temperature for rock includes two pressure vessels containing a rock sample unit. The two pressure vessels are both filled with silicon oil. Bottoms of the pressure vessels are communicated with each other through an oil pipe. Each of the pressure vessels is communicated with a booster pump through an oil inlet pipe, and is provided with a pressure relief pipe at its top. Each of the oil pipe, the oil inlet pipes, and the pressure relief pipes is respectively provided with a drain valve. Each of the oil inlet pipes is respectively provided with a pressure sensor. Each of the rock sample units is respectively encapsulated in a rubber sleeve immersed in the silicone oil, and each rock sample is provided with temperature sensors on a surface and in a center thereof. |
| US10215722B2 |
Providing appliances with gas quality information
Methods and systems for providing appliances with gas quality information are described herein. One system includes a single calorimeter or a single gas chromatograph configured to determine a calorific value of a gas being supplied to an area having a plurality of appliances and communicate the calorific value of the gas to the plurality of appliances. |
| US10215721B2 |
Pressurizable dilatometer system and apparatus
Dilatometer systems for measuring characteristics of material samples are disclosed. In one embodiment, a dilatometer system includes a reactor adapted to receive the test sample, a density trap in fluid communication with the reactor, a first fluid selectively filling the reactor and a portion of the density trap, and a second fluid selectively filling a portion of the density trap. The first fluid and the second fluid are immiscible with one another and selectively form an immiscible fluid boundary in the density trap. The dilatometer system further includes a heater that selectively heats the first fluid. |
| US10215718B2 |
Electron beam inspection apparatus and electron beam inspection method
An electron beam inspection apparatus includes a stage to mount a substrate to be inspected thereon and to be continuously movable, an electron beam column, while the stage continuously moves, to scan the substrate by irradiating the substrate with multi-beams composed of a plurality of first electron beams in a plurality of beam rows, in each of which corresponding beams of the plurality of first electron beams are arranged at a same pitch in a straight line, such that the center of each of irradiation regions irradiated with the multi-beams does not overlap with the other irradiation regions in a movement direction of the stage, and a detector to detect a secondary electron emitted from the substrate due to irradiation of the multi-beams on the substrate. |
| US10215714B1 |
Method and system for detecting defects on surface of object
Method and system for detecting defects on surface of object are presented. An imaging device captures images of surface of object under ambient and dark field illumination conditions. The images are processed with a plurality of image operations to detect area of potential defect at location on surface of object based on predictable pattern consisting of bright and shadow regions. Kernels are defined corresponding to configurations of dark field illumination sources to enhance detecting potential defect. Areas of potential defect are cut from processed images to sub images. Sub images are stitched together to generate hypothesis of potential defect at location on surface of object. The hypothesis is classified with a classifier to determine whether the potential defect is true defect. The classifier is trained with training data having characteristics of true defect. The method provides efficient automated detection of micro defects on surface of object. |
| US10215712B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing and measuring dynamically focused, steered, and shaped oblique laser illumination for spinning wafer inspection system
A method and apparatus for producing high frequency dynamically focused oblique laser illumination for a spinning wafer inspection system. The focus is changed by changing the beam direction incidence angle so as to bring focal spot onto the wafer surface.Disclosed herein is a system and method for automatic beam shaping (i.e., spot size) and steering (i.e., position) for a spinning wafer inspection system, combined into a single module. Also disclosed is a method and system for measuring the beam position/size/shape and angle with sufficient resolution to make corrections using feedback from the monitor. |
| US10215710B2 |
Method for classifying a defect in a component intended to have a monocrystalline structure
Method and apparatus for classifying defect in component having a monocrystalline structure. The method includes: illuminating surface of component containing defect with beam of light from plurality of different spherical directions; each illumination direction, measuring intensity of light reflected by surface and received by detector; determining contrast value between region with higher intensity and a region with lower intensity for each illumination direction; analyzing contrast values by performing tests selected from the following: (a) determining whether region with higher intensity exceeds predetermined width; (b) identifying illumination direction which produces maximum contrast value, and determining whether illumination direction falls outside of predetermined region; (c) identifying peak in contrast values and determining whether peak extends over range of illumination directions which exceeds predetermined threshold; and (d) determining whether contrast values contain plurality of discontinuous peaks; and determining type of defect based on of tests. |
| US10215706B2 |
Gemstone sparkle analysis
A system is described for obtaining images of a gemstone, and performing quantitative analysis on the images to obtain measures of properties of the gemstone. The system comprises a support structure for supporting the gemstone at an observation position. An illumination structure is arranged to illuminate the gemstone. The illumination structure comprises a plurality of radially dispersed directional light sources directed towards the observation position, the support structure and illumination system being rotatable relative to one another around a rotation axis so that the gemstone can be illuminated by one or more of the directional light sources at each of a plurality of rotational positions, the axis of rotation being normal to a selected facet of the gemstone. An imaging device is directed towards the gemstone for obtaining images of the gemstone at each of the rotational positions, the imaging device having an imaging axis parallel to or coincident with the axis of rotation. An image processor is provided for identifying sparkle regions in the images corresponding to reflections from individual light sources by individual facets and providing a quantitative measure of the gemstone on the basis of properties of the sparkle regions. |
| US10215705B2 |
Fiber optic system for measuring a multiphase flow
The present invention provides a system for measuring a multiphase flow. Fibre optic probes are arranged around a pipe (109) where a multiphase flow passes through for obtaining information about the flow. The data collected from the probes will be translated into useful information. |
| US10215703B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing spectroscopic analysis of a subject using a frustum shaped reflective cavity
This invention relates to a light delivery and collection device for performing spectroscopic analysis of a subject. The light delivery and collection device comprises a reflective cavity with two apertures. The first aperture receives excitation light which then diverges and projects onto the second aperture. The second aperture is applied to the subject such that the reflective cavity substantially forms an enclosure covering an area of the subject. The excitation light interacts with the covered area of the subject to produce inelastic scattering and/or fluorescence emission from the subject. The reflective cavity reflects the excitation light as well as the inelastic scattering and/or fluorescence emission that is reflected and/or back-scattered from the subject and redirects it towards the subject. This causes more excitation light to penetrate into the subject hence enabling sub-surface measurement and also improves the collection efficiency of the inelastic scattering or fluorescence emission. The shape of the reflective cavity is optimized to further improve the collection efficiency. |
| US10215701B2 |
Method of assessing chemicals in produced fluids
A method of monitoring water-soluble treatment chemicals in a fluid that is immiscible with water and which may or may not contain some aqueous fluid, the method using at least one reagent that produces an optically detectable product, the detection step can take place without separation of the aqueous phase containing the treatment chemicals from the fluid immiscible with water. |
| US10215699B2 |
Utilizing updraft flow in a fan-less dust sensor
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for providing airflow within a particulate matter sensor. A particulate matter sensor may comprise an air duct, a light source configured to pass light through the air duct, a extender connected to the light source configured to dissipate thermal energy generated by the light source, and to generate a updraft of airflow into the air duct, a photodetector located in the air duct, and a computing device coupled to the photodetector. The computing device has a processor and a memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, determines a mass concentration of particles in the air duct based on an output of the photodetector. |
| US10215696B2 |
System for determining at least one property of a sheet dielectric sample using terahertz radiation
A system for determining at least one property of a sheet dielectric sample using terahertz radiation includes at least one terahertz transmitter configured to output a pulse of terahertz radiation, a terahertz receiver configured to receive at least a portion of the pulse of terahertz radiation, wherein the terahertz receiver is configured to output a measured waveform based on the terahertz radiation received by the terahertz receiver, and a control unit in communication with the terahertz receiver. Wherein the control unit is configured to choose at least one region of interest of the measured waveform, compare the at least one region of interest of the measured waveform to a model waveform, vary at least one parameter of a model waveform to minimize the difference between the model waveform and the measured waveform. |
| US10215695B1 |
Inspection system and method for detecting defects at a materials interface
An inspection system and method that use a differential technique to accurately detect interface defects at a resolution on the order of tens of nanometers or less. Specifically, a radiation source (e.g., a THz or sTHz radiation source) is used to illuminate a materials interface within an object under test (e.g., a semiconductor wafer, integrated circuit (IC) chip package, etc.) under selectively varied inspection conditions. Suitable detector(s) are used to capture images of the materials interface when that interface is illuminated under the selectively varied inspection conditions. The captured images can be compared and contrasted to determine an actual differential in a property of the images. Based on this actual differential, a determination can be made as to whether or not the materials interface is defective and, particularly, as to whether or not the materials interface contains defects even defects that are a few nanometers or less in size. |
| US10215693B2 |
Infrared spectroscopic reflectometer for measurement of high aspect ratio structures
Methods and systems for performing spectroscopic reflectometry measurements of semiconductor structures at infrared wavelengths are presented herein. In some embodiments measurement wavelengths spanning a range from 750 nanometers to 2,600 nanometers, or greater, are employed. In one aspect, reflectometry measurements are performed at oblique angles to reduce the influence of backside reflections on measurement results. In another aspect, a broad range of infrared wavelengths are detected by a detector that includes multiple photosensitive areas having different sensitivity characteristics. Collected light is linearly dispersed across the surface of the detector according to wavelength. Each different photosensitive area is arranged on the detector to sense a different range of incident wavelengths. In this manner, a broad range of wavelengths are detected with high signal to noise ratio by a single detector. |
| US10215692B2 |
Optical waveguide structure and optical gas sensor, and methods of fabrication thereof
There is provided an optical waveguide structure, including a substrate, an insulating layer disposed on the substrate whereby the insulating layer includes an air slot formed therein, a first material layer suspended over the air slot whereby the first material layer constitutes a waveguide core of the optical waveguide structure, and a second material layer disposed over the waveguide core whereby the waveguide core is suspended over the air slot by the second material layer. There is also provided an optical gas sensor incorporating the optical waveguide structure and methods of fabrication thereof. |
| US10215684B2 |
Fine particle detection device
A fine particle detection device according to the present disclosure includes: a first irradiation portion configured to radiate excitation light to a flow passage in which a fine particle flows to excite fluorescent light from the fine particle; a first separation portion configured to separate the excitation light and the fluorescent light from light that has been radiated to the flow passage by the first irradiation portion; a first detection portion configured to detect the fluorescent light separated by the first separation portion; a second irradiation portion configured to radiate the excitation light separated by the first separation portion to the flow passage to excite the fluorescent light from the fine particle; a second separation portion configured to separate the excitation light and the fluorescent light from light that has been radiated to the flow passage by the second irradiation portion; and a second detection portion configured to detect the fluorescent light separated by the second separation portion. |
| US10215682B2 |
Methods, device and apparatus for evaluating electrical current threat effects at joints
A method and device is disclosed for measuring one or more physical properties of, and/or induced by, out-gassing products released from and/or trapped within a joint in response to a lightning strike or other electrical current threat. A device for measuring one or more physical properties of, and/or induced by, gases, plasma and/or particles released from a joint in response to an electrical current threat. The joint includes a fastener passing through a structure so that an end of the fastener protrudes from the structure. The device includes a containment member having a base surrounding an opening into a cavity, the containment member being arranged to be mounted over the end of the fastener to enclose the end of the fastener within the cavity and to seal the opening; and one or more sensors arranged to measure physical properties of gases, plasma and/or particles contained by the cavity. |
| US10215681B2 |
System for eliminating electrically conductive particles
A system for eliminating electrically conductive particles by detecting and destroying electrically conductive particles in a medium circulation. Electrodes are arranged by a power supply in potentials differing from each other, whereby electrically conductive particles getting drifted in connection therewith are arranged to be detected and destroyed by causing a shortcut between the electrodes. A device having a uniform frame. Inside the device there is a flow space for a flow-through of a medium circulation occurring inside thereof in its longitudinal direction. The flow space has, when viewed in a crosswise plane perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, adjacent narrow flow ways in one or more directions. Opposite walls of the flow ways are arranged as electrodes in potentials differing from each other. |
| US10215679B2 |
Thin-layer chromatography for screening oil-field surfactants
A thin-layer chromatography device can be used to determine or select a surfactant solution for use during hydrocarbon-fluid production operations. The thin-layer chromatography device can include a chamber that can receive a surfactant solution that includes a surfactant and a fluid. The thin-layer chromatography device can also include a substrate that can be coated with a layer of adsorbent material to form a thin-layer substrate and a hydrocarbon fluid can be disposed on the thin-layer substrate. The thin-layer substrate, along with the hydrocarbon fluid, can be positioned within the chamber to determine a mobility index of the hydrocarbon fluid when the hydrocarbon fluid contacts the surfactant solution. The mobility index can indicate an eluting capability of the surfactant solution with respect to the hydrocarbon fluid and can be used to select the surfactant solution to be injected into a wellbore that includes the hydrocarbon fluid to enhance hydrocarbon-fluid production operations. |
| US10215676B2 |
Plant stem tree branch or trunk moisture probe
A moisture probe or sensor including an attachment element configured for attachment to a plant, bush or tree to determine a moisture content of the plant bush or tree. The moisture probe including a transceiver configured to transmit a moisture signal indicative of the moisture content of the plant, tree or plant. |
| US10215672B2 |
Biocompatible method of functionalising substrates with inert surfaces
Biocompatible methods of functionalizing inert surfaces for use in biological applications are described. The methods employ the use of synthetic constructs of the generic structure F-S-L (where F is a functional moiety, S is a spacer selected to provide a construct that is dispersible in water, and L is a diacyl- or dialkyl-glycerophospholipid). An object of the invention is to localize or immobilize functional moieties to the inert surface of a substrate wherein the surface is comprised of glass, silver, polyamide, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethersulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene or polyvinylidene fluoride, and the substrate is comprised of a fiber, membrane, microsphere or nanosphere. |
| US10215671B2 |
Microfluidic device
An apparatus and a method for providing one or more substance liquids to a microfluidic channel network (30). The microfluidic apparatus includes valves for switching the one or more substance liquids to a microfluidic channel network (30). The apparatus can be used to generate a sequence of the one or more substance liquids as individual droplets in an immiscible separation liquid wherein individual ones of the sequence of droplets are located between the separation liquid. |
| US10215668B2 |
Air quality test unit and process
An air quality test unit for attachment to a vent of a HVAC system with air flow there through. The air quality test unit is a closeable collection container is used with only one substrate panel. The substrate panel with the collection container has one or more ball and socket pivot hinges coupling the substrate panel to the clip. The air quality test unit is attachable to the vent by the clip. The collection container of the substrate panels capture airborne substances and contaminants emanating from the air flow of the HVAC system vent and is then closed with a detachable cover. A culture growth medium may be disposed in the collection container. The air quality test unit kit provides a user with an air quality test unit and process for shipping the unit to the laboratory for analysis. |
| US10215667B1 |
Sampling and preparation system and its implementation method
A sampling and preparation system is positioned in a coal and biomass co-fired power station, which includes a sampling pipe connected with a boiler flue of the co-fired power station. The sampling pipe from the end close to the boiler flue to the other end away from the boiler flue includes a filtering device, a mass flow controller, a carbon dioxide trap and a pumping device. The sampling and preparation system also includes a carbon dioxide transfer device and a 14C testing device. The carbon dioxide transfer device is applied to transferring the carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide trap to the 14C testing device which is applied to measuring the 14C in the carbon dioxide sample. The system may calculate the biomass blending ratio of the coal and biomass co-fired power station rapidly. |
| US10215665B2 |
System and method to model power output of an engine
A system includes an engine configured to generate power to drive a load. The system also includes a power augmentation system configured to augment a power output of the engine when the power augmentation system is activated. Additionally, the system includes a controller operatively coupled to the power augmentation system. The controller is configured to estimate a potential change in the power output of the engine caused by activation of the power augmentation system using a power augmentation model and an engine performance model. |
| US10215662B2 |
Systems and methods for the inspection of contact lenses
An apparatus for inspecting lenses includes an inspection system including an open cuvette, a communicatively coupled CT measurement device, and a user interface communicatively coupled to the inspection system. According to one embodiment, the lens inspection system provides a single instrument for inspecting the quality of a lens, thereby minimizing the transference of the lens from one inspection component to another. |
| US10215660B1 |
Erosion sensor and system, method, and computer program product thereof
Erosion sensors and systems, methods, and computer products thereof are operative to determine and provide real time erosion data. Such data may be used to determine in real time an amount of erosion or ablation on an ablative surface, for instance, of a rocket or missile launch pad, of an exhaust management system, of an extraterrestrial vehicle, or of a fire detection system. |
| US10215657B2 |
Automated balance-weight applicator
A weight applicator system includes a shaft, an applicator assembly, and a weight feed assembly. The shaft defines a length between a proximal end and a distal end configured to support a wheel-tire assembly for common rotation about a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The applicator assembly is supported by the shaft and includes a base portion disposed upon the shaft and operable to translate axially along the length of the shaft, a radial portion connected to the base portion and operable to radially move relative to the base portion between a retracted position and an extended position; and a pressure roller rotatably supported by the radial portion about an axis of rotation. The weight feed assembly is operable to feed a prescribed length of weighted material to the pressure roller. |
| US10215652B2 |
Microelectromechanical sensing structure for a pressure sensor including a deformable test structure
A microelectromechanical sensing structure having a membrane region including a membrane that undergoes deformation as a function of a pressure and a first actuator that is controlled in a first operating mode and a second operating mode, the first actuator being such that, when it operates in the second operating mode, it contacts the membrane region and deforms the membrane in a way different from when it operates in the first operating mode. |
| US10215647B2 |
Method and assembly for determining the temperature of a test sensor
Methods and systems accurately determine an analyte concentration in a fluid sample. In an example embodiment, a receiving port receives a test sensor. The test sensor includes a fluid-receiving area for receiving a fluid sample. The fluid-receiving area contains a reagent that produces a measurable reaction with an analyte in the fluid sample. The test sensor has a test-sensor temperature and the reagent has a reagent temperature. A measurement system measures the reaction between the reagent and the analyte. A temperature-measuring system measures the test sensor temperature when the test sensor is received into the receiving port. A concentration of the analyte in the fluid sample is determined according to the measurement of the reaction and the measurement of the test sensor temperature. A diagnostic system determines an accuracy of the temperature-measuring system. The calculation of the analyte concentration may be adjusted according to the accuracy of temperature-measuring system. |
| US10215637B2 |
Defining software configuration for hyperspectral imaging apparatus
A method of defining a software configuration for a hyperspectral imaging apparatus includes: creating a plurality of different functionalities, each based on at least one wavelength range; storing one or more of the created functionalities into a hyperspectral image processing model; generating a hyperspectral application for a specific hardware implementation of the hyperspectral imaging apparatus by configuring the hyperspectral application to utilize one or more of the created functionalities of the hyperspectral image processing model; and setting a selection of wavelengths as a control parameter in the hyperspectral application for controlling the specific hardware implementation of the hyperspectral imaging apparatus during an image capture. The selection of wavelengths is based on the wavelength ranges of the utilized one or more created functionalities. |
| US10215633B2 |
Miniature spectrometer and method of assembling the samens
A miniature spectrometer comprises an input port, a light sensor, a miniature diffraction optical grating, an optical grating accommodation slot, a cushion, and an affixing plate. The miniature spectrometer may further comprise a waveguide device, and the optical grating accommodation slot is positioned in a space defined by an opening of the waveguide device. The input port receives an optical signal which proceeds in the waveguide device. The miniature diffraction optical grating separates the optical signal into numerous spectral components to be projected onto the light sensor. The cushion is stacked on the miniature diffraction optical grating, with both disposed in the optical grating accommodation slot. The affixing plate is disposed on the waveguide device to apply a compressing force on the cushion to affix the miniature diffraction optical grating in the optical grating accommodation slot. |
| US10215632B2 |
Method and apparatus for spectral reflectance imaging using digital cameras
A method and spectral light-based apparatus with an embedded (built-in) spectral calibration module for acquiring multi-spectral reflectance images from a digital camera are disclosed. The apparatus may be an attachment device, which may be integrated with a consumer digital camera (such as smartphone camera), and may measure and/or estimate spectral reflectance and true color values for an object recorded by the camera. An example apparatus comprises an array of monochromatic light sources, preferably pulsed LEDs, irradiating in a time-multiplexed manner to generate light spectra in the range of 400 nm-1000 nm, an optical lens to limit the field of view of the attached camera, an electro-mechanical shutter or plate with its inner (reflection) surface coated with a diffuse reflectance standard to ensure flat spectral response, and an interface module for synchronizing the time-multiplexed light spectra with the coated shutter opening and closing and with the digital frames acquired by the camera, such that the true spectral reflectance and true color value of an object can be measured. |
| US10215628B2 |
Image calibrating method and device of testing apparatus for thin film transistor substrate
The present disclosure relates to an image calibrating method and device of a testing apparatus for thin film transistor (TFT) substrate. The method comprises following steps of: calculating an image offset value by using coordinate information of each pixel in a prescribed target image obtained by the testing apparatus for the thin film transistor substrate; and determining whether the offset value is smaller than a prescribed threshold value, in a case where the offset value is not smaller than the prescribed threshold value, adjusting the image by using the offset value and recalculating the offset value by using the coordinate information of each pixel in the adjusted image; in a case where the offset value is smaller than the prescribed threshold value, calibrating the image obtained by the testing apparatus for the thin film transistor substrate with the offset value as a calibrating value. The calibrating efficiency and calibrating accuracy of the testing method for the thin film transistor substrate are enhanced according to the present disclosure. |
| US10215625B2 |
Laser vehicle headlight system and detecting method thereof
