| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US10642531B2 |
Atomic write method for multi-transaction
A method of operating a host includes defining transaction identifications for each one of multiple transactions in a multi-transaction, thereafter communicating atomic write data related to each transaction to a data storage device using the transaction ID, and storing the atomic write data in the data storage device using the transaction ID and an identifier. |
| US10642530B2 |
Global occupancy aggregator for global garbage collection scheduling
Computer systems and methods for scheduling garbage collection in a distributed environment that includes multiple partitions that reference various data blocks that store data objects. A global occupancy aggregator may access occupancy information for each of the partitions from an occupancy index of each of the partitions. This occupancy information specifies a portion of storage resources occupied by those data blocks referenced by each of the partitions. The global occupancy aggregator may aggregate the accessed occupancy information to generate a global occupancy index that combines the occupancy information of the partitions. The global occupancy aggregator may generate a global schedule for garbage collection for the partitions based on the global occupancy index. The global schedule specifies which of the data blocks included in the global occupancy index are to be subjected to garbage collection. |
| US10642529B2 |
Trim support for a solid-state drive in a virtualized environment
A computer system that employs a solid-state memory device as a physical storage resource includes a hypervisor that is capable of supporting TRIM commands issued by virtual machines running in the computer system. When a virtual machine issues a TRIM command to its corresponding virtual storage device to invalidate data stored therein, the TRIM command is received at an interface layer in the hypervisor that translates the TRIM command to a SCSI command known as UMMAP. A SCSI virtualization layer converts the UNMAP command to a file system command to delete portions of the virtual storage device that is maintained as a file in the hypervisor's file system. Upon receiving the delete commands, the hypervisor's file system driver generates a TRIM command to invalidate the data stored in the solid-state memory device at locations corresponding to the portions of the file that are to be deleted. |
| US10642526B2 |
Seamless fault tolerance via block remapping and efficient reconciliation
In a storage cluster having nodes, blocks of a logical storage space of a storage object are allocated flexibly by a parent node to component nodes that are backed by physical storage. The method includes maintaining a first allocation map for the parent node, and second and third allocation maps for the first and second component nodes, respectively, executing a first write operation on the first component node and updating the second allocation map to indicate that the first block is a written block, and upon detecting that the first component node is offline, executing a second write operation that targets a second block of the logical storage space, which is allocated to the first component node, on the second component node and updating the third allocation map to indicate that the second block is a written block. |
| US10642524B1 |
Upgrading a write buffer in a storage system that includes a plurality of storage devices and a plurality of write buffer devices
Migrating data in a storage array that includes a plurality of storage devices and a plurality of write buffer devices, including: detecting, by the storage array, an occurrence of a write buffer device evacuation event associated with one or more source write buffer devices; responsive to detecting the occurrence of the write buffer device evacuation event, determining, by the storage array, whether the storage array includes at least a predetermined amount of write buffer resources in addition to the one or more source write buffer devices; and responsive to determining that the storage array includes at least a predetermined amount of write buffer resources in addition to the one or more source write buffer devices, reducing, by the storage array, write access to the one or more source write buffer devices. |
| US10642523B2 |
Method and apparatus for updating data in a memory for electrical compensation
A method and apparatus for updating data in a memory for electrical compensation, the method comprises: when a master chip receives a power-off signal, writing a serial number of a block being updated or a predetermined value into a nonvolatile memory. In the apparatus, only a nonvolatile memory is required to be provided external to a master chip to store the serial number of the block (the sequence of the block) being updated currently during power-off. Upon a next power-on, it is determined that which rows have their data lost during the previous power-off according to the serial number of the block, and then data of adjacent rows is used to replace the data of the rows which have their data lost during the previous power-off; therefore, the operation is simple and the efficiency is high, so that the time for updating the data is short, without affecting the memory's lifespan. |
| US10642522B2 |
Method and system for in-line deduplication in a storage drive based on a non-collision hash
One embodiment facilitates in-line deduplication in a storage device. During operation, the system receives, by a controller of the storage device, data to be stored. The system generates a key for the data based on a hash associated with the data. The system stores the key in a first data structure based on a logical block address of the data. In response to determining that an entry corresponding to the key exists in a second data structure, wherein the entry indicates a physical block address at which the data is stored, the system modifies metadata associated with the key and the logical block address, thereby facilitating the storage device to determine duplicate data and store the duplicate data at only one location on the storage device. |
| US10642521B2 |
Scaling distributed queues in a distributed storage network
A method begins with a computing device of a distributed storage network (DSN) being designated to process a write request from a Decentralized, or Distributed, Agreement Protocol (DAP) and continues with the computing device retrieving a current policy for the storage units (SUs) associated with the write request, where the current policy specifies the current connectivity for the SUs. The method continues by using the current policy to configure a data structure to process the write request, where the data structure is based on scaling triggers and a load balancing scheme. The method continues with the data structure incorporating a primary queue and scaling the addition of secondary queues based on the scaling triggers and/or the load balancing scheme. |
| US10642520B1 |
Memory optimized data shuffle
In a distributed data processing system with a set of multiple nodes, a first data shuffle memory pool is maintained at a data shuffle writer node, and a second data shuffle memory pool is maintained at a data shuffle reader node. The data shuffle writer node and the data shuffle reader node are part of the set of multiple nodes of the distributed data processing system. In-memory compression is performed on at least a portion of a data set from the first data shuffle memory pool. At least a portion of the compressed data is transmitted from the first data shuffle memory pool to the second data shuffle memory pool in a peer-to-peer manner. Each of the first data shuffle memory pool and the second data shuffle memory pool may include a hybrid memory configuration. |
| US10642519B2 |
Intelligent SAS phy connection management
A method and apparatus that provides a solid state drive that analyzes connection performance during I/O operations and is configured to independently modify connection performance based upon user specified input parameters without the need for host computer management. |
| US10642517B2 |
Adjustable performance parameters for SSDs
Disclosed is a system and method for providing host adjustable performance parameters for SSDs. The method includes accessing a latency profile based on a determined device age of a solid state drive (SSD). The method also includes providing for display a user interface comprising a plurality of interface elements to adjust a respective plurality of performance specifications of the SSD, wherein the user interface is configured based on the latency profile. The method also includes receiving, via the user interface, an adjustment to the plurality of performance specifications. The method also includes sending an instruction to the SSD to configure the SSD with a parameter set based on the adjusted plurality of performance specifications. |
| US10642514B2 |
Device and method for configuring expander configuration file of a storage system
The configuring device and method of expander configuration file of a storage system of present invention are to store a configuration file template for configuring the expanders, and to modify the configuration file template to the adapted configuration file corresponding to each expander when configuring the plurality of expander configuration files. The technical solution of the present invention can satisfy the requirement of configuring configuration file to each expander by storing configuration file template only, saving the storage space greatly, and can automatically proceed the modification according to an innovative algorithm without under the risk of error updating. |
| US10642509B2 |
Method for designating specific world-lines of data storage device as reserved word-lines, and selecting a writing mode accordingly
A method for controlling operations of a data storage device, the associated data storage device and the controller thereof are provided. The method can comprise: selecting a block of multiple blocks of a non-volatile (NV) memory element of a plurality of NV memory elements; receiving a data-writing command from a host device; generating a plurality of operating commands corresponding to the data-writing command, and sending the plurality of operating commands to the NV memory to perform data-writing on a plurality of non-reserved word-lines of the block, wherein the block comprises the plurality of non-reserved word-lines and a plurality of reserved word-lines, and each non-reserved word-line of the plurality of non-reserved word-lines comprises multiple pages; and writing user data into a reserved word-line of the plurality of reserved word-lines through a single level cell (SLC) writing mode, to make the reserved word-line comprise a single page. |
| US10642507B2 |
Pulsed leader consensus management
A system using pulsed leader consensus management that can manage storage by electing a leader node from a group of nodes and fulfilling read requests for the group of nodes if a sync state is not expired. The sync state can correspond to two conditions: first, that the nodes in the group direct the write requests for the group to the leader node; second, that a health pulse is detected, wherein the health pulse is generated if the leader node is alive (e.g. has not failed, terminated, or become non-responsive). If either of the two conditions fail, the sync state can be considered expired and the group of nodes may fall back to consensus-based read mechanisms, such as Paxos, until a new leader node is elected. |
| US10642504B2 |
Thermal and power memory actions
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to managing volatile and non-volatile memory. A set of volatile memory sensor data may be obtained. A set of non-volatile memory sensor data may be obtained. The set of volatile memory sensor data and the set of non-volatile memory sensor data may be analyzed. A memory condition may be determined to exist based on the analysis. In response to determining that the memory condition exists, one or more memory actions may be issued. |
| US10642501B1 |
Hardware virtualized input output memory management unit
Aspects relate to Input/Output (IO) Memory Management Units (MMUs) that include hardware structures for implementing virtualization. Some implementations allow guests to setup and maintain device IO tables within memory regions to which those guests have been given permissions by a hypervisor. Some implementations provide hardware page table walking capability within the IOMMU, while other implementations provide static tables. Such static tables may be maintained by a hypervisor on behalf of guests. Some implementations reduce a frequency of interrupts or invocation of hypervisor by allowing transactions to be setup by guests without hypervisor involvement within their assigned device IO regions. Devices may communicate with IOMMU to setup the requested memory transaction, and completion thereof may be signaled to the guest without hypervisor involvement. Various other aspects will be evident from the disclosure. |
| US10642500B2 |
Methods, systems and computer readable media for intelligent fetching of data storage device commands from submission queues
Systems and methods for intelligent fetching of data storage device commands from submission queues are provided. One such method involves fetching commands from one or more submission queues, monitoring characteristics of the commands including a command type, predicting a next command based on the monitored command characteristics, monitoring a resource state of a data storage device, selecting a submission queue based on the predicted next command and the resource state, fetching a command from the selected submission queue, and providing the command from the selected submission queue to command processing logic. |
| US10642499B2 |
Memory controller, memory system including the same, and operation method thereof
Disclosed is a memory controller including a command decoder suitable for generating a data identifier of read data by decoding a read command, an update unit suitable for updating information of the read data in response to the data identifier of the read data, and a data output control unit suitable for storing data read from a memory device according to the read command, and selectively outputting the stored data as the read data based on the updated information. |
| US10642498B2 |
System and method for flexible management of resources in an NVMe virtualization
Systems and methods for flexible management of resources in a Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) virtualization environment are disclosed. In NVMe virtualization, the host device operates in the virtual world and the memory device operates in the physical world. In order for the memory device to perform a host access request (which includes the virtual identification), the memory device transforms the virtual identification into a physical identification. Likewise, prior to the memory device sending a memory device access request to the host device, the memory device transforms the physical identification into the virtual identification. There may be multiple physical resources, such as submission queues/completion queues and interrupt vectors. Rather than having separate translation tables for the queues and the interrupt vectors, a single virtual translation table is used to perform the translation from the virtual identification to the queues and the interrupt vectors. In this way, the memory device may perform the virtual translation in a more simplified manner. |
| US10642493B2 |
Mobile device and data management method of the same
Provided are a mobile device and a data management method of the mobile device. The data management method that is processed by a central processing unit (CPU) of the mobile device includes: selecting data to be swapped from among data stored in a local memory of the mobile device, in response to a request to perform swapping on the data stored in the local memory; selecting one of at least two external memories which are located outside the mobile device and have different hierarchical levels; and swapping the selected data to the selected external memory. |
| US10642492B2 |
Controlling access to previously-stored logic in a reconfigurable logic device
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for securely erasing partitions of reconfigurable logic devices such as FPGAs in a multi-tenant server environment. In one example, a method of securely erasing an FPGA includes identifying one partition of previously-programmed resources in the FPGA, erasing the identified partition by storing new values in memory or storage elements of the identified partition, and storing new values in memory or storage elements of additional external resources electrically connected to the integrated circuit and associated with the identified partition. Thus, other partitions and subsequent users of the identified partition are prevented from accessing the securely erased data. A configuration circuit, accessible by a host computer via DMA, can be programmed into the FPGA reconfigurable logic for performing the disclosed erasing operations. |
| US10642491B2 |
Dynamic selection of storage tiers
An operating system is configured to receive a request to store an object that does not specify the location at which the object should be stored. The request might also include an optimization factor and one or more object location factors. The operating system might also generate object location factors or retrieve object location factors from one or more external locations. Object location factors might also be utilized that are based upon properties of the object to be stored. Utilizing the object location factors, and the optimization factor if provided, the operating system dynamically selects an appropriate storage tier for storing the object. The tiers might include a local storage tier, a local network storage tier, a remote network storage tier, and other types of storage tiers. The object is then stored on the selected storage tier. The object may be retrieved from the storage tier at a later time. |
| US10642490B2 |
Streaming engine with fetch ahead hysteresis
Disclosed embodiments relate to one or more techniques to control access by a requestor of a computing system to a shared memory resource. In one embodiment, a technique includes determining a number (N) of pending requests to be sent to the memory by the requestor, determining a number (M) of requests that the requestor is limited to sending based on an amount of buffering resources available, and comparing M to N. When N is both greater than zero and less than or equal to M, the requestor sends the N pending requests to the memory. When N is both greater than zero and greater than M, M is compared to a hysteresis value (R) and, when M is less than R, the requestor sends R of the N pending requests to the memory. |
| US10642473B2 |
Scroll-based presentation of animation content
An online system or an application of the online system generates and provides user interfaces that include user interface elements configured to allow users to browse newsfeed stories. For example, users can browse newsfeed stories via scrolling actions. The user interface elements are further configured to control presentation of individual stories that include series of images. The user's scrolling action causes the images to be presented sequentially. The online system selects a particular image and configures a speed of presenting the images according to the user action. The online system further generates and provides user interfaces that present still images in a parallax effect by adjusting viewpoints of observing the still images. The viewpoints can be adjusted according to the user action. The online system further configures the user interfaces to present related stories in adjacent positions and to present 360-degree videos as well as panorama images. |
| US10642472B2 |
Display control apparatus equipped with touch panel, control method therefor, and storage medium storing control program therefor
A display control apparatus that is capable of making a user feel a fact that a user's operation is received and of notifying the user that an end of a scrolling range has come. A display unit displays a displaying object. An operation detection unit detects a user's operation to the display unit. A display control unit scrolls the displaying object when the operation detection unit detects an instructing operation of scrolling, and displays a shadow of the displaying object and moves the shadow in a direction opposite to a direction of scrolling by the instructing operation when the instructing operation is not completed even if the displaying object has been scrolled to an end of a scrolling range. |
| US10642465B2 |
Method and system for media selection and sharing
A method and system for media selection and sharing is disclosed. According to one embodiment, media content is received from a media source and is stored in a buffer for a first time period. A second time period within the first time period is determined for creating a media clip from the media content stored in the buffer. A media clip is generated as determined by the second time period. A user provides an input, and the user's input is associated with the media clip to take one or more effects on the media clip. The media clip enhanced with the one more effects is transmitted over a network to share with other users. |
| US10642461B2 |
Interactive comparative display of news information
A system for a computer implemented interactive comparative display of news information organizes a visual screen display to a user such that the user is able to efficiently select information content, be presented with topical associations relating to that content, and readily compare different information content from a single display. The information content represented by each selectable result indicator is comparable with the information content represented by other selectable result indicators, wherein the information content is of a same type of information content but from a different perspective, vantage point, or provides a different alternative. A user may navigate to a particular segment of information content, and then be presented with a string of topically related segments, as well as with one or more connecting categories of information, which may otherwise not have been readily apparent to the particular selected segment, but for the display system and method. |
| US10642460B2 |
Multi-action button for mobile devices
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for providing a multi-action button for mobile devices are provided. Alerts are received and multi-action buttons are determined corresponding to the alerts and clinicians associated with mobile devices. The multi-action buttons are displayed on the mobile devices. |
| US10642456B2 |
Application distribution method and device
An application distribution method and a device are provided in the technical field of Internet. The method includes that: a card type for a card to be displayed is acquired; card real-time information corresponding to the card type is acquired according to the card type; and the card in a predetermined display format is displayed on a predetermined desktop based on the card real-time information. The card has part of functions of an application program corresponding to the card, and is loaded on the predetermined desktop to directly receive control of a user, and the card has a skipping entry to an intermediate page corresponding to the card. |
| US10642455B2 |
User interfaces in a computer system
The disclosure relates to generation of at least one second instance of a user interface presented by a first device. The first device stores data objects comprising event information associated with user interfaces presented by the first device based on data from a source of data. The first device can generate a user interface based on data from the source of data and at least one of the stored data objects. The at least one data object is communicated from the first device for use by at least one second device in generation of a second instance of the generated user interface by the at least one second device. |
| US10642454B1 |
Storage management system and method
A method, computer program product, and computing system for defining a first object within a computer-based system using a first user interface. The first object is associated with the first user interface. A second object is defined within the computer-based system using a second user interface. The second object is associated with the second user interface. |
| US10642452B2 |
Strong authentication via distributed stations
In various embodiments, authentication stations are distributed within a facility, particularly in spaces where mobile devices are predominantly used—e.g., a hospital's emergency department. Each such station includes a series of authentication devices. Mobile device may run applications for locating the nearest such station and, in some embodiments, pair wirelessly with the station so that authentication thereon will accord a user access to the desired resource via a mobile device. |
| US10642451B2 |
Computer control of access to fields and features of an application
Among other things, instances of at least one type of page of a user interface are presented to at least a first user and a second user. Each instance includes a current scope of user interface elements. All of the instances have current scopes that are the same as or subsets of a prototype scope of user interface elements for that type of page. A permitted scope of user interface elements are available to each corresponding user. The permitted scope of the second user is the same as or a subset of the permitted scope of the first user. Selections of user interface elements to be included in an updated scope are received from the first user. The selections include only user interface elements that belong to both the prototype scope for that type of page and the permitted scope of the first user. |
| US10642448B2 |
Mobile communication device and method of controlling the same
Disclosed are a mobile communication device and a method of controlling the same in which an image of a web page is stored as a thumbnail image when the web page is added to a list of favorites. When the list of favorites is requested from the mobile communication device, a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to a plurality of web pages added to the list of favorites are displayed. |
| US10642447B2 |
Reproduction device and display control method
A reproduction device including a reproduction unit configured to reproduce content data including at least one of audio, video, and text for which attribute data is assigned for each of a different plurality of attributes; a display unit; and a control unit configured to make the display unit display a playback screen containing at least one attribute data among the plurality of attribute data assigned to the content data when reproducing the content data and, when one attribute data among the attribute data composing the playback screen is selected, switch the display content of the content from the playback screen to the list relating to the selected attribute data. |
| US10642446B2 |
User input processing method and electronic device performing the same
An electronic device and method are disclosed herein. The electronic device includes a display, an input module, and a processor. The processor executes the method, including displaying a group icon representing a plurality of icons associated with a plurality of applications in a display, setting a function associated with at least two applications of the plurality of applications for execution in response to a specified user input to the group icon, and executing the at least two applications and the set function in response to detecting the specified user input associated with the group icon. |
| US10642444B2 |
Image display control device, and image display control method
An image display control device includes: a first display control unit which displays, on a screen, page images each including an icon; a receiving unit which receives an operation signal indicating a user operation directed to the icon displayed on the screen; and a second display control unit which displays, on the screen, an in-folder-icon image as well as the page images when the receiving unit receives an operation signal for selecting a folder icon, from among a plurality of the icons displayed on the screen, which is associated with one or more of the icons, the in-folder-icon image presenting the one or more icons associated with the selected folder icon. |
| US10642442B2 |
Software robots for programmatically controlling computer programs to perform tasks
A system comprising at least one hardware processor; at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one hardware processor, cause the at least one hardware processor to perform: generating an object hierarchy comprising a plurality of objects corresponding to active graphical user interface (GUI) elements of a first application program, the generating comprising: obtaining a hierarchical representation of the active GUI elements of the application program; generating an object for each of at least some of the active GUI elements represented in the hierarchical representation; and organizing the generated objects into the object hierarchy based on relationships among active GUI elements represented in the hierarchical representation; and controlling, using software robot computer program and the generated object hierarchy, the first application program to perform the first sub-task. |
| US10642441B2 |
Optimal window placement system
A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for managing windows in a computer system. The computer system tracks a directional movement of information displayed for a set of applications within a group of display devices to form historical movement information, wherein the directional movement is in response to a user input from a user. Characteristics are identified by the computer system for a current group of display devices. The computer system displays a group of the windows for the set of applications within the current group of display devices based on the historical movement information and the characteristics detected. |
| US10642438B1 |
Metal mesh touching sensing electrode assembly
A metal mesh touching sensing electrode assembly includes a metal mesh, first electrode columns, and second electrode rows. The first electrode columns are disposed on the metal mesh. Each first electrode column includes first electrode units which are mutually connected. Each of the first electrode units includes a first outer frame, first connection patterns, and first boundary patterns. The first connection patterns include a first T-shaped portion and a first linear portion. Each second electrode row includes second electrode units which are mutually connected with each other. Each second electrode unit includes a second outer frame, second connection patterns, and second boundary patterns. Each second connection pattern includes a second T-shaped portion and a second linear portion. The first electrode units and second electrode units of the metal mesh touching sensing electrode assembly have complicated patterns to prevent a visibility issue of an unexpected visual strip effect. |
| US10642434B2 |
Sensor device and sensor-equipped display device
A sensor-equipped display device is provided and includes a display panel and a detection electrode. The panel includes a display area in which pixels are arranged with a first pixel pitch in a first direction and a second pixel pitch in a second direction. The electrode includes an pattern having line fragments. The pattern has connection points at which ends of the fragments are connected to each other, and at least part of the connection points is arranged linearly such that an arrangement gaps thereof in the first and second direction is set to a first and second connection point pitch. |
