| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US10452288B2 |
Identifying processor attributes based on detecting a guarded storage event
A guarded storage facility sets up a boundary indicating a range of addresses to be guarded or protected. When a program attempts to access an address in a guarded section defined by the boundary, a guarded storage event occurs. Use of this facility facilitates performance of certain tasks within a computing environment, including storage reclamation. |
| US10452272B2 |
System to reduce directory information storage
A system and method are disclosed with the ability to track usage of information, which patterns, and determine the most frequently used patterns to be stored and updated in a directory, thereby controlling and reducing the size allocated to storing information in the directory. The size is reduced by limiting address bits thereby allowing subsystems to avoid transmitting, storing, and operating upon excessive address information. |
| US10452271B2 |
Reconstructing in-memory indices in a distributed data storage system
Reconstructing in-memory data block indices in a distributed data storage system where data blocks are stored in extents and the extents are replicated across storage devices. In one aspect, based on a reboot of a storage device and a copy of an extent stored in the storage device being in an open state, appends for data blocks in the copy of the extent stored in the storage device are replayed to reconstruct an in-memory data block index for the copy of the extent. In another aspect, based on a reboot of a storage device and a copy of an extent being in a closed state, a data block index for the copy of the extent is retrieved from non-volatile storage of the storage device and the retrieved data block index stored in memory at the storage device. |
| US10452268B2 |
Utilization of a distributed index to provide object memory fabric coherency
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods to implement an object memory fabric. Object memory modules may include object storage storing memory objects, memory object meta-data, and a memory module object directory. Each memory object and/or memory object portion may be created natively within the object memory module and may be a managed at a memory layer. The memory module object directory may index all memory objects and/or portions within the object memory module. A hierarchy of object routers may communicatively couple the object memory modules. Each object router may maintain an object cache state for the memory objects and/or portions contained in object memory modules below the object router in the hierarchy. The hierarchy, based on the object cache state, may behave in aggregate as a single object directory communicatively coupled to all object memory modules and to process requests based on the object cache state. |
| US10452262B2 |
Flexible display touch calibration
Embodiments described herein include devices and methods for detecting a current form of a touch display unit of an electronic device. The current form includes one of a first form and a second form different from the first form. A relative position of a display layer of the touch display unit with respect to a touch layer of the touch display unit in the second form is different from the relative position of the display layer relative to the touch layer in the first form. The method also includes determining a first touch coordinate corresponding to a first touch operation. The method also includes acquiring a coordinate transformation associated with the current form of the touch display unit. The method also includes applying the coordinate transformation to the first touch coordinate to identify a corresponding first display coordinate and a display object corresponding to the first display coordinate. |
| US10452260B2 |
Managing workflow tasks in touch screen mobile devices
A method, comprising: displaying a list of tasks on a touch-sensitive display of a mobile device; detecting a gesture on one of the tasks in the list that satisfies a predetermined condition corresponding to an action relating to the one task; and in response to the gesture satisfying the predetermined condition, executing the action in relation to the one task. |
| US10452259B1 |
Method for ensuring use intentions of a touch screen device
A method for facilitating the validation of an action by a user utilizing a touch screen device having a processor executing software commands includes providing an initial screen via a GUI displaying certain data fields and functional icons of a particular application. On the touch screen an initial active area is designated in association with certain data fields and functional icons. An end user interacts with the touch screen device generating an input signal. The input signal is received from the touch screen active area by the processor requesting an action. Upon receipt of the input signal, a validation active area on the touch screen is visually displayed. The validation active area is monitored for a secondary input signal generated by an end user interacting with the validation active area. The initial active area is monitored for determining an input signal in association with the initial active area is present. |
| US10452254B2 |
Tilting to scroll
In one embodiment, a method includes sending information to display a visual content item; determining an origin position within the visual content item, wherein the origin position is an initial position in the visual content item from which the visual content item is to be scrolled, and wherein the origin position is determined based on a type of an application associated with the visual content item; receiving an initial tilt measurement of a client computing device; receiving a second tilt measurement of the client computing device; and sending information to scroll the visual content item based on the initial tilt measurement and the second tilt measurement. |
| US10452251B2 |
Transactional conversation-based computing system
A conversation-based computing system may include a back-end computing module, a design module, and an execution module. The design module may be configured to provide a graphical user interface through which different conversation models are defined in metadata. Each model may include a topic containing respective goals, where the goals are associated with respective conversation flows that define respective dialogs that directs conversations toward the associated goals. Each model may also define references to topic-specific content stored in the back-end module. The execution module may be configured to execute a particular model between the system and a front-end computing device and set up integration of a live agent into the model. Execution of the model may involve, in part, carrying out, in an at least partially-automated fashion, the flow for the model according to the dialog, the topic-specific content corresponding to the model, and communicating using a specific communication protocol. |
| US10452249B2 |
Tooltip feedback for zoom using scroll wheel
Tooltip generation for zoom feedback is described. In response to the initiation of a zoom operation, a tooltip is generated. The tooltip shows an established potential zoom level that will be used to execute the zoom operation if no other zoom level is established or selected. Multiple potential zoom levels may be shown within the tooltip before the zoom operation is executed. |
| US10452245B2 |
Actionable business entity operating models to drive user interface behavior
A method and system are provided. The method includes providing an actionable business entity operating model. The method further includes extending the actionable business entity operating model to drive user interface behavior on a user interface device having at least a display device, by extending class and property meta classes of the actionable business entity operating model to include user interface behavior semantics. The extending step includes configuring the user interface behavior semantics to be responsive to an operation state of the actionable business entity operating model. |
| US10452244B2 |
Systems and methods of optimizing delivery of form factor specific content
The technology disclosed describes systems and methods for optimizing delivery of form factor specific content for users in different environments, such as desktop computer browsers and mobile device applications. The technology further discloses systems and methods for providing support for developers whose goal is to render specific implementations of a user interface to deliver distinct user interface experiences. |
| US10452243B2 |
System and method of operation of the system incorporating a graphical user interface in a side ledge of a vehicle cabin
A method of operation for a system incorporating a graphical user interface embedded in a knob disposed on a side ledge within a cabin of an aircraft includes displaying a menu for at least one controllable parameter, receiving a selection of the controllable parameter, displaying at least one control for the selected controllable parameter, receiving a control input for the selected controllable parameter, and adjusting the selected controllable parameter consistent with the control input. The controllable parameter comprises a plurality of controllable parameters selected from a group comprising light intensity, light color, temperature, media type, media content, media volume, and the degree of openness of at least one window shade. A knob and an executable computer program product also are provided. |
| US10452235B2 |
Radio system for long-range high-speed wireless communication
One embodiment of the present invention provides a radio assembly. The radio assembly includes an antenna housing unit that houses a pair of reflectors which are situated on a front side of the antenna housing unit, a printed circuit board (PCB) that includes at least a transmitter and a receiver, and a backside cover. The PCB is situated within a cavity at a backside of the antenna housing unit and the backside cover covers the cavity, thereby enclosing the PCB within the antenna housing unit. One embodiment of the present invention provides a user interface for configuring a radio. The user interface includes a display and a number of selectable tabs presented on the display. A selection of a respective tab results in a number of user-editable fields being displayed, thereby facilitating a user in configuring and monitoring operations of the radio. |
| US10452231B2 |
Usability improvements for visual interfaces
One or more aspects relate to a screen reader. Markup code for a visual interface containing at least one visual control is located. A screen reader menu for the visual interface is created. A visual control name and screen location, both corresponding to the at least one visual control, are extracted from the markup code. A menu item is generated in the screen reader menu corresponding to the at least one visual control. The menu item is set to simulate an action at the screen location corresponding to the at least one visual control on selection of the menu item whereby on user selection of the menu item the action is simulated at the screen location corresponding to the at least one visual control. |
| US10452225B2 |
Vehicular input device and method of controlling vehicular input device
A vehicular input device includes a position detection unit, a display unit, and an ECU. The ECU is configured to set, based on a movement amount of a position of an operative input, a determination threshold of the movement amount of the operative input used in determination of movement to a next object from a current object to be smaller than a determination threshold of the movement amount of the operative input used in determination of movement to a next second object from the next object. The ECU is configured to display a selection image that indicates selected objects on the display unit on the current object. |
| US10452224B2 |
Wearable device and method for controlling the same
A smart watch operatively connectable to a mobile terminal is disclosed. The smart watch includes a display unit configured to display a watch image and a controller configured to control the display unit to reduce the watch image when a preset event occurs and display notification information in an empty space of the display unit formed by reducing the watch image. |
| US10452221B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a display device substrate including a first touch sensing wiring, an array substrate including a second touch sensing wiring orthogonally intersecting the first touch sensing wiring, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the display device substrate and the array substrate, a controller that supplies a positive first image signal to the first source wiring, supplies a negative second image to the second source wiring, applies a liquid crystal display voltage between the pixel electrode and the common electrode being synchronized to supply of the first image signal and the second image signal, thereby driving the liquid crystal layer, performing an image display, and applying a voltage to the second touch sensing wiring after performing the image display. |
| US10452220B2 |
Display substrate, display panel and display device
Disclosed are a display substrate, a display panel and a display device. The display substrate comprises: a base substrate; at least one pressure sensor provided on the base substrate and comprises a first pressure-sensitive resistor and a second pressure-sensitive resistor, wherein the first pressure-sensitive resistor comprises at least two first sub-pressure sensitive resistors connected in series, and the second pressure-sensitive resistor comprises at least two second sub-pressure sensitive resistors connected in series, a first principal strain induction direction of the first sub-pressure sensitive resistor intersects a second principal strain induction direction of the second sub-pressure sensitive resistor, and a second end of the first pressure-sensitive resistor and a first end of the second pressure-sensitive resistor are electrically connected with a pressure-sensitive signal output line. |
| US10452219B2 |
Touch sensor
In a capacitive touch sensor device, to avoid floating touches causing signal inversion in mutual capacitance measurements, a segmented conductive layer of conductive material is embedded in the touch panel. The segmented conductive layer comprises a plurality of segments of the conductive material which are separated by gaps. The segmented conductive layer effectively pre-loads the mutual capacitance of the touch sensor to the same or similar level of that of a floating touch of the maximum size for which it is desired to avoid signal inversion. |
| US10452214B2 |
Single type touch panel structure and manufacturing method of the same
A manufacturing method of a single type touch panel structure includes steps as follows. A transparent metal oxide layer is configured on a substrate. The transparent metal oxide layer is patterned to form a first electrode pattern on the substrate. A transferable transparent conductive film is thermally laminated onto the first electrode pattern so that a photo sensitive layer is sandwiched between the transparent metal oxide layer and a transparent conductive coating layer. The transferable transparent conductive film is patterned for mutually forming a second electrode pattern on the transparent conductive coating layer and one surface of the photo sensitive layer adjoining the transparent conductive coating layer. |
| US10452210B2 |
Methods and apparatus for capacitive sensing
The present disclosure addresses methods and apparatus facilitating capacitive sensing using a conductive surface, and facilitating the sensing of proximity to the conductive surface. The sensed proximity will often be that of a user, but can be another source of a reference voltage potential. In some examples, the described systems are capable of sensing capacitance (including parasitic capacitance) in a circuit that includes the outer conductive surface, and where that outer conductive surface is at a floating electrical potential. In some systems, the systems can be switched between two operating modes, a first mode in which the system will sense proximity to the conductive surface, and a second mode in which the system will use a capacitance measurement to sense contact with the conductive surface. |
| US10452208B2 |
Touch display panel and display device
A touch display panel is provided. The touch display panel includes a touch electrode layer and a plurality of first signal lines, where the touch electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrode blocks, and each of the first electrode blocks is electrically connected to a corresponding first signal line. The touch display panel further includes a plurality of second signal lines, where a projection region of the first electrode block in a direction perpendicular to the touch display panel includes at least one second signal line, and the second signal line is insulated from the first electrode block. |
| US10452206B2 |
Projection video display device and video display method
A projection video display device includes: a projection unit projecting a display video upon a projection surface; an image capture unit; detection units detecting the states of manipulation objects which carry out actions for the input manipulation; a manipulation instruction information generating unit, on the basis of the states of the manipulation objects which the detection units have detected, generating manipulation instruction information indicating a description of the input manipulation; and a communication unit connecting to the information processing device. The detection units detect movements of manipulation objects and attributes which represent the states of manipulation objects other than the movements. The manipulation instruction information generating unit generates, first control information for carrying out the pointer manipulation input upon the information processing device, and, on the basis of the attributes of the manipulation objects, second control information for carrying out a prescribed key input upon the information processing device. |
| US10452202B2 |
Panel-driving device and touch-driving device
Provided is a technology for generating a sensor-driving waveform using a waveform generator, generating a sensor-driving signal and a sensor-driving auxiliary signal according to the sensor-driving waveform, and providing the same to a sensor electrode and adjacent electrodes. |
| US10452186B2 |
Handwriting display device, and manufacturing method and controlling method for the same
The present disclosure provides a handwriting display device and a manufacturing method for the same. In one embodiment, the handwriting display device includes a plurality of unit pixels arranged in array, and each of the unit pixels comprises a display unit and a piezoelectric unit configured for sensing a pressure to excite the display unit and the display unit is configured for displaying a picture under excitation implemented by the piezoelectric unit. The present disclosure also provides a controlling method for the handwriting display device. |
| US10452182B2 |
Display device and method of manufacturing the same
A display device includes an insulating substrate, an encapsulation structural unit opposed to the insulating substrate, lower electrodes and one upper electrode disposed between the insulating substrate and the encapsulation structural unit, and organic light-emitting layers each disposed between the one upper electrode and one of the lower electrodes, perforating walls standing toward the encapsulation structural unit, circuits formed between the insulating substrate and the lower electrodes to control supply of electric current to the lower electrodes, and touch panel electrodes formed between the insulating substrate and the lower electrodes. The upper electrode is an electrode configured to transmit light from the organic light-emitting layers toward the encapsulation structural unit and has holes each formed in such a manner that one of the perforating walls stands through the hole. Electric fields generated by the touch panel electrodes pass through the holes in the upper electrodes. |
| US10452181B2 |
Touchscreen
A touchscreen includes an OLED, upper-layer inorganic films on the OLED, a lower-layer inorganic film stacked between the OLED and a substrate, and a touch sensor on the upper-layer inorganic film. The upper-layer inorganic films and the lower-layer inorganic film extend over a display area and a picture-frame area. A lower-layer wiring is formed of a conductive film stacked between the OLED and the substrate. A sensor wiring is formed of a conductive film on the upper-layer inorganic film. An inorganic film joining portion where the upper-layer inorganic films and the lower-layer inorganic film are directly joined together or joined together with another inorganic material interposed therebetween is provided in the picture-frame area. A contact portion that electrically connects the sensor wiring with the lower-layer wiring is provided, in a plan view, in the inorganic film joining portion or an area on the outside thereof. |
| US10452178B2 |
Method of processing fingerprint and electronic device thereof
An electronic device and method are disclosed herein. The electronic device includes a display, a fingerprint recognition sensor configured to recognize a fingerprint received through the display, and a processor. The processor is configured to implement the method, which includes detecting a fingerprint using a fingerprint recognition sensor of the electronic device through a display of the electronic device; and controlling the display to display at least one object based on the fingerprint. |
| US10452177B2 |
Display device with input function
A display device with an input function is provided having a plurality of pixel parts arranged at intervals in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a display region including a plurality of light-transmitting parts arranged in the gap portions of the pixel parts, the pixel parts include at least one pixel provided with light-emitting elements, the light-transmitting part includes a sensor electrode for detecting electrostatic capacitance. |
| US10452174B2 |
Selective input signal rejection and modification
This application is directed to modifying a sensed velocity at a device (e.g., a clickable trackpad) based on a time-dependent click memory variable (CMV). For example, if a touch having a certain velocity is detected when a selection (pick) button is pressed or released, the velocity can be initially suppressed under the presumption that the movement was inadvertent. However, over time that presumption fades, and the CMV can be used to gradually allow the full velocity of the touch to be recognized, under the new presumption that the movement was intentional. |
| US10452171B2 |
Flexible display apparatus and method for controlling thereof
A flexible display apparatus may display a graphical user interface (GUI) indicating a deformation gesture associated with a function executed when the deformation gesture is performed. Accordingly, a user may easily control the flexible display apparatus to perform functions using the deformation gesture. |
| US10452168B2 |
Sensor controller, position indicator, and position detecting system
A sensor controller is provided for use in a position detector for detecting a position of a position indicator on a touch surface. The sensor controller includes a microprocessor for outputting a value of a symbol to be sent to the position indicator. The sensor controller includes a transmitter coupled to the microprocessor for generating a transmission signal including a chip string CN1 produced by cyclically shifting a code string PNa having autocorrelation characteristics by a shift quantity based on the value of the symbol to be sent, and sending the generated transmission signal to the position indicator via the touch surface. A higher bit rate can be obtained for a given chip rate compared with the prior art in which only 1 bit can be expressed by one code string. |
| US10452167B2 |
Motion control device for interfacing with a computing device
A motion control device for interfacing with a computing device translates user interaction into an input signal to manipulate the output of the computing device. The motion control device includes a protective housing, a wheel-mounting extrusion, a rotary wheel, a primary joystick, at least one thumbstick, a plurality of programmable buttons, and a microcontroller. The protective housing supports the wheel-mounting extrusion, the primary joystick, and the at least one thumbstick. The rotary wheel is rotatably connected to the wheel-mounting extrusion. The microcontroller is enclosed within the protective housing. The rotary wheel, the primary joystick, and the at least one thumbstick are electronically connected to the microcontroller. The manipulation of the rotary wheel, the primary joystick, and the at least one thumbstick is translated into an input signal that is communicated to the computing device through the microcontroller. |
| US10452164B2 |
Position pointing device and core body for position pointing device
A position pointing device includes a pressure detecting part which detects a pressure applied in an axial direction of a core body. The core body includes: a leading end part formed from an elastic material; a pedestal part which is formed from a material harder than the material of the leading end part and is joined to the leading end part; and a core body main body part which is joined to the pedestal part, is smaller than the pedestal part in thickness in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, and is formed from a hard material. The core body is housed in a casing and is movable in the axial direction, such that the leading end part is exposed via an opening of the casing, and a pressure exerted on the leading end part in the axial direction is transmitted to the pressure detecting part. |
| US10452153B2 |
Gesture-based load control
A load control system may include load control devices for controlling an amount of power provided to an electrical load. The load control devices may be capable of controlling the amount of power provided to the electrical load based on control instructions received from a gesture-based control device. The gesture-based control device may identify gestures performed by a user for controlling a load control device and provide control instructions to the load control device based on the identified gestures. The gestures may be identified based on images received from a motion capture device. A gesture may be associated with a scene that includes a configuration of one or more load control devices in a load control system. The user may perform one or more gestures to program the gesture-based control device. |
| US10452152B2 |
Wearable glasses and method of providing content using the same
A wearable glasses is provided. The wearable glasses includes a sensing circuit, a communication interface, a display, and a controller. The sensing circuit senses movement information of a user wearing the wearable glasses. The communication interface receives notification message information. The display displays the notification message information within an angle of view of the user wearing the wearable glasses. The controller determines a movement state of the user based on the sensed movement information of the user and controls the display to display the received notification message information according to the movement state of the user. |
| US10452150B2 |
Electronic map augmentation through pointing gestures background
A computer-implemented method, system and computer program product for augmenting an electronic map with pointing gestures are provided. The computer-implemented method, system and computer program product display an electronic map of a current location of a user of the electronic map, receive an indication that a person is gesturing, and augment the electronic map by displaying an area toward which the person is gesturing on the electronic map. |
| US10452133B2 |
Interacting with an environment using a parent device and at least one companion device
A technique is described herein for using a parent computing device and at least one companion computing device to simultaneously interact with an environment. In one implementation, the parent computing device progressively builds parent map information through its interaction with the environment. The technique leverages the parent map information to identify a current pose of the companion computing device. In one case, for instance, the parent computing device sends the parent map information to the companion computing device, and the companion computing device determines its current pose based on the parent map information in conjunction with sensor information collected by the companion computing device. |
| US10452130B2 |
Dynamic augmented reality media creation
A technique for dynamic augmented reality media creation includes an analysis of received reality data. Augmentation data is identified based on the analysis of the reality data, and then augmented reality content is generated and displayed to the user on a display. A capture module determines whether the reality data meets stored capture event criteria and, if the criteria is met, image content of the augmented reality content is captured. |
| US10452125B2 |
Apparatus for activating an electrically or electronically controlled appliance from an energy-saving passive state
An apparatus for activating an electrically or electronically controlled appliance from an energy-saving passive state, especially a locking system for locking and/or unlocking, in particular for an access and/or authorization and/or for other services for a wireless remote control, for controlling of front doors, for motor vehicles, or the like comprising a first device in the appliance and an associated second device designed in the type of an electronic key, an ID-transponder, a chip card or the like, wherein both devices for the intended operation have transmitters and/or receivers for electromagnetic signals is suggested which allows a large operation distance and a long battery lifetime of the second device. This is achieved in that the first device transmits a first cyclic repeated signal for the activation and/or authentication of the second device with a first data protocol within a first transmission time interval and with a first cycle time. |
| US10452124B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating low power on a network-on-chip
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a power specification and Network on Chip (NoC) having a power supervisor (PS) unit. The specification is utilized to generate a NoC with power domains and clock domains. The PS is configured with one or more power domain finite state machines (PDFSMs) that drive signaling for the power domains of the NoC, and is configured to power the NoC elements of the power domain on or off. NoC elements are configured to conduct fencing or draining operations to facilitate the power state transitions. |
| US10452123B2 |
Predictive power saving and screen dimming for computing devices
A method includes receiving an instruction to transition a device into a reduced power state, predicting an availability of a power source determining a charge of a power storage element, determining whether the power source is predicted to be available before the charge of the power storage element falls below a threshold value, upon determining that the power source is predicted to be available before the charge of the power storage element falls below the threshold value, preventing the transition of the device into the reduced power state, and upon determining that the power source is not predicted to be available before the charge of the power storage element falls below the threshold value, transitioning the device into the reduced power state. |
| US10452122B2 |
Methods for controlling data transfer speed of a data storage device and a host device utilizing the same
A data storage device coupled to a host device via a predetermined interface includes a memory device, an SRAM, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the memory device and the SRAM. The controller receives a first power mode change request packet requesting to change the data transfer speed of the predetermined interface from a first speed to a second speed via the predetermined interface from the host device, and in response to the first power mode change request packet, the controller determines whether the operation status of the data storage device is busy. When the operation status of the data storage device is busy, the controller determines to reject the request to change the data transfer speed and keeps the data transfer speed at the first speed and does not change the data transfer speed to the second speed. |
| US10452120B2 |
Communication device, information processing device, and communication method
[Object] To provide a communication device, an information processing device, and a communication method. [Solution] A communication device including: a detector configured to detect an optical signal and convert the optical signal to an electric signal; a data processing unit configured to process the electric signal converted by the detector to acquire data; and a controller configured to control an operating state including a standby state in which the data processing unit is deactivated to reduce power consumption and an active state in which the data processing unit is capable of executing acquisition of the data on a basis of the optical signal detected by the detector, in which the detector detects the optical signal in the standby state. |
| US10452116B1 |
Determining a device state based on user presence detection
A decision engine executing on an electronic device may determine, using sensor data captured by multiple sensors of the device, whether a user is present in an environment that includes the device. If the user is determined to be present in the environment, the device may transition from a first state to a second state. The first state may be a first power state of the device in which the device is powered off or an idle or dormant state in which the device is powered on but a display of the device is powered off. Correspondingly, the second state may be a second power state of the device in which the device and the display are powered on and content is being rendered on the display. If the decision engine cannot make a determination based on the sensor data, a context engine may adjudicate the user presence determination. |
| US10452115B2 |
Removable power loss protection module
A removable power loss protection module interfaces with a carrier board via a bus connection. The removable power loss protection module includes energy storage components that are charged with a voltage received from a host computing system via the carrier board and/or via the host computing system's power supply. If the carrier board experiences a power loss, the removable power loss protection module discharges the energy stored in the energy storage components to the carrier board to allow the carrier board to backup any data that would have been lost. In an implementation, the removable power loss protection module may support multiple carrier boards. |
| US10452114B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus is provided with a main controller unit that comprehensively controls the image processing apparatus, and a microcomputer that controls a load. During a period in which the image processing apparatus transitions from a first power mode to a second power mode having lower power consumption than the first power mode, the main controller unit prohibits acceptance of an interrupt signal, and cancels the prohibition of interrupts when the transition to the second power mode completes. Meanwhile, when an interrupt signal is generated from the load during the transition period, the microcomputer repeatedly notifies the interrupt signal as a pulse signal to the main controller unit, and notifies by changing the pulse signal to a level signal when prohibition of interrupts is cancelled. |
| US10452112B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium recording computer-readable program
If apparatuses capable of both power transmission and power reception are connected to each other, power may circulate needlessly between the apparatuses and be consumed. Power control is then performed based on a determined power control policy by providing display for determining a direction of power transfer when needed. |
| US10452111B2 |
Enhanced re-hosting capability for legacy hardware and software
Embodiments of the invention are directed toward systems and methods that execute legacy semiconductor applications using a non-legacy controller. In some embodiments a hardware abstraction layer and/or an emulator can be used to provide communication between a non-legacy operating system and legacy components including legacy applications. In some embodiments various methods and/or devices can be used to emulate and/or translate communications between legacy and non-legacy components. |
| US10452110B2 |
Combination of control interfaces for multiple communicating domains
Various implementations described herein are directed to a method and apparatus for a low power interface combiner for controlling a cross domain component in a system of two or more power domain controls. The combiner may include a first state for requesting cross domain component quiescence when a first control requests quiescence and a second state for ensuring cross domain component quiescence before accepting the first control quiescence request. The combiner may include a third state for requesting cross domain component quiescence exit when a last control requests quiescence exit and other controls have exited or are exiting quiescence. The combiner may include a fourth state for ensuring cross domain component quiescence exit before accepting the last control quiescence exit request. |
| US10452109B2 |
Distributed cooling system with adaptive cooling profile and method therefor
An operating characteristic of an information handling system is determined. It is determined whether a cooling configuration of a plurality of piezoelectric cooling fans included at the information handling system is providing a designated level of cooling. A cooling profile is stored at a memory device, the cooling profile including the operating characteristic and the cooling configuration. |
| US10452107B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes: a first unit having a display; and a second unit having an input part, and is constructed such that the first unit and the second unit are detachable. The second unit includes a socket capable of housing a lower side of the first unit. The socket has a bottomed socket body that opens on a side in which the lower side (a predetermined side) of the first unit is housed. The socket body is provided with a through-hole for draining water that establishes communication between an outside and an inside of the socket body. |
| US10452106B2 |
Foldable device and controlling method thereof
A foldable device including a first body supporting a first display region; a second body supporting a second display region; a sensor configured to sense a folding angle between the first body and the second body; an actuator configured to change the folding angle; and a controller configured to control the actuator to increase the folding angle between the first body and the second body without user physical pressure in response to a first predetermined input, and control the actuator unit to decrease the folding angle between the first body and the second body without user physical pressure in response to a second predetermined input. |
| US10452103B2 |
Docking device
A docking device is provided. The docking device includes an engaging member that projects from an upper surface of a device chassis, which has a hook portion for engaging with and disengage from an engaging hole of a portable information apparatus, and which is movable between an engagement position at which the hook portion engages with the engaging hole and a disengagement position at which the engagement of the hook portion with the engaging hole is released; and a restricting member that is movable between a retraction position at which the engaging member is allowed to move from the engagement position to the disengagement position and a restriction position at which the movement of the engaging member from the engagement position to the disengagement position is restricted by coming in contact with the engaging member at a rear surface of the hook portion. |
| US10452100B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing body device
The present invention relates to the computer field, and specifically, to a method and an apparatus for managing a body device. The method includes: obtaining, by a mobile personal station, an identifier of a body device; obtaining, by the mobile personal station according to the identifier of the body device, a communication mode supported by the body device; obtaining, by the mobile personal station, a body parameter and a location parameter that are of a user that carries the body device; and setting, by the mobile personal station, the body device according to the body parameter, the location parameter, and the communication mode supported by the body device. In this way, the body device can be set quickly, which facilitates management of the body device and improves user experience. |
| US10452096B1 |
Configurable all-in-one modular desktop computing system
A modular desktop computing system includes a display stand chassis having a display stand base, a display stand support member extending from the display stand base and including a display device mounting subsystem, and a display stand cover removeably coupled to the display stand support member to define a computing module housing between the display stand support member and the display stand cover. A display device is removeably mounted to the display device mounting subsystem. A computing module is located in the computing module housing. The computing module includes a computing module chassis removeably positioned in the computing module housing and housing: a processing system coupled to the display device, and a memory system coupled to the processing system. The memory system includes instructions that, when executed by the processing system, cause the processing system to provide for the display of images on the display device. |
| US10452095B2 |
Dual window watchdog timer
Systems and methods for a Dual Window Watchdog Timer (DWWDT) are described. In some embodiments, a method may include running a first counter in a first clock domain and a second counter in a second clock domain; generating an interrupt to a controller during a window open period, wherein the window open period begins in response to the first counter having reached a predetermined threshold; and at least one of: restarting the first counter if the controller restarts the second counter in response to the interrupt before the window open period ends; or issuing a system reset if the controller does not restart the second counter in response to the interrupt before the window open period ends. |
| US10452094B2 |
Tensioning device having a transport securing concept
A tensioning device (1) for tensioning a traction mechanism of a traction mechanism drive, including a housing (2), a piston (3) that is mounted such that the piston can be displaced in an axial direction inside the housing (2), and a transport securing element (4), which in at least one transport position of the tensioning device (1) is arranged in the housing (2) transversely to the piston (3) and in abutment with the piston (3) such that a displacement of the piston (3) in at least one first axial direction is blocked. The transport securing element (4) is provided with a support portion (5), wherein in the transport position at least one first web area (6) of the support portion (5) is in abutment with one end face (7) of the piston (3), and an additional web area (8) of the support portion (5) extending in an axial direction away from the first web area (6) is supported in the housing (2), at least in a radial direction. |
| US10452089B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling turn-on and turn-off of smart socket
The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling turn-on and turn-off of an electric current supplied by a smart socket. The method includes retrieving a timing instruction used for controlling turn-on and turn-off of the electric current, and controlling on and off of an electric current to a device connected to a smart socket according to the timing instruction. The timing instruction is stored in the smart socket and a control device. The control device is wirelessly connected with the smart socket. The present disclosure improves the reliability of controlling turn-on and turn-off of an electric current supplied by the smart socket. |
| US10452087B2 |
Low drop-out regulator
A low drop-out (LDO) regulator including a first operational amplifier, a first transistor, a second transistor, a voltage feedback circuit and a charge pump is disclosed. Each of the first transistor and the second transistor is coupled between supply voltage and an output voltage. The first operational amplifier outputs a first gate-controlled voltage to turn the first transistor on or off. A second gate-controlled voltage is provided to the second transistor to turn it on or off. The charge pump makes the second gate-controlled voltage equal to the sum of the output voltage, a threshold voltage of the second transistor and a drive voltage of the second transistor. The voltage feedback circuit provides a feedback voltage to the first operational amplifier. The first gate-controlled voltage is positively correlated to the feedback voltage. The first transistor is a P-channel field effect transistor; the second transistor is an N-channel field effect transistor. |
| US10452084B2 |
Operation of building control via remote device
A remote control unit for interacting with one or more thermostats controlling an HVAC system may be mounted on wall near a point of entry to a building. The remote control unit may include a first selectable mode option corresponding to a first operating mode of the thermostat and a second selectable mode option corresponding to a second operating mode of the thermostat. The remote control unit may wirelessly send one or more commands to a thermostat to operate in one or more modes at a predetermined temperature associated with that mode. |
| US10452075B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating autonomous driving route
A method to generate an autonomous driving route of an autonomous vehicle includes: receiving an input image of a front view captured from the autonomous vehicle; calculating a gradient between the autonomous vehicle and a ground based on the input image; and generating the autonomous driving route based on the calculated gradient. |
| US10452072B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for vehicle wading safety