A laser vehicle headlight system for detecting an incident laser light and outputting a headlight includes a headlight body, an optical unit and a light leakage detecting unit. The optical unit is disposed on the headlight body and receives the incident laser light. The optical unit includes a fluorescent member which is disposed on an initial light path of the incident laser light and is illuminated by the incident laser light to induce a stable light traveling along a stable light path. The light leakage detecting unit is disposed on the headlight body. The light leakage detecting unit includes a first elliptical reflecting surface and a light detector. The first elliptical reflecting surface has a first elliptical reflecting focal point and is corresponding to the fluorescent member. The light detector is disposed at the first elliptical reflecting focal point of the first elliptical reflecting surface. |
| US10215623B2 |
Optical sensor and method of correcting same
An optical sensor (10) includes a first switch (SW1) and a second switch (SW2), these switches are switched between a first step and a second step and thus the coupling of light receiving portions (photodiodes) and three analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) is switched. In the first step of the switch, photocurrents generated in a blue light receiving portion (BLUE), a green light receiving portion (GREEN) and a red light receiving portion (RED) are processed in real time. In the second step, photocurrents generated in an infrared light receiving portion (Ir), an environmental light receiving portion (CLEAR) and the green light receiving portion (GREEN) are processed. The photocurrents of the infrared light receiving portion (Ir) and the environmental light receiving portion (CLEAR) generated in the first step are calculated from a ratio of the two photocurrents measured in the green light receiving portion (GREEN). |
| US10215622B2 |
Method and gonioradiometer for the direction-dependent measurement of at least one lighting or radiometric characteristic variable of an optical radiation source
The invention relates to a gonioradiometer for the direction-dependent measurement of at least one lighting or radiometric characteristic variable of an optical radiation source (2), having: an apparatus for moving a radiation source (2) during a measurement operation about a first axis (31) and about a second axis (32) that is perpendicular to the first axis (31); a measuring wall (5) exhibiting homogeneous reflection, on which the light from the radiation source (2) is reflected; and a locationally fixed and immovably arranged camera (7) having an optical unit (8) and a two-dimensional sensor chip (100). The camera (7) is arranged such that it captures light reflected on the measuring wall (5), wherein the reflected light is imaged by the optical unit (8) of the camera (8) onto the sensor chip (100) of the camera (7), and wherein the sensor chip (100) records measurement values as the radiation source (2) is rotated during a measurement operation, which measurement values indicate the lighting or radiometric characteristic variable substantially on a spherical surface about the radiation centroid of the radiation source (2). The invention furthermore relates to a method and a gonioradiometer for the direction-dependent measurement of at least one lighting or radiometric characteristic variable of an optical radiation source (2), in which provision is made for at least two fixedly installed sensors (1, 100) to be used which provide measurement values simultaneously during a measurement. |
| US10215619B1 |
Scale-based time synchrony
Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to an apparatus including a weighing-scale platform, housing, and a plurality of sensors and sensor-data processing to collect a first set of physiological data while the user is standing on the platform. The first set of has an accuracy component that is dependent on or defined using a time-based interval or time-based metric. The apparatus further includes data-assimilation circuitry to provide synchronization by accessing a profile having information for identifying the user, accessing an indication of the time interval or metric derived from the first set of physiological data specific to the user, identifying a peripheral device including physiological-measuring circuitry with a second set of physiological data, the second set of physiological data being from and specific to the user, and while accounting for the time-based inaccuracies, comparing aspects of the first and second sets of physiological data. |
| US10215618B2 |
Sealable rotatable package weighing and labeling system and apparatus
A weighing and labeling system has a scale, label printer, and at least one controller. The controller stores information about incoming food packages and drives the printer to produce labels based on the stored information and the weight of the food packages. The labels are transferred to the food packages. |
| US10215616B2 |
Coaxial linear drive-end for small volume prover
A small volume prover apparatus and method for precisely measuring the displaced volume of a fluid. A precision bore cylinder and a piston can be configured with a valve arrangement in order to permit fluid to pass through an annular passage when the piston travels from one position to an opposite position. A magnetized forcer connected to the piston and a magnetic drive chamber configured to produce linear motion of said magnetized forcer are operably connected to the piston in order to move the piston from one position to the other. |
| US10215613B2 |
System and method for non-intrusive and continuous level measurement of a liquid
A system and a method for non-intrusive and continuous level measurement of a liquid enclosed by a solid wall of a vessel. The system comprises an ultrasonic transmitter for generating an ultrasound wave and for emitting it into the vessel wall, an ultrasonic receiver for receiving the ultrasound wave, and an electronic control and data processing unit (ECDU) for controlling operation of the transmitter and of the receiver and for determining the liquid level. The transmitter is able to emit the ultrasound wave as a primary Lamb wave into the vessel wall so that a part of the primary Lamb wave leaks from the vessel wall into the liquid in form of a pressure wave. The ECDU is adapted to repeatedly determine the time of flight of the pressure wave, change the ultrasonic frequency of the transmitter until the determined time of flight reaches a minimum, and determine the liquid level. |
| US10215606B2 |
Device for dispensing a liquid medium
A device for dispensing a liquid medium (26) from a container (1), comprising a housing (13), a metering drum (2) accommodated therein and a sealing disk (14), the housing (13) having a drum outlet (3) and a system air admission structure (22), and the sealing disk (14) having an admission opening (12) and a drum inlet (4). The metering drum (2) comprises a metering chamber (5), a chamber outlet (6) and a chamber inlet (7). The metering drum (2) further has a rotary valve (8), said rotary valve (8), in a first working position, connecting the drum inlet (4) to the chamber inlet (7) while closing the chamber outlet (6), thereby admitting air to the container (1) and removing air from the metering chamber (5). In a second working position, The metering drum (2) closes the chamber inlet (7) while connecting the drum outlet (3) to the chamber outlet (6), thereby further admitting air to the metering chamber (5) and the air admission channel (11) being connected to the system air admission structure (22). |
| US10215603B2 |
Ultrasonic consumption meter with locking mechanism
An ultrasonic consumption meter includes two ultrasonic transducers for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, a flow channel, an electronic circuit for operating the meter, and a housing for the ultrasonic transducers and the electronic circuit. The housing is locked in position relative to the flow channel by a locking mechanism, and the flow channel has two holes for allowing the housing to get into contact with a media flowing in the flow channel. |
| US10215602B2 |
Apparatus for measuring the volume flow of a fluid
An apparatus for measuring volume flow of a fluid flowing through a measuring tube in the direction of its longitudinal axis, comprising a coil arrangement, at least two measuring electrodes coupling with the fluid and a control/evaluation unit, which in connection with the coil arrangement produces a magnetic field periodically changing its polarity and extending essentially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the measuring tube. The control/evaluation unit during a measuring phase at an essentially constant magnetic field determines the volume flow of the fluid in the measuring tube based on a voltage induced in the measuring electrodes. The control/evaluation unit supplies the coil arrangement with an overvoltage during a delay phase, and the delay phase begins at the point in time of the reversal of the polarity of the magnetic field and ends at the point in time of the beginning of the measuring phase. The control/evaluation unit supplies the coil arrangement with an essentially constant holding voltage over the duration of the measuring phase, wherein the control/evaluation unit controls the ratio of overvoltage to holding voltage to an essentially constant value. |
| US10215599B2 |
Fluid sampling system and fluid sensing device thereof
A fluid sensing device is provided, including a main body and a light sensing unit. The main body includes a casing and a rotary member. A containing chamber is formed in the casing. The rotary member is rotatably disposed in the casing, and the rotary member has at least one transparent portion. A fluid flows into the containing chamber to drive the rotary member rotating around a central axis. The light sensing unit includes a first light transceiver module and a second light transceiver module disposed near the main body in an asymmetrical manner with respect to the central axis to transmit and receive the light passing through the translucent portion. |
| US10215598B2 |
Universal sensor fitting for process applications
A universal fitting for in-line fluid measurement in a process application. The fitting includes an inlet and outlet port and also has a body with a fluid flow passage providing fluid communication between the ports. A sensor housing is provided that extends outwardly away from a wall of the body, wherein the housing is sized to receive a sensor assembly, which assembly measures at least one characteristic of the fluid. A base of each housing integrally formed with the wall and including a sensor seat for receiving a portion of the sensor assembly. A probe aperture receives a probe portion of the sensor assembly, each housing having the probe aperture disposed in the wall and extending from the fluid passage through its respective sensor seat. |
| US10215596B2 |
Position detection apparatus, lens apparatus, image pickup system, machine tool apparatus, exposure apparatus, position detection method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium which are capable of detecting reference position with high accuracy
A position detection apparatus detects a position of an object, and the position detection apparatus includes a detector, a scale having a periodic pattern, the scale and the detector being movable relatively to each other, and a signal processor configured to generate a reference signal indicating a reference position of the scale, and the signal processor is configured to generate the reference signal based on a ratio of a first phase signal and a second phase signal from the detector. |
| US10215595B2 |
Indexed optical encoder
An optical encoder for measuring rotation is provided. The optical encoder includes an optical disk having a diffraction grating track and an index track. The index track being disposed radially inward from the diffraction grating track. The diffraction grating track having a plurality of equally spaced lines that create an alternating light/dark pattern. The index track includes a pattern with at least two sequences, the at least two sequences being equally spaced about the diameter of the index track, each of the sequences having at least one mark and each of the sequences having a different number of marks from the other sequences. |
| US10215593B2 |
Magnetic sensor
A sensor system for detecting a characteristic of a target object is described. The sensor system can include a sensor, such as a magnetic sensor, configured to sense magnet field components and to generate corresponding magnet field component signals based on the sensed magnet field components. The sensor system can include a processor that is configured to calculate a magnetic field angle based third magnetic field components. For example, the magnetic field angle can be calculated by determining a quadratic sum of a plurality of the magnetic field components. The characteristic of the target object can be determined based on the calculated magnetic field angle. |
| US10215592B2 |
Electronic apparatus with movable unit such as display unit movable in opening and closing direction
An electronic apparatus which prevents a moving state of a movable unit such as a display unit from being falsely detected. The movable unit is movable in an opening and closing direction with respect to an apparatus main body. When the movable unit is moved with respect to the apparatus main body, a magnetic sensor in the apparatus main body detects a moving state of the movable unit with respect to the apparatus main body by detecting a magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generating unit provided in the movable unit. A Hard Magnetic Material is placed inside the apparatus main body and at such a location that the magnetic sensor is sandwiched between the Hard Magnetic Material and the movable unit being in a closed state. A Soft Magnetic Material is placed inside the apparatus main body and between the magnetic sensor and the Hard Magnetic Material. |
| US10215591B2 |
Method for adapting a detection threshold of a crankshaft sensor for motor vehicle
Disclosed is a method for adapting a detection threshold (S1) of a magnetic field sensor for a crankshaft of a motor vehicle equipped with the “stop & go” function, the sensor delivering a signal (B) of variations of magnetic field having two states, such as: State 1: when the crankshaft is rotating: the signal includes rising fronts and falling fronts, State 2: when the crankshaft is stopped: the signal has an aperiodic progressive drift (ΔTAR). The method includes for state 2 steps making it possible to estimate the variation (Δ1, Δ2, Δ3, Δ4 . . . Δi) of the value (V1, V2 . . . Vi) of the signal (B) during the stopped phase of the crankshaft in order to adapt the detection threshold (S1) to a new value (S4) applicable for the detection of the first tooth upon restart of the engine (R). |
| US10215589B2 |
IO matching current modulated output for sensors
A sensor system enables a direct communication from a current modulated two-wire sensor or a speed sensor module to a TTL or CMOS processor. A magnetic speed sensor provides a current modulated signal directly to an input/output (I/O) pin of the TTL or CMOS processor, which is able to read TTL or CMOS levels of I/O signals thereat. A current to voltage converter converts the current modulate signal to a voltage modulated signal as an I/O signal that is directly read by the TTL or CMOS processor without additional components or elements. |
| US10215587B2 |
Method for step detection and gait direction estimation
A method for detecting a human's steps and estimating the horizontal translation direction and scaling of the resulting motion relative to an inertial sensor is described. When a pedestrian takes a sequence of steps the displacement can be decomposed into a sequence of rotations and translations over each step. A translation is the change in the location of pedestrian's center of mass and a rotation is the change along z-axis of the pedestrian's orientation. A translation can be described by a vector and a rotation by an angle. |
| US10215586B2 |
Location based features for commute assistant
Some embodiments provide a commute application that provides a first presentation of several stops along a route. The commute application also receives a selection of a stop from the several stops along the route. The commute application further provides a second presentation for displaying several different routes that traverse through the selected stop. |
| US10215584B2 |
Storing and accessing traffic data images in a limited bandwidth environment
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for storing and accessing traffic data images in a limited bandwidth environment. A traffic map image database is stored in a navigation device, where the database includes a plurality of traffic map images. A traffic condition is determined for a location of the navigation device. A traffic map image is retrieved from the database using a processor, where the traffic map image reflects the traffic condition for the location of the navigation device. The traffic map image is displayed on the navigation device. |
| US10215580B2 |
Route-guidance control device, route-guidance control method, and navigation system
A configuration includes: a search unit to access to a map database storing map information to search for a destination corresponding to an input linguistic expression, using a plurality of search criteria provided with orders of priority; and a destination setting unit to set a first destination corresponding to the input linguistic expression, in accordance with the orders of priority. |
| US10215574B2 |
Facilitating rider pick-up for a transport service
A transport facilitation system is disclosed that can facilitate pick-ups in connection with a transportation arrangement service. The transport facilitation system can initially receive a pick-up request from a user device of a requesting user and select a driver to service the pick-up request. The transport facilitation system can transmit an invitation to service the pick-up request to a driver device of the driver and receive a confirmation to service the pick-up request from the driver device. Thereafter the transport facilitation system can, detect, from the user device, a sensor pattern corresponding to a hailing action performed by the requesting user using the user device. In response to detecting the sensor pattern, the transport facilitation system can initiate a selected display pattern on a graphical user interface (GUI) of the user device to enable the driver to identify the requesting user. |
| US10215572B2 |
Map update determination system
A map update determination system includes a traveling plan generation unit generating, based on a target route of a vehicle set in advance and map information, a traveling plan of the vehicle including a control target value for the vehicle in accordance with a position on the target route, a detection value acquisition unit acquiring, in association with the position on the target route, a control result detection value resulting from an automatic driving control for the vehicle executed based on a road environment in a vicinity of the vehicle, a traveling situation of the vehicle, a position of the vehicle, and the traveling plan, an evaluation value calculation unit calculating an evaluation value of the traveling plan for each zone, and a map update determination unit determining a necessity of an update of the map information for each zone. |
| US10215571B2 |
System and method for precision localization and mapping
A method for localization and mapping, including recording an image at a camera mounted to a vehicle, the vehicle associated with a global system location; identifying a landmark depicted in the image with a landmark identification module of a computing system associated with the vehicle, the identified landmark having a landmark geographic location and a known parameter; extracting a set of landmark parameters from the image with a feature extraction module of the computing system; determining, at the computing system, a relative position between the vehicle and the landmark geographic location based on a comparison between the extracted set of landmark parameters and the known parameter; and updating, at the computing system, the global system location based on the relative position. |
| US10215570B2 |
Geographic space management
A system is provided that manages a geographic space including a route on which a moving object moves, including a plurality of subsystems operable to respectively manage maps of a plurality of regions obtained by dividing the geographic space, and a region manager operable to adjust loads of the subsystems by dynamically changing a boundary of at least one region among the plurality of regions. Also provided is a method and computer program product. |
| US10215569B2 |
Method and system for determining a relative position to a target
A method for determining the relative angular direction θ between a target and a transmitter. A generation of one or more light beams at the transmitter comprises diffracting broadband light in such a way that different optical frequency wavelengths are diffracted differently and a relative angular direction θ is detected by reading the optical frequency wavelength. A system is provided for determining the relative angular direction between a target and a transmitter and a system is provided for determining a relative position between a target and a transmitter in an area, wherein relative position is defined by the parameters: relative angular direction (θ1, θ2), and distance. |
| US10215561B2 |
Method of designing container of liquid reflection inclination sensor, inclination sensor including the container, and method of producing inclination sensor including the container
A method of designing a container of a liquid reflection inclination sensor includes a liquid surface calculating step (S1) that calculates a shape of a liquid surface of a liquid in a horizontal direction “x” and a vertical direction “y” by utilizing the Young-Laplace formula and the hydrostatic pressure formula, the liquid surface formed on a plate extending vertically and infinitely with respect to a horizontal part of the liquid surface, an optical simulation step (S2) that obtains a light receiving pattern by reflecting a dark field pattern (4′) irradiated from an imaginary light source (2′) on an imaginary mirror plane (9a′) having the shape of the liquid surface, and a container adjusting step (S3-S4) that adjusts a shape of a cylindrical container (10) for enclosing the liquid by judging whether image accuracy of the light receiving pattern satisfies demanded sensor accuracy. |
| US10215556B2 |
Three-dimensional measuring apparatus
A three-dimensional measuring apparatus includes a first irradiating unit, a second irradiating unit, imaging unit that can image a measured object, a first image data acquiring unit that acquires a plurality of image data imaged by the imaging unit under the light pattern irradiated from the first irradiating unit for each predetermined amount of conveyance by the measured object, a three-dimensional measuring unit that three dimensionally measures based on a plurality of image data acquired by the first image data acquiring unit, and a second image data acquiring unit that acquires image data imaged by the imaging unit under the second light irradiated from the second irradiating unit between after predetermined image data from among the plurality of image data acquired by the first image data acquiring unit is imaged and until the next image data is imaged. |
| US10215552B2 |
Optical coherence tomography microscopy apparatus and method for detecting a three-dimensional image of an object
An optical coherence tomography microscopy apparatus (1) is presented for detecting a three-dimensional image of an optically translucent or reflective sample object (OS), the apparatus comprising an interferometric optical setup including a photo sensor unit (20). A sense signal Si from the photo sensor unit (20) is detected using a detection reference signal. The detection reference signal is derived from a signal indicative for a relative displacement of the sample object (OS) with respect to a reference object. |
| US10215549B2 |
Method for measuring deflection amount of columnar structure and method for determining performance of columnar structure
A method for measuring a deflection amount of a columnar structure includes the following steps. The method includes placing a longitudinal direction of a columnar structure in a direction parallel to a ground to place the columnar structure on a support member that supports the columnar structure such that the columnar structure is rotatable around an axis in the longitudinal direction; determining that the columnar structure placed has stopped rotating under its own weight around the axis; and measuring, after the stop of the rotation is determined, measuring a distance in a vertical direction between a straight line connecting both ends in the longitudinal direction of the columnar structure and a curved line along a shape in the longitudinal direction of the columnar structure. |
| US10215547B2 |
Method for operating a coordinate measuring machine
A method is disclosed for operating a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) including a workpiece scanning probe. The method provides two different measurement sampling period durations in the scanning probe: a first shorter sampling duration provides a faster measurement having a first accuracy, a second longer sampling duration provides a slower measurement having a second (better) accuracy. The shorter sampling duration may be repeatedly interleaved or alternated with the longer sampling duration to provide sufficient accuracy and response time for motion control purposes during ongoing operation of the CMM. The longer sampling duration may provide high accuracy probe measurements to combine with position coordinate values from encoders located on motion axes of the CMM (outside the scanning probe) to provide high accuracy workpiece measurements at a desired frequency, or upon demand. A probe measurement timing subsystem may determine initiation times of the first and second sampling durations. |
| US10215546B2 |
Rotor profile comparator
A comparator tool is provided for evaluating the profile of a multi-lobe helical rotor. The comparator tool includes a housing with a first end and a second end and an internal bore extending from the first end to the second end. The internal bore includes a first diameter having nominal clearance for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-specified major diameter of the rotor, a second diameter having nominal clearance for an OEM-specified minor diameter of the rotor, and multiple helical grooves corresponding to a number of lobes in the helical rotor. Each of the multiple helical grooves has nominal clearance for an OEM-specified tip diameter of the rotor. The comparator tool slides along the length of the rotor and provides visibility of an interface between a circumference of the rotor and the first end at any place along a length of the rotor. |
| US10215541B2 |
Clay target shooting system
A target is described that includes a plurality of clay targets and a clay target connector having a plurality of clamping ends. Each clamping end is releasably connected to a clay target. A target support structure is described that includes a tension line and a first and second support leg. The tension line is suspended between the first and second support leg with a horizontal tension. First and second guy lines are connected to first and second support legs. A target is suspended from the tension line. The target includes a plurality of clay targets and a clay target connector. The clay target connector includes a plurality of clamping ends. Each clamping end of the plurality of clamping ends is releasably connected to a clay target of the plurality of clay targets. A method to suspend a target is also described. |
| US10215538B2 |
Ballistic resistant sheets, articles comprising such sheets and methods of making the same
Ballistic resistant sheets (12), articles (10) comprising such sheets and methods of making the same are provided. The embodiments are especially adapted to facilitate the manufacture of curved ballistic resistant articles (e.g. curved ballistic resistant armor, helmets and the like). In preferred forms, the ballistic resistant sheets are a multi-monolayer construction including a core layer (12-1) formed of at least one first monolayer having first unidirectionally oriented reinforcing fibers and an elastomeric matrix material which is sandwiched between respective face layers (12-2) each formed of at least one second monolayer having second unidirectionally oriented reinforcing fibers and a non-elastomeric matrix material. |
| US10215537B2 |
Modular ceramic composite antiballistic armor
The present invention provides for methods and compositions for lightweight composite antiballistic assemblies comprising interlocking ceramic plates or modules. The modules may be self-contained and include both ceramic and ductile elements. Alternatively, interlocking ceramic plates may be arrayed over a ductile backing layer of metal or antiballistic fiber or polymer. The ceramic elements may be enhanced with carbon nanotubes or other reinforcing nanomaterials. In one or more embodiments, the strike-face, or front-facing surface, of this assembly may feature a non-planar design to assist in defeating incoming projectiles. |
| US10215529B2 |
Accessory mount for rifle accessory rail, communication, and power transfer system—accessory attachment