| US10642432B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
An information processing apparatus includes a detection unit for detecting a contact operation and a pressure of an operating object on a contact operation surface, a display switching unit for switching display on a display screen according to the pressure of the operating object detected by the detection unit, and an execution unit for performing a predetermined process, in a case a predetermined operation of the operating object on the contact operation surface is detected by the detection unit while the display on the display screen is being switched by the display switching unit, according to the predetermined operation. |
| US10642431B2 |
Capacitance detection circuit, capacitance detection method, touch detection apparatus, and terminal device
Provided are a capacitance detection circuit. The capacitance detection circuit (200) is used for detecting capacitances of N capacitors to be detected, the N is greater than or equal to 2, and the capacitance detection circuit (200) includes: at least N−1 first front end circuits (210) for converting capacitance signals of the capacitors to be detected into first voltage signals and performing differencing on the first voltage signals, at least one second front end circuit (220) for converting capacitance signals of capacitors to be detected into second voltage signals and performing summing on the second voltage signals, and a processing circuit (230); and the processing circuit (230) determines a capacitance value of each of the N capacitors to be detected according to a differential signal output by each of the first front end circuits (210) and a summation signal output by each of the second front end circuits (220). |
| US10642425B2 |
Image display device including a touch switch
An image display device comprising a capacitive touch switch that performs switching by detecting a finger based on a change in capacitance that is caused when the finger comes close to a panel, wherein the touch switch comprises the panel, a substrate on which an electrode for detecting capacitance is mounted, and a conductive member corresponding to the electrode, and the conductive member is provided between the panel and the electrode, and is fixed by being interposed between the panel and the electrode. |
| US10642424B2 |
Capacitive sensor element and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a capacitive sensor element with a plurality of sensor fields, as they correspond for example to the arrangement on a touch screen. This capacitive sensor element comprises at least one multilayer body made up of two structured electrically conductive layers and an insulating layer in between. The invention provides a layout with redundant conductive strips for an arrangement of crossing conductive strips, through which the requirement for register accuracy in the two-layer lamination of layer electrodes is reduced, in particular with respect to connecting the connections to the plugs in the edge area of a module using a corresponding sensor element. |
| US10642421B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a case, a supporting structure, a touch display module, and an elastic switch. The case has an opening. The supporting structure is connected to and disposed in the case and covers the opening of the case. The touch display module includes a protecting layer and a display element connected to the protecting layer. The protecting layer is connected to a side of the supporting structure adjacent to the opening of the case. The display element is located between the protecting layer and the supporting structure and separated from the supporting structure. The elastic switch is located at a side of the supporting structure opposite to the opening of the case. When the supporting structure moves partially away from the opening of the case, the elastic switch is pressed toward the case. |
| US10642420B2 |
Touch screen apparatus that compensates touch force using measured temperature and electronic device comprising the same
Disclosed herein is a touch screen apparatus. The touch screen apparatus includes a touch screen including a touch sensor, a temperature sensing unit to measure a temperature of the touch screen, and a touch driving circuit connected to the touch screen to generate touch position data and touch force level data and correct the touch force level data according to a temperature input from the temperature sensing unit. |
| US10642415B2 |
Touch screen device including a controller to adjust a sensing parameter based on accumulative folding, display device having the same, and method of driving the same
A touch screen device includes a touch panel, a touch driver, a touch sensing driver, and a controller. The touch panel includes a plurality of driving lines extending in a first, direction and a plurality of sensing lines extending in a second direction. The touch driver outputs a driving signal to the driving lines. The touch sensing driver receives a sensing signal from the sensing lines. The controller determines a sensing parameter corresponding to an accumulative folding number of the touch panel and controls the touch driver and the touch sensing driver based on the sensing parameter. |
| US10642404B2 |
Touch sensitive device with multi-sensor stream synchronized data
Touch sensitive devices having sensor systems and sensor systems for use with touch sensitive devices are provided. A vibration sensor senses vibrations and a touch sensor senses contact with an object. Vibration data representing sensed vibration is stored in a sensor data memory and touch data indicative of contact between the object and the touch sensitive surface is stored in the sensor data memory in temporal association with the vibration data. The touch data and the temporal association with vibration data can be used to identify segments of the vibration data that are of interest. |
| US10642403B2 |
Method and apparatus for camera control using a virtual button and gestures
A method and apparatus for dynamically controlling a image and video capture device using buttons, virtual buttons, and/or gestures. The system permits the user to control an image capture device by determining through a user command whether to save a captured video as an image or as a video file. For example, holding the capture button beyond a threshold time indicates the capture should be saved as a video, while releasing the capture button before the threshold time indicates the capture should be saved as an image. |
| US10642398B2 |
Driver apparatus
A driver apparatus configured to drive an electronic paper display panel to perform a touch sensing operation is provided. The driver apparatus includes a scanner apparatus and a sensing apparatus. The scanner apparatus scans multiple sensing blocks of the electronic paper display panel to perform the touch sensing operation. Each sensing block includes one or more sensing devices. The sensing blocks are arranged in an array. The sensing apparatus is electrically connected to the scanner apparatus. The sensing apparatus controls the scanner apparatus to scan the sensing blocks. The sensing apparatus charges/discharges each sensing block according to a first voltage and a second voltage, so that a relaxation signal is generated. A pulse difference of the relaxation signal is changed by the touch object. The touch object is a conductor. A touch position of the touch object on the electronic paper display panel is determined according to a relaxation frequency of the relaxation signal of each sensing block. |
| US10642395B2 |
Shift register and touch display apparatus thereof
A shift register driving a touch display device generates shifted pulse signals shifted by a specified phase. The shift register includes unit circuits connected in multiple stages. Each unit circuit includes an output terminal, an input transistor, an output transistor, and a pull-up transistor. The input transistor is controlled by a first control signal and outputs a high-level voltage to a first node based on the value of a trigger signal. The output transistor outputs the shifted pulse signal, which is synchronous with a clock control signal, based on the value of the high-level voltage of the first node. A blank period is inserted between the Nth unit circuit and the (N+1)th unit circuit. After the blank period, the pull-up transistor clamps the voltage of the output terminal of the (N+1)th unit circuit at a high-level voltage. |
| US10642394B2 |
Display device
Disclosed is a display device capable of reducing the thickness and the weigh thereof. A display device having a touch sensor realizes electrical connection of a routing line and a touch pad via an auxiliary conductive layer, which is connected to the routing line under an encapsulation unit, even if a disconnection fault occurs in the routing line, thereby achieving increased yield and reliability. In addition, through the provision of a touch sensor disposed above the encapsulation unit, a separate attachment process is unnecessary, which results in a simplified manufacturing process and reduced costs. |
| US10642388B2 |
Protective cover of touch key structure, method of fabrication thereof, and touch panel with covered touch key structure
A protective cover for a touch panel comprises a cover and an adhesive layer formed on a surface of the cover. The protective cover is bulge-shaped, and defines a plurality of gaps. The gaps are regularly spaced from each other. The gaps are located at a joint between the top portion and the connection portion and at a joint between the connection portion and the wing portion. The gap reduces a springback phenomenon of the connection portion after being curved. |
| US10642386B2 |
Touch sensor structure
An apparatus is disclosed which includes a first substrate having an outer touch surface and an inner surface; a touch sensor substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface; wherein the first substrate and the touch sensor substrate are configured to form a part of a laminated structure; and wherein a first region of the first surface of the touch sensor substrate is configured to have a shape different to an adjacent region of the inner surface of the first substrate. |
| US10642384B2 |
Zone identifications on input devices
In one example method, a computing device determines whether there is engagement of a first input device of the computing device and, in response to an engagement of the first input device, the computing device identifies, via a visual indication on a second input device of the computing device, a first zone that can be used with the first input device to operate the computing device. |
| US10642383B2 |
Apparatus for sensing user input
An apparatus utilizes multiple strain gauge (“SG”) sensing units which are each disposed adjacent an inner surface of the device housing. Electrical voltage generated by the SGs is amplified by one or more amplifiers to maximize the resolution between a voltage output of an SG when in a non-pressed state and a voltage output of the SG when in a pressed state. Additionally, an electronic circuit is configured to identify a baseline voltage output for an SG over a period of time for comparing to a voltage output for the SG when the SG is in a pressed state such that the pressed state of the SG can be identified by the electronic circuit by comparing a current output voltage of the SG to the identified baseline voltage. |
| US10642381B2 |
Vehicular control unit and control method thereof
A vehicular control unit includes a touch sensor on which a predetermined area is set, a tactile sensation presentation unit, a pressing detector, and a controller that enables operation of a vehicle mounted apparatus in response to an input to the touch sensor when pressing is equal to or higher than a first pressure. The controller is configured to: when the operation of the vehicle mounted apparatus is enabled, within a first time period, cause the tactile sensation presentation unit to present a tactile sensation corresponding to enablement of the operation of the vehicle mounted apparatus; in the case of a first slide in a direction going out of the predetermined area, cause the tactile sensation presentation unit to present a tactile sensation corresponding to the first slide; and in the case of a second slide in a direction going into the predetermined area, cause the tactile sensation presentation unit to present a tactile sensation corresponding to the second slide. |
| US10642369B2 |
Distinguishing between one-handed and two-handed gesture sequences in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (xR) applications
Systems and methods for distinguishing between one-handed and two-handed gesture sequences in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (xR) applications are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, an Information Handling System (IHS) may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution, cause the IHS to: receive a gesture sequence from a user wearing a Head-Mounted Device (HMD) coupled to the IHS, where the HMD is configured to display an xR application, and identify the gesture sequence as: (i) a one-handed gesture sequence, or (ii) a two-handed gesture sequence. |
| US10642368B2 |
Body posture detection system, suit and method
A body posture detection system includes an inertial measurement unit, at least two ultrasonic transceivers and a processor. The inertial measurement unit is configured to retrieve an orientation vector of a first portion of a human body. The ultrasonic transceivers are mounted on the first portion and a second portion of the human body respectively. The processor is configured to generate a candidate gesture range of the first portion according to the orientation vector. The processor is configured to measure a distance between the first portion and the second portion according to an ultrasound transmitted between the ultrasonic transceivers. The processor is further configured to determine a current gesture of the first portion from the candidate gesture range according to the distance. |
| US10642365B2 |
Parametric inertia and APIs
Parametric inertia and API techniques are described. In one or more implementations, functionality is exposed via an application programming interface by an operating system of a computing device to one or more applications that is configured to calculate an effect of inertia for movement in a user interface. The calculated effect of inertia for the movement on the user interface is managed by the operating system based on one or more rest points specified using one or more parametric curves by the one or more applications via interaction with the application programming interface. |
| US10642364B2 |
Processing tracking and recognition data in gestural recognition systems
Systems and methods are described for detecting an event of a source device, and generating at least one data sequence comprising device event data specifying the event and state information of the event. The device event data and state information are type-specific data having a type corresponding to an application of the source device. A data capsule is formed to include the at least one data sequence. The data capsule has a data structure comprising an application-independent representation of the at least one data sequence. The systems and methods detect poses and motion of an object, translate the poses and motion into a control signal using a gesture notation, and control a computer application using the control signal. The systems and methods automatically detect a gesture of a body, translate the gesture to a gesture signal, and control a component coupled to a computer in response to the gesture signal. |
| US10642363B1 |
Tactile feedback module, method for making same, and touch device
A tactile feedback module not subject to a failure in function because of high-voltage arcing includes a circuit board and a piezoelectric unit. The circuit board includes spaced first connecting pad and second connecting pad. The piezoelectric unit includes a piezoelectric layer, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The piezoelectric layer is adjacent to the circuit board, and the first electrode and the second electrode are insulated from each other. A first voltage is applied to the first electrode and a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied to the second electrode, the piezoelectric layer generates a tactile feedback based on a voltage difference between the voltages. The disclosure also provides a method for making the tactile feedback module and a touch device. |
| US10642362B2 |
Method and system for providing adjunct sensory information to a user
A method for providing information to a user, the method including: receiving an input signal from a sensing device associated with a sensory modality of the user; generating a preprocessed signal upon preprocessing the input signal with a set of preprocessing operations; extracting a set of features from the preprocessed signal; processing the set of features with a neural network system; mapping outputs of the neural network system to a device domain associated with a device including a distribution of haptic actuators in proximity to the user; and at the distribution of haptic actuators, cooperatively producing a haptic output representative of at least a portion of the input signal, thereby providing information to the user. |
| US10642359B2 |
Wearable biosignal interface and method thereof
A wearable biosignal interface, an apparatus for operating an external device, and an operation method of a wearable biosignal interface are provided. A wearable biosignal interface may include a motion sensor configured to obtain a first signal based on a motion of a target, a biosignal sensor disposed on the target and configured to obtain a second signal from the target, and a determination controller configured to determine a validity of the second signal based on the first signal. |
| US10642355B1 |
Light field display, adjusted pixel rendering method therefor, and vision correction system and method using same
Described are various embodiments of a light field display, adjusted pixel rendering method and computer-readable medium therefor, and vision correction system and method using same. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method is provided to automatically adjust user perception of an input image to be rendered on a digital display via a set of pixels thereof, wherein the digital display has an array of light field shaping elements. |
| US10642354B2 |
Experimental chamber with computer-controlled display wall
An environmental chamber having an interior compartment, an augmented display, and a controller is disclosed. The interior compartment is adapted for isolating an experimental setup from an environment external to the interior compartment. The augmented display is positioned to allow a user in the external environment to view the interior compartment and an image generated on the augmented display. The controller generates the image. The image includes information about a component within the interior compartment. The augment display can include a touch-enabled display screen that allows the user to interact with controller. |
| US10642349B2 |
Information processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus is provided that allows a user to execute, when a video image is displayed on a video image display apparatus worn on the head of the user, interactions with video images more intuitively. An information processing apparatus 10, connected to a video image display apparatus 40 worn on the head of a user, acquires information of a relative position of at least a part of the body of the user with reference to a position of the video image display apparatus 40 and displays, on the video image display apparatus 40, a video image indicative of a situation in which an object corresponding to the part is arranged at a position in a virtual space, the position being determined in accordance with the acquired relative position. |
| US10642348B2 |
Display device and image display method
A display device includes a controller, a display, and a display controller. The controller generates an augmented reality image based on an image displayed on a screen of an external terminal display device and a size of a screen area of the screen. The augmented reality image corresponds to the image. The display displays the augmented reality image so that the image is viewed by a user through augmented reality. The display controller controls displaying by the display. The controller generates an augmented reality image including an excess region when a size of an overall area of the image is larger than the size of the screen area. The excess region is a portion of the overall area and corresponds to an excess from the size of the screen area. The display controller directs the display to display the excess region outside the screen area. |
| US10642347B2 |
VR glasses
The present disclosure relates to Virtual Reality (VR) glasses, which include: a glasses body; a cover plate fixedly attached to the glasses body; and a receiving space formed between the glasses body and the cover plate, wherein the receiving space is configured to receive an electronic device, wherein a support pad is provided on a side of the cover plate that is facing the glasses body, wherein a surface of the support pad includes a plurality of projections, such that when the electronic device is placed into the receiving space, the plurality of projections are configured to deform and generate a support force towards the electronic device, so as to press against and hold the electronic device in the receiving space. |
| US10642346B2 |
Action control method and device
An action control method includes when a first state of a first user in communication with a first machine avatar is detected, specifying a first action of the first machine avatar for changing a state of the first user from the first state to a second state that is more desirable than the first state based on history information indicating changes in states of users in response to actions of machine avatars or different users in communication with the users, and causing the first machine avatar to perform the first action. |
| US10642345B2 |
Avionics maintenance training
A virtual training system includes a computing processor, a virtual reality (VR) headset and a sensor to determine a VR hand position. The processor is configured according to computing instructions in a memory device for displaying a first VR scene that includes a first VR object. A second VR scene is displayed within a visual portal in the first VR scene that includes a second VR object. A user VR hand image is displayed in at least one of the first VR scene and the second VR scene based upon the determined VR hand position. |
| US10642344B2 |
Manipulating virtual objects with six degree-of-freedom controllers in an augmented and/or virtual reality environment
A system for combining six degree of freedom (6DOF) inputs, or positional and orientation inputs, from multiple 6DOF controllers in an augmented reality (AR) environment and/or a virtual reality (VR) environment is provided. In response to the detected movement of multiple controllers, and in particular, rotational movement of the multiple controllers providing user inputs in a virtual reality environment, the detected movements of the multiple controllers may be resolved to a single, common coordinate system to determine intended input to be applied to a selected virtual object in the virtual environment. The ability to resolve these inputs from multiple 6DOF controllers to a common coordinate system may provide a more natural user input mode, thus enhancing the user's experience. |
| US10642343B2 |
Data processing systems
In a data processing system that includes a graphics processor and a video processor, graphics textures for use by the graphics processor are stored as encoded frames of video data. The video processor then decodes the video frames to reproduce the graphics texture(s) that the video frames encode, and stores the decoded graphics texture or textures in memory for use by the graphics processor.The graphics processor then reads the decoded graphics textures for use when generating its render outputs, such as output frames for display. |
| US10642330B2 |
Intergrated multi-touch surface having varying sensor granularity
This relates to an event sensing device that includes an event sensing panel and is able to dynamically change the granularity of the panel according to present needs. Thus, the granularity of the panel can differ at different times of operation. Furthermore, the granularity of specific areas of the panel can also be dynamically changed, so that different areas feature different granularities at a given time. This also relates to panels that feature different inherent granularities in different portions thereof. These panels can be designed, for example, by placing more stimulus and/or data lines in different portions of the panel, thus ensuring different densities of pixels in the different portions. Optionally, these embodiments can also include the dynamic granularity changing features noted above. |
| US10642326B2 |
Mapped fan zone cooling system
A cooling system includes a chassis. A thermal sensor is located in the chassis. A plurality of fan zones are located in the chassis. Each of the plurality of fan zones includes at least one fan. A first mapping is provided between the thermal sensor and a first fan zone of the plurality of fans zone, and a second mapping is provided between the first fan zone and a second fan zone in the plurality of fan zones. A controller is coupled to the thermal sensor and the at least one fan in each of the plurality of fan zones. In response to receiving a signal from the thermal sensor, the controller is operable to activate the at least one fan in the first fan zone according to the first mapping and activate the at least one fan in the second fan zone according to the second mapping. |
| US10642324B2 |
Cover for devices
Examples of a cover for a device are described herein. The cover includes a substrate to be placed in proximity of a heat source of a device. In an example, a heat resistant layer is applied over a surface of the substrate to insulate heat generated by the heat source. Further, a top layer is applied over one of the heat resistant layer and another surface of the substrate, which is opposite to the surface having the heat resistant layer. The top layer provides at least one of chemical resistant properties and aesthetic properties. |
| US10642321B2 |
Power distribution unit self-identification
A power distribution discovery system includes a power distribution unit (power distribution unit) that provides electrical power to a plurality of equipment modules configured in a computing rack. The power distribution unit includes a first communication circuit coupled to a computing system. The first communication circuit communicates with a second communication circuit configured in each of the subset of equipment modules to receive identifying information associated with each of the subset of equipment modules. The computing system communicates with the first communication circuit to receive the identifying information, and outputs a report indicating the subset of equipment modules that receive electrical power from the power distribution unit. The received identifying information indicates those equipment modules that receive electrical power from the power distribution unit. |
| US10642317B2 |
Clasp with integrated biometric sensor to authenticate a user of a dual-housing device
In some examples, a computing device may include a first housing mechanically coupled to a second housing. The coupling may enable the first housing to be placed at an angle of between at least 0 to 180 degrees relative to the second housing. A clasp may be used to temporarily hold the first housing against the second housing when the first housing is placed at an angle of about 0 degrees relative to the second housing. A clasp sensor may determine that a user touched the clasp. In response, the computing device may initiate a boot process of an operating system. The boot process may capture biometric data using a biometric sensor in the clasp and compare the biometric data with previously stored biometric data associated with the user. The boot process may authenticate the user when the biometric data matches the previously stored biometric data. |
| US10642316B2 |
Component assembly
A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include at least a single piece housing. The single piece housing including a plurality of steps. The plurality of mounting steps are formed by at least removing a preselected amount of housing material at predetermined locations on the interior surface. At least some of the mounting steps are used to mount at least some of the plurality of internal operating components housing. |
| US10642314B2 |
Display device and electronic device having multiple overlapping display panels
To provide a display device that is suitable for increasing in size, a display device in which display unevenness is suppressed, or a display device that can display an image along a curved surface. The display device includes a first display panel and a second display panel each including a pair of substrates. The first display panel and the second display panel each include a first region which can transmit visible light, a second region which can block visible light, and a third region which can perform display. The third region of the first display panel and the first region of the second display panel overlap each other. The third region of the first display panel and the second region of the second display panel do not overlap each other. |
| US10642313B1 |
Foldable display device and operation method of electronic device
A foldable display device includes a first display region, a second display region, and a foldable region connecting the first display region and the second display region. The foldable display device includes a flexible substrate, a display layer disposed on the flexible substrate, and a biometric sensing structure disposed in the first display region, the second display region, and the foldable region. The biometric sensing structure has a biometric sensing region. A ratio of an area of the biometric sensing region to an area of the flexible substrate is in a range from 0.6 to 1. |
| US10642311B2 |
Hybrid optics for near-eye displays
A method for displaying a near-eye light field display (NELD) image is disclosed. The method comprises determining a pre-filtered image to be displayed, wherein the pre-filtered image corresponds to a target image. It further comprises displaying the pre-filtered image on a display. Subsequently, it comprises producing a near-eye light field after the pre-filtered image travels through a microlens array adjacent to the display, wherein the near-eye light field is operable to simulate a light field corresponding to the target image. Finally, it comprises altering the near-eye light field using at least one converging lens, wherein the altering allows a user to focus on the target image at an increased depth of field at an increased distance from an eye of the user and wherein the altering increases spatial resolution of said target image. |
| US10642310B2 |
Smart device for displaying seamless images, control method therefor, and recording medium for implementing method
A sleeve type smart device comprises: a cylindrical flexible display panel which displays seamless continuous images on an outer surface thereof, and has a sleeve-shaped form of which the inside is empty; a sensing unit located at an inner surface of the flexible display panel so as to recognize an entity located inside the flexible display panel; a mode selection unit for automatically selecting an operation mode corresponding to the recognized entity; and a control unit for controlling so as to operate in the operation mode selected by the mode selection unit. Accordingly, the implementation of the seamless images is possible and one device could be used in various ways according to an installation state. |