Techniques and examples pertaining to vehicle water wading safety are described. A processor implementable to a vehicle approaching a waterbody may receive data related to the waterbody from one or more above-water or under-water sensors. The processor may determine a top surface and a bottom profile of the waterbody, and calculate one or more critical trajectories of water-sensitive components of the vehicle if the vehicle is to wade through the waterbody by traversing the bottom profile. The processor may then determine the wading safety based on the critical trajectories and the top surface of the waterbody. The processor may further determine a wading route, and autonomously drive the vehicle to wade the waterbody via the optimal wading route. |
| US10452069B2 |
Predicting and responding to cut in vehicles and altruistic responses
Systems and methods are provided for detecting and responding to cut in vehicles, and for navigating while taking into consideration an altruistic behavior parameter. In one implementation, a vehicle cut in detection and response system for a host vehicle system may include a data interface and at least one processing device. The at least one processing device may be programmed to receive, via the data interface, a plurality of images from at least one image capture device associated with the host vehicle; identify, in the plurality of images, a representation of a target vehicle traveling in a first lane different from a second lane in which the host vehicle is traveling; identify, based on analysis of the plurality of images, at least one indicator that the target vehicle will change from the first lane to the second lane; detect whether at least one predetermined cut in sensitivity change factor is present in an environment of the host vehicle; cause a first navigational response in the host vehicle based on the identification of the at least one indicator and based on a value associated with a first cut in sensitivity parameter where no predetermined cut in sensitivity change factor is detected; and cause a second navigational response in the host vehicle based on the identification of the at least one indicator and based on a value associated with a second cut in sensitivity parameter where the at least one predetermined cut in sensitivity change factor is detected, the second cut in sensitivity parameter being different from the first cut in sensitivity parameter. |
| US10452068B2 |
Neural network system for autonomous vehicle control
A neural network may be utilized for autonomously driving a self-driving vehicle (SDV). The neural network can establish a destination location in local coordinates relative to the SDV. The neural network may then identify one or more navigation points in a forward operational direction of the SDV, and process sensor data from a sensor system of the SDV, the sensor data providing a sensor view of the forward operational direction of the SDV. Utilizing the sensor data, the neural network can operate acceleration, braking, and steering systems of the SDV to continuously follow the one or more navigation points along an established route to the destination location. |
| US10452065B2 |
Human-machine interface (HMI) architecture
An autonomous driving vehicle (ADV) is operated using a human-machine interface (HMI). The web server provides the HMI to a computing device in response to an input received from the computing device. An ADV command is entered into the HMI and passed to an interface of the web server. In response to receiving the ADV command, the web server calls a remote procedure call to a proxy server in a backend server for processing by a perception and control module of the ADV. Results of the ADV command are received by the web server interface and stored in results memory with a unique identifier. The web server interface opens a socket that accesses the results memory. In response to a change in the results memory, the socket reads the results memory and provides the ADV command results to the HMI. Multiple HMIs can simultaneously communicate with the web server interface and socket. |
| US10452064B1 |
Portable universal ground control system
A portable integrated universal ground control system is disclosed that operates, pilots, and manages unmanned vehicles via integrated HOTAS flight controls, computer, wireless video receiving technology and a set of display screens. The portable integrated universal ground control system eliminates deep learning curves necessary to operate or pilot complex, commercial unmanned systems by offering streamlined hardware. The portable integrated universal ground control system also eliminates countless connectors, wires and work flows needed to pilot and operate unmanned systems. |
| US10452062B2 |
Prognostic rules for predicting a part failure
A device may receive equipment information, associated with a first equipment, including information associated with anomalies identified based on operational information collected during operation of the first equipment, and messages generated during the operation of the first equipment. The device may receive maintenance information, associated with the first equipment, that identifies one or more part failures associated with one or more equipment parts. The device may identify associations between the one or more part failures and the first equipment information. The device may receive equipment information, associated with a second equipment, including information associated with anomalies identified based on operational information collected during operation of the second equipment, and messages generated during the operation of the second equipment. The device may generate and provide a prediction, associated with a future failure of an equipment part of the second equipment, based on the second equipment information and the associations. |
| US10452056B2 |
Three-dimensional object fabrication using multiple extruders
Described herein is a system and method system for fabricating a three-dimensional object using a plurality of extruders. Information including two-dimensional segments of a layer of a three-dimensional object to be fabricated using the plurality of extruders is received. Closed contour, two-dimensional polygons are computed based on the two-dimensional segments. Tool path(s) are generated based on the computed closed contour two-dimensional polygons. The generated tool path(s) are provided to a fabrication apparatus. |
| US10452055B2 |
Converting at least a portion of a 3-D object into a format suitable for printing
At least a portion of a 3-D object is converted into a format suitable for printing. A material volume coverage vector for each voxel of a 3-D bit map of a 3-D object is determined. The 3-D bit map comprises a plurality of voxels, each voxel located at a unique 3-D location. A rectangular cuboid comprising an M×N×L array of voxel locations enclosing at least a portion of the 3-D object is determined. A halftone threshold matrix comprising an array of threshold values is provided. The halftone threshold matrix is converted to provide an M×N×L 3-D array of threshold values. Each material volume coverage vector of the at least a portion is compared with each threshold value at corresponding 3-D locations to select a printable voxel at each 3-D location to convert the at least a portion of the 3-D object into a format suitable for printing. |
| US10452046B2 |
Cooking appliance control of residential heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system
A cooking appliance includes a housing, and a cooking element disposed in the housing and configured to generate energy for cooking food, and a controller coupled to the cooking element and configured to communicate a control signal to selectively actuate a residential heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system and/or non-cooking device in connection with cooking food with the cooking element. |
| US10452038B2 |
Build material profile
Examples are described that generate control data (280) for production of a three-dimensional object. Build material profile data (260) is accessed for an indicated build material. The build material profile data for a given build material defines one or more parameter values that are dependent on the properties of the given build material and that are configured to generate a three-dimensional object with predefined build properties. Certain examples are arranged to generate control data for the production of a three-dimensional object by applying build material profile data to received object data (230). |
| US10452037B2 |
Apparatus, method, and program product for controlling appliances
Apparatuses, methods, and program products are disclosed for controlling appliances. One apparatus includes a processor, and a memory that stores code executable by the processor. The code is executable by the processor to detect a usage history of multiple types of appliances in a building. The code is executable by the processor to determine changes to operation of the multiple types of appliances based on the usage history. The code is executable by the processor to control the multiple types of appliances based on the determined changes to the operation of the multiple types of appliances. |
| US10452036B2 |
System and method for deterministic calculation of recovery time for an environmental system
A method and system of optimally adjusting the environment of a predetermined location based upon the movement of a mobile communication device using location-based services. |
| US10452035B2 |
Laboratory instrument for instrument-controlled treatment of at least one laboratory sample
The invention relates to a configuration control device for a laboratory instrument, a laboratory instrument with a configuration control device for instrument-controlled treatment of at least one laboratory sample and a method for configuring the laboratory instrument by means of the configuration control device. By using user-dependent configuration data, the requirement for the user of having to perform a completely manual configuration of the laboratory instrument, which is effected by the user-dependent configuration data, is dispensed with. |
| US10452032B1 |
Optimizing power contribution of distributed energy resources for real time power demand scheduling
Systems and methods are described herein for controlling power at a point of interconnection of the power grid. Power data that characterizes power flow at a point of interconnection of the power grid is received. The power data includes power contribution levels of at least one distributed energy resource and at least one analysis profile for a time period. An objective energy function is determined based on the power contribution levels and the at least one analysis profile. A power contribution set-point is determined based on a minimum value of the objective energy function. The power contribution set-point reflects an optimized power contribution level of the at least one distributed energy resource. The power contribution set-point is provided to the at least one distributed energy resource to achieve the optimized power contribution level by modifying the power contribution of the at least one distributed energy resource. |
| US10452025B2 |
Substrate-guided wave-based transparent holographic center high mounted stop light and method of fabrication thereof
Multiple pairs of substrate-guided wave-based holograms (SGWHs) are laminated to a common thin substrate to form a transparent substrate-guided wave-based holographic CHMSL (SGWHC) that diffracts playback LED illumination over a wide angular range. This device is made pursuant to a technique that includes the steps of recording a first set of SGWHs with one setup, that upon playback, will couple and guide the diffracted light inside the substrate, and a second set of SGWHs recorded with another setup, that will diffract and couple the guided light out. |
| US10452024B2 |
Replaceable unit and image forming apparatus
A secondary transfer portion includes a transfer roller, a fixing member, a movable member, and a detector. The transfer roller is configured to rotate about an axis thereof when the secondary transfer portion is attached to an apparatus body. The fixing member is fixed to the axial end portion of the transfer roller. The movable member is caught on the fixing member. The detector is configured to indicate different detection states depending on a position of the movable member. The fixing member and the movable member are connected to each other through a guide mechanism (a guide groove and a guide protrusion) that is configured to move the movable member in an axial direction of the transfer roller. The movable member is moved to a detection position of the detector by rotation of the transfer roller. |
| US10452023B2 |
Image forming apparatus and drum cartridge
There is provided an image forming apparatus including a casing and a drum cartridge. The drum cartridge includes: a photosensitive drum having a circumferential surface which includes a first area and a second area; a first cover which pivotally moves between a first closed position where the first cover covers the first area of the photosensitive drum and a first open position where the first area is exposed; and a second cover which pivotally moves between a second closed position where the second cover covers the second area of the photosensitive drum and a second open position where the second area is exposed. A direction in which the second cover pivotally moves from the second closed position to the second open position is opposite to a direction in which the first cover pivotally moves from the first closed position to the first open position. |
| US10452022B2 |
Process cartridge
A process cartridge, comprising: a drum cartridge; and a waste toner case, the drum cartridge comprising: a development roller; a first side wall to support one end of a shaft of the development roller; a second wall to support the other end of the shaft; a photosensitive drum; a cleaner; and a conveying tube, the conveying tube comprising: a first part disposed on an opposite side of the second side wall with respect to the first side wall in an axis direction, the first part being connected to the cleaner; a second part disposed closer to the second side wall relative to the first part and connected to the waste toner case; and a third part connecting the first part with the second part, wherein a direction in which the waste toner case is attached is equal to a direction in which the second part extends. |
| US10452019B2 |
Drum unit provided with augers for conveying waste toner
A drum unit includes: a photosensitive drum; a blade contacting a surface of the photosensitive drum and configured to remove waste toner therefrom; a first auger; and a second auger. The photosensitive drum defines an axis extending in a first direction and is rotatable about the axis. The first auger extends in the first direction. The first auger is rotatable upon receipt of a drive force from the photosensitive drum to convey the waste toner removed by the blade in the first direction. The second auger extends in a second direction crossing the first direction. The second auger is rotatable upon receipt of the driving force from the first auger to convey the waste toner conveyed by the first auger in the second direction. |
| US10452018B2 |
Paper dust collecting member and image forming apparatus therewith
A paper dust collecting member removes and collects paper dust attached to a conveying roller, and is attachable along the attaching direction parallel to the axial direction of the conveying roller via an opening portion provided in a side plate of an apparatus main body. The paper dust collecting member has a removing member and a holding member. The removing member removes paper dust attached to the conveying roller. The holding member holds the removing member. The holding member includes a protrusion portion which is disposed, on its distal end portion side, along a side surface of the removing member and which protrudes in the thickness direction of the removing member beyond a contact surface of the removing member. |
| US10452014B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of switching color mode
If an inputted job requires switching from a single-color mode to a multicolor mode, an image forming apparatus switches from the single-color mode to the multicolor mode during a relatively long processing waiting time out of processing waiting times between preceding pages and succeeding pages, before a page in the job for forming a multicolor image. |
| US10452013B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, image processing method, and recording medium
An image processing apparatus includes: a determining unit configured to determine a parameter for image processing for a special toner plate depending on a type of a special toner other than a process color toner; and an image processing unit configured to process an image of the special toner plate using the determined parameter. |
| US10452012B2 |
Cylindrical fixing member, fixing device and image forming apparatus
A cylindrical fixing member for use with a fixing device includes a heat generating layer and an electrode layer contacting the heat generating layer. The electrode layer is smaller in volume resistance value than the heat generating layer. The electrode layer is formed in a helical shape so that a helical axis thereof extends in a direction along a generatrix direction of the fixing member. One end and the other end of the electrode layer are electrically open. |
| US10452005B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a belt member, a toner image forming unit, a first transfer roller, a second transfer roller provided at a position opposed to the first transfer roller with the belt member intervened and forming a transfer portion, and a power feed roller configured to abut against an outer circumferential surface of the first transfer roller to supply a current to a metal shaft of the first transfer roller. A width of a large diameter portion of the power feed roller with respect to a width direction intersecting a direction of movement of the belt member is equal to or greater than a maximum width of image formation and smaller than a width of a maximum size of the recording material. |
| US10452004B2 |
Image forming apparatus reducing media surface roughness before forming a color image protected by transparent toner
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section and a transfer section. The image forming section includes a first image forming unit that forms a first developer image and a second image forming unit that forms a second developer image. The transfer section transfers, on a basis of a first transfer condition, the first developer image onto a medium, and transfers, on a basis of a second transfer condition, the second developer image onto the medium onto which the first developer image has been transferred. The second transfer condition is different from the first transfer condition. |
| US10451993B2 |
Light-emitting component, printhead, and image forming apparatus
A light-emitting component includes a substrate, plural light-emitting elements, and plural thyristors. The plural light-emitting elements are disposed on the substrate and emit light in a direction perpendicular to a front surface of the substrate. The plural thyristors are respectively stacked on the plural light-emitting elements and turn on to drive the light-emitting elements to emit light or to increase an emitted light amount. Each of the thyristors includes an opening in a path of light from the corresponding light-emitting element to the thyristor. |
| US10451988B2 |
Toner and image forming apparatus
A toner includes a plurality of toner particles each including a toner mother particle and an external additive adhering to a surface of the toner mother particle. The external additive includes hydrotalcite particles. The hydrotalcite particles have a number average primary particle diameter of at least 80 nm and no greater than 1,000 nm. The hydrotalcite particles have a volume resistivity of no greater than 1.0×105 Ω·cm. An amount of the hydrotalcite particles is at least 0.5 parts by mass and no greater than 3.0 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the toner mother particles. |
| US10451984B2 |
Production method of electrophotographic photosensitive member, electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus
A coating film of a coating liquid for a surface layer, the coating liquid containing a hole transporting compound having a chain-polymerizable functional group and a compound having a specified structure, is cured to thereby form a surface layer of an electrophotographic photosensitive member. |
| US10451979B2 |
Apparatus for EUV lithography and method of measuring focus
A method of evaluating a focus control of an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography apparatus includes preparing a wafer exposed by using the EUV lithography apparatus. The wafer includes test patterns formed of a photoresist and having circular islands or holes prepared by multiple exposures of EUV at different foci of exposure. The method further includes measuring a roughness parameter of the test patterns and estimating a function representing a dependence of the roughness parameter on the focus. A best focus is estimated based on an extremum of the function. Exposure wafers are then exposed to EUV with the best focus. The exposure wafers include the test patterns. The roughness parameter for the test patterns on the exposure wafers obtained by exposing the exposure wafers at the best focus is periodically measured. An abnormality in focus is then determined based on the measured roughness parameter and the function. |
| US10451977B2 |
Lithographic method and apparatus
A method of reducing an aberration of a lithographic apparatus, the method including measuring the aberration, taking the measured aberration into account, estimating a state of the lithographic apparatus, calculating a correction using the estimated state, and applying the correction to the lithographic apparatus. |
| US10451970B2 |
Silicone skeleton-containing polymer, photo-curable resin composition, photo-curable dry film, laminate, and patterning process
The present invention provides a silicone skeleton-containing polymer including a silicone skeleton shown by the following formula (1) and having a weight average molecular weight of 3,000 to 500,000. This can provide a silicone skeleton-containing polymer that can easily form a fine pattern with a large film thickness, and can form a cured material layer (cured film) that is excellent in various film properties such as crack resistance and adhesion properties to a substrate, electronic parts, and a semiconductor device, particularly a base material used for a circuit board, and has high reliability as a film to protect electric and electronic parts and a film for bonding substrates; and a photo-curable resin composition that contains the polymer, a photo-curable dry film thereof, a laminate using these materials, and a patterning process. |
| US10451966B2 |
Imprint resist with fluorinated photoinitiator and substrate pretreatment for reducing fill time in nanoimprint lithography
A nanoimprint lithography method includes disposing a pretreatment composition including a polymerizable component on a substrate to form a pretreatment coating. Discrete imprint resist portions are disposed on the pretreatment coating, with each discrete portion of the imprint resist covering a target area of the substrate. The imprint resist is a polymerizable composition and includes a fluorinated photoinitiator. A composite polymerizable coating is formed on the substrate as each discrete portion of the imprint resist spreads beyond its target area. The composite polymerizable coating includes a mixture of the pretreatment composition and the imprint resist. The composite polymerizable coating is contacted with a template, and is polymerized to yield a composite polymeric layer on the substrate. The interfacial surface energy between the pretreatment composition and air exceeds the interfacial surface energy between the imprint resist and air or between at least a component of the imprint resist and air. |
| US10451964B2 |
Compact hybrid digital-analogue developing machine
Compact hybrid developing machine that exposes a photosensitive substrate (1) using an LED or LCD display (2,3) wherein the substrate (1) is placed in direct contact with the image generating layer (colour generating layer+channelling layer) of the display (2,3). When the display is of LCD technology, the filters (21) of the colour generating layer are placed closer to the substrate (1) than the liquid crystal layer (22). In both types of display (2,3), a channelling layer is installed within the image generating layer, for example, a black matrix (4) of opaque elements. When using an LCD display (2), this may have a unifying filter (24) or a black translucent filter (25) before the light diffusing layer. |
| US10451961B2 |
Focus adjustment system for an image display device
An image display device includes an image display element, a light source, an illumination system, a projector system comprising a refractive optical system including a plurality of lens groups, and a mirror train including a curved mirror, a first focus structure configured to move the respective lens groups of the refractive optical system by different amounts along a normal line of the image display element, and a second focus structure configured to move the respective lens groups along the normal line of the image display element by different amounts from those of the first focus structure. |
| US10451960B2 |
Laser light source and projection display device
A laser light source is disclosed that includes a laser device, a first diffusion element, a fluorescence wheel, and a second diffusion element. The fluorescence wheel emits a fluorescent light when excited by the laser light, and before reaching the fluorescence wheel, the laser light emitted by the laser device is transmitted through the first diffusion element that is fixedly arranged. As the second diffusion plate rotates about its axis, the laser light from the first diffusion element and the fluorescent light from the fluorescence wheel transmit through the second diffusion plate. |
| US10451958B2 |
Wavelength conversion device, illumination device and projector
A wavelength conversion device includes a rotating device and a base member which is rotated by the rotating device. The base member includes a wavelength conversion portion which is disposed in an annular shape on a first surface of the base member, a first region which is located further inside than the wavelength conversion portion, and a second region which is located further outside than the wavelength conversion portion, and is larger in surface area than the first region. |
| US10451955B2 |
Optical transmission apparatus, optical transmission system, and method of controlling excitation light frequency
An optical transmission apparatus includes a wavelength converter that wavelength-converts input signal light using a nonlinear optical medium to output the converted signal light, a memory that holds first information relating to a wavelength conversion characteristic of the wavelength converter, a communication interface that receives second information relating to a second wavelength conversion characteristic of an adjacent optical transmission apparatus, and a control circuit that determines, using the first information and the second information when the second information is received, an excitation light frequency at which a gain deviation of main signal light subjected to a wavelength conversion is minimized to set the determined excitation light frequency in the wavelength converter. |
| US10451947B1 |
Apochromatic pancharatnam berry phase (PBP) liquid crystal structures for head-mounted displays
A Pancharatnam Berry Phase (PBP) liquid crystal structure for adjusting or focusing light of a plurality of color channels emitted by a display of a head-mounted display (HMD) comprises a plurality of PBP active elements. Each PBP active element of the structure is configured to act as a half waveplate for light of a corresponding color channel, such that light of the corresponding color channel is adjusted by a predetermined amount. In addition, each PBP active element acts as a one waveplate for light of the remaining color channels, such that light of the remaining color channels passes through the PBP active element substantially unaffected. As such, the PBP structure is able to adjust incident light of the plurality of color channels uniformly in an apochromatic fashion. |
| US10451946B2 |
Semiconductor device, liquid crystal display device, and semiconductor device manufacturing method
A semiconductor device includes: a first metal layer including a gate electrode; a first insulating layer provided on the first metal layer; an oxide semiconductor layer provided on the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer provided on the oxide semiconductor layer; a second metal layer provided on the oxide semiconductor layer and the second insulating layer, the second metal layer including a source electrode; a third insulating layer provided on the second metal layer; and a first transparent electrode layer provided on the third insulating layer. The oxide semiconductor layer includes a first portion lying above the gate electrode and a second portion extending from the first portion so as to lie across an edge of the gate electrode on the drain electrode side. The third insulating layer does not include an organic insulating layer. The second insulating layer and the third insulating layer have a first contact hole which overlaps the second portion of the oxide semiconductor layer when viewed in a normal direction of the substrate. The first transparent electrode layer includes a transparent electrically-conductive layer which is in contact with the second portion of the oxide semiconductor layer in the first contact hole. |
| US10451945B2 |
Display panel and thin film transistor array substrate
A display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate. A thin film transistor is disposed on the first substrate. The display panel has a non-display area; the non-display area includes a first metal layer, a frequency signal line formed by a second metal layer and located on the first metal layer, a via (contact hole), and a conducting electrode electrically connecting the first and a second metal layers together. At least a part of the conducting electrode is located in the via. A photo spacer is located in the via, for separating the first substrate and the second substrate. The photo spacer completely covers the conducting electrode. The photo spacer is made of a dielectric material. |
| US10451942B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a first substrate, a plurality of pixels on the first substrate, a gate driver on the first substrate, the gate driver applying a gate signal, and a gate line connected to the gate driver and applying the gate signal to at least a pixel of the plurality of pixels where the plurality of pixels is disposed in a step-like shape in at least one corner of the first substrate, the gate driver comprises a plurality of stages in the at least one corner of the first substrate, and the plurality of stages is disposed in a step-like shape corresponding to the plurality of pixels. |
| US10451939B2 |
Array substrate, display device having the same, and manufacturing method thereof
The present application discloses an array substrate. The array substrate includes a liquid crystal capacitor; and a storage capacitor having a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrolyte layer sandwiched by the first electrode and the second electrode. The storage capacitor is an electrochemical capacitor coupled in parallel with the liquid crystal capacitor. |
| US10451937B2 |
Array substrate and display panel
An array substrate includes multiple gate lines, multiple data lines, and multiple light-shielding electrode lines. The multiple gate lines and the multiple data lines intersect each other to circumferentially delimit a plurality of sub pixels. The multiple light-shielding electrode lines are arranged to correspond to the multiple data lines. The plurality of sub pixels includes a blue sub pixel column corresponding to a blue color filter. At least one sub pixel of the blue sub pixel column includes a light-shielding electrode. The light-shielding electrode is connected to light-shielding electrode lines that are located on two opposite sides of the blue sub pixel column. Displaying abnormality that occurs in displaying pure blue or pure yellow images can be avoided. Also provided is a display panel. |
| US10451935B2 |
Electronic device comprising first and second conductive layers each having segments corresponding to and separated from each other and a connection line in a peripheral region
An electronic device includes a substrate, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and a third conductive layer. The first conductive layer includes at least two first segments and at least one first connection line. The first connection line is connected to the at least two first segments. The second conductive layer includes at least two second segments and at least one second connection line. The at least two second segments do not overlap the at least two first segments in a normal direction of the substrate. The second connection line connects the at least two second segments. The second connection line overlaps the first connection line in the normal direction of the substrate. The third conductive layer includes at least one first connection electrode. The first connection electrode is electrically connected to the at least two first segments and the at least two second segments. |
| US10451932B2 |
Flexible display panel, display device nd bonding method thereof
A flexible display panel, a display device and a bonding method thereof are provided. The flexible display panel includes a plurality of fan-out leads arranged along a first direction and disposed in a fan-out region; virtual extension lines of the fan out leads at least disposed in lateral regions of the fan-out region are intersected at a first junction point on a reference line perpendicular to the first direction; a chip on film includes a plurality of pads being arranged along the first direction and in one-to-one correspondence with the fan-out leads; and virtual extension lines of the pads, which at least correspond to the fan-out leads disposed in the lateral regions, are intersected at a second junction point on the reference line. |
| US10451931B2 |
Transflective display panel and transflective display device
A transflective display panel and a transflective display device. The transflective display panel includes: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, and blue phase liquid crystal disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a first base substrate and pixel electrodes and common electrodes that are disposed on a side of the first base substrate that faces the second substrate, the pixel electrodes serve as reflecting electrodes or both the pixel electrodes and the common electrodes serve as reflecting electrodes. The second substrate comprises a second base substrate. |
| US10451930B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and display device
The present disclosure relates to a liquid crystal display panel and a display device. The liquid crystal display panel includes a display area; and a non-display area surrounding the display area, wherein the display area includes a plurality of sub-areas, each of the plurality of sub-areas is provided with a plurality of pixel electrodes, all of the pixel electrodes in a sub-area have an identical brightness control parameter; and the brightness control parameter of the pixel electrodes in at least one sub-area is different from the brightness control parameter of the pixel electrodes in another sub-area. By setting different brightness control parameters based on different temperature rise in the sub-areas, the problem of poor Gamma uniformity of the display panel can be solved, and the possibility of occurrence of ghost can be reduced, thereby increasing display quality of the liquid crystal display panel. |
| US10451927B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and display device
A liquid crystal display panel and a display device are disclosed. The liquid crystal display panel includes an array substrate and an upper substrate arranged opposite to each other, and a liquid crystal layer, a spacer layer including primary spacers and secondary spacers, and a black matrix layer over the spacer layer. The overlapping area between one of the plurality of black matrix elements and a green sub-pixel near one of the plurality of primary spacers below said matrix element forms a first overlap area, wherein an overlapping area between one of the plurality of black matrix elements and a green sub-pixel near one of the plurality of secondary spacers below said matrix element forms a second overlap area; and the first overlap area equals the second overlap area. |
| US10451924B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention has a pixel which includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a first resistor, a second resistor, a first liquid crystal element, and a second liquid crystal element. A pixel electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a signal line through the first switch. The pixel electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a pixel electrode of the second liquid crystal element through the second switch and the first resistor. The pixel electrode of the second liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a Cs line through the third switch and the second resistor. A common electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a common electrode of the second liquid crystal element. |
| US10451922B2 |
Lighting device including diffusion lenses associated with hollow cylindrical light guide portions, and display device including the lighting device
A lighting device has a housing having a bottom part and an opening, the bottom part being formed with through holes, and a substrate having light sources mounted on one surface thereof, the substrate being placed outside of the bottom part of the housing such that light emitted from the light sources is passed through the respective through holes and radiated to the opening of the housing. The lighting device also has light guide parts, each of which has a cylindrical shape, inserted through the through holes of the bottom part of the housing for guiding the light emitted from the light sources, respectively, and diffusion lenses provided inside of the housing for diffusing the light guided by the light guide parts, respectively. Each of the light guide parts is hollow and configured to reflect the light by an inner surface thereof so as to guide reflected light to an associated diffusion lens. |
| US10451919B2 |
Display panel and display device
A display panel includes a backlight source, a color filter layer, and a blue filter film that are sequentially stacked. The color filter layer includes a blue pixel zone, which includes a first sub-pixel section and a second sub-pixel section. The blue filter film includes a first filtration section and a second filtration section, which are arranged opposite to the first sub-pixel section and the second sub-pixel section, respectively. The backlight source emits light that passes through the first sub-pixel section and the first filtration section to form first light, and the light emitting from the backlight source passes through the second sub-pixel section and the second filtration section to form second light. The first light has a luminous intensity that is different from a luminous intensity of the second light. A mobile terminal is also disclosed. |
| US10451918B2 |
Display panel and display device including the same
A display device includes a display panel and a light source providing light to the display panel. The display panel includes a first polarizing layer to which the light is incident, a first base layer disposed on the first polarizing layer, a first liquid crystal layer disposed on the first base layer and including a plurality of first nanocapsules, a second liquid crystal layer disposed on the first liquid crystal layer and including a plurality of second nanocapsules, a second polarizing layer disposed between the first liquid crystal layer and the second liquid crystal layer, a second base layer disposed on the second liquid crystal layer, and a third polarizing layer disposed on the second base layer. Each of the first and second liquid crystal layers controls a transmittance of the light based on an intensity of an electric field between pixel electrodes and a common electrode. |
| US10451917B2 |
Polarizer, method for fabricating the same, and display device having the same
A polarizer of the present disclosure includes a light control layer which includes a plurality of partitions, a transmissive unit which is provided between the partitions and includes a scattering unit thereabove, and a liquid crystal layer disposed above the partitions and the transmissive unit; and a polarizing layer bonded to the light control layer. According to the present disclosure, a structure which restricts a viewing angle is disposed below a polarizer so that information is exposed only to the user, thereby implementing a narrow viewing angle. |
| US10451911B2 |
Display device
A display device comprises a first chassis and a first backlight housing attached to the first chassis and comprising a first wall. A first optical film layer between a first light guide plate and a first rear polarizer comprises a secured end bonded to the first wall. A second chassis is rotatably coupled to the first chassis and includes a second backlight housing attached to the second chassis and comprising a second wall. A second optical film layer between a second light guide plate and a second rear polarizer includes a secured end bonded to the second wall. |
| US10451906B2 |
Display device and driving method
A display device has a light blocking arrangement for selectively blocking light which has or would be emitted at large lateral angles. The display can be configured so that light reaching these elements is either allowed to reach the viewer or is blocked from reaching the viewer. This means that a public viewing mode can be chosen or a private viewing mode. The light blocking elements are controlled optically in order to simplify the construction and control. |
| US10451904B2 |
Electrically controlled optical elements and method
The effective focal length of an optical system can be electronically controlled using switchable wave plates in conjunction with polarized light. |
| US10451900B2 |
Method and system to create custom, user-specific eyewear
Systems and methods for creating fully custom products from scratch without exclusive use of off-the-shelf or pre-specified components. A system for creating custom products includes a computer communicatively coupled with an image capture device and configured to construct an anatomic model of the user based on captured image data and/or measurement data. The computer provides a configurable product model and enables preview and automatic or user guided customization of the product model. A display is communicatively coupled with the computer and displays the custom product model superimposed on the anatomic model or image data of the user. The computer is further configured to provide the customized product model to a manufacturer for manufacturing eyewear for the user in accordance with the customized product model. |
| US10451897B2 |
Components with multiple energization elements for biomedical devices
Methods and apparatus to form biocompatible energization elements are described. In some embodiments, the methods and apparatus to form the biocompatible energization elements involve forming cavities comprising active cathode chemistry. The active elements of the cathode and anode are sealed with a laminate stack of biocompatible material. In some embodiments, a field of use for the methods and apparatus may include any biocompatible device or product that requires energization elements. |
| US10451893B2 |
Method for determining an optical equipment
Method implemented by computer for determining an optical equipment including at least an optical lens and a spectacle frame, the lens being adapted to be mounted in the frame, the method including: a wearer data providing step, during which wearer data relating to the wearer's optical requirements is provided, an optical cost function providing step, during which an optical cost function is provided, the optical cost function relating to the optical function of the lens, a comfort cost function providing step, during which a comfort cost function is provided, the comfort cost function relating to the weight of the optical equipment, an optical equipment determining step, during which the optical equipment that minimizes the difference between a global cost function and a target value of the global cost function is determined, the global cost function being a weighted sum of the optical and comfort cost functions. |
| US10451889B2 |
Optical communications module having an optics system that improves link performance, and methods
An optics system is provided that comprises a glass-based diffractive optical element (DOE) for coupling an optical signal passing out of an optical waveguide into a photodetector. The glass-based DOE improves optical link performance by performing one or more of shortening a response time of a photodetector, preventing an overloading condition of the photodetector from occurring and managing back reflection of light from the photodetector. The glass-based DOE is relatively inexpensively to manufacture and is reliable over a wide range of temperatures. |
| US10451887B2 |
Stereoscopic displays, arrangements and methods
In one preferred form illustrated in FIG. 1 there is provided an autostereoscopic display 10. The display 10 includes a layer 20 of pixel sources 22. The display includes a source screen 12 and a lens structure 14. The source screen 12 is able to separate light from each pixel source 22, in the layer 20 of pixel sources 22, into view position input sources 32 each corresponding with a different view position 40. The lens structure 14 has a view position configuration 36 and a views configuration 38. The view position configuration 36 and the views configuration 38 of the lens structure 14 are able to transmit light, that is received from the view position input sources 32 as corresponding lens structure inputs 34, as views 39 grouped in viewing positions 40. |
| US10451886B2 |
Stereoscopic display device
A stereoscopic display device includes an image display device to display, for each imaging point inside a space region, an image of an object to be projected to the space region at the relevant imaging point in a block corresponding to the relevant imaging point on a display region, a lens to direct light beams given out from the respective blocks to mutually different directions, a light guide plate having first deflectors provided in any of an emission surface and a surface opposed to the emission surface, each of the first deflectors directing the light beams entering the light guide plate to mutually different directions to emit the light beams from the emission surface, and a second deflector configured to direct, for each of the first deflectors, the light beam from each of the blocks emitted from the emission surface through the first deflector to the corresponding imaging point. |