The present invention is related to weapons systems. In particular, the present invention is directed to accessory attachment systems for rifles and small arms weapons that enable attached accessory devices to draw power from a central power source and communicate with the user and/or other devices. The present invention embodies firearm systems comprising at least one mounting rail comprising at least one power connection, at least one power source, at least one rail accessory comprising a rail grabber or mount, wherein the at least one rail accessory receives electrical power from the power source. |
| US10215528B2 |
Rifle grip device
A rifle grip device may include a body configured to be attached to a pistol grip interface of a firearm with the body having a first end and a second end. A receiver plate may be disposed on the body, and the receiver plate may have a receiver mating surface. A stock plate may be disposed on the body, and the stock plate may have a stock mating surface disposed between the receiver plate and the second end. A one or more finger ridges may be disposed on the body opposite to the stock plate. One or more finger surfaces may extend along the body and onto and/or between the finger ridges so that the one or more finger surfaces may be generally horizontally aligned between the first end and second end of the body. |
| US10215527B2 |
Firearm accessory mounting adapters
A system for manipulating an engagement interface associated with securing accessories to a firearm. The system includes at least one accessory mount adapter that includes a first side that is constructed to cooperate with an engagement interface defined by a structure, such as a hand guard, that is securable to a firearm. A second side of the adapter defines a second engagement interface that is different than the first engagement interface and is configured to removably cooperate with a firearm accessory. |
| US10215520B1 |
Safety device for crossbows
A safety device connected to a shooting device or a crossbow includes a safety member that is moved to restrict an activating member from pivoting to prevent unintentionally shooting when replacing arrows at the ready-to-shoot status of the crossbow. A resilient member is used to pull the transmission plate to move toward the second end of a case of the crossbow to deactivate the restriction to the positioning member such that the positioning member pivots and protrudes beyond a notch of the case to stop the shooting action of the string. After a new arrow is positioned, the safety member is moved again to drive the transmission plate from the second end to the first end of the case, and the activating member is released from restriction and the arrow is ready to shoot. |
| US10215515B1 |
Firearm magazine having nose-drive-control springs
A cartridge magazine includes a front wall, a rear wall, first and second side walls, a pair of cartridge retaining lips, and first and second nose-dive control springs. The magazine is adapted to contain two overlapping columns of cartridges in a staggered configuration. Each nose-drive control spring includes a resilient shank portion and a case-engageable end portion adapted and configured to engage with a case of a cartridge. The shank portion extends from one of the side walls to the case-engageable end portion. Each nose-dive control spring is adapted to prevent a cartridge from moving into a nose-dive orientation as a breech face of the firearm pushes the cartridge forward toward the inclined ramp of the firearm. |
| US10215513B2 |
AR style receiver compatible with pistol magazines and cartridges
A firearm compatible with pistol magazines and cartridges is disclosed. The firearm may include an upper receiver. The firearm also may include a bolt carrier having at least one fixed bolt carrier key extending therefrom. In addition, the firearm may include a recoil spring guide rod. The at least one bolt carrier key may be slidably attached to the recoil spring guide rod. A recoil spring may be disposed on the recoil spring guide rod between the at least one bolt carrier key and a recoil bumper. |
| US10215512B2 |
Heat spreader and method for manufacturing the same
[Problem] To provide a heat spreader capable of removing heat from an element more efficiently and immediately than an existing one, and also capable of satisfactorily responding to further enhancement in performance and output of various apparatuses, and a method for efficiently manufacturing the same. [Solution] A heat spreader includes a Cu—Mo layer made of a Cu—Mo composite material and having an average thickness of less than or equal to 0.6 mm and a variation in thickness of less than or equal to 0.1 mm, and a Cu layer directly stacked on each of both surfaces thereof. A method for manufacturing the heat spreader includes planarizing a plate material of the Cu—Mo composite material constituting the Cu—Mo layer, and roll-bonding a Cu plate constituting the Cu layer to each of both surfaces thereof. |
| US10215508B2 |
Header tank rib design for a heat exchanger
A tank for a heat exchanger includes a casing including a substantially planar header opening formed therein and a foot disposed around a perimeter of the header opening. The foot forms an outwardly extending flange from which a pair of oppositely arranged walls extend, the oppositely arranged walls forming an arcuate shape including a spine extending along an apex of the arcuate shape. The oppositely arranged walls each have a corrugated profile adjacent the foot due to the presence of outwardly projecting ribs formed in the oppositely arranged walls. Each of the ribs extend lengthwise from the foot toward the spine, wherein a distal end of each of the ribs is formed adjacent a neutral stress portion of the casing which undergoes a minimal stress when the casing is subjected to an internal pressure from a fluid flowing there through. |
| US10215501B1 |
Phase change actuated valve for use in heat pipe applications
A thermally actuated heat pipe control valve which includes a housing having a first opening for receiving a condenser portion of a heat pipe therein, a second opening for receiving an evaporator portion of the heat pipe therein and a passage extending through the housing from the first opening to the second opening. The passage is configured to receive working fluid from the heat pipe therein. A passage closing member is positioned in the housing proximate to or in the passage. The passage closing member having a surface which cooperates with a wall of the passage. At a specific temperature, the passage closing member moves into the passage to a closed position, preventing the flow of the working fluid, thereby preventing heat transfer between the condenser portion and the evaporator portion when the design temperature is reached or exceeded. |
| US10215491B2 |
Laundry treating appliance with bulky item detection
A laundry treating appliance and method for controlling the operation of a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment in accordance with a treating cycle of operation by determining the presence of a bulky laundry item based on image data of the laundry within the treating chamber. |
| US10215487B2 |
Method of control of the natural gas liquefaction process
The present invention relates to the control systems of the compression refrigerating machines, namely, to the methods of control of the natural gas liquefaction process to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG), and can be used for liquefaction and cooling of natural gas on the most major technological lines and LNG production plants, working on the mixed refrigerant (MR). The method of control of the natural gas liquefaction process on the mixed refrigerant-operating LNG production plant comprises a periodic measuring of the current parameters of the said process, and controlling composition of the mixed refrigerant entering the main cryogenic heat exchanger, in order to achieve the optimal process parameters. Carnot factor is used as an optimality criterion for parameters of the process. The mixed refrigerant composition is controlled by direct calculation on the basis of the current process parameters and equation of state (for example, Peng-Robinson equation of state) of the substance amount of the mixed refrigerant components required to obtain in the main cryogenic heat exchanger the temperature profile corresponding to the optimal process parameters, and to introduce the said components into the main cryogenic heat exchanger. The invention improves efficiency of the natural gas liquefaction process and, as a result, minimizes specific compressor power required for LNG production. |
| US10215478B2 |
Water valve preventing redundant water from dripping and refrigerator using the same
A water valve, in which a water film is formed when the water valve connected to a water tank provided at a refrigerator door is opened and then closed and thus water film sealing is established downstream of an opening/closing surface of the water valve, thereby preventing dripping of water remaining in the water valve, enabling a clean use, and a refrigerator using the water valve. A valve body structure, in which a tube for guiding a flow of water toward a portion where a water film is to be formed between a nozzle and a valve is provided at the valve and an opening for releasing a water pressure even when the flow of water excessively concentrates, and thus, the water flowing through the opening may join a mainstream of the water discharged through a water passing hole. |
| US10215477B2 |
Refrigerator
Disclosed is a refrigerator and, more particularly, to a refrigerator including a water tank provided at a refrigerator door to store water therein. The refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage compartment, a door provided at the cabinet, a water tank separably coupled to the door, an inlet port formed in the door to allow water, stored in the water tank, to be introduced into the door, a support structure provided at the door to support the bottom of the water tank, a fixing unit provided at the door to fix the water tank, and a handle provided at the water tank to enable separation of the water tank from the fixing unit. |
| US10215473B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a door having a user interface electrical module, a first receiving space that receives the user interface electrical module, a second receiving space open towards a side of the door, and a handle member detachably received in the second receiving space. The handle member closes the first receiving space, and when the handle member is detached, and the user interface electrical module is accessible through the second receiving space. The door further includes a sealing member having a sealing portion located between the handle member and at least one boundary wall of the second receiving space. |
| US10215468B2 |
Block ice shaver
The disclosure pertains generally to shave ice confection machines and processes, and more particularly to a block ice shaving apparatus, system and method whereby an improved blade and blade assembly produce more consistent output with increase machine life. |
| US10215466B1 |
Step flow chiller control device and methods therefor
A Step Flow control device and methods therefore provide instructions to control operation of various absorption chiller components based on measured load or temperature information. Operating an absorption chiller according to Step Flow balances the flow of heat energy through the absorption chiller to increase efficiency and prevent crystallization. The control device may be integrated into various components of an absorption chiller or may be remote therefrom. In this manner, Step Flow can be used in new absorption chiller installations or be used to retrofit existing installations. |
| US10215461B2 |
Accumulator
Provided is an accumulator capable of effectively suppressing a bumping phenomenon and the following impact noise during the starting of a compressor without making the structure of the accumulator complicated or increasing the cost and the size thereof, and so having cost-effectiveness. An accumulator includes: a tank 10 having an inflow port 15 and an outflow port 16; and a double-pipe structured outflow pipe 30 including an inner pipe 31 joined to the outflow port 16 and hanging inside of the tank 10, and an outer pipe 32 disposed outside of the inner pipe 31. A cloth-like member such as felt or a foam material 60 is wound around or externally inserted to the outer pipe 32. |
| US10215456B2 |
Refrigerant distribution device and cooling apparatus
In order to supply a refrigerant to multiple-stage heat receivers equally while saving space, a refrigerant distribution device to distribute a refrigerant supplied from the upper stream according to the present invention includes a main body including a side wall part, an upper face part and a bottom face part, an upstream pipe provided on the upper face part in a manner communicating with an inside of the main body, a downstream pipe provided in a state partially inserted inside the main body via an under face hole part provided in the bottom face part, a tributary pipe provided in the side wall part or the bottom face part in a manner communicating with the inside of the main body, and a refrigerant direction changing means provided between the upstream pipe and the downstream pipe. |
| US10215451B2 |
Compressor and refrigeration cycle device using same
A compressor uses a refrigerant containing R1123 (1,1,2-trifluoroethylene) as a working fluid, and uses a polyol ester oil as a compressor lubricating oil. In addition, a fixed scroll and a revolving scroll each having a spiral lap rising from an end plate, and a compression chamber which is formed by meshing the fixed scroll and the revolving scroll, are provided. In addition, a discharge hole which is provided at a center position of the end plate of the fixed scroll, and is open to a discharge chamber, a bypass hole which is provided in the end plate of the fixed scroll, and communicates with the compression chamber and the discharge chamber at a timing different from a timing at which the compression chamber communicates with the discharge hole, and a check valve which is provided in the bypass hole, and allows a flow from the compression chamber side to the discharge chamber side. |
| US10215450B2 |
Heating, ventilation and/or air-conditioning equipment comprising a device for controlling the temperature of a battery, and method for implementing same
The invention relates to heating, ventilation and/or air-conditioning equipment (1) including a device (9) for controlling the temperature of a battery (7) of an automobile including at least a compressor (11), a condenser (13), a first expansion member (15), a thermal-conditioning exchanger (17) for exchanging heat between a coolant and a heat-transport fluid (FC), and switching means. The temperature control device (9) includes at least one bypass line (9b) connecting an outlet of the compressor (11) to an inlet of the thermal-conditioning exchanger (17) while bypassing the condenser (13). The invention also relates to a method for controlling the temperature of an automobile battery (7) implemented by means of such heating, ventilation and/or air-conditioning equipment (1). |
| US10215449B2 |
Catalytic heating system and method for heating a beverage or food
A catalytic heating system for heating a beverage or food that comprises: a container for containing the beverage or food and a catalytic combustion assembly for heating the container, with the catalytic combustion assembly comprising a fuel supply assembly having a fuel canister for supplying a fuel gas having a stoichiometric ratio of about 15 to an air mixing injector for injecting the fuel gas into an elongate sidewall enclosure having curved shape and defining an enclosed catalytic combustion chamber where a catalytic combustion process is generated, causing the complete combustion of all of the fuel gas and heating the container containing the beverage or food. |
| US10215446B2 |
Induced flow solar thermal collector and method
A solar thermal collector is provided. The collector comprises a housing defining an inlet, and an outlet for a heat transfer fluid, said housing comprising a window to allow sunlight to pass there through; a heat transfer core disposed within the interior of the housing said housing designed to be heated by exposure to said sunlight; and a heat absorbing component in proximity to the heat transfer core, said heat absorbing component designed to at least partially absorb heat losses from the heat transfer core; wherein a positioning the components within the housing defines at least one path for the heat transfer fluid for preheating of the heat transfer fluid prior to said heat transfer fluid passing through the heat transfer core. |
| US10215445B1 |
Thermosiphon system for hot water heater
A thermosiphon system for hot water heaters. In an embodiment, the thermosiphon includes a multi-tubular structure which in an embodiment is insertable through the cold water connection in a hot water tank in order to provide for a thermosiphon action in the hot water heater, to keep water circulating and prevent temperature stratification of water in the tank. In another embodiment, a thermosiphon design is fabricated within a water heater tank at the factory. |
| US10215444B2 |
Heat exchanger having stacked coil sections
A heat exchanger is provided with stacked coil sections. Each of the stacked coil sections is configured to circulate a fluid independent from the other coil section. An air moving device is used to circulate air through both of the stacked coil sections. The stacked coil sections are positioned to have the air exiting the one coil section entering the other coil section. |
| US10215441B2 |
Integrated light and heat arrangement of low profile light-emitting diode fixture
According to aspects of the embodiments, an integrated light and heat arrangement of low profile light-emitting diode (LED) fixture to harness both the light and the heat generated by the LEDs is described. New system architectures and example form factors are provided for the development of new LED fixtures for integrative lighting and heating arrangement to increase their overall luminaire system efficiency. The integrative lighting and heating arrangement of the LED fixture in low profile design can minimize interference of harvesting the heat from LEDs with their light output. The heat which would otherwise be wasted from LEDs is harvested for the purpose of heating up some nearby body, such as a body of air, or a component, or a lens to accomplish some benefits, including, for example, reduction in overall energy uses for space heating, cooling, and lighting and associated cost, and melting snow and de-icing on outdoor LED fixtures for safety and security. |
| US10215434B2 |
Adaptive trigger sequencing for site control automation
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for an environmental control system in which a genetic learning algorithm creates scenes and scene triggers and in which a fitness function scores the scenes through end-user interaction. |
| US10215428B2 |
Washstand furniture
A washstand furniture includes a wash bowl, a water supply assembly that supplies water to the wash bowl, a drainage assembly that drains the water, and a cabinet. An inner cabinet is provided under the wash bowl. An outer cabinet covers an outside of the inner cabinet. A dryer discharges air heated by a heater into the space defined in the cabinet. A first module is provided in the space defined in the inner cabinet, and an interior of the first module is dried using the air discharged from the dryer. A second module is provided in the space defined in the inner cabinet, and an interior of the second module is dried using air discharged from the first module. An external connection channel is defined between the inner cabinet and the outer cabinet to guide the air discharged from the first module to the second module. |
| US10215425B2 |
Gas fired modular blower control and associated methodology
An air heating and cooling system includes (1) a heat pump, illustratively devoid of auxiliary electric resistance type air heating structure, operative to provide refrigerant-based heating or cooling of air being delivered to a conditioned space, (2) a fuel-fired modular blower selectively operable to generate combustion heat, and (3) a control system associated with the heat pump and the modular blower. The control system has a heat pump thermostat electrically connected to a modular blower control and operative to transmit to the modular blower a first signal indicative of heating operation of the heat pump, and a second signal indicative of a need for alternative heat during a heating demand cycle. The modular blower is operative, in response to receiving both signals, to provide combustion-based air heating in place of refrigerant-based heat pump air heating. |
| US10215419B2 |
Particulate buildup prevention in ignitor and fuel nozzle bosses
A floating collar assembly for a gas turbine engine combustor includes a ferrule having a peripheral wall and a recessed surface bounded by the peripheral wall, the recessed surface of the ferrule including a particulate collecting groove adjacent the peripheral wall, and a cap secured to the peripheral wall of the ferrule. The recessed surface of the ferrule, an interior surface of the cap and the peripheral wall of the ferrule define a cavity. A floating collar is disposed within the cavity and includes a peripheral flange inwardly spaced a distance from the peripheral wall of the ferrule. |
| US10215411B2 |
Combustor panels having recessed rail
A combustor of a gas turbine engine including a combustor shell having an interior surface, a first panel mounted to the interior surface at a first position and a second panel mounted to the interior surface at a second position. The first panel has a first end, a first combustion chamber surface parallel with the interior surface, a first rail extending from the first combustion chamber surface toward the interior surface of the combustor shell, and a first extension extending axially from the first rail to the end of the first panel. The second panel has a second end, a second combustion chamber surface, and a second rail extending from the second combustion chamber surface toward the interior surface of the combustor shell. The first end and the second end are proximal to each other and define a circumferentially extending gap there between. |
| US10215409B2 |
Valve assembly for a gas lighter
A gas lighter valve assembly that can be fitted easily and tightly into a gas lighter body or a well as a free-floating entity not fixed to the gas lighter body or well. The valve assemblies integration as a free floating entity within the lighter body or well avoids the necessity of an interference fit. To avoid the necessity of an interference fit, valve assembly positioning and stability is achieved by the use of an o-ring which is compressed by downward force exerted by a pressing cover upon a bushing or directly upon the o-ring. By eliminating the stress and friction typically caused by an interference fit, the lighter body and reservoir can be made from a variety of materials including non-crystalline resins. |
| US10215398B2 |
Solid fuel burning-furnace having a vertically mounted cylindrical combustion chamber
A ground supported power boiler is described combining a refractory lined and insulated conical floor; an insulated cylindrical combustion chamber; a cylindrical furnace with water tube wall; a rectangular convective section; a single vertical steam drum; tangential injection of the fuel and combustion air; means for fluidizing the fuel bed; means for selectively stripping particulates from the flue gases; multi-stage particulate stripping and filtering from flue gases, means for using the walls of steam drum as steam/water droplet separator, means for recirculating and capturing heat from the flue gases; means for pressurizing the interior of the boiler above atmospheric pressure; means for heating and drying fuel prior to feeding the fuel to the boiler; means for creating hydrogen shift reaction; means for eliminating any need for sootblowing; and designed to not require the use of an induced draft fan. |
| US10215394B1 |
Submersible light fixture with multilayer stack for pressure transfer
An underwater light or submersible luminaire may include a housing and a transparent pressure bearing window positioned at a forward end of the housing. A window supporting structure may be mounted in the housing behind the transparent window. A printed circuit board element having a plurality of LEDs may be positioned within the housing behind the window supporting structure to bear substantially all of the ambient water pressure applied to the transparent window. |
| US10215393B2 |
Lighting device with smooth outer appearance
A lighting device or a lamp bulb (100, 200) with a smooth appearance comprises at least one light source (101); a heat sink component (104, 204), having a bottom (1043) and a side wall (1044) extending from the bottom (1044), wherein the bottom (1043) comprises a protrusion (1041) and wherein the at least one light source (101) thermally contacts the protrusion (1041) of the heat sink component (104, 204); and a cover provided on the sidewall (1044) opposite to the bottom(1043), thereby defining an air chamber (1051, 2051) between the cover, the side wall (1044), the bottom (1043) and the protrusion (1041). |
| US10215392B2 |
LED system and housing for use with halogen light fixtures
An LED optical light engine spotlight which can accommodate a variable number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is disclosed. An optical projection lens mounted in front of the LEDs merges the separate LED beams into a single beam, similar to the single beam provided by a halogen light and reflector. A heat sink provides convection cooling up to approximately 100° F. An optional fan provides additional heat dissipation for more extreme conditions. The depicted device can include a vertical tilt of over 200°. Optimally, the depicted device is designed to have a full vertical tilt range between zenith (0 degrees) to horizontal (90 degrees) to full depression (135 degrees). An optional accessory lens provides additional capabilities, including flood lenses, colored lenses and rock guards, for example. The depicted device can be hard wired or wireless. The depicted device can be adapted to many base units and/or pan and tilt platforms. |
| US10215390B2 |
Portable lighting devices
A flashlight or portable light source has a battery power source, a light source, a circuit powered by the battery power source which causes the light source to emit light in an on state, a switch which causes the circuit to alternate between the on state and an off state in which the light source does not emit light when the switch is actuated by a user, a controller for causing light emitted from the light source to emit at two or more modes other than the off state, and an automatic dimmer residing within the flashlight which causes light emitted from the light source to dime without any activation of the switch after a first preselected amount of time. |
| US10215386B1 |
Directional light mounting system
A light directing apparatus is disclosed. The light directing apparatus including a light mounting fixture, a ball joint including a ball stud having a round head on a first end and a stud shaft on a second end in which the stud shaft mounted to the light mounting fixture and a magnetic housing magnetically coupling the ball joint and the magnetic housing by a magnetic force of the magnetic housing such that the magnetic housing has a concave mount surface to accommodate the round head of the ball joint therein allowing the ball joint to move freely within the concave opening such that the light mounting fixture is rotatable in a 360 degree range around the ball joint and movable 180 degrees in a latitudinal and a longitudinal direction. The light directing apparatus further includes a moveable arm affixed to the magnetic housing by a sleeve mount. |
| US10215384B2 |
Extension module with housing for electronic components
A fixture for an elongate structure includes an extension module having a housing secured therearound. The extension module includes a longitudinal body portion having first connector and a second connector. One or more access ports extend through the longitudinal body portion and into an interior area of the longitudinal body portion. The extension module includes a first seating surface and a second seating surface. The housing includes a first axial cover extending radially and a second axial cover each extending radially outward from the longitudinal body. The first axial cover and the second axial cover are axially spaced apart from one another and define a space therebetween and around the longitudinal body portion. A circumferential cover extends circumferential around radially outermost edges of the first axial cover and the second axial cover and surrounding the space. |
| US10215383B2 |
Modular system
A modular system may include a plurality of magnets that may be provided to self-align a casing with an accessory. Self-alignment of the casing and the accessory may provide a secure connection of the casing with the accessory. At least one detent and at least one locking arm may mate and lock the casing against the accessory in a mounted position. The at least one detent and the at least one locking arm may unlock in an insertion position. Self-alignment may occur when a first set of magnets attracts a second set of magnets in which opposite polarities attract and automatically initiate movement of the casing towards the accessory. |