| US10642309B2 |
Laptop computer
A laptop computer includes a host, a hinge mechanism, and a display. The host includes a housing having a bottom surface, a raising mechanism disposed in the housing, and a pad connected to the raising mechanism, and adjacent to the bottom surface. The hinge mechanism is connected to the host and includes a first shaft connected to the raising mechanism. The display is affixed to the rotation element. When the display is rotated about the host, the first shaft drives the raising mechanism to change the distance between the top of the pad and the bottom surface. |
| US10642304B1 |
Low voltage ultra-low power continuous time reverse bandgap reference circuit
A bandgap voltage circuit with a first circuit to generate an output voltage as a sum of a first voltage with an amplitude that is proportional to absolute temperature, and a first feedback voltage with an amplitude that is complementary to absolute temperature, a second circuit to generate a voltage having an amplitude that is complementary to absolute temperature, a scaling circuit to generate a second feedback voltage with an amplitude that is a fraction of the voltage of the control terminal, and a regulator circuit to regulate the first feedback voltage according to the second feedback voltage by controlling a first input current of the first circuit and a second input current of the second circuit. |
| US10642299B2 |
Power distribution, management, and monitoring systems and methods
Managing electrical power usage in a power distribution system. Power usage data indicative of electrical current flow through electrical outlets in the system are collected and displayed for a user. The user may select an outlet and issue a command to control current flow through that outlet. Environmental data may also be collected and displayed. Outlets in different Cabinet Power Distribution Units (CDUs) in different locations may be clustered for reporting and control. A database structure provides a “system” table for data descriptive of the system, a “tower” table for data descriptive of outlets and other elements in the system, an “infeed” table for data descriptive of input electrical power, and an “outlet” table for data descriptive of electrical power flowing through the outlets. |
| US10642289B1 |
Connected mixing valve for controlling water temperature
Systems and techniques are described for using a connected device that measures water usage and controls temperature of a hot water line. In some implementations, a monitoring system monitors a property that includes one or more sensors located throughout the property and generates sensor data. The monitor control unit receives sensor data and based on the sensor data, determines an action that is likely to occur. Based on the action, determine a water temperature. Generate an instruction specifying the water temperature. The monitoring system includes a connected mixing valve that connects to a hot water supply line and a cold water supply line; receives the instruction specifying the water temperature; and, determines a first amount of hot water from the hot water supply line to combine with a second amount of cold water from the cold water supply line to produce water at the water temperature. |
| US10642287B2 |
Pump controller system and method
A method and apparatus for a pump control system. One or more embodiments of the invention include a pump controller that can perform a self-calibrating procedure, can provide precise motor speed control, can provide a limp mode before shutting down the motor when system parameters are exceeded and/or fault conditions occur, can detect fault conditions, and can store fault conditions for later retrieval. |
| US10642281B2 |
Service providing system and request receiving robot
A service providing system includes a request receiving robot and a service providing robot. The request receiving robot includes a floating unit configured to float in air, a recognition unit configured to recognize a service providing request by a user, and a transmitter configured to transmit the recognized service providing request. The service providing robot includes a receiver configured to receive the service providing request transmitted by the request receiving robot, a moving unit configured to move the service providing robot to the user who makes the service providing request as a destination according to the received service providing request, and a service providing unit configured to provide a service to the user. |
| US10642280B2 |
Vehicle mounted apparatus
A vehicle mounted apparatus includes a first acquisition portion, a second acquisition portion, a comparison portion, and a control portion. The first acquisition portion acquires first vehicle information of different vehicles. The second acquisition portion acquires second vehicle information of different vehicles. The comparison portion compares a position of a closest different vehicle recognized based on the first vehicle information with a position of a closest different vehicle recognized based on the second vehicle information. The control portion employs both of the vehicle information acquired based on detection signals from the vehicle detection sensor and the vehicle information acquired based on the detection signals from the vehicle-to-vehicle communication in a combined manner when the position of the closest different vehicle recognized based on the first vehicle information matches with the position of the closest different vehicle recognized based on the second vehicle information. |
| US10642276B2 |
Customize and legalize self-driving motor vehicles
Methods are introduced for customizing and legalizing a self-driving motor vehicle by personalizing and/or disciplining before and during a self-driving motor vehicle is practically used, with human knowledge, preferences and experiences, to provide a more personal service and overcome some hurdles in legalization of self-driving motor vehicles, serving as a bridge in the transition from a human driving world to a personized autonomous freeway. |
| US10642275B2 |
Occulsion aware planning and control
Techniques are discussed for controlling a vehicle, such as an autonomous vehicle, based on occluded areas in an environment. An occluded area can represent areas where sensors of the vehicle are unable to sense portions of the environment due to obstruction by another object. An occlusion grid representing the occluded area can be stored as map data or can be dynamically generated. An occlusion grid can include occlusion fields, which represent discrete two- or three-dimensional areas of driveable environment. An occlusion field can indicate an occlusion state and an occupancy state, determined using LIDAR data and/or image data captured by the vehicle. An occupancy state of an occlusion field can be determined by ray casting LIDAR data or by projecting an occlusion field into segmented image data. The vehicle can be controlled to traverse the environment when a sufficient portion of the occlusion grid is visible and unoccupied. |
| US10642271B1 |
Vehicle guidance camera with zoom lens
A guidance camera deployed on a vehicle may be equipped with a zoom lens configured to change a zoom level of the guidance camera. The zoom level may be changed in response to a scenario performed by a vehicle equipped with the guidance camera, vehicle controls issued by a vehicle controller, and/or based on identification of objects in imagery captured by the guidance camera. The zoom lens may be implemented as a lens array that includes different lenses, as a wheel lens array that includes different lenses, or by a light direction device that guides light from a specific lens of different lenses into the guidance camera. Stereo cameras may be configured with the zoom lenses, and may be repositioned to ensure suitable overlap in a field of view to enable calculation of a distance of objects captured in the imagery of the stereo camera. |
| US10642270B2 |
Aircrew automation system and method
An aircrew automation system and method for use in an aircraft. The aircrew automation system comprises one or more processors, an optical perception system, an actuation system, and a human-machine interface. The optical perception system monitors, in real-time, one or more cockpit instruments of the aircraft visually to generate flight situation data. The actuation system mechanically engages at least one flight control of the aircraft in response to the one or more flight commands. The human-machine interface provides an interface between a human pilot and the aircrew automation system. The human-machine interface comprises a display device to display a status of the aircraft and the actuation system. |
| US10642267B2 |
Automated vehicle system and method for changing from automated-mode to manual-mode near a construction-zone
A system and method for operating an automated vehicle includes providing a detector and a controller-circuit. The detector is configured to detect construction-objects. The controller-circuit is configured to, in accordance with a detection of a construction-object by the detector, determine that a host-vehicle is proximate to a construction-zone. The controller-circuit and the method is also configured to, in accordance with a determination that the host-vehicle is proximate the construction-zone, change control of the host-vehicle from an automated-mode characterized by the controller-circuit steering the host-vehicle to a manual-mode characterized by an occupant of the host-vehicle steering the host-vehicle. |
| US10642264B2 |
Security drone system
A security drone includes a drone housing defining a cavity and an actuator coupled to the drone housing and designed to move the drone housing through the predetermined area. The security drone further includes a camera designed to detect image data corresponding to the predetermined area and a network access device designed to transmit and receive data via a network. The security drone further includes a drone processor positioned within the cavity and coupled to the actuator, the camera, and the network access device. The drone processor is designed to control the actuator to move the drone housing through the predetermined area, identify a potential threat in the predetermined area based on the image data as the drone housing is moved through the predetermined area, and transmit potential threat data corresponding to the potential threat to a remote device when the potential threat is identified. |
| US10642258B2 |
Maintenance work support system
In a maintenance work support system for supporting maintenance works in a component mounting system, a storage stores: priority table information defining a maintenance priority for classifying a priority level at which execution of the maintenance work is necessary, based on an association of the recommended maintenance deadline with a use time or a use count of each of the maintenance targets; and execution history information indicating history of the maintenance work executed on each of the maintenance targets. A maintenance work plan creation unit creates a work plan of the maintenance work, based on the maintenance priority calculated by a priority calculator, changed with date and time, based on the execution history information and the priority table information. |
| US10642256B2 |
Method and apparatus for unified personal climate management
A system includes a processor configured to determine that a first user will transition from a first climate-controllable environment to a second climate-controllable environment within a threshold time. The processor is also configured to compare first and second environment temperatures. The processor is further configured to detect whether a second-user control device is in communication with a second-environment climate control and set the second-environment climate control to a desired temperature, based on the first environment temperature, responsive to an absence of the second-user control device. |
| US10642251B2 |
Subtractive machining work center
A work center for automated subtractive machining includes machine frame components, material and parts handling components, control components, and communications components. The machine frame components may include a fixturing system, a CNC, a column, a spindle, and a cutting tool. The material and parts handling components may include material handling robotics, machined part handling robotics, material viewing, machined part viewing, and racks for stock materials, tools, and finished parts. The control components may include robotics controllers, viewer controllers, fixturing control, and an interactive process plan automation control (IPPAC). The IPPAC may include process planning/editing hardware & software, process control hardware & software, a device command interpreter, CAM hardware & software, SCADA hardware & software, which may include SCADA supervisory control and/or SCADA data acquisition components, database hardware & software, and communications hardware & software. |
| US10642250B2 |
Servo control system equipped with learning control apparatus having function of optimizing learning memory allocation
A servo control system for controlling a plurality of axes of a machine tool, comprises: a plurality of servo control units for controlling the plurality of axes, respectively; a plurality of learning control units that are provided one each in the plurality of servo control units, and each configured to control a cyclic operation highly precisely; a common learning memory for storing correction data which at least a portion of the plurality of learning control units generates; a memory allocation unit for allocating at least a portion of a memory area in the learning memory to the axis that the learning control unit that generated the correction data controls; and a memory amount notifying unit for notifying the memory allocation unit as to the amount of memory that each of the plurality of learning control units of the respective axes requires. |
| US10642249B2 |
Method and system for real-time damage prediction and quantification
A method for real-time damage prediction includes obtaining a damage prediction model that mathematically models expected damage to equipment in an industrial process based on a plurality of process parameters. The method also includes obtaining real-time state information for at least one of the plurality of process parameters. The method further includes determining, based on the real-time state information and the damage prediction model, a real-time prediction of damage to at least one component of the equipment in the industrial process. The method may also include obtaining historical data for the plurality of process parameters, and the real-time prediction of damage can be based on the historical data, the real-time state information, and the damage prediction model. The method may further include identifying and adjusting a high limit and a low limit for the at least one of the plurality of process parameters. |
| US10642247B2 |
Cell control system
A cell control system capable of estimating a cause of an alarm by estimating an influence of noise in a plurality of machines includes a machine operation instruction unit for transmitting an operation instruction to a managed manufacturing machine, a noise value collection unit for collecting detected noise information, an operation information collection unit for collecting operation information of a manufacturing machine, a learning unit for creating a learning model by performing machine learning using the collected operation information collected as an input signal and the detected noise information as an instruction signal, an estimation unit for analyzing the learning model to estimate operation information corresponding to a noise factor, and an operation instruction change unit for instructing the machine operation instruction unit to change instruction content based on the operation information corresponding to the noise factor. |
| US10642241B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for improved generation control of microgrid energy systems
Embodiments provide systems, methods and apparatus for improved generation control for microgrids. Embodiments include providing a microgrid management system (MGMS) having a smart generation control (SGC) system in communication with a plurality of resources and loads, wherein the resources and loads are coupled to a microgrid transmission line that is couplable to a macrogrid transmission line; performing preprocessing of the resources; determining current frequency, interchange, schedule, and area control error (ACE); monitoring and controlling the microgrid based on a system mode, a control mode, and system status; deriving a set point for active power control of resources; and transmitting control commands. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US10642239B2 |
Systems and method for time use optimization
Systems and methods for time use optimization are provided. One embodiment of a method includes determining time of use pricing data associated with purchase of energy from an energy provider, partitioning a predetermined amount of time into a plurality of segments, where the plurality of segments corresponds with the higher cost tier and the lower cost tier, and creating an energy set point schedule for setting a set point of a controllable device, where the energy set point schedule sets the set point of the controllable device to a predetermined value for each of the plurality of segments. Some embodiments include determining energy utilized by the controllable device during at least a portion of the energy set point schedule and iteratively altering the energy set point schedule, based on a comparison of the energy utilized and a current status of the energy set point schedule. |
| US10642231B1 |
Switch terminal system with an activity assistant
A system is provided for controlling a first switch terminal of a building occupied by one or more building occupant. The system includes a plurality of switch terminals at the building. A first computer system is coupled to the first switch terminal or equivalent of the building at a first location of the building. The first computer system runs on at least one platform. A first plurality of sensors is coupled to the first switch terminal and the first computer system. At least a portion of the sensors provide signal data to the first computer system. The first computer system produces a command or data output that relates to at least one of: a command output for a local control system, a command output for a different system, a data output for a different system, a command output for a non-local device or a data output that is a non-local device. A second switch terminal includes a second plurality of sensors coupled to a second computer system. An activity assistant is coupled to the system for controlling a first switch terminal. |
| US10642230B2 |
Management method for managing installation including power supply device, computer program product, information medium, and associated management system
A method for managing an installation (10), the installation (10) including: a power supply device (14), and members (16) supplied with energy by the power supply device (14), the method including the following steps: determining the available energy coming from the power supply device (14), determining the energy consumed by the members (16), and optimizing the operation of the installation (10) so that a criterion is met, the criterion being met at least if the energy balance of the installation (10) is positive for a given length of time. |
| US10642224B1 |
Watch winding apparatus for winding a wrist watch and method thereof
A watch winding apparatus for winding a wrist watch with mechanical self-winding eccentrics and having a bracelet is provided. The watch winding apparatus includes a carrier adapted for mounting the wrist watch therein. The carrier also includes a bracelet holding mechanism arranged inside a hollow cylindrical housing, which in an open position thereof is disposed providing a gap with respect to an inner wall, and in the closed position thereof is disposed with the said gap being narrower with respect to the inner wall. The carrier is adapted to receive the wrist watch therein with the bracelet being slided through the said gap and being snugly supported with the bracelet holding mechanism disposed in the closed position thereof. Further, the watch winding apparatus includes a rocker device configured to rotate the carrier to activate the mechanical self-winding eccentrics for winding of the wrist watch mounted therein. |
| US10642213B2 |
Image forming apparatus with cleaning blade and image bearing member having recesses
A cleaning blade, which is to be brought into contact with a surface of a photosensitive drum, satisfies the following condition. First, the cleaning blade having a free length of 8 mm is brought into contact with an opposed object for measurement having a plurality of measurement recesses each having a partially spherical shape with a depth of 0.7 μm and a radius of 15 μm on a surface so that a linear pressure is 0.196 N/cm and 0.490 N/cm, and a contact angle with respect to the opposed object for measurement is 25°. In this case, a contact width of the cleaning blade in each of the measurement recesses is 4 μm or more and 8 μm or less when the linear pressure is 0.196 N/cm and is 4 μm or more and 13.5 μm or less when the linear pressure is 0.490 N/cm. |
| US10642210B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus executes an image forming operation adequately while reducing a cumbersome work of a user of setting the sheet size. A processor of the image forming apparatus controls an image forming portion to form the image on the sheet even if the sheet size included in an image forming job is inconsistent with the sheet size stored in a storage portion. In such a mode, the processor controls a notification portion so as to give notification when a size detection portion detects one of regular sheet sizes and where the sheet size included in the image forming job is inconsistent with the detected sheet size. |
| US10642208B2 |
Image forming apparatus with abnormality diagnosis, image forming system with abnormality diagnosis, and control program of image forming apparatus with abnormality diagnosis
An image forming apparatus includes: a first rotor and a second rotor that are each a rotatable member; a first movable member including the first rotor or a transferer that transfers power of the first rotor to another member; a second movable member including the second rotor or a transferer that transfers power of the second rotor to another member; a hardware processor that drives simultaneously the first rotor and the second rotor at mutually different numbers of revolutions or speeds, and performs abnormality diagnosis on the first movable member and the second movable member, based on the sounds of operation acquired by the sound acquirer; and a sound acquirer that acquires sounds of operation of the first movable member and the second movable member with the first rotor and the second rotor being driven by the hardware processor. |
| US10642202B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier rotatably supported; a lubricant supplier that supplies lubricant to a surface of the image carrier; a blade that levels the lubricant supplied from the lubricant supplier in a film-like form on the surface of the image carrier; and a controller that controls image formation, wherein the controller has a lubricant removal mode to remove the lubricant accumulated on the blade, the lubricant removal mode includes a plurality of displacement modes each of which imparts different displacement to the blade, in each of the displacement modes, one of a displacement amount, a displacement speed, a displacement period, a displacement angle, and a displacement position of the blade is different, and the controller performs switching between the displacement modes dining execution of the lubricant removal mode. |
| US10642197B2 |
Grounded intermediate transfer members
A printing apparatus is described comprising a photoconductor for receiving an electrostatic charge pattern corresponding to an image, and one or more developers for applying a colorant to the photoconductor representative of the image. The apparatus further comprises a transfer member for transferring the image from the photoconductor onto a substrate, wherein the transfer member has a substantially grounded potential. |
| US10642196B2 |
Cleaning device and image forming apparatus therewith
A cleaning device has a housing where an opening and a toner storage portion are formed, a cleaning member arranged in the opening, a collection roller collecting toner attached to the cleaning member, a blade scraping off toner attached to the collection roller, a sheet member dividing between the toner storage portion and the opening, and a sealing member arranged to be in contact with the housing and both end parts of the outer circumferential surface of the collection roller in the axial direction. A first region having a predetermined surface roughness is formed in a middle part of the circumferential surface of the collection roller in the axial direction, and a second region having a lower surface roughness than the first region is formed next to both end parts of the first region in the axial direction. |
| US10642194B2 |
Image forming apparatus with removable waste toner container and exposable feeding path
An image forming apparatus includes a chassis having an opening, a cover, photosensitive members, an intermediate transfer belt, a primary-transfer member, a secondary-transfer roller, a cleaner device, an external-sheet inlet, a waste toner container, a connector, and a conveying roller, which is arranged within the feeding path to feed the recording sheet inserted through the external-sheet inlet in the feeding path. The conveying roller is mounted on the waste toner container and removable from the chassis along with the waste toner container. |
| US10642190B2 |
Toner cartridge including detection gear
A toner cartridge includes a casing, an auger rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction, an auger gear rotatable with the auger, an agitator aligned with the auger in a second direction, an agitator gear rotatable with the agitator, and a detection gear positioned opposite to the auger gear with respect to the agitator gear in the second direction. The detection gear is rotatable from a first position to a second position. At the first position, a through-hole or a cutout of the detection gear is positioned farther away from the auger than an outer surface of another end portion of the casing in the second direction is. At the second position, a portion of the detection gear different from the through-hole or the cutout is positioned farther away from the auger than the outer surface of the another end portion of the casing is. |
| US10642186B2 |
Developing member having outer surface with independent electrically insulating domains, electrophotographic process cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
The developing member includes a substrate, and an electroconductive layer on the substrate, wherein the electroconductive layer has electrically insulating domains on an outer surface thereof, the domains being independent from each other, the developing member has an outer surface including a surface of the electroconductive layer and surfaces of the domains, and wherein, when each of the domains is orthographically projected onto the surface of the electroconductive layer, defining respective areas of projected images of the domains as S, and defining respective areas of convex envelopes of the projected images as H, at least one domain satisfies the relation represented by 0.05≤S/H≤0.80. |
| US10642180B2 |
Electrostatic ink compositions
Herein is disclosed an electrostatic ink composition. In some examples, the electrostatic ink compositions comprise: a carrier liquid; a resin; and a phosphorescent pigment. |
| US10642178B2 |
Toner
A toner comprising a toner particle including a binder resin and a crystalline polyester resin, wherein the binder resin is an amorphous polyester resin having a linear alkyl group at a molecular chain terminal; the crystalline polyester resin is a polycondensate of a diol and a dicarboxylic acid; the number of carbon atoms CaPES of the linear alkyl group, the number of carbon atoms COH of the diol, and the number of carbon atoms CAc of the dicarboxylic acid, excluding carbon that belongs to carboxyl groups, satisfy the following relationships; and a glass transition temperature of the toner as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter is from 40.0° C. to 55.0° C. 8≤CaPES≤20 (1) CAc/COH≥3.5 and 0≤|CAc−CaPES|≤3 (2) COH/CAc≥3.5 and 0≤|COH−CaPES|≤3 (3) |
| US10642174B2 |
Electroconductive support body and method for manufacturing same, electrophotographic photoreceptor, and electrophotographic device
An electrically conductive support for use in an electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a cylindrical main body having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in an axial direction of the main body. The main body contains an aluminum alloy and has an internal stress in a range of −30 MPa to 5 MPa. A method of producing the electrically conductive support includes preparing a substrate containing an aluminum alloy obtained at least through an extrusion step, and heat treating the substrate to obtain the electrically conductive support. The heat treating is carried out such that, when a temperature of the heat treating is defined as T (° C.) and a time of the heat treating is defined as H (hours), an amount of the heat treating Q defined by Q=T×H is 800 or less. |
| US10642173B1 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
An electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a conductive substrate, an undercoat layer on the conductive substrate, and a photosensitive layer on the undercoat layer. The undercoat layer contains at least one perinone compound selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by general formula (1) below and a compound represented by general formula (2) below, an amine compound (A) having an ionization potential of 5.4 eV or more and 5.9 eV or less, and a binder resin, where: in general formula (1), R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, and R18 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, an aryloxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryloxycarbonyl group, an alkoxycarbonylalkyl group, an aryloxycarbonylalkyl group, or a halogen atom; R11 and R12 may be bonded to each other to form a ring, so may R12 and R13, and so may R13 and R14; and R15 and R16 may be bonded to each other to form a ring, so may R16 and R17, and so may R17 and R18, and in general formula (2), R21, R22, R23, R24, R25, R26, R27, and R28 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aralkyl group, an aryl group, an aryloxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryloxycarbonyl group, an alkoxycarbonylalkyl group, an aryloxycarbonylalkyl group, or a halogen atom; R21 and R22 may be bonded to each other to form a ring, so may R22 and R23, and so may R23 and R24; and R25 and R26 may be bonded to each other to form a ring, so may R26 and R27, and so may R27 and R28. |
| US10642169B2 |
Measurement device and measurement method, exposure apparatus and exposure method, and device manufacturing method