| US10451880B2 |
Optical device, display device, and method for manufacturing light emitting element
A display device includes a frame and an image display device. The image display device includes an image forming device, a light guide device, and a lens system. The image forming device includes light emitting elements 300 arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. Each of the light emitting elements 300 has a laminated structure 301 including at least one layer of light emitting laminates 310, 320, and 330 each including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a light emitting layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. The laminated structure 301 has a through hole 360 through which light from the light emitting layer is emitted toward the lens system. An antireflection layer 370 is formed in a portion of the laminated structure facing the lens system. |
| US10451879B2 |
Display device and method of controlling the same
A display device and a method of controlling the same realizes a virtual reality display and an augmented reality display. The display device includes a transparent display panel, an imaging device disposed at a light-exiting side of the transparent display panel, and a light adjusting cover disposed at a side of the transparent display panel away from the light-exiting side. The transparent display panel is disposed within a focal length of the imaging device. The imaging device is configured to image pictures displayed on the transparent display panel at a side thereof away from the imaging device. The light adjusting cover is switchable between a light-transmitting state and a light-shaded state, and is capable of covering a viewing field of human eyes. The display device can perform the virtual reality display or the augmented reality display. |
| US10451875B2 |
Smart transparency for virtual objects
A head mounted display (HMD) device is configured with a sensor package that enables head tracking to determine the device user's proximity to virtual objects in a mixed reality or virtual reality environment. A fade volume including concentrically-arranged volumetric shells is placed around the user including a near shell that is closest to the user, and a far shell that is farthest from the user. When a virtual object is beyond the far shell, the HMD device renders the object with full opacity (i.e., with no transparency). As the user moves towards a virtual object and it intersects the far shell, its opacity begins to fade out with increasing transparency to reveal the background behind it. The transparency of the virtual object increases as the object gets closer to the near shell and the object becomes fully transparent when the near shell reaches it so that the background becomes fully visible. |
| US10451868B2 |
Microstructured fiber optic oscillator and waveguide for fiber scanner
Described are optical fibers and scanning fiber displays comprising optical fibers. The disclosed optical fibers include a plurality of mass adjustment regions, such as gas-filled regions, positioned between a central waveguiding element and an outer periphery for reducing a mass of the optical fiber as compared to an optical fiber lacking the plurality of mass adjustment regions. |
| US10451864B2 |
Microfluidic color filter, display panel, display apparatus, and method of controlling a display panel
The present application discloses a microfluidic color filter having an array of a plurality of microfluidic color filter units. The microfluidic color filter includes a plurality of micro-chambers; and a plurality of micro-channels. Each of the plurality of microfluidic color filter units includes one of the plurality of micro-chambers; and at least two of the plurality of micro-channels respectively connected to the one of the plurality of micro-chambers. The at least two of the plurality of micro-channels are configured to provide fluids of different colors to the one of the plurality of micro-chambers. A color of each of the plurality of microfluidic color filter units is based on amounts of fluids of different colors provided to the one of the plurality of micro-chambers. |
| US10451860B2 |
Microscope system
A microscope system as an optical microscope system for observing a specimen includes: an imaging optical system that forms an image of transmitted light or reflected light from the specimen; an illumination light source that illuminates illumination light on the specimen; an illumination optical system that has a first spatial light modulation element, which changes intensity distribution of the illumination light at a conjugate position of a pupil of the imaging optical system, and illuminates light, which is originated from the illumination light source, on the specimen; an image sensor that detects light through the imaging optical system; and a calculation section that calculates the intensity distribution of the illumination light appropriate for observation of the specimen on the basis of the intensity distribution of the illumination light formed by the first spatial light modulation element and output data detected by the image sensor. |
| US10451859B2 |
Zoom optical system, optical device and method for manufacturing the zoom optical system
A first lens group (G1) having positive refractive power, a front-side lens group (GX), an intermediate lens group (GM) having positive refractive power, and a rear-side lens group (GR) are arranged in order from an object side. The front-side lens group (GX) is composed of one or more lens groups and has a negative lens group At least part of the intermediate lens group (GM) is a focusing lens group (GF). The rear-side lens group (GR) is composed of one or more lens groups. Upon zooming, the first lens group (G1) is moved with respect to an image surface, a distance between the first lens group (G1) and the front-side lens group (GX) is changed, a distance between the front-side lens group (GX) and the intermediate lens group (GM) is changed, and a distance between the intermediate lens group (GM) and the rear-side lens group (GR) is changed. |
| US10451856B2 |
Zoom lens system
A zoom lens system includes: a first lens group having a positive refractive power; a second lens group having a negative refractive power; a third lens group having a positive refractive power; a fourth lens group having a positive refractive power; a fifth lens group having a positive refractive power; and a sixth lens group having a positive refractive power, wherein the first to sixth lens groups are sequentially arranged along an optical axis from an object side to an image plane side, and zooming is performed by moving at least one of the second lens group, the fourth lens group and the fifth lens group along the optical axis. A distance between a focal point of light having a first wavelength and a focal point of light having a second wavelength is about 50 μm or less at a wide-angle position and a telephoto position. The first wavelength corresponds to green light, the second wavelength corresponds to near infrared (NIR) light. |
| US10451852B2 |
Imaging lens assembly and electronic device
An imaging lens assembly includes a plurality of lens elements, wherein at least one of the lens elements is a dual molded lens element. The dual molded lens element includes a light transmitting portion and a light absorbing portion. The light transmitting portion includes an effective optical section and a first annular surface. The light absorbing portion is located on at least one surface of an object-side surface and an image-side surface of the dual molded lens element, wherein a plastic material and a color of the light absorbing portion are different from a plastic material and a color of the light transmitting portion, and the light absorbing portion includes an opening and a second annular surface. A step surface of the second annular surface is formed by the first annular surface and the second annular surface. |
| US10451851B2 |
Optical assembly for a compact wide field of view digital camera with low first lens diameter to image diagonal ratio
An optical assembly for a point action camera or other compact digital camera having a wide field of view, includes multiple lens elements, including at least one lens element that has an aspheric lens surface. The optical assembly is configured to provide a field of view in excess of 120 degrees. The optical assembly includes a ratio of a diameter of a first lens element at the object end of the optical assembly to an image diagonal is less than approximately 3. |
| US10451850B2 |
Camera optical lens
The present disclosure discloses a camera optical lens. The camera optical lens including, in an order from an object side to an image side, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, a sixth lens and a seventh lens. The first lens is made of plastic material, the second lens is made of plastic material, the third lens is made of glass material, the fourth lens is made of plastic material, the fifth lens is made of plastic material, the sixth lens is made of plastic material, and the seventh lens is made of plastic material. The camera optical lens further satisfies specific conditions. |
| US10451849B2 |
Camera optical lens
The present disclosure discloses a camera optical lens. The camera optical lens including, in an order from an object side to an image side, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, a sixth lens and a seventh lens. The camera optical lens further satisfies specific conditions. |
| US10451845B2 |
Camera optical lens
The present disclosure discloses a camera optical lens. The camera optical lens including, in an order from an object side to an image side, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, a sixth lens and a seventh lens. The camera optical lens further satisfies specific conditions. |
| US10451843B2 |
Optical lens assembly and electronic device including the same
Provided are an optical lens assembly and an electronic device. The optical lens assembly includes a first lens having a negative refractive power, a second lens having a positive refractive power, a third lens having a negative refractive power, and a last lens having a negative refractive power. The first lens, the second lens, the third lens, and the last lens may be sequentially arranged from an object side to an image side of an optical axis, the object side facing an object for image capture and the image side facing an image plane of an image sensor. |
| US10451842B2 |
Lens module
A lens module includes: a first lens having negative refractive power; a second lens having positive refractive power; a third lens having negative refractive power; a fourth lens having negative refractive power; a fifth lens of which an object-side surface is concave; and a sixth lens having one or more inflection points on an image-side surface thereof, wherein the first to sixth lenses are sequentially disposed from an object side of the lens module to an image side of the lens module. |
| US10451841B2 |
Lens module
A lens module includes a first lens, an object-side surface thereof being convex; a second lens, both surfaces thereof being convex; a third lens, both surfaces thereof being concave; a fourth lens having negative refractive power, both surfaces thereof being convex; a fifth lens, an object-side surface thereof being concave; and a sixth lens, an object-side surface thereof being convex. The first to sixth lenses are sequentially disposed in numerical order from the first lens to the sixth lens from an object side of the lens module toward an image side of the lens module. |
| US10451838B2 |
Electronic device and method for autofocusing
An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display, a camera module comprising a camera, a memory, and a processor connected electrically to the display, the camera module, and the memory. The memory can store instructions which when executed by the processor cause the electronic device to perform a set shutter input method comprising, moving a lens of the camera module to a first location if the set shutter input method is a predetermined shutter input method, moving the lens of the camera module to a second location if the set shutter input method is not the predetermined shutter input method, receiving a shutter input, and capturing an image using the camera module in response to the received shutter input. |
| US10451837B2 |
Inductive power connection/data transfer for electro-optic mirror
A rearview assembly for a vehicle includes a rearview device having at least one of a display module and a mirror. A mount operably couples the rearview device to an inside surface of a windscreen of the vehicle. An at least partially translucent connector is operably coupled with the vehicle and abuts a portion of the windscreen. The connector includes an induction pad removably coupled with the rearview device and is configured to supply power and data to the rearview device. |
| US10451834B2 |
Lens holder driving device and mobile terminal with camera
In a lens holder driving device, each of an upper plate spring and a lower plate spring, which are respectively provided on an upper side and a lower side of a lens holder, has an inner peripheral side end fixed to the lens holder, an outer peripheral side end fixed to a fixing part, and a plurality of arms. The plurality of arms of the upper plate spring and the plurality of arms of the lower plate spring have substantially identical shapes in a plan view. Each of the plurality of arms includes at least one U-turn shaped portion that is folded over. Either the upper plate spring or the lower plate spring has at least one stretchable and flexible resin that is provided so as to straddle over the mutually opposing parts of the U-turn shaped portion of the plurality of arms. |
| US10451832B2 |
Optical structure with ridges arranged at the same and method for producing the same
An apparatus having an optical structure and ridges is described, wherein adhesive is arranged between the ridges and the optical structure, wherein the adhesive is effective to effect, after its annealing, a predetermined orientation of the optical structure in relation to a reference plane. |
| US10451831B2 |
Fiber optic strip and cut tool
A fiber optic stripping and cutting apparatus comprising a tool housing and a stripping tool slidingly secured to the tool housing, the stripping tool having a pair of opposing stripping blades pivotable with respect to each other, each stripping blade having at least two teeth, the teeth on one stripping blade aligned with teeth on the opposite stripping blade. The fiber optic stripping and cutting apparatus includes a cutting tool removably secured to the tool housing, the cutting tool having a pair of opposing flat blades, each flat blade including a sharp edge. The stripping and cutting tools are each independently slideable from a retracted position within the housing to an extended position at least partially extending from the tool housing. The stripping tool and cutting tool may be removable from the tool housing. |
| US10451828B1 |
Communications module housing
A communications module housing includes an enclosure defining an opening, and a tray movably positioned within the enclosure. The tray includes a base, and a front rail positioned on the base, the front rail including a plurality of first mounts. The tray further includes a platform positioned on the base, the platform including a plurality of second mounts. The tray further includes a rear rail positioned on the base, the rear rail including a plurality of third mounts. The first and second mounts correspond to mounting features of the first communications modules and the third mounts correspond to mounting features of the second communications modules. |
| US10451827B2 |
Optical connector
An optical connector according to the present disclosure includes: optical transmission paths that have end faces aligned in a predetermined region, and transmit optical signals. The optical transmission paths correspond to transmission channels or reception channels. The optical transmission paths of the transmission channels are distributed and arranged on a periphery of the predetermined region as compared with a case where the optical transmission paths of the transmission channels are concentrated and arranged at a center of the predetermined region. This configuration can increase an output of an optical signal, and make it possible to improve transmission quality at a low cost while improving a safety standard. |
| US10451826B2 |
System for fiber optic communication connections
A system for fiber optic communication connections may include a connector housing, a circuit board disposed in the connector housing, and a port formed in the connector housing and sized to restrict ingress of a fiber optic cable into the port to a predetermined rotational orientation of the fiber optic cable. The system may include circuitry positioned for electrical communication with printed circuitry included on the fiber optic cable received in the port. The circuitry may receive and process data received as a light signal via the fiber optic cable. The system may further include an output connector extending from the connector housing and configured for detachable connection. The output connector may be in electrical communication with the circuitry and may be configured to receive and output an output electrical signal. |
| US10451825B1 |
Locking arrangement for pluggable optical subassembly modules
The present disclosure is generally directed to an optical transceiver module with a locking arrangement that allows the optical transceiver module to be releasably coupled into an associated receptacle of an optical transceiver cage. The locking arrangement includes a handle member with teeth configured to engage notches of an actuating member to allow rotational movement of the handle to be translated into linear movement by the actuating member. The linear movement of the actuating member may be independent of the housing of the optical transceiver module, and as the handle is transitioned from a locked position to a release position such movement of the actuating member can urge release of the locking members of the optical transceiver cage by way of the tab portions of the actuating member. A user may then supply a force, e.g., a pulling force, to remove the unlocked subassembly module from the receptacle. |
| US10451824B2 |
Optical connector
An optical connector for detachable coupling to a cage includes a case having a guide portion and a pull-tab movably attached to the case, wherein the pull-tab includes an arm made of an elastic material and configured to slide on the guide portion of the case to be elastically deformed upon the pull-tab being moved in a removal direction in which the optical connector is uncoupled from the cage, and wherein moving the pull-tab in the removal direction relative to the case against an elastic force applied by the arm causes the pull-tab to disable a lock that secures the case to the cage. |
| US10451823B2 |
Laser module service shelf
A laser module service shelf is generally presented. In some embodiments, a laser system includes a rack including a stack of slots to support a plurality of laser modules in first positions within the rack, wherein the rack comprises a pair of struts extending at opposite sides of an opening in the rack through which the laser modules may pass, and a module service shelf attachable to the struts to support a weight of one of the laser modules in a second position that is cantilevered from the rack in alignment with the opening and one of the slots, wherein the module service shelf comprises a plurality of detachable sections. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed. |
| US10451817B2 |
Multi-fiber fiber optic connector
A fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic cable and a fiber optic connector. The cable includes a jacket having an elongated transverse cross-sectional profile that defines a major axis and a minor axis. Strength components of the cable are anchored to the connector. The fiber optic connector includes a multi-fiber ferrule defining a major axis that is generally perpendicular to the major axis of the jacket and a minor axis that is generally perpendicular to the minor axis of the jacket. Certain types of connectors include a connector body defining a side opening that extends along a length of the connector body; a multi-fiber ferrule configured for lateral insertion into the connector body through the side opening; and a cover that mounts over the side opening after the multi-fiber ferrule has been inserted into the connector body through the side opening. |
| US10451812B2 |
Adapter shutter with integrated connector lock
The present disclosure relates to fiber optic connection systems (5) including a fiber optic adapter (10) having shutter assemblies (34, 17) for obstructing laser beams to protect a person's eyes. The shutter assemblies (34, 17) are spring biased and pivotally movable between closed and open positions. In certain examples, the shutter assemblies (34, 17) can include an integrated locking member (48) that snaps into the fiber optic connectors (12, 14) to hold/retain the connectors in first and second ports (20, 24). |
| US10451807B2 |
Strain isolated fiber Bragg grating sensors
A sensing device is used for measuring physical characteristics. The sensing device may include an optical fiber disposed in a tube. The optical fiber may have a section containing a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor. A support member may be coupled to the ends of the section, such that the section includes a length greater than a length of the portion of the support member disposed between the ends of the section. The support member is configured to isolate the FBG sensor from strain in the optical fiber. |
| US10451806B1 |
RF frequency synthesis based on offset optical frequency combs in ring resonators
An optical frequency comb generator device is disclosed. In one implementation, the optical frequency comb generator device comprises a bus waveguide, at least a first optical ring resonator optically coupled to the bus waveguide, and at least a first grating located on the first optical ring resonator opposite from the bus waveguide. The first optical ring resonator and the first grating are configured to generate counter-propagating optical frequency combs that are offset from each other at a controllable bandwidth. |
| US10451803B2 |
Multimode optical transmission system employing modal-conditioning fiber
A multimode optical fiber transmission system that employs an optical fiber with at least one modal-conditioning fiber is disclosed. The system includes a single-mode transmitter that generates modulated light having a wavelength between 800 nm and 1600 nm; an optical receiver configured to receive and detect the modulated light; a multimode optical fiber that defines an optical path between the single-mode transmitter and the optical receiver, the multimode optical fiber having a core with a diameter D40 and a refractive index profile configured to optimally transmit light at a nominal wavelength of 850 nm; and at least one modal-conditioning fiber operably disposed in the optical path to perform at least one of modal filtering and modal converting of the optical modulated light. |
| US10451800B2 |
Plasmonic surface-scattering elements and metasurfaces for optical beam steering
Systems and methods are described herein for an optical beam-steering device that includes an optical transmitter and/or receiver to transmit and/or receive optical radiation from an optically reflective surface. An array of adjustable plasmonic resonant waveguides is arranged on the surface with inter-element spacings less than an optical operating wavelength. A controller applies a pattern of voltage differentials to the adjustable plasmonic resonant waveguides. The pattern of voltage differentials corresponds to a sub-wavelength reflection phase pattern for reflecting the optical electromagnetic radiation. One embodiment of an adjustable plasmonic resonant waveguide includes first and second metal rails extending from the surface. The metal rails are spaced from one another to form channel therebetween. An electrically-adjustable dielectric is disposed within the channel. |
| US10451795B2 |
Optical fiber for applications requiring high system optical signal-to-noise ratio performance and low degradation from nonlinear impairments
A optical fiber having core and cladding regions, a primary coating, and a secondary coating may be defined in part by a curve relating the microbend sensitivity to a ratio of the elastic modulus of the secondary coating to the elastic modulus of the primary coating (as plotted on respective y and x axes). The curve has a substantially peaked shape defined by a positive-slope region and a negative-slope region. The ratio of the elastic modulus of the secondary coating to the elastic modulus of the primary coating is within the positive-slope region. |
| US10451792B2 |
Lighting system
A lighting system comprising: a first controllable light source (11) configured to provide light in a first direction; a second electrically controllable light source (16) configured to provide light in a second direction; a support structure (14) comprising at least one region of light diffusing particles configured to diffuse light provided by the second electrically controllable light source such that at least a portion of the light provided by the second electrically controllable light source is output in the first direction and is mixed with the light provided by the first controllable light source. |
| US10451785B2 |
Polarizer, manufacturing method thereof and display device
A polarizer, a manufacturing method thereof and a display device are provided. The method includes forming an alignment layer on a carrier substrate and forming grooves on the alignment layer; providing liquid metal in the grooves, in which the liquid metal includes a plurality of liquid metal structures; applying an electric field parallel to the lengthwise direction x of the groove to the liquid metal to allow each liquid metal structure to be stretched along the lengthwise direction x of the groove to form a rod-like structure and the major-axis direction of each liquid metal structure is parallel to the lengthwise direction x of the groove; obtaining the liquid metal by curing the liquid metal; and stripping off the polarizer from the carrier substrate. |
| US10451784B2 |
Temperature invariant infrared filter
A narrow bandpass filter that may be used in a mid-infrared sensor for monitoring a species, which may be a component of a fluid or a solid material. The filter comprises a cavity comprising a low refractive index material. By providing a high ratio of low refractive index material in the filter with respective to high refractive index material, the filter is configured so that wavelength transmission remains constant with varying temperature. Materials used for the low and/or high refractive index provide a temperature invariant filter that transmits mid-infrared spectra without serious degradation. |
| US10451783B2 |
Induced transmission filter having plural groups of alternating layers of dielectric material for filtering light with less than a threshold angle shift
An optical filter may include a first group of layers. The first group of layers may include alternating layers of a first dielectric material, of a group of dielectric materials, and a second dielectric material of the group of dielectric materials. The optical filter may include a second group of layers. The second group of layers may include alternating layers of a third dielectric material, of the group of dielectric materials, and a fourth dielectric material of the group of dielectric materials. The optical filter may include a third group of layers. The third group of layers may include alternating layers of a fifth dielectric material, of the group of dielectric materials, a sixth dielectric material, of the group of dielectric materials, and a metal material. The third group of layers may be disposed between the first group of layers and the second group of layers. |
| US10451779B2 |
Polygon mirror, method for manufacturing polygon mirror, and reflecting mirror
A polygon mirror includes a substrate having a plurality of side surfaces, a first base surface connecting to the plurality of side surfaces, and a second base surface connecting to the plurality of side surfaces, the first base surface and the second base surface facing away from each other. Each side surface has a first region, and a second region adjoining the first region and extending between the first region and at least one edge of the side surface. The substrate is made of plastic, and a reflection coating is formed on the first region and the second region. A surface roughness of the second region of the substrate is greater than a surface roughness of the first region of the substrate. A method for manufacturing such a polygon mirror and an optical reflecting mirror are also provided. |
| US10451776B2 |
Optical beam shaping device and spot light using the same
An optical device that allows the usage of an extended light source in a more compact device is provided. The optical device may be configured to collimate light of a light source (270) along an optical direction. The optical device (200) may comprise a source surface (215), a forward surface (210), a lens body (250) and a peripheral element (240). The source surface is arranged to receive light and may comprise a central portion (220) and a Fresnel portion (230). The Fresnel portion includes at least one tooth (233n) for deflecting light. The forward surface is arranged to output, along the optical direction, at least the deflected light into a collimated light. The source surface and the forward surface delimit the lens body. The peripheral element may be arranged to reflect light internally reflected at the forward surface by total inner reflection towards the optical direction to contribute to the collimated light. |
| US10451772B2 |
Manufacturing device of anti-reflecting structure and manufacturing method for the anti-reflecting structure using thereof
Example embodiments relate to a manufacturing device of an anti-reflecting structure and a method for manufacturing the anti-reflecting structure. The manufacturing device of an anti-reflecting structure includes a carrier film on which a stamp structure is formed, an unwinding unit which unwinds the carrier film, a substrate support unit which provides a target substrate to the carrier film, a pressing unit which applies pressure to the carrier film so that a resin provided in the stamp structure is provided to the target substrate, and a winding unit which winds the carrier film from which an anti-reflecting pattern is transferred to the target substrate, wherein the pressing unit includes a chamber which stores the target substrate, and a vent hole formed in the chamber, and air within the chamber is discharged through the vent hole to lower the air pressure in the chamber and apply pressure to the carrier film. |
| US10451770B2 |
Method and system for measuring/detecting ice or snow atmospheric accretion on overhead power lines
The present invention is related to a method for detecting and/or measuring atmospheric accretion on a suspended electrical cable span (2) of overhead power lines, said suspended electrical cable span (2) having a sag (D) and a local tension (H), and being submitted to wind pressure (wwind), comprising the steps of independently: measuring said sag (D), and optionally measuring the wind pressure (wwind), over a first time range, measuring the local tension (H) over a second time range, the results of both steps being complemented and/or combined, so that to allow atmospheric accretion detection and/or measurement. |
| US10451764B2 |
Capacitivity and frequency effect index detection device and method, and explorative substance identification method
Capacitivity and frequency effect index detection device and method, the device comprising a signal generator for generating alternating current signal having at least two frequencies; a current and phase generation module for generating current and phase information corresponding to each frequency; a first and second test electrodes, the first test electrode for sending the signal to a first position in a test area; the second test electrode for providing reference voltage at a second location in the test area; the first test electrode also for generating voltage information corresponding to each frequency, the voltage information as voltage information of the first position relative to the reference voltage of the second position; and a processing unit for determining at least one type of parameter information corresponding to each frequency and determining the capacitivity and frequency effect index of the test area according to any two frequencies and the parameter information. |
| US10451762B2 |
Direct fluid indicators in multiple segment prospects
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for determining a chance of success for a prospect including two or more segments. The method may include receiving seismic data indicative of a plurality of anomalies in a prospect. The prospect may include a plurality of segments. Prior probabilities of success and failure scenarios may be computed for at least one of the segments of the prospect. Likelihoods of the anomalies may be determined given the success and failure scenarios for the at least one of the segments. At least two of the segments may be classified into a direct fluid indicator dependency group. A degree of correlation may be determined between the anomalies for the direct fluid indicator dependency group. A posterior chance of success may be determined for the prospect based at least in part on the degree of correlation between the anomalies. |
| US10451740B2 |
Scanning lidar systems for three-dimensional sensing
A lidar system includes a laser source, a photodetector, an emission lens, a receiving lens, and a processor. The laser source is configured to be translated through a plurality of emission locations, and to emit a plurality of laser pulses therefrom. The emission lens is configured to collimate and direct the plurality of laser pulses towards an object. The receiving lens is configured to focus the portion of each of the plurality of laser pulses reflected off of the object to a plurality of detection locations. The photodetector is configured to be translated through the plurality of detection locations, and to detect the portion of each of the plurality of laser pulses. The processor is configured to determine a time of flight for each of the plurality of laser pulses from emission to detection, and construct a three-dimensional image of the object based on the determined time of flight. |
| US10451737B2 |
Fast scanning with dynamic voxel probing
A LIDAR system includes a scanner; a receiver; and one or more processor devices to perform actions, including: scanning a continuous light beam over the field of view in a first scan pass; detecting photons of the continuous light beam that are reflected from one or more objects; determining a coarse range to the one or more objects based on times of departure of the photons of the continuous light beam and times of arrival of the photons at the receiver; scanning light pulses over the field of view in a second scan pass; detecting photons from the light pulses that are reflected from the one or more objects; and determining a refined range to the one or more objects based on times of departure of the photons of the light pulses and times of arrival of the photons at the receiver. |
| US10451736B2 |
Electro-optical distance measurement method and equivalent distance meter
Some embodiments of the invention may include an electro-optical distance measurement method having at least one emission of a light signal, in particular of laser light, from at least one light source onto a target object, detection of a fraction of the light signal returning from the target object using a detector and a signal processing electronics system connected downstream from the detector, and/or determination of a distance to the target object. In some embodiments, the emitted light signal comprises in this case a sequence of sequential elements of, in each case at least one light pulse and one light signal train. In some embodiments, the light pulses each have a higher intensity amplitude than the light signal trains. Some embodiments may also an electro-optical distance meter having the features analogous to The distance measurement method according to the invention. |
| US10451730B2 |
Lane change assistant
A computing device in a vehicle can determine a time bound for a lane change maneuver based on determining a reaction time, an occupant acceptance time, a vehicle maneuver time and a maneuver cancellation time and request authorization to perform the lane change maneuver. The computing device can determine the time bound has expired, and cancel the authorization request based on the expired time bound. |
| US10451729B2 |
Method for operating a multiplicity of radar sensors in a motor vehicle and motor vehicle
A method for operating a plurality of radar sensors (2, 2a-2h) in a motor vehicle (1, 1′), wherein at least one operational parameter of the radar sensors (2, 2a-2h) can be changed, wherein driving situation data describing a current driving situation of the motor vehicle (1, 1′) are analyzed in order to determine a requirements profile for the sensor data of the radar sensors (2, 2a-2h) and wherein the operational parameters of the radar sensors (2, 2a-2h) are adapted to the requirements profile taking into consideration at least the detection properties of all radar sensors (2, 2a-2h). |
| US10451727B2 |
Method and system for detecting moving vehicle speed through athird generation photo radar
The various embodiments herein provide a moving vehicle speed detection system for recording the speed violation. The system comprises third generation photo radar for determining an accurate speed of the moving vehicles by measuring a speed and also by measuring the speed with the help of an image processor. The speed of one or more vehicles moving in different lanes within the detection range of the system is accurately measured. The system has a traffic counter system and it can determine an average speed with a very high precision. Generally this system provides the operator with various directorial data and graphs which facilitates an intelligent management of traffic speed control. Also it can determine the accurate speed of any number of vehicles within the range of the system by a third generation photo radar system. |
| US10451723B2 |
Signal processing apparatus of a continuous-wave (CW) radar sensing system
The invention discloses a signal processing apparatus of a CW-radar sensing system, comprising of a transmitting unit, a transmitting antenna and a receiving device. The transmitting unit produces a first frequency conversion signal and a second frequency conversion signal which are transmitted by the transmitting antenna serially and alternatively. A receiving antenna respectively receives the echo signal of the first frequency conversion signal and the second frequency conversion signal, and a mixing-LPF (lowpass filtering) module mixes the echo signal with a first frequency conversion signal and a second frequency conversion signal which are produced by a local oscillator and carries out lowpass filtering for the signals as to obtain a beat frequency signal of the above signals. After the beat frequency signal is sampled and converted to a digital signal by an analog-digital converter (ADC), the range and movement speed and the like of the target against the signal processing apparatus of CW radar sensing system can be figured out by a digital signal processing module. |
| US10451722B2 |
In-vehicle object determining apparatus
An in-vehicle object determining apparatus cooperates with an obstacle sensor unit, which detects an obstacle at a first time. An estimated detected state is calculated as a detected state of the obstacle estimated to be detected by the obstacle sensor unit at a second time after a lapse of a predetermined time period from the first time, on condition that the obstacle is assumed to be under stationary state, based on (i) a vehicle-relative position of the obstacle detected at the first time, (ii) a sensor position of the obstacle sensor unit, and (iii) a vehicle position change during a period from the first time to the second time. It is determined that the obstacle is a moving object based on a discrepancy between the estimated detected state of the obstacle and a real detected state of the obstacle actually detected by the obstacle sensor unit at the second time. |
| US10451715B2 |
Using integrated silicon LED to calibrate phase offset in optical receiver in laser range finder
Embodiments of the present disclosure use an “on chip” silicon LED to generate a light signal for calibration of a range finder. The light signal from the silicon LED may be detected by photo detectors in a reference path and a receive path of the range finder to generate a calibration phase offset, which may be subtracted out from a phase offset measurement of the range finder to correct the phase offset measurement for component mismatch due to, for example, environment, process variation, aging, etc. |
| US10451714B2 |
Optical micromesh for computerized devices
Multiple camera systems which use laser illumination for ranging benefit from a heartbeat to synchronize the timing of the individual lasers to eliminate collisions of multiple simultaneous laser emissions. An optical micromesh system provides for the dynamic entry and egress of mobile and stationary nodes. The optical communication between nodes may be controlled using time domain multiplexing (TDM) to avoid cross talk and communication collision due to overlapping laser illumination. By using an optical, laser based micromesh network, laser ranging can be used to dynamically map node location. |
| US10451709B1 |
Passive tracking of objects using bistatic dual-polarization receivers
A system for detecting and/or tracking a moving object uses signals received from the object at two or more receivers, each of which is dual polarized. At each receiver, the component of the received signal associated with the polarization thereof is separated from the non-polarization-based component, and the modulation of the polarization-based component is used for locating and/or tracking the moving object. |
| US10451708B2 |
Backtracking indoor trajectories using mobile sensors
The present subject matter relates to a computing device (104) and method intended to provide fine-grained continuous location tracking for non-real time uses (e.g., for retracing the movement of office employees). As per the subject matter, the knowledge of an office layout is combined with the application of particle filters (PFs) over inertial tracking (using compass, accelerometer and gyroscope sensors) data. Viterbi-based path-likelihood maximization is integrated with PF framework to progressively reduce the uncertainty in the movement track of an individual computing device (104). |
| US10451704B2 |
Tracking apparatus using light through rotating transmissive diffraction patterns, and method
A tracking apparatus includes a photosensor. The apparatus includes only a single, physically compact, optical pattern emitting base station. The apparatus includes a computer that tracks the photosensor to sub-millimeter accuracy using the optical pattern emitted by the base station. Alternatively, the computer determines angular position of the photosensor relative to the base station to a finer resolution than the size of an aperture of the photosensor from the light emitted by the base station. A method for tracking. |
| US10451700B2 |
System and method for reducing partial voluming artifacts in quantitative myocardial tissue characterization
A system and method for obtaining magnetic resonance images are provided. The system is programmed to control the RF system to apply a saturation pulse at a reference frequency that saturates a selected labile spin species of the subject. The system is programmed to control the RF system to apply an inversion pulse after a variable delay. The system is programmed to control the RF system and the plurality of gradient coils to apply a motion sensitized driven equilibrium (MSDE) preparation pulse. The system is programmed to control the plurality of gradient coils to read imaging data during an acquisition time period. The system is programmed to reconstruct a T1 mapping image of the subject with black-blood contrast. |
| US10451699B2 |
Image processing device and MRI apparatus
In one embodiment, an image processing device includes memory circuitry configured to store a program; and processing circuitry configured, by executing the program, to extract an outer wall of a tubular structure by using a fat image obtained by a water/fat separation method of magnetic resonance imaging, and generate a tubular-structure wall image in which a wall of the tubular structure is distinguished, based on the outer wall. |
| US10451697B2 |
Systems and methods for strategically acquired gradient echo imaging
Variable flip angle techniques with constraints for reconstructing MR images include a processor generating a T1app map representing a spatial distribution of T1app within an anatomical region using a first MR dataset corresponding to a first flip angle (FA) and a second MR dataset corresponding to a second FA. The processor can estimate a first and second transmit RF field maps by scaling the T1app map by a first constant value of T1 associated with a first tissue type and a second constant value of T1 associated with a second tissue type, respectively. The processor can generate a third transmit RF field map using the first and second transmit RF field maps, and use the third transmit RF field map to construct MR images of the anatomical region. Weighted subtraction images can be created with improved contrast-to-noise ratio compared to images of the first and second MR datasets. |
| US10451696B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method of obtaining magnetic resonance image
An magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus and a method of obtaining a magnetic resonance (MR) image are provided. The MRI apparatus includes a processor that obtains k-space data including information on a high frequency region and a low frequency region, and corresponding to a first echo time within a single repetition time (TR), obtains second k-space data including information on at least a part of the low frequency region and corresponding to a second echo time within the single TR, and generating a plurality of reconstructed images having different contrasts based on the first k-space data and the second k-space data. |
| US10451690B2 |
Customized magnetic susceptibility materials