| US10215382B2 |
Lighting unit with a lighting unit housing which comprises a profiled element
A lighting unit which has a lighting unit housing with a profiled element and which has a retaining element arranged on the profiled element for retaining another lighting unit component, for example a lighting unit top sleeve and/or an operating device. The lighting unit is designed such that the retaining element is held on the profiled element solely via a latching connection. The design allows the retaining element to be connected to the profiled element in a particularly simple manner. Additionally, no special fixing elements are required in order to attach the retaining element to the profiled element. |
| US10215379B2 |
Lighting system
A lighting system having at least one lighting unit including a light segment for receiving at least one lamp, at least one connecting element that at least in sections is electrically conductive and at one end of the light segment is mechanically and electrically connected thereto, and at least one connector, which has at least one element circumferentially surrounding a connector middle axis and at least one electrical conductor mechanically connected to or formed by the circumferential element. The connecting element is mechanically connected to the circumferential element of the connector and thereby the at least one lighting unit is mechanically and electrically connected to the connector. The lighting system can be arranged in various positions around the connector middle axis and in every position the lighting unit is mechanically and electrically connected to the connector. Several lighting units can be connected to a common connector. |
| US10215374B2 |
Angle-adjustable lamp
The invention provides an angle-adjustable lamp and relates to the technical field of lighting. An angle-adjustable lamp comprises a fixing socket which is provided with a lamp hole, a rotating ring which rotates inside the protrusion of the outer edge of lamp hole, a fixing ring reversely sleeved on the protrusion and the lamp body connected to the rotating ring through two protrusions; by arranging the annular protrusion in the rim of the lamp hole and embedding rotating ring inside the protrusion, the rotation of the rotating ring along the center of lamp hole is ensured, and the limitation of rotation angle of lamp is extended; by arranging the annular fixing ring in the protrusion, raising and falling motion of rotating ring can be prevented effectively, therefore, the rotation process becomes more smooth. |
| US10215373B2 |
Lighting apparatus
A lighting apparatus includes a fixture having a fastening hole, the fastening hole including a first portion and a second portion connected to each other, and the second portion having a width smaller than a diameter of the first portion, a light source module having a fastening pin detachably fastened to the fastening hole, and an electrode terminal on the fixture and connected to the light source module, wherein the light source module is slidably moveable along a surface of the fixture, as the fastening pin is moveable within the fastening hole from the first portion to the second portion. |
| US10215369B2 |
Lighting apparatus
A lighting apparatus includes a light source unit having a light source portion configured to mount a light source thereon, and a light distribution angle adjusting means coupled to the light source portion and configured to change an irradiation range of the light source. The light distribution angle adjusting means includes a reflector provided with a spiral guide portion in a peripheral surface thereof and configured to reflect a light emitted from the light source, a movable body having an engaging portion configured to slidably engage the guide portion and a control portion configured to limit a direction of a movement to a rotation axis direction of the reflector, a support configured to support a movement of the movable body in the rotation axis direction of the reflector, and an optical component secured to the movable body and configured to change a light path of the light. |
| US10215362B2 |
Light source apparatus with lens array
A light source apparatus includes two or more light sources placed in one direction, and an array lens having two or more lenses, which corresponds to each of the light sources. In order to condense a light emitted from each of the lenses into one position, in a first lens in each of the lenses, an optical axis of the light source which corresponds to the first lens is shifted from an optical axis of said first lens in said one direction. The first lens is formed such that a length from the optical axis to one end of said first lens in the one direction is longer than a length from the optical axis to another end of the first lens in a direction which is opposite to the one direction. |
| US10215359B2 |
Indicator optic for vehicle lighting module
A lighting module for a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting module comprises a light source configured to generate a light emission in an emission direction substantially along a forward operating direction of the vehicle. A circuit is in connection with the light source. The lighting module further comprises an optic device comprising a body forming a receiving surface. The receiving surface is configured to receive an input emission of the light emission. The optic device is configured to transmit the input emission through the body, emit a first portion of the input emission along a primary path directed toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and emit a second portion of the input emission along a stray light path into a light trap formed by the body and arranged substantially opposite the light extraction surface. |
| US10215356B2 |
Lighting unit for vehicle
Examples of the present invention relate to a lighting unit having an unconstrained curvature, irrespective of the shape of an installation space, and implementing high light-emitting efficiency with a small number of light sources, the lighting unit comprising: a reflection module including a pair of first side portions and a bottom portion connected thereto; and a light-emitting module for emitting light into the reflection module, wherein the bottom portion includes a curved region including at least one inflection point. |
| US10215352B1 |
Wood wick imitation candle
A decorative, imitation candle is provided that simulates a lighted wood or wood-like wick by covering the lighting element, such as a LED, under or within a wood-like wick. Optionally, an electronic chip may be connected to a power source to provide sounds of wood burning or crackling when the lighting element is operating, and/or may be operated by remote control. |
| US10215351B2 |
Systems and methods for an intermediate device structure
A network of intermediate device systems may be detachably coupled to an illumination pole electrically connected to a power source. The intermediate device system may comprise a housing with an exterior surface and an interior cavity configured to receive at least one electrical device. The intermediate device system may comprise a control unit communicatively coupled to a processor and configured to receive and process substantially real-time information from at least one of the electronic devices and create a data set based on the received real-time information. The data set may comprise a parameter of the surrounding environment and/or an instruction set configured to operate the at least one electrical devices within the intermediate device system and/or a second intermediate device system within the network. The intermediate device system may also comprise a communication module communicatively coupled to the control unit that forms a bidirectional communication channel to facilitate transfer of the data set between the intermediate device system and a second communication module of the second intermediate device system and receive an incoming data set from the second communication module. |
| US10215350B2 |
Luminaire, especially for road lighting
The invention provides a luminaire for illuminating a road, comprising a light source (10), a reflector arrangement (12) defining a light entrance window (18) at the top to which light is supplied by the light source (10) and a larger light exit window (20) at the bottom, and an optical plate (22) over the light exit window (20). The optical plate (22) comprises an array of elongate prisms which each extend in a side-to-side direction corresponding to the width direction of the road. The reflector (12) is primarily responsible for control of the light output in the road width direction and the optical plate (22) is primarily responsible for control of the light output in the road length direction. |
| US10215344B2 |
Light emitting panel assemblies and light guides therefor
A light emitting panel assembly is provided. The assembly includes: a light source; a transition area including a first major side and a second major side, wherein at least one of the first major side and the second major side includes a plurality of vertically extending flutes, wherein the flutes extend at least a portion of the height of the transition area; and an emission area in optical communication with the transition area, the emission area including light extraction elements. |
| US10215342B2 |
LED filament and LED bulb with LED filament
The present disclosure relates to a LED filament and a LED bulb with the LED filament. The LED filament includes a carrier, LED chips disposed on the carrier, the carrier includes a first lateral section and a second lateral section opposite to the first lateral section, the LED chips are formed on the first lateral section, hardness of the first lateral section is less than that of the second lateral section. The disclosure further provides a LED bulb with the LED filament above. The LED filament above has benefits of improving structural strength and decreasing costs. |
| US10215340B2 |
Pressurized fluid cylinder comprising an electronic data-display device
The invention concerns a pressurized fluid cylinder equipped with a valve accommodating a first draw-off circuit, the valve comprising a member for regulating the flow and/or the pressure of the fluid drawn off via a member for manually controlling the regulating member, the valve comprising an electronic device for displaying data concerning the amount of fluid contained in a cylinder which is connected to the valve, the electronic display device comprising a member for acquiring, storing, and processing data, and at least one data display connected to the data acquisition, storage and processing member. |
| US10215337B2 |
Pressure vessel and method for the production of such a vessel
A pressure vessel having a hollow body wound with a continuous filament, whereby the filament is embedded in a thermoplastic matrix, is provided, as well as a method for producing such a vessel. The method involves: (i) wrapping a hollow body with at least one continuous filament; (ii) impregnating the filament winding with a polymerizable mixture, whereby the wound body is inside a mold that surrounds the wound body; and (iii) polymerizing the polymerizable mixture in order to form a plastic matrix that embeds the filament winding. |
| US10215335B2 |
Self-retaining oil nozzle
An oil nozzle assembly includes a nozzle body and a nozzle insert. The nozzle body includes a main portion, a tip portion, and a lip. The tip portion is connected to the main portion. The lip extends outwards from the tip portion and has an outer width. The nozzle insert includes a sleeve, an endwall connected to the sleeve, an orifice, and a retention element. The orifice is disposed in the endwall and is fluidly connected to the tip portion of the nozzle body. The retention element extends inward from the sleeve. A portion of the retention element has an inner width that is less than the outer width of the lip. The nozzle insert is disposed onto the tip portion of the nozzle body. |
| US10215333B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for capturing and broadcasting events
An events capturing apparatus for assisting a user to capture events comprising a support arm that includes a proximal end configured to removably receive a sound capturing device and a distal end configured to removably receive an image capturing device, and a handle coupled to the proximal end of the support arm and shaped to be held by the user. In some embodiments, the image capturing device is a smart-phone camera and the sound capturing device is a microphone. |
| US10215331B2 |
Portable light having a deployable pole and latch arrangement therefor
A portable light includes a base having a deployable pole pivotably supported on the base, and a light source supported on the deployable pole. A latch is configured to retain the deployable pole in a deployed position and to release the deployable pole from the deployed position at which it is retained. The latch includes a latch plate that is biased to move toward the deployable pole to engage a base end thereof when the deployable pole is in the deployed position and that is movable to release the deployable pole. |
| US10215329B2 |
Expandable sockets for use with portable media players
An expandable socket for attachment to a portable media player or a portable media player case. The expandable socket generally includes a platform, a skin coupled to the platform, a button coupled to the skin opposite the platform, and a biasing element. The skin includes an outer wall, an inner wall spaced radially inward of the outer wall, and a cavity defined by the inner wall, wherein the skin is deformable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The biasing element is arranged within the cavity of the skin between the platform and the button, such that the biasing element is at least partially surrounded by the inner wall of the skin. The biasing element is configured to bias the skin into the expanded configuration. |
| US10215327B2 |
Mounting chassis for genset with reduced clearance
A genset chassis for mounting a genset includes an engine and generator thereon includes a pair of inner beams and an outer beam coupled to an outer sidewall of a corresponding inner beam. The outer beams are vertically offset from the corresponding inner beam such that at least a portion of the outer beams is higher than a corresponding inner beam. The outer beams are structured to be positioned on mounting members positioned on a surface so that a first distance between the at least a pair of inner beams and the surface is less than a second distance between the plurality of outer beams and the surface. The inner beams are structured to mount at least a portion of the genset thereon such that a part of the at least a portion of the genset is lower than the plurality of outer beams. |
| US10215326B2 |
Support element, corresponding cryogenic fluid circuit and corresponding method
Support element and method for a cryogenic fluid circuit comprising a plurality of orifices intended for the passage of cryogenic-fluid transfer pipes, said support element comprising at least one thermal path formed between two adjacent orifices, the thermal path comprising a blind opening, the opening being delimited by two spaced-apart walls extending between two ends in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the plane of the orifices, the two walls being joined together by an end wall, the support element being characterized in that it comprises a first set of orifices which is surrounded by a first thermal path and a second set of orifices, the first thermal path being situated between the first set of orifices and the second set of orifices, which means to say that the first thermal path is in thermal and mechanical connection with, on the one hand, all the orifices of the first set of orifices and, on the other hand, all the orifices of the second set of orifice. |
| US10215325B2 |
Heat insulation material and method of manufacturing heat insulation material
A thermal insulation material can suitably be used as a thermal insulation material for a hot press, a rubber vulcanizing machine, and an injection molding machine, a casing for an induction furnace, and the like, and exhibits good workability, excellent heat resistance, excellent mechanical strength, excellent toughness, excellent working accuracy, excellent thickness accuracy, and the like. The thermal insulation material is produced by hot-pressing a plurality of prepregs in a state in which the plurality of prepregs are stacked, each of the plurality of prepregs being obtained by impregnating heat-resistant paper with a thermosetting resin, the thermal insulation material including 32 to 64 mass % of a fibrous material and 36 to 68 mass % of the thermosetting resin. |
| US10215324B2 |
Method of and system for coating a field joint of a pipe
A method of coating a field joint of a pipeline places at least one body having a thermoplastics material around the field joint. The body is heated in a mold cavity around the field joint to effect thermal expansion of the thermoplastics material. Thermal expansion of the body in the mold cavity is constrained to apply elevated pressure between the body and pipe sections joined at the field joint. The elevated pressure improves bonding and fusing between the body, which forms a field joint coating, and the parent coatings and the exposed pipe sections of the pipe joints. The body need not be fully molten, which reduces the mold residence time including in-mold heating and cooling phases. |
| US10215322B1 |
Removable oil pipeline branch plug
A pipeline plug having a seal assembly and a slip assembly coupled to the seal assembly. The slip assembly moves from a retracted position to an expanded position when the seal assembly moves from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The slip assembly frictionally engages the internal wall of a pipe when in the expanded position. The force exerted on the pipeline plug by fluid within the pipe increases the force by which the slip assembly engages the internal wall of the pipe. The plug is removable from the pipe without damaging the plug by moving the seal assembly back to the disengaged position. A method of sealing a pipeline using the pipeline plug. |
| US10215321B2 |
Subsea flowline pressure surge relief system
Disclosed are processes and systems for preventing overpressurization of piping transporting fluid produced from a pressure source to a receiving facility in which the fluid passes through a high integrity pressure protection system (HIPPS). A relief device is provided in the piping in fluid communication with the HIPPS. In the event that fluid passing through the HIPPS during the valve closure time period has a property exceeding an activation property, the relief device is activated thereby allowing the fluid passing through the HIPPS during the valve closure time period to flow to a fluid containment volume. The fluid containment volume has sufficient volume such that upon the start of the closure of the valve in response to the pressure surge, a portion of the fluid passing through the HIPPS during the valve closure time period is absorbed by the fluid containment volume thereby lessening pressure increase in the piping. |
| US10215316B2 |
Fitting securement ring for threaded connector
A plumbing connector and method of connection including: a fitting having external threads on at least the first end; a tube having a first end inserted into the first end of the fitting; and an annular gasket, a compression ring, a lock ring, and a nut coaxial with and surrounding the outer diameter of the tube. The nut has internal threads adapted to engage the external threads of the fitting and is adapted to contain the gasket, the compression ring, and the lock ring upon threading of the nut onto the fitting. Upon threading and tightening of the nut onto the fitting, the gasket is compressed, an inner edge of the lock ring bitingly engages the outer diameter of the tube, and the gasket forms a seal with at least the first end of the fitting, the outer diameter of the tube, and an outer edge of the lock ring. |
| US10215314B2 |
Tubular threaded connection
A threaded tubular connection including a first tube and a second tube is provided. The first tube includes a pin member which extends from an end of a main body of the first tube to a terminal end of the first tube. The second tube includes a box member which extends from an end of a main body of the second tube to a terminal end of the second tube. A cross-sectional area of a pin critical cross-section is within approximately ±5% of cross-sectional area of a box critical cross-section of the box member. The cross-sectional areas of each of the pin and box critical cross-sections are within approximately ±5% of the sum of the cross-sectional areas of a box intermediate critical cross-section of the box member and a pin intermediate critical cross-section of the pin member. |
| US10215313B2 |
Flexible conduit assembly for the flow of fluids and a procedure for shaping the flexible conduit for the flow of fluids
A fluid flow conduit assembly includes a flexible conduit having a closed cross section, and a connector. The connector has first and second layers with the flexible conduit extending between the first and second layers, and wherein the first and second layers are permanently attached to each other outside of the flexible conduit. |
| US10215311B2 |
Form-in-place anti-crush ring
An anti-crush ring is disclosed for insertion into hollow articles for localized reinforcement. The anti-crush ring comprises a generally annular or ring-like wall structure and at least one expansion hoop inwardly extending from the wall structure. Upon insertion of the anti-crush ring into the hollow article, the at least one expansion hoop is compressed and deformed to urge the wall structure of the anti-crush ring against an inner surface of the hollow article. Also provided is a method of reinforcing the inlet or outlet of a hollow article. |
| US10215306B2 |
Valve cage for receiving a valve member and method for operating a control valve with a valve cage and a valve member
A sleeve shaped valve cage for receiving a valve member is described. The valve cage can guide the valve member relative to the valve cage. The valve cage can include a throttle section configured to provide pressure-reduced flow rates of the processing fluid, the throttle section having multiple throttle conduits extending from an inside of the valve cage to an outside of the valve cage; a high capacity flow section adjacent to the throttle section in the displacement direction, the high capacity flow section configured to provide increased flow rates of the processing fluid; and at least one equalization channel formed in the valve cage and extending from the inside to the outside of the valve cage, the at least one equalization channel leading from the high capacity flow section to the throttle section such that, before the valve member releases all throttle conduits, the equalization channel is released. |
| US10215304B2 |
Three-way control valve
A 3-way high-speed valve including a housing, first and second spools, and an actuator mechanism. The spools are slidably disposed in bores of the housing. The housing further defines an inlet, first and second intermediate ports, and first and second outlets. The inlet is fluidly open to the first bore. The intermediate ports each fluidly connect the first and second bores. The first and second outlets are fluidly open to the second bore. The actuator mechanism articulates the spool bodies to generate differing flow conditions of the valve, including a first flow condition in which the inlet is fluidly connected to the first outlet, and a second flow condition in which the inlet is fluidly connected to the second outlet. |
| US10215303B2 |
Adjustable travel stop for a piston actuator
A piston actuator includes a transfer assembly and an actuator assembly connected to the transfer assembly. The actuator assembly has a cylinder assembly with a side wall and an end wall and defines a cavity. A piston assembly is disposed within the cavity and a screw guide assembly is secured to the end wall of the cylinder assembly such that the screw guide assembly is adjustable to limit the travel of the piston assembly. |
| US10215302B2 |
Regulating operation of a drive assembly for manual overide of an actuator
An actuator with an override device to avoid damage to components during transition to and from manual operation and during manual operation. In one embodiment, the actuator comprises an output shaft, a drive assembly coupled with the output shaft, the drive assembly comprising a motor and a brake, an override device coupled with the output shaft, the override device comprising a gear assembly and a switch actuator, and a housing forming an enclosure about at least the gear assembly and the switch actuator. The switch actuator can be configured to modify an external input to the drive assembly in response to relocation of the gear assembly relative to the output shaft between a first position and a second position so as to disconnect the motor from the external input at the first position, disconnect both the motor and the brake from the external input at the second position, and apply the external input to the brake during transition between the first position and the second position. |
| US10215299B2 |
Fluid control valve having yoke-supported core
A fluid control valve facilitates a reduction in size while securing a valve closing force for shutting off the flow of a fluid. The fluid control valve includes a plate-shaped stationary yoke (9) in which a passage hole (3) for a fluid is provided and which has a valve seat (4) around the passage hole (3), a magnetic valve disc (7) capable of controlling the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the passage hole (3) by coming into contact with and separating from the valve seat (4), and an electromagnetic coil (10) that is attached to the stationary yoke (9), with a coil axis (Y) extending in a direction different from a moving direction of the valve disc (7), so as to generate a magnetic field in the stationary yoke (9) and cause the valve disc (7) to be attracted to the valve seat (4). |
| US10215297B2 |
Control regulator diaphragm assembly with integrated pressure relief
A control regulator includes a diaphragm assembly with an integrated pressure relief mechanism. The diaphragm assembly includes a diaphragm with a locally weakened area and a diaphragm plate with an opening aligned with the locally weakened area. |
| US10215295B2 |
Valve for a reciprocating compressor
A valve for a reciprocating compressor comprises a valve body having a seat and a guard; a shutter element placed between the seat and the guard and configured to move between a closed position in which the passage of fluid is prevented and an open position in which the passage of fluid is allowed; an hydraulic apparatus for moving the shutter element between the open and closed positions, the hydraulic apparatus comprising an hydraulic circuit having at least a portion integrated in the valve body. |
| US10215294B2 |
Three-way valve structure
The invention relates to an improved three-way valve structure consisting of a main three-way valve body (1) with inlet (2) and outlet channels (3, 4) that communicate internally by means of an inner obturator element (5) actuated by a key (27), characterized by the relative position of the outlet channels which are perpendicularly arranged in relation to each other and in the same plane perpendicular to the inlet channel, the exterior form of the obturator (5) being a surrounding cylindrical shape and provided with, in the upper part thereof, flanges (9) for the seating of the same and sealing joints (12, 13), ending in a projecting rod (15) with a key seat shape that can fit into the key (27) of the valve. The key enables four functional positions by means of a quarter-circle turn: both outlets open, one outlet open and another closed and both outlets closed. |
| US10215292B2 |
Spool valve with special metering configuration for hydraulic valve main control speed
A spool component for use in a spool valve has a cylindrical body including a first diameter portion and a second diameter portion, the first diameter portion having a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the second diameter portion. A metering notch is cut into the first diameter portion and extends toward the second diameter portion. The metering notch includes a first angle cut and a second angle cut that are sloped at different depth angles toward the first diameter portion. A spool valve assembly includes a housing defining a bore, and the spool component, which is moveable within the bore along a stroke distance comprising a metering band for metering a flow of fluid across the spool component. The metering notch provides precise metering of the flow of fluid across the spool component based on the different depth angles of the cuts in the metering notch. |
| US10215291B2 |
Regulating device
A regulating device may include a housing that defines an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, with a flow restriction seat between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. A flow restriction valve is movable relative to the flow restriction seat to adjust the flow between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber of the regulating device. A servo valve having a servo chamber may be used to adjust the position of the flow restriction valve. The servo chamber may be fluidly coupled to the inlet chamber though a fixed flow restriction and to the outlet chamber though an adjustable flow restriction. A stepper motor may be used to adjust the servo valve to adjust the adjustable flow restriction between the servo chamber and the outlet chamber. This causes a change of the servo pressure, which moves the flow restriction valve and adjusts the flow of the regulating device. |