An alignment system is equipped with: an alignment system having an objective optical system, an irradiation system and a beam receiving system; and a calculation system, the objective optical system including an objective transparent plate that faces a wafer movable in a Y-axis direction, the irradiation system irradiating a grating mark provided at the wafer with measurement beams via the objective transparent plate while scanning the measurement beams in the Y-axis direction, the beam receiving system receiving diffraction beams from the grating mark of the measurement beams via the objective optical system, and the calculation system obtaining positional information of the grating mark on the basis of the output of the beam receiving system, wherein the objective transparent plate deflects or diffracts the diffraction beams diffracted at the grating mark toward the beam receiving system. |
| US10642167B2 |
Optical element
In order to make possible both good laser resistance and good antireflection properties, an optical element, in particular for UV lithography, comprising a substrate and a coating on the substrate having at least four layers, is proposed, wherein a first layer comprising a low refractive index inorganic fluoride compound is arranged on the substrate, a layer comprising an inorganic oxide-containing compound is arranged as a layer the most distant from the substrate, and at least two further layers each comprising an inorganic fluoride compound or an inorganic oxide-containing compound are arranged alternately between the first and the most distant layers. |
| US10642166B2 |
Patterning device cooling apparatus
A patterning apparatus for a lithographic apparatus, the patterning apparatus including a patterning device support structure configured to support a patterning device having a planar surface; a patterning device conditioning system including a first gas outlet configured to provide a first gas flow over the planar surface in use and a second gas outlet configured to provide a second gas flow over the planar surface in use, wherein the first gas outlet and the second gas outlet are arranged at different distances perpendicular to the planar surface; and a control system configured to independently control a first momentum of gas exiting the first gas outlet and a second momentum of gas exiting the second gas outlet or to independently vary the first gas flow and/or the second gas flow over the planar surface of the patterning device. |
| US10642165B2 |
Automated mask storage and retrieval system
An automated photomask storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of mobile storage units aligned in a first direction. Each mobile storage unit is movable in the first direction and includes a plurality of storage cells. A gantry is disposed over the plurality of mobile storage units. The gantry includes a supporting frame movable in the first direction. The plurality of mobile storage units interpose a pair of supporting members of the supporting frame. A beam connects the pair of supporting members and is movable along the pair of supporting members in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The beam includes a plurality of buffer cells. A robotic arm is disposed adjacent to the plurality of buffer cells and movable along the beam. The robotic arm is configured to transfer a container containing a photomask between a storage cell and a buffer cell. |
| US10642159B2 |
Information calculation method, exposure apparatus, exposure method, device manufacturing method, program, and recording medium
An information calculation method includes: calculating liquid information regarding a liquid on an object, which faces an optical member that emits exposure light, when moving the object; and calculating region information indicating a region, in which the liquid information satisfies predetermined conditions, on the object. |
| US10642154B2 |
Surface functional composite film and method of fabricating the same
Provided are embodiments related to a surface functional composite coating film and a method of fabricating the same. The surface functional composite coating film may include a resin coating layer; a surface functional metal compound layer formed on the resin coating layer; and an interface layer having gradually changing composition distribution of a metal constituting the metal compound between the resin coating layer and the surface functional metal compound layer. |
| US10642153B2 |
Organometallic solution based high resolution patterning compositions and corresponding methods
Organometallic radiation resist compositions are described based on tin ions with alkyl ligands. Some of the compositions have branched alkyl ligands to provide for improved patterning contrast while maintaining a high degree of solution stability. Blends of compounds with distinct alkyl ligands can provide further improvement in the patterning. High resolution patterning with a half-pitch of no more than 25 nm can be achieved with a line width roughness of no more than about 4.5 nm. Synthesis techniques have been developed that allow for the formation of alkyl tin oxide hydroxide compositions with very low metal contamination. |
| US10642151B2 |
Pellicle support frame and production method
A pellicle support frame is provided with a frame body made of aluminum alloy and has a pellicle film bonded to the upper surface of the frame body and a transparent substrate bonded to the lower surface of the frame body. Within the frame body, a plurality of hollow portions are provided to be lined up in the circumferential direction of the frame body, and a through-hole which leads from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface of the frame body is formed between two adjacent hollow portions. This configuration makes it possible to prevent strain from arising in the support frame and the transparent substrate after the support frame is bonded to the transparent substrate. |
| US10642149B2 |
Reflective mask blank, reflective mask and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A reflective mask blank capable of obtaining high contrast at the edges of a phase shift film pattern. Provided is a reflective mask blank comprising a multilayer reflective film and a phase shift film that shifts the phase of EUV light formed in that order on a substrate, wherein root mean square roughness (Rms), obtained by measuring a 1 μm×1 μm region on the surface of the phase shift film with an atomic force microscope, is not more than 0.50 nm, and power spectrum density at a spatial frequency of 10 to 100 μm−1 is not more than 17 nm4. |
| US10642144B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a screen, first and second projectors, and a controller. The screen has first and second surfaces. The first projector projects a first horizontally non-inverted image as viewed from the first surface. The second projector projects a second horizontally non-inverted image as viewed from the second surface. The controller controls switching of an operation between the first and second projectors. |
| US10642143B2 |
Projector and projection correction method thereof
A projection correction method adapted to a projector. The projection correction method includes: sensing a temperature of a body of the projector, so as to obtain a first temperature value, where a focusing gear of the projector is located at a first gear position; determining whether the temperature of the body of the projector is changed, and when the temperature of the body of the projector is changed from the first temperature value to a second temperature value, the focusing gear is rotated by a predetermined distance to rotate the focusing gear to a second gear position; and determining whether a storage device stores a target gear position corresponding to the second temperature value, so as to rotate the focusing gear to the target gear position. Moreover, a projector using the aforementioned projection correction method is also provided. |
| US10642142B2 |
Control apparatus, control method for same, projection device, and projection system
A control apparatus that controls a projection area of each of projection devices is provided. The control apparatus notifies relating to control of the projection areas, in a case where a temperature variation of at least one projection device, among the projection devices, is greater than or equal to a threshold value. |
| US10642141B2 |
Wavelength-converting element, projection apparatus and manufacturing method of wavelength-converting element
A wavelength-converting element includes an alloying substrate, a wavelength-converting layer and a diffusion reflection layer. A material of the alloying substrate includes at least five major alloying elements and at least one minor alloying element. The at least five major alloying elements are selected from a group consisting of Ni, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Al, Cu, Ta, Nb, Zr, Mg and Pt group elements. An atomic percentage of each of the major alloying elements is between 5 at % and 35 at %. The alloying substrate has mixed entropy, which is greater than 3 J/K·mol. The wavelength-converting layer is disposed above the alloying substrate. The diffusion reflection layer is disposed between the alloying substrate and the wavelength-converting layer. The invention further provides a projection apparatus using the wavelength-converting element and a manufacturing method of the wavelength-converting element. The wavelength-converting element of the invention can improve mechanical properties, temperature resistance and reflectivity. |
| US10642139B2 |
Illumination source comprising nanoplatelets and display apparatus having the same
Disclosed is a color conversion layer including at least one light emitting material including at least one composite particle surrounded partially or totally by at least one surrounding medium; wherein the light emitting material is configured to emit light in response to an excitation and the at least one composite particle includes a plurality of nanoparticles encapsulated in an inorganic material; and wherein the inorganic material has a difference of refractive index compared to the at least one surrounding medium superior or equal to 0.02 at 450 nm. Also disclosed is an illumination source and a display apparatus. |
| US10642136B2 |
Heat exchanging apparatus, cooling apparatus, and projector
A heat exchanging apparatus includes one inflow channel having an inflow port via which a liquid refrigerant flows in, one outflow channel having an outflow port via which the liquid refrigerant flowing through the outflow channel flows out, and a plurality of channels arranged in a flow direction of the liquid refrigerant flowing through the inflow channel, the plurality of channels connecting the inflow channel the outflow channel and causing the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inflow channel to flow into the outflow channel. The plurality channels are connected to the inflow channel over a portion from the inflow port to a terminal end of the inflow channel. The inflow channel includes a buffer section disposed between the inflow port and the terminal end, the buffer section configured no reduce a flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing through the inflow channel. |
| US10642134B2 |
Adjusting structure of reflector and projecting apparatus
An adjusting structure of reflector includes a base, a pivoting component, a reflector, a first adjusting screw and a second adjusting screw. The pivoting component is connected to the base, and the base is pivoted to a housing by using the pivoting component, and has freedoms of motion rotating around a first axial direction and a second axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction. The reflector is disposed on the base. The first adjusting screw and the second adjusting screw are configured to be penetrated the housing and connected to the base. An adjusting direction of the first adjusting screw and the first axial direction may intersect with each other. The first adjusting screw and the second adjusting screw are located at the same side of the base. A projecting apparatus comprising the above adjusting structure of reflector is also provided. |
| US10642129B2 |
Digital camera including printer
The shape of a camera body of a digital camera including a printer viewed from the front surface is a square shape, and an imaging optical system is positioned at the center of a camera body. An axis crossing an optical axis of the imaging optical system in a vertical direction is referred to as a vertical axis, and an axis crossing the optical axis in a horizontal direction is referred to as a horizontal axis. A grip portion is formed on the camera body at positions that are symmetric with respect to the vertical axis and symmetric with respect to the horizontal axis. The grip portion has an annular shape and a concave shape that is concave from the surface around the grip portion. The imaging optical system is positioned at the center of the annular grip portion in a case where the digital camera including a printer is viewed from the front surface of the camera body. |
| US10642126B2 |
Optical processing
A modular routing node includes a single input port and a plurality of output ports. The modular routing node is arranged to produce a plurality of different deflections and uses small adjustments to compensate for wavelength differences and alignment tolerances in an optical system. An optical device is arranged to receive a multiplex of many optical signals at different wavelengths, to separate the optical signals into at least two groups, and to process at least one of the groups adaptively. |
| US10642122B2 |
Flexible laminated structure and display
A flexible laminated structure includes a first protective layer, a plurality of patterned structures, and a second protective layer. The patterned structures are disposed on the first protective layer and expose a portion of the first protective layer. Each of the patterned structures has a first width adjacent to the first protective layer and a second width away from the first protective layer, and the first width is smaller than the second width. The second protective layer is disposed on the first protective layer and covers the patterned structures and the first protective layer. |
| US10642115B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
Examples of liquid crystal display devices are described herein. In an example, a liquid crystal display device comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer therebetween. The second substrate comprises a plurality of source lines, a plurality of gate lines crossing the plurality of source lines, and a plurality of pixels in a matrix arrangement. A pixel from the plurality of pixels being defined by two adjacent source lines and two adjacent gate lines. A pixel electrode formed in the pixel comprises a plurality of slits. The plurality of slits includes a first set of slit segments extending in a first direction, and a second set of slit segments extending in a second direction. Further, a first light blocking member extends along a common boundary area of the first set of slit segments and the second set of slit segments. |
| US10642113B2 |
Display device having anti-static function
A display device which is immune to a build-up of static electricity includes a display module and an anti-static layer. The anti-static layer is formed on a side surface of the display module. The anti-static layer includes an insulating layer on the side surface and a conductive layer stacked on the insulating layer. The conductive layer is electrically coupled to a conductive component of the display device. |
| US10642112B2 |
Array substrate, display panel and display device
An array substrate includes a base substrate and a selective reflective layer. The selective reflective layer on the base substrate, and includes at least one selective reflective unit. The selective reflective unit is configured to reflect light of a first wavelength range and transmit light of a second wavelength range other than the first wavelength range. |
| US10642110B2 |
Display device and electronic appliance
A display device with a narrow frame is provided. A display device with high visibility is provided. A display device with low power consumption is provided. A novel display device is provided.A structure having a stack structure in which a gate driver including a first transistor and a common driver including a second transistor which includes a metal oxide in its channel formation region are stacked has been conceived. Because the gate driver has a larger area than the common driver, part of the gate driver may be formed on the same plane as the common driver. |
| US10642108B2 |
Polymer dispersed-type liquid crystal element comprising neutralized conductive polymer transparent electrode and method for producing same
This invention relates to a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal device, including a substrate layer; a neutralized first electrode layer formed on the substrate layer; a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer formed on the first electrode layer; a neutralized second electrode layer formed on the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer; and a substrate layer formed on the second electrode layer, and to a method of manufacturing the same. |
| US10642105B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A display device includes a display panel having a display region and a peripheral region, the display panel including a TFT substrate, a counter substrate fixed to the TFT substrate by seal material formed at the peripheral region, and liquid crystal interposed between the TFT substrate and the counter substrate. The TFT substrate includes an inorganic film and an organic film, with first column spacers being formed on the counter substrate. The organic film includes a first part which has an island-like shape formed at the peripheral region and a second part formed at the display region, and the seal material covers at least one of the first column spacers and the first part of the organic film, and is in contact with the inorganic film. The first part of the organic film is separated from the second part of the organic film of the organic film. |
| US10642103B2 |
Display device
According to one embodiment, a display device includes first and second substrates, and liquid crystal layer. The first substrate includes first and second electrodes. The second electrode includes comblike electrodes extending in parallel to a first direction and tapered toward tips thereof, and a connecting portion which connects the comblike electrodes. An initial alignment direction is parallel to the first direction or a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The comblike electrode includes a first part having sides each form a first angle with the first direction, and a second part having sides each form a second angle with the first direction, the second angle being greater than the first angle. |
| US10642102B2 |
Light homogenizing structure, front light source and display device
The present disclosure provides a light homogenizing structure, a front light source and a display device. The light homogenizing structure comprises a transparent substrate and a plurality of light homogenizing units arranged on a surface of the transparent substrate facing the display panel; wherein a surface of each of the light homogenizing units away from the transparent substrate is a reflective surface tilted relative to the transparent substrate, light rays emitted from the light-emitting unit facing a light entry surface of the light homogenizing structure are incident into the display panel after being reflected on the reflective surface, the light entry surface is other than a surface of the light homogenizing structure facing the display panel and its opposite surface, and an orthographic projection of one of the light homogenizing units on the display panel is located on a border between pixels of the display panel. |
| US10642101B2 |
Backlight module and double-sided liquid crystal display device
The present disclosure provides a backlight module and a double-sided liquid crystal display device. The light utilization efficiency of the backlight module is improved. The backlight module includes a light emitting component, the light emitting component includes a first light exit surface and a second light exit surface disposed opposite to each other. A first liquid crystal brightness enhancement film and a first quarter-wave plate are sequentially disposed along a light emitting direction of the first light exit surface. A second liquid crystal brightness enhancement film and a second quarter-wave plate are sequentially disposed along a light emitting direction of the second light exit surface. A rotation structure of the first liquid crystal brightness enhancement film is opposite to a rotation structure of the second liquid crystal brightness enhancement film. |
| US10642100B2 |
Backlight unit
A backlight unit is disclosed. The backlight unit includes a light source module having a light source and a light source printed circuit board connected to the light source, a diffuser placed over the light source and a supporting member placed under the diffuser and keeping the light source and the diffuser separated by a preset distance. The supporting member includes a groove formed in the top surface facing the diffuser, with an adhesive layer disposed inside of the groove. |
| US10642097B2 |
Image display device including multiple light source substrates
A video display device includes a liquid crystal display panel, and a plurality of light source substrates configured to illuminate the liquid crystal display panel from a rear side of the liquid crystal display panel. Each of the plurality of light source substrates includes a signal input connector that receives a control signal, a plurality of light emitting diodes each of which is provided in correspondence with a corresponding one of areas different from each other in the liquid crystal display panel, a driver element that drives each of the plurality of light emitting diodes in accordance with the control signal such that each of the plurality of light emitting diodes emits light with luminance corresponding to brightness of the corresponding area of an image, and a signal output connector that through-outputs the control signal. The signal output connector of a first light source substrate included in the plurality of light source substrates, and the signal input connector of a second light source substrate included in the plurality of light source substrates are electrically connected. |
| US10642096B2 |
Backlight module and display device
A backlight module and a display device are provided. The backlight module includes: a light source, and a plurality of light exit apertures on a light exit side of the light source, where a converging grating is arranged in the light exit aperture; and the converging grating includes: a circular first grating section at the center, and a plurality of annular second grating sections surrounding the first grating section and radially outwardly distributed successively, where the light-transmitting slits of the first grating and the second grating sections are annular light-transmitting slits. The converging grating is configured to converge light at various angles emitted by the corresponding light exit aperture into some specified position. |
| US10642091B2 |
Displays
Aspects of the invention include a display device including a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel comprising a plurality of blue color filters, a plurality of green color filters, and a plurality of red color filters; and a light source configured to provide light to the LCD panel. The light has a spectrum with a blue component, a green component and a red component. In one embodiment, the blue component has at least one peak wavelength in between 465 nm to 495 nm. In another embodiment, the blue component has an intensity being broadly distributed over a wavelength range of 430 nm to 495 nm. The plurality of green color filters has a transmission cut off wavelength being 480 nm or greater than 480 nm. The plurality of blue color filters has a transmission cut off wavelength being no greater than 500 nm. |
| US10642089B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel, liquid crystal display apparatus and method for manufacturing same
The present disclosure provides a liquid crystal display panel, an liquid crystal display apparatus, and a method for manufacturing same. The liquid crystal display panel includes a substrate, a black matrix disposed on the substrate, an alignment layer disposed on the black matrix, and a groove disposed on the black matrix and arranged around the alignment layer, wherein the sealant is arranged on an outside of the groove, to prevent diffusion of the alignment layer according to feature of the groove, avoid overlap of the alignment layer and the sealant and improve the cell quality. |
| US10642088B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel, display device and display method
The present disclosure relates to a liquid crystal display panel, a display device, and a display method. The liquid crystal display panel includes: a first substrate and a second substrate opposed to each other; a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a quantum dot layer located on a side of the second substrate away from the liquid crystal layer, and including a plurality of quantum dots of different dimensions. |
| US10642085B2 |
Laminate and window
Provided is a laminate including first and second patterned polarizers, a patterned optical anisotropic layer disposed between the first and second patterned polarizers, and an optically anisotropic layer disposed between the first patterned polarizer and the patterned optical anisotropic layer; in which an angle formed between an absorption axis of each of polarization regions of the second patterned polarizer and a slow axis of each of phase difference regions of the patterned optical anisotropic layer that is superposed on each of the polarization regions of the second patterned polarizer is 0°±5° or 90°±5°; an absolute value of Rth of the optically anisotropic layer is 50 to 150 nm; at least one of the first or second patterned polarizers is movable; and a white display state and a black display state are switched with each other. Also provided is a window. |
| US10642082B2 |
Curved LCD display device
A liquid crystal display has a plurality of light directing elements located between the CF substrate and the TFT substrate. The TFT substrate has a plurality of pixel areas and a plurality of bordering areas between adjacent pixel areas. The CF substrate has a plurality of apertures corresponding to the pixel areas and a plurality of masking elements between adjacent aperture areas. Each of the masking elements is broader than the corresponding bordering area on the TFT substrate. The light directing elements with reflective surfaces are used to condense part of the light beam transmitted through a pixel area so as to reduce the beam width of the light beam as it reaches the corresponding aperture. The light directing elements can be located on the CF substrate or the TFT substrate. |
| US10642073B2 |
Method for producing transparent ceramic, transparent ceramic, magneto-optical device and rare earth oxide powder for sintering
A starting material powder, which contains a rare earth oxide that is composed of terbium oxide and at least one other rare earth oxide selected from among yttrium oxide, scandium oxide and oxides of lanthanide rare earth elements (excluding terbium) and a sintering assistant that is formed of an oxide of at least one element selected from among group 2 elements and group 4 elements, is produced by having (a) terbium ions, (b) ions of at least one other rare earth element selected from among yttrium ions, scandium ions and lanthanide rare earth ions (excluding terbium ions) and (c) ions of at least one element selected from among group 2 elements and group 4 elements coprecipitate in an aqueous solution containing the components (a)-(c), then filtering and separating the coprecipitate, and subjecting the separated coprecipitate to thermal dehydration. |
| US10642064B2 |
Three-dimensional display
A three-dimensional display, wherein an area in which eyes of observers are to be positioned when the observers observe a three-dimensional image is predefined as a viewing area, the viewing area is defined to be circular and surround a light ray controller at a position farther upward than a top board of a table, a light ray group is emitted to an outer peripheral surface of the light ray controller from a light ray generator arranged below the top board, and the light ray controller is formed such that the plurality of light rays emitted to a plurality of portions that are different from one another and arranged in a ridge line direction are transmitted through the plurality of portions while respectively being diffused in a virtual plane, and is formed such that center lines of a plurality of transmitted diffused light rays pass through the viewing area. |
| US10642061B2 |
Display panel and display apparatus
The present disclosure discloses a display panel and a display apparatus. The display panel comprises a first display region and a driving circuit. The first display region comprises at least two sets of display units, each set of display units comprising at least one display unit. All the display units of the first display region are configured to generate light rays that are to be converged onto a same eye of a user. All the display units that belong to a same set of display units are configured to generate light rays that are to be converged onto a same viewpoint of a same eye of the user, and the display unit that belong to different sets of display units are configured to generate light rays that are to be converged respectively onto different viewpoints of a same eye of the user. The driving circuit drives the display units of the at least two sets of display units, so that the at least two sets of display units display pictures representing a same scene to be displayed and viewed at the respective viewpoints. |
| US10642060B2 |
Holographic display panel and holographic display device
A holographic display panel, a holographic display device, and a holographic display method are disclosed. The holographic display panel includes a plurality of sub-pixels arranged in an array and a phase plate disposed on a light exit side of the plurality of sub-pixels; and a blocking member disposed between the plurality of sub-pixels and the phase plate; an orthogonal projection of the blocking member on a plane where the plurality of sub-pixels are located is arranged between adjacent sub-pixels for blocking an edge portion of a light beam diffracted by the sub-pixel. |
| US10642057B2 |
Light redirecting film and method for manufacturing the same
A light redirecting film and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The light redirecting film comprises a substrate, a first diffraction grating layer of a first curable resin on the substrate and a second diffraction grating layer of a second curable resin on the first diffraction grating layer. Wherein the grating directions of the first diffraction grating layer and the second diffraction grating layer cross each other at an angle of 90±10°, and the difference of the refractive index of the first curable resin and the second curable resin is no less than 0.1 and no more than 0.3. |
| US10642046B2 |
Augmented reality systems for time critical biomedical applications
An augmented reality system and method configured to automatically provide a user, such as a physician, with a real-time heads-up view of a patient's real-time medical status using an augmented reality headset. The system can automatically identify patients, pull up relevant medical records, obtain real-time biomedical sensor data from the patient, and display this to the user while, at the same time, allowing the user to directly view the patient through the headset's transparent lenses, and leaving the user's hands free to manipulate the patient or perform other functions. The system and method are particularly useful for intensive care units and other emergency medical situations where the user needs to get an almost instant understanding of the patient's status. |
| US10642045B2 |
Scanner-illuminated LCOS projector for head mounted display