One example includes a method for fabricating a compound material. The method includes providing a first discrete material layer having a first thickness dimension. The first discrete material layer includes a first material having a first magnetic susceptibility. The method also includes depositing a second discrete material layer having a second thickness dimension over the first discrete material layer. The second discrete material layer can include a second material having a second magnetic susceptibility. The relative first and second thickness dimensions can be selected to provide a desired magnetic susceptibility of the compound material. |
| US10451688B2 |
In-package sensor memory readout
A packaged sensor having three external electrical terminals. The packaged sensor comprises a package housing, a power input terminal, a ground terminal, a sensing device, a sensor output terminal for providing an output signal that is related to a physical quantity sensed by the sensing device when the packaged sensor is operated in a sensing mode of operation and for providing a data readout signal related to stored data when the packaged sensor is operated in a data readout mode of operation, a sensing block coupled to the sensing device and to the sensor output terminal, and an adjustment block coupled to the power input terminal, coupled to the sensing block, coupled to the sensor output terminal, comprising a memory storing the stored data, and operable to modulate the data readout signal onto the sensor output terminal in response to a data readout command modulated onto the power input terminal. |
| US10451685B2 |
Secondary battery system and method for identifying abnormality of secondary battery system
A voltage measurement unit for detecting voltage of secondary battery cells on a block by block basis, and outputting the detected voltage as block voltage, an information acquisition unit for acquiring information about a module among a plurality of modules that accommodates a block where a difference between the block voltage and a corresponding block voltage with a first order lag has been changed to exceed a predetermined voltage value, a notification reception unit for receiving a notification of an abnormality having occurred in the secondary battery cells, and a module identification unit for identifying a module corresponding to the information about the module, as a module having the abnormality at the time of receiving the notification by the notification reception unit, are provided. |
| US10451684B2 |
Battery pack
Provided is a battery pack comprising a plurality of batteries; and a plurality of memories that correspond respectively to the batteries and that each record deterioration information of the corresponding battery. Each set of a battery and a corresponding memory may be formed integrally as a battery cell. As a result, the deterioration information of each battery cell can be known even after the battery pack is disassembled. |
| US10451682B2 |
Apparatus and method for conducting nail penetration test for secondary battery
An apparatus and method for conducting a nail penetration test for a secondary battery are provided. The apparatus for conducting the nail penetration test includes: a stage on which the secondary battery, which is an object of the nail penetration test, is fixed; a nail penetration unit including a nail elevating/lowering means; a voltage measuring unit configured to repeatedly measure a short-circuit voltage of the secondary battery with a time interval during the nail penetration test; and a controller operably coupled to the voltage measuring unit. The controller periodically receives a short-circuit voltage from the voltage measuring unit, determines a short-circuit current allowing the received short-circuit voltage to be applied between outermost nodes of an equivalent circuit which models the secondary battery whenever the short-circuit voltage is received, and visually outputs a change in the determined value of the short-circuit current according to time through a display unit. |
| US10451678B2 |
Battery system identification through impulse injection
Vehicle systems and methods can include a traction battery and a controller to operate the traction battery according to current limits of a battery model identified from a battery response to a pulse of current injected into the battery while the battery is not being discharged to propel the vehicle or being charged. The pulse can have a sampling time and magnitude. The response is battery terminal voltages measurements at every sampling time during a set duration. The controller can implement a state estimator configured to output battery state uses a battery impulse response. The pulse input into the battery can be a current signal and the measured battery response can be a voltage. The controller can select a time period for the pulse input and battery measurement response to be when the controller is not charging the battery or drawing current from the battery to propel the vehicle. |
| US10451676B2 |
Method and system for dynamic standard test access (DSTA) for a logic block reuse
A method for testing. An external clock frequency is generated. Test data is supplied over a plurality of SSI connections clocked at the external clock frequency, wherein the test data is designed for testing a logic block. A DSTA module is configured for the logic block that is integrated within a chip to a bandwidth ratio, wherein the bandwidth ratio defines the plurality of SSI connections and a plurality of PSI connections of the chip. The external clock frequency is divided down using the bandwidth ratio to generate an internal clock frequency, wherein the bandwidth ratio defines the external clock frequency and the internal clock frequency. The test data is scanned over the plurality of PSI connections clocked at the internal clock frequency according to the bandwidth ratio, wherein the plurality of PSI connections is configured for inputting the test data to the plurality of scan chains. |
| US10451673B2 |
Electronic component carrying device and electronic component inspection device
An inspection device includes: one chamber in which an IC device after an inspection can be arranged; another chamber in which the IC device after the inspection can be arranged and which is different from the one chamber; and a tray on which the electronic component after the inspection can be placed and which can move with the IC device from the one chamber to the another chamber. Also, the inspection device can detect at least one of humidity and temperature in the another chamber. |
| US10451672B2 |
Probing apparatus for tapping electric signals generated by a device-under-test
A probing apparatus for detection of an electric signal generated by a device-under-test. The probing apparatus includes a rigid support structure having a contact surface for sliding contact with the device-under-test, and a probing instrument to contact the connector for tapping the electric signal. Magnets on the support structure apply attracting force on a mating metal element on the device-under-test such that the probing instrument is aligned to contact the connector, wherein a gap is formed between each magnet and mating metal element when the contact surface touches the device-under-test. |
| US10451667B2 |
Apparatus and method for testing a capacitive transducer and/or associated electronic circuitry
A method of testing a capacitive transducer circuit, for example a MEMS capacitive transducer, by applying a test signal via one or more capacitors provided in the transducer circuit. |
| US10451661B2 |
Digital frequency measuring apparatus
A digital frequency measuring apparatus includes a frequency divider dividing an input frequency signal and providing a divided frequency signal; a period counter counting clock cycles in a period of the divided frequency signal using a clock signal and providing a period count value for each period; and a digital filter amplifying the period count value using an accumulated gain, converting an amplified period count value into a frequency, and providing a first digital output value. The digital filter determines the accumulated gain using a predetermined stage number and a predetermined decimator factor. |
| US10451659B2 |
Detection circuit and associated detection method
A detection circuit of an electronic device includes a resistance detecting circuit and a voltage supplying circuit, wherein the detecting circuit is coupled to an input circuit which is coupled to the electronic device and comprises a plurality of resistors respectively coupled to a plurality of switches, wherein the resistance detecting circuit is arranged to detect whether the input circuit has a resistance variation and generate a detecting signal indicative of the resistance variation; and the voltage supplying circuit is coupled to the resistance detecting circuit to supply a first voltage signal, wherein the voltage supplying circuit receives the detecting signal, and selectively switches the first voltage signal to a second voltage signal according to the detecting signal; wherein the resistance detecting circuit determines whether at least one of the plurality of switches is closed according to the second voltage signal. |
| US10451658B2 |
Dead front connector having a voltage indicator
A dead front connector including an electrical coupling, a voltage tap, a voltage testing circuit. The electrical coupling is configured to electrically connect a power cable to a device. The voltage tap is configured to allow testing for the presence of a voltage between the power cable and the device. The voltage testing circuit is placed within the voltage tap. The voltage testing circuit includes an indicator configured to provide an indication when the voltage is present. |
| US10451657B2 |
Current sensing system and current sensing method
A current sensing system uses a Hall effect device. A conductor carrying a target current is shaped in a way such that two regions with opposite magnetic field directions crossed there through are created at a silicon die which contains the Hall effect devices placed in a mirror way. The Hall effect devices react the magnetic field to generate a Hall voltage when a bias current is applied, which is then processed by a process circuit and an operational unit, so that a differential signal indicative of the target current is generated. |
| US10451654B2 |
Probe card device
A probe card device includes a plurality of pins; a thin film substrate including a plurality of first thin film connecting points and a plurality of second thin film connecting points, wherein at least one of the first thin film connecting points is electrically connected to at least one the second thin film connecting points, and a pitch of any two adjacent ones of the first film connecting points is less than a pitch of any two adjacent ones of the second film connecting points; and a circuit board including a plurality of first circuit board connecting points, wherein at least one of the second thin film connecting points is electrically connected to at least one of the first circuit board connecting points. The probe card device can enhance a layout function and a support function at the same time. |
| US10451652B2 |
Coaxial structure for transmission of signals in test equipment
An example system includes a circuit board having electrical elements; a wafer having contacts; and an interconnect to route signals between the electrical elements and the contacts. The interconnect includes multiple layers, each of which includes a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit includes a conductive trace disposed thereon. The interconnect also includes shielding between adjacent layers of the multiple layers. The shielding is electrically connected to ground. |
| US10451650B2 |
Scanning probe microscopy system for mapping nanostructures on a surface of a sample and metrology frame therefore
A scanning probe microscopy system for mapping nanostructures on a surface of a sample, comprises a metrology frame, a sensor head including a probe tip, and an actuator for scanning the probe tip relative to the sample surface. The system comprises a clamp for clamping of the sample, which clamp is fixed to the metrology frame and arranged underneath the sensor head. The clamp is arranged for locally clamping of the sample in a clamping area underneath the probe tip, the clamping area being smaller than a size of the sample such as to clamp only a portion of the sample. Moreover, a metrology frame for use in scanning probe microscopy system as described includes a clamp for clamping of a sample, wherein the clamp is fixed to the metrology frame such as to be arranged underneath the sensor head. |
| US10451646B2 |
Sensor with symmetrically embedded sensor elements
A sensor for detecting a physical variable, including: —a sensor element for outputting an electrical signal dependent on the physical variable, —a substrate carrying the sensor element, —a printed circuit board, conducting the electrical signal, on the substrate, and —an embedding compound, in which the sensor element is completely embedded and the printed circuit board is at least partly embedded, —wherein at least one compensation element is embodied in the embedding compound, by which compensation element a mechanical stress caused by an element of the sensor at least partly embedded in the embedding compound is counteracted. |
| US10451645B2 |
Remote sensor construction via integrated vacuum manufacture process
A remote sensor module includes a housing comprising a first cavity and a second cavity. A pocket in the first cavity may be configured to hold a sensor package. A side of the pocket may be formed by a portion of a wall between the first and second cavities, and provides an alignment surface for the sensor package. A port communicates through the wall between the pocket and the second cavity. A plurality of terminals extend through the wall between the first cavity and the second cavity. Each of the terminals extends into the first cavity, is positioned such that the sensor package, when present, is between the ends of the terminals and a recessed surface of the pocket, and is configured to form an electrical and mechanical connection with the sensor package, which may hold the sensor package in contact with the alignment surface. |
| US10451642B2 |
System and method for analysis of a sample
A system including a light source, sampling tray, and a plurality of fiber optics positioned to achieve high contrast to improve accuracy and eliminate the need to rotate the sample. A composite light image from the fiber optics is fed to a spectrometer which converts the reflected light into a fingerprint corresponding to the concentration of at least one substance in the sample. The fingerprint is processed by a statistical model to determine concentration level of the at least one substance in the sample and the concentration level is then displayed. |
| US10451640B2 |
Iron (II) ion detection agent and detection method using same
An Fe(II) ion detection agent, and related method, capable of fluorescently detecting Fe(II) ions quickly with high sensitivity is disclosed. The Fe(II) ion detection agent can be a compound represented by formula (I) (fluorescence probe): wherein R1 and R2 represent lower alkyl; R3 and R4 represent hydrogen; R5 represents hydrogen, hydroxyl, or a group represented by formula (A): —NR51R52 wherein R51 and R52 represent lower alkyl; R6 and R7 represent hydrogen; ring A represents an aromatic ring; V represents O or SiR10R11 wherein R10 and R11 are the same or different and represent, hydrogen or lower alkyl; W represents CH2, CO; Z represents O; m and n are the same or different and represent 0 or 1. The agent can be combined with a compound having at least three coordinating positions. |
| US10451637B2 |
Synthetic blood vessels and uses thereof
The present invention provides a synthetic blood vessel and use thereof in drug screening, drug delivery and prognoses of cerebrovascular dysfunction. |
| US10451635B2 |
Beef-specific age determination marker containing the p21 protein
The present invention relates to a beef-specific age determination marker containing the p21 protein, to an antibody specifically bound to bovine p21 protein, to a beef-specific age determination kit containing the antibody which is specifically bound to the bovine p21 protein, and to a method which involves detecting the bovine p21 protein through an antigen-antibody binding reaction using the antibody which is specifically bound to the bovine p21 protein serving as a beef-specific age determination marker in the muscle tissue of beef, so as to determine the age of the beef. According to the present invention, the p21 protein is significantly greatly expressed in the muscle tissue of beef, the age of which is lower than 30 months, and is hardly expressed in the muscle tissue of beef, the age of which is greater than 30 months, and thus can be valuably used as a beef-specific age determination marker. |
| US10451632B2 |
Cleavable probes for isotope targeted glycoproteomics and methods of using the same
Methods for producing isotopically-labelled peptides are provided. Aspects of the method include: contacting a sample including a metabolically tagged protein with a cleavable probe to produce a probe-protein conjugate; separating the probe-protein conjugate from the sample; digesting the probe-protein conjugate to produce a probe-peptide conjugate; and cleaving a cleavable linker to release an isotopically labelled peptide. The method may further include: identifying a predetermined isotopic pattern in a mass spectrum; determining an amino acid sequence of the isotopically labelled peptide; and identifying the site of protein glycosylation based on the determined amino acid sequence. Also provided are cleavable probes for practicing the subject methods, described by the Formula: A-L-(M-Z) where A is an affinity tag, L is a cleavable linker, M is an isotopic label and Z is a chemoselective tag capable of cross-linking a metabolically tagged protein. Compositions and kits for practicing the subject methods are also provided. |
| US10451630B2 |
Systems and methods for high throughput analysis of conformation in biological entities
Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for performing high throughput analysis of conformational change in biological molecules or other biological entities using surface-selective nonlinear optical detection techniques. |
| US10451625B2 |
Methods of detecting cancer
Method and kits for detecting cancer, and in particular breast cancer, in a subject by measuring the levels of at least one of a series of biomarkers, as compared to a control sample lacking cancer. The expression of the biomarker either increases or decreases in samples from subjects with cancer, as compared to the expression level in subjects without cancer. The sample is optimally an ocular sample, such as an isolated tear sample or ocular wash, but can also be from saliva, or other bodily fluid. Kits can include a collection tube and protease inhibitors or protein stabilizers. |
| US10451624B2 |
Reagent kit used for detecting lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, and preparation method and application for reagent kit
A reagent kit used for detecting lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, and a preparation method for the reagent kit. The reagent kit comprises one or a plurality of first anti-lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 antibodies used for binding lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 to be measured, and one or a plurality of second anti-lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 antibodies marked with a trace marker and binding with the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 to be measured at another site, different from the binding site of the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 to be measured and the first anti-lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 antibodies. The reagent kit also comprises a displacing agent, so as to further increase the detection accuracy of the reagent kit. A method using the reagent kit for the detection of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 may take serum as a detection sample, has high repeatability and high accuracy, and measures the concentration of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 in the sample in a highly sensitive manner. |
| US10451619B2 |
Substance sealing method and target molecule detecting method
As a technique for efficiently sealing many substances, such as beads, nucleic acid, protein, virus, cells, and lipid membrane complex, into an array, the present invention provides a method for sealing a substance, including: (i) a step of introducing a first solvent containing a substance on a substrate on which a plurality of receptacles capable of storing the substance are formed separated from each other by a side wall; and (ii) a step of introducing a second solvent having a greater specific gravity than that of the first solvent onto the first solvent, the step (ii) being carried out after the step (i). |
| US10451613B1 |
Rapid diagnostic test device and sampling method using driven flow technology
A progressive compression driven flow cartridge for analyzing liquids is coupled with convenient sampling methods for different applications. A one-step device provides for direct sample collection upon a sample pad annexed to the cartridge. The sample pad can deliver sample to the test strips, while saving a portion of the sample pad for further laboratory confirmation use. If the sample collecting pad is not suitable to collect the sample, such as the case of biological substances inside the human body, such as within the nose or throat, a two-step device can include a long-arm swab applicator and a specialized chamber in which some amount of liquid can dissolve biological substances as specimen. The specimen can then be transferred onto the cartridge, either by application to the sample pad, or into the device through a sample window. Each method provides a qualitative analysis much faster than traditional rapid diagnostic devices. |
| US10451612B2 |
Sheath fluid systems and methods for particle analysis in blood samples
Aspects and embodiments of the instant disclosure provide a particle and/or intracellular organelle alignment agent for a particle analyzer used to analyze particles contained in a sample. An exemplary particle and/or intracellular organelle alignment agent includes an aqueous solution, a viscosity modifier, and/or a buffer. |
| US10451609B1 |
Omega-3 fatty acid nutriceutical composition and optimization method
A novel omega-3 fatty acid/lipid based nutraceutical composition and a method of optimizing said omega-3 fatty acid/lipid based nutraceutical composition. The nutraceutical composition and method is based on the insight that different forms of high omega-3 fatty acid lipids (e.g. triglyceride form, ethyl ester form, free fatty acid form, phospholipid form) have different molecular modes and levels of action. Specifically the phospholipid form is likely more effective at promoting membrane fluidity and permeability, while the free fatty acid form is likely more effective at regulating cell receptors, such as the PPARa receptors, that are responsible for various metabolic effects including lipid metabolism. The desirability of producing omega-3 compositions that may act synergistically and thus more robustly to improve health and to some extent mimic markers of life extension such as shown by caloric restriction, along with specific optimization methods, markers, and compositions are taught. |
| US10451607B2 |
Method for capturing and analyzing a breath sample
A method for analyzing a gas sample includes the steps of providing a gas sample to a sample canister and heating a sensor to a predetermined resistance. The method further includes the steps of operating a fan at a predetermined speed, and moving a valve to a measurement flow position. When the valve is in the measurement flow position, the fan draws a portion of the gas sample through the valve to expose the sensor to the gas sample. |
| US10451603B2 |
Contaminant sensor for detecting magnetizable contaminants in lubricant flow
A contaminant sensor (1) for detecting magnetizable contaminants (7) present in a lubricant flow is disclosed. A permanent magnet (3) is arranged movably inside a sensor housing (2). A sensor element (6, 11, 13), e.g. in the form of a distance sensor (6) or a pressure sensor (11), is arranged to detect a displacement of the permanent magnet (3) inside the sensor housing (2), and an indicator is arranged to generate an alert signal when a displacement and/or a rate of change of displacement of the permanent magnet (3) inside the sensor housing (2) exceeds a predefined threshold value. The permanent magnet (3) is arranged to move inside the sensor housing (2) in response to magnetizable contaminants (7) collected on an outer surface of the sensor housing (2). |
| US10451602B2 |
Composition and method of screening hydrocarbons to limit potential toxicological hazards
A method of screening a hydrocarbon stream for potential toxicological hazards. The method involves providing a hydrocarbon stream; conducting 2-dimensional gas chromatography (2D-GC) analysis to quantify saturates and aromatic distribution in the hydrocarbon stream; identifying 2-8 ring aromatic distribution and weight percentage of 2-8 ring aromatic molecules in the hydrocarbon stream from the 2D-GC analysis; relating the weight percentage of 2-8 ring aromatic molecules in the hydrocarbon stream from the 2D-GC analysis to a mutagenicity index (MI), in which the MI is determined in accordance with ASTM Standard Method E 1687; and assessing a potential toxicological hazard of the hydrocarbon stream based on the weight percentage of 2-8 ring aromatic molecules in the hydrocarbon stream from the 2D-GC analysis and a MI threshold value. The 2-8 ring aromatic distribution preferably includes 3-6 ring aromatics, more preferably 3.5-5.5 ring aromatics. The 2-8 ring aromatic distribution includes mono alkylated and multi alkylated aromatic molecules. |
| US10451597B2 |
Determination device
A determination device determining malfunction of a humidity sensor includes a malfunction determination portion. The humidity sensor includes a humidity detector, a temperature detector and a heater. The humidity detector has a humidity-sensitive film in an intake passage and detects a relative humidity of intake air taken into an internal combustion engine for a vehicle. The temperature detector detects a temperature of the humidity-sensitive film. The heater heats the humidity-sensitive film and the temperature of the humidity-sensitive film is increased by the heater. The malfunction determination portion estimates an estimated relative humidity at a subsequent temperature from an original relative humidity and the subsequent temperature, and compares the estimated relative humidity at the subsequent temperature and an actual subsequent relative humidity to determine malfunction of the humidity detector. |
| US10451583B2 |
Gas sensor
The gas sensor is equipped with a sensor device, a plurality of electrode springs contacting with electrodes and of the sensor device, an insulator retaining the electrode springs, and a plurality of leads connected to the respective electrode springs. Each of the electrode springs includes a retained portion retained by the insulator and a contact portion which is bent and inclined from the retained portion toward a front end side of the sensor device in the lengthwise direction. The contact portion is elastically deformed in contact with the electrode. Each of the electrode springs also includes a bent portion between the contact portion and the retained portion. The bent portion constitutes a base end of the contact portion and is oriented toward the base end side of the gas sensor in the lengthwise direction, thereby enabling the length of the sensor device to be decreased and improving the heat resistance of the electrode springs. |
| US10451582B1 |
Planar lambda sensor design to be used with pulse discharge technique for concurrent NOx/NH3 measurements
A gas sensor is provided in which a solid electrolyte tape of yttria doped zirconia is layered with tapes of alumina and a tape if mixed alumina-zirconia. This zirconia layer has structural modifications to increase NOx and NH3 sensitivity which the capacitance is significantly increased by creating a composite layer of platinum (Pt) plus a layer of yittrium-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ) with Pt fraction of approximately between around 10% by volume to around 25% by volume. A 100-200 μm thick mixed tape layer of porous MgAl2O4 is provided on top of the alumina-zirconia layer. Under the alumina-zirconia tape is an exhaust gas sensing electrode which connects to a contact pad through the lead. A reference electrode, which connects to the pad through a lead, is disposed in fluid communication with a reference chamber. Proximate alumina tapes and a heater are connected to the contact pad, which is connected to corresponding leads. |
| US10451576B2 |
Ground impedance measurement of a conduit system
A system to determine the ground impedance of a conduit system includes a conductive sheath and a resistor of known value. The conductive sheath is configured to surround a portion of a conductor housed within a conduit system. Capacitive coupling occurs between the sheath and the conductor to establish a voltage source. The resistor is electrically coupled between the voltage source and a metal component of the conduit system, and a voltage drop is read across the resistor to determine the health of the ground impedance of the conduit system. |
| US10451574B2 |
Inspecting method for heatsink and manufacturing method for heatsink
An inspection method for a heatsink according to the present disclosure includes a measurement preparation step of placing the heatsink in a place where radiated-heat quantities can be measured by first and second thermal sensors, each of the first and second thermal sensors including a temperature sensor and a heat-concentrating mirror with a heat-receiving surface curved in a concave shape, the first and second thermal sensors being disposed in different places in a state where a heat-receiving line is inclined from a direction in which the fin protrudes by a predetermined angle, a measurement step of acquiring first and second radiated-heat quantities from the first and second thermal sensors, respectively, and a determination step of determining that a coating state of the coating is fine when a total value of the first and second radiated-heat quantities is larger than a predetermined range defined in advance. |
| US10451573B2 |
Method and system for gas temperature measurement
A multi-function gas temperature measurement probe includes an outer casing, at least one high-temperature thermocouple inserted within the outer casing, at least one gas emissions sampling aperture defined within the outer casing, and at least one thin filament coupled to the outer casing. The at least one high-temperature thermocouple, the at least one gas emissions sampling aperture, and the at least one thin filament are proximate to each other. |
| US10451564B2 |
Empirical detection of lens aberration for diffraction-limited optical system
A method for qualitatively detecting aberration and determine aberration types in a photolithography system is disclosed. The method includes using a digital micromirror device (DMD) pattern to project an optical signal on a reflective substrate, acquiring a return optical signal reflected from the substrate at different focus heights (ranging from above to below best focus), forming a through focus curve based off of the return optical signal at various focus heights, comparing the through focus curve to a predetermined curve—the predetermined curve being a function of focus, and determining if a lens aberration is present. By using the existing hardware of the photolithography system to determine if a lens aberration exists, costs are maintained at a minimum and the DMD pattern creates a through focus curve (TFC) image in less than five minutes allowing for quick correction. |
| US10451560B2 |
Damage detection system and damage detection method
According to one implementation, a damage detection system includes optical paths, a light source, a photodetector, and a signal processing system, a signal processing system. The optical paths propagate lights in at least three different directions. The optical paths have at least two paths per one direction. The light source makes the lights incident on one ends of the optical paths respectively. The photodetector detects the lights output from other ends of the optical paths. The signal processing system specifies at least one location of damage based on optical detection signals detected by the photodetector. |
| US10451558B1 |
Vehicle lighting
A vehicle lighting apparatus may include a backing panel. The vehicle lighting apparatus may include a light guide panel (LGP) layered over the backing panel, wherein the LGP includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, and a plurality of side surfaces connecting the front surface with the rear surface. The vehicle lighting apparatus may include a light source positioned along a first side surface of the plurality of side surfaces of the LGP. The vehicle lighting apparatus may include a front film layered over the front surface of the LGP, wherein the LGP includes a plurality of refraction elements that refract light emitted from the light source through the front surface of the LGP and through the front film and wherein a distribution pattern of the refraction elements creates a corresponding pattern of differing light intensities visible through the front film when illuminated by the light source. |
| US10451557B2 |
pH sensing biofilm
The pH sensing biofilms include anthocyanin and a cellulose nanostructure or a cellulose nanocomposite. The cellulose nanostructure can include cellulose nanofibrils. The cellulose nanocomposite can include a composite of cellulose nanofibrils and pectin or a composite of cellulose nanofibrils and alginate. The presence of the anthocyanin in the biofilm allows the biofilm to change color in response to pH changes, thereby allowing the biofilm to be used as an active visual indicator of decay. |
| US10451556B2 |
Metal-antibody tagging and plasma-based detection
An apparatus and method for characterizing a target, e.g., microbial samples or biological toxins, includes labeling the target with a biomolecular recognition construct and measuring an atomic-spectra signal of the biomolecular recognition construct. The method can include heating the labeled target before measuring the atomic-spectra signal. The atomic-spectra signal can be measured by performing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. The atomic-spectra signal can be measured by performing spark induced breakdown spectroscopy. The biomolecular recognition construct can be prepared by tagging a biological scaffolding with a metal atom or ion. In an aspect in which the target includes a microbial sample, the biological scaffolding can include an antibody against epitopes present on bacterial surface, the antibody linked to a heavy metal. In an aspect in which the target includes a biological toxin, the biological scaffolding can include an antibody against the biological toxin linked to heavy metals. |
| US10451554B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, and recording medium storing computer readable image processing program
An image processing device prepares an interest image from an image obtained by photographing a cell in a sample and includes a cell image inputting unit, a setting unit, a preparation unit, and a display. The image is input to the image inputting unit. The setting unit sets one or more target images in the image. The preparation unit prepares plural candidate images by performing image processing of each of the one or more target images using one or more prescribed parameters. The display displays the plural candidate images prepared by the preparation unit. |
| US10451553B2 |
Fluorescence spectrometer
During analysis of samples of unknown concentration, situations frequently occur in which the dynamic range is insufficient, necessitating reanalysis. Accordingly, a fluorescence spectrometer which splits a single object image into multiple images having different fluorescent intensity by means of image splitting elements, and simultaneously detects the plurality of images obtained thereby in different regions within the same detection plane, is proposed. |
| US10451552B2 |
Apparatus for optical detection of bio-contaminants by comparing intensities of filtered light at two predetermined wavelengths
A method for optical detection of residual soil on articles (such as medical instruments and equipment), after completion of a washing or a rinsing operation by a washer. A soil detection system provides an indication of soil on the articles by detecting luminescent radiation emanating from the soil in the presence of ambient light. |
| US10451551B2 |
Methods for high-throughput fluorescence imaging with sample heating capability
A method for high-throughput assay processing includes (a) modulating temperature of a plurality of samples disposed in a respective plurality of fluidic channels on an image sensor wafer, including a plurality of image sensors, by heating the image sensor wafer using a heating module thermally coupled with the image sensor wafer, to control reaction dynamics in the samples, and (b) capturing a plurality of fluorescence images of the samples, using the plurality of image sensors, to detect one or more components of the plurality of samples. A method for manufacturing a high-throughput fluorescence imaging system with sample heating capability includes (a) bonding a fluidic wafer, including a plurality of recesses, to an image sensor wafer including a plurality of image sensors, and (b) bonding a heating module, including a heater for generating heat, to the image sensor wafer to thermally couple the heater and the image sensor wafer. |
| US10451550B2 |
Methods and devices employing thermoplastics from the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family of semi-crystalline thermoplastics for calibration and/or monitoring of optical measurement devices
Optical reference devices for calibrating or monitoring the performance of an optical measurement device, such as a fluorometer, are made from thermoplastics from the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family of semi-crystalline thermoplastics, including polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The reference device may be made as a master reference device having a known emission output—as determined by a standard optical measurement device—that is used to calibrate other optical measurement devices against the standard. The reference device may be made in the shape of a receptacle vial so that the reference device can be placed in the receptacle holding structure of an instrument in which the optical measurement device is installed and used to calibrate or monitor the optical measurement device within the instrument. The reference device may be part of the probe of a pipettor or pick and place mechanism or it may be a cap that can be secured to the end of such a probe. |
| US10451547B2 |
Illumination system for recognizing material and method of recognizing material using the same
An illumination system includes a measurement stage on which a measurement target is located, a light-providing part having illumination sections providing multi-directional incident lights to the measurement target, a light-receiving part receiving single-directional reflection lights reflected by the measurement target according to the multi-directional incident lights, and a processing part that performs acquiring a first distribution of intensities the single-directional reflection lights with respect to the multi-directional incident lights, acquiring, from the first distribution, a second distribution of intensities of multi-directional reflections lights with respect to a single-directional incident light, and determining material of the measurement target based on parameters of the second distribution. A method of recognizing material using the illumination system and a computer readable non-transitory recording medium recording a program embodying the method are provided. |
| US10451545B2 |
Optical test apparatus and optical test method
According to one embodiment, an optical test apparatus includes a photodetector and a processing circuit. The photodetector outputs, as a light receiving signal, information concerning a light direction of received light. The processing circuit processes the light receiving signal to acquire information concerning a standard light direction as a standard and information concerning a passing light direction of passed light which has passed through an object; compares the information concerning the passing light direction with the information concerning the standard light direction, and on the basis of results of the comparison, acquires information concerning internal physical quantities of the object. |
| US10451542B2 |
Local purge within metrology and inspection systems
A purge system includes a purge gas distribution manifold that includes at least one port through which light beam from an optical metrology or inspection head is transmitted. The purge gas distribution manifold includes a bottom surface having one or more apertures through which purge gas is expelled. The bottom surface is held in close proximity to the top surface of the substrate and the apertures may be distributed over the bottom surface of the purge gas distribution manifold so that purge gas is uniformly distributed over the entirety of the top surface of the substrate at all measurement positions of the substrate with respect to the optical metrology or inspection head. |
| US10451541B2 |
Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials
Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof. |
| US10451540B2 |
Multi-pass gas cell with mirrors in openings of cylindrical wall for IR and UV monitoring
A multipass cell assembly for monitoring of fluid is described, as well as fluid processing systems utilizing same, and associated methods of use of such multipass cell assembly for fluid monitoring. The multipass cell assembly is usefully employed in fluid processing operations such as monitoring of vapor deposition process reactants, e.g., reactants used for vapor deposition metallization of tungsten from a tungsten carbonyl precursor. |
| US10451536B2 |
Method and apparatus for multi-parameter data analysis
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method 200 for identifying one or more phenotypes from a multi-parameter data set. The method 200 comprises measuring 202 correlation between pairs of parameters within the multi-parameter data set, modifying 204 correlated parameter values within a predetermined multi-parameter data analysis set to form an analysis parameter set, and analyzing 206 the multi-parameter data set using the analysis parameter set to identify one or more phenotypes from the multi-parameter data set. Various embodiments of the present invention may, for example, be used in an automated high-content screening (HCS) apparatus 100 for biological cellular analysis. |
| US10451534B2 |
Particle sorting apparatus and particle sorting method
The present disclosure provides a particle sorting apparatus, a particle sorting method, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program that enable sorting object particles to be sorted with high precision, even when the sorting object particles are large. In the particle sorting apparatus, a charging unit that applies charges to at least a part of liquid droplets ejected from an orifice to generate a fluid stream and a charging control unit that adjusts a charge application end time in the charging unit according to sizes of particles included in the liquid droplets are provided. |
| US10451530B2 |
Nuclear magnetic resonance gas isotherm technique to evaluate reservoir rock wettability
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) gas isotherm techniques to evaluate wettability of porous media, such as hydrocarbon reservoir rock, can include constructing a NMR gas isotherm curve for a porous media sample gas adsorption under various pressures. A hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature of the porous media sample can be determined using the NMR gas isotherm curves. A wettability of the porous media sample can be determined based on the NMR gas isotherm curve. The wettability can be determined for porous media samples with different pore sizes. In the case of reservoir rock samples, the determined wettability can be used, among other things, to model the hydrocarbon reservoir that includes such rock samples, to simulate fluid flow through such reservoirs, or to model enhanced hydrocarbon recovery from such reservoirs. |
| US10451528B2 |
Collection, filtration and concentration apparatus for biological samples
The present disclosure describes a closed apparatus for collection, filtration and concentration of biological samples, such as fecal material. The sample is collected with an integrated sample collection device which introduces the sample into a transport liquid in a sample collection tube which couples to a filter unit coupled to a processing tube containing a processing liquid. The apparatus may be introduced into a centrifuge for centrifugal filtration. |
| US10451527B2 |
Method and apparatus for checking tyres, in a process and in a plant for manufacturing tyres for vehicle wheels
An apparatus and a method for checking tires is described. The apparatus has a first check unit having an inlet for tires and a plurality of check tools. The apparatus has a second check unit having an outlet for the tires and a plurality of check tools. The apparatus has an overturning and transport device operatively interposed between the first check unit and the second check unit. The first check unit, the second check unit and the overturning and transport device define a check path configured to be traversed by each tire step by step. The first check unit and the second check unit have the same check tools configured for executing the same checks on respective axial halves of the tires. |
| US10451526B2 |
Method and system for sensor monitoring and analysis
A method for monitoring performance of at least one component on a moving platform, the method including receiving sensor data for the at least one component, along with supplemental data, at a processing node; and processing the sensor data, the processing using the supplemental data to filter the sensor data. |
| US10451522B2 |
Engine test apparatus
An engine test apparatus includes a dynamometer connected to an engine through a shaft, and a control calculation device configured to control operations of the engine and the dynamometer. The shaft has one end connected to an output shaft of the engine, and the other end connected to a rotation shaft of the dynamometer, and includes a Doppler velocimeter configured to emit laser light to the one end of the shaft or the output shaft of the engine to contactlessly measure a rotation speed of the output shaft of the engine, and transmit the measured rotation speed to the control calculation device. The control calculation device uses the rotation speed transmitted from the Doppler velocimeter to control the operation of the dynamometer. |