| US10215289B2 |
High temperature shaft seal for bleed valve with roller bearings
A seal assembly for a creating a seal between a shaft and a valve housing of a bleed valve that impedes contaminants from reaching bearings includes first and second seal pieces. The first seal piece circumferentially surrounds the shaft and is disposed between the shaft and the valve housing. The second seal piece is in contact with and is disposed axially adjacent to the first seal piece relative to the shaft. The second seal piece is biased against the first seal piece. |
| US10215287B2 |
Seal assembly with deflectable sealing member
A seal assembly is for sealing about a shaft rotatable about a central axis and includes a generally annular seal disposable about the shaft. The seal has a first axial end exposable to a higher pressure fluid, an opposing second axial end exposable to a lower pressure fluid, an outer circumferential surface exposable to the higher pressure fluid and an inner circumferential sealing surface. The inner sealing surface extends about the shaft to define an annular clearance space between the shaft outer surface and the seal inner surface, which provides a flow path between the seal axial ends. The seal is configured such that a differential of at least a predetermined magnitude between fluid pressure on the seal outer surface and fluid pressure on the seal inner surface deflects at least the seal second axial end radially inwardly to reduce the volume of the clearance space. |
| US10215284B2 |
Flowline divertor seal with spring-energized sealing lips
A seal for installation within a flowline diverter assembly including a housing having a bore, and a spool received within the bore. The seal includes an annular body configured to be received between the spool and the bore. The body also has an inner diameter face disposable opposite the spool, and an outer diameter face disposable opposite the bore. The inner diameter face has a first and a second lip portion which are energizable responsive to fluid pressure. A generally annular first spring member is molded into the outer diameter face adjacent a first end face of the body, and a generally annular second spring member is molded into the body outer diameter face adjacent a second end face. Generally annular third and fourth spring members each also may be molded into a corresponding one of the body lip portions. |
| US10215281B2 |
Seal assembly for sealing relatively movable components
Disclosed herein is a seal assembly for sealing a gap between a first component and a second component is disclosed. The second component is movable relative to the first component. The seal assembly includes a rub strip and a seal strip. The rub strip includes a seal strip engagement surface having a convex shape. Additionally, the rub strip includes a first component engagement surface that is opposite the seal strip engagement surface and has a concave shape. The seal strip includes a rub strip engagement surface having a convex shape. Furthermore, the seal strip includes a second component engagement surface that is opposite the rub strip engagement surface and has a concave shape. The seal strip engagement surface is harder than the rub strip engagement surface. |
| US10215279B2 |
Automatic transmission
A hydraulic control device is disposed forward of a case housing a speed change mechanism in an on-vehicle state. A detent lever is fixed to the control shaft, has a first end connected to a parking rod, and includes a detent recess with which a detent mechanism is engaged. A swing lever includes a shaft serving as a swing center, a first extension extending from one end of the shaft, and a second extension extending from the other end of the shaft. The first extension is connected to a second end of the detent lever. The second extension is connected to a manual valve. An axial position of the manual valve changes in accordance with a rotation angle of the control shaft. |
| US10215277B2 |
Controller for continuously variable transmission
A first target secondary pulley pressure Psteng is calculated based on an output torque Teng of an engine, and then an offset value Psteng+PO is calculated by adding a predetermined offset PO to the first target secondary pulley pressure Psteng. The first target secondary pulley pressure Psteng is outputted as a target secondary pulley pressure Ps(n) when a target secondary pulley pressure Ps(n−1) in a previous control cycle is less than or equal to the first target secondary pulley pressure Psteng; the offset value Psteng+PO is outputted as the target secondary pulley pressure Ps(n) when the target secondary pulley pressure Ps(n−1) in the previous control cycle is greater than or equal to the offset value Psteng+PO; and otherwise, the target secondary pulley pressure Ps(n−1) in the previous control cycle is outputted as the target secondary pulley pressure Ps(n), thereby suppressing an oscillation in the target secondary pulley pressure Ps(n). |
| US10215276B2 |
Series parallel hydraulic hybrid architecture
The invention relates to a dual motor hydraulic hybrid transmission. The transmission comprises a power source, a hydraulic circuit including a pump drivingly engaged with the power source and two displacement units, a hydraulic accumulator assembly including high and low pressure accumulators, one or more control valves, and an output shaft drivingly engaged with the first hydraulic displacement unit. The displacement units are in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump. The accumulators are in fluid communication with the hydraulic circuit. The second hydraulic displacement unit is drivingly engaged with the output shaft. The control valves are configured to selectively fluidly connect the hydraulic pump to the first hydraulic displacement unit while fluidly disconnecting the hydraulic pump from the second hydraulic displacement unit; and, simultaneously, fluidly connect the hydraulic accumulator assembly to the second hydraulic displacement unit while fluidly disconnecting the hydraulic accumulator assembly from first hydraulic displacement unit. |
| US10215273B2 |
Method for installation of a bushing into the shift cable end of an automatic transmission without the use of a compression tool
Installation of a bushing into the shift cable end of an automatic transmission, without replacing the entire shift cable end, is accomplished via a method that does not require the use of compression tools and maintains the axial alignment of the bushing with the shift cable end during installation, thus preventing deformation of the shift cable end and bushing during installation, and ensuring the proper coupling of the shift cable end and shift lever. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the bushing may be installed by radially compressing the leading shoulder of the bushing and passing the bushing through the shift cable end, then releasing the leading shoulder of the bushing so that it engages the shift cable end and secures the bushing in place. This can be accomplished by pressing a bushing into the cavity of a tool having a cylindrical member with a first side and a second side, a cavity within the first side of the cylindrical member, and an elongated member extending perpendicularly from the second side of the cylindrical member, inserting said tool into one end of the shift cable end and passing the leading shoulder of the bushing beyond and through the shift cable end, thereby releasing the leading shoulder of the bushing to expand and secure the bushing. |
| US10215272B2 |
Valve mechanism
A valve mechanism includes a communicating passage that communicates a first lubrication loop that supplies a lubricating fluid to a first lubricating part and a second lubrication loop that supplies the lubricating fluid to a second lubricating part. The valve mechanism includes: a housing main body in which a main flow passage guiding a part of the lubricating fluid to the communicating passage is formed; a branch part provided at the housing main body and branches the lubricating fluid into three directions for a first outflow port, a second outflow port, and a third outflow port; a check valve provided at the housing main body and stops a flow of the lubricating fluid from the first outflow port to the main flow passage; and a choke part provided at the check valve and adjusts a flow rate of the lubricating fluid flowing through the first outflow port. |
| US10215270B2 |
Automated product dispensers and related methods for isolating a drive assembly to inhibit vibration transmission
An automated product dispenser for dispensing a product from a supply of product is provided. The automated product dispenser includes a chassis assembly, a drive assembly, and an isolation member. The chassis assembly includes a chassis frame, and the drive assembly includes a motor, a drivetrain, and a drivetrain housing. The isolation member mounts the drive assembly to the chassis assembly such that the drive assembly is substantially spaced apart from the chassis frame. A related method of inhibiting vibration transmission in an automated product dispenser also is provided. |
| US10215268B2 |
Actuator assembly with an integrated sensor and a biasing member
An actuator assembly with a sensor system that is less sensitive to run-out out of moving parts. The sensing system includes a magnet holding plate, a pressure plate, a sensor target and a sensor assembly. The magnet holding plate includes an aperture defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a raised portion along the inner surface, a biasing member positioned along the inner surface in the raised portion, and a flange positioned on the outer surface. The pressure plate includes an outer surface of the pressure plate is positioned underneath the raised portion of the magnet holding plate, axially between the raised portion and the biasing member. The sensor target is attached to the flange of the magnet holding plate. The sensor assembly includes a sensor and a sensor housing positioned radially outward from the pressure plate and magnet holding plate. |
| US10215263B2 |
Air spring actuated slider for semi-trailer
An air spring actuated slider pin release system for a semi-trailer slider includes an actuator shaft oriented to extend in generally parallel relationship to at least one of a pair of parallel main members, being connected to the slider for axial rotation, and having a transverse lever arm secured to each end of the shaft for common rotation. Each lever arm has an end connected to a retractable, biased lock pin via a link so that rotation of the shaft and the lever arms causes retraction of the associated lock pin relative to the main member. The actuator shaft has a normally projecting air spring bracket. An air spring is disposed between one of the main members and the air spring bracket so that inflation of the air spring acts on the air spring bracket, axially rotating the shaft and the lever arms for retracting the lock pins. |
| US10215260B2 |
Integrative transmission chain of hybrid-drive wind turbine and a gearbox used by the transmission chain
An integrative transmission chain of hybrid-drive wind turbine and a gearbox used by the transmission chain, comprising a front housing body, a rear housing body, a main shaft and a planet carrier, and further comprising: an inner ring gear on the main shaft, N intermediate gears (N≥3), N planet gear shafts provided with a first stage planet gear and a second stage planet gear, an output shaft, and a sun gear; wherein the inner ring gear, the intermediate gear and the first stage planet gear form a first stage fixed shaft transmission pair, and the second stage planet gear and the sun gear form a second stage fixed shaft transmission pair; and wherein an upwind end of the output shaft is axially rotatably disposed on the planet carrier and a downwind end of the output shaft protrudes outside the rear housing body; the downwind end which protrudes outside is connected to an upwind end of the rotor of the generator so as to drive the rotor of the generator in rotation, and a downwind end of the rotor of the generator is supported in an inner hole of the stator of the generator via a generator stator main bearing. The transmission chain according to the invention has a high integration level, a simple structure, a light weight, a short axial length, and a high transmission ratio, etc., and is very suitable for a high power wind power generating apparatus. |
| US10215257B2 |
Short rubber reinforcement fiber, rubber composition containing said short fiber, and power transmission belt
Provided is a short rubber reinforcement fiber for short fiber-containing rubber compositions that are used for transmission belts for which friction transmission behavior has been stabilized and travel service life has been further improved. The present invention is a short fiber, which is the product of cutting an adhesive-treated synthetic long fiber multifilament yarn and is used by dispersing in a rubber composition, the short fiber being characterized in that the percentage of the number of non-adhesive-treated single yarns is 0-5%; and a method for manufacturing said short fibers, the method comprising a step for immersing a sudare-woven product in which the synthetic long fiber multifilament yarns have been sudare-woven in an adhesive treatment solution and then pressing at a nip pressure of 1.2-5.0 MPa using nip rolls, and a step for cutting the sudare-woven product bundles obtained to a specified length. |
| US10215256B2 |
V-ribbed belt
The present invention relates to a V-ribbed belt to be wound around plural pulleys and used, including an extension layer that forms a back surface of the V-ribbed belt, a compression layer provided on one surface of the extension layer and having plural ribs extending parallel to each other along a longitudinal direction of the V-ribbed belt, and a load carrying cord embedded between the extension layer and the compression layer along the longitudinal direction of the V-ribbed belt, in which a distance from an outer peripheral portion of the load carrying cord on the rib side to a tip portion of the rib is from 2.0 to 2.6 mm, and a distance from the outer peripheral portion of the load carrying cord on the rib side to a bottom portion of the rib is from 0.3 to 1.2 mm. |
| US10215252B2 |
Hydraulic body mount
A hydraulic body mount with a combined rubber cushion and a hydraulic module may include an inner shaft, a mounting plate, a mounting bracket, a main rubber element, an inner ring, a fluid track, an upper bellows, a washer, a lower bellows, an outer can, a rate plate, a lower bushing, a crash washer, a doubler plate, and a retainer bracket. The fluid track may be configured to receive a fluid via a fluid port. The upper and/or lower bellows may be configured to interact with the fluid. The rate plate may be configured to engage the lower bushing and may be deformed when receiving the at least a portion of the inner shaft. |
| US10215246B2 |
Integrated torque limiter/no-back device
An integrated torque limiter/no-back device for use in an actuator with an input shaft, an output, and a gear reduction. The device includes an input ramp, an output ramp coupled to the gear reduction, a combined ramp disposed between the input ramp and the output ramp, a first plurality of balls arranged between the input ramp and the combined ramp, a second plurality of balls arranged between the combined ramp and the output ramp, a pin, and a brake. The pin extends from the input ramp to the combined ramp and coupled to the input shaft. The combined ramp, the output ramp, and the second plurality of balls therebetween are configured to operate as a torque limiter by causing the combined ramp and the output ramp to separate and the output ramp to engage the brake when the torque from the input shaft exceeds a torque threshold. |
| US10215245B2 |
Floating rotor disc with compressible retention ring fastener
A floating disc brake assembly having a disc brake rotor secured to a mounting assembly, such as a hat or a hat with a retention ring structured and arranged to fit within retention ring flanges of a plurality of rotor mounting tabs uniformly distributed about the mounting assembly. A method of uniformly transferring braking forces from a rotor of a brake assembly about a wheel hat component of the brake assembly and a kit of parts are also provided. |
| US10215244B2 |
Elliptically interfacing gear assisted braking system
An elliptically interfacing gear assisted braking system may include an input shaft with a coupled input gear, a wobble plate, a rotor with a reaction gear, and an actuated brake mechanism, or brake. The input shaft may define an axis of rotation and the wobble plate may have a wobble axis disposed at a non-zero angle relative to the rotation axis. A set of face teeth disposed on one surface of the wobble plate may partially mesh with the input gear, and a set of wobble teeth on an opposite surface of the wobble plate may partially mesh with the reaction gear. Rotation of the input shaft may thereby cause rotation of the wobble plate and rotor. The brake may mate with the rotor and when actuated, slow the rotor with respect to the input shaft. Rolling contact forces between the surfaces of the wobble teeth and reaction teeth may then induce nutation in the wobble plate, thereby dissipating rotational energy. |
| US10215243B2 |
Brake system and apparatus
A braking system includes a brake pad that is coupled to a slider assembly that moves linearly within a guide. The slider assembly and guide are coupled to a first brake. A second brake actuator is coupled to the slider assembly, the guide and a second brake. When the first brake is actuated, the slider assembly is pressed against a rotating braking surface and the friction of the brake pad against the rotating braking surface can cause the slider assembly to move within the guide which actuates the second brake actuator. The second brake actuator then actuates the second brake. When the first brake is released, the slider assembly is removed from the rotating braking surface and the second brake actuator is released which releases the second brake. |
| US10215239B2 |
Clutch operating device
The present clutch operating device includes a drive motor and a speed reduction mechanism. The speed reduction mechanism includes a link bar receiving a driving force of the drive motor, a clutch lever that is rotatably coupled to a first end of the link bar while being disposed rotatably with respect to a second cover, and a main roller that is rotatably attached to a second end of the link bar while being disposed to roll on the second cover. |
| US10215238B2 |
Wedge clutch with opposing thrust forces
A wedge clutch, including: a first hub; a second hub; an outer ring located radially outward of the first and second hubs; a first wedge plate radially disposed between the first hub and the outer ring; a second wedge plate radially disposed between the second hub and the outer ring; and a displacement element disposed between the first and second hubs and arranged to for a connect mode, in which the first and second hubs are non-rotatably connected to the outer ring, block axial displacement of the first and second hubs with respect to each other, and for a disconnect mode, axially displace the first and second hubs with respect to each other to enable rotation between the outer ring and the first and second hubs. |
| US10215235B2 |
Bearing unit and separator
A bearing unit configured to support a first component for rotary movement with respect to a second component includes a first bearing having an inner ring and an outer ring and a second bearing having an inner ring and an outer ring and a separator axially disposed between and connecting the outer ring of the first bearing and the outer ring of the second bearing in an interference fit manner or in a friction fit manner to form a preassembled unit. The separator may be annular and have a plastic base body with axial openings in which metal spacers, cylindrical rods, for example, are mounted. |
| US10215234B2 |
Rolling bearing cage or rolling bearing cage segment, and method for manufacturing a rolling bearing cage or rolling bearing cage segment
A rolling-element bearing cage or rolling-element bearing cage segment is formed from aluminum alloy AA6082 and/or AA7020 and may have a tensile strength of at least 350 MPa and/or a yield strength of at least 310 MPa and/or a hardness of at least 100 HBW. Also a method of forming a rolling-element bearing cage or rolling-element bearing cage segment from aluminum alloy AA6082 and/or AA 7020. |
| US10215229B2 |
Mechanism for maintaining a clearance gap
An element is provided to maintain a clearance gap between a piston and a cylinder wall. In some embodiments, an element is included that is capable of spatial change. In some embodiments, the element is a component such as a clearance ring, a surface bearing, or a segment of a clearance ring or surface bearing. A clearance gap may be maintained by inward and outward motion of the component with respect to a piston assembly and a cylinder wall, where the motion is determined by a balance of forces acting on the component. In some embodiments, an inward force generated by an external gas pressure source is balanced by an outward preload force generated by, for example, a pneumatic piston. In some embodiments, a clearance gap is maintained based on in part on the ratio of inner to outer surface areas of a clearance ring. |
| US10215228B2 |
Compound linear guide having a fastening means
A transfer system for transporting objects is disclosed. It includes a guide rail, which has a light-metal main body and at least one guide element, which is connected to the light-metal main body and has a guide surface. A slide for accommodating at least one object and a bearing, which interacts with the guide element and supports the slide on the guide rail in such a way that the slide can move linearly is also included. The guide rail has at least one magnetic fastening means, which makes it possible to temporarily fasten the guide rail by magnetic clamping, in particular in order to process the guide surface. |
| US10215220B2 |
Bowden cable with combined splitter and compensator
A cable assembly is provided for use with Bowden cables that combines a splitter and compensator. The cable assembly includes a hollow housing having a longitudinal axis, a first end defining a first aperture for receiving the wire of an input cable, and a second end defining a second aperture for receiving the wires of the output cables. A slider is provided within the housing for joining the wires of the input and output cables. The slider is configured for movement within the housing and along the axis. A conduit cap fixes the conduits of the output cables to one another. The conduit cap is configured for movement within the housing. A compression spring is configured to bias the conduit cap away from the first end of the housing. |
| US10215217B2 |
Locking fastener with deflectable lock
A locking mechanism for a fastener is provided. The locking mechanism includes a lock nut, a lock member, and a lock washer. The lock nut is releasably coupled to the lock nut for rotation therewith. The lock member includes an annular body having a radially-extending detent member. The lock washer includes an axially-extending wall about a periphery of the lock washer. The axially-extending wall defines an inner cavity for receiving a portion of the annular body of the lock member therein and includes comprising a plurality of radially-extending notches defined therein. The notches are configured to receive the radially-extending detent member. |
| US10215212B2 |
Adaptor for connecting an electronic device having a camera to an optical device
This invention comprises an adaptor device for connecting an electronic device having a camera to a range of optical devices, including but not limited to binoculars, monoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes, telescopes, and microscopes. This adaptor device has a plurality of protrusion that provide a self-centering and fitted connection between the electronic and optical device, so that the optical axes are aligned so that the user may take images or video on their electronic device through the optical device. The structure of the adaptor device allows the adaptor to fit a range of differently sized optical device, denoted by the diameter of the eyepiece end of the optical device. |
| US10215209B2 |
Aluminum cabinet
An aluminum cabinet is revealed. A plurality of positioning members is disposed on an upper edge, a lower edge and a middle part of an inner surface of two side plates. Two outer main plates are set between the two side plates respectively. An assembly block arranged at each of two sides of the outer main plate is mounted with an assembly member. The assembly member is mounted with and connected to the positioning member. An inner partition is arranged between the two side plates. A fixing block disposed on each of two sides of the inner partition is mounted with a fixing member. A fixing pin mounted in the fixing member is mounted with and connected to the positioning member. Thereby the connecting components are hidden after assembling. Thus not only the visual appearance of the cabinet is more pleasing, the sense of value is also increased. |
| US10215204B2 |
Clamping band
A region extending over a predetermined distance from a first latch claw center portion, out of an end part on one side in the longitudinal direction of a first latch claw opening, toward one side in the longitudinal direction is bulged radially inward to form a first latch claw while both sides of the center portion do not form the first latch claw. A region extending over a predetermined distance from a second latch claw center portion, out of an end part on the other side in the longitudinal direction of a second latch claw opening, toward the other side in the longitudinal direction is bulged radially outward to form a second latch claw while both sides of the center portion do not form the second latch claw. |
| US10215203B2 |
Electromagnetic powertrain system
An electromagnetically operated powertrain system is provided. The system includes a plurality of cylinder assemblies arranged in parallel at least partially along a vehicle. Each of the cylinder assemblies may include one or more cylinders, one or more electromagnetic devices secured to at least one of the ends of each cylinder, one or more pistons reciprocatingly received in the cylinders, and a piston rod coupled to the pistons. Each of the pistons includes a permanent magnet that creates a magnetic field interacting with an electromagnetic field generated by each of the electromagnetic devices. A pulling and/or pushing force may be selectively generated by the magnetic field and the electromagnetic field to enable the pistons to reciprocate within the cylinders. A crankshaft is coupled to the piston rods of the plurality of cylinder assemblies and directly coupled to at least one of front and rear axles of a vehicle. |
| US10215202B2 |
Fluid-operated apparatus, method, and circuit
An apparatus for seamlessly activating an on-demand function related to a fluid-driven instrument connects to an output of control valve regulating system pressure during normal operation of the instrument. The apparatus includes a fluid-operated bistable circuit that is switchable from a standby mode to an actuating mode by a brief drop in system pressure. In the actuating mode the circuit acts on a switch or valve to activate the function. Turning off system pressure to a longer time returns the circuit to its standby mode. The circuit includes a two-port biased actuator responsive to pressure imbalance between its ports, which are separately pressurizable through, respectively, an actuator-controlled valve and a flow control module. |
| US10215200B2 |
Electrohydraulic control valve
An electrohydraulic control valve (1) comprising a control valve element (2) displaceable in a first direction by a pressure in a first pressure chamber (5) and in a second direction by a pressure in a second pressure chamber (6). Each pressure chamber (5, 6) is connected to a line between a high pressure port (PP) and a low pressure port (PT) via a magnetic valve (11, 12). Each magnetic valve (11, 12) is a three-way valve and comprises a first valve seat (17) and a second valve seat (18). A space (19) between the first valve seat (17) and the second valve seat (18) is connected to the pressure chamber (5, 6) and a first valve element (20) positioned outside the space (19) cooperates with the first valve seat (17) and a second valve element (21) positioned outside the space (19) cooperates with the second valve seat (18). |
| US10215199B2 |
Travel and work functions integrated into a hydraulic hybrid system