A light engine comprises a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) panel that is operated in combination with illumination and imaging optics to project high-resolution virtual images into a waveguide-based exit pupil expander (EPE) that provides an expanded exit pupil in a near-eye display system. In an illustrative example, the illumination optics comprise a laser that produces illumination light that is reflected by a MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) scanner using raster scanning to post-scan optics including a microlens array (MLA) and one or more collimating or magnifying lenses before impinging on the LCOS panel. The LCOS panel operates in reflection in combination with imaging optics, including one or more of beam-steering mirror and beam splitter, to couple virtual image light from the LCOS panel into the EPE. |
| US10642043B2 |
Holographic optical element design and manufacturing
Disclosed herein are devices and methods to provide a holographic optical element (HOE) having a modified shape and a structural attribute. At least one wavefront may be used to cause a first structure change in a material, used for the HOE, in a first shape. The material used for the HOE may be changed from the first shape to the modified shape to cause a second structure change in the material. The structural attribute in the material may be provided from a combination of the first structure change and the second structure change. |
| US10642038B1 |
Waveguide based fused vision system for a helmet mounted or head worn application
A waveguide based fused vision system includes a helmet mounted or head worn sensor module and a display assembly. The display assembly includes a frame including a pair of waveguide combiners and a pair of projectors associated with waveguide combiners. The display assembly also includes a sensor module. The pair of projectors is disposed on opposite sides of a frame. The sensor module is disposed substantially above the frame and includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a video processing circuit, and a symbol generator. The video processing circuit is configured to merge first sensor information from the first sensor and first symbols from the symbol generator and to merge second symbols and the second sensor information for displaying conformally the real world scene. |
| US10642037B2 |
Head-up display device
A head-up display device includes a housing, a projection unit projecting light representing an image, and an optical unit leading the light projected from the projection unit to a windshield of a vehicle. The optical unit includes a magnifying optical unit attached to the housing and reflecting the light toward the windshield, a screen attached to the housing and reflecting or transmitting the light toward the magnifying optical unit, and an incident angle changing unit changing an incident angle of the light that goes incident on the screen. |
| US10642036B2 |
Housing for a head-up display of a motor vehicle and method for providing a housing for a head-up display
The invention relates to a housing for a head-up display of a motor vehicle, which housing has an inner wall that at least partially delimits an internal space for an imaging projection device to project a virtual image in a beam path onto a reflection surface in an internal space of the motor vehicle. The housing is characterized by at least one reflective deflection region of the internal wall to deflect the beam path of the imaging projection device. The deflection region may have a metallized or metallizing layer which is formed via the application of a metallizing, amorphous substance or material onto a surface of a base body of the inner wall, said surface facing toward the internal space. The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding head-up display, a correspondingly embodied motor vehicle, and a method to provide a housing according to the invention. |
| US10642035B2 |
Laser projection arrangement and process for the generation of virtual images
The Disclosure concerns a laser projection arrangement and a process for the generation of virtual images, the purpose of which is to present a solution which allows a representation of multiple virtual images in different distances or planes and different points of view and that can be manufactured economically. On the arrangement side, this purpose is solved when one of at least two picture generating units that generate virtual images that differ in their wavelength and/or their polarization is arranged and when a holographic optical element is arranged on or in the projection surface. On the process side, the purpose is solved when two virtual images with different wavelengths and/or different polarizations are generated, when a holographic optical element is provided which exhibits different optical properties for different wavelengths and/or different polarizations, and when, in the case of projection of the virtual images while making use of the holographic optical element, the virtual images are represented, due to the different optical properties, at different distances from the driver and/or in different points of view from the driver. |
| US10642034B2 |
Projection type display device, control method of projection type display device, control program of projection type display device
Provided are a projection type display device, a control method of a projection type display device, and a control program of a projection type display device, capable of being continuously used even in a case where a vehicle vibrates, and performing optimal display depending on the vibration. An HUD 100 includes a projection display section 50 that projects image light obtained by spatially modulating light emitted from a light source onto a combiner 12 to display a virtual image, a first vibration detector 61 that detects a first vibration of the combiner 12, a second vibration detector 62 that detects a second vibration of the projection display section 50, a third vibration detector 63 that detects a third vibration of the projection display section 50 with respect to the combiner 12 on the basis of the first vibration and the second vibration, and a display controller 64 that controls the image to be displayed by the projection display section 50. The display controller 64 changes a display format of content to be displayed by the projection display section 50 on the basis of the third vibration. |
| US10642033B2 |
Image display device and image display method
An image display device includes an acquisition unit that acquires two or more types of information, a detection unit that detects at least one of an acceleration, an orientation, and an angular velocity of the image display device, an image change section that determines a state of the image display device on the basis of a detection result of the detection unit, switches information, which is to be selected from the two or more types of information acquired by the acquisition unit, in accordance with the determined state of the image display device, and generates display data based on the switched information, and a display unit that displays the display data. |
| US10642032B2 |
Head-up display
A head-up display includes an optical system that radiates light forming a projected image toward an eye box. The eye box is a predetermined range in which eyes of an observer are assumed to be present. The optical system includes a Fresnel lens having a bumpy surface having a sawtooth-shaped cross-section. The bumpy surface is formed concentrically around an optical axis, and formed by alternately disposing first surfaces as light condensing surfaces that allow incident light to converge toward a focal point, and second surfaces as wall surfaces that do not allow the incident light to converge toward the focal point. The second surfaces are inclined with respect to the optical axis of the Fresnel lens at an angle to reflect the incident light striking the wall surfaces, in a direction toward outside of a range of the eye box. |
| US10642027B2 |
3D MEMS scanner for real-time cross-sectional endomicroscopy
An optical probe scanning assembly for use in an optical probe includes a mirror assembly that focuses an illumination beam path and a collection beam path at a region of interest within the sample. The illumination beam and the collection beam overlap to form a confocal beam region. The mirror assembly is movable in an x-axis direction and in a y-axis direction to scan the confocal beam region within the sample. The scanning assembly further includes a scanning suspension system including a gimbal assembly connected to the mirror assembly to allow the mirror assembly to rotate about one or more axes. The mirror is thereby adapted to scan along at least two different orthogonal planes, one of which extends vertically into the sample. |
| US10642022B2 |
Eyepiece device for a surgical instrument
An eyepiece device for a surgical instrument, the eyepiece device including: an eyepiece frame; and at least one optical unit accommodated in the eyepiece frame, wherein the at least one optical unit comprises at least one first optical element and a second optical element connected with the at least one first optical element, wherein the second optical element is formed from a second material with abnormal dispersion and the first and the second optical elements together correct chromatic aberration; wherein the eyepiece frame comprises an expansion chamber for at least the second optical element, the expansion chamber forming an installation space for at least the second optical element in a radial direction. |
| US10642021B2 |
Endoscope
An endoscope having an outer shaft member with a distal end forming a distal end of the endoscope and an optics member with a distal end. The optics member is located inside the outer shaft member. The optics member defines a viewing direction of the endoscope, the viewing direction being tilted relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer shaft member. The endoscope further has optical fibers comprising an optically transparent material and provided and conditioned for the transport of illumination light to the distal end of the endoscope. The endoscope further has a segment located between an outer surface region of the distal end of the optics member and an inner surface region of the distal end of the outer shaft member. The orientation of distal ends of the optical fibers is defined by the segment. |
| US10642017B2 |
Imaging system and imaging method
An imaging system includes: an image forming device that obtains image information of an object with the focal length to the object being changed by a variable focal length lens in an optical system, so as to form an all-focused image of the object; a sensor device that detects variations in the surface level of the object in a focus direction; and a position adjustment device that adjusts the position of the object in the focus direction in accordance with the surface level variations of the object detected by the sensor device. The position adjustment device adjusts the position of the object in the focus direction in such a manner that the surface level of the object becomes closer to the center of a variable focal length range of the variable focal length lens. |
| US10642016B2 |
Non-fluorescent imaging optical sectioning method and device based on annular off-axis illumination focal plane conjugation
The invention discloses a non-fluorescent imaging optical sectioning method and device based on annular off-axis illumination focal plane conjugation. In an infinity-corrected optical system constituted by an objective lens with a large numerical aperture and a tube lens, off-axis light beams are used for bright-field microscopic imaging of a non-fluorescent sample; light beams emitted by M sub-sources which form an annularly distributed light source illuminate the sample off-axis at a large inclination angle; all sub-sources are lit to illuminate the sample at the same time, forming a superposed image of the sample illuminated by the M sub-sources individually on an image focal plane of the tube lens, and the camera shoots the image to obtain an optical-section image of a layer in the sample; and under the control of a translation mechanism, a sample stage allows different layers in the sample to coincide with an object focal plane of the objective lens to obtain optical-section images of multiple layers in the sample. |
| US10642015B2 |
Light sheet microscope with a phase-selective element for illumination
A light sheet microscope which includes an illumination apparatus generating coherent illumination light for several illumination wavelengths, a beam-shaping module generating a light sheet from illumination light, an illumination objective illuminating a specimen with the light sheet and a detection objective for imaging light which is emitted by the specimen onto a laminar detector, wherein the optical axes of the detection objective and of the illumination objective are not parallel to each other. In such a light sheet microscope, the beam-shaping module includes a phase-selective element with several selection areas separated from each other spatially, wherein in each case one selection area is assigned to one specific illumination wavelength, and wherein a phase distribution predefined for the respective illumination wavelength is impressed on each selection area. The beam-shaping module further includes means for the sequential or simultaneous selection of the selection areas in dependence on the respective illumination wavelength. |
| US10642013B2 |
Specimen observation apparatus
A superior superresolution image can be generated. Provided is a specimen observation apparatus including an objective lens that radiates excitation laser light emitted from a light source onto a specimen; and a main controller that obtains a plurality of sets of image data of the same region on the specimen by repeatedly detecting fluorescence from the same region on the specimen irradiated with the excitation laser light by the objective lens, and that emphasizes high-frequency components in an addition image data obtained by adding the obtained plurality of sets of image data of the same region on the specimen. |
| US10642012B2 |
Laser scanning microscope, and laser scanning microscope control method
A laser scanning microscope includes: an objective that irradiates a specimen with a laser beam; a detection lens that condenses the laser beam that passes through the specimen, the detection lens being arranged so as to face the objective; an optical element that is removably arranged between an image plane on which the detection lens forms an image of the specimen and a first surface that is a lens surface closest to the specimen of the detection lens, the optical element converting the laser beam made incident on the optical element into diffused light or deflecting a portion of the laser beam made incident on the optical element; and a photodetector that detects detection light emitted from the optical element arranged between the image plane and the first surface to the image plane. |
| US10642010B2 |
Off-axis hybrid surface three-mirror optical system
An off-axis hybrid surface three-mirror optical system comprises a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, a tertiary mirror, and an image sensor. A reflective surface of the primary mirror is a sixth-order polynomial freeform surface of xy. A reflective surface of the secondary mirror is a sixth-order polynomial aspheric surface of xy. A reflective surface of the a tertiary mirror is a spherical surface of xy. |
| US10642009B2 |
Method for designing off-axis aspheric optical system
A point-by-point design method for off-axis aspheric optical system, in which feature light rays from different field angles and aperture coordinates are considered. Some of the feature data points are calculated first and surface fitted into an initial aspheric surface. Then, intermediate point calculations, feature data point calculations, and aspheric surface fitting were repeated continuously to calculate remaining feature data points and the desired aspheric surface are repeated continuously to calculate remaining feature data points and a desired aspheric surface. A least-squares method with a local search algorithm is used for aspheric surface fitting and deviations in both the coordinates and normals are used to reduce error. |
| US10642006B2 |
Fisheye lens
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a fisheye lens. The fisheye lens can include a first lens group near an object side, a second lens group near an imaging plane, and an aperture diaphragm disposed between the first and second lens groups. The first lens group can include, disposed sequentially from the object side to the imaging plane, a negative meniscus spherical first lens, an aspherical second lens, and an aspherical third lens. The second lens group can include, disposed sequentially from the object side to the imaging plane, a positive meniscus spherical fourth lens, a fifth lens formed of a positive biconvex spherical lens and a negative biconcave spherical lens, and an aspherical sixth lens. |
| US10642001B2 |
Camera lens
The present disclosure provides a camera lens which has good optical properties, is ultra-thin, and includes five lenses having a bright F-number of less than 2.05. The camera lens includes, from an object side to an image side, a first lens having a positive refractive power, a second lens having a negative refractive power, a third lens having a negative refractive power, a fourth lens having a positive refractive power and a fifth lens having a negative refractive power. The camera lens satisfies specified relational expressions. |
| US10642000B2 |
Camera lens
The invention provides a camera lens. The camera lens includes, in an order from an object side to an image side: a first lens with a negative refractive power, a second lens with a positive refractive power, a third lens with a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens with a negative refractive power, a fifth lens with a positive refractive power and a sixth lens with a negative refractive power. Further, the camera lens satisfies specific conditions. |
| US10641999B2 |
Camera lens
The invention provides a camera lens. The camera lens includes, in an order from an object side to an image side: a first lens with a negative refractive power, a second lens with a positive refractive power, a third lens with a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens with a negative refractive power, a fifth lens with a positive refractive power and a sixth lens with a negative refractive power. The camera lens further satisfies specific conditions for providing improved performance. |
| US10641994B2 |
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 having a positive refractive power, a third lens having a negative refractive power, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, and a sixth lens. The first lens is made of plastic material, the second lens is made of glass material, the third lens is made of plastic material, the fourth lens is made of plastic material, the fifth lens is made of plastic material, and the sixth lens is made of plastic material. The camera optical lens further satisfies specific conditions. |
| US10641993B1 |
Compact wide angle lens with low distortion
A thermally stable, compact, wide angle lens design has been described. The lens is comprised of two lens groups. The first group, nearest the object, has positive power and provides most of the focusing power of the entire lens assembly. The first group is made of either a single lens element or a doublet. The positively powered lens element in group 1 is made of thermally stable materials such as optical glasses. The second lens group is comprised of four aspheric lens elements. The image surface of the last element, nearest the image plane, is a complex aspherical surface. The lens design satisfies a list of 8 parametric equations. |
| US10641990B2 |
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 having a positive refractive power, a third lens having a negative refractive power, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, and a sixth lens. The first lens is made of glass material, the second lens is made of plastic material, the third lens is made of plastic material, the fourth lens is made of glass material, the fifth lens is made of plastic material, and the sixth lens is made of plastic material. The camera optical lens further satisfies specific conditions. |
| US10641989B2 |
Mount for an optical structure having a flanged protruding member and method of mounting an optical structure using such mount
An improved mount for, and method of mounting an, optical structure is provided. The mount has an optical structure comprising at least one mirror panel, the mirror panel comprising a reflective surface and a back surface substantially opposite the reflective surface, a protruding member extending from the back surface of the optical structure, the protruding member having a shape and the shape having an outside surface there-around, a base comprising a mounting element and an upper element extending from the mounting element, the upper element having a cavity for secured receipt therein of at least a portion of the protruding member, wherein the receiving cavity of the upper element has a shape identical to that of the shape of the protruding member, but where the shape of the protruding member is ten thousandths ( 1/10,000) of an inch smaller than the shape of the receiving cavity so that the outside surface of the protruding member is ten thousandths ( 1/10,000) of an inch away from the corresponding parts of the receiving cavity when the protruding member is secured within the cavity. |
| US10641985B2 |
Lens barrel and optical apparatus
A lens barrel includes a first moving barrel, a second moving barrel disposed on an object side and an outer circumference side of the first moving barrel and configured to hold an optical element different from a lens, a guide barrel that has a first rectilinear groove that guides a movement of the first moving barrel, and a second rectilinear groove that guides a movement of the second moving barrel in the optical axis direction, and a cam barrel rotatable relative to the guide barrel and having a first cam groove and a second cam groove. The first moving barrel includes a first protruding member engaged with the first rectilinear groove and the first cam groove. The second moving barrel includes a second protruding member engaged with the second rectilinear groove and the second cam groove. |
| US10641984B2 |
Driving mechanism
A driving mechanism for driving an optical element is provided, including a housing module, a hollow holder, and an electromagnetic driving assembly. The holder is movably disposed in the housing module for holding the optical element, wherein the holder has a sidewall portion forming a through hole. The electromagnetic driving assembly includes a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element, wherein the first magnetic element is disposed on the holder and exposed to an inner side of the holder via the through hole, and the second magnetic element is connected to the housing module and corresponds to the first magnetic element to move the holder relative to the housing module. |
| US10641976B2 |
Apparatus for optical fiber-to-photonic chip connection and associated methods
A photonic chip includes a substrate, an electrical isolation region formed over the substrate, and a front end of line (FEOL) region formed over the electrical isolation region. The photonic chip also includes an optical coupling region. The electrical isolation region and the FEOL region and a portion of the substrate are removed within the optical coupling region. A top surface of a the substrate within the optical coupling region includes a plurality of grooves configured to receive and align a plurality of optical fibers. The grooves are formed at a vertical depth within the substrate to provide for alignment of optical cores of the plurality of optical fibers with the FEOL region when the plurality of optical fibers are positioned within the plurality of grooves within the optical coupling region. |
| US10641975B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for optical broadcast transmission in a circuit board
A multilayer PCB (160) for optical transmission is presented. The multilayer PCB includes a first layer (1510), a second layer (1520), and a transparent layer (212) between them. The transparent layer may have a first compartment (1851), which may have a first mirror (214) operable to reflect a beam of light (260B) into the first compartment of the transparent layer in a plurality of directions (260C) perpendicular to the direction of the beam of light, thereby transmitting throughout the first compartment an optical signal carried by the beam of light in said plurality of directions such that one or more other mirrors disposed in the first compartment of the transparent layer are able to receive a beam of reflected light (260C) carrying the optical signal. The multilayer PCB may further include a second mirror (1508) in the first compartment for reflecting a wave of reflected light (260C) carrying the optical signal toward an optical receiver (1705). |
| US10641965B2 |
Optical dispersion compensator on silicon
An optical dispersion compensator integrated with a silicon photonics system including a first phase-shifter coupled to a second phase-shifter in parallel on the silicon substrate characterized in an athermal condition. The dispersion compensator further includes a third phase-shifter on the silicon substrate to the first phase-shifter and the second phase-shifter through two 2×2 splitters to form an optical loop. A second entry port of a first 2×2 splitter is for coupling with an input fiber and a second exit port of a second 2×2 splitter is for coupling with an output fiber. The optical loop is characterized by a total phase delay tunable via each of the first phase-shifter, the second phase-shifter, and the third phase-shifter such that a normal dispersion (>0) at a certain wavelength in the input fiber is substantially compensated and independent of temperature. |
| US10641963B2 |
Polarization-based filter stabilization of broadband light sources
A broadband light source apparatus, and corresponding method, includes a broadband light source configured to provide broadband source light characterized by a source wavelength spectrum. The apparatus also includes a broadband optical filter including both a polarization changer with a length, as well as an exit polarizer. The broadband optical filter receives the source light and delivers broadband output light characterized by an output wavelength spectrum that is a function of the source wavelength spectrum and the polarization changer length and has an output centroid wavelength. The polarization changer length is configured to minimize a thermal sensitivity of the output centroid wavelength. The filter can be configured in view of a particular source wavelength spectrum to thermally stabilize the centroid wavelength and to maximize relative integrated output power passively with respect to ambient temperature fluctuations. |
| US10641958B2 |
Methods of forming photonic devices
A method includes: forming a first plurality of tiers that each comprises first and second dummy layers over a substrate, wherein within each tier, the second dummy layer is disposed above the first dummy layer; forming a second plurality of recessed regions in the first plurality of tiers, wherein at least one subgroup of the second plurality of recessed regions extend through respective different numbers of the second dummy layers; and performing an etching operation to concurrently forming a third plurality of trenches with respective different depths in the substrate through the at least one subgroup of the second plurality of recessed regions. |
| US10641956B1 |
Polarizers and polarization splitters phase-matched with a back-end-of-line layer
Structures including a waveguide core and methods of fabricating a structure including a waveguide core. A back-end-of-line interconnect structure has an interlayer dielectric layer and a cap layer stacked over the interlayer dielectric layer. A waveguide core includes a section arranged beneath the cap layer. The waveguide core has a first index of refraction that varies as a function of width, and the cap layer has a second index of refraction. The section of the waveguide core has a width that is selected such that the first index of refraction is substantially equal to the second index of refraction to provide phase matching effective for coupling a portion of an optical signal from the waveguide core to the cap layer. |
| US10641955B2 |
Atomic layer deposition bonding for heterogeneous integration of photonics and electronics
Methods and systems are presented for heterogeneous integration of photonics and electronics with atomic layer deposition (ALD) bonding. One method includes operations for forming a compound semiconductor and for depositing (e.g., via atomic layer deposition) a continuous film of a protection material (e.g., Al2O3) on a first surface of the compound semiconductor. Further, the method includes an operation for forming a silicon on insulator (SOI) wafer, with the SOI wafer comprising one or more waveguides. The method further includes bonding the compound semiconductor at the first surface to the SOI wafer to form a bonded structure and processing the bonded structure. The protection material protects the compound semiconductor from acid etchants during further processing of the bonded structure. |
| US10641950B2 |
Laterally emitting optical waveguide and method for introducing micromodifications into an optical waveguide
The present invention relates to an optical waveguide, comprising an optical wave-guiding core, a region in the optical waveguide, wherein the micro-modifications are arranged in the region of the optical waveguide, wherein the arrangement of the micro-modifications is ordered, and to a method for producing an optical waveguide according to the invention. |
| US10641949B2 |
Flat illumination device having edge lighting
The solution relates to lighting engineering, namely to thin illumination devices having a lateral arrangement of LEDs, which are intended for use as immovably fixed ceiling and wall lights. The technical result of the claimed solution is increased structural strength and improved compactness on account of a monoblock design. The device comprises a housing formed by successively connected plastic profiles, a flat light guide, a U-shaped metallic LED board which is mounted in a cavity of a profile having an open cavity, and a power source arranged in a profile having a closed cavity. |
| US10641941B2 |
LED-based light fixture
An illumination system is disclosed that is arranged to compensate for variations in brightness between different LEDs in the system. The system may include an array of LEDs coupled to a light guide that is provided with a plurality of light extraction patterns. Each light extraction pattern may include a plurality of light extraction features. The light extraction patterns may differ from one another in the density of the features. Light extraction patterns having a greater density may be combined with LEDs in the array that are less bright, whereas light extraction patterns having a lower feature density may be combined with LEDs in the array that are brighter. |
| US10641940B2 |
Optical module optical interface assembly with an optical lens and manufacturing method thereof
An optical module optical interface assembly with an optical lens includes an optical lens, which has a first end surface and a second end surface corresponding to the first end surface, and a connecting body, wherein the connecting body has a molding cavity and the optical lens is retained within the molding cavity. The connecting body has two end portions arranged for mounting an optical subassembly and an external fiber respectively, wherein the first end surface faces towards the end portion for mounting the optical subassembly and the second end surface faces towards the end portion for mounting the external fiber. |