| US10451520B2 |
Optical probe, inspection device, and inspection method
Provided is an optical probe that includes an optical waveguide having a core layer and a cladding layer formed so as to cover the core layer, and a support member that supports an end portion of the optical waveguide. In the core layer, an optical waveguide core and a diffraction grating are provided. The diffraction grating is provided at an end of the optical waveguide core, has an input/output surface through which light is output to the outside or input from the outside, and converts the optical axis direction in a range between a light propagation direction in which light is propagated through the optical waveguide core and the input/output direction of light to/from the input/output surface. The support member supports the diffraction grating in such a manner that the input/output surface faces toward a predetermined direction. |
| US10451514B2 |
Method and system for subsea leak detection using autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV)
Method and system is described for enhanced subsea leak detection by using autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that is equipped with measurement components and navigation components. The method and system may include a one or more wireless communication components for navigation. Also, the method and system may include one or more sensors to detect leakage from a pipeline. |
| US10451512B2 |
Oil pressure sensor attachment structure
An oil pressure sensor attachment structure includes the oil path body; the sensor case; and a seal member. The oil path body has an accommodation hole portion which accommodates the oil pressure sensor. The accommodation hole portion has a small-diameter hole portion and a large-diameter hole portion. The sensor case has a columnar portion which is disposed along a central axis extending in the up and down direction and of which at least a portion is inserted into the small-diameter hole portion. A flange portion which protrudes from the columnar portion to an outside in a radial direction and is inserted into the large-diameter hole portion. The flange portion is disposed to face a lower side of the upper body in the up and down direction. The seal member has an annular shape, and seals a portion between an inner surface of the accommodation hole portion and the sensor case. |
| US10451510B2 |
Pressure change measurement device, altitude measurement device, and pressure change measurement method
A pressure change measuring apparatus and a pressure change measuring method are capable of detecting a change in pressure to be measured with respect to a time axis with high accuracy. The pressure change measuring apparatus includes a reference value setting unit that generates a reference value signal based on an output signal of a differential pressure measuring cantilever under a predetermined state and outputs the reference value signal. An arithmetic processing unit calculates the pressure change in the pressure to be measured based on the output signal, the reference value signal, a volume of a cavity, and a flowing quantity of a pressure transmission medium flowing into and out of the cavity for every unit of a predetermined time period. |
| US10451509B2 |
Method for determining a fault within a flow divider
The present disclosure relates generally to a method for determining a failure of a flow divider within a fuel system, the method being performed by a controller and comprising the steps of: delivering a fuel command, calculating an expected fill time, wherein the expected fill time is indicative of the time required to fill a known fuel manifold volume, determining whether the actual fill time is greater than or equal to an expected fill time; and determining whether an actual fuel pressure value is less than or equal to an expect fuel pressure value based at least in part on at least one environmental signal. |
| US10451508B2 |
Pressure transducer and method for fabricating the same
A pressure transducer comprises a housing including a body section and at least one end cap at one end of the body section, which are made of piezoelectric crystal, and a piezoelectric resonator in the housing. The body section and the end cap are bonded by an atomic diffusion bonding method. |
| US10451507B2 |
Pressure sensor
To suppress variations in the shift amount of the zero point of a sensor output when a pipe is connected to a pressure sensor via a clamp. A pressure sensor includes two semiconductor chips in two straight lines, orthogonal to each other, that pass through a center of a diaphragm in plan view, two resistors in the region between two supporting members supporting one semiconductor chip, and two other resistors in the region between two other supporting members supporting the other semiconductor chip. |
| US10451505B1 |
Flexible sensor
A flexible sensor that includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a capacitive structure on the PCB, and mechanical coupling sites. The PCB includes a slot extending from an outer edge of the PCB to an inner portion of the PCB, and the slot defines a first edge and a second edge facing the first edge. The first and second edges are separated by a gap when the PCB is in an unflexed state. The slot is configured to permit the PCB to flex so as to vary a relative position of the first edge with respect to the second edge. The capacitive structure on the PCB includes a first edge electrode on a portion of the first edge of the PCB, and a second edge electrode on a portion of a second edge of PCB. The second edge electrode is aligned with the first edge electrode across the slot. |
| US10451504B2 |
Intelligent fiber rope termination
A cable termination including an integral instrument package providing intelligence. The instrument package may assume many forms and may serve many purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the termination includes a position-determining system and an on-board processor. The processor determines a current location in space for the termination based on the information it is receiving. This positional information may then be transmitted to an external receiver. In the scenario where the termination is attached to a payload, the positional information may be used by an external positioning device (such as a crane) to control the motion of the termination and thereby place the payload in a desired position. The termination also preferably includes load-monitoring and recording features. The termination may also carry one or more ROV's/AUV's. |
| US10451503B2 |
Radiography image photographing device and radiography image photographing system
A radiography image photographing device includes: a sensor panel in which a plurality of radiation detection elements is arrayed two-dimensionally; a housing that houses the sensor panel; a detector that detects triaxial acceleration applied to the housing; an integrator that integrates a temporal change of acceleration in each axis which acceleration is detected by the detector; a normalization processor that normalizes an integration value of the acceleration in each axis which value is by the integrator; and a determiner that classifies the numeric value of each axis, which value is normalized by the normalization processor, by a first threshold and determines an impact part on the housing on the basis of a result of the classification for each axis. |
| US10451498B2 |
Cable with optical-fiber sensor for measuring strain
A cable includes a longitudinal structural element including at least one of an electrical conductor and an optical conductor, and a strain sensor arranged within a bending neutral region of the cable and mechanically coupled with the longitudinal structural element. The strain sensor includes an optical fiber coated with at least one coating layer, a release layer surrounding the coating layer, and a protective layer surrounding the release layer. The release layer includes a material selected from a silicone polymer, a fluoropolymer mixture or an extruded polymer containing a slip agent. |
| US10451494B2 |
Methods of rapid 3D nano/microfabrication of multifunctional shell-stabilized liquid metal pipe networks and insulating/metal liquids electro-mechanical switch and capacitive strain sensor
An electronic switch apparatus, a capacitive strain gauge apparatus and a nozzle apparatus, as well as methods for making electrodes such as liquid metal pipes are provided. A nozzle apparatus includes (a) a nozzle housing defining a cavity, where the nozzle housing defines an inlet at a first end and defines an outlet at a second end and (b) a first tube defining an inlet at a first end and defining an outlet at a second end, wherein the first tube is at least partially disposed in and is co-axially arranged with the nozzle housing, where the first tube defines a first flow channel, wherein a second flow channel is defined between an exterior surface of the first tube and an interior surface of the nozzle housing. |
| US10451493B2 |
System comprising a cellular network of capacitive pressure and shear-stress sensors and manufacturing process
Disclosed is a system and to a process for manufacturing a system including a network of sensors including a sheet of dielectric material that is elastically deformable under compressive and shear stress, each cell of the network including a first capacitive sensor for sensing normal pressure in a first direction, a second capacitive sensor for sensing shear stress in a second direction and a third capacitive sensor for sensing shear stress in a third direction. Each capacitive sensor includes a first electrode fixed to the first side of the sheet of dielectric material and a second electrode fixed to the second side of the sheet of dielectric material, the first electrodes of the capacitive sensors of a given cell being connected in series to a first electrically conductive track connecting a row of cells of the network of sensors. |
| US10451490B2 |
Sensor package
Provided is a sensor package that measures an internal temperature of a measurement object. A sensor package includes: a package including a bottomed tubular casing and plural leads substantially parallel to each other, each of the leads piercing the bottomed tubular casing; and a MEMS chip including at least one thermopile that measures a temperature difference in an identical direction. The MEMS chip is disposed in an inner bottom surface of the bottomed tubular casing of the package in a posture in which a measurement direction of the temperature difference measured with the thermopile is substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of each lead. |
| US10451489B2 |
Thermal event sensor
A thermal event sensor includes a charge storage component formed on a substrate, configured to hold an initial charge, and configured to lose charge at a rate dependent upon temperature. A sensing interface is coupled to the charge storage component and a readout mechanism is coupled to the sensing interface. The readout mechanism senses a remaining charge on the charge storage component and provides a readout value indicative of the remaining charge. |
| US10451484B2 |
Temperature sensor system and method
The temperature sensor includes a light pipe and a cap configured to be positioned within a flow path of a fluid. The cap includes a material configured to emit radiation based on a temperature of the material. A light source is configured to emit light through the light pipe toward the cap, and a detector is configured to receive the radiation emitted by the material of the cap and to generate a first signal based on the received radiation emitted by the material. The detector is configured to generate a second signal indicative of a light-induced delta temperature caused by the light emitted toward the inner surface of the cap. The system also includes a controller configured to determine a condition of the temperature sensor based on the first signal and the second signal. |
| US10451482B2 |
Determination of color characteristics of objects using spatially modulated light
A system is configured to determine a color distribution of an object moving along a flow direction relative to a spatial filter. The light emanating from the object is time modulated according to the mask features of the spatial filter. First and second detectors are arranged to sense the modulated light. The first detector senses light having a first wavelength spectrum and generates a first electrical output signal in response to the sensed light. The second detector light senses light having a second wavelength spectrum and generates a second electrical output signal in response to the sensed light. Signals from the first and second detectors include information about color distribution of the object. |
| US10451480B2 |
Systems and methods for chemical analysis using Fabry-Perot tunable filter-attenuated total reflectance (FPTF-ATR) spectrometer
Disclosed is a combination of a Fabry-Perot Tunable Filter (FPTF) wavelength selector, an internal reflection element (IRE) capable of measuring Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) spectra, and a pressure application element for applying pressure to samples, if needed. The resultant portable and compact device is called an FPTF-ATR spectrometer. The device measures data that can be used to identify chemical species in samples, predict properties of samples, and quantify amounts of chemical species in samples. Also disclosed are methods for using the FPTF-ATR for analyzing samples, especially analyzing compounds containing cannabis, hops, and other chemical species where portable chemical analysis is important. |
| US10451479B2 |
Multichannel ultra-sensitive optical spectroscopic detection
Increased sensitivity of spectrometers through reducing noise in independent voltage signals via a differential voltage analyzer utilizing a reference wavelength from a wavelength region in which the optical absorption of the sample is negligible. In an embodiment, a grating permits selection of a reference wavelength. In another embodiment, filters permit selection of a reference wavelength. In yet another embodiment, both a grating and a filter permit selection of a reference wavelength. In an aspect, the differential voltage analyzer reduces noise by minimizing a differential voltage between the independent voltage signals and the reference voltage signal by adjusting the value of a cancellation coefficient. |
| US10451478B2 |
Method and apparatus for the detection of exposure to ultraviolet light
A device for detecting exposure to light includes: a photo-responsive layer including a photochromic material; a skin-mimicking cover layer covering a first side of the photo-responsive layer; and an adhesive layer configured to couple a second side of the photo-responsive layer opposite the first side to a surface. |
| US10451477B2 |
Monitoring apparatus for a laser beam
The present invention relates to a monitoring apparatus for a laser beam, including a body having a passage opening and a sensor that is disposed on the body, wherein impact of the laser beam onto the body can be detected using the sensor. |
| US10451472B2 |
Systems and methods for determining stock quantities using a capacitive inventory sensor
Systems and methods are provided for a capacitive inventory sensor. A system includes a track configured for retaining items. A first conducting plate is positioned along a portion of the track, and a second conducting plate is positioned in parallel with the first conducting plate along a portion of the track. The second conducting plate is positioned a distance from the first conducting plate, and the second plate is configured to have the items placed on top of the second plate. The system further includes a capacitance sensor configured for connection to the first and second conducting plates, where the capacitance sensor is configured to measure a capacitance between the first and second conducting plates, and where the capacitance varies based on a number of items positioned on the sensor track. |
| US10451471B2 |
Method of determining pump flow in twin screw positive displacement pumps
Techniques are provided for tuning a twin screw positive displacement pump having a signal processor with a signal processor to receive signaling containing information about actual pump performance data for actual rated conditions captured during a tuning function related to the operation of a twin screw positive displacement pump; and determine corrected pump performance data to operate the rotary positive displacement pump by compensating pump performance data being used for operating the twin screw positive displacement pump based at least partly on the actual pump performance data for the actual rated conditions captured during the tuning function. The corrected pump performance data includes corrected published pump performance data having a corrected published rated power and slip factor, and the actual pump performance data contains information about actual power, specific gravity and viscosity related to the operation of the twin screw positive displacement pump and received from a pump controller or controlling device, including a variable frequency drive. |
| US10451467B2 |
Level sensor and method
In accordance with an embodiment, a method for detecting a fluid level, includes providing a fluid container having a cavity and coupling a first sensor to the fluid container, the first sensor protected from a fluid in the cavity and positioned at a first vertical level of the fluid container. The method further includes causing movement of either the first sensor or the fluid container. The first sensor is used to detect the fluid level upon causing the movement of either the first sensor or the fluid container. |
| US10451460B2 |
Fluid flow meter diagnostics
A fluid flow analysis method and corresponding apparatus comprise performing two different sets of diagnostic checks which are associated with different types of flow meters, and cross-referencing the two sets of checks. |
| US10451458B2 |
Regulating pressure and harvesting energy as relates to flow meters and metrology hardware
An energy harvester for use in-line with a pipe to harness potential and kinetic energy of fluids flowing therein. Structure for the energy harvester may include a shaft and a blade extending radially therefrom. The shaft can penetrate a housing that operates as a pipe section to install the device in-line with pipe. The shaft can couple with an electrical generator. A load may connect with voltage terminals on the generator so that fluid impinging on the blades will rotate the generator to power the load, effectively harvesting power from the flowing fluid. In one implementation, a load control device that couples with the generator voltage terminals controls a pressure characteristic of the fluid, such as pressure drop, by applying an electrical load on the generator and controllably impeding rotation of the shaft. |
| US10451450B2 |
External device for measuring instrument
An external device is configured to be detachably attached to a measuring instrument via a connector. The external device includes a connector part, an external device body part and a movable connection part. The connector part has a connection terminal. The external device body part has a display part on a side surface of the external device body part. The movable connection part is configured to connect the connector part with the external device body part. The movable connection part is a biaxial rotation hinge having two pivot axes which are in a twisted position relationship with respect to each other. |
| US10451440B2 |
Device and method for detecting a position of a position indicator
A device for detecting a position of a position indicator includes an electrical magnetic field source, a sensor and an evaluator. The electrical magnetic field source is configured to generate a magnetic field when an electrical current flows through the electrical magnetic field source. The sensor is configured to detect the magnetic field and provide sensor signals based on the magnetic field detected, the sensor having at least two sensors each of which is configured to detect a spatial direction component of the magnetic field and output a signal corresponding to the spatial direction component. The evaluator is configured to receive the sensor signals and determine the position of a position indicator based on the sensor signals when the magnetic field in the surroundings of the electrical magnetic field source is influenced by the position indicator. |
| US10451439B2 |
Dynamic transmitter power control for magnetic tracker
A system determines the transmission strength of the magnetic field signal. The magnetic field signal is transmitted from a first magnetic-sensor device to a second magnetic-sensor device. The system then determines a first projected distance between the first magnetic-sensor device and the second magnetic-sensor device. Based at least in part on the first projected distance, the system calculates an adjusted transmission strength for the magnetic field signal. The system then causes the first magnetic-sensor device to transmit an adjusted magnetic field signal. The adjusted magnetic field signal comprises the adjusted transmission strength. The system receives, from the second magnetic-field device, the adjusted magnetic field signal. Based at least in part upon the received adjusted magnetic field signal, the system, computes a first pose of the first magnetic-sensor device in relation to the second magnetic-sensor device. |
| US10451437B2 |
Method for determining a measurable target variable and corresponding system
The invention relates to a method and a system for determining a target variable to be measured in a mobile device. A first physical variable is measured with the aid of a first sensor and a second physical variable with the aid of a second sensor. The second physical variable is different to the first physical variable, or is measured using a different technique. The value of the target variable is calculated with the aid of the measurement of the first and second physical variables. An estimate for the target variable is determined with the aid of at least the measurement of the first physical variable. At least a first error estimate is determined, which depicts the accuracy of the measurement of the first physical variable. The estimate of the target variable is filtered using both the first error estimate and the measurement of the second physical variable. |
| US10451431B2 |
Route search system, route search device, route search method, program, and information storage medium
A user is induced to have the same experience as displayed in an image. Means that obtains content stored in a route search system obtains content stored in storing means for storing a plurality of items of image data, location information, and time information in association with one another. Display controlling means displays some of the items of image data on display means. Receiving means receives a selection of a location to visit from the displayed items of image data. Searching means determines a visiting location based on location information of the image data of the selected location, determines a visiting time based on time information of the image data, and searches a route for visiting the visiting location on the visiting time. |
| US10451429B2 |
Generalization factor based generation of navigation data
A method is disclosed comprising: determining, using a processor, a generalization factor associated with a data element of a database comprising navigation data, the generalization factor depending on a usage information associated with the data element, wherein the generalization factor is indicative to a level of details of a new data element to be generated based on the data element. Further disclosed are a corresponding apparatus, a corresponding system and a corresponding computer readable storage medium. |
| US10451428B2 |
Automatic driving route planning application
A method and system is provided for a semi-autonomous vehicle to have optional routes that vary in an amount of autonomous driving offered. The system performs processes including aggregating data from various sources to thereby position and orient the vehicle, assigning an autonomous driving value to different route segments, determining an optimal route by minimizing a distance between a start position and a destination position and maximizing the percent autonomous value assigned, and displaying the optimal route. |
| US10451427B1 |
Using train telematics data to reduce accident risk
A computer system configured to use train telematics data may be mounted on or within an autonomous vehicle, and which may be configured to (1) receive train telematics data associated with a train that includes GPS location, speed, route, heading, acceleration, and/or track data; (2) determine, based upon the train telematics data, when, or a time period of when, the train will pass through, be passing through, and/or be within a predetermined distance of a railroad crossing; (3) determine an alternate route for the autonomous vehicle to take to avoid waiting at the railroad crossing; and (4) direct the autonomous vehicle to automatically travel along the alternate route or automatically stop at the railroad crossing to allow the train to pass unimpeded and to facilitate avoidance of train-vehicle collisions. Insurance discounts may be generated based upon the risk mitigation or prevention functionality. |
| US10451424B2 |
Position and azimuth detecting device
Provided is a position and azimuth detecting device including a photographing instructing unit that acquires an output signal of a sensor mounted on equipment and instructs a photographing apparatus mounted on the equipment to perform photographing based on the output signal, a mark reading unit that reads from a mark included in an image photographed based on the instruction from the photographing instructing unit position information and azimuth information included in the mark, a relative position and azimuth calculating unit that calculates a relative position and a relative azimuth of the equipment to the mark based on a geometric shape of the mark included in the image, and a position and azimuth calculating unit that calculates an absolute position and an absolute azimuth of the equipment based on the position information, the azimuth information, the relative position and the relative azimuth. |
| US10451421B2 |
Resonant fiber optical gyroscope using antiresonant nodeless fiber
An optical resonator is provided. The optical resonator comprises: an optical resonator coil comprising a first port and a second port; wherein the optical resonator coil comprises antiresonant nodeless fiber; a resonator loop closure optics system; and wherein the antiresonant nodeless fiber has a length such that the resonant frequencies the optical resonator of the desired polarization state of light and of the undesired polarization state of light are separated by between a tenth of a free spectral range and nine tenths of a free spectral range to minimize gyroscope errors. |
| US10451420B2 |
Non-interferometric optical gyroscope based on polarization sensing
Techniques and devices for optical sensing of rotation based on measurements and sensing of optical polarization or changes in optical polarization due to rotation without using optical interferometry. |
| US10451417B2 |
Acquisition and/or tracking of remote object
A method for acquiring a remote object is provided. The method comprises obtaining a sequence of position samples of the remote object, identifying one or more sets of spatially clustered position samples from among the obtained position samples, and applying curve-fitting to at least one set of spatially clustered position samples to obtain a trajectory of the set of spatially clustered position samples. Also provided is a method for tracking a remote object. The method comprising obtaining an estimated trajectory of the object, obtaining one or more position samples of the object, comparing the obtained position samples with positions computed based on the estimated trajectory, and determining that the object is being tracked based on whether the obtained position samples are consistent with the computed positions. |
| US10451410B2 |
Shape measurement apparatus and shape measurement method
[Object] To measure the surface height of a rigid body to be measured more accurately even if any one of three types of disturbance of translation in the height direction, rotation around the longitudinal-direction axis, and rotation around the width-direction axis has occurred during conveyance.[Solution] A shape measurement apparatus according to the present invention uses a shape-measuring light-section line that is a light-section line extending in the width direction of a rigid body to be measured and is used to calculate the surface shape of the rigid body to be measured, a first correcting light-section line that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rigid body to be measured and crosses the shape-measuring light-section line, and is used to correct the effect of disturbance acting on the rigid body to be measured, and a second correcting light-section line that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rigid body to be measured, crosses the shape-measuring light-section line, and exists in a width-direction position of the rigid body to be measured different from the first correcting light-section line. On the basis of the two kinds of correcting light-section lines, the magnitude of disturbance is estimated at the intersection points of the shape-measuring light-section line and the correcting light-section lines; and thereby shape data obtained from the shape-measuring light-section line are corrected. |
| US10451407B2 |
System and method of analyzing a curved surface
A method of analyzing a curved surface is provided. The method includes obtaining a first data point set including data points representative of a distance between points along the curved surface and a reference axis, determining outlier data points in the first data point set, extracting the outlier data points from the first data point set, thereby defining a second data point set. The method also includes determining a fitted curve for the second data point set, wherein the fitted curve defines an approximate true curve of the curved surface. |
| US10451406B2 |
Two-dimensional laser triangulation sensor for measuring small diameter holes
A two-dimensional laser triangulation sensor for measuring small diameter holes. The housing of the sensor is cylindrical and consists of two coaxial cylindrical parts, joined by their ends. The cylindrical parts of the housing have different diameters, and an optical circuit of the sensor is disposed in the cavity of the larger diameter cylindrical part of the sensor housing, said optical circuit consisting of a laser emitter, an electronic printed circuit board with a built-in CMOS array, and a focusing lens, which is mounted at an angle to the electronic printed circuit board. The larger diameter cylindrical part of the housing is provided with an aperture, in which a protective glass is mounted. A power supply and computation unit is disposed in the cavity of the smaller diameter cylindrical part of the housing. The power supply and computation unit consists of an electronic printed circuit board having arranged thereon a connector for connecting a CMOS array connector to a processor for processing data from the CMOS array, a power control microcircuit, a power connector, and a connector for data transfer to an electronic computer. An opening is provided in the joined ends of both parts of the housing, said opening connecting the cavities of the two parts of the housing and having wires laid therein for supplying power and for controlling the operating modes of the laser and the array, as well as for transferring data from the array to the computation unit. The sensor additionally contains a cylindrical bracket, which is coaxially joined to the second end of the smaller diameter cylindrical part of the housing and has disposed therein wires for supplying power to the power and computation unit and wires for communication with the electronic computer. |
| US10451405B2 |
Dimensioning system for, and method of, dimensioning freight in motion along an unconstrained path in a venue
A ranging system captures successive point clouds from moving freight, and a tracking system tracks successive positions and orientations of the moving freight. A computing device correlates each successive point cloud with each successive position and orientation and time of the moving freight, combines the correlated point clouds to obtain a composite point cloud of the moving freight, and processes the composite point cloud to dimension the moving freight. Once the freight is dimensioned, it may, for example, be efficiently loaded into a container. |
| US10451404B2 |
Optical positioning sensor
A sensor is disclosed that provides measurements in multiple degrees of freedom without significantly increasing size, complexity, or cost. The sensor can include a light component in support of a first light source operable to direct a first beam of light, and a second light source operable to direct a second beam of light. The sensor can also include an imaging device that can directly receive the first beam of light and the second beam of light and convert these into electric signals. The imaging device and the light component can be movable relative to one another. The sensor can further include a light location module and/or a position module configured to receive the electric signals and determine locations of the first beam of light, the second beam of light on the imaging device and a relative position of the imaging device and the light component. |
| US10451402B2 |
Single shot full-field reflection phase microscopy
The present invention relates to a full-field reflection phase microscope. In a preferred embodiment, the invention can combine low-coherence interferometry and off-axis digital holographic microscopy (DHM). The reflection-based DHM provides highly sensitive and a single-shot imaging of cellular dynamics while the use of low coherence source provides a depth-selective measurement. A preferred embodiment of the system uses a diffraction grating in the reference arm to generate an interference image of uniform contrast over the entire field-of-view albeit low-coherence light source. With improved path-length sensitivity, the present invention is suitable for full-field measurement of membrane dynamics in live cells with sub-nanometer-scale sensitivity. |
| US10451400B2 |
Machine and method for monitoring a coordinate measuring device
A method for monitoring a coordinate-measuring machine (CMM), having a monitoring device which is set up to monitor at least one location region of the CMM, in which a movable part of the CMM is movable, wherein the method includes: monitoring the at least one location region with the monitoring device, wherein the monitored location region is variable in terms of its size, ascertaining the position of the movable part of the CMM relative to a fixed position associated with the location region and/or ascertaining the movement of the movable part relative to the fixed position, and setting or varying the size of the monitored location region in dependence on the position and/or the movement of the movable part relative to the fixed position. |
| US10451398B2 |
Coordinate measuring machine and method for compensating for large workpiece masses
The present invention relates to a coordinate measuring machine with a measuring system for measuring a workpiece, a carrier structure for carrying the measuring system and a base plate for supporting the workpiece. The carrier structure is movably guided in at least one direction on the base plate. The coordinate measuring machine also has a first support system with at least three supports for supporting the base plate, a second support system and a control device for controlling the second support system dependent on a force application to the first support system. The present invention also relates to a method for compensating for large workpiece masses on a coordinate measuring machine. |
| US10451396B2 |
Device and method for measuring angles and conveying these measurements to a processing apparatus
The present invention consists of a device (1) suitable for use during molding work for the measurement of at least one angle formed by at least one first surface and at least one second surface and for conveying the angle or angles to cutting equipment for the adjustment of cutting angles. The device is comprised of at least one first arm (2) and at least one second arm (3) which are connected to each other via at least one connecting device (4) and pivotally arranged in relation to each other via at least one first axis of rotation (5) and that the device (1) includes at least one angle indicator (36) with which the mutual angle between the first arm (2) and the second arm (3) is measured. The device (1) includes at least one unit which indicates a part of angle (V), preferably half of the angle (V), between the first arm (2) and the second arm (3) and that this unit is suitable for use in the adjustment of the angle in a cutting machine. The present invention also concerns a method for use of the device. |
| US10451394B2 |
Containment vessel and method for stowing a high energy density device
A containment vessel for stowing a high energy density device therein includes a housing, a plurality of discs, and a separable collar. The housing includes a base, a sidewall enclosure extending upwardly from the base, the sidewall enclosure defining a housing cavity and an opening at a top end thereof, and a flange extending circumferentially outwardly from the sidewall enclosure. The separable collar has first, second, and third grooves on an inner circumference of the separable collar. The first groove is configured to receive the flange of the housing. The second and third grooves are configured to receive first and second of the plurality of discs. |
| US10451393B2 |
Arrow fletching device with plate clamp
An arrow fletching device suitable for mounting Mylar fletching vanes to the surface of an arrow. The device includes a clamp for holding the fletching in a manner that leaves a surface mounting portion of the side of the fletching exposed. Then an adhesive is applied to the exposed surface and the clamp is pressed up against the arrow to securely mount the fletching to the arrow surface. One version utilize three such clamps posited at 120 degree offsets to mount three vanes around the surface of the arrow. |
| US10451392B2 |
Tracer ammunition
Tracer ammunition for tracking the trajectory and/or the impact of projectiles in the target generally contains pyrotechnics. These pyrotechnics demonstrate various disadvantages, wherein the most serious is the continued burning of the pyrotechnics, even after penetration of the projectile in the target. This causes an increased risk of fire and acute injuries. A mixture of light metal and a carbon-containing substrate, ignites during firing of a projectile and burns during its flight by means of air oxygen introduced into the combustion chamber by way of tear-off edges, and produces a tracer that extinguishes in the target. |
| US10451391B2 |
Nock and nock receiver
An arrow nock and nock receiver assembly may include a nock and a nock receiver. The nock receiver may have at least two circumferentially spaced fingers. Engagement of a nock contact surface with a nock receiver contact surface may provide relative rotational alignment. |
| US10451385B2 |
Apparatus and method for calculating aiming point information
The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets. |
| US10451384B2 |
Coupled dual switch actuators with lockout feature for a lighting attachment to a firearm
An ambidextrous actuating mechanism configured as a mechanical interlock may be adapted to a battery operated light emitting device for mounting forward of the trigger guard of a firearm. The mechanism includes first and second mechanically coupled pivotable switch actuators disposed under and on either side of the barrel of the firearm. Operation of either one of the first and second actuator levers locks the other actuator from pivoting, thereby eliminating ambiguity and overridden operations in the control of the light emitting device. The operating motion of both actuators, either up for ON or down for MOMENTARY, is the same for both actuators. An alternate embodiment provides functionally equivalent electronically interlocked actuators. |
| US10451381B2 |
Adapter for coupling a grenade launcher to a handguard
Mounting system operable to couple a grenade launcher to a firearm, the mounting system including a rail system operable to be coupled to a firearm, the rail system comprising at least one rail that is mounted on an underside of a barrel of the firearm that is opposite to sights mounted on an upperside of the barrel. The mounting system includes a front lug that is coupled to the barrel in front of the rail system and aligned with the at least one rail. Additionally, the mounting system includes a grenade launcher rail that is operable to be coupled to the grenade launcher and a lug adapter operable to be coupled to the grenade launcher rail and the front lug. |
| US10451376B2 |
Firearm simulators
Firearm simulators are disclosed. In embodiments, a firearm simulator includes a processor, a memory module, a trigger unit that outputs a trigger output signal, a magazine sensor that outputs a magazine sensor output signal, an optoelectronic output device, an optoelectronic sensor, and a wireless communication device. In embodiments, the firearm simulator determines whether a trigger prep event has occurred, determines whether a trigger break event has occurred, and transmits the trigger prep event and the trigger break event with the wireless communication device. In embodiments, the optoelectronic output device is activated when a trigger break event has occurred and a simulated round is available to be fired. In embodiments, a firearm simulator wirelessly transmits information, such as magazine insertion events, magazine ejection events, trigger break events, and trigger prep event to a computing device that displays information pertaining to the received information. |
| US10451375B2 |
Soft recoil system
One embodiment of a gun configured with the soft recoil system comprises a plurality of recoiling parts that initially moves in the direction of the projectile being fired before moving in a direction opposite to that of a projectile during the firing of the round. The soft recoil system throttles the movement of the recoiling parts such that the energy expended during the firing of the round is spread over a longer time period and a longer distance than would normally occur. The soft recoil system stores at least a portion of the energy transferred to the recoiling parts and the user may selectively release at least a part of that portion of energy to offset the energy imparted to the gun during the firing of the next round. |
| US10451374B2 |
Noise suppressor for firearm and blank firing adapter for firearm
A noise suppressor for a firearm is provided that can be disassembled and is able to withstand full automatic fire. In various embodiments, a noise suppressor might include an outer tube, a distal end cap, and a pin(s). The outer tube might include a plurality of first holes spaced apart from each other along a circumference of a distal end of the outer tube. The distal end cap might include a plurality of second holes spaced apart from each other along a circumference of the distal end cap. One of the distal end cap or the distal end might be threaded into the other. Each of the pin(s) might be releasably inserted and affixed to at least one first hole and at least one second hole. A blank firing adapter is also provided that can be coupled to the noise suppressor (and can withstand live rounds being fired into it). |
| US10451373B2 |
Firearm barrel
A semiautomatic pistol having a barrel with an exterior surface that has a plurality of indentations and dimples to dissipate heat and reduce frictional engagement between the barrel and the slide. The barrel component includes a crown portion that is recessed to protect the crown portion by a pocket. |
| US10451370B2 |
Magazine opener
A magazine opener for removing a floor plate of a firearm magazine, wherein the floor plate defines a hole and the magazine defines a side wall, wherein the opener includes: a handle having a first end and a second free end; a first arm pivotally connected with the first end of the handle; a second arm extended from the handle to form an engagement point biased against the side wall; wherein the first arm comprises a L-shaped element inserted into the hole to secure the first arm with the floor plate. |
| US10451365B2 |
Tube sheets and tube sheet assemblies
A tube sheet for a thermal transfer device can include a body having a plurality of apertures that traverse therethrough, where the plurality of apertures are configured to receive a plurality of tubes of the thermal transfer device. The tube sheet can also include an outer perimeter defining the body, where the outer perimeter has at least one first recess feature disposed therein. The at least one first recess feature can have a first shape and a first size, where the first shape is any shape aside from a semi-circle. |
| US10451359B2 |
Natural gas liquid fractionation plant waste heat conversion to power using Kalina cycle
Certain aspects of natural gas liquid fractionation plant waste heat conversion to power using Kalina Cycle can be implemented as a system. The system includes a waste heat recovery heat exchanger configured to heat a buffer fluid stream by exchange with a heat source in a natural gas liquid fractionation plant. The system includes a Kalina cycle energy conversion system, which includes one or more first energy conversion heat exchangers configured to heat a working fluid by exchange with the heated buffer fluid stream, a separator configured to receive the heated working fluid and to output a vapor stream of the working fluid and the liquid stream of the working fluid, and a turbine and a generator, wherein the turbine and generator are configured to generate power by expansion of the vapor stream of the working fluid. |
| US10451358B2 |
Heat storage system
A heat storage system is provided that is capable of being manufactured at lower cost and has higher heat transmission efficiency. A heat storage system includes a heat storage material having a higher specific gravity in a solid phase than in a liquid phase, a heat storage tank for containing the heat storage material, a cooling side heat exchanger arranged at an upper section inside the heat storage tank and for cooling the heat storage material, a heating side heat exchanger arranged at a lower section inside the heat storage tank and for heating the heat storage material, and a wall surface heater for heating a side wall of the heat storage tank. |
| US10451353B2 |
Aircraft electronics thermal regulation systems
An electronics cooling system for an aircraft includes a heat exchanger comprising a coolant circuit, an air circuit, and a fuel circuit such that each of the circuits is in thermal communication with at least one of the other circuits. The coolant circuit is in thermal communication with one or more aircraft electronics. The air circuit is in fluid communication with at least one air source. The fuel circuit is in fluid communication with a fuel tank between the fuel tank and an engine of the aircraft. |