A series hydraulic hybrid system for a vehicle is described. The system has a hydraulic circuit, a hydraulic working assembly, and a hydraulic accumulator assembly. The hydraulic circuit has a first hydraulic displacement unit in fluid communication with a second hydraulic displacement unit. The first hydraulic displacement unit is drivingly engaged with a power source. The hydraulic working assembly has a hydraulic implement and a hydraulic working pump in fluid communication with the hydraulic implement, the hydraulic working pump drivingly engaged with the power source. The hydraulic accumulator assembly has a high pressure hydraulic accumulator and a low pressure hydraulic accumulator. The hydraulic accumulator assembly selectively fluidly connects to the hydraulic circuit and the hydraulic accumulator assembly selectively fluidly connects to the hydraulic working assembly. |
| US10215194B2 |
Mistuned fan
A compressor rotor for a gas turbine engine is described which includes sets of blades having different airfoil thickness distributions, each including a frequency modifier forming a thickness differential relative to a baseline blade thickness. The frequency modifiers provide different natural vibration frequencies for each of the blades, and facilitate modifying natural vibration frequency separation between adjacent blades of the compressor rotor. |
| US10215192B2 |
Stator vane system usable within a gas turbine engine
A stator assembly (10) usable in a gas turbine engine (12) and configured to restrain inner and outer endwalls (14, 16) to limit deflection and prevent clearance loss relative to adjacent blade rotor disks (18) is disclosed. The stator assembly (10) may be formed from a plurality of stator vanes (20) with inner and outer endwalls (14, 16) that are coupled together with a first radially outer tie bar (22). In at least one embodiment, first and second radially outer tie bars (22, 24) may form first and second stator vane segments (26, 28) that together form the circumferentially extending stator assembly (10). The inner and outer endwalls (14, 16) may be coupled together with one or more circumferentially extending alignment pins (30) that limit deflection. The stator assembly (10) may include one more deformable seals (52) extending radially inward from the inner endwall (14). |
| US10215190B2 |
Refrigerant compressing process with cooled motor
A cooling system is provided for cooling a motor that drives a compressor in a liquefaction system. The coolant used for cooling the motor includes portions of a discharge from a compressor. The coolant for the motor is generated from a vapor component of the discharge from the compressor. The discharge from the compressor is cooled and the vapor component is separated from a liquid component and treated prior to being introduced into the motor. Remaining portions of the discharge from the compressor are routed to cold boxes producing a compressed refrigerant. |
| US10215184B2 |
Controlling a wet gas compression system
The disclosure includes controlling a pressure ratio for a compressing system, comprising introducing a quantity of liquid into an input stream to create a multiphase input stream, compressing the multiphase input stream with a centrifugal compressor to create a discharge stream, measuring a parameter of the discharge stream, wherein the discharge parameter corresponds to a pressure ratio for the centrifugal compressor, when the parameter exceeds a first predetermined point, increasing a pressure ratio of the centrifugal compressor by increasing the quantity of liquid introduced, and when the parameter exceeds a second predetermined point, decreasing the pressure ratio by decreasing the quantity of liquid introduced. |
| US10215182B2 |
Plastic fan shroud and cone assembly and method
A manufacturing method and assembly for providing ventilation to a selected structure is disclosed. The assembly may include various features such as flexible portions, rigid portions, and assembly portions. Further, various steps may be used to form the assembly to achieve selected results, such as single piece formation, inclusion of various positioning members, and packaging or shipping considerations. |
| US10215181B2 |
Volute centrifugal fan with permanent-magnet brush-less motor system
A centrifugal fan with a permanent-magnet brush-less motor system is provided with a volute, an outer rotor motor installed in the volute through a bracket, and an impeller externally sleeved on the outer rotor motor and positioned in the volute. The impeller is connected with the outer rotor motor and consists of a volute board and side boards on two sides of the volute board. The volute board is formed with an opening at a part on the horizontal plane and a bridge arch-type radiator having radiating fins matched with the opening is installed at the opening. The centrifugal fan improves heat dissipation with load changes allowing the driver to operate at lower temperatures that improves operating efficiency and service life. The larger the load, the better the heat dissipation effect of the driver. |
| US10215179B2 |
Ash-collecting and exhaust device for grain dryer
An ash-collecting and exhaust device for a grain dryer has a body, a fan unit, and a driving unit. The body is a hollow barrel, and has an air inlet, an air outlet, and an internal surface being divergent adjacent to the air inlet. The fan unit is rotatably mounted in the body to enable external air to flow into the body via the air inlet and flow out of the body via the air outlet, and has an external surface being obliquely divergent to form an oblique passage between the body and the fan unit. The driving unit is securely mounted on the body, is connected to the fan unit to enable the fan unit to rotate relative to the body to guide the external air flowing into the body. |
| US10215176B2 |
Optimized fiber loading of rubber useful in PDM stators
A stator for use in a positive displacement motor. The stator comprises a rubber compound including fiber reinforcement. The fiber reinforcement includes a plurality of elongated fibers. The elongated fibers in the fiber reinforcement create a grain direction generally with the grain in the longitudinal direction of the stator tube and across the grain in the transverse direction. The rubber compound has a 25% tensile Modulus that is at least 10% lower across the grain than with the grain. The fiber reinforcement includes a fiber loading of greater than about 2.5 phr of elongate fibers, the elongate fibers have a Modulus of greater than about 60 GPa, and the rubber compound has a 25% tensile Modulus of greater than about 400 psi against the grain and a 50% tensile Modulus of greater than about 700 psi against the grain. In some embodiments, the rubber reinforcement also comprises a blend of fibrillated fibers and short cut fibers. |
| US10215175B2 |
Compressor high-side axial seal and seal assembly retainer
A compressor may include a non-orbiting scroll, an orbiting scroll, a drive shaft, a bearing housing and an annular seal. The non-orbiting scroll includes a first spiral wrap. The orbiting scroll includes an end plate having a second spiral wrap ending from a first side of the end plate and an annular hub extending from a second side of the end plate. The first and second spiral wraps cooperate to compress working fluid from a suction pressure to a discharge pressure. The drive shaft includes a crankpin received in the hub and drives the orbiting scroll. The bearing housing rotatably supports the drive shaft and may define a biasing chamber containing working fluid biasing the orbiting scroll toward the non-orbiting scroll in an axial direction. The annular seal may engage a diametrical surface of the hub and engage the bearing housing, thereby defining the biasing chamber. |
| US10215167B2 |
Connecting rod with modified end
A connecting rod (24) has a modified end adapted to ensure that a lubricant film of sufficient thickness exists in an end bearing thereof when the connecting rod is placed in both tension and compression. The connecting rod includes an elongated body portion or shaft (40), a big end (42) defining a first coupling bore (44) at a first longitudinal end of the body portion (40), and a small end (46) defining a second coupling bore (48) at a second longitudinal end of the body portion (40). The small end (46) and the big end (42) each have a proximal side (50,52) nearest the shaft (40) and a distal side (54,56) furthest from the shaft (40). An opening (100) is formed in the shaft (40) adjacent the proximal side (52) for adjusting a stiffness of the proximal side (52). |
| US10215166B2 |
Medical air compressor
A pump or compressor includes a rotating shaft, and at least a first piston rod substantially perpendicular to the rotating shaft and connecting a first pair of pistons at opposite ends of the piston rod. The piston rod moves back and forth relative to the rotating shaft. The compressor additionally includes a circular eccentric, and a circular ring connected to the circular eccentric via a bearing. A drive pin engages the circular ring at a fixed position on the circular ring and engages the at least a first piston rod. When rotational motion of the shaft rotates either the first piston rod and first pair of pistons or the circular eccentric, the drive pin and the first piston rod move back and forth relative to the rotating shaft. |
| US10215165B2 |
Thermal-operated pump
A thermal operated fluid pump has a plunger which is moved by a thermally expandable element to compress a fluid, such as natural gas, into a storage cylinder. |
| US10215164B2 |
Fabric-based piezoelectric energy harvesting
A device for harvesting energy from fabric or clothing includes a piece of fabric or clothing. One or more piezoelectric harvesters are coupled with the piece of fabric or clothing. The piezoelectric harvesters are capable of producing electric energy in response to the movement of the piece of fabric or clothing. Additionally, the device includes one or more energy storage mediums coupled to the one or more piezoelectric harvesters. The energy storage mediums are capable of storing the energy produced by the one or more piezoelectric harvesters. Further, the method for harvesting energy from fabric or clothing involves moving a piece of fabric such that one or more piezoelectric harvesters generate electricity. The method for harvesting energy from fabric or clothing also involves storing the generated electricity in one or more energy storage mediums. |
| US10215162B2 |
Forecasting output power of wind turbine in wind farm
A method and apparatus for forecasting output power of wind turbine in a wind farm. The present invention provides a method for forecasting output power of a wind turbine in a wind farm, including: generating a corrected data set based on environmental data collected from at least one sensor in the wind farm; correcting a weather forecasting model by using the corrected data set; obtaining a forecast value of wind information at the wind turbine based on the corrected weather forecasting model; and forecasting the output power of the wind turbine based on the forecast value and a power forecasting model. |
| US10215159B2 |
Method of starting a wind turbine
Methods of starting a wind turbine from a standstill substantially until generator connection, the wind turbine having a rotor with one or more blades, a pitch system for rotating the blades along their longitudinal axes and a generator operationally connected with the rotor. In standstill, the blades are substantially in a feathered position and the generator is not generating electrical power. The methods may comprise measuring the wind speed representative for the wind turbine and measuring the rotor speed of the wind turbine, and when the rotor speed is not equal to zero, determining the tip speed ratio for the wind turbine, and determining the pitch angle of the blades as a function of the tip speed ratio to optimize the torque produced by the blades of the wind turbine rotor. |
| US10215155B2 |
Wind turbine blade manufacture
A method of making a root end of a wind turbine blade is described. The root end has a root end surface that connects to a wind turbine hub via a pitch bearing when the blade is installed on a wind turbine, and the method comprises providing a plurality of bores in the root end of the blade, each bore extending axially into the blade and having an opening defined at the root end surface; providing a plurality of plugs, each plug having a substantially solid first end portion; inserting the plugs into the respective bores each to a depth whereby the first end portions of the respective plugs extend inside the bores and form a seal against an internal surface of the bore and a sacrificial portion of the first end portion of each plug protrudes from the opening of the respective bore at the root end surface; and machining the root end surface to form a substantially flat root end surface for interfacing with the pitch bearing, wherein the step of machining the root end surface comprises removing the protruding sacrificial portions of the protruding plugs leaving the remaining first end portions of the respective plugs substantially flush with the root end surface. |
| US10215151B2 |
Aerating system for hydraulic turbine
Aerating system for the runner of a hydraulic turbine, the runner comprising a plurality of blades, such that inter-blade canals are configured between each pair of blades for the admission of air in the water flow circulating through the hydraulic turbine, such that the aerating system comprises at least one hydrofoil located in the inter-blade canal of the runner contacting the pair of blades configuring the inter-blade canal where the hydrofoil is located, such that the hydrofoil has a non-axis symmetrical profile, and such that at least one of the blades in contact with the hydrofoil comprises an aerating canal delivering air to the hydrofoil. |
| US10215150B2 |
Water flow power generator
A water flow power generator includes a nacelle, a vane wheel that is disposed so as to be rotatable relative to the nacelle, and that is rotated by a water flow while including a plurality of blades, a power generator that is disposed inside the nacelle, and that generates electric power by using rotating power transmitted from the vane wheel, and a vane wheel rotation stopping mechanism that is disposed in the nacelle, that includes a rod which can enter the inside of a rotational trajectory of the vane wheel, and that stops the rotation of the vane wheel. |
| US10215145B2 |
Dual controller area network (CAN) starter
According to one or more aspects, a dual controller area network (CAN) is used to start a vehicle. A dual CAN bus network includes a first CAN (CAN1) bus and a second CAN (CAN2) bus. A transmission control unit (TCU) is in communication with an engine control unit (ECU) via the dual CAN bus network. The ECU controls actuation of a starter motor based on signals from the CAN1 bus and signals from the CAN2 bus sent by the TCU. Actuation of the starter motor places an engine of the vehicle in a starting mode. |
| US10215144B1 |
Fuel system with switchable pressure regulation
A fuel system is provided for switching between two separate regulated pressures of a first fuel pump to a supply line. The supply line supplies both a second fuel pump of a high pressure fuel injection system and a fuel injector separate from the high pressure fuel injection system. The switchover can include multiple regulators, one of which is selectively disabled. |
| US10215143B2 |
Pressure-limiting valve for a fuel injection system and fuel injection system
A pressure-limiting valve for a fuel injection system includes a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a sealing seat, and a sealing body configured to move between a closed position in which the sealing body is in contact with the sealing seat, which blocks fluid flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, and additional positions that permit such fluid flow, and a holding device for keeping the sealing body in one of the additional positions if the sealing body is moved at least a specified distance away from the sealing seat. |
| US10215138B2 |
Protective cap for a positive crankcase ventilation port and a method to manufacture
A positive crankcase ventilation system for an internal combustion engine routes blowby gases into the intake of the engine. Because the blowby gases have about 12% water vapor, during cold-weather operation, the water vapor may freeze in the PCV valve or in the port that couples the PCV duct with the intake manifold. In situations in which the PCV duct is pointing toward the direction of flow of the intake gases, a hood or cap is placed over the end of the tube according to the present disclosure. It can be as simple as a 90-degree elbow or multiple openings in the cap. A centerline of the openings is perpendicular or at an obtuse angle with respect to the direction of flow in the duct so that the intake gases do not directly access the openings and cause freezing in the openings (or ports). |
| US10215135B2 |
System and methods for extracting water from exhaust gases for water injection
Methods and systems are provided for flowing exhaust through a second cooler, arranged downstream of a first cooler and upstream of an intake in an exhaust gas recirculation passage, and extracting condensate for water injection from condensate in cooled exhaust gas exiting the second cooler. In one example, a method may include adjusting the amount of exhaust gas flowing through the second cooler based on an amount of water stored at a water storage tank of a water injection system and engine operating conditions. Further, the method may include selectively flowing exhaust gas from the second cooler to a location upstream or downstream of a compressor in response to engine operating conditions. |
| US10215131B2 |
Hand-guided power tool with an internal combustion engine
A power tool has an internal combustion engine with a carburetor with choke element pivotably arranged therein. A starter device with an actuating element has an operating position, off position, and at least one start position. A coupling element connects the actuating element with a choke actuating lever. The actuating element, upon adjustment from operating position into the at least one start position, moves the choke element into its start position. The connection between actuating element and choke actuating lever has a relative movement device which, in one position of the choke element, enables movement of actuating element relative to choke actuating lever. A holding device with guide contour is secured on the carburetor housing. In a start position of the choke element, the guide contour prevents movement of the actuating element relative to choke actuating lever from its start position into the operating position. |
| US10215130B2 |
Choke override for an engine
A choke system for an internal combustion engine includes a carburetor having a choke valve disposed in a passage; a cooling fan providing a variable air flow; an air vane moveable in response to the variable air flow; an air vane linkage coupling the air vane to the choke valve, the air vane linkage operating the choke valve by the movement of the air vane; a manually operated choke control; an override linkage coupling the choke control to the choke valve; and a thermally responsive member configured to engage the override linkage to retain the choke in a partially open position above a threshold temperature. The choke control may be moved to a first position in which the choke control overrides the thermally responsive member and the air vane linkage to maintain the choke valve in a closed position. |
| US10215128B2 |
Rough cast cylinder liner
A cylinder liner for internal combustion engines has an outer roughened surface that has particularly good adherence properties. The surface is covered with protrusions or spines of varying shapes and sizes, which are created by spraying the mold with a coating and then casting the cylinder liner in the mold. The spines are generally conical or needle-shaped, with the bases being larger than the tips. The spines have an aggregate cross-sectional surface area measured at 0.2 mm from a ground cylindrical surface that is between 50-90% of the total ground cylindrical surface area, and an aggregate cross-sectional surface area measured at 0.4 mm from the ground cylindrical surface that is between 20-45% of the total ground cylindrical surface area. |
| US10215126B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
An intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection are performed during catalyst warm-up control (upper section in FIG. 7). During the catalyst warm-up control, a discharge period at an electrode portion is set on a retard side of compression top dead center, and an expansion stroke injection is performed during the discharge period. However, when a distance between a spray contour surface and the electrode portion increases, an additional injection (first injection) is performed in advance of the expansion stroke injection (second injection) (lower section in FIG. 7). The additional injection is performed at a timing that is on the retard side of compression top dead center and is on an advance side relative to a start timing of the discharge at the electrode portion. |
| US10215125B2 |
Process of controlling operation in a multi-cylinder engine
A process of controlling operation in a multi-cylinder engine either during start of operation or low-load conditions is disclosed. The process may include skipping a supply of fuel in a first set of cylinders of the multi-cylinder engine for a pre-defined number of multiple working cycles. The process may further include supplying fuel-air mixture to a second set of cylinders of the multi-cylinder engine for the pre-defined number of multiple working cycles. The process may also include executing combustion of the fuel-air mixture supplied to the second set of cylinders for the pre-defined number of multiple working cycles. In addition the process may include either changing a selection of cylinders included in the first set of cylinders and the second set of cylinders respectively, or switching the supply of fuel, after the pre-defined number of multiple working cycles, from the second set of cylinders to the first set of cylinders. |
| US10215124B2 |
Fuel injection control device
A fuel injection control device is a control device controlling an injection of fuel by a fuel injector and includes: a setting part that sets a request injection quantity of an injection quantity requested of the fuel injector; a dividing part that divides the request injection quantity set by the setting part into a specified injection quantity and an adjusting injection quantity other than the specified injection quantity; an injection performing part that performs a dividing injection of an adjusting injection and a partial lift injection by the fuel injector, the adjusting injection injecting the adjusting injection quantity of fuel, the partial lift injection finishing a lift of a valve body of the fuel injector in a partial lift state before the valve body reaching a full lift position and injecting the specified injection quantity of fuel; and a learning part that learns an injection characteristic of the fuel injector at the time of the partial lift injection. |
| US10215121B2 |
Method and apparatus for heating lambda sensor of mild hybrid electric vehicle
A method and an apparatus for heating a lambda detector of mild hybrid electric vehicle may include determining whether a measured value of the lambda detector is equal to or greater than a first reference value or is equal to or less than a second reference value when an overrun condition is satisfied; determining a first difference value between the measured value of the lambda detector and the first reference value and a second difference value between the measured value and the second reference value when the measured value of the lambda detector is equal to or greater than the first reference value or is equal to or less than the second reference value; determining a heating temperature and time according to the first difference value and the second difference value; and heating the lambda detector according to the determined heating temperature and time when a coasting condition is satisfied. |
| US10215120B2 |
Methods and system for operating a vehicle with a vented hood and rain tray
Methods and systems are provided for controlling a speed of a vehicle based on whether a rain tray is coupled within the vehicle, below a vented hood of the vehicle. In one example, a method may include maintaining a vehicle speed of a vehicle below a set vehicle speed threshold and alerting a vehicle operator of the set vehicle speed threshold when it is detected that a rain tray is installed in the vehicle, below a vent of a vented hood of the vehicle. In another example, the set vehicle speed threshold may be reduced due to the presence of rain. |
| US10215115B1 |
Methods and systems for individual cylinder air-fuel ratio control in a combustion engine
Methods and systems are provided for controlling individual cylinder air-fuel ratio (AFR) in a combustion engine. In one example, a method may include measuring a high-frequency exhaust gas composition, parsing the measured high-frequency exhaust gas composition to determine a first cylinder-specific component of the high-frequency exhaust gas composition, estimating an air-fuel ratio (AFR) based on the first cylinder-specific component of the measured high-frequency exhaust gas composition, and correcting the estimated AFR by subtracting intercylinder exhaust gas interactions from the estimated AFR. |
| US10215114B2 |
Method and system for vehicle propulsion system control
A vehicle propulsion system includes an internal combustion engine with a cylinder, an intake valve, an exhaust valve, and a cylinder head defining a combustion chamber; an intake manifold in communication with the combustion chamber through the intake valve; an exhaust manifold in communication with the combustion chamber through the exhaust valve; a turbocharger with a compressor in communication with the intake manifold, a turbine in communication with the exhaust manifold, and an electric motor for selectively driving the turbine; and a controller in communication with the electric motor and configured to selectively operate electric motor to drive the turbine to reduce a pressure in the combustion chamber during an engine start process. |
| US10215110B2 |
Controller for hybrid vehicle
According to a temperature of an engine, a state-of-charge of a battery, a requirement of instruments and a driver's requirement, an engine control is switched between a first engine control and a second engine control. In the first engine control, an electric power is firstly used for a vehicle-driving prior to other functions. In the second engine control, the electric power is firstly used for functions other than the vehicle-driving. |
| US10215104B2 |
Valve device in a motor vehicle
A valve device for a fuel cell arrangement in a motor vehicle includes: a housing; a flow channel extending in the housing; a flap configured to influence a flow cross-section in the flow channel; a shaft to which the flap is attached, the shaft being rotatably supported in the housing; a drive configured to drive the flap via the shaft; a valve seat arranged in the flow channel; and a seal including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) arranged on a radially peripheral edge of the flap, the seal being configured to contact the valve seat with the flap in a closed position of the flap, so that the shaft passes through the flap at an angle. The seal includes a spring. |
| US10215100B2 |
One degree-of-constraint semi-fusible gearbox mounting link
A mounting link between a gas turbine engine and a gearbox comprises a gearbox arm, a fusibly breakable bolt, and two engine attachment brackets. The gearbox arm attaches to the gearbox, and extends along an axis defining a first dimension between the gas turbine engine structure and the gearbox. The fusibly breakable bolt extends through the gearbox arm, and has a central shear section that mates with the gearbox arm. The engine attachment brackets have primary and secondary retention annuli, and attachment flanges that attach to the gas turbine engine structure. The primary retention annuli are each concentric to an outer section of the fusibly breakable bolt, and have a radius selected to tightly retain those outer sections in the first dimension. The secondary retention annuli are each concentric to a portion of the shear section, and have a larger radius to loosely retain the shear section. |
| US10215095B2 |
Gas turbine system with cooling fluid generator
A gas turbine system (1A) includes a gas turbine unit (2) and a cooling fluid generator (5). The gas turbine unit (2) includes a first compressor (21) and a first expansion turbine (23) coupled to each other by a first shaft (22), a combustor (26), and a fuel tank (30). A fuel held in the fuel tank (30) circulates through a fuel circulation passage (31). A working fluid that has a pressure increased by the first compressor (1) is extracted from the gas turbine unit (2). The cooling fluid generator (5) includes a cooler (55) for cooling, with the fuel flowing through the fuel circulation passage (31), the working fluid that has been extracted from the gas turbine unit (2), and a second expansion turbine (53) for expanding the working fluid that has flowed out of the cooler (55). |
| US10215092B2 |
Constant-volume combustion (CVC) chamber for an aircraft turbine engine including an intake/exhaust valve having a spherical plug
A constant-volume combustion chamber for an aircraft turbine engine, including a compressed gas intake valve configured to adopt an open position and a closed position, and in the closed position blocking intake of compressed gas into the chamber, and a combusted gas exhaust valve configured to adopt a closed position, in the closed position blocking exhaust of combusted gas outside the chamber. At least one of the intake and exhaust valves includes at least one spherical plug. |