| US10641937B2 |
Polarizer and display device including the same
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a polarizer including a first retardation layer and a second retardation layer having different retardation values with respect to each other, a polarization layer disposed on the first retardation layer, a first compensation layer disposed between the first retardation layer and the second retardation layer, and a second compensation layer disposed below the second retardation layer. |
| US10641935B2 |
Coloring composition, color filter, pattern forming method, solid-state imaging device, and image display device
Provided are a coloring composition capable of producing a film having fewer defects generated, and the like even in a case where the coloring composition is stored for a long period of time in an environment with variations in temperature, a color filter, a pattern forming method, a solid-state imaging device, and an image display device. The coloring composition includes a heterocycle-containing coloring agent such as a compound represented by Formula (1), a phthalimide compound, a solvent, and a resin. In Formula (1), R1 to R13 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent, and adjacent groups of R1 to R8 may be bonded to each other to form a ring, provided that at least one of the pairs of adjacent two groups of R1 to R8 is bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring. |
| US10641931B2 |
Fresnel lens and manufacturing method for Fresnel lens
There are provided a Fresnel lens and a method of manufacturing the Fresnel lens which can suppress a flare which is generated in an image visually recognized through the Fresnel lens so as to extend toward a center of a lens. A lens surface and a non-lens surface are formed in each of lens portions. The non-lens surface includes a rise surface and a coupling surface. The rise surface is a surface along an optical axis of a Fresnel lens. The coupling surface is a surface which is formed on a top portion of each of the lens portions and couples the lens surface of the lens portion and the rise surface of the lens portion to each other, and which has a width extending in a radial direction of the Fresnel lens. A light absorbing portion is provided in a position along the optical axis of the Fresnel lens which passes through the coupling surface. |
| US10641928B2 |
One optical design pattern/method of a cost effective IR lens
An optical design pattern/method was invented to control the total cost including the material and the manufacturing of IR imaging lenses. This optical design pattern/method comprises a molded lens and an aberration correction lens. This design pattern/method leads to cost-effective IR imaging lenses because the unit cost of the molded lens is low for a volume production and the unit cost of the aberration correction lens is low for its very small manufacturing. This optical design pattern/method comprises any imaging and spectral applications for any partial band of 1 to 14 micron, such as (but not limited to) SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR. |
| US10641923B2 |
Method for characterizing and exploiting a subterranean formation comprising a network of fractures
The invention is a method for exploring and exploiting a fluid in a subterranean formation comprising a network of fractures. On the basis of measurements of properties relating to the formation, a meshed representation of the formation, and statistical parameters relating to the network of fractures, each mesh of the meshed representation is broken down into at least one unfractured matrix block and an equivalent permeability tensor of the network of fractures in the mesh concerned is determined. A matrix block characteristic dimension is then determined according to a relation that is a function at least of the eigenvalues of the equivalent permeability tensor. Based on the meshed representation, the characteristic dimension and a flow simulator, there is defined an optimum exploitation scheme for the fluid of the formation and said fluid is exploited as a function of the optimum exploitation scheme. |
| US10641920B2 |
System, device, and method for monitoring and controlling the position of a remote object
Various controllers herein detect a remote object's change of position. A controller emits a laser through a laser emitter at the remote object and measures an intensity of light reflected back to the controller through a photosensor disposed in proximity to the laser emitter. The surface of the remote object comprises a retroreflective portion, which reflects most of the laser beam's light in the direction it came from. A change in the remote object's position is detected when the intensity of light measured is substantially different after altering a factor of the laser emitter, such as power state. |
| US10641919B2 |
Passive cased well image logging
A method of creating a well image log of a cased well is provided. A passive cased well image logging tool assembly including a logging tool body, a plurality of gamma ray radiation sensors and a spatial positioning device is moved through at least a portion of the wellbore at a logging speed of no greater than 750 feet per hour. Corrected gamma ray radiation data is vertically sampled at a vertical distance sampling rate of once every vertical distance sampling interval, wherein the vertical distance sampling interval is no greater than 1.75 inches. Based on the sampled data, a well image log is prepared. A passive cased well image logging tool assembly for use in a cased well is also provided. |
| US10641914B2 |
Removable fastening mechanism for marine deployment of autonomous seismic nodes
Embodiments, including apparatuses, systems, and methods, for attaching autonomous seismic nodes directly to a deployment cable. The nodes may be attached to the deployment cable by a removable fastener or insert. The fastener may be a staple that surrounds the cable and rigidly couples to the node to securely fasten the cable to the node. The fastener may be secured into the node itself, a housing or enclosure surrounding the node, or into a receiver or mechanism attached to the node. Other fasteners besides a staple may include bands, wires, pins, straps, ties, clamps, and other similar devices that may be inserted around a portion of the deployment line and be removably coupled to the node. After retrieval of the node, the fastener may be removed and discarded. |
| US10641913B2 |
Vibratory source for non-vertical boreholes and method
A reaction mass seismic survey source that is located in an underground casing. The seismic source includes a non-planar base plate; a reaction mass located on the non-planar base plate; and a flextensional element housed in a recess of the reaction mass and configured to vibrate the non-planar base plate when actuated, to generate seismic waves underground. |
| US10641912B1 |
“4H” X-ray camera
A 4H X-ray camera includes a high speed, high atomic number (Z), high spatial resolution sensor for sensing X-rays having energy over 30 keV and high speed readout electronics, and the high speed, high atomic number (Z), high spatial resolution sensor is coupled to the high speed readout electronics. |
| US10641911B2 |
Packaging methods of semiconductor X-ray detectors
Disclosed herein is a method for making an apparatus suitable for detecting X-ray, the method comprising: bonding a plurality of chips to a substrate; wherein the substrate comprises an X-ray absorption layer comprising a first plurality of electrical contacts; wherein each of the plurality of chips comprises an electronic layer comprising a second plurality of electrical contacts and an electronic system configured to process or interpret signals generated by X-ray photons incident on the X-ray absorption layer; aligning the first plurality of electrical contacts to the second plurality of electrical contacts; mounting the chips to the substrate such that the first plurality of electrical contacts are electrically connected to the second plurality of electrical contacts; wherein the second plurality of electrical contacts are configured to feed the signals to the electronic system. |
| US10641910B2 |
Radiological image conversion panel, method of manufacturing the same, and radiological image detection apparatus
A radiological image conversion panel 2 is provided with a phosphor 18 containing a fluorescent material that emits fluorescence by radiation exposure, in which the phosphor includes, a columnar section 34 formed by a group of columnar crystals which are obtained through columnar growth of crystals of the fluorescent material, and a non-columnar section 36, the columnar section and the non-columnar section are integrally formed to overlap in a crystal growth direction of the columnar crystals, and a thickness of the non-columnar section along the crystal growth direction is non-uniform in a region of at least a part of the non-columnar section. |
| US10641900B2 |
Low latency intra-frame motion estimation based on clusters of ladar pulses
A ladar system can estimate intra-frame motion for an object within a field of view of the ladar system using a tight cluster of ladar pulses. For example, ladar pulses in a cluster can be spaced apart but overlapping with at least one of the other ladar pulses in that cluster at a specified distance in the field of view. A ladar receiver can then process the reflections from the cluster to computer intra-frame motion data, such as intra-frame velocity and intra-frame acceleration for an object. |
| US10641898B1 |
Structural displacement measurement using unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with lasers
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and laser generator may be used to measure structural displacements. The system may measure relative movement of the UAV and the structure, as well as individual movement of the UAV. The individual movement of the UAV may then be subtracted from the relative movement of the UAV and the structure, in order to accurately calculate structural displacements. |
| US10641896B2 |
Distance measurement device, distance measurement method, and distance measurement program
A distance measurement device includes a deriving unit that derives a dimension of a real-space region corresponding to an interval between a plurality of pixels associated with in-image irradiation positions derived as positions, which correspond to irradiation positions of laser beams onto a subject, within a captured image acquired by imaging the subject by an imaging unit, based on a distance measured by a measurement unit, an interval between a plurality of designated pixels, and a focal length of the imaging unit, and an output unit that derives derivation accuracy corresponding to an actually present factor based on a first correspondence relation between assumption factors assumed as factors influencing in-image irradiation positions and derivation accuracy derived by the deriving unit, and outputs information based on the derived derivation accuracy. |
| US10641891B2 |
Solar enabled aerial deployed radio antenna system
An aerial deployed radio antenna system includes a primary aerial vehicle and a plurality of secondary aerial vehicles coupled to the primary aerial vehicle with a primary tether, wherein the plurality of secondary aerial vehicles are coupled to each other with a plurality of secondary tethers. The system also includes a radar-reflective sheet suspended between and supported by a plurality of cables coupled to the plurality of secondary aerial vehicles, wherein the radar-reflective sheet forms a parabolic reflector shape when deployed and towed by the primary aerial vehicle. A radar transmitter/receiver is positioned relative to the radar-reflective sheet to transmit radar signals toward the radar-reflective sheet and receive radar signals focused by the radar-reflective sheet, and a plurality of solar cells is positioned on the radar-reflective sheet. The plurality of solar cells are electrically coupled to a power collector configured to supply solar-generated electrical power to the radar transmitter/receiver. |
| US10641890B2 |
Shoe analyzer 5bis capacitive
A detector device for detection of unauthorised objects or substances. The device includes a support base designed to receive at least one foot covered by its shoe, of an individual to be controlled. The device also includes a mechanism to measure the electrical capacity of the sole of a shoe placed on the support base. |
| US10641889B2 |
Device for detecting objects borne by an individual
A device comprises at least: one rotary antenna including at least two parallel rectilinear waveguides; a radar emitting a continuous-wave microwave signal towards the emission guide of the antenna and receiving the signals from the guides of the antenna, which signals are captured by the movable beam, the received signals are the direct component I and the quadrature component; a stereoscopic video camera oriented in the same direction as the movable beam of the rotary antenna and able to record the clothing envelope of the individual, the envelope serving as a reference surface for the measurement of distances to the device; a processor that computes an SAR image of that portion of the body of the individual targeted by the radar and the video camera and who is possibly equipped with one or more objects, from signals received from the radar and the distances measured by the video camera. |
| US10641885B2 |
Systems and methods for measuring velocity and acceleration with a radar altimeter
Systems and methods for measuring velocity and acceleration with a radar altimeter. In certain embodiments, a method for measuring velocity magnitude of a platform in relation to a surface includes transmitting a radar beam, wherein the radar beam is aimed toward a surface. The method also includes receiving a plurality of reflected signals, wherein the plurality of reflected signals correspond to portions of the transmitted radar beam that are reflected by a plurality of portions of the surface. Further, the method includes applying Doppler filtering to the plurality of signals to form at least one Doppler beam. Also, the method includes identifying range measurements within each Doppler beam in the at least one Doppler beam. The method further includes calculating one or more coefficients of the Taylor expansion of the velocity magnitude based on the range measurements of the at least one Doppler beam. |
| US10641884B2 |
Radar transceiver
A radar transceiver (100) includes: a transmission-signal forming section (110) that forms an upbeat signal and a downbeat signal from a carrier signal and a chirp signal, using an image rejection circuit; and a received-signal processing section (120) that separates a reflection signal received via a reception antenna (105) into a reflection signal based on the upbeat signal and a reflection signal based on the downbeat signal, using an image rejection circuit. |
| US10641883B2 |
Pulse radar device and operating method thereof
Provided is a pulse radar device including: a TX unit configured to emit a TX pulse according to a single TX clock signal; a multiple-RX units configured to receive echo pulses received through a plurality of RX antennas according to multiple RX clock signals; a pulse radar driving unit configured to generate the single TX clock signal and the multiple RX clock signals using a reference clock signal. The pulse radar driving unit provides the single TX clock signal and the multiple RX clock signals for the TX unit and the multiple-RX unit. The pulse radar driving unit adjusts an RX clock-to-clock delay that is the delay between the multiple RX clock signals so as to adjust a directivity of the multiple-RX unit, and a TX-to-RX delay between the single TX clock signal and the multiple RX clocks signals so as to adjust a detection range. |
| US10641882B2 |
Radar apparatus and radar method
A radar apparatus includes a radar transmitter that transmits a radar signal in a predetermined transmission cycle and a radar receiver that receives a reflection wave signal being a reflection of the radar signal on a target. The radar transmitter includes a phase rotation controller that randomly varies a pattern of a phase rotation every period corresponding to a plurality of transmission cycles, the pattern being to be applied to the radar signal within a period, and a transmission phase rotator that assigns a first phase rotation to the radar signal in accordance with the pattern. The radar receiver includes a reception phase rotator that assigns a second phase rotation in a direction opposite to a direction of the first phase rotation to the reflection wave signal in accordance with the pattern. |
| US10641875B2 |
Delay time calibration of optical distance measurement devices, and associated systems and methods
Representative embodiments of the present technology include a device for measuring distance to an object. The device comprises a light emitter configured to emit an outbound light pulse and a light sensor configured to receive a returning light pulse and output a pulse signal representing the returning light pulse. The device further comprises a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) coupled to the light sensor and including a time-to-digital converter (TDC) having a series of sequentially coupled delay units. Individual sequentially coupled delay units are associated with corresponding individual delay times. At least some of the sequentially coupled delay units have different individual delay times. The TDC is configured to measure timing information of the pulse signal based at least in part on the individual delay times of the sequentially coupled delay units. The device further includes a controller configured to calculate the distance to the object based on the timing information. |
| US10641873B2 |
Method and apparatus for an adaptive ladar receiver
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of an adaptive ladar receiver and associated method whereby the active pixels in a photodetector array used for reception of ladar pulse returns can be adaptively controlled based at least in part on where the ladar pulses were targeted. Additional embodiments disclose improved imaging optics for use by the receiver and further adaptive control techniques for selecting which pixels of the photodetector array are used for sensing incident light. |
| US10641872B2 |
Ladar receiver with advanced optics
Disclosed herein are various embodiment of an adaptive ladar receiver and associated method whereby the active pixels in a photodetector array used for reception of ladar pulse returns can be adaptively controlled based at least in part on where the ladar pulses were targeted. Additional embodiments disclose improved imaging optics for use by the receiver and further adaptive control techniques for selecting which pixels of the photodetector array are used for sensing incident light. |
| US10641870B1 |
LIDAR system that is resistant to noise caused by nearby LIDAR systems
A LIDAR system and a method for operating a LIDAR system are disclosed. The LIDAR system broadly includes a transmitter that that emits a light pulse in response to a launch signal, a receiver that detects light pulses and determines a time of arrival for each detected light pulse; and a controller that generates an ordered sequence of frames. The controller generates a launch signal at the start of each frame and records information specifying a time of arrival relative to the start time for all light pulses received by the receiver until a stop time. After the stop time, the controller waits for the interframe delay time before generating another launch signal. The interframe delay time is different for each frame in the sequence of frames. The controller determines a distance between the transmitter and an object from the recorded information. |
| US10641869B2 |
Resonant illumination driver in an optical distance measurement system
An optical transmitting system for distance measuring includes a modulation signal generator, a light source, and an illumination driver coupled to the modulation signal generator and the light source. The modulation signal generator is configured to generate a modulation signal. The light source is configured to generate an optical waveform with amplitude modulation corresponding with the modulation signal. The illumination driver is configured to drive the light source. The illumination driver includes a switch and a switch driver. The switch is configured to switch between an on state and an off state to drive the light source. The switch driver is configured to drive the switch between the on and off states. The switch driver includes a first inductor and a capacitor in series with the first inductor and the switch. |
| US10641867B2 |
Vehicle radar system with shaped radar antennas
A sensing system for a vehicle includes a control and sensor disposed at the vehicle. The sensor includes a plurality of antennas, which includes transmitting antennas and receiving antennas. The plurality of antennas includes a two-dimensional antenna array having a rhombus grid arrangement of antennas. Outputs of the antennas are communicated to the control, and the control, responsive to the outputs of the antennas, determines the presence of one or more objects exterior the vehicle and within the field of sensing of the antennas. |
| US10641865B2 |
Computer-readable recording medium, display control method and display control device
A non-transitory computer readable recording medium stores therein a program that causes a computer to execute a process including: executing a process of acquiring a position of a terminal; determining whether there is object data registered in a position in an area corresponding to the acquired position by referring to a storage that stores positions in which multiple sets of object data are registered in association with the sets of object data, respectively; and displaying object data on a display when there is the object data registered in a position in the area, and curbing any one of frequency of executing the process of acquiring the position of the terminal and accuracy of the acquiring when there is no object data registered in a position in the area. |
| US10641864B2 |
Acoustic ranging based positioning of objects using sound recordings by terminals
An electronic communications terminal records in a memory a sampled audio segment of sound sensed by a micro-phone. A time stamp associated with timing of the recording of the sampled audio segment is determined and stored in the memory associated with the sampled audio segment. The sampled audio segment and the time stamp are transmitted through a network interface toward a location service client of a network node that determines location of the electronic communications terminal based on correlating the sampled audio segment and other sampled audio segments of the sound received from other electronic communications terminals. A related network node and corresponding methods by terminals and network nodes are disclosed. |
| US10641859B2 |
Sliced lens star tracker
A star tracker includes a lens slice, a pixelated image sensor, an ephemeral database and a processor configured to estimate attitude, orientation and/or location of the star tracker based on an image of one or more celestial objects projected by the lens slice onto the pixelated image sensor. The lens slice is smaller and lighter than an optically comparable conventional lens, thereby making the star tracker less voluminous and less massive than conventional star trackers. A lens slice is elongated along one axis. Optical performance along the elongation axis is comparable to that of a conventional circular lens of equal diameter. Although optical performance along a width axis, perpendicular to the elongation axis, of a lens slice can be significantly worse than that of a conventional lens, use of two orthogonal lens slices provides adequate optical performance in both axes, and still saves volume and mass over a conventional lens. |
| US10641855B2 |
Methods for mitigating local SAR hotspots and flip angle uniformity in ultra-high field simultaneous multislice imaging using parallel transmission
Obtaining minimum duration parallel transmit pulses for simultaneous multislice imaging that includes minimizing specific absorption rate hotspots, using an IMPULSE pTx optimization method to determine multiple spoke locations and multiple channel weights for multiple slices while enforcing a specified flip angle inhomogeneity tolerance over the multiple slices when excited, applying a control algorithm to conform a simultaneous multislice (SMS) pulse to the excited multiple slices to minimize a cost function having terms corresponding to an excitation accuracy and a pulse power, where a regularization term in the cost function is configured by the control algorithm for excitation accuracy while limiting a peak pulse power, and applying a time-optimal variable rate selective excitation (VERSE) to enforce a peak power constraint with a minimum pulse duration by reshaping a RF waveform and a gradient waveform without altering an excitation profile if the peak power limit on a channel is exceeded. |
| US10641849B2 |
Size-variable local coil matrix with variable decoupling
A local coil matrix for a magnetic resonance tomograph and a magnetic resonance tomograph with a local coil matrix are provided. The local coil matrix has a first coil with two detachable coil segments. The two coil segments have electrical connecting elements. The electrical connecting elements are configured to produce an electrical connection between the coil segments in different relative positions of the two coil segments to each other. |
| US10641844B2 |
Simulated bone or tissue manipulation
The present invention is directed to a system and method for performing tissue, preferably bone tissue manipulation. The system and method may include implanting markers on opposite sides of a bone, fractured bone or tissue to facilitate bone or tissue manipulation, preferably in-situ closed fracture reduction. The markers are preferably configured to be detected by one or more devices, such as, for example, a detection device so that the detection device can determine the relative relationship of the markers. The markers may also be capable of transmitting and receiving signals. An image may be captured of the bone or tissue and the attached markers. From the captured image, the orientation of each marker relative to the bone fragment may be determined. Next, the captured image may be manipulated in a virtual or simulated environment until a desired restored orientation has been achieved. The orientation of the markers in the desired restored orientation may then be determined. The desired relationship between markers may then be programmed into, for example, the detection device. Next, actual physical reduction and/or manipulation of the bone may begin. During the manipulation procedure, the orientation of the markers may be continuously monitored and when the markers substantially align with the virtual or simulated orientation of the markers in the desired restored orientation, an indicator signal is transmitted. |
| US10641843B2 |
Embedded crystal circuit for the detection of weak electrical and magnetic fields
The invention relates to a circuit or microchip for the detection of poor sources of (or very weak) electrical and/or magnetic fields. In one embodiment a device of the present invention includes a microchip consisting of a plate with a plurality of cells, each cell includes a crystal suspended in a semiconducting polymer and piece of metal wire. The cell is insulated by another polymer. A voltage is applied to parallel wires running on each side of the cell, thus inducing a first (or static, or initial) voltage when measured from the cell to the wire. Changes in magnetic or electrical fields are detected by noting a change in voltage from the cell, which is caused by the crystal changing orientation due to the change in the field the circuit is subjected to. |
| US10641837B2 |
Ripple monitoring
A ripple monitoring circuit may generate information indicative of a failing component in a power supply. At least one input may receive a ripple signal from the power supply that has a ripple component. A quantization circuit may repeatedly quantize the amplitude of the ripple component. A ripple amplitude statistics counter bank may count and store the number of times that different quantized amplitudes or different ranges of quantized amplitudes of the ripple component occurred.A ripple monitoring circuit may generate information about a power supply. At least one input may receive a ripple signal from the power supply that has a ripple component. A ripple measurement circuit may measure a characteristic of the ripple component. A storage circuit may store information about the measurement. A comparison circuit may compare information stored in the storage circuit with a threshold value and indicate when the stored information meets or exceeds this threshold value. |
| US10641834B2 |
Method for estimating a state of energy of a battery
A method for estimating a state of energy of a battery, comprising the steps of estimating a state of charge of the battery, determining a discrepancy between the state of charge and the state of energy as a function of the state of charge, computing the state of energy as a function of the estimated state of charge and of the determined discrepancy. Also a battery including apparatus configured to implement the method is provided. |
| US10641824B2 |
Electrically conductive metal film for a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device comprises a device substrate and a metal film, with first and second non-recessed areal regions separated by a recessed areal region. The metal film covers contiguously the recessed and non-recessed areal regions and transition surfaces joining them. A first transition surface includes metallized portions over which (i) the first transition surface is not parallel to the other transition surface, (ii) the first transition surface is inclined relative to the device substrate, and (iii) the metal film on the first transition surface is contiguous with adjacent metal film portions on the recessed and non-recessed areal regions. A portion of an optoelectronic device surface running parallel to an optical waveguide of the device can be left exposed by a metal film on the device. Light propagating transversely out of the waveguide through the exposed portion can be detected, measured, or imaged for non-destructive device characterization or testing. |
| US10641822B2 |
Critical path architect
Various implementations described herein are directed to a system and methods for implementing a critical path architect. In one implementation, the critical path architect may be implemented with a system having a processor and memory including instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to analyze timing data of an integrated circuit. The timing data may include transition times for cells along paths of the integrated circuit. The instructions may cause the processor to identify instances of timing degradation for the cells along the paths of the integrated circuit. The instructions may cause the processor to recommend changes for the instances of the cells along the paths having timing degradation. |
| US10641816B2 |
Current conduction element and system for insulation monitoring
A current conduction element includes an electrical conductor and an insulation of the electrical conductor. The insulation includes a light waveguiding unit. Furthermore, a system and method for insulation monitoring are described. |
| US10641812B2 |
Ground fault detector