| US10451346B1 |
Convection current freeze drying apparatus and method of operating the same
A convection current vacuum freeze drying apparatus is disclosed which includes a dryer chamber unit comprising a plurality of trays for depositing products to be freeze dried; a convection current condenser unit, mechanically connected to the dryer chamber unit, comprising a plurality of first elongate heat exchange tubes each having fins arranged around an outer circumference of the first elongate heat exchange tube; a refrigerator unit mechanically connected to the convection current condenser unit, operable to provide cold temperature to the plurality of elongate heat exchange tubes; a cooling tower unit mechanically connected to the convection current condenser unit; a primary vacuum pump unit, mechanically connected to the convection current condenser unit and the cooling tower unit, operable to provide a vacuum pressure to said convection current condenser unit; and a heater unit mechanically connected to provide a heat energy to both the dryer chamber unit and the convection current condenser unit. |
| US10451344B2 |
Ethane recovery and ethane rejection methods and configurations
Contemplated plants for flexible ethane recovery and rejection by allowing to switch the top reflux to the demethanizer from residue gas to the deethanizer overhead product and by controlling the flow ratio of feed gas to two different feed gas exchangers. Moreover, the pressure of the demethanizer is adjusted relative to the deethanizer pressure for control of the ethane recovery and rejection. |
| US10451342B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator may include a storage compartment, an inner door which comprises an opening having a size corresponding to a size of the storage compartment, a plurality of door guards, and an outer door which open and close the storage compartment, wherein the inner door comprises a control unit may control an internal environment of the storage compartment. |
| US10451340B2 |
Low temperature storage systems and related methods
A low temperature storage system includes a cabinet housing and a drawer that is slidable in and out of the cabinet housing. The drawer includes an interior wall and an exterior wall defining an insular space therebetween and a support grid disposed within an interior region defined by the interior wall of the drawer. The support grid defines multiple receptacles arranged in a matrix configuration and respectively sized to receive a storage carrier. The drawer further includes first markings and second markings printed on the drawer in a manner such that any one of the first markings and any one of the second markings together correspond to one of the multiple receptacles arranged in the matrix configuration. |
| US10451339B1 |
Illuminated adjustable divider for a storage bin of a refrigerator appliance
A refrigerator appliance includes drawer assembly for a chilled chamber of the appliance. The drawer assembly includes a storage bin positioned within the chilled chamber and one or more adjustable dividers slidably mounted within the storage bin. The adjustable dividers include a top support arm, a window that acts as a light guide or diffuser, and a light source mounted to the adjustable divider for illuminating the storage bin. The drawer assembly further includes a power supply, such as a bus bar assembly having parallel positive and negative strip terminals that remain connected with spring terminals on the adjustable dividers to ensure the light source remains illuminated when the adjustable dividers are moved within the storage bin. |
| US10451337B2 |
Three section refrigerator with two freezer compartments
A refrigerator comprises a body, a fresh food compartment provided in an upper portion of the body, a first freezer compartment provided in a lower portion of the body, a center compartment provided between the fresh food compartment and first freezer compartment and provided with an ice making compartment and a second freezer compartment, an upper door configured to open and close the fresh food compartment and the center compartment at a same time and a lower door configured to open and close the first freezer compartment, therefore the space utilization of the fresh food compartment may be enhanced. |
| US10451335B2 |
Product transport containers
Product transport containers are disclosed. Such containers can provide one or more advantages compared to existing containers. For example, product transport containers described herein can maintain a product at a desired temperature for an extended period of time, including without the use of an active heating or cooling component. Such product transport containers described herein may also provide improved breathability, thermal insulation, and/or mechanical strength or dimensional stability. Such containers can include a plurality of walls defining an interior volume and a selectively openable side permitting movement of the product into and out of the interior volume of the container. The walls can be formed from a thermoformed non-woven fabric. |
| US10451333B2 |
Slide out door bin
A refrigeration appliance door bin assembly that includes: a refrigeration appliance door bin having a substantially planar main base portion, at least one upwardly extending wall that is free of an indentation, apertures or recesses extending upward from the main base portion and a downwardly extending perimeter lip portion where the main base portion and the downwardly extending lip portion define a downwardly facing door bin frame engagement space, the door bin engagement space engages a door bin frame of a refrigerator spaced within the door of a refrigerator such that the downwardly extending lip portion surrounds an exterior portion of the door bin frame and prevents substantial movement of the door bin when the door bin is engaged with the door bin frame caused by a refrigeration appliance door opening force or a refrigeration appliance door closing force; and a refrigeration appliance door bin bottom surface cover. |
| US10451332B2 |
Refrigerator
The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly to a refrigerator including a dual door, which is convenient to use.In an embodiment, the present invention provides a refrigerator including a body defining a storage compartment therein, a first door hingedly provided at the body so as to open and close the storage compartment, the first door including a door frame having a hinge hole formed therein, and a second door hingedly provided at the first door by means of a hinge, the second door including a lateral side surface, the lateral side surface being at least partially fitted into the door frame, wherein the hinge includes a hinge shaft disposed in the first door so as to define a rotational center of the second door, a hinge bracket coupled to the second door, and an indented member provided between the hinge shaft and the hinge bracket, the indented member being moved through the hinge hole so as to allow the entire second door to escape from the door frame when the second door is opened. |
| US10451331B2 |
Refrigerator having defrosting device
The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a defrosting device, the refrigerator comprising: a refrigerator main body; an evaporator provided in the refrigerator main body; a defrosting heater provided at the lower side of the evaporator so as to emit heat when a power source is applied; and a heat pipe for transferring heat to the evaporator, one side of the heat pipe being arranged so as to be able to transfer heat to one side of the defrosting heater, and the other side of the heater pipe extending to the upper side along the vertical direction of the evaporator. Thereby, the present invention can shorten defrosting time and reduce power consumption. |
| US10451327B2 |
Refrigeration cycle device
A refrigeration cycle device includes a charged-amount determination unit that executes a charged-amount determination to determine whether the refrigeration cycle device is in a refrigerant shortage state or not, a compressor control unit that controls a compressor, and a decompression control unit that controls a throttle opening degree of a decompression device. The charged-amount determination unit determines that the refrigeration cycle device is in the refrigerant shortage state when a heat dissipation capacity of a radiator shows a tendency to decrease in a case where the decompression control unit decreases a throttle opening degree of the decompression device while the compressor control unit operates the compressor. |
| US10451325B2 |
Transcritical refrigerant vapor compression system high side pressure control
Operation of a transcritical refrigerant vapor compression system is controlled, when operating in a high capacity mode, through control of the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant heat rejection heat exchanger (40) or the compressor (30) discharge pressure, also referred to herein as the high side pressure, so as to optimize energy efficiency. When operating in unloaded low capacity mode, such as for chilling perishable product during temperature maintenance operation, the high side pressure is controlled so that the system can operate in a continuous running mode. |
| US10451324B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus
An air-conditioning apparatus includes two heat source units, each including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator, an accumulator connected to a suction side of the compressor, and at least one of an outdoor air-sending device configured to supply air corresponding to a heat exchange target for refrigerant to the outdoor heat exchanger or a flow control device (bypass and expansion device for bypass) configured to regulate a flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger. A controller is configured to control at least one of the outdoor air-sending device or the flow control device so that a suction quality of the compressor of an upper heat source unit installed on an upper side and a suction quality of the compressor of a lower heat source unit installed on a lower side become the same. |
| US10451322B2 |
Refrigerator appliance with a caloric heat pump
A refrigerator appliance includes a cold side working fluid circuit that couples a cold side heat exchanger and a regenerator housing. A first hot side working fluid circuit couples a first hot side heat exchanger and the regenerator housing. A second hot side working fluid circuit couples a second hot side heat exchanger and the regenerator housing such that working fluid is flowable between the second hot side heat exchanger and the regenerator housing. An inlet of the second hot side working fluid circuit is positioned on the regenerator housing such that a temperature of the working fluid at the inlet of the second hot side working fluid circuit is greater than a temperature of the chilled chamber. |
| US10451321B2 |
Solid state cooling device
This invention relates to a cooling device which utilizes both thermoelectric and magnetocaloric mechanisms for enhanced cooling applications. Using high thermal conductivity magnetocaloric composites in conjunction with thermoelectric elements acting as thermal switches which are electrically coupled to a magnetization and demagnetization cycle enables the use of larger quantities of magnetocaloric material, and high efficiency solid state cooling can be achieved. Solid state cooling devices are useful for a variety of industrial applications which require cooling, such as, but not limited to cooling of microelectronic devices, cooling on space platforms, etc. |
| US10451318B2 |
Cryogenic cooling system and method
A cryogenic cooling system (CCS) includes a cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end. Also, the CCS includes a displacer disposed within the cylindrical housing and reciprocatingly driven between the first end and the second end of the cylindrical housing to compress or expand a refrigerant gas in a gas chamber. Further, the CCS includes a tubing unit coupled to the second end of the cylindrical housing and disposed adjacent to the at least one superconducting unit, wherein the tubing unit is configured to circulate the refrigerant gas received from the cylindrical housing through the tubing unit to absorb the at least one heat load imposed on the at least one superconducting unit to generate heated refrigerant gas, and convey the heated refrigerant gas to the gas chamber of the cylindrical housing to reduce or maintain a temperature of the at least one superconducting unit. |
| US10451316B2 |
Systems and methods implementing robust air conditioning systems configured to utilize thermal energy storage to maintain a low temperature for a target space
Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement air conditioning systems that are operable to establish/maintain a desired temperature for a target space and simultaneously establish/maintain a temperature lower than the desired temperature for the target space for an included cold thermal energy storage unit. In one embodiment, an air conditioning system includes: a condensing unit; a liquid pressurizer and distributor ensemble; a cold thermal energy storage unit; a target space; and a suction gas/equalizer; where the listed components are operatively connected by piping such that vapor compression cycles can be simultaneously implemented that result in the cooling of the cold thermal energy storage unit and the target space; and the air conditioning system is configured such that the simultaneous implementation of vapor compression cycles results in cooling the cold thermal energy storage unit to a greater extent relative to the target space. |
| US10451314B2 |
Solar panel clamp
A clamping apparatus secures a photovoltaic module to a rail. The clamping apparatus includes a bolt extending between a first end and a second end of the bolt. The clamping apparatus includes a clamp defining a bolt opening into which the bolt is received and a support structure. The support structure positions the clamp at a first location on the bolt. The first location is a first distance from a top rail surface plane within which a top surface of the rail lies. The support structure is adjustable to position the clamp at a second location on the bolt. The second location is a second distance from the top rail surface plane. The first distance is different than the second distance. The support structure has a support structure thickness corresponding to a third distance that is less than the first distance and less than the second distance. |
| US10451312B2 |
Condensing gas water heater, condensing heat exchanger and heat exchanger plate
The invention discloses a condensing gas water heater, a condensing heat exchanger as well as heat exchanger plates. The condensing heat exchanger comprises: a housing and at least one heat exchanger plate disposed in the housing; the heat exchanger plate comprises a first metal board and a second metal board butting each other, wherein a surface of the first metal board and a surface of the second metal board which butt each other are butting surfaces, and two outer surfaces opposite to the butting surfaces are a first surface and a second surface, respectively; at least one of the first metal board and the second metal board is formed with a convex flow guide portion along a direction away from the butting surface; the first metal board and the second metal board form a fluid passage via the flow guide portion. |
| US10451308B2 |
System and method for reducing energy consumption by a medium heating device
A method for reducing energy consumption by a medium heating device, the method comprising the step: scheduling an operation (501) of the first device (111) requiring heating of a first medium; scheduling an operation (502) of the second device (112) requiring heating of a second medium; the method being characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: sending (504), from the first device (111), information regarding its operation cycles and water parameters to the second device (112); rescheduling (505) operations of the liaised devices (111, 112) so that drain heat of the first medium is reused to heat a fresh intake of the second medium by the second device by means of a heat exchanger (160); instructing (506), the reprogrammed devices (111, 112) to start their operations according to the new schedule. |
| US10451307B2 |
Float drain
A float drain for an enclosure can include a basket to collect liquid from the enclosure, a sealing structure surrounding an outlet of the basket, and a float configured to seat against the sealing surface to prevent fluid flow out of the outlet and to rise off of the sealing surface due to buoyancy forces as the liquid collects in the basket. The float drain can include other features, including: ribs or other protrusions extending into an interior are of the basket to space the float apart from an inner wall of the basket; an angled orientation of the sealing surface; and a trough, at least partly defined by the sealing structure, to collect debris. |
| US10451297B2 |
Air conditioning system including a reheat loop
An air conditioning system and a method of operating the same to dehumidify air from an indoor space without overly cooling that air is provided. The air conditioning system includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and a reheat heat exchanger. Indoor air passes through the indoor heat exchanger where it is dehumidified before passing through the reheat heat exchanger where it is reheated using thermal energy from a refrigerant. An outdoor fan urges a flow of ambient air through the outdoor heat exchanger to extract thermal energy from the refrigerant before it passes to the reheat heat exchanger. The speed of the outdoor fan is adjusted to control an amount of thermal energy extracted from a refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger and thus the thermal energy supplied to the reheat heat exchanger for reheating the dehumidified air to a target temperature. |
| US10451295B2 |
Equipment enclosure with multi-mode temperature control system
An equipment enclosure with temperature control components, an equipment enclosure temperature control unit, an equipment enclosure temperature control method, and various modular temperature control subassemblies are respectively disclosed for controlling the temperature of equipment in an equipment chamber. The temperature control components and unit may be implemented with a modular design wherein an air-conditioning unit is selectively mountable on an air handler assembly. The temperature control components and unit may support air-conditioning, free-air-cooling, free-air-cooling-with-return, and heating modes of operation. An emergency-free-air-cooling mode of operation may also be supported. |
| US10451293B2 |
Method and apparatus for installation of surface-mounted kitchen cooktop units
A concealed bridge assembly is provided for supporting adjacent lateral edges of cooktop units that are mounted in a kitchen countertop. The concealed bridge assembly can be used for traditional raised mounting of cooktop units or true-flush mounting of cooktop units. When used with traditional mountings, the concealed bridge assembly has a top that is sized to be flush with the countertop surface and the approximate length of the countertop opening. If true-flush mounting is desired, the top of the concealed bridge assembly is flush with the top surface of a kerf cut in the countertop. |
| US10451292B2 |
Radiant heater for a cooktop
According to one implementation a radiant heater is provided that includes a cover, an insulating base arranged on the cover, at least one resistance element fixed to the insulating base, a temperature sensor suitable for measuring the temperature of a cooktop arranged on the radiant heater, and a flat resilient member suitable for keeping the temperature sensor in constant contact with the cooktop in a final assembly position. |
| US10451291B2 |
Hinge assembly with slow close and optional slow open characteristics
An appliance hinge assembly includes an arm to mate with a receiver. A door mounting lever is adapted to be connected to an appliance door, and the lever includes an inner end pivotally connected to the arm. The lever pivots relative to the arm between a first position and a second position, through an intermediate position. A slide link is located adjacent the lever. The slide link inner end is pivotally connected to the arm at a location that is offset from the main pivot axis such that pivoting movement of the lever results in movement of the slide link relative to the lever. A biasing system includes a spring that urges the lever toward the first position. A damper system includes a damper that damps movement of the lever. Alternatively, the arm connects to the appliance door and the lever connects to the appliance body. |
| US10451290B2 |
Forced convection steam assembly
A convection oven includes a convection fan assembly and a trough assembly that surrounds a portion of the heating element(s) of the convection fan assembly. Fluid in the trough assembly is heated and turned into steam by the heating element(s) and blown into the cooking cavity of the convection oven by the convection fan of the convection fan assembly. The steam in the cooking cavity provides moisture to the items that are being cooked and/or heated in the cooking cavity. |
| US10451287B2 |
Burner
A burner including a burner head configured to receive a mixed gas; and a burner cap configured to cover the burner head, wherein the burner head includes an outer wall having first flame holes at which a flame is generated, an inner wall having second flame holes at which a flame is generated, and a flame spread passage configured to spread a flame between the inner wall and the outer wall, and a staying guide configured to cause the mixed gas supplied into the flame spread passage to be stayed in the flame spread passage. |
| US10451286B2 |
Gas-supply connection assembly, a method of connecting a gas supply line to a gas inlet port, and a gas cooking appliance
A gas-supply connection assembly, a method of connecting a gas supply line to a gas inlet port, and a gas cooking appliance. In particular, a gas-supply connection assembly for gas-tightly connecting a gas supply line to a gas inlet port of a gas consumer is provided, in which the gas supply line is inserted into the gas inlet port and connected thereto in that a bulge section effectuated at an outer circumference of the supply line in the inserted condition by plastic deformation thereof gas-tightly engages in a form-fit locking manner into a given indentation in an inner bushing of the gas inlet port. |
| US10451285B2 |
Dual cooking mode BBQ grill
A dual cooking mode barbecue grill includes a grill body which defines an open top cooking chamber, a cooking shelf for supporting food to be cooked and located above the open top cooking chamber, and a rotatable cooking unit located inside the open top cooking chamber. The rotatable cooking unit has a first cooking mode and a second cooking mode. The first and second cooking modes are alternatively selected by rotating the rotatable cooking unit with respect to the grill body. |
| US10451284B2 |
Gas hearth
A gas hearth including a combustion chamber, a gas supplier for supplying combustible gas into the combustion chamber to a firebed simulator disposed in the combustion chamber, an ignitor for igniting the combustible gas in the combustion chamber, a flue-gas discharge duct connected to the combustion chamber for discharging combustion flue gases from the combustion chamber, and a metering means disposed in the combustion chamber for metering a pyrotechnical additive into the flames of the burning combustible gas during operation. |
| US10451282B2 |
Fuel nozzle structure for air assist injection
A fuel nozzle includes an outer body extending parallel to a centerline axis, having a generally cylindrical exterior surface, forward and aft ends, and a plurality of openings through the exterior surface. The fuel nozzle further includes an inner body inside the outer body, cooperating with the outer body to define an annular space, and a main injection ring inside the annular space, the main injection ring including fuel posts extending therefrom. Each fuel post is aligned with one of the openings and separated from the opening by a perimeter gap which communicates with the annular space. There is a circumferential main fuel gallery in the main injection ring, and a plurality of main fuel orifices, wherein each orifice communicates with the main fuel gallery and extends through one of the fuel posts. |
| US10451279B2 |
Sealing of a radial gap between effusion tiles of a gas-turbine combustion chamber
A combustion chamber of a gas turbine with a combustion chamber wall to which effusion tiles are fastened which adjoin one another while forming a rim gap, with a seal being arranged in the area of said rim gap, characterized in that the effusion tiles at their rim facing the combustion chamber wall are provided with a bevel in order to form a sealing space, that a seal having a V-shaped cross-section is placed inside the sealing space and that the combustion chamber wall is provided with at least one recess to supply cooling air through the combustion chamber wall to that side of the seal facing the combustion chamber wall. |
| US10451275B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling a pressure gain combustor
A method of controlling operation of a pressure gain combustor comprises: determining a fuel injector duty cycle and a combustion frequency that meets a target load set point and a target fill fraction of the combustor; determining a fuel supply pressure setting, a fuel injector timing setting and an ignition timing setting that achieves the determined fuel injector duty cycle and combustion frequency; and sending a fuel supply pressure control signal with the fuel supply pressure setting to a fuel pressurizing means of the combustor, a fuel injector control signal with the fuel injector timing setting to a fuel injector of the combustor, and an ignition timing control signal with the ignition timing setting to an ignition assembly of the combustor. |
| US10451271B2 |
Staged fuel burner with jet induced exhaust gas recycle
The pre-mix burner assembly includes a jet pump comprising a combustion air tube, a flue gas inlet, and a suction chamber. The combustion air tube has an inlet and a tapered nozzle, and it is connected to a combustion gas fan. The flue gas inlet is connected to the suction chamber and the furnace chamber or other flue gas source. The suction chamber surrounds the combustion air tube, and it has a jet pump nozzle with a discharge. The combustion air exiting the combustion air nozzle creates a negative pressure in the suction chamber and draws flue gas into the suction chamber. There is a burner housing positioned downstream of the jet pump discharge. There is a fuel gas inlet connected to a mixing tube in the burner housing, and a burner block connected to the outlet of the burner housing. |
| US10451267B2 |
Waste-heat steam generator
A waste-heat steam generator has an exhaust gas channel in which at least one evaporator heating surface and at least one preheater heating surface are arranged. The evaporator heating surface and the preheater heating surface are connected together such that the preheater heating surface is arranged upstream of the evaporator heating surface on the feed-water side. The waste-heat steam generator also has a water separator arranged downstream of the evaporator heating surface on the feed-water side. An excess pipe length system is arranged outside of the exhaust gas channel and between the preheater heating surface and the evaporator heating surface on the feed-water side, the system being designed such that the feed water causes an overflow in a rising pipe of the excess pipe length system after completely filling the preheater heating surface and thus reaches the evaporator heating surface via a downpipe. |
| US10451263B2 |
LED light
An LED light includes a holder, a plurality of bodies, an LED driver electrically connected the holder with the plurality of bodies, a housing receiving the LED driver therein, and a heat sink connected to the housing. The heat sink includes a first section opposite to the housing, and two second sections positioned two ends of the first section. The first section, the two second sections and the housing cooperatively form an elliptical-sectional cylinder. The first section includes a plurality of first horizontal passageways and each second section includes a second passageway provided to heat dissipation for the LED light. Such housing is mounted on the side of the heat sink to provide enough space for receiving the LED driver therein, which may avoid crush the LED driver and improve the lifespan of the LED light. The first and second passageways are provided to improve heat dissipation effects. |
| US10451261B2 |
Safety switch end cap for illuminating device and illuminated device comprising the same
The present invention relates to an end cap (100) for an illuminating device and an illuminating device comprising the same, wherein the end cap comprises a housing (1) and a drive structure (2) partially arranged within the housing, wherein the drive structure is configured to drive an electric switch (3) arranged within the housing, wherein the drive structure (2) comprises a first drive part (21) exposed from a first surface of the housing and a second drive part (22) exposed from a second surface of the housing, wherein when the first drive part is located in a first position, the first drive part locks the second drive part, and when the first drive part is moved to a second position in a first direction, the first drive part unlocks the second drive part such that the second drive part can switch-on the electric switch upon the second drive part is moved in a second direction. |
| US10451260B2 |
Lamp strip
The present invention provides a lamp strip, wherein the lamp strip comprises an outer casing, an inner casing and a light-emitting component, the light-emitting component comprises a substrate and an LED light source, wherein the inner casing is provided with a light exit through which the light of the LED light source directly passes. Cut marks are arranged between the light exits, and the side facing the LED light source of the outer casing is of light transmission. The invention facilitates the user to cut the lamp strip and greatly prolongs the service life of the lamp strip. |
| US10451258B1 |
Lighting fixture
A slim lighting fixture is disclosed. Keyhole slots are provided along outer surrounding edge of the lighting fixture. A disposable guide plate is employed to mark locations of screws corresponding to the keyhole slots. Step-screws are installed on the locations marked. The lighting fixture is engaged with step-screws at the keyhole slots through recess, slide and lock. Alternatively, an engagement may be accomplished by screws inserted through the keyhole slots, slid and tightened. A decorative cover is designed to fit the lighting fixture at the outer surrounding edge. An indirect mounting system is provided. A lighting fixture has a recess and side slot at each of four quadrants of a back plate. A mounting plate has four clips corresponding positions of the recess. The lighting fixture is engaged with the mounting plate at the clips and recess/side slot through recess, slide and lock. |
| US10451255B1 |
Outdoor garden lamp
An outdoor garden lamp includes a left mounting base and a right mounting base movably connected by a vertically disposed rotating shaft, and control circuits respectively provided in the left mounting base and the right mounting base. Each of the left mounting base and the right mounting base is connected to a lamp body through a movable shaft; each movable shaft is movably connected with the left mounting base or the right mounting base; each movable shaft is rotatable about an axis thereof; each lamp body is movably connected to the movable shaft corresponding thereto; a bottom of the rotating shaft is connected with a human body sensor through a movably connected transverse rotating body and a movably connected vertical rotating body; and the human body sensor is connected to the control circuits. |
| US10451252B1 |
Light redistribution apparatus for low profile wall wash light fixtures
A light fixture includes a housing that defines a first cavity. Further, the light fixture includes a light module that is disposed in the first cavity and is configured to emit light in a first direction. Furthermore, the light fixture includes a light redistribution apparatus that is coupled to the housing and is disposed in the first cavity to receive the light from the light module. The light redistribution apparatus includes an outer collar comprising a body that defines a second cavity. Further, the light redistribution apparatus includes a plurality of redirection segments that are disposed within the outer collar and across at least a portion of the second cavity such that they redirect a portion of the light that is emitted in the first direction towards a second direction and allow a remainder portion of the light to travel unobstructed towards the first direction. |
| US10451249B2 |
Luminaire with uplighting and downlighting capabilities
A luminaire with uplighting and downlighting capabilities is provided. According to one aspect, the luminaire may include a housing, a light source disposed in the housing, and a lens. The light source may be configured to emit light in a downward direction, and the lens may at least partially cover the light source. An opening may be formed in a top part of the housing and may permit light reflected by an interior surface of the lens to be transmitted in an upward direction from the housing. Optionally, a transparent or translucent cover member may at least partially cover the opening in the top part of the housing. |
| US10451243B2 |
Light device, especially a signal lamp for motor vehicles
A light device, especially a signal lamp for motor vehicles, includes a carrier housing (1) covered by a translucent cover (2) and an internal chamber (3) that houses an optical system comprising a light source (13) to generate coherent light (101) with a high luminous intensity. The optical system further comprises a lens (6) to direct the coherent light (101) generated by the light source (13) into a focused light beam (102), a divider (7) to divide the focused light beam (102) into separate light streams (103), and a diffusion means (9) to transform the light streams (103) entering the diffusion means (9) into homogenized light beams (104), the above mentioned parts of the optical system being arranged and configured for creating, in the front view, a spatial and/or designer light effect. |
| US10451229B2 |
Skylight fixture
A lighting fixture appears as a skylight and is referred to as a skylight fixture. The skylight fixture has a sky-resembling assembly and a plurality of sun-resembling assemblies. The sky-resembling assembly has a sky-resembling optical assembly and a sky-specific light source, wherein light from the sky-specific light source exits a planar interior surface of the sky-resembling light optical assembly as skylight light. The plurality of sun-resembling assemblies are arranged adjacent one another and extend downward from a periphery of the sky-resembling assembly. Each of the plurality of sun-resembling assemblies has a sun-resembling optical assembly and a sun-specific light source, wherein light from the sun-specific light source exits a planar interior surface of the sun-resembling optical assembly as sunlight light. |
| US10451227B2 |
String light
The present application discloses a string light assembly, such as for example, a string light assembly for task lighting in an industrial or transportation environment. In certain embodiments, an exemplary lighting device includes a length of electrical cable, at least one socket secured to the electrical cable, and at least one cover that encases the socket. The cover is secured to the electrical cable by placing the electrical cable in a through hole of the cover. In addition, the cover comprises a first connection port configured to receive an end of an electric lamp and a sloped surface that extends between a portion of the cover having the through hole and the connection port. |
| US10451226B2 |
Modular LED line light
A modular LED line light, the modular LED line light comprising: at least one line light module, the at least one line light module comprising: a U-shaped body comprising a base and two opposing side walls extending from the base, the base comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface; at least one LED array disposed on the interior surface of the U-shaped body; a rail for receiving the at least one line light module, the rail comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is configured to receive the exterior surface of the base of the U-shaped body of the at least one light module; and a cooling tube for receiving a cooling fluid for removing heat from the at least one line light module, the cooling tube being disposed between the exterior surface of the base of the U-shaped body and the first surface of the rail. |
| US10451222B2 |
Magnetic crawler vehicle with passive rear-facing apparatus
A robotic vehicle for traversing surfaces is provided. The vehicle is comprised of a front chassis section including a magnetic drive wheel for driving and steering the vehicle and a front support point configured to contact the surface. The vehicle also includes a rear chassis section supporting a follower wheel. The front and rear chassis sections are connected by joints including a hinge joint and a four-bar linkage. The hinge is configured to allow the trailing assembly to move side-to-side while the four-bar linkage allows the trailing assembly to move up and down relative to the front chassis. Collectively, the rear facing mechanism is configured to maintain the follower wheel in contact with and normal to the surface and also maintains the front support in contact with the surface and provides stability and maneuverability to the vehicle while traversing surfaces regardless of surface curvature and vehicle orientation. |
| US10451216B2 |
Method and apparatus for multiple degree of freedom precision adjustable mount
An apparatus configured for precision adjustment includes a support fitting having a void oriented along a first axis. The apparatus also includes an adjustment screw disposed within the void. The apparatus further includes first and second set screws coupled to the support fitting, where each set screw has a substantially conical tip. The first and second set screws are oriented such that a plane bisecting the first and second set screws is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. An edge of the conical tip of the first set screw is substantially parallel to an edge of the conical tip of the second set screw. |
| US10451215B2 |
Extendable/retractable support column
An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections. The linked sections include a plurality of individual sections linked end to end. As the linked sections are extended, each of the individual sections engage adjacent individual sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual sections disengage from the adjacent individual sections and the column may be retracted for compact storage. Methods of forming such an expandable/retractable column are also presented. |
| US10451214B2 |
Anti-rotation structure, a tube structure and a photographic support
An anti-rotation structure, a tube structure, or photographic support with the anti-rotation structure comprises a first tube including a first groove or a first rib axially thereof. A second tube fitting to the first tube having an exterior thereof comprises a corresponding second rib second groove to the first groove or the first rib. When the first tube moving relative to the second tube, the first rib or the second rib moves along the corresponding second groove or the first groove. The groove defines the movement of the rib when the first tube moves relative to the second tube to effectively ensure the movement between the first tube and the second tube in a linear or straight line direction. |
| US10451210B2 |
Soft body robot for in-pipe missions
Passive robot for transporting sensors and instruments such as leak sensors into water pipes. The robot includes a leak sensor having a diameter to fit closely within a water pipe. A leak sensor is flanked by, and bonded to, substantially symmetrical first and second soft bodies. End caps are provided on each of the first and second soft bodies. Each of the soft bodies has a tapering configuration with a neck portion wherein a soft body length to neck width ratio is selected to allow the soft bodies to bend permitting the passive robot to pass through sharp bends and T junctions. |
| US10451209B2 |
Segment of pipe-in-pipe pipeline and the use of an acoustic transducer measurement system for the reduced pressure annulus
The invention relates to a segment of pipe-in-pipe pipeline comprising an annulus under reduced pressure sealed and delimited by a metallic internal pipe inserted into a metallic external pipe and provided with a measurement system to determine in a non-intrusive manner the state of the annulus, the measurement system being composed of a first internal emitter/receiver assembly placed inside the annulus and cooperating with means to measure a first physical quantity such as pressure, hygrometry or temperature inside the reduced pressure annulus and a second external emitter/receiver assembly arranged to the exterior of the segment and facing said first assembly. |
| US10451207B2 |
Safety system
There is disclosed a safety system for stoppers and bungs. In particular, there is disclosed a stopper safety system for stoppers (50) for pipes (60). The stopper safety system includes a housing (30) configured for attachment to a stopper. The housing is adapted to hold a pressure sensor and a transmitter. The transmitter is positioned in the housing such that the transmitter abuts a first end of the stopper. The stopper safety system also includes a receiver (20) and a monitor (10). The transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit a measured pressure from the pressure sensor to the receiver (20) and the monitor (10) and the monitor is configured to display the measured pressure. |
| US10451206B2 |
Connection end-piece of a flexible pipe for transporting fluid and associated method
A connection end-piece of a flexible pipe includes an end vault extending along a central axis; an outer cover fixed to the end vault and defining, with the end vault, a reception chamber for receiving an end section of the armor elements of the flexible pipe; at least one annular member applied externally to the armor elements of the flexible pipe, the annular member being at least partially accommodated in the reception chamber between the armor elements and the outer cover. The annular member applies a radial tightening pressure higher than 100 bars onto the armor elements toward the central axis of the flexible pipe. |
| US10451204B2 |
Low leakage duct segment using expansion joint assembly
A turbine shroud for incorporation in a turbine of a gas turbine engine has a plurality of butted shroud segments circumferentially arrayed to form a ring. Each of the shroud segments has an arcuate main shroud body portion, a radially inward extending annular flange attached to a first end of the main body portion, and a radially outward extending flange with a plurality of mounting apertures attached to a second end of the main shroud body portion. A first mounting aperture is sized smaller than an adjacent second mounting aperture in the radially outward extending flange. |
| US10451203B2 |
Push fit connector
A connector (10) or kit of parts facilitates sealingly inserting a plumbing member (211) into a gap (250) created in an existing pipeline (200). The connector (10) comprises a bridging sleeve (12; 212), a first sealing device (14; 214), a second sealing device (16; 216), a first sealing element (18; 218), and a second sealing element (20; 220). In use, the first sealing device (14; 214) is adapted to form a first seal between a bridging sleeve (12; 212) first tubular section internal surface and an existing pipeline external surface (252, 254) by compression of the first sealing element (18; 218) and the second sealing device (16; 216) is adapted to form a second seal between a plumbing member internal surface and a bridging sleeve second tubular section external surface (24) by compression of the second sealing element (20; 220). |
| US10451202B2 |
Hoses with endcapsulated springs
A device is disclosed comprising a pinchable hose with an inner wall and an outer wall. The hose comprises a flexible material and one or more springs. A central axis of the one or more springs is contained within a space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the hose. |
| US10451198B2 |
Cable tray hold-down clamp
A hold-down clamp for holding a cable tray on a strut channel includes a main body member extending between first and second ends, opposed side walls extending downwardly and perpendicularly from the main body member, and first and second side members extending from each of the opposed side walls. The main body member has a first end defining a clamp engagement portion and a second end defining an expansion guide portion. Each of the first and second side members includes a flange having a clamp engagement structure, a planar middle structure, and an expansion guide structure that are integrally connected to each other, and a clamping tooth, which is defined between the clamp engagement structure of the flange and the side wall such that the clamping tooth transitions into the clamp engagement structure of the flange and the side wall of the hold-down clamp. |
| US10451195B2 |
Hose with tunable flexibility using cyclizable, photochromic molecules
Embodiments of the disclosure generally provide compositions and methods related to articles that display reversible photoresponsive behavior. |
| US10451188B2 |
High-flow fluid valve block
An illustrative valve block includes a pressure plate, a fluid transfer block, and a diaphragm. The pressure plate includes a pressure channel configured to receive a pressurized first fluid and a recess in a surface of the pressure plate. The pressure channel and the recess are fluidly connected. The fluid transfer block includes an inlet connection configured to receive a second fluid and an outlet connection. The fluid transfer block also includes a plurality of valve inlet bores each fluidly connected to the inlet connection. The plurality of valve inlet bores are distributed along at least part of a first circular shape. The fluid transfer block further includes a plurality of valve outlet bores each fluidly connected to the outlet connection. |
| US10451186B2 |
Valve