| US10215083B2 |
Heat exchanger for a snowmobile engine air intake
A snowmobile has a frame including a tunnel, at least one ski, an engine having an engine air inlet and a drive track operatively connected thereto and disposed at least partly below the tunnel around a rear suspension. A heat exchanger connected to the tunnel has a heat exchanger air inlet and a heat exchanger air outlet fluidly communicating with the heat exchanger air inlet and the engine air inlet. A snowmobile has a frame including an inverted U-shaped tunnel having top, left and right portions at least partly enclosing a space. A drive track, operatively connected to an engine, is disposed around a rear suspension and at least partly in the space. An air intake system has a heat exchanger surface disposed in or adjacent to the space. Air flowing through the intake system contacts the heat exchanger surface to be cooled thereby before entering the engine. |
| US10215082B2 |
Direct fuel injection combustion engine and more particularly a compression-ignition engine with a low compression ratio
The present invention is a compression-ignition direct-injection internal-combustion engine comprising at least a cylinder (10), a cylinder head (12) carrying fuel injection means (14), a piston (16) sliding in the cylinder, a combustion chamber (34) limited on one side by an upper face (44) of the piston comprising a projection (48) extending in the direction of the cylinder head and located in a center of a concave bowl (46). The engine comprises injection projecting fuel in at least two fuel jet sheets. One of the zones comprises a toroidal volume (64) having center B with a flat bottom (56) into which fuel jets (40) of the lower sheet are injected so that an axis C1 of the lower sheet jets is contained between center B and projection (48). |
| US10215081B2 |
Degassing tank, and motor vehicle cooling system provided with such a degassing tank
The present invention relates to a venting tank, suitable for being fitted in a cooling system of a motor vehicle and defining an inner space intended for receiving a coolant, the venting tank including at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the coolant which are arranged below a minimum liquid level when the vehicle is in service, wherein the venting tank also includes, opposite the inlet or at least some of the inlets, a member for guiding the coolant, penetrating into the inner space via the inlet, following a flow directed toward a lower wall of the venting tank opposite the flow arriving through the inlet, and forming a 180-degree arc. The invention also relates to a motor-vehicle cooling system provided with such a venting tank. |
| US10215079B2 |
Thermostatic valve
A thermostatic valve for a cooling system of an engine of a motor vehicle, having a thermostatic valve housing, on which a connection to a cylinder head of the engine, a connection to the engine block, a connection to a cooler of the cooling system and at least one connection to a bypass channel are designed, wherein a movable thermostatic operating element, a cooler valve, an engine block valve and a slide for closing the bypass channel are arranged in the thermostatic valve housing. The thermostatic valve has a first slide section is provided for closing a first opening arranged on the thermostatic valve housing and at least one second slide section for closing at least one second opening arranged on the thermostatic valve housing. |
| US10215078B2 |
Ebullient cooling device
A pressure relief valve is opened from a first time to a second time for the purpose of reducing the pressure in the gas phase in a gas-liquid separator. A first water pump (WP) is driven at a third time and a fourth time. The third time and fourth time correspond to timings at which a difference between a boiling temperature and an actual temperature becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature. Since liquid-phase coolant in a catch tank can be fed to another water pump by driving the first WP, the actual temperature of the liquid-phase coolant immediately upstream of the other water pump can be lowered. It is thus possible to prevent intense boiling of the liquid-phase coolant immediately upstream of the other water pump. |
| US10215077B2 |
Engine control apparatus
Provided is an engine control apparatus capable of detecting degradation in particulate filter performance. An input unit receives a first signal indicating an exhaust gas state (Tpf_2) inside or downstream of a particulate filter that traps particulate substance contained in engine exhaust gas. A determination unit 16a determines whether the particulate filter is degraded on the basis of the exhaust gas state (Tpf_2) indicated by the first signal in a period (fFC=1) in which fuel supply to the engine is blocked. |
| US10215072B2 |
Methods for controlling and detecting catalyst poisoning of selective catalytic reduction devices
Method for controlling and detecting ammonium nitrate and/or ammonium nitrite poisoning within selective catalytic reduction (SCR) devices and systems incorporating the same are provided. Methods can include detecting a SCR inlet exhaust gas NO2:NOx ratio above a poisoning NOx flux threshold, detecting a SCR temperature below a poisoning temperature threshold, and determining SCR catalyst poisoning. Methods can further include performing a SCR catalyst cleaning strategy, wherein the SCR cleaning strategy comprises heating the SCR catalyst composition to a temperature above the poisoning temperature threshold. Cleaning strategies can including utilizing a heater, implementing a post-injection, after-injection, and/or auxiliary injection engine strategy wherein the engine is configured to supply exhaust gas to the SCR. Methods can further include arresting reductant dosing, identifying an opportunistic regeneration opportunity, and/or inhibiting performance of an appurtenant oxidation catalyst subsequent to determining SCR catalyst poisoning. The SCR catalyst composition can comprise iron and/or copper. |
| US10215071B2 |
Exhaust gas aftertreatment unit and work vehicle
An exhaust gas aftertreatment unit includes a selective catalytic reduction device that treats engine exhaust gas, a connecting pipe that guides the engine exhaust gas to the reduction device, a reducing agent injection device disposed on the connecting pipe to inject a reducing agent into the exhaust gas, and a cooling water flowpath that guides cooling water to an internal flowpath of the injection device. The cooling water path includes a first flowpath joined with the internal flowpath, second and third flowpaths branching off from the first flowpath, and a branching point where the first flowpath branches into the second flowpath and the third flowpath is positioned higher than a connecting portion of the injection device and the first flowpath. The third flowpath extends further upward than the second flowpath from the branching point. The second and third flowpaths merge on an opposite side of the branching point. |
| US10215066B2 |
Lubrication system for an internal combustion engine, and method for lubrication
Embodiments for a lubrication system for an internal combustion engine are provided. In one example, a lubrication system for an internal combustion engine comprises a lubricant circuit, a radiator for cooling the lubricant, a heat accumulator arranged upstream of the engine for warming up the lubricant, the heat accumulator connected in parallel to the radiator, and a valve for switching over the lubricant circuit between the radiator and the heat accumulator. In this way, the oil may be rapidly heated during cold engine start conditions. |
| US10215061B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine with at least one camshaft and a bearing block for rotationally bearing the camshaft about a rotational axis, an axial bearing element being provided for axially bearing the camshaft, the element engaging with an axial bearing groove of the bearing block. The axial bearing element has a support body resting on an outer peripheral surface of the camshaft, and a retaining projection protruding from the support body, the projection engaging with a retaining recess passing through the outer peripheral surface, so that the axial bearing element is rotationally fixedly to the camshaft, the support body engaging with the peripheral axial bearing groove of the bearing block in the peripheral direction with respect to the rotational axis. |
| US10215060B2 |
Gas turbine efficiency and power augmentation improvements utilizing heated compressed air
The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and methods for augmenting the power of a gas turbine engine, improving gas turbine engine operation, and reducing the response time necessary to meet changing demands of a power plant. Improvements in power augmentation and engine operation include systems and methods for preheating a steam injection system. |
| US10215057B2 |
Rotor turning system and method
A rotor turning system for turning a rotor is provided. The system may include a rotary driver including a rotating drive shaft. A removable rotor grasping element is configured to frictionally grasp at least a portion of an exterior circumference of a portion of the rotor. A drive linkage couples the rotating drive shaft to the rotor grasping element to impart a torque to the rotor with the rotor grasping element to turn the rotor. A rotor grasping element is also provided for grasping a substantially smooth exterior surface of a rotor to allow for turning of the rotor. A related method is also provided. |
| US10215055B2 |
Transmission assembly comprising a transmission member and an oil distribution system
A transmission assembly including a transmission member and an oil distribution system. The transmission member includes a rotary pivot, and a pivot portion for pivoting about the rotary pivot; the oil distribution system is to receive oil feed and to transfer it to an oil reception chamber of the rotary pivot; the rotary pivot includes injection orifices putting the oil reception chamber into fluid flow communication with the gap between the rotary pivot and the pivot portion to form a fluid bearing; and the transmission assembly is for injecting oil into the gap at a first pressure into an outer portion of the gap, and at a second pressure into an inner portion of the gap, the second injection pressure being different from the first injection pressure. |
| US10215044B2 |
Interstage seal housing optimization system in a gas turbine engine
An interstage seal system (10) for adjusting the position of an interstage seal during operation of a gas turbine engine (14) to increase efficiency of the seal (12) is disclosed. The interstage seal system (10) may include a interstage seal housing (16) formed from a circumferentially extending housing having a seal (12) positioned on a radially inward surface (18) of the interstage seal housing (16). The interstage seal housing (16) may biased radially outward via one or more springs (20) to bias the radially inward surface (18) of the interstage seal housing (16) outwardly. The interstage seal housing (16) may reside in an interstage housing receiving cavity (68). The cavity (68) may be supplied with gases at a higher pressure than on the other side (24) of the seal housing (16) during turbine engine operation. As such, the interstage seal housing (16) is forced radially inwardly to close the gap (26) within the seal (12) as the high pressure force directed radially inward overcomes the spring bias directed radially outward. |
| US10215043B2 |
Method and device for piston seal anti-rotation
A method of limiting circumferential rotation of a split-ring seal for use in a gas turbine engine includes inserting a retention block through a slot in a flange of a support structure and into a groove configured to hold a split-ring seal, and engaging an end of a split-ring seal in the groove with a surface of the retention block. |
| US10215041B2 |
Sealing ring segment for a stator of a turbine
A sealing ring segment for a stator of a turbine, the sealing ring segment has substantially the shape of a cylinder casing segment and has on its outer side a groove for fixing a plurality of guide vanes. The sealing ring segment has, for each guide vane that is fixable to the sealing ring segment, at least one pressure bolt that acts on the respective guide vane by a restoring force, the pressure bolt being able to be fixed and accordingly oriented by a corresponding opening in the sealing ring segment and being configured as a cylindrical element which can be compressed in the axial direction, and wherein the respective pressure bolt has a disk spring and the restoring force of the respective pressure bolt acts in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis of the turbine in which the sealing ring segment is placed. |
| US10215038B2 |
Method and computer-readable model for additively manufacturing ducting arrangement for a gas turbine engine
Method and computer-readable model for additively manufacturing a ducting arrangement (10) for a gas turbine engine are provided. Ducting arrangement (10) may include a duct (18) to be fluidly coupled to receive a cross-flow of combustion gases from a main combustion stage. Duct (18) includes a duct segment (23) with an expanding cross-sectional area (24) where one or more injector assemblies (26) are disposed. Injector assembly (26) includes one or more reactant-guiding structures (27) arranged to deliver a flow of reactants to be mixed with the cross-flow of combustion gases. The ducting arrangement is effective to reduce total pressure loss while providing an effective level of mixing of the injected reactants with the passing cross-flow. Respective duct components or the entire ducting arrangement may be formed as a unitized structure, such as a single piece using a rapid manufacturing technology, such as 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies. |
| US10215036B2 |
Blade attachment assembly
An assembly and method for affixing a turbomachine rotor blade to a rotor wheel are disclosed. In an embodiment, an adaptor member is provided disposed between the blade and the rotor wheel, the adaptor member including an adaptor attachment slot that is complementary to the blade attachment member, and an adaptor attachment member that is complementary to the rotor wheel attachment slot. A coverplate is provided, having a coverplate attachment member that is complementary to the rotor wheel attachment slot, and a hook for engaging the adaptor member. When assembled, the coverplate member matingly engages with the adaptor member, and retains the blade in the adaptor member, and the assembly in the rotor wheel. |
| US10215033B2 |
Stator seal for turbine rub avoidance
A stator seal for a turbine assembly includes a seal base securable to a turbine stator and including an annular inner surface, and an abradable coating disposed on the annular inner surface. The abradable coating and the annular inner surface have a predefined cross-sectional profile including a transient operation section that facilitates axial expansion and a steady state operation section that facilitates a tighter clearance. |
| US10215031B2 |
Gas turbine engine component cooling with interleaved facing trip strips
A gas turbine engine component includes first and second walls spaced apart from one another to provide a cooling passage. First and second trip strips are respectively provided on the first and second walls and arranged to face one another. The first and second trip strips are arranged in an interleaved fashion with respect to one another in a direction. |
| US10215029B2 |
Blade assembly
A blade assembly including a rotor; a body portion connected to the rotor and having a space therein; and at least one vibration reduction member provided in the space. |
| US10215024B1 |
System for forming and maintaining a fundamentally impervious boundary in a salt cavern for storing very pure hydrogen
A system for forming and/or maintaining a fundamentally impervious boundary within a salt cavern for storing very high purity hydrogen is provided. The system includes a salt cavern comprising a salt cavern wall; a conduit configured to introduce a compressed very high purity hydrogen gas into a salt cavern, thereby producing a stored very high purity hydrogen gas; the conduit also configured to remove the compressed very high purity hydrogen gas from the salt cavern, wherein the stored very high purity hydrogen gas is maintained at a pressure greater than about 1.0 psi per linear foot of height within the cavern, and less than about 4.0 psi per linear foot of height within the cavern. |
| US10215023B2 |
Trapping shoe lubrication system
A system for guiding movement of a chassis of a mining machine along a rack includes a shoe and a fluid line for receiving fluid from a fluid source. The shoe is configured to be coupled to the chassis and slidably engage the rack. The shoe is configured to extend at least partially around the rack. The shoe includes a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. At least a portion of the inner surface is configured to be positioned adjacent the rack. The fluid line includes an outlet positioned proximate the shoe for dispensing the fluid at an interface between the shoe and the rack. |
| US10215019B2 |
Instrumented multilateral wellbores and method of forming same
A method of completing a wellbore system that includes a main wellbore and a lateral wellbore intersecting the main wellbore at a junction is disclosed, wherein in one embodiment the method includes placing a first outer assembly below the junction in the main wellbore and placing a second outer assembly below the junction in the lateral wellbore; placing a first inner assembly in the second outer assembly with a top end thereof below the junction, the top end of the first inner assembly including a first wet connect associated with at least one link in the first inner assembly; and connecting a second wet connect of a string with the first wet connect with a top end of the string having a third wet connect corresponding to the at least one link above the junction in the main wellbore. |
| US10215015B2 |
Strain sensitive optical fiber cable package for downhole distributed acoustic sensing
A distributed acoustic sensing cable package having a polymer composite extruded over an optical waveguide to encase the waveguide and to form a crystalline matrix layer acoustically coupled to the waveguide. The crystalline matrix includes reinforcement fibers to further enhance transmission of a cable strain to the optical waveguide. During manufacture of the cable, the polymer composite may be extruded over the optical waveguide and subsequently subjected to heat treatment to increase the crystallinity of the polymer composite and increase the elastic modulus. Both axial and radial strain fields are effectively interact with cased fiber waveguide for producing measurable phase shift signal for distributed acoustic noise detection. |
| US10215013B2 |
Real time downhole sensor data for controlling surface stimulation equipment
A system, method and apparatus for stimulating a reservoir is disclosed. A slurry is supplied to the work string at the surface, which work string extends from the surface location to a downhole location adjacent the reservoir. A parameter of the slurry is measured at the downhole location and transmitted to the surface location. A control unit at the surface location receives the measured parameter of the slurry and estimates a fracture conductivity of the reservoir using the measured parameter of the slurry. The control unit may alter the parameter of the slurry at the surface location to obtain a selected fracture conductivity to stimulate the reservoir. |
| US10215005B2 |
Multi-flow pipe and pipe couplings therefor for use in fracture flow hydrocarbon recovery processes
A dual flow/multi-flow pipe assembly for use in hydrocarbon recovery processes, having alternately-spaced apertures along a length thereof separated by packer elements, wherein alternating apertures fluidly connect with separate flow channels within the pipe assembly. A first embodiment is of a pipe-in-pipe configuration, with tubular members respectively located in alternately-spaced apertures fluidly connecting an interior pipe member with an exterior of the pipe assembly, and remaining spaced apertures fluidly connecting said exterior with an annular region between the interior pipe and the outer pipe, A second embodiment is of the divided pipe configuration, wherein a longitudinally extending divider partition is provided in each pipe member making up the multi-flow pipe assembly thereby forming two separate flow channels within each pipe member, with alternately spaced apertures fluidly communicating with a respective of the two or more flow channels formed within each pipe member by the divider partition. |
| US10215001B1 |
High pressure high temperature drilling simulator
A method and apparatus for simulating drilling operation consists of a cylindrical cell assembly (80) capable of withstanding high pressure and high temperature with a movable drill bit (27) abrading a solid sample (28) while submerged in a liquid sample (74). A loading device (42) moves a bottom shaft (46) supporting the solid sample (28) as said solid sample (28) abrades and is moved upwards, and its movement is measured by a displacement sensor (40). Liquid sample (74) is drained through solid sample (28) into receiver (38) to measure filtration of solid sample (28). Heat is provided via a heater (64) and pressure is controlled via pressurization media (72). |
| US10214999B2 |
Remotely operated isolation valve
A shifting tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular housing having a bore formed therethrough; a tubular mandrel disposed in the housing and longitudinally movable relative thereto; and an engagement member moveable relative to the housing between an extended position, a released position, and a retracted position, wherein: the engagement member is movable from the retracted position to the extended position in response to movement of the mandrel relative to the housing, and the engagement member is further movable from the extended position to the released position in response to movement of the mandrel relative to the housing. |
| US10214996B2 |
Method and apparatus to utilize a metal to metal seal
In one aspect, a downhole device for use in a wellbore to selectively isolate a first pressure and a second pressure is disclosed, including a first piston including: a first sealing face to selectively isolate the first pressure and the second pressure; a first pressure face to receive the first pressure; and a second pressure face to receive the second pressure; and a second piston selectively coupled to the first piston, the second piston including a third pressure face to receive the second pressure; and a fourth pressure face to receive the first pressure, wherein the fourth pressure face is larger than the first pressure face. |
| US10214994B2 |
Downhole arrangement
A downhole arrangement (32) comprises first (34) and second (41) members, a lock profile (4) fixed relative to one of the first and second members, and a lock member (10) for engaging the at least one lock profile. A release member (40) is provided which is moveable to selectively lock the lock member in engagement with the lock profile so as to selectively secure the second member relative to the first member. Such a downhole arrangement may permit a releasable connection between the first and second members. |
| US10214993B2 |
Straddle frac tool with pump through feature apparatus and method
A fracturing tool features spaced releasable packers with an outlet in between. The housing has relatively moving components for opening the frac port between the packers with weight set on the lower packer. Once the frac port is opened the upper packer is set and the pumping begins. The upper packer can be released so that tension can be pulled on the lower packer to close the frac port and open a through passage in the housing. In one embodiment the through passage can be located above the lower packer to a sand jet perforator to clean debris away from the lower packer if it is difficult to release the lower packer or to abrasively perforate through a tubular. The housing outlet can be below bottom packer to perform a treatment further downhole or to operate another tool. The straddle tool can be run in on coiled tubing. |
| US10214992B2 |
Method and apparatus for smooth bore toe valve
A smooth bore toe valve includes a first sub defining a through bore and a fluid flow path through a wall thereof; a second sub; a housing mechanically engaged with the first and second subs to define a valve cavity axially between the first and second subs and to define a chamber radially between the first and second subs and the housing, the housing further defining a plurality of openings in a wall thereof; and a sleeve disposed within the chamber between the housing and the first and second subs to close the openings and, upon application of fluid pressure horn the through bore through the fluid flow path, open the openings to fluid flow from the valve cavity to the exterior of the housing. A method for using such a valve is also disclosed. |
| US10214991B2 |
Inflow control device for wellbore operations
An adjustable and fixed inflow control device is provided. According to one embodiment, the adjustable inflow control device comprises a set of flow path walls defining a flow path that extends from an inlet to an outlet. The inlet may be open to the outer surface of a tubular and the outlet may be fluidly connected to an inner diameter of the tubular. The flow path may be adapted to control flow of fluid between the outlet and the inlet. The inflow control device further comprises a movable regulator that is movable to alter the flow path. The movable regulator may be movable between a number of positions. The inflow control device may be modular. |
| US10214983B2 |
Mechanical hammering tool for use in oil wells
The invention relates to a cable-operated hammering tool (20) for downhole operations, comprising an extended cylinder (3) with an axially through-going internal opening in the cylinder (3), a hammering part (10) is arranged in a lower section of the cylinder (3) and is fitted with a detachable coupling for the connection with downhole equipment, a release strut (1) is arranged in the upper section of the cylinder (3) that is connected to a cable which is connected to a surface installation, the hammering part is detachably fastened to the cylinder (3) with the help of, at least, one locking body (4). The release strut (1) is functionally connected to a force spring (2) for prestressing of this by moving in a first direction, and also functionally coupled to the, at least, one locking body (4) to be released from this by moving in an opposite direction. |
| US10214982B2 |
Retrievable subsea device and method
A protective device for a blow out preventer stack (B.O.P.), and a sidetracking method using same during an oil-field milling or drilling operation requiring a window to be formed in casing to access a formation, the device having a sleeve assembly and a running tool releasably attached to the sleeve assembly, wherein the running tool comprises a running tool housing connected to the sleeve assembly and a separable running tool body connectable within the length of a work string having a BHA with a mill or bit, the running tool housing being shear pinned to the running tool body for running in hole, wherein the running tool housing is configured to shear from the running tool body during deployment into a cased wellbore to sealingly seat the sleeve assembly within a B.O.P. and form a barrier to ingress of swarf into the B.O.P. |
| US10214980B2 |
Measuring fluid properties in a downhole tool
A sensor assembly may include a housing made of a non-magnetic material. The housing may define an interior chamber. A shaft may extend from the housing. A bearing may be positioned around the shaft. An impeller may be positioned around the shaft and the bearing, and the impeller may include a magnetized portion. A sensor may be positioned within the interior chamber and/or proximate the magnetized portion. The sensor may detect the magnetized portion of the impeller to sense a rate of rotation of the impeller. The rate of rotation of the impeller may correspond to changes in flow rate of the fluid. As the flow rate of the fluid, and the rate of rotation of the impeller change in predetermined manners, control signals may be conveyed to activate a tool. |
| US10214976B2 |
Pipe handling device
The present invention relates to a tubular handling system for maneuvering tubulars onto or off of a rig and including a tubular grip adapted to engage a variety of tubular sizes. |
| US10214975B2 |
Vertical pipe handling system and method for its use
Systems and methods for vertical pipe handling include telescopic arm structures that move between retracted and extended positions in a horizontal plane, a cross arm structure connected to each telescopic arm structure, and a gripper head connected to the cross arm structure. The gripper head may be positioned at a desired location to receive, grip, position, and release a vertically oriented drill pipe or other tubular, and may include jaws that can be positioned to accommodate different sizes of drill pipe or tubulars. Means for raising and lower the gripper head, extending or retracting the gripper head in a horizontal plane, and tilting or pivoting the gripper head may also be provided. The vertical pipe handler may be housed below the drill floor and attached to the drill floor support structure. |