An apparatus includes an interruption circuit in a power delivery path, and a fault detection circuit configured to provide a fault signal to selectively cause the interruption circuit to interrupt power delivery, wherein the fault detection circuit includes a fault detection integrated circuit and a sensing coil configured to sense a differential current between a phase conductive path and a neutral conductive path in the power delivery path. A processor is configured to selectively control a fault simulation circuit to simulate a fault in the power delivery path, detect a response of the fault detection circuit to the simulated fault, and determine if the response of the fault detection circuit is an expected response. The processor provides an override signal to the interruption circuit to prevent the interruption circuit from receiving a fault signal from the fault detection circuit during, and for a predetermined time after, the simulated fault. |
| US10641801B2 |
Ringer control device and control method thereof
A ringer control device includes a power receiving unit, a detection circuit, and a control circuit. The detection circuit is coupled to the power receiving unit and outputs a detection signal. The control circuit is coupled to the detection circuit and includes a trigger unit and a control unit. The trigger unit detects a trigger event. The control unit is coupled to the detection circuit and the trigger unit, and configured to control the detection circuit and determine whether a ringer device is coupled to the power module according to the detection signal, and further determine a category of the ringer device. A control method of the ringer control device is also provided. |
| US10641800B2 |
Indicators for safe disconnection of electrical circuits
Provided are devices for electrical connectors to provide indication that the electrical connectors are not energized. Devices include a first indicator that includes a first indication technology that is configured to provide a first visual indication corresponding to a voltage of a primary conductor and a second indicator that includes a second indication technology that is different from the first indication technology and that is configured to provide a second visual indication corresponding to the voltage of the primary conductor. |
| US10641799B2 |
Current balancing, current sensor, and phase balancing apparatus and method for a voltage regulator
Apparatuses and methods of current balancing, current sensing and phase balancing, offset cancellation, digital to analog current converter with monotonic output using binary coded input (without binary to thermometer decoder), and compensator for a voltage regulator (VR), are provided. In one example, an apparatus includes: a plurality of inductors coupled to a capacitor and a load; a plurality of bridges, each of which is coupled to a corresponding inductor from the plurality of inductors; and a plurality of current sensors, each of which is coupled to a bridge to sense current through a transistor of the bridge. |
| US10641795B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for securing an electrical meter to a meter socket box
An apparatus, system, and method for securing an electrical meter to a meter socket box. In certain embodiments, the method comprises providing a ring comprising an annular body portion having a split forming first and second ends of the annular body portion, the ring having a central axis, and further disposing at least a first flange on the first end of the annular body portion. The method further comprises disposing a retaining member on the first flange, the retaining member having a central axis generally parallel to the central axis of the ring. The retaining member, in some embodiments, comprises a body defining a bore, wherein the radial cross section is continuous in at least a portion of the bore. The method further comprises providing a housing wherein at least a portion of the housing comprises a receiver element adapted to receive a barrel lock. |
| US10641791B2 |
Instrument knob backlight structure and instrument
The present application is suitable for the field of instrument, and provides an instrument knob backlight structure and an instrument, wherein the instrument knob backlight structure comprises a housing, a knob provided outside the housing, a index dial provided on the periphery of the knob, and a backlight module mounted inside the housing and provided adjacent to the index dial, wherein the backlight module comprises a light source component, a light-transmittable element and a light guide provided between the light source component and the light-transmittable element, and the index dial is provided on the outer surface of the light-transmittable element facing outward of the housing. The present application emits light through the light source component and conducts and irradiates the light ray emitted by the light source component to the light-transmittable element through the light guide, so that the light ray can pass through the light-transmittable element to generate a uniform backlight at the index dial. In this way, operators can clearly see the identification character on the index dial and the directing position of the knob in a dark environment, so that operators can still use the instrument in a dark environment and it is beneficial to improving the aesthetic appearance of the instrument. |
| US10641788B2 |
Electronic device, electronic device apparatus, electronic apparatus, and moving object
An electronic device includes a base body, a functional element disposed on the base body, a wiring disposed on the base body and electrically connected to the functional element, and a terminal disposed on the base body and electrically connected to the wiring, wherein the terminal includes a non-overlapping region which does not overlap with the wiring. Further, the terminal includes an overlapping region which overlaps with the wiring. |
| US10641783B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting acute use of target substance(s)
Methods and devices for sampling, processing and identifying acute use of a substance or substances of abuse are provided. Systems and kits for sampling, processing and identifying acute use of a substance of abuse is also provided. |
| US10641782B2 |
Methods for visualization and quantification of fiber-like structures
Aspects of the present disclosure include a method for visualizing a fiber-like structure in a biological specimen, the method comprising: clearing the biological specimen comprising a fiber-like structure, wherein the fiber-like structure is detectably labeled; illuminating the cleared biological specimen with two light sheets from a first side and a second side to produce an image volume, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side and wherein the image volume comprises a representation of the fiber-like structure; defining a plurality of voxels within the representation of the fiber-like structure; processing each of the plurality of voxels to estimate a plurality of principal fiber-like structure orientations; and defining a starting point on the representation of the fiber-like structure and propagating a plurality of streamlines from the starting point, according to the plurality of principal fiber-like structure. |
| US10641780B2 |
Methods and compositions for treatment of autoimmune hepatitis
The present disclosure provides methods and compositions that find use in facilitating a diagnosis of inflammatory liver disease in a subject. The methods and compositions generally involve detection of eotaxin-3 (E3) levels, either alone or with levels of eotaxin-1 (E1), and optionally, with levels of CCL22 and, further optionally, with levels of IL15. These levels can be used to facilitate a diagnosis of a liver disease of at least one of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and/or to facilitate a differential diagnosis between AIH, PBC, and PSC. The methods and compositions of the present disclosure also find use in facilitating treatment decisions for a subject. |
| US10641778B2 |
System and method for analysis of peptide synthesis fidelity
The present invention provides a system and method for assessing the fidelity of a synthetic peptide population including interrogating a population of peptide features in the presence of a receptor having an affinity for a plurality of binder sequences. A first amino acid is at a defined position within a first one of the binder sequences, and the population of peptide features includes a first control peptide feature synthesized to have an amino acid sequence including the first one of the binder sequences. The system and method further includes detecting a signal output characteristic of an interaction of the receptor with the first control peptide feature. The signal output is indicative of the fidelity of incorporation of the first amino acid into the first control peptide at the defined position within the first one of the binder sequences. |
| US10641777B2 |
Fluorescent methods and materials for directed biomarker signal amplification
Methods and compositions are provided that include a multichromophore and/or multichromophore complex for identifying a target biomolecule. A sensor biomolecule, for example, an antibody can be covalently linked to the multichromophore. Additionally, a signaling chromophore can be covalently linked to the multichromophore. The arrangement is such that the signaling chromophore is capable of receiving energy from the multichromophore upon excitation of the multichromophore. Since the sensor biomolecule is capable of interacting with the target biomolecule, the multichromophore and/or multichromophore complex can provide enhanced detection signals for a target biomolecule. |
| US10641774B2 |
Method for diagnosing cancer by detecting C-terminal segment of moesin in blood
A method for assessing cancer comprising obtaining a biological sample of the subject, detecting a level of a C-terminal segment of moesin in the biological sample, wherein the level of the C-terminal segment of moesin detected in the biological sample of the subject is indicative of the subject developing or with an increased probability of developing cancer. The present application also provides a biomarker and a kit for assessing cancer, and uses of such biomarker. The present application also provides a method of treating cancer. |
| US10641773B2 |
Biomarker for diagnosis of extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma, intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma, or gallbladder carcinoma
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for collecting highly accurate data for diagnosis, useful in diagnosing the presence or absence of extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma, intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma, or gallbladder carcinoma, and a kit for diagnosis.When the concentration of CEACAM1 in a blood sample collected from a test subject is detected using a kit for diagnosis comprising an antibody specifically binding to CEACAM1 or a labeled product thereof, or the like and the CEACAM1 concentration is higher than the concentration of CEACAM1 in a blood sample derived from a non-carcinoma control subject or higher than a certain threshold value (cutoff value), data can be collected for diagnosing the test subject as having a high possibility of having extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma, intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma, or gallbladder carcinoma. |
| US10641772B2 |
Method for rapid accurate dispensing, visualization and analysis of single cells
The present disclosure provides methods, device, assemblies, and systems for dispensing and visualizing single cells. For example, provided herein are systems and methods for dispensing a dispense volume into a plurality of wells of a multi-well device, where, on average, a pre-determined number of cells (e.g., 1-20) are present in the dispense volume, and determining, via a cellular label, the number of cells present in each of the plurality of wells. Such dispensing and cell detection may be repeated a number of times with respect to wells identified as having less than the pre-determined number of cells in order increase the number wells in the multi-well device containing the desired number (e.g., a single cell). |
| US10641763B2 |
Prediction of fertility in males
A method for evaluating sperm fertility. The method includes the steps of obtaining a sample of sperm from an animal of a species; staining the sample with a fluorescent DNA-binding dye; collecting at least one image of the stained sample; determining an edge of a nucleus of at least one sperm within the stained sample in the at least one image; measuring an intensity of the DNA-binding dye within an area defined by the edge of the nucleus of the at least one sperm; determining an average intensity per unit area of the area defined by the edge of the nucleus of the at least one sperm; comparing the average intensity per unit area to an average intensity per unit area for high-fertility sperm and low-fertility sperm of the same species to determine if the sample has high or low fertility. |
| US10641761B2 |
Synthetic microfluidic systems for tumor metastasis
A method of assaying metastasis can include: providing a device of one of the embodiments; introducing the at least one cancer cell into the at least one internal chamber or at least one fluid channel; and studying metastasis of the at least one cancer cell. Optionally: introducing cancer cells into a first internal chamber; detecting escape of the cancer cell from the first internal chamber into the fluid channel; detecting migration of the cancer cell through the fluid channel; detecting adhesion of the cancer cell to a coating on the fluid channel; detecting invasion of the cancer cell into a second internal chamber from the fluid channel; or visualizing metastasis of the cancer cell with a visualization device. |
| US10641760B2 |
Medical analysis device and cell analysis method
The present invention provides a medical analysis device and a cell analysis method with which it is possible to count the number of cancer cells, culture the cancer cells, and determine the effect of drugs on the cancer cells. The present invention relates to a medical analysis device intended to capture cancer cells, the medical analysis device having multiple wells. |
| US10641757B2 |
Surface gas correction by group contribution equilibrium model
Methods and systems are disclosed to determine total hydrocarbons from fluid-carrying fluids and solids from a geological formation during downhole operations. Gas extraction at a well site occurs through a gas extractor at a set pressure, detected temperature, detected density, and controlled volume rate. The quantities of various components of interest are determined from samples of fluid influent and effluent from the wellbore by solving a system of equations of state using a group contribution equilibrium model. Knowing approximate chemical compositions of the liquid fluid and solid phases before contamination with formation materials, with the detection of the gas phase and description of the solid phase from the geological formation, allows for determination of total detectable hydrocarbons from geological formations at the surface, and their concentrations to be expressed as mole or mass fraction for materials coming from a wellbore while downhole operations. |
| US10641755B2 |
Fuel sending unit for fuel-type detection
A method and device are disclosed for fuel-detection by a fuel sending unit by placing a fuel sending unit in a first position from a second position, and releasing the fuel sending unit from the first position such that a buoyancy characteristic of a fuel sending unit float prompts the fuel sending unit to the second position. A rate-of-travel of the fuel sending unit is sensed from the first position to the second position to produce fluid travel data, wherein the rate-of-travel being affected by a fuel density. Fluid-type identification data may be generated based on the fluid travel data. |
| US10641754B2 |
System and method for determination of unusable products
A credibility weight for each of a plurality of users is stored and is associated with a reliability of the user in accurately indicating whether the products have become spoiled. Images of a plurality of products at a retail store are received and electronically arranged in an organized pattern. The organized pattern is rendered onto selected ones of a plurality of display devices. Electronic choices from selected ones of the plurality of the users are received. Each of the electronic choices indicates for a selected one of the plurality of products whether the selected user believes the selected product has spoiled or has become unusable. A spoilage score for each product of the products is determined. A control signal is transmitted to a receiver circuit at the retail store instructing a human or robot to perform an investigation when the spoilage score exceeds a predetermined threshold. |
| US10641753B1 |
Methods and systems for measuring concentrations of known components in gas samples using acoustic resonance
Disclosed are methods and systems for measuring concentration of known components in gas samples using an acoustic resonance technique. A system includes a resonant chamber, a sound generator positioned at and acoustically coupled to an opening of the resonant chamber, and an audio sensor positioned proximate to and in sound communication to the opening and configured to measure an acoustic spectrum. During operation, the sound generator produces a white noise such that the soundwaves of the white noise passes through a gas sample positioned in the resonant chamber. As the soundwaves pass through the gas sample, the audio sensor monitors the frequency spectrum and identifies any resonant frequency that, if present, would correspond to a specific component and the concentration of this component. Specifically, the component concentration is determined from the frequency response. |
| US10641751B2 |
Ion exchange chromatography column, method, and system thereof
An ion exchange chromatographic packing material is described that includes support resin particles and a copolymer grafted to the support resin particles. The copolymer includes polymerized functional monomers such as a first ion exchange group monomer and a second ion exchange group monomer. At a first pH, the first ion exchange group monomer is configured to have a first charge at a first pH, and the second ion exchange group monomer is configured to have a net neutral charge. At a second pH, the first ion exchange group monomer is configured to have the first charge at a second pH, and the second ion exchange group monomer is configured to have a second charge at the second pH where the first charge and second charge both have a same polarity. |
| US10641749B2 |
Vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy system and method
An efficient absorption spectroscopy system is provided. The spectroscopy system may be configured to measure solid, liquid or gaseous samples. Vacuum ultra-violet wavelengths may be utilized. Some of the disclosed techniques can be used for detecting the presence of trace concentrations of gaseous species. A preferable gas flow cell is disclosed. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used with a gas chromatography system so as to detect and identify species eluted from the column. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used in conjunction with an electrospray interface and a liquid chromatography system so as to detect and identify gas phase ions of macromolecules produced from solution. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used to characterize chemical reactions. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used in conjunction with an ultra short-path length sample cell to measure liquids. |
| US10641747B2 |
System and method for rapid analysis of polymer additives
The subject technology is directed to a CO2-based chromatography system and method for rapid determination of the levels and/or the presence or absence of polymer additives (PAs) leachable or extractable from packing materials or implantable medical devices. |
| US10641746B2 |
Sample injection with fluidic connection between fluid drive unit and sample accommodation volume
An injector, for injecting a fluidic sample into a flow path between a fluid drive and a sample separation unit, includes a sample accommodation volume, a sample drive, and a fluidic valve switchable to selectively couple the volume with the flow path or decouple the volume from the flow path. In an injection switching state, the fluid drive, the separation unit and the sample drive are coupled by the valve so that fluid driven by the sample drive and flowing from the volume to the separation unit and further fluid driven by the fluid drive and flowing from the fluid drive to the separation unit are combined at a fluidic connection upstream of the separation unit. A control unit controls a pressure of the fluid and/or the further fluid during injecting. |
| US10641743B2 |
Beam forming and steering of helical guided waves in pipe-like and plate-like structures
A method of inspecting a pipe for flaws includes emitting ultrasonic waves, controlling the emission of the ultrasonic waves, receiving reflections of the ultrasonic waves, and determining at least one characteristic of one or more flaws. The ultrasonic waves are emitted in a helical pattern through the pipe from an array of ultrasonic transducer elements. The emission of the ultrasonic waves from the array is controlled such that the ultrasonic waves are emitted at a plurality of helical angles within a range of helical angles. The reflections of the ultrasonic waves are caused by impingement of the ultrasonic waves on the one or more flaws. The at least one characteristic of the one or more flaws is determined based on the received reflections of the ultrasonic waves. |
| US10641737B2 |
Device and method for the control of ultrasonic transducers to measure metal profiles
A device, and corresponding test method, for testing metallurgical products including an ultrasonic sensor including a plurality of elementary transducers which can be operated independently of each other and are distributed in accordance with a two-dimensional pattern is described. A first electronic component is configured to excite each of the elementary transducers in accordance with at least one temporal law corresponding to a burst of ultrasonic waves in a line of sight. A second electronic component is configured to process at least a portion of the signals captured by each of the elementary transducers. Each temporal law is arranged such that the corresponding burst produces a beam of ultrasonic waves which is generally divergent about the line of sight on moving away from the ultrasonic sensor. |
| US10641734B2 |
Micro powered ultra-high resolution electromagnetic sensor with real time analog circuitry based artifact cancellation
An ultra-miniature and micro-powered system, apparatus, and method utilizing electromagnetic imaging via minute eddy currents, analog circuit averaging and artifact cancellation, that attaches to the outside of clothing and measures internal bodily functions including but not limited to heart rate, respiration rate, and wetness of underclothing. |
| US10641733B2 |
Active mechanical-environmental-thermal MEMS device for nanoscale characterization
A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device can be used for quantitative mechanical testing of materials within a controlled (chemical and temperature) environment, with the ability for electrochemical control to the specimen, that is coupled with a complimentary in-situ characterization technique. |
| US10641729B2 |
Column ADC
The described embodiments may provide a chemical detection circuit. The chemical detection circuit may comprise a column of chemically-sensitive pixels. Each chemically-sensitive pixel may comprise a chemically-sensitive transistor, and a row selection device. The chemical detection circuit may further comprise a column interface circuit coupled to the column of chemically-sensitive pixels and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the column interface circuit. Each column interface circuit and column-level ADC may be arrayed with other identical circuits and share critical resources such as biasing and voltage references, thereby saving area and power. |
| US10641727B2 |
Electrochemical sensing well
A well is formed in a body of dielectric material and has a chamfered edge about a top side of the well. A top electrode layer is on a top face of the body and on the chamfered edge of the well. A bottom electrode is on a floor of the well. |
| US10641725B2 |
Analyte determination method and analyte meter
The presence of oxygen or red blood cells in a sample applied to an electrochemical test strip that makes use of a reduced mediator is corrected for by an additive correction factor that is determined as a function of the temperature of the sample and a measurement that reflects the oxygen carrying capacity of the sample. The measured oxygen carrying capacity can also be used to determine hematocrit and to distinguish between blood samples and control solutions applied to a test strip. |
| US10641724B2 |
Electrical impedance hematocrit and HBA1C biosensor comprising sample plate and sample apparatus
A sampling plate (1) is provided comprising a sample zone (2) for receiving a liquid sample, and two drive electrodes (3, 4) with separate respective electrode terminals spaced by a spacing for receiving a the liquid sample within the sample zone for use in driving an electrical signal through the sample. Two sensing electrodes (5, 6) are provided with separate respective electrode terminals spaced between the electrode terminals of the two drive electrodes for use in sensing an electrical signal generated by the drive electrodes within a the sample. A sampling apparatus (15) is provided for use with the plate. |
| US10641714B2 |
Wafer inspection apparatus
Disclosed is a wafer inspection apparatus. The wafer inspection apparatus includes: a magnetic field generating unit forming a magnetic field such that magnetic lines of force flow in a direction perpendicular or parallel to a first surface of a wafer on which a magnetic thin film is formed; a microwave guide unit emitting microwaves to a measurement region that is at least a partial region of the wafer and is a region affected by the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit; and a sensing unit receiving waves reflected or transmitted after the microwaves are emitted to the measurement region from the microwave guide unit. |
| US10641709B2 |
Raman spectrum inspection apparatus and security monitoring method for Raman spectrum inspection apparatus
A Raman spectrum inspection apparatus and a security monitoring method for a Raman spectrum inspection apparatus are provided. The Raman spectrum inspection apparatus includes: a laser device configured to emit an exciting light; an optical device configured to guide the exciting light to an object to be detected and collect a light signal from the object; a spectrometer configured to split the collected light signal to generate a Raman spectrum of the object; and a security detector configured to detect an infrared light emitted from the object. |
| US10641708B2 |
Method of evaluating semiconductor substrate and method of manufacturing semiconductor substrate
Provided is a method of evaluating a semiconductor substrate, which evaluates quality of the semiconductor substrate by a photoluminescence measurement, wherein the evaluation by the photoluminescence measurement includes, after subjecting a surface of an evaluation-target semiconductor substrate to a pretreatment, irradiating the surface with excitation light, and then detecting emission obtained from the surface having been irradiated with the excitation light, and the pretreatment includes subjecting the surface of the evaluation-target semiconductor substrate to be irradiated with the excitation light to an oxide film formation treatment and charging the surface of the formed oxide film by corona discharge. |
| US10641706B2 |
Cell morphology image processing and corrections
Provided is a technology in which an image accurately representing a distribution of an area where a specific portion of a cell in an image capturing a cell morphology is captured can be stably acquired. In order to provide the technology, an acquisition unit acquires a virtual cell distribution image in which a distribution of an assumed cell area to be assumed that a specific portion of a cell in a cell morphology image capturing a cell morphology is represented by a plurality of cell display elements, and one or more cell display elements of the plurality of cell display elements is depicted according to an operation of a user. An arithmetic unit obtains a characteristic value relevant to characteristics in appearance and characteristics in appearance of corresponding one or more assumed cell areas in the cell morphology image, with respect to each of the one or more cell display elements described above. A correction unit corrects the virtual cell distribution image to generate a cell distribution image by setting a cell display element of which the characteristic value is at least out of an allowable value range or within a prohibition value range to be in a state of being deleted from the virtual cell distribution image or being unadopted, in one or more cell display elements. |
| US10641702B2 |
Infrared radiation source
A source (100) that includes a membrane, where the membrane includes: an emissive layer (130) including an emissive surface (131); an adaptor (121a, 121b, 121c, 121d), each adaptor (121a, 121b, 121c, 121d) facing a different section of the emissive section (131), called the emissive section (132a, 132b, 132c, 132d), and with which it forms an emissive assembly (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d) adapted to reduce the spectral extent of infrared radiation emitted by the emissive section; and a plurality of heaters (140a, 140b) for heating the emissive layer (130), the heaters (140a, 140b) being arranged so as to impose different relative temperature variations in different emissive sections (132a, 132b, 132c, 132d). |
| US10641701B2 |
Distributed device for the detection of a substance
A distributed device for the detection of a substance is disclosed, comprising: a distributed optical excitation source (21) including a first optical fiber (22) having a plurality of extraction regions (24), each extraction region (24) being adapted to extract part of the light carried by the first optical fiber (22) from said fiber; and a distributed acoustic sensor (25) including a second optical fiber (26). |
| US10641699B2 |
Method of making a carrier for molecular detection
A method for making carrier for use in single molecule detection is related. The method includes following steps: firstly, placing a middle layer on a substrate; secondly, providing a carbon nanotube composite structure, wherein the carbon nanotube composite structure includes a carbon nanotube structure and a protective layer coated on the carbon nanotube structure, the carbon nanotube structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes intersected with each other and defines a plurality of openings; thirdly, placing the carbon nanotube composite structure on a surface of the middle layer, wherein parts of the surface are exposed through the plurality of openings; fourthly, forming the patterned bulge by dry etching the middle layer using the carbon nanotube composite structure as a mask, wherein the patterned bulge includes a plurality of strip-shaped bulges intersected with each other; depositing the metal layer on the patterned bulge. |
| US10641697B2 |
Device for counting particles
A device for counting particles comprises a detector arranged to produce an electrical measurement signal in response to the passage of one or more particles, and a comparator arranged to compare the measurement signal with a threshold signal and to increment a counting value when the measurement signal exceeds the threshold signal, characterized in that it furthermore comprises a threshold-adjusting circuit that applies a lowpass filter to the measurement signal, and that is connected to the comparator in order to use the resulting signal as threshold signal. |