This invention relates to a valve for use in a pipe used for transporting a substance. The valve includes a rotatable disc, a valve seat, and an actuator. The actuator is adapted to rotate the rotatable disc between a closed position, where the rotatable disc is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and whereby the edges of the rotatable disc are adapted to seal against the valve seat, thus preventing the flow of the substance through the valve, and an open position, wherein the rotatable disc is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, thus allowing for the flow of the substance through the valve. The valve also includes a protective portion adapted to cover at least a portion of the valve seat during the flow of the substance through the valve, when the valve is open. |
| US10451181B2 |
Self-adjusting cable end fitting device
An end fitting device is provided for axially adjustable connection of an end portion of a motion transmitting cable to an actuating member. The end fitting device comprises a housing having a receiving space adapted for receiving the end portion of the cable via a cable entry; a connector member comprising a ball pin receiver adapted for engaging a ball pin, and having an engaged state and a disengaged state; a locking element adapted for locking the axial position of the cable end portion relative to the housing and being movable between a non-locking position and a locking position; and a force bridge connected to the locking element such that the locking element is displaced from its non-locking position to its locking position when an engaging force is applied to the end fitting device in order to bring the connector member into its engaged state. |
| US10451179B2 |
Control apparatus for vehicle automatic transmission
A control apparatus for a vehicle automatic transmission includes a downshift determining unit that determines whether downshift of a gear shift stage is to be performed based on at least one of a history of lateral accelerations and a history of variations of a vehicle speed. A lateral acceleration history acquiring unit or a vehicle speed variation history acquiring unit returns at least one of the history of the lateral accelerations and the history of the variations of the vehicle speed to an initial value when a shift control mode determined by a shift control mode determining unit is switched. At least one of the initial value of the history of the lateral accelerations and the initial value of the history of the variations of the vehicle speed is a value that is set for each shift control mode determined by the shift control mode determining unit. |
| US10451176B2 |
Planetary gearing for a wind turbine having mounted planetary gears
The invention relates to a planetary gearing (1) for a wind turbine, comprising a sun gear (3), a hollow gear (17), a planetary carrier (9) with a first bolt receiving element (10) having at least one first bolt seat (12), at least one planetary gear bolt (8) and at least one planetary gear (5). The bearing assembly (19) has a first planetary gear receiving bushing (20) and a second planetary gear receiving bushing (21), which planetary gear receiving bushings (20, 21) are coupled to the planetary gear (5) in a rotationally fixed manner, and between which planetary gear receiving bushings (20, 21) an axial bearing gap (25) is formed. The bearing assembly (19) has at least one bearing running sleeve (28), which is accommodated on the planetary wheel bolt (8) in a rotationally fixed manner, and on which an axial positioning flange (29) is formed, which is accommodated in the axial bearing gap (25) between the planetary gear receiving bushings (20), and an axial position fixing, in particular an axial bearing, of the planetary gear (5) on the planetary gear bolt (8) is thereby carried out. |
| US10451172B2 |
Transmission cooling arrangement with overhead spray
A cooling assembly for a transmission component includes a housing having one or more walls at least in part defining an internal cavity in which the transmission component is mounted. A coolant passage extends through the one or more walls of the housing. A spray plate is mounted to the housing. The spray plate has one or more openings extending through the spray plate in communication with the coolant passage and configured to disperse coolant from the coolant passage to effect an altered spray pattern exiting from a flow outlet of the coolant passage. |
| US10451166B2 |
Chain ring with teeth oppositely laterally engaging a drive chain
A drive system for a vehicle includes a chain ring and a drive chain. The chain ring has a plurality of teeth serially arranged and joined to one another. A first subset of teeth has a first outer face that applies a lateral pressure to a link of a drive chain in a first direction. A second subset of teeth has a second outer face that applies a lateral pressure to another link of a drive chain in a second direction. The teeth all have substantially the same width. The top surfaces of the teeth are offset from the centerline of the drive chain. The centerlines of the top surfaces of the teeth are arranged asymmetrically on one side of the centerline of the drive chain. |
| US10451164B2 |
Axle assembly having a drive pinion and a bearing preload element
An axle assembly having a drive pinion that may be rotatably supported by first and second sets of roller bearing elements. A preload element may exert a preload force on at least one of the first and second sets of roller bearing elements. The preload element may be disposed on the drive pinion in an inboard direction from the yoke. |
| US10451161B2 |
Electronic locking differential
A vehicle includes a differential having an electronic locker and a controller. The controller is programmed to, when in differential-lock mode, engage the locker responsive to vehicle speed being less than a speed threshold and a steering angle being less than a threshold, disengage the locker responsive to vehicle speed exceeding the speed threshold, and prevent automatic re-engagement of the locker responsive to the steering angle exceeding the threshold. |
| US10451160B2 |
Differential
A continuously variable differential gear comprising: a pair of rotating bevel gears engaged with one another via a pinion gear, each of the bevel gears including a first operating surface; an actuator, opposing ends thereof having a pair of interconnected fluid reservoirs, the actuator comprising a pair of secondary operating surfaces; the pair of rotating gears and the pinion gear being housed within the actuator such that the first operating surfaces of the bevel gears and the secondary operating surfaces of the actuator are cooperatively engaged, wherein relative rotation between the pair of bevel gears imparts a linear motion to the actuator thereby varying the pressure between the pair of interconnected fluid reservoirs to resist the linear motion of the actuator and thereby variably dampen relative motion of the bevel gears to each other. |
| US10451156B1 |
Multi-spoked wheel assembly
A robust ground traction (drive) assembly for remotely controlled vehicles, which not only operates smoothly on surfaces that are flat, but also upon surfaces that include rugged terrain, snow, mud, and sand, is provided. The assembly includes a sun gear and a braking gear. The sun gear is configured to cause rotational force to be applied to second planetary gears through a coupling of first planetary gears. The braking gear is configured to cause the assembly (or the second planetary gears) to rotate around the braking gear when an obstacle or braking force is applied. |
| US10451155B2 |
Non-backdrivable self-locking gear system
The present invention is directed to a self-locking non-backdrivable gear system. The gear system may comprise a primary motor input and self-lubricating gear box. The primary motor input is for rotation of the gearbox about the axis of a drive shaft. The gearbox may comprise an input ring gear, one or more planet locking gears, fixed spur gear, and output spur gear. In operation, rotation of the primary motor input causes rotation of the ring gear which causes rotation of the planet locking gear which causes rotation of the output spur gear which causes rotation of the drive shaft. However, in the absence of rotation of the ring gear, a rotational force applied to the output spur gear causes the gear teeth on the fixed and output spur gears to lock the planet gear in place. |
| US10451154B2 |
Electric actuator
Positioning of a cover relative to a housing is made at two locations. i.e., fitting between a first intermediate shaft and a first recess and fitting between a second intermediate shaft and a second recess. In this way, a load of the cover is not conducted to an output shaft through a cover-side bearing. Therefore, in a state where the cover is fixed to the housing, an excessively large load is not generated between a cover-side bearing and the output shaft and a housing-side bearing and the output shaft. |
| US10451150B2 |
Multi-stage transmission for vehicle
A multi-stage transmission for a vehicle is provided. The multi-stage transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and first, second, third, fourth and fifth planetary gear devices that are disposed between the input shaft and the output shaft to transmit rotary force. Each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth planetary gear devices have three rotary elements, and six shifting elements that are connected to the rotary elements of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth planetary gear devices. |
| US10451149B2 |
Vehicle transmission
A transmission including a drive shaft, an output shaft, three planetary gear sets, and five shift elements, the first and second planetary gear sets are arranged in one gear plane, the first planetary gear set is a plus planetary gear set, and the second planetary gear set is a minus planetary gear set. The planetary gear sets are coupleable to one another to engage different gear ratios between the drive and output shafts. The drive shaft is connected to a sun gear of the first planetary gear set and is coupleable by the first shift element to a first element of the third planetary gear set and by the second shift element to a planetary carrier of the second planetary gear set. The third, fourth, and fifth shift elements radially encircle the planetary gear sets axially at the level the planetary gear sets and the second shift element are arranged. |
| US10451148B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and six torque transmitting mechanisms. The torque transmitting mechanisms include clutches and brakes that are actuatable in combinations of three to establish at least ten forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio. |
| US10451147B2 |
Multi-speed planetary transmission
A multi-speed transmission including a plurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve at least nine forward speed ratios is disclosed. The plurality of planetary gearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The plurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and a number of brakes. The multi-speed transmission may have four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers. The six selective couplers may include four clutches and two brakes. |
| US10451145B2 |
System and device for window covering system
A damping adjustment device for adjusting a damping force to a window covering system while the window covering system is expanding, wherein the damping adjustment device comprises a damping module comprising first and second damping units. The damping force is outputted by the damping module to the window covering system when the first and second damping units generate an interaction force in between by a relative motion therebetween. An adjusting module is connected to the damping module for operating with the damping module simultaneously, wherein the damping force from the damping module is adjusted by the adjusting module altering a relative position of the first damping unit and the second damping unit when the relative motion occurs therebetween. A window covering system comprises the damping adjustment device, wherein expansion speed of a covering material of the window covering system can be effectively controlled and adjusted by the damping adjustment device. |
| US10451144B2 |
Torsional vibration damper
A number of variations may include a torsional vibration damper having an input side, having an output side and having an energy store for the rotationally elastic coupling of the input and output sides in a circumferential direction, wherein, on the input or output side, there is arranged a mass part that is rotatable relative to the input or output side counter to the restoring force of a restoring apparatus. |
| US10451143B2 |
Damper device
A damper device includes a retaining plate, a plurality of first spring members and an output plate. The retaining plate has an annular shape. The plurality of first spring members are held by the retaining plate. The output plate is elastically coupled to the retaining plate through the plurality of first spring members. The retaining plate is circumferentially divided into a plurality of divided retaining plate pieces. |
| US10451141B2 |
Fluid mount having continuously variable characteristics for improving driving performance
A fluid mount is provided having continuously variable characteristics for improving driving performance in which an automatic fluid opening and closing unit is installed between upper and lower fluid chambers. The fluid mount includes a core having a central bolt, engaged with an engine, inserted into a central portion of the core, and a rubber member formed on an outer circumferential surface of the core. The core and the rubber member are disposed in a bracket housing. The upper and lower fluid chambers and the automatic fluid opening and closing unit are installed between the upper and lower fluid chambers to continuously open and close a flow path through current change. |
| US10451139B2 |
Damping coefficient-regulating inductive heating systems and isolator assemblies including the same
Damping coefficient-regulating inductive heating systems are provided, as are isolator assemblies containing such inductive heating systems. In embodiments, the isolator assembly includes a damper coefficient-regulating inductive heating system and at least one isolator, which contains a hydraulic damper fillable with a damping fluid. The damper coefficient-regulating inductive heating system includes, in turn, an inductive heating device, a controller, and a sensor for monitoring data indicative of damping fluid temperature. The inductive heating device is positioned around a periphery of the hydraulic damper, such as the outer periphery of the damper, in a non-contacting relationship. During isolator operation, the controller receives data from the sensor and, in response thereto, controls the inductive heating device to selectively generate a varying magnetic field to induce heating of one or more damper components, such as metal bellows, in contact with the damping fluid. |
| US10451138B2 |
Shock absorber
A shock absorber includes an expansion-side passage and a contraction-side passage arranged alternately side by side along a circumferential direction, seats provided to surround an outlet port of the expansion-side passage or an outlet port of the contraction-side passage, and valve bodies. The seats has an arc-shaped outer seat portion, middle seat portions extending from respective both ends in a circumferential direction of the outer seat portion toward a center axis side of the piston, and an inner seat portion extending from center axis side ends of the middle seat portions oppositely to the outer seat portion side in a circumferential direction to connect the neighboring middle seat portions. The inner seat portion is placed on a straight line that connects the center axis side ends of the middle seat portions. |
| US10451133B2 |
Tubular vibration-damping device
A tubular vibration-damping device including: an outer tube member; an inner shaft member inserted in the outer tube member; a main rubber elastic body elastically connecting the inner shaft member and the outer tube member to each other; tapered tube parts provided on axially opposite sides of the outer tube member, each of the tapered tube parts being constricted in diameter to have a shape that gradually contracts toward an axial outside; and an extended tube part extending from the axial outside of at least one of the tapered tube parts of the outer tube member, the extended tube part including an expansion part that expands radially outward toward the axial outside. |
| US10451132B2 |
Switchable bearing bushing for a motor vehicle
The disclosure relates to bearing bushes for a motor vehicle, in which the bearing bushing may be switchable between a first and a second stiffness stage.The bearing bushing may include a first elastomer ring, which is arranged at least indirectly on an outer circumferential surface of a bolt, and a second elastomer ring, which is arranged radially between a first and second sleeve. The second sleeve may be arranged radially between the first and the second elastomer rings. In order to change the stiffness stage of the bearing bushing, the two sleeves may be connectable to one another by at least one ring which comes into contact with said sleeves at an end side. |
| US10451131B2 |
Shock-absorbing device
There is provided a shock-absorbing device disposed between a fixed member and a movable member to suppress movement of the movable member. The shock-absorbing device includes a case member; a shock-absorbing member; and a spring. The case member has a bottom portion, a supporting portion, a shaft portion, and a circumferential wall. The shock-absorbing member has an inner cylinder into which the shaft portion is inserted, an outer cylinder, and a spring bearing portion. A retaining member is provided between the case member and the shock-absorbing member. An outer circumference of the outer cylinder is disposed in an inner circumference of the circumferential wall to function as a first guide for the shock-absorbing member, and an inner circumference of the inner cylinder is disposed on an outer circumference of the shaft portion to function as a second guide for the shock-absorbing member. |
| US10451129B2 |
Bicycle disc brake rotor
A bicycle disc brake rotor comprises a friction member, a cooling member, and a hub attachment member. The friction member includes at least one friction surface. The cooling member is coupled to the friction member. The cooling member includes at least one cooling surface. A surface area of the at least one cooling surface is equal to or larger than 110% of a surface area of the at least one friction surface. The hub attachment member is coupled to the friction member. The hub attachment member includes a hub engagement structure to engage with a bicycle hub assembly. |
| US10451128B2 |
Bell for brake disc with integrated auxiliary brake
A bell for brake disc with integrated “drum-in-hat” auxiliary brake. The bell (2) includes an annular flange (5) configured to be coupled to a braking band (4) of a brake disc (1), and a drum (6) coupled coaxially to the annular flange (5), wherein the drum (6) accommodates or is configured to accommodate an auxiliary brake (7). The annular flange (5) and the drum (6) are separate elements joined together. The annular flange (6) has at least one recess (13). The drum (6) comprises a cylindrical body (14) and an auxiliary annular flange (15) positioned on a peripheral edge of the cylindrical body (14). The recess (13) has an annular shape coaxial with a common symmetry axis (X-X) and houses the auxiliary annular flange (15). |
| US10451125B2 |
Vehicle transmission clutch engagement control system
A vehicle includes a transmission and a controller. The transmission has clutches that are configured to establish multiple speed ratios, including a first clutch. The first clutch has a measured drag torque distribution. The measured drag torque distribution has a median and a standard deviation. The controller is programmed to increase a pressure at a rate to engage the first clutch and to increase the rate in response to a measured first clutch torque exceeding the median by a predetermined multiple of the standard deviation. |
| US10451122B2 |
Multi-mode clutch system with sliding cam profiles
A multi-mode clutch system (10) may include a cam slider (66) operatively associated with an actuator (82). A first cam profile (70) and a second cam profile may both be operatively associated with the cam slider (66). A first pawl (26) may be operatively associated with the first cam profile (70) and a second pawl may be operatively associated with the second cam profile (74) wherein the first cam profile (70) selectively acts on the first pawl (26), the second cam profile (74) selectively acts on the second pawl (30), and the multi-mode clutch system (10) is configured to allow multiple modes of operation between the first and second pawls (26, 30) and an inner race (14) according to different actuator (82) positions. |
| US10451116B1 |
Bearing assemblies
Durability-enhanced bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface. The bearing assembly may further include a support ring structure that carries the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The support ring structure may have a first portion that exhibits a first yield strength and a second portion that exhibits a second yield strength. The first yield strength of the first portion may be greater than the second yield strength of the second portion. |
| US10451113B2 |
Bearing cages for roller bearing assemblies
A bearing cage for a roller bearing assembly. The roller bearing assembly includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of roller elements. The bearing cage includes an annular body extending along an axial direction. The annular body is configured to be positioned between the inner annular ring and the outer annular ring and configured to receive a plurality of roller elements. The annular body includes a first end including a first inner radial surface opposite the inner annular ring. The annular body further includes a second end opposite the first end. The second end includes a second inner radial surface opposite the inner annular ring. The first end extends axially beyond the inner annular ring and the second end extends axially beyond the inner annular ring. |
| US10451110B2 |
Hydrostatic bearing assembly for an x-ray tube
A hydrostatic bearing assembly or structure for an x-ray tube and associated process for manufacturing and operating the bearing assembly is provided to reduce and potentially eliminate wear from landing or takeoff of the rotating component of the bearing assembly on the non-rotating component. The shaft and sleeve are separated by a gap in which an amount of a liquid metal is placed in order to provide the sleeve with the ability to rotate about the shaft, or vice versa. The non-rotating component of the hydrostatic bearing assembly is formed with a number of fluid channels extending through the component and in communication with the gap. The liquid metal is pumped into and out of the gap via the channels under pressure supplied by a magnetohydrodynamic pump to maintain the separation of the rotating and non-rotating components of the bearing assembly. |
| US10451108B2 |
Squeeze film damper bearing device
In a squeeze film damper bearing device, a pair of annular projections projecting toward an inner periphery of a bearing retaining member are provided on an outer periphery of opposite end parts in an axial direction of an outer race. When a load in a radial direction acting on a rotating shaft is less than a predetermined value, a state in which an extremity face of the annular projection is not in contact with the inner periphery of the bearing retaining member is maintained. When the load in the radial direction acting on the rotating shaft is the predetermined value or greater, the extremity face of the annular projection is in contact with the inner periphery of the bearing retaining member. The annular projection does not abut against the inner periphery of the bearing retaining member at a time other than when a large load is inputted. |
| US10451107B2 |
Method for mounting a rolling bearing unit on the rotor of a turbocharger
A method for mounting a rolling bearing arrangement onto a rotor and into the bearing housing of a turbocharger is provided. The method includes inserting a component, which is deformable under the exertion of pressure, into the intermediate space between two rolling bearings of the rotor assembly. The rotor assembly includes a rotor shaft, inner bearing rings which are fastened to the rotor shaft or integrated into the rotor shaft and which have a spacing to one another, rolling elements which are inserted into the inner bearing rings, and outer bearing rings which likewise have a spacing to one another. The method also includes deforming, by exertion of pressure, the component that has been inserted into the intermediate space between the two rolling bearings, to set a desired axial preload between the two rolling bearings. |
| US10451104B2 |
Gas bearings
A gas bearing system has at least one gas bearing (30, 32, 34) with a moving part and a static part and which can be operated in both aero-dynamic and aero-static modes. The system has a source (36) of pressurized gas fluidly connected with the bearing and a control system (134) for regulating the supply of pressurized gas to the bearing in dependence on the rotational speed of the moving part. The system has particular application in a turbocharger (1) where a flow of pressurized gas from the source is introduced into the bearing at the start-up and slow down phases of operation of the turbocharger, the flow being stopped, or reduced, when the turbocharger has reached normal operating speeds. |
| US10451102B2 |
Quick-release fastener
A fastener for attaching a license plate to a vehicle includes a receiver having a shank portion and a head portion defining a recess, and an insert having a shank portion configured to be received within the recess defined by the head portion of the receiver and a head portion defining a recess for receiving a release mechanism within an interior of the shank portion and the head portion of the insert. The shank portion of the receiver is configured to secure the receiver to the vehicle. The shank portion of the insert is received within the recess defined by the head portion of the receiver with the license plate disposed between the head portion of the receiver and the head portion of the insert. A detent element of the release mechanism engages the head portion of the receiver to attach the license plate and the insert to the receiver and the vehicle. The release mechanism is depressed to release the detent element from the head portion of the receiver to remove the license plate and the insert from the receiver. |
| US10451096B2 |
Multifunctional reversible clip
A three part reversible clamping retention clip is provided comprising a mounting area for attachment to a holster, bag, pouch or other device and a clamping head with adjacent flap for reversible and secure engagement to a material worn by the user. |
| US10451094B2 |
Hydraulic system of work machine
A hydraulic system of a work machine includes a first oil path which is connected to a hydraulic pump and though which hydraulic oil is to flow from the hydraulic pump. An operation valve is connected to the first oil path. An operation lever is to control the operation valve to control pressure of the hydraulic oil in accordance with an operation of the operation member. A hydraulic instrument is to be actuated by the hydraulic oil output from the operation valve. A second oil path connects the operation valve and the hydraulic instrument. The hydraulic oil in the second oil path is discharged through a discharge oil path. An actuation valve is provided in the discharge oil path. An actuation valve controller is to control the actuation valve to be opened and closed according to a temperature of hydraulic oil detected by a first sensor. |
| US10451090B2 |
Adjustment system for a hydraulic actuator
The present disclosure relates to an adjustment system a method for compensating for temperature variations in a spool valve. The spool valve and adjustment system may be parts in a duplex hydraulic actuator. The adjustment device comprises a spring, a pivot point, and a shape memory alloy (SMA) device. The spring and SMA device are disposed on either side of the pivot point to hold the pivot point in a first position. The SMA device is configured to change size in response to a temperature change so as move the pivot point to a second location. This may eliminate force fight in the duplex hydraulic actuator by preventing asynchronous activation of the spool valves due to thermal expansion within the spool valves. |
| US10451086B2 |
Air cycle machine fan and compressor housing
A fan and compressor housing for an air cycle machine includes a fan inlet disposed around a center axis of the housing and having a fan inlet mounting flange, a compressor outlet having a compressor outlet mounting flange, and a compressor inlet having a compressor inlet mounting flange. The fan inlet mounting flange has a pinhole disposed thereon configured to receive a pin from a fan inlet diffuser housing and a fan inlet counterbore configured to receive a mating component from the fan inlet diffuser housing. The compressor outlet mounting flange has a compressor outlet counterbore configured to receive a first mating component from a condenser/reheater. The compressor inlet mounting flange has a compressor inlet counterbore configured to receive a second mating component from the condenser/reheater. |
| US10451085B2 |
Assembly methods for the connection of a turbine wheel to a shaft
A method of assembling an electrified turbocharger comprising assembling a rotor assembly onto a shaft; balancing the shaft and rotor assembly; attaching at least one bearing onto the shaft adjacent the rotor assembly; inserting a stator assembly into a first housing component; axially inserting the shaft, the rotor assembly, and the at least one bearing into the first housing component; attaching a second housing component to the first housing component; attaching a compressor wheel to a first end of the shaft; and attaching a turbine wheel to a second end of the shaft and balancing the electrified turbocharger. |
| US10451084B2 |
Gas turbine engine with vane having a cooling inlet
An apparatus and method of cooling a hot portion of a gas turbine engine, such as a multi-stage compressor of a gas turbine engine, by reducing an operating air temperature in a space between a seal and a blade post of adjacent stages by routing cooling air through an inlet in the vane, passing the routed cooling air through the vane, and emitting the routed cooling air into the space. |
| US10451078B2 |
Air-conditioning blower motor unit
Provided is an air-conditioning blower motor unit that includes: a brushless motor which has an output shaft to be coupled with an air-conditioning blower fan constituting an air conditioner; a circuit board configured to allow the brushless motor to be driven by a supply of electric power; a casing configured to house the brushless motor and the circuit board; and a base frame configured to support the circuit board and the output shaft. The circuit board on the base frame is disposed at a position eccentric with respect to the output shaft inside the casing. |
| US10451076B2 |
Ventilating fan
A ventilating fan includes a frame, a casing in which a fan motor is mounted, an adapter connected to an air outlet of the casing, a switch, and a junction box for connection of electric wires, where the frame has a bottom surface formed with an air inlet and a side surface provided with an air outlet, wherein any one of surfaces of the junction box is formed with an opening for mounting of the switch and the switch is fixed directly to the opening of the junction box. With the ventilating fan according to the embodiments of the present invention, although a switch is disposed, the cost is not increased and the area of an air path is not narrowed, and the switch can also be conveniently operated. |
| US10451075B1 |
Saltwater disposal
A saltwater disposal system and method that has a pump pod containing a plurality of individually controllable pumps. A tank pod contains a plurality of tanks connected to the pump pod to discharge fluid from the tanks by selected activation of the pumps. Each tank is configured to transmit a fluid level signal indicating a level of fluid in the respective tank. A flow controller executes computer instructions stored in a computer memory that defines a collective discharge flow rate for the tank pod from individual discharge flow rates for each tank based on a stored flow profile that varies discharge flow rate in relation to the tank fluid level signal. The flow controller also selectively activates the pumps according to predetermined operating rules to match a collective discharge flow rate of the pump pod to the discharge flow rate of the tank pod. |
| US10451072B2 |
Pump, refrigeration cycle apparatus, and method for manufacturing pump
In a pump, a resin magnet included in a rotor portion has a plurality of groove portions in an outer peripheral portion thereof, the groove portions extending in an axial direction. |
| US10451070B2 |
Sliding vane compressor and exhaust structure thereof
Disclosed are a sliding vane compressor and an exhaust structure thereof. The exhaust structure of the sliding vane compressor includes: an exhaust hole, the exhaust hole being formed in a flange of the sliding vane compressor and being in communication with a compression cavity of a cylinder of the sliding vane compressor; a guide channel, the guide channel being formed on the flange and penetrating through the flange; and an exhaust channel, the exhaust channel being formed on an eccentric circle of the sliding vane compressor, and the exhaust channel being used for communicating the compression cavity with the guide channel using the rotation of the eccentric circle. The sliding vane compressor and the exhaust structure thereof have a small exhaust loss, thereby effectively reducing the power consumption and the production and manufacturing costs of the sliding vane compressor. |
| US10451068B2 |
Tip seal
A tip seal for scroll wraps in a scroll compressor is provided. The tip seal may include surface features to form a tortuous flow path in a seal groove of a scroll wrap. The surface features can help form one or more contraction and/or expansion areas in the tortuous flow path. The tortuous flow path can help provide resistance to fluid flow and help reduce leakage through the seal groove. |
| US10451060B2 |
Positive displacement pump having multiple operating stages
A positive displacement pump for pumping oil in a motor vehicle transmission comprises a pump stage that has a central kidney-shaped suction cavity and two kidney-shaped pressure cavities. Oil is selectively pumped via one kidney-shaped pressure cavity or the other kidney-shaped pressure cavity in accordance with the direction of rotation of the pump stage. This makes it possible to create, with little complexity, two operating stages for the positive displacement pump. |
| US10451059B2 |
Pump for conveying a fluid, in particular for conveying an exhaust gas cleaning additive
A pump for conveying a fluid includes a pump housing, an eccentric, a deformable element arranged in a pump gap between the inner circumferential surface of the pump housing, and an outer surface of the eccentric, such that a conveying channel is formed from an inlet to an outlet. A stationary seal is provided between the outlet and the inlet and prevents a backflow of the fluid from the outlet back to the inlet. The inner circumferential surface of the pump housing has a recess in the region of the stationary seal, and the deformable element is tensioned fluid-tight at the inner circumference surface in the region of the recess using a pin. |
| US10451053B2 |
Hydromechanical pressure compensation control of a variable displacement pump in a centrifugal pumping and metering system and associated method
A pump assembly includes a pump unit having a centrifugal pump and a variable pump supplying pressurized flow. A fuel control assembly receives flow from the pump unit and includes at least one metering valve and at least one throttling valve. A control for the variable pump receives first and second pressure signals indicative of a pressure differential across the throttling valve, or across the metering valve/throttling valve combination, for altering operation of the variable pump in response to the pressure differential. |
| US10451046B2 |
Energy cell for converting heat into other forms of energy and apparatus for the recovery of heat that makes use of such an energy cell
An energy cell that is provided with a pressure vessel with two chambers separated by a membrane, respectively a first chamber filled with a phase-change material and a second chamber filled with hydraulic fluid, whereby this energy cell is provided with means to be able to heat and cool the phase-change material alternately, coupled with a volume change, whereby the second chamber is provided with a passage that acts as an input and/or output for the hydraulic fluid, whereby the membrane is stretched elastically upon a phase change whereby the volume in the first chamber increases. |
| US10451045B2 |
Wind turbine including sensor assembly and method of operating such
A wind turbine includes a hub configured to rotate about an axis at a first rotation speed and at least one blade coupled to the hub. The wind turbine also includes a sensor assembly configured to detect at least one characteristic of wind flowing through the wind turbine. The sensor assembly is mounted to the hub. The sensor assembly includes a laser device configured to emit a laser beam and at least one optical element configured to direct the laser beam. The sensor assembly also includes a non-motorized mechanism configured to rotate the at least one optical element at a second rotation speed when the hub rotates at the first rotation speed. The second rotation speed is greater than the first rotation speed. |
| US10451040B2 |
Orthogonal turbine with pressure-differential-controlled jets
An orthogonal power unit includes blade sections with pressure sensitive elements on either side of a foil contour, such as at the widest point. Vents are positioned rearward of the pressure sensitive elements. A controller, such as a linkage or electronic controller, senses a pressure differential between the pressure sensitive elements. When the pressure differential exceeds a threshold, a valve coupled to the vent on the low-pressure side is opened to release pressurized fluid from that vent. The fluid may be combustible gas and an ignitor may be incorporated into the turbine blade to ignite the gas. A channel may pass through the blade sections and a back-pressure valve in each valve section couples the channel to a cavity from which fluid is released through the vents. |
| US10451037B2 |
Wind turbine blade
Wind turbine blades comprising one or more deformable trailing edge sections, each deformable trailing edge section comprising a first and a second actuator, wherein the second actuator is arranged substantially downstream from the first actuator, and wherein the first actuator is of a first type and wherein the second actuator is of a second type, the second type being different from the first type. The application further relates to wind turbines comprising such blades and methods of operating a wind turbine comprising one or more of such blades. |
| US10451036B2 |
Adjustment factor for aerodynamic performance map
The present disclosure is directed to a method for controlling a wind turbine using an adjusted aerodynamic performance map. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring at least one of an actual wind parameter or operating data of the wind turbine using one or more sensors. Further, the method includes determining an adjustment factor for the aerodynamic performance map based, at least in part, on either or both of the measured actual wind parameter or the wind turbine operating data. Moreover, the method includes applying the adjustment factor to a first aerodynamic performance map to obtain an adjusted aerodynamic performance map. Thus, the method also includes controlling the wind turbine based on the adjusted aerodynamic performance map. |
| US10451029B2 |
Dual rotor wind power assembly (variants)
The invention relates to propeller-type horizontal-axis wind turbine assemblies. All of the present assembly variants comprise, mounted on a tower, a wind turbine with two coaxial wind propellers on a rotating platform, a gearbox, systems for controlling the pitch angles of the blades and the position of the platform, and an electric generator. The design of the assemblies additionally includes improvements which make it possible to increase the efficiency with which the energy of the wind is utilized, increase electricity output, reduce service time, simplify manufacture and use, increase reliability and working life, and eliminate infrasound. |
| US10451026B2 |
Underwater device and method for controlling posture of underwater device
This underwater device is twin-motor underwater floating-type power generation device that is provided with: a device main body that is equipped with a pair of pods that have a turbine, and with a connecting beam that connects these pods together in parallel with each other; a sinker; and tether cables that tether the device main body to the seabed via this sinker. The respective turbines of the pods are each provided with variable pitch turbine blades. This device is also provided with a depth meter that detects deviation in posture in the roll direction that is generated in the pair of pods, and a posture controller that controls the pitch of the variable pitch turbine blades of the respective turbines so as to nullify any deviation in posture in the roll direction that has been generated in the pair of pods and has been detected by the depth meter. |
| US10451022B2 |
Intermittent restart for automatic engine stop start system
A disclosed method of automatically stopping and restarting a vehicle engine determines if one or more stop/start enablement condition has been met. If the stop/start enablement condition or conditions have been met, the method initiates an engine shutdown. If a restart request is made before the engine reaches a predetermined threshold speed, then a first restart sequence is initiated. If a restart request is made when the engine speed is less than the predetermined threshold speed but still greater than 0, then a second restart sequence is initiated. |
| US10451020B2 |
Automatic engine stopping and starting for a parked vehicle
Systems and methods for operating an engine that may be automatically stopped and started responsive to vehicle operating conditions are disclosed. In one example, the engine may be automatically started after it has been automatically stopped in response to a driver applying a brake pedal while the vehicle's transmission is engaged in park. The engine may be started to increase transmission pump pressure prior to engaging a gear to reduce vehicle launch time. |
| US10451012B2 |
Gaseous fuel combustion apparatus for an internal combustion engine
Diesel-cycle engines are known to have greater power, torque and efficiency compared to Otto-cycle engines of like displacement. When the fuel is a gaseous fuel, such as natural gas, a pilot fuel (such as diesel) is normally required to assist with ignition in a gaseous fuelled Diesel-cycle engine. It would be advantageous to reduce the power, torque and efficiency gap between a Diesel-cycle engine and a gaseous fuelled Otto-cycle engine. A combustion apparatus for a gaseous fuelled internal combustion engine comprises a combustion chamber defined by a cylinder bore, a cylinder head and a piston reciprocating within the cylinder bore. A diameter of the cylinder bore is at least 90 mm and a ratio between the diameter and a stroke length of the piston is at most 0.95. There is at least one intake passage for delivering a charge to the combustion chamber, and at least one intake valve is configured in the cylinder head and cooperates with the intake passage to create a predominant tumble flow motion in the combustion chamber. |
| US10451011B2 |
Gas supply device for internal combustion engine and control method for the same
A gas supply device is equipped with an oxygen enrichment membrane module, a pump portion, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit performs oxygen enrichment control for merging the air supplied to a first space from a second space through the oxygen enrichment membrane and containing a higher concentration of oxygen than an atmosphere with the atmosphere that has flowed into the first space and supplying the merged air and atmosphere to a combustion chamber of the cylinders by driving the pump portion, and nitrogen enrichment control for discharging air containing a higher concentration of oxygen than the atmosphere to the second space from the first space through the oxygen enrichment membrane, producing air containing a higher concentration of nitrogen than the atmosphere in the first space, and supplying the air containing the higher concentration of nitrogen to the combustion chamber by driving the pump portion. |
| US10451010B2 |
Systems and methods for diagnosing components in a vehicle evaporative emissions system
Methods and systems are provided for conducting a canister purging operation and for rationalizing components of a vehicle evaporative emission system. In one example, after completion of a refueling event, a first fuel vapor canister purge operation is conducted to desorb hydrocarbon light ends from the fuel vapor canister, and subsequently the canister is heated to desorb hydrocarbon heavy ends from the canister, which are routed to a hydrocarbon sensor to rationalize the hydrocarbon sensor, before being purged to engine intake in a second purging operation. In this way, a fuel vapor storage canister may be thoroughly cleaned of hydrocarbon light ends and hydrocarbon heavy ends, while additionally indicating whether a canister heating element, and a hydrocarbon sensor positioned between the canister and atmosphere, are functioning as desired. |
| US10451005B2 |
Gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine comprising in flow series: a fan; a series of outlet guide vanes; and a bifurcation. The outlet guide vanes are more densely distributed in a region circumferentially aligned with the bifurcation than in a region circumferentially offset from the bifurcation. |
| US10451003B2 |
Nozzle support system
A nozzle support system for a nozzle of a gas turbine includes an outer ring, an inner ring disposed within the outer ring, and a plurality of links pivotally attaching the outer ring to the inner ring. Each one of the links may have an outer end that is pivotally attached to the outer ring, and each one of the links may have an inner end that is pivotally attached to the inner ring, such that the inner ring moves along a longitudinal axis of the outer ring. |
| US10451001B2 |
CMC oxide-oxide mixer design
An exhaust mixing system having an attachment flange configured to couple a lobed Oxide-CMC exhaust mixer to a turbine engine. The attachment flange includes an annulus and a plurality of projections extending from the annulus in a first direction that is substantially parallel to a central axis of the annulus. The annulus is configured to couple to the turbine engine and the plurality of projections is configured to couple to the lobed mixer. |