| US10214973B2 |
Deployable bow spring centralizer
A centralizer sub, and system for enhanced access to subterranean zones from the surf ace as used in oil and gas wellbore installations to center a pipe or casing within a wellbore or previous casing string during run-in, installation, or cementing procedures. In under-reamed applications, casing strings and centralizers pass through a smaller casing string before opening up to a larger hole where repeated compressions and decompressions of bow strings of centralizers can compromise integrity and reliability. A centralizer sub, and system reduces and controls insertion and running forces to preserve centralizer integrity and down-bore surfaces and equipment. |
| US10214972B2 |
Vibration assisted rotary drilling (VARD) tool
Vibration assisted rotary drilling (VARD) tools that provide axial compliance and low amplitude axial displacements at the drill bit while transmitting the full rotary speed and torque of the drill string to increase drilling penetration rate. The VARD tools consist essentially of: i) an axially compliant section which transfers axial load across the tool; ii) a mechanism for opposing ends of the tool to displace axially relative to each other; iii) an energy absorbing section which dampens axial bit displacements; iv) a rotation transfer section which allows any rotation and torque applied to the drill string above the tool to be applied to the bit; and v) an optional axial force generating section. |
| US10214963B2 |
Access platform system with integrated folding steps
An access platform system for enabling access to and from ground-based structures, vehicles, and mobile equipment. The system has a main frame with walls that is attached to or juxtaposed with the ground-based structures, vehicles, and mobile equipment; a vertical platform displacement assembly attached to the main frame; and a folding steps assembly. The vertical displacement mechanism has left and right intermediate carriage assemblies, and left and right lift cylinders with a multi-stage apparatus for influencing the stroke of the lift cylinders. In one embodiment, the folding steps assembly has an electromechanical means for folding and unfolding the steps. |
| US10214962B2 |
Swimming pool ladder with safety gate
The present disclosure provides a pool ladder with an active protection mechanism. The ladder provides a switch positioned at a significant height from the ground such that children cannot easily reach the switch. When actuated, the switch unlocks a protective door for the ladder and the ladder can be moved to access the steps. As such, the ladder can effectively prevent children from unlocking the protective door and accessing the pool. |
| US10214961B2 |
Adjustable ladders and related methods
The present invention relates to ladders and, more particularly, various configurations of ladders including straight and extension ladders, as well as to methods relating to the use and manufacture of such ladders. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a ladder is provided that includes a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. The ladder also includes a pair of lateral support members, wherein each support member is selectively displaceable in a lateral direction relative to an associated rail. Additionally, the ladder includes a pair of adjustable legs, each leg having a first end slidably coupled to an associated rail of the first pair of spaced apart rails and being slidably coupled to an associated lateral support member. |
| US10214960B2 |
Adjustable roller blind mounting bracket with blind fabric protector
An adjustable roller blind mounting bracket comprising a bracket member adapted for mounting to a surface, an adjustment plate slidably received upon the interior face of the bracket member, an adjuster to alter the position of the adjustment plate relative to the bracket member; and a shield secured to the adjustment plate and moveable therewith. The adjustment plate releasably receives and supports a roller tube shaft of a roller tube of the roller blind. The shield has an interior side surface offset from the adjustment plate that prevents contact between the adjuster and blind fabric received about the roller tube. |
| US10214956B2 |
Heat treatable coated article having titanium nitride and nickel chrome based IR reflecting layers
Coated articles include two or more functional infrared (IR) reflecting layers sandwiched between at least dielectric layers. The dielectric layers may be of or including silicon nitride or the like. At least one of the IR reflecting layers is of or including titanium nitride (e.g., TiN) and at least another of the IR reflecting layers is of or including NiCr (e.g., NiCr, NiCrNx, NiCrMo, and/or NiCrMoNx). |
| US10214953B2 |
Closure member with decorative panel
A door panel comprises a body, first and second skins on opposite sides of the body, each having an opening aligned with the other opening, a first lip portion being provided on the first skin and adjacent the opening for holding a decorative panel and a pair of coupling elements provided on the first and second skins respectively and extending therebetween for inter-engagement to thereby fix relative positions of the first and second skins. The first and second skins define a space therebetween for receiving filling material to form the body, and include a partition in and extending across the space to delineate a portion of the space separate from the openings for receiving the filling material to form the body. |
| US10214952B2 |
Tubular drive apparatus
Tubular drive apparatus for a panel of a vehicle, preferably a tailgate or door, comprising two tubes which are inserted into one another in a telescopic manner, the free ends of which are each hinged to the panel of the vehicle and to the vehicle itself, the tubes being capable of being separated from one another and brought together by means of a spindle which is driven by an electric motor and comprises a spindle nut arranged thereon, in order to thus open and close the panel, the electric motor, the spindle, the spindle nut and an electronic circuit board comprising sensor elements being arranged within the tubular drive apparatus, and a power electronics unit for actuating the electric motor also being arranged on the electronic circuit board. |
| US10214950B2 |
Hinge
A poly axial hinge comprising a mounting plate, a first arm pivotally coupled to a panel mounting element, a second arm pivotally coupled in an scissoring manner with the first arm by a main pivot, and a third arm pivotally coupled to the second arm at a location part way between a first end of said second arm and the main pivot. The mounting plate includes at least one rigidly fixed first gear, and the third arm includes gear teeth directly or indirectly coupled together with the fixed gear, such that rotation of the second arm with respect to said mounting plate causes rotation of the first arm with respect to the second arm, thereby driving the poly axle hinge open and/or closed. |
| US10214945B2 |
Door latch assembly for motor vehicles
A door latch assembly is equipped with a latch mechanism, a locking mechanism, an operating mechanism and inside and outside release mechanisms. The locking mechanism includes a release link that is connected to an inside release lever connected to the inside release mechanism. This arrangement permits a vehicle door to be opened from inside the passenger compartment via actuation of the inside release mechanism in the event the outside release mechanism is damaged. |
| US10214944B2 |
Opening-and-closing device for vehicle door
An opening-and-closing device for vehicle door includes: a close-latch mechanism which holds a door at a closed position; an open-latch mechanism which holds the door at an opened position; an electric-powered releasing mechanism which operates the close-latch mechanism; an open-latch interlocking mechanism which operates from an initial position toward a canceling direction in conjunction with an operation of the open-latch mechanism from an unlatched position to a latched position; and a relay mechanism which changes a state of a transmission path of releasing operation from a connected state to a disconnected state to allow returning of a first ratchet which has stopped in a releasing position. |
| US10214942B2 |
Zipper padlock with a dual locking system
A zipper lock has a combination locking system defined by dials and clutches and a key overriding mechanism. The lock has a pole to receive zipper pullers and a movable cover plate to block the pole when the lock is in the locked mode. The lock has a control plate with release slots. The control plate can be shifted only if the dials are set to the correct combination or when a correct key is used to turn a tumbler cylinder. The cover plate is engaged with a latch having a latch finger. When the lock is in the locked mode, the latch finger is blocked by the control plate, restricting movement of the latch. When the lock is in the unlocked mode, the latch finger can be moved into a release slot, allowing the latch and cover plate to move in order to clear the pole. |
| US10214940B2 |
Post sleeve positioning apparatus and related methods
A post sleeve installation system can include a plurality of post sleeve installation devices and at least one spacing beam or mechanism. The spacing beam or mechanism can include end portions that rotate about multiple independent axes and can be coupled to a pair of post sleeve installation devices to determine or control the relative locations and orientations between two post sleeves. The post sleeve installation system can be used to install post sleeves for posts for a fence, a rail or other structure supported by posts. |
| US10214939B2 |
Fence structure
A fence structure comprising a plurality of posts, a lower guide base having a plurality of openings located at predefined distances for receiving the lower portion of each post, wherein the lower portion of the posts and the lower guide base are embedded in concrete. |
| US10214938B2 |
Rail system for an outdoor shelter
A rail system for an outdoor shelter is described herein. The rail system includes at least one pair of support post members, each pair of support post members including a first support post member being spaced apart from a second support post member; a first guide rail member coupled to the first support post member; a second guide rail member coupled to the second support post member; and a shade support pole member slidably coupled to the first and second guide rail members, the shade support pole member being coupled to an end portion of a shade member of the outdoor shelter, and the shade support pole member configured to be slidably displaced along the lengths of the first and second guide rail members so as to allow an amount by which the shade member overhangs a side of the outdoor shelter to be adjusted by a user. |
| US10214934B2 |
Banner frame with anchor stakes
A banner frame mounted on two or more anchor stakes or spikes. The anchor stakes are configured to provide a natural anchor once driven into the ground, thereby preventing the typical leaning, bending or bowing of the posts that leads to sagging of the banner. A single anchor stake or spike may also be to support a single post for applications where a single post is needed. |
| US10214932B2 |
Robotic pool cleaning apparatus
Robotic apparatus cleans swimming pools and has road and pulley wheels with belts thereon, on opposite sides and drive motors that rotate a wheel on each side to move the frame along a pool surface. Pairs of outside wheels have friction surfaces to engage pool surfaces to also moving the frame. Forward and rearward brush assemblies are driven to brush the pool surface. Oppositely facing and angled duck bill valves allow water into free volumes in the frame and are covered by a filter bag for filtering out debris under the action of a dual pump assembly that pumps water out through a pair of outlet opening in a top of the frame. A computer processor controls the drive motors and pump assembly to move the frame along programmed paths and rechargeable batteries power the drive motors, pump assembly and computer processor. |
| US10214925B2 |
Adjustable concrete form brace and reinforcement bar hanger
An adjustable concrete form brace includes a horizontal adaptable extension member. A first lower brace element and a second lower brace element opposing the first lower brace element each have a horizontal insertion channel adapted to receive the horizontal extension member. A first upper brace element and second upper brace element are attached to the first lower brace element and the second lower brace element respectively. Each of the lower brace members include a saddle, and each saddle is adapted to retain one or more reinforcement bars. The first upper brace element and second upper brace element each include a form retaining element. |
| US10214918B2 |
Floor panel forming a floor covering, floor covering formed from such floor panels and methods for manufacturing such floor panels
A floor panel is arranged for forming a floor covering, and substantially consists of synthetic material and has a decorative upper side. The floor panel, on at least one pair of opposite edges, comprises coupling parts which allow coupling two of such floor panels to each other. The coupling parts effect a locking in a first direction perpendicular to the plane of the floor panels as well as in a second direction perpendicular to the respective edge and in the plane of the floor panels. The at least one of the coupling parts comprises a separate locking element, which, in coupled condition, provides for at least a locking in the first direction. |
| US10214917B2 |
Mechanical locking of floor panels with vertical snap folding
Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges allowing installation with vertical snap folding that could be accomplished automatically without tools and where the short edge locking system has a tongue made in one piece with the panel. The floor panels may have a first and a second connector at the long edges that are configured to obtain a minimum of friction facilitating a displacement, by a spring back force from the bending of a short edge locking strip, of a new panel in a horizontal direction along the long edge during the vertical snap folding action. |
| US10214916B2 |
Covering of rectangular or square panels which are laid to form an assembly
A covering of rectangular or square panels laid to form an assembly is disclosed, wherein the panels are arranged in a chequerboard pattern such that butt joints between the panels cross one another. Each panel has, at its border sides, grooves and tongues for horizontal locking and vertical locking with adjacent panels. The tongues for vertical locking are arranged on two adjacent border sides. The grooves for vertical locking are arranged on the other two adjacent border sides. One of the two tongues is fixed and the other tongue is movable. The panel to be laid first engages below the second panel to be laid subsequently for horizontal locking. For vertical locking, a locking edge is arranged on the first panel and a movable tongue, which can be displaced behind the locking edge, is arranged on the second panel, wherein each of the two tongues fits into each of the grooves for the vertical locking of such a panel. |
| US10214914B2 |
Flooring system for and methods of installing decking material directly atop an installation surface
A flooring system that may include one or more floor members, wherein the one or more floor members may be configured together to form a floor covering atop an installation surface, which may be a non-dry environment, and wherein one or more of the one or more floor members are secured directly to the installation surface, and wherein the one or more floor members is made of a non-wood decking material. The one or more floor members may include one or more holding floor members, and one or more floating floor members, wherein the one or more holding floor members engage with one or more of the one or more floating floor members to form the floor covering atop the installation surface, and wherein the holding floor members are configured and arranged to secure the floor covering in place atop the installation surface. |
| US10214912B2 |
Kit of parts for modular staircase
A kit of parts for securing a plurality of fixtures to an elongate support member is described. The kit of parts comprises a plurality of attachment members. Each attachment member comprises an aperture for receiving the elongate support member and a fixing detail adapted to attach a fixture to the attachment member. The aperture is larger than a lateral dimension of the elongate support member to provide a gap between the attachment member and elongate support member when received in the aperture. The kit of parts also comprises a plurality of locking elements. Each locking element is adapted to be received in the aperture in the gap between the attachment member and the elongate support member to secure the attachment member to the elongate support member by friction. Further, each attachment member is adapted to engage an adjacent attachment member when secured to the elongate support member by at least one said locking element to form a hollow column secured around the elongate support member for supporting a plurality of fixtures. |
| US10214907B1 |
Leak detection and location system
The present invention is a leak detection and location system that includes a waterproofing membrane; an underlayment disposed directly below the waterproofing membrane, wherein the underlayment is non-conductive and will become conductive only when saturated; a conductive layer disposed below the underlayment; a voltage source attached to the upper side of the waterproofing membrane and the lower side of the underlayment; a test set with two handheld poles and an indicator that indicates a difference between voltages detected by the handheld poles; and a device that creates an electrical field across the waterproofing membrane. |
| US10214903B2 |
Panel system for building structures
Prefabricated exterior panels and slab foundation systems are disclosed for use in an integrated simple design procedure for use in low-energy use buildings. The panels include a frame formed from conventional framing methods, an inner layer of sheathing fastened to an outer side of the frame, a layer of insulation adhered to an outer surface of the inner layer of sheathing without using fasteners, and an outer layer of sheathing adhered to an outer surface said layer of insulation without using fasteners. Sets of panels are formed with openings for windows or doors. Jigs are used for constructing the panels including corner panels. |
| US10214902B1 |
Stud layout locker
A stud layout locker and associated method having a longitudinal beam. A tab end at one end of the longitudinal beam defines an upstanding tab and a pair of opposing slots sized to receivingly engage a stud web. A slot end at the opposing end of the longitudinal beam has a flange defining a portion of a slot. The tab and slot are sized so that the tab of a first stud layout locker is insertable into the slot of a second stud layout locker and so that the tab is substantially parallel and adjacent the flange. |
| US10214901B2 |
Fire-rated wall and ceiling system
The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track. |
| US10214892B2 |
Wastewater pipe structure
Disclosed herein is wastewater pipe having a shape that is operable to flow both small and large volumes of wastewater. The wastewater pipe includes a bottom portion with a different diameter than to top portion. The top and bottom portions of the wastewater pipe are connected by side walls that extend tangentially from the bottom portion and intersect tangentially with the top portion. The pipes may also variously include alignment tabs. |
| US10214887B2 |
Diaphragm disk
A diaphragm type flush valve for use with toilet devices such as urinals and water closets that includes a valve member, a diaphragm, a guide member extends downwardly from the diaphragm, and a disk positioned on top of the diaphragm. The disk is threadably attached to the guide member and functions to secure the diaphragm, the disk, and the guide member into the valve member. The disk includes a rigid body made of a composite material and a seal member made of an adhesive and a thin layer of rubber, with the seal member having a portion on an upper surface of the disk for sealing contact with a relief valve. The disk also includes a plurality of spaced protrusions and inwardly directed on its upper surface in order to add accuracy and stability to the diaphragm assembly. |
| US10214885B2 |
Method for operating a sanitary fitting
A method for operating a sanitary fitting having a housing with a spout and a touch sensor, wherein in a touch mode of the sanitary fitting a tapping of a fluid can be activated by touching the touch sensor and wherein by touching the touch sensor for a period of at least 3 seconds, the touch mode is disabled. In addition, a sanitary fitting is specified, which controller is designed and provided for performing the method. |
| US10214882B1 |
Sealed valve box assembly and method of installing a sealing gasket to provide a sealed valve box assembly
A sealed valve box assembly includes a valve box lid made of a rigid material, a valve box body made of a rigid material, and an annular sealing gasket made of a resilient compressible material. The valve box body has a central opening in which an annular void is created when the valve box lid is inserted therein with a circumferential row of spaced apart vertical protuberances on the valve box lid. The annular sealing gasket has a circumferential row of spaced apart vertical channels matching the circumferential row of spaced apart vertical protuberances such that the vertical channels on the annular sealing gasket interfit with the vertical protuberances on the valve box lid so as to provide an air-tight press-fitted sealed relationship between the valve box lid and valve box body. |
| US10214881B2 |
Water loss detection and control system
A device for detecting water loss and consumption from commercial and residential commodes is provided. The device includes a water flow sensor and a shut-off assembly. The device has a controller that receives input from the flow sensor and sends a signal to the shut-off assembly whenever excess water flow is detected. |
| US10214877B2 |
Operation system of working machine
The present invention improves a work efficiency of an entire system for operating a plurality of working machines. An operation system of the working machine includes a work progress calculating unit 80 which calculates a work progress of a plurality of working machines or a scheduled ending time calculating unit 81 which calculates a scheduled ending time of a work by using the work progress calculated by the work progress calculating unit 80. A working machine of which an operation is switched from automatic control to remote control is determined from among the plurality of working machines by using the work progress or the scheduled ending time, and the operation system includes a centralized operation controller 43 which transmits an operation instruction to the determined working machine. |
| US10214868B2 |
Compressible shock absorber and associated method
Compressible shock absorber (100), characterized in that it includes at least one pair of shock absorbing elements (110) co-axial and telescopic reciprocally sliding along a longitudinal sliding axis (X); said shock absorbing elements (110) co-axially include a cavity (115) and include therein a compressible air volume during their axial sliding reciprocal between a first position of maximum axial extension and a second position of lower axial extension; said at least one pair of shock absorbing elements (110) includes air extractors (140) susceptible of allowing an extraction of the air from said internal volume progressive with the reduction of the axial extension following the impact of a vehicle against said shock absorber. |
| US10214866B2 |
End treatments and transitions for water-ballasted protection barrier arrays
An end treatment array for crash attenuation includes a transition barrier module formed of side walls, end walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, wherein the module walls together define an enclosed interior space. The end treatment array further includes a containment impact sled having an axially extending frame. The frame has a width sufficient to contain the transition barrier module within the frame when in an assembled configuration, and has an axial length which is at least one-half the length of the transition barrier module. The frame defines an interior volume, the purpose of which is to contain a substantial portion of the transition barrier module in the assembled configuration, and to contain debris caused by destruction of the plastic barrier modules in a vehicular impact. The containment impact sled is attached to the transition barrier module. |
| US10214865B2 |
Earth working roller
An earth working roller for use in an earth working machine includes a roller drum, which extends in a direction along a roller axis of rotation, surrounds a roller interior, and has a circular outer circumferential contour, wherein a substrate breaking configuration is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the roller drum. The substrate breaking configuration includes a plurality of impact bars along the roller drum in the direction of the roller drum axis of rotation, as well as a plurality of breaker bars along the roller drum in a circumferential direction. |
| US10214862B2 |
Casing tube and manufacturing method thereof
A pre-buried casing tube uses glass fiber reinforced resin as the raw material to enhance the operation strength of the pre-buried casing tube, extend the service life of the pre-buried casing tube, and reduce maintenance cost of the railway transport system. The pre-buried casing tube includes at least one casing tube body, each casing tube body including at least one retaining element, the retaining elements provided in intervals along one side of the casing tube, each casing tube body disposed adjacently so as to form a passage for a screw, each retaining element provided in the passage for the screw. |
| US10214861B2 |
Railway tie plate retention devices and methods to facilitate railway tie replacement
Retention devices, and methods for retention devices, to retain a railway tie plate are disclosed. The retention devices may include a head section with one or more protrusions adapted to engage a railway rail. The retention devices may include an insert section adapted to fit in a spike hole of a railway tie plate and including one or more flexible members extending from the head section. Each flexible member may allow flex adjustment when the insert section is inserted in the spike hole of the railway tie plate. When the insert section is inserted in the spike hole of the railway tie plate, the head section may engage the railway rail and the insert section may engage the railway tie plate to mechanically interlock the railway tie plate with the railway rail to allow suspension of the railway tie plate from the railway rail. |
| US10214860B1 |
Hinged mould-and-deckle tool for making paper by hand
A hinged double-frame mould-and-deckle tool for making paper by hand (a keta in Japanese), comprising two equal-size frame sections, mould below and deckle above, which hold between them a flexible bamboo screen (called a su) on which a fiber web is formed, provided with seating grooves, mortised guide bar, finger openings at either end of the front channel, catch latches positioned for optimal seating of the screen and locking of the frame, removable struts, and beveled deckle. For purposes of this application and its claims, a screen or su is not part of the present invention. |
| US10214858B2 |
Cellulosic material with antimicrobial and defiberization properties
The present invention relates to specialty pulp products produced using bifunctional reagents composed of polymeric chain and end caps. The polymeric chain is preferably a polyalkylene glycol based polymer and the end caps are preferably a cationic quaternary ammonium. The bifunctional reagents are especially useful in making specialty fluff with dual functional properties—easy defiberization and antimicrobial properties. The specialty fluff of the present invention prevents odor by inhibiting bacteria growth and production of organic matters, especially when used in an absorbent article intended for body waste management such as baby diapers and adult incontinence device. |
| US10214856B2 |
Unitary deflection member for making fibrous structures and process for making same
A deflection member. The deflection member can be a unitary structure having a plurality of discrete primary elements and a plurality of secondary elements. At least one of the secondary elements can be an elongate member having a major axis having both a machine direction vector component and a cross machine direction vector component. Each discrete primary element can be an open structure having at least two linking segments, with at least one of the plurality of linking segments having a Z-direction vector component. In an example, either of the secondary elements or the linking segments can be arranged in a Voronoi pattern. |