| US10641695B2 |
Method of determining operation conditions of a laser-based particle detector
A method for determining operating conditions of a particle detector that includes a multimode Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) includes providing an electrical drive current to the multimode VCSEL such that a laser beam is emitted by the multimode VCSEL and varying the electrical drive current within a predefined range of electrical drive currents. The method further includes determining, as a function of the electrical drive current, an intensity signal of an optical wave within a laser cavity of the multimode VCSEL, determining, as a function of the electrical drive current, a noise measure of the intensity signal, determining a range of electrical drive currents for which the noise measure is below a predefined threshold noise measure value, and determining operating conditions of the particle detector by choosing an electrical drive current for particle detection out of the determined low noise range of electrical drive currents. |
| US10641694B2 |
Measuring interfacial tension using electrostatic oscillations
An exemplary embodiment of an interfacial tension measurement system of the present disclosure is one in which Faraday waves or instability are formed within a vessel of fluids to be tested via electrostatic oscillations. Then, by tracking the amplitude of an applied electrical voltage having an AC harmonic load to the mixture of fluids that result in a Faraday instability, as well as the wavelength of the instability, the interfacial tension measurement system determines the interfacial tension between layers of immiscible liquids present in the vessel. |
| US10641693B2 |
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for measuring submerged surfaces
The present disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for measuring submerged surfaces. Embodiments include a measurement apparatus including a main frame, a source positioned outside a pipe and connected to the main frame, and a detector positioned outside the pipe at a location diametrically opposite the source and connected to the main frame. The source may transmit a first amount of radiation. The detector may receive a second amount of radiation, determine a composition of the pipe based on the first and second amounts of radiation, and send at least one measurement signal. A control canister positioned on the main frame or on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) attached to the apparatus may receive the at least one measurement signal from the detector and convey the at least one measurement signal to software located topside. |
| US10641691B2 |
Polymer total dissolved solids vessel
A thin film vessel useable in gravimetric methods for measuring the total dissolved solids or total solids in a liquid sample, or the moisture content of a solid sample. The vessel includes a main body formed of a thin walled polymeric material having a melting temperature greater than 180° C. The main body comprises an open top edge and a sealed bottom edge which define an inner cavity configured to hold a volume of liquid, and indicia applied to a portion of the main body, wherein the indicia include a tare weight of the vessel. |
| US10641690B2 |
Material performance testing including improved load detection
A material testing apparatus includes an actuator to apply a force to a load head according to electronic control signals. The load head supplies a load to a material specimen in a first dimension. A plurality of load line displacement (LLD) reference points extend radially outward from the load head; and a plurality of LLD measuring devices correspond to the plurality of LLD reference points. Each LLD measuring device is positioned to detect a position of a corresponding LLD reference point along the first dimension and is configured to transmit position signals to a controller programmed to perform a performance test on the material specimen using feedback control based on a combination of the position signals, including an average of the position signals. |
| US10641686B2 |
Sampling device including mechanical force feedback mechanism
The present disclosure includes a sampling device for collecting a sample from a target surface, the sample device including a handle, a body extending from the handle, a sampling head coupled to the body opposite said handle, wherein the sampling head is configured such that, when a mechanical force is applied to the handle, the body rotates to enable a collection of the sample from the target surface by the sampling head, and a mechanical force feedback mechanism. The mechanical force feedback mechanism includes a rotational junction connecting the body to the handle and a pin rotatably coupling the body with the handle, and is configured to prevent a further rotation of the body when a threshold amount of force is applied to the handle. |
| US10641684B2 |
System and methods for testing an engine
A system for testing an engine, the engine including, a drive shaft, and a fluid circulation subsystem, the fluid circulation subsystem having at least one heat exchanger, and a fresh water pump (engine auxiliary water pump). The portable engine test tool can couple to the engine flywheel housing or output shaft of the transmission and can use the fresh water pump of an engine to provide water to an attached or integrated dynamometer and provide braking force to such. In some embodiments the portable engine testing system can use a fresh water supply reservoir. |
| US10641681B2 |
Structure abnormality detection system, structure abnormality detection method, and storage medium
A structure abnormality detection system that detects an abnormality of at least one of structures classified into a plurality of groups in which a plurality of factors that may affect behavior of structures are substantially the same includes: means for storing a model that predicts, from a first inspection value acquired at a first inspection position, a second inspection value acquired at a second inspection position that is a position where a vibration intensity in vibration of a predetermined vibration mode at a natural frequency of the structure is substantially the same as at the first inspection position; and means for detecting an abnormality of the structure by evaluating fidelity of the first inspection value and the second inspection value acquired at a particular time to the model. |
| US10641678B2 |
Testing device and method for testing the tightness of containers
The invention relates to a testing device for testing the tightness of containers (2), comprising a supply unit (3) for supplying the containers (2), a testing unit (4) for testing the tightness of the containers (2), a diverting unit (5) for diverting tested tight containers (2), and a discharge unit (6) for discharging containers (2′) tested to be untight in the testing unit (2). The testing unit (4) has at least one individual testing chamber (42) for testing individual containers and at least one multiple testing chamber (41) for receiving a plurality of containers in order to simultaneously test multiple containers (2). The testing device also comprises a control unit (10) which is designed to supply possibly untight containers (2′) which have been discharged by means of the discharge unit (6) from a multiple testing chamber (41) individually back into an individual testing chamber (42) in order to carry out an individual test of said containers. |
| US10641675B2 |
Screwer test bench with bidirectional control
Within a test bench for screwdrivers, comprising a braking unit (11) with a brake (14) equipped with a fitting (12) for a screwdriver to be tested and transducers (15) for the measurement of angle and torque, a method for controlling the brake (14) comprises a step wherein movement along a torque/angle curve (17) is controlled in a bidirectional manner, in the sense that the brake is controlled according to a curve whose torque values are based on the angle during both decremental progression of the angle and incremental progression of the angle.The method can also comprise a step consisting of setting a starting Cstart torque value other than zero and following the torque/angle curve (17) from the said Cstart value during a screwdriver test. |
| US10641672B2 |
Manufacturing catheter sensors
Pressure sensors and associated structures that may facilitate the use of automated connection processes and tools. An example may provide structures for aligning interconnect wires to pressure sensor bondpads in order to facilitate the use of automated processes and tools. |
| US10641670B2 |
Magnet unit for a sensor device of a motor vehicle, sensor device having a magnet unit and motor vehicle having a sensor device
A magnet unit for a sensor device for acquiring a measured variable that characterizes a rotational state of a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, to a sensor device and to a motor vehicle, the magnet unit comprises: a sleeve and a magnet element that is connected in a positive-locking manner to the sleeve. |
| US10641662B2 |
Method for estimating geothermal gradient and device for estimating geothermal gradient
The present invention relates to a method for estimating a geothermal gradient and an apparatus for estimating a geothermal gradient, and provides a method for estimating a geothermal gradient, the method comprising the steps of: calculating, at each of a plurality of points, a seismic wave crustal attenuation characteristic parameter of a seismic wave measured on the basis of the measured seismic wave information, with respect to the plurality of points; deriving an artificial neural network relational formula on the basis of the seismic wave crustal attenuation characteristic parameter; and calculating a geothermal gradient of an area of interest excluding the plurality of points on the basis of the artificial neural network relational formula, such that the geothermal gradient is estimated at a low cost by using a highly reliable method. |
| US10641656B1 |
Spectrometer and incident light limiting member to be used for the same
Provided are a spectrometer capable of more effectively reducing stray light and an incident light limiting member to be used for the spectrometer. At least a part of light not entering an effective area of a diffraction grating is blocked by being reflected by a mask plate provided between an incidence plate and the diffraction grating. Further, the light reflected by the mask plate is attenuated in a trap space. Thus, the light blocked by the mask plate does not reach the diffraction grating side and does not function as a stray light source, so that stray light can be more effectively reduced. |
| US10641655B2 |
Direct absolute spectrometer for direct absolute spectrometry
A direct absolute spectrometer includes: a first light source; a second light source; an optical combiner that produces dual light; an optical cell that receives the dual light; an electromagnetically induced transparent medium that is optically transparent to single photon light in a presence of pump light, such that output light is produced; and a filter that filters output light and provides EIT light free from, wherein electromagnetically induced transparent EIT light is a direct and absolute metric of a linewidth and a wavelength of single photon light such that the direct absolute spectrometer provides direct and absolute determination of the linewidth of the single photon light and direct and absolute determination of wavelength at a maximum of intensity of the single photon light. |
| US10641652B2 |
Photoelectric sensor
In a case made of resin and provided with a condensing lens through which light is transmitted, a circuit board on which a photoelectric element to be disposed at the focus position of the condensing lens is accommodated. The circuit board has a through hole through which the light having been transmitted through the condensing lens passes. Furthermore, the photoelectric element is mounted on the back face of the circuit board on the opposite side of the condensing lens and receives the light having passed through the through hole. |
| US10641651B2 |
Ultrasonic microphone and ultrasonic acoustic radio
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to an ultrasonic microphone and an ultrasonic acoustic radio. In one aspect a system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The receiver comprises a membrane. The membrane comprises 5 a single layer or multiple layers of a two-dimensional material. The receiver is operable to receive sound waves in a frequency range, with the frequency range being the ultrasonic frequency range |
| US10641650B2 |
Motion detector
An ultrasonic motion activity detector is configured to, in each of a series of frames: obtain an ultrasonic signal derived from a transmitted ultrasonic signal; derive an activity signal based on a difference between the obtained signal in a present frame and at least one previous frame; determine a peak value of the activity signal in a first time window of the frame; determine a peak value of the activity signal in a second time window of the frame, wherein the first time window is different from the second time window; calculate a ratio of the peak value of the activity signal in the first time window of the frame to the peak value of the activity signal in the second time window of the frame; and compare the calculated ratio with a threshold value, and, in frames in which the calculated ratio exceeds the threshold value, determine that there is motion of an object relative to the detector. |
| US10641648B2 |
Weighing method for weighing containers of pharmaceutical, medical, food substances, and the like
A weighing method for weighing containers of pharmaceutical, medical, food substances and the like, in which the containers are subject to the action of an air flow uses a weighing unit provided with two or more weighing devices and weighing containers filled with a desired quantity of substance. The weighing containers occupy respective weighing devices of the weighing unit. A weight value of said containers obtained from an actual weight value which is corrected by adopting a measurement error that estimates the effect of the action of the air flow is supplied. |
| US10641647B2 |
Mounting assembly for a weighing device
A mounting assembly for a weighing device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a vertical structure mount, a first link attached to the vertical structure mount, a second link for attachment to a weighing device, a third link pivotably attached to one of the first link and second link, and a fourth link pivotably attached to one of the first and second link. |
| US10641646B2 |
Method and system for monitoring the mass of an object
A method for monitoring the mass of an object may include (i) applying a vibratory force to the object so that the object vibrates in whole or in part, (ii) providing a sensor or sensors configured to measure vibrations of the object in response to the force, (iii) measuring vibration data from the sensor or sensors, and (iv) comparing the vibration data or a parameter derived therefrom to reference data or one or more reference parameters, so as to determine the mass of the object or an indication that the mass of the object differs from that indicated by the reference data or one or more reference parameters. The object may, but need not necessarily, be a vehicle. The vibratory force may be provided by an integral vehicle component, for example a vehicle engine. |
| US10641645B2 |
Integral fluid measurement system
An integral fluid measurement system includes a first sensor configured to communicate using a first communication technology, a second sensor configured to communicate using a second communication technology, and a hybrid interface unit including a first interface configured to communicate with a first sensor using a first communication technology and a second interface configured to communicate with a second sensor using a second communication technology, where the first and second communication technologies are different from each other and may include electrical, fiber optic, radio frequency, optical pulse, and sonic pulse. The hybrid interface unit may also include a digital signal processor, data bus, and power supply, and may be capable of being disposed on a fluid tank wall. |
| US10641643B2 |
Load cell assembly having a flexural arrangement
A weighing scale and a load cell assembly therefor, the weighing scale including: (a) a weighing platform; (b) a base; and (c) a load cell arrangement including: (i) a load cell body, disposed below the platform and above the base, the body secured to the platform at a first position along a length of the body, and secured to the base at a second position along the length, the load cell body having a first cutout window transversely disposed through the body, the window adapted such that a downward force exerted on a top face of the weighing platform distorts the window to form a distorted window; and (ii) at least one strain-sensing gage, mounted on at least a first surface of the load cell body, the strain-sensing gage adapted to measure a strain in the first surface; and (d) an at least a one-dimensional flexure arrangement having at least a second cutout window transversely disposed through the body, the second cutout window shaped and positioned to at least partially absorb an impact delivered to a top surface of the load cell body. |
| US10641642B2 |
Method for operating a Coriolis mass flowmeter and Coriolis mass flowmeter
A method for operating a Coriolis mass flowmeter having at least one measuring tube, at least one oscillation generator, at least two oscillation sensors, and at least one control and evaluation unit, the oscillation generator and the oscillation sensors being arranged on the measuring tube, wherein the measuring tube has a medium flowing through it, wherein the oscillation generator puts the measuring tube into a harmonic oscillation with the excitation frequency f0 and the excitation amplitude A0, wherein the first and the second oscillation sensors detect the oscillation of the measuring tube and wherein the first oscillation sensor forwards the oscillation to the control and evaluation unit as first measuring signal and wherein the second oscillation sensor forwards the oscillation to the control and evaluation unit as second measuring signal, and wherein at least one comparison measurement signal is determined from the first measuring signal and/or the second measuring signal. |
| US10641640B2 |
Fuel sensor for flexible fuel vehicle
A sensor detects a fuel level and fuel concentration in a fuel tank of a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) that uses flexible fuel such as ethanol fuel or alcohol fuel. The fuel sensor includes: a level sensor which is inserted into a lower surface of a pump module housing; and a concentration sensor which is mounted on a side surface of the pump module housing. |
| US10641637B2 |
Level detector for a hot melt system
An illustrative example level detector for a hot melt system includes a scale having a load cell and a controller having an indicator configured to alert an operator when a weight detected by the load cell has decreased by a user-selected maximum allowable amount. |
| US10641632B2 |
Priming valve to induce appropriate pressure and flow profile and improve sensor readiness
A priming valve includes a fluid flow path, a fluid inlet configured to couple to a fluid outlet of a fluid channel including at least one sensor configured to characterize at least one attribute of a fluid, a fluid outlet, a valve seat, and a connector. The connector engages the valve seat to prevent fluid flow via the fluid flow path. The connector is configured to move relative to the valve seat in response to a threshold pressure within the fluid flow path to allow the fluid to flow via the fluid flow path. A flow sensor sub-assembly for sensing flow of a fluidic medicament may include a priming valve and at least one sensor of a fluid port configured to characterize at least one attribute of a fluid within an administrable fluid source. A method for readying a fluid sensor may use a priming valve. |
| US10641631B2 |
Air flow measuring device
The cross-sectional area of a reduced passage increases at a constant ratio from a maximum reduction part where a cross-sectional area of the reduced passage becomes the smallest toward a downstream side. The cross-sectional area of the reduced passage is equal to the cross-sectional area of a bypass passage at a downstream end of a cross-sectional area increasing region intersecting with a wall surface of the bypass passage. (Cross-sectional area increase ratio)=(B−A)/X is satisfied. A [mm2] is the cross-sectional area of the reduced passage at an upstream end of the increasing region. B [mm2] is the cross-sectional area of the reduced passage at the downstream end of the increasing region. X [mm] is a distance from the upstream end to the downstream end of the increasing region along an air flow direction through the reduced passage. The ratio is 1.5 [mm2/mm] or smaller. |
| US10641630B2 |
Physical quantity detection device
The purpose is to enhance the measurement stability of a flow rate detection unit in a physical quantity detection device by branching an auxiliary passage in which the flow rate detection unit is disposed into first to third passages and providing the third flow passage at an upstream part of the second flow passage. A physical quantity detection device has a circuit board provided with at least one detection unit for detecting the physical quantity of a gas flowing through a main passage and a circuit unit for computational processing of the physical quantity detected by the detection unit, a housing for accommodating the circuit board, a cover fixed to the housing, and an auxiliary passage formed by both the housing and cover that is configured to branch passages from a first passage to a third passage. |
| US10641624B2 |
Intrinsically-safe, explosion-proof encoder
An encoder includes a housing including a first set of one or more sidewalls defining a first zone, a second set of one or more sidewalls defining a second zone, and a protection partition having a first surface oriented toward the first zone and a second surface oriented toward the second zone. The protection partition has a sensor opening defined therethrough between the first zone and the second zone. A board stack assembly having a plurality of elevations is positioned such that an interface device and a first portion of a protective wire feedthrough are in the first zone and a second portion of the protective wire feedthrough extends through the sensor opening between the first zone and the second zone. The protective wire feedthrough is coupleable to a sensor device in the second zone. A cover engages the first set of one or more sidewalls to seal the first zone from an ambient environment. |
| US10641622B2 |
Method and system for optical fiber sensing
A method of optical sensing is disclosed. The method comprises coupling an excitation optical signal into a first optical fiber to induce Rayleigh backscattering, thereby providing a backscattered signal; coupling the backscattered signal into a second optical fiber, spatially separated from the first optical fiber; and optically amplifying the backscattered signal in the second optical fiber, thereby generating a sensing signal. |
| US10641620B2 |
High accuracy, low power signal conditioner
A system and method of obtaining a high accuracy value from at least one sensor using a conditioning circuit includes providing, by a processor, a first signal to the at least one sensor and obtaining a first sensor response from the at least one sensor; providing, by the processor, the first signal to a reference component and obtaining a first reference response from the reference component; providing, by the processor, a second signal, greater than the first signal, to the at least one sensor and obtaining a second sensor response from the at least one sensor; providing, by the processor, the second signal to the reference component and obtaining a second reference response from the reference component; and calculating, by the processor, the high accuracy value based on the first sensor response, the second sensor response, the first reference response and the second reference response. |
| US10641619B1 |
Gas meter query method based on compound internet of things (IoT) and IoT system
The present invention provides a gas meter query method based on a compound Internet of Things (IoT) and an IoT system, and relates to the field of the IoT. The method includes: sending, by the first gas meter of a plurality of gas meters, when reading the data information corresponding to the second gas meter, the data information to the management platform via the sensor network platform; sending, by the management platform, the first control signal to the second gas meter via the sensor network platform, so that the second gas meter sends the first prompt information; sending the second prompt information to at least one of a plurality of service sub-platforms; and sending, by one of the service sub-platforms that receives the second prompt information, the second prompt information to the user sub-platform corresponding to the second gas meter. The gas meter query method based on the compound IoT and the IoT system provided by the present invention can help a user quickly find out a gas meter, facilitate the user to query the gas balance and recharge, and enhance the user experience. |
| US10641618B2 |
On-line web accessed energy meter
An electrical metering system capable of performing multiple metering functions, collecting data, and wirelessly provides the collected metering data to a utility operator. In the electrical metering system, at least one computing device for initiating a request for data. A first modem connects the computing device to an infrastructure. A wireless embedded modem for wirelessly connects an electric meter to an infrastructure, and the wireless electric modem receives a request from the computing device and wirelessly transmits the metering data to the computing device, thereby initiating the request. |
| US10641617B2 |
Calibration device and calibration method
A calibration device includes: a coordinate calculator that calculates coordinates of a plurality of rigid body-based points on a vehicle-based coordinate system from measurement values of respective distances between two points constituted by a combination of one of a plurality of vehicle-based points and one of the plurality of rigid body-based points, the plurality of vehicle-based points having known coordinates on the vehicle-based coordinate system and the plurality of rigid body-based points having known coordinates on a rigid body-based coordinate system; and a parameter calculator that calculates a relative attitude and a relative position of an origin as calibration parameters from a correspondence relationship between positions of image coordinates of the plurality of rigid body-based points within a captured image and the coordinates of the plurality of rigid body-based points on the vehicle-based coordinate system. |
| US10641610B1 |
Neural network—instantiated lightweight calibration of RSS fingerprint dataset
A method and system of instantiating a lightweight re-calibration of a received signal strength (RSS) fingerprint dataset for mobile device indoor navigation. The method comprises, based on RSS parameters acquired from a plurality of mobile devices acquired at a set of positions within an indoor area, accumulating the RSS parameters in accordance with a trained neural network-based RSS fingerprint dataset in a fingerprint database of the indoor area; identifying respective positions of a subset of the set of positions having a variance that exceeds a threshold variance between observed RSS parameters and RSS parameters determined in accordance the trained neural network; and when contiguous positions of the subset are encompassed by a boundary representing a portion of the indoor area, instantiating a re-calibration of the RSS fingerprint dataset for mobile device navigation within the portion of the indoor area. |
| US10641606B2 |
Distance measuring device and method of controlling distance measuring device
Image quality of a depth map is improved in a distance measuring device for receiving intermittent light.In a pixel array unit, a plurality of pixels for receiving predetermined intermittent light is arranged in a two-dimensional lattice pattern. A continuous light image data generating unit generates continuous light image data in which a plurality of pieces of pixel data indicating a luminance of predetermined continuous light is arranged in a two-dimensional lattice pattern on the basis of received light data of each of the plurality of pixels. A depth map generating unit generates a depth map in which distance information corresponding to each of the plurality of pixels is arranged, from the received light data and the continuous light image data. |
| US10641605B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for measuring a clearance
The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for measuring a clearance. The apparatus comprises: a first measurement component configured to be mounted on a first object in a mounted state thereof, so that a first measurement surface of the first measurement component is aligned with a first surface to be measured of the first object; and a second measurement component configured to be mounted on a second object in a mounted state thereof, so that a second measurement surface of the second measurement component is aligned with a second surface to be measured of the second object, wherein the first measurement component comprises a measurement instrument configured to measure a first distance between the measurement instrument and the first measurement surface and a second distance between the measurement instrument and the second measurement surface, wherein the clearance is calculated based on the first distance and the second distance. |
| US10641603B2 |
Method and system for updating a virtual world
A waveguide apparatus includes a planar waveguide and at least one optical diffraction element (DOE) that provides a plurality of optical paths between an exterior and interior of the planar waveguide. A phase profile of the DOE may combine a linear diffraction grating with a circular lens, to shape a wave front and produce beams with desired focus. Waveguide apparati may be assembled to create multiple focal planes. The DOE may have a low diffraction efficiency, and planar waveguides may be transparent when viewed normally, allowing passage of light from an ambient environment (e.g., real world) useful in AR systems. Light may be returned for temporally sequentially passes through the planar waveguide. The DOE(s) may be fixed or may have dynamically adjustable characteristics. An optical coupler system may couple images to the waveguide apparatus from a projector, for instance a biaxially scanning cantilevered optical fiber tip. |
| US10641600B2 |
Real-time normalization apparatus and method of phase generated carrier demodulation in sinusoidal phase modulation interferometer
The present invention discloses a real-time normalization apparatus and method of the PGC demodulation in a sinusoidal phase modulation interferometer. An optical setup containing a measuring interferometer and a monitoring interferometer is constructed. An electro-optic phase modulator is placed in the common reference arm of the two interferometers. High-frequency sinusoidal wave modulation and low-frequency triangular wave modulation are applied to the electro-optic phase modulator at the same time. Sinusoidal modulation is used for generating phase carrier, and PGC demodulation is performed to obtain quadrature signals containing the phase information to be measured. Triangular wave modulation makes the quadrature signals change periodically. Ellipse fitting is performed on the Lissajous