| US10450998B2 |
One piece cast ferrous crown piston for internal combustion engine
A one-piece piston having an investment or other permanent or non-permanent mold/die precision cast piston crown, rod flange and piston skirt. The piston crown has a relative constant thickness, a flange requiring minimal machining and a skirt providing for a wall with a support against the angular shifting of the piston. This improves the distribution of heat within such crown and the angular stability of the piston wall at the piston rod connection. |
| US10450994B2 |
Method and system for fuel system control
Methods and systems are provided for enforcing a minimum fuel lift pump commanded voltage that is determined as a function of commanded lift pump pressure and fuel flow rate. The minimum fuel lift pump voltage is applied when the commanded voltage is lower than the minimum voltage. The approach reduces engine stalls induced by ingestion of fuel vapors at an injection pump coupled downstream of the lift pump. |
| US10450990B2 |
Fuel system for internal combustion engine and a method to lessen pressure fluctuations in a fuel filter device in a fuel system
A fuel system for an internal combustion engine is provided, which comprises a first fuel tank, a fuel filter device, arranged between a low pressure pump operated by an electric motor and a high pressure pump, a first fuel conduit, through which the low pressure pump is arranged to supply fuel to the fuel filter device, and a control device, arranged in connection with an electric motor operating the low pressure pump. An overflow conduit is arranged in connection with a deaeration outlet, arranged in the fuel filter device and the first fuel tank, and the control device is arranged to control the electric motor, in such a way that the low pressure pump is active when the internal combustion engine is turned off for a limited period, whereby fuel may flow from the fuel filter device via the deaeration outlet and the overflow conduit, back to the first fuel tank. |
| US10450989B2 |
Fuel injection device for internal combustion engine
A fuel injection device for an internal combustion engine includes: a high/low pressure fuel system configured to inject fuel into cylinders 12a to 12d through an in-cylinder injector 44; and a low pressure fuel injection system configured to inject fuel into an intake manifold 14 through an intake path injector 46. An ECU 60 incorporates: an idling stop/start unit 68 that stops the engine when an idling stop condition is satisfied, and restarts the engine when the idling stop condition is no longer satisfied; and a fuel injection control unit 70 that causes, after the idling stop condition is no longer satisfied, fuel remaining in the first fuel injection unit to be injected into the cylinder, before rotation of a crank shaft 32 starts, so that the engine 10 is automatically restarted, and causes fuel injection to be started from the second fuel injection unit when predetermined condition is satisfied. |
| US10450987B2 |
Method of operating a fuel injector
A method of operating a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine includes setting a value of a target fuel quantity to be injected by the fuel injector, initializing a value of a fuel quantity requested from the fuel injector to the value of the target fuel quantity, and correcting the value of the requested fuel quantity. A first learning cycle is performed to correct the value of the requested fuel quantity in which a difference between the target fuel quantity and the injected fuel quantity is calculated and added to the requested fuel quantity to provide a corrected value. The corrected value of the requested fuel quantity is used to determine a reference value of an energizing time that causes the fuel injector to inject a fuel quantity corresponding to the target fuel quantity. The fuel injector is operated based on the determined reference value of the energizing time. |
| US10450978B2 |
Method for controlling back pressure valve
A method for controlling a back pressure valve may include: an operation of sensing, by a controller, an engine speed and a fuel injection rate; an operation of comparing the engine speed with a preset speed and comparing the fuel injection rate with a preset injection rate after the operation of sensing; and a first control operation of, when a result of the operation of comparing indicates that the engine speed is less than the preset speed and that the fuel injection rate is less than the preset injection rate, controlling a control constant of the back pressure valve to be set to a compensation value that is less than a reference value. |
| US10450976B2 |
CDA system and control method for the same
A cylinder deactivation (CDA) system and a control method for the same and the CDA system may include a plurality of cylinder; a cylinder deactivation (CDA) apparatus selectively are configured to de-activate an operation of an exhaust valve of the partial cylinder among the plurality of cylinders; a connection pipe connecting the de-activated cylinder to the normally operated cylinder among the plurality of cylinders; an auxiliary valve apparatus configured for opening or closing the connection pipe to supply a compressed air of the de-activated cylinder among the plurality of cylinders to the normally operated cylinder; a vehicle operation state measuring device configured for measuring a vehicle operation state to output a corresponding signal; and a controller configured for controlling operations of the CDA apparatus and the auxiliary valve apparatus depending on the corresponding signal of the vehicle operation state measuring device. |
| US10450971B2 |
Method and device for controlling a combustion of an internal combustion engine
A method and a device for controlling a combustion of an internal combustion engine are provided, including an arrangement, which generates a signal for the intensity of the combustion in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine from a sensor signal of the internal combustion engine. The intensity is compared to a reference level, which was formed from intensities of preceding combustions in the combustion chamber by moving average calculation. An irregular combustion is detected if the intensity exceeds the reference level in a predetermined manner, and then at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine is shifted in the direction of an avoidance of the irregular combustion. Following an irregular combustion, the averaging for forming the reference level is accelerated for a specified duration. |
| US10450969B2 |
Electric exhaust gas valve device
An electric exhaust gas valve device (1) controls a flow cross section (5) of an exhaust pipe (6) of an exhaust system (8) of an internal combustion engine. The valve device includes an electric drive (2) driving a driven shaft (9) rotatingly about an axis of rotation (10). An exhaust gas valve (3) has a drive shaft (12) aligned coaxially to and rotatable about the axis of rotation for controlling the cross section. A coupling device (4) transmits torques between the driven shaft and the drive shaft and includes a connection element connected to the drive shaft, a transmission element (16) connected to the driven shaft and the connection element with a prestressing spring (18) supported axially on the connection element and/or on the drive shaft as well as on the transmission element and axially driving the transmission element against the driven shaft to reduce thermal load. |
| US10450965B2 |
Fuel metering unit for turbine engine
The invention relates to a fuel metering and distribution unit (10) which comprises in particular a slide valve (20) and a set of slots (41) configured with geometries, dimensions and positions such that: in a first range of displacement of the slide valve, the flow area (31) which feeds the outlet port of the start-up ramp is progressively opened with the displacement of the slide valve (20), while the area (41) of the set of slots which feeds the outlet port of the main ramp is closed, then, in a second range of displacement of the slide valve (20), the area (41) of the set of slots which feeds the outlet port (42) of the main ramp is progressively opened with the displacement of the slide valve, while the flow area (31) which feeds the outlet port of the start-up ramp is kept open, the outlet port (42) of the main ramp thus being able to receive a portion of the total metered flow rate at the flow area (31) feeding the outlet port of the start-up ramp. |
| US10450955B2 |
Nacelle anti ice system
An anti-icing system of a nacelle inlet of an engine of an aircraft includes first and second direct acting valves and first and second control valve assemblies fluidly connected to the nacelle inlet. The first direct acting valve includes a first inlet, outlet, valve chamber, and piston. The first piston is positioned in the first direct acting valve. The first control valve assembly is fluidly connected to the first valve. The second direct acting valve includes a second inlet, outlet, valve chamber, and piston. The second piston is positioned in the second direct acting valve. The second direct acting valve is fluidly connected to the first direct acting valve in a series configuration. The second control valve assembly is fluidly connected to the second valve chamber. |
| US10450952B2 |
Turbofan engine assembly with gearbox
A turbofan engine assembly including an internal combustion engine in fluid communication between a compressor and a turbine, the internal combustion engine having an engine shaft, a bypass duct surrounding the internal combustion engine, and a fan drivingly engaged to the engine shaft via a gearbox, the gearbox configured to increase an output speed of the fan relative to an input speed of the engine shaft. |
| US10450948B2 |
Charger, in particular an exhaust gas turbo charger, for a drive device and corresponding drive device
An exhaust gas turbocharger for a drive device, having a compressor that is capable of being electrically supported or driven by a media gap motor, the media gap motor having a rotor that is operatively connected to a bearing shaft of a compressor impeller of the compressor, and having a stator that surrounds the rotor at least in some regions in the circumferential direction relative to an axis of rotation of the bearing shaft. A power electronics for controlling at least one electrical winding of the stator surrounds the axis of rotation at least in some regions in the circumferential direction, a cooling jacket that stands in touch contact with the stator and/or with the power electronics being provided for cooling the stator and/or the power electronics. |
| US10450945B2 |
Method for operating an axial piston motor, and axial piston motor
In an axial piston motor in which fuel and compressed combustion medium are continuously burned in a combustion chamber so as to be turned into the working fluid and successively be delivered to working cylinders, at least one of the compressor discharge valves is closed in a positively controlled manner and is opened by a compressor pressure building up in the respective compressor cylinder. |
| US10450939B2 |
Multiple plane recirculation fan control for a cooling package
A multiplane fan cooling system and method is disclosed for a cooling system with first, second and intake planes; a first fan and heat exchanger on the first plane, a second fan and heat exchanger on the second plane, and a shared air cavity bounded at least partially by these three planes. Each fan pulls air into the shared air cavity through the intake plane and across its associated heat exchanger. The first fan cools the first heat exchanger, and counteracts the second fan from drawing air into the shared air cavity through the first heat exchanger. The second fan cools the second heat exchanger. The second fan can be activated to counteract the first fan from drawing air into the shared air cavity through the second heat exchanger. All the air in the shared air cavity can be available to each of the fans. |
| US10450938B2 |
Cooling circuit for internal combustion engines
A cooling circuit for internal combustion engines includes an internal combustion engine, a pressure-feeding unit for feeding coolant, which cools the internal combustion engine under pressure, a valve unit having a plurality of heat exchangers connected in parallel thereto, an exhaust heat recovery system for recovering heat from exhaust air of the internal combustion engine by the coolant, a first circulation circuit including the pressure-feeding unit, the valve unit and the exhaust heat recovery system, and a second circulation circuit including the pressure-feeding unit and the exhaust heat recovery system. |
| US10450937B2 |
Apparatus and method of producing insulation preform with graded porosity
The present disclosure provides a method of producing an insulation preform having graded porosity for an exhaust treatment component of a vehicle. The method includes obtaining a first granular insulating material having a first diameter, a second granular insulating material having a second diameter less than the first diameter, an inorganic binder, and water. The method further includes producing a slurry comprising the first granular insulating material, the second granular insulating material, the inorganic binder, and water. The slurry is introduced into a mold having at least one surface adapted for vacuum extraction. A liquid phase of the slurry is evacuated from the mold using vacuum extraction to produce a moist preform. The moist preform has graded porosity such that a greater concentration of the second insulation material is adjacent to the at least one surface than the first insulating material. The moist preform is heated to produce the insulation preform. |
| US10450933B2 |
Downstream oxygen sensor performance for selective catalytic reduction
Technical solutions are described for an emissions control system for a motor vehicle including an internal combustion engine. An example computer-implemented method for controlling an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, includes detecting a high hydrocarbon region in the operation of the internal combustion engine. The method further includes responsively, measuring an upstream temperature of an oxidation device of the exhaust system. Further yet, the method includes in response to the upstream temperature being equal to or above a predetermined threshold, delaying an O2 diagnosis of the exhaust system for a signal rationality delay time. |
| US10450932B2 |
Particulate filter fault diagnosis method and device
Arranged downstream of a particulate matter filter incorporated in an exhaust pipe is a PM sensor with a detection portion on which particulate matter is deposited to output a deposition amount of the particulate matter. An assumption condition is set for making an assumption that the particulate matter filter is in a reference condition having a predetermined particulate matter capturing capability. Under the assumption condition, a virtual output value is calculated depending on a virtual deposition amount of the particulate matter in the PM sensor. The particulate matter filter is determined to have fault when, upon reaching of the virtual output value to a predetermined determination threshold, an output of the PM sensor is not less than the determination threshold. |
| US10450931B2 |
Exhaust gas control apparatus for internal combustion engine
A basic regeneration completion pressure difference value is set based on a predicted deposition amount of incombustible deposits produced steadily on a particulate filter, and a corrected regeneration completion pressure difference value higher than the basic regeneration completion pressure difference value is set based on a deposition amount of incombustible deposits deposited unsteadily on the particulate filter. After regeneration processing starts, when a time for which a pressure difference value is maintained to be equal to or greater than the basic regeneration completion pressure difference value after decreasing to the corrected regeneration completion pressure difference value exceeds a prescribed regeneration completion time, the regeneration processing ends. |
| US10450930B2 |
Systems and method for exhaust warm-up strategy
Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine to adjust exhaust warm-up strategy based on a vehicle network information. In one example, in response to an expected decrease in temperature of a catalyst of a vehicle below a threshold and an estimated duration thereof based on communications external from the vehicle, a method may include delaying catalyst heating actions, when the catalyst heating actions are determined to be unable to heat up the catalyst to threshold temperatures. However, the catalyst heating actions may be enabled when the catalyst heating actions are determined to be able to achieve the threshold temperature within the duration. |
| US10450924B2 |
Methods for assessing the condition of a selective catalytic reduction devices
Selective catalytic reduction device (SCR) assessment methods include, while communicating exhaust to the SCR, determining a first temperature differential (dT) between a modeled exotherm phase temperature and a measured SCR exotherm outlet exhaust temperature, comparing the first dT to a first threshold, and determining that the SCR performance is suitable if the first dT is below the first threshold, or, if the first dT is above the first threshold, communicating exhaust gas to the SCR during a water endotherm phase, determining a second dT between a modeled endotherm phase temperature and a measured SCR endotherm phase outlet exhaust temperature, comparing the second dT to a second threshold, and determining that the SCR performance is suitable if the second dT is above the second threshold, or determining that the SCR performance is unsuitable if the second dT is below the second threshold. Performance can be SCR reductant storage capacity. |
| US10450920B2 |
Tank device
A tank device for a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle having such a tank device. The tank device includes a motor vehicle tank, a ventilation outlet, and a filler pipe head configured to fill the motor vehicle tank. The filler pipe head includes a filler opening configured to receive a nozzle during a filling sequence, and a filling ventilation opening configured for movement between an open state during introduction of the nozzle to fluidically connect an inner space of the filler pipe head to the ventilation outlet, and a closed state during removal of the nozzle from the filler opening, the filler pipe head having an operational ventilation opening fluidically connected to the ventilation outlet, and which has a semi-permeable diaphragm to permit flow of gasses therethrough and also to prevent a flow of fluids. |
| US10450913B2 |
Exhaust gas purifying device of internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas purifying device includes: a columnar honeycomb carrier provided in an exhaust channel; a tubular case member housing the honeycomb carrier; and a retaining member surrounding the outer circumference of the honeycomb carrier. The honeycomb carrier has, in the outer circumferential edge of an inlet-side end face and an outlet-side end face, respectively, sloped surfaces sloped toward a direction in which the length in the center axis direction of the honeycomb carrier decreases. Of the retaining member, ends in the center axis direction of the honeycomb carrier extend to the sloped surfaces of the honeycomb carrier, and the ends have tapered parts which are longer in the center axis direction of the honeycomb carrier on the side facing the case member than on the side facing the honeycomb carrier. |
| US10450911B2 |
Exhaust gas aftertreatment device and exhaust gas aftertreatment method
An exhaust-gas aftertreatment device (10) for an internal combustion engine, particularly for a marine diesel internal combustion engine operated using heavy fuel oil, includes a housing (11); an exhaust-gas chamber (12) defined by the housing (11), for permitting exhaust gas to flow continuously through the housing (11), an inlet (13) for permitting exhaust gas to flow into the housing and an outlet (14) for permitting exhaust gas to flow out of the housing (11); a sound damping chamber (15), defined by the housing (11) and coupled with the exhaust-gas chamber (12). The sound dampening chamber (15) is constructed to receive a fluid or a pourable solid at a fill level depending on the frequency of an exhaust sound to be damped. |
| US10450909B2 |
Oil pump
An oil pump in a motor vehicle, having a case and an electric motor mounted in the case. The electric motor drives a pump stage which is likewise mounted in the case. The oil pump is an axial flow centrifugal pump. |
| US10450908B2 |
Rocker arm assembly for engine braking
An exhaust valve rocker arm assembly operable in a combustion engine mode and an engine braking mode includes: a rocker shaft that defines a pressurized oil supply conduit; a rocker arm for receiving the rocker shaft and to rotate around the rocker shaft, the rocker arm including an oil supply passage defined therein; a valve bridge for engaging a first exhaust valve and a second exhaust valve; a first plunger body movable between a first position and a second position, and that in the first position extends rigidly for cooperative engagement with the valve bridge; a check valve disposed on the rocker arm and including an actuator for selectively releasing pressure acting on the first plunger body, the actuator including a needle including a longitudinal disk portion and a disk portion; and an oil discharge circuit for to selectively depressurizing oil under the disk portion of the actuator. |
| US10450903B2 |
Variable valve lift actuator of engine
Provided is a variable valve lift actuator of an engine, which includes: a first body rotating; a second body; a driving module; and a return spring, wherein an entire portion or a partial front end of the driving module is inserted into a rear end of the second body, the lift degree of the valve is variably controlled in two stages of a high-speed mode and a low-speed mode based on an operating condition of the engine, and when only the high-speed cam is installed on the camshaft, the driving pin is operated in a low-speed and low-load state of the engine to separate the first body from the second body so as to deactivate a cylinder. |
| US10450902B2 |
Finger follower assembly for use in a valvetrain of an internal combustion engine
A finger follower for use in an internal combustion engine valvetrain having a valve, a lash adjuster, and a camshaft having a lobe. The finger follower includes a shaft, a bearing rotatably supported by the shaft for engaging the lobe. A body is provided with a pad for engaging the valve, a socket spaced from the pad for engaging the lash adjuster, and walls disposed between the pad and the socket. A slot is formed in each wall for supporting the shaft, and each has a respective pair of eccentric arc-shaped bearing surfaces arranged to allow the shaft to rotate within the slots and to move along the slots to facilitate alignment of the bearing with respect to engagement with the lobe independent of alignment of the pad with respect to engagement with the valve and of alignment of the socket with respect to engagement with the lash adjuster. |
| US10450899B2 |
Gas turbine exhaust diverter system duct guide rails
This gas turbine exhaust system provides a bypass duct having a gas inlet section capable of receiving the turbine exhaust gas, a first section for connection with an exhaust gas collector and a second section for connection with a heat collection boiler, detachable ducts respectively opened and closed, selectively fitted in the first and second sections, to operate the exhaust system in a simple cycle mode or in a combined cycle mode, and guide rails for guiding the ducts. |
| US10450897B2 |
Shroud for a gas turbine engine
Shrouds and shroud segments for gas turbine engines are provided. In one embodiment, a shroud segment for a gas turbine engine having a rotor blade stage and a nozzle stage is provided. The shroud segment comprises a forward end defining an outer wall of the rotor blade stage and an aft end defining an outer wall of the nozzle stage. The aft end defines at least a portion of an opening therethrough for receipt of a nozzle, and the forward end and the aft end form a single, continuous component. In another embodiment, a gas turbine engine is provided, having a shroud with a forward end positioned near a leading edge of a plurality of rotor blades of a rotor blade stage and an aft end positioned near a trailing edge of a plurality of nozzles of a nozzle stage. Methods of assembling a gas turbine engine also are provided. |
| US10450896B2 |
Manufacture of a casing with a boss
The manufacture of a casing which has a boss includes providing two canister portions a first defining an outer wall geometry of a casing including a boss and a second defining an inner wall geometry of the casing. The casing is made using known PHIP methods. The second canister portion includes an array of holes or recesses which, when the canister portions are aligned, face a recess on the first canister portion which defines the boss such that in the nett shape COS an array of pedestals is provided aligned with the boss. The dimension from an exposed end of a pedestal to an exposed surface of the boss is sufficient to receive a bolt thread of the minimum length required to secure a component to the boss. |
| US10450893B1 |
Bearing centering spring and damper
A machine has first and second members. A bearing has an inner race mounted to the second member and an outer race rotatable relative to the inner race about an axis. A ring holds the outer race. A radial spring extends radially between the ring and the first member. First and second damper rings extending radially between the ring and the first member at first and second axial sides of the radial spring. First and second damping chambers are radially between an outer diameter surface portion of the respective damper rings and an inner diameter surface portion of the first member. |
| US10450892B2 |
Thermal management of turbine casing using varying working mediums
A turbine casing may comprise a casing body and a first heat pipe disposed in the casing body. The first heat pipe may comprise a first working medium. The first heat pipe may include a first vaporization section and a first condensation section. The first vaporization section may be located forward the first condensation section. A second heat pipe may be disposed in the casing body and may comprise a second working medium different from the first working medium. |
| US10450891B2 |
Localized engine protection from corrosion and contamination
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a cover configured to substantially conform to a profile of a first assembly of an engine in terms of the dimensions of the first assembly and hermetically seal the first assembly such that a second assembly of the engine that is external to the cover is accessible, a container containing a desiccant, and a screen coupled to the container. |
| US10450889B2 |
Compressor geometry control
A system for controlling the geometry of a variable geometry compressor. The system having: a mechanical linkage operable to vary the compressor geometry; a first fluid-powered actuator arranged to operate the linkage and configured to be powered by a pressurized supply of an incompressible fluid; and a second fluid-powered actuator arranged to operate the linkage and configured to be powered by a pressurized supply of a compressible fluid. Wherein the first and second actuators are further arranged to operate in combination on the mechanical linkage such that a first actuator force exerted by the first actuator on the mechanical linkage sums with a second actuator force exerted by the second actuator on the mechanical linkage. |
| US10450888B2 |
Guide vane system for a turbomachine
The invention relates to a guide vane system for a turbomachine with at least one guide vane, which can be rotatably mounted around an adjustment axis and is arranged with a radially inner end region in a corresponding recess of an inner ring, wherein the arrangement of the guide vane on the inner ring is secured by a securing element in a form-fitting manner. For an especially advantageous securing of this arrangement, it is provided that the securing element is designed as an oblong element, which is arranged at least in a recess and/or through-opening of the radially inner end region of the guide vane directed in the peripheral direction of the turbomachine and is arranged at least in a recess and/or through-opening of the inner ring directed in the peripheral direction of the turbomachine. In addition, the invention relates to a turbomachine, in particular an aircraft engine, and to a method for assembling a guide vane system. |
| US10450887B2 |
On-off valve device and rotary machine
A turbocharger is provided with a valve body which is disposed in a suction flow path leading from an inflow port of a housing covering a turbine rotor blade to a scroll portion and composed of a single piece or multiple divided pieces to supply a fluid to the turbine rotor blade with the inner surface thereof formed using a first wall surface and a second wall surface facing the first wall surface as part thereof, extends from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow of the fluid, is rotatably provided in the housing in a direction toward and away from the first wall surface and the second wall surface, forms an upstream-side narrowed flow path with the first wall surface therebetween at an end on the upstream side, and forms a downstream-side narrowed flow path with the second wall surface therebetween at an end on the downstream side. The valve body has a first surface at the end on the upstream side, which faces the first wall surface, gradually approaches the first wall surface from the upstream side to the downstream side and thereafter gradually goes away therefrom, and a second surface which faces the second wall surface. |
| US10450886B2 |
Hybrid propulsion system including a chemically rechargeable ultra-capacitor
An aeronautical propulsion system includes a fan having a plurality of fan blades and an electric motor drivingly connected to the fan for rotating the plurality of fan blades. A chemically rechargeable ultra-capacitor is included for providing the electric motor with a substantially continuous flow of electric energy during operation of the chemically rechargeable ultra-capacitor, resulting in a more efficient aeronautical propulsion system. |
| US10450884B2 |
Impeller having a radial seal for a turbine engine turbine
A turbine engine impeller comprises a disc bearing vanes and an annular plate. The roots of the vanes are fitted in grooves and the root of each vane is connected to a blade by an integrated platform. The platforms of said vanes cooperate to form a radially inner wall of a duct for a flow passing through the blades. The annular plate comprises a transverse annular portion forming an axial stop of the roots of the vanes. The integrated platform of each vane has no spoiler and stops axially to the right of transverse faces of the root. The transverse annular portion of said annular plate bears, between the integrated platforms and the disc, an annular spoiler configured to extend in an axial space between the impeller and an adjacent module of the turbine engine so that said annular plate bears annular knife-edge seals of a labyrinth sealing joint. |
| US10450882B2 |
Anti-rotation shim seal
An interface arrangement includes two annular components that extend along an axis and are in contact with one another and a third component that is positioned radially inward from at least one of the two components. There is an anti-rotation feature on one of the three components that engages an anti-rotation feature on an annular seal member. The seal member is in contact with the first two components and is positioned between the third component and at least one of the first two components. |
| US10450879B2 |
Gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine includes a circumferential row of vanes directly upstream of an asymmetric gas flow path. At a given spanwise position, a tangential and axial position of the outer guide vanes varies along the circumferential row of vanes. One or more of the vanes are leant such that the tangential and axial position of one or more vanes of the circumferential row of vanes varies in a spanwise direction. |
| US10450875B2 |
Varying geometries for cooling circuits of turbine blades
Various geometries for a trailing edge cooling system for a turbine blade. The trailing edge cooling system may include a plurality of cooling circuits extending at least partially along a radial length of a trailing edge of the turbine blade. Each cooling circuit may include an outward leg extending axially toward the trailing edge, and a plurality of turn legs in fluid communication with the outward leg. The plurality of turn legs may be positioned adjacent the trailing edge. Each cooling circuit may also include a return leg positioned adjacent the outward leg and extending axially from the trailing edge. The return leg may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may have a first width, and a second may have a second width that is greater than the first width of the first portion. |
| US10450874B2 |
Airfoil for a gas turbine engine
A method and apparatus for an airfoil in a gas turbine engine can include an outer surface bounding an interior. At least one flow channel can be defined among one or more full-length and partial-length ribs to further define a cooling circuit within the airfoil. The cooling circuit can have at least one tip turn at the partial-length rib, having at least on fastback turbulator disposed at least partially within the tip turn. |
| US10450872B2 |
Undercut on airfoil coversheet support member
Methods of providing an undercut on a support member for a coversheet and coversheet support systems having undercuts are provided. A coversheet support system may include a spar. The spar may include a support member on an outer surface of the spar. The support member may extend outward from the outer surface of the spar. The support member may include an outer surface and an undercut. The undercut may be located in a portion of the support member between the outer surface of the spar and the outer surface of the support member. In addition, the coversheet support system may include a coversheet. The coversheet may be metallurgically bonded to the outer surface of the support member. |
| US10450871B2 |
Repair of dual walled metallic components using directed energy deposition material addition
A technique for repairing a dual walled component comprising a spar comprising a plurality of pedestals and a coversheet attached to the plurality of pedestals may include removing a damaged portion of the coversheet from the dual walled component to expose a plurality of exposed pedestals and define a repair location and an adjacent coversheet portion. The technique also may include attaching a material to the plurality of exposed pedestals and adjacent coversheet portion using directed energy deposition material addition to form a repaired coversheet portion. |
| US10450862B2 |
Two-stroke internal combustion engine with a spherical chamber
An internal combustion heat engine, of which the architecture of one elementary “cylinder” includes 4 identical mobile couplings distributed about the Z axis of the engine, consisting of a segmented “piston” driven by the crank pin of a crankshaft and guided by a roller rolling in a slide. The crankshafts, which are parallel and synchronized by a gear mechanism, perform one revolution per cycle. Each piston includes a sliding surface that nearly touches the cylinder face of the adjacent piston, but on which the segmentation slides in sealed contact. The concave shape of the 4 overlapping faces encloses a chamber volume that changes cyclically: at a minimum, having a quasi-spherical shape during combustion, reducing the heat losses at the walls, and at a maximum, uncovering the ports allowing intake and exhaust via transfer units and manifolds with the possibility of more economical Miller/Atkinson distribution, via rotary plates. |
| US10450860B2 |
Integrating reservoir modeling with modeling a perturbation
A method for characterizing a subterranean formation traversed by a wellbore includes generating a reservoir model using data collected from the formation, generating a perturbation object comprising a perturbation of the wellbore, integrating the perturbation object with the reservoir model, and forming a geological model wherein the perturbation object is integrated in the reservoir model. |
| US10450859B2 |
Mud pulser with vertical rotational actuator
A mud pulser system for use in a wellbore includes a pulser assembly disposed in a drill string and through which drilling fluid is metered in order to generate pressure pulses in the drilling fluid. The pulser assembly includes a pulser body having an inlet and an exit. Included in the pulser body is a rotary member having multiple ports formed through the member. The rotary member can be spherically shaped. The ports are formed so that selectively rotating the rotary member registers opposing ends of a one of the ports with the inlet and exit in the body to provide communication between the inlet and exit. An actuator couples with the rotary member for its selective rotation. |
| US10450858B2 |
Gap sub assembly for a downhole telemetry system
There is provided a gap sub-assembly for electrically isolating an upstream portion of a drill string from a downstream portion of the drill string. The gap sub-assembly includes a first sub; a second sub; and a non-conductive isolation between the first sub and the second sub, the non-conductive isolation being interposed between respective shoulders of the first sub and the second sub and being interposed between respective threads of a male end of the first sub and a female end of the second sub, the non-conductive isolation comprising an insulative wrapping between at least the respective threads of the first and second subs, wherein connecting the female end of the second sub to the male end of the first sub over the insulative wrapping electrically isolates the respective threads of the first and second subs. A method for assembling such a gap sub-assembly is also provided. |
| US10450854B2 |
Methods and apparatus for monitoring wellbore tortuosity
The present disclosure describes measuring bending moments within a drillstring or tool string to identify deflections (or “dog-legs”) within the string. In some systems, the bending moments a plurality of strain gauges. In some such systems the strain gauges will be arranged in a selected spacing around the circumference of the tool string, in many examples, at a common plane extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the string proximate the strain gauges. The bending moments may be further evaluated to provide a measure of wellbore tortuosity. For example, the bending moments may be utilized to define a radius of curvature associated with the determined bending moments, which may be further correlated with a directional measurement to apply a direction to the bending moment, and therefore to the tortuosity an any given location. In many examples, the above measurements and determinations will be performed in essentially real time during a drilling operation; and will in some cases be used to perform remedial measures, where dictated. |
| US10450852B2 |
Formation monitoring through the casing
A formation monitoring well system accurately measures formation electrical properties behind the casing to determine water-oil contact positions and/or to assess the integrity of the cement seal over the life of the well. The well system includes a casing string having one or more formation monitoring modules embedded therein, each having a toroid sensor.During operation, current is provided to the casing string, and the toroid measures the current flowing into the formation. Also, the voltage drop between the sensor and an electrode positioned between the cement layer and formation may be measured. This data may then be processed to determine the resistivities of the formation and/or cement layer, whereby the cement seal quality, water-oil contact surface position, etc. may be extracted from the results. |
| US10450848B2 |
Downhole gas separators and methods of separating a gas from a liquid within a hydrocarbon well
Downhole gas separators, artificial lift systems including the downhole gas separators, hydrocarbon wells including the artificial lift systems, and methods of separating a gas from a liquid hydrocarbon within a hydrocarbon well. The downhole gas separators include an elongate outer housing that defines an enclosed volume, a fluid inlet port, and a gas outlet port. The downhole gas separators further include an elongate dip tube that extends within the enclosed volume, and the gas outlet port is configured to selectively provide fluid communication between the enclosed volume and an external region. |
| US10450846B2 |
Hybrid push and pull method and system for expanding well tubulars
A hybrid push and pull method for expanding a tubular in a wellbore utilizes an expansion assembly with a sealed and another, optionally expandable, cone, wherein during at least part of the expansion process the sealed cone is moved up through the tubular by a combination of push and pull forces and the push force is generated by pumping fluid at an elevated pressure into a space between the bottom plug and the expansion assembly. This allows staged expansion of the tubular in a hard rock formation and/or of a tubular surrounded by a hardened cement lining and/or of a pair of partially overlapping nested tubular ends. |
| US10450844B2 |
Drainage layers for sand control screen assemblies
A sand control screen assembly having a drainage layer that provides a controlled offset between the drainage layer and a filter medium and/or a base pipe. The sand control screen assembly also includes a protective shroud or jacket positioned about the filter medium. The sand control screen assembly can be utilized for preventing the flow of particulate material of a predetermined size therethrough and allowing the flow of production fluids therethrough. |
| US10450841B2 |
Methods for statistical prediction of well production and reserves
A method for optimizing a well production forecast includes inputting into a computer: initial production rate measurements and probability distributions to estimate production forecast model parameters. The computer generates an initial forecast of fluid production rates and total produced fluid volumes using a selected production forecast model. After a selected time, the initial forecast is compared with actual production rate and total produced fluid volume measurements to generate an error measurement. Parameters of the selected production forecast model are adjusted to minimize the error measurement, thereby generating an adjusted production forecast model. The parameter adjustment and error measurement are repeated for a plurality of iterations to generate a plurality of production forecast models each having a determined likelihood of an error measurement. The plurality of production forecast models are displayed with respect to likelihood of error. |
| US10450840B2 |
Multifunctional downhole tools
A downhole assembly comprises a disintegrable article that includes a matrix material; an energetic material configured to generate energy upon activation to facilitate the disintegration of the disintegrable article; and a sensor. A method of controllably removing a disintegrable downhole article comprises disposing the downhole article in a downhole environment; performing a downhole operation; activating the energetic material; and disintegrating the downhole article. |
| US10450838B2 |
Diverter valve for progressing cavity pump
A diverter valve housing is secured to an upper end of a pump. A shuttle in the diverter valve housing moves between an upper closed position and a lower open position. A floating ring has an exterior band that abuts an upper end of the shuttle to move the shuttle downward. The floating ring moves upward when the pump operates. A bushing abuts an upward facing shoulder in the floating ring and is adhered within the bushing by a layer of adhesive. The shuttle has upper and lower seals separated by upper and lower spacer rings. A stop ring between the spacer rings limits downward movement of the upper spacer ring and also limits upward movement of the lower spacer ring. |
| US10450831B2 |
Choke assembly
A choke assembly. In some embodiments, the choke assembly includes a choke element having a fluid flow passage therethrough. The choke element includes a cage having a plurality of apertures therethrough for the passage of fluid and a plug moveable with respect to the cage. The plug has an end surface that defines a boundary of the fluid flow passage through the choke and is moveable to open or close each of the apertures through the cage, whereby the flow of fluid through the cage is controlled. The apertures in the cage are disposed in a first portion and a second portion separated by a land. Each of the first and second portions has a least one aperture therein. The plug may be positioned with its end surface disposed to intersect the land, such that each aperture is fully open or fully closed to the flow of fluid. |
| US10450829B2 |
Drillable plug
A drillable plug includes a mandrel having an upper end and a lower axial section, the lower axial section having a geometry transition point separating an upper circular mandrel profile from a lower non-circular mandrel profile, a seal element disposed around the upper circular mandrel profile, and a lower cone having an inner surface forming a passage, the lower cone disposed around the lower non-circular mandrel profile whereby the lower cone is rotationally locked with the mandrel and a lower slip assembly moveably disposed on a sloped outer surface of the lower cone. |
| US10450828B2 |
High temperature high extrusion resistant packer
A packer includes a body formed from an elastic composite material having one of a one-dimensional elastic structure, a periodic elastic structure, and a random elastic structure and a filler material. |
| US10450827B2 |
Capture method for flow back retrieval of borehole plug with a lower slip assembly
A borehole plug or packer for treating is designed to be flowed back to a surface location after use. When the treatment is concluded pressure from above is relieved or lowered, and well fluid is flowed back, so that the plug or plugs disengages at slips designed to resist differential pressure from above. The application of differential pressure from below causes the lower slips to release one or more of such plugs in the hole into specialized sub surface or surface capture equipment so that well pressure is relieved before removal of the plugs from specialized subsurface or surface capture equipment. Packers or plugs are captured above, below or at a wellhead in a receptacle. Production ensues without milling with the captured plugs or packers in place or removed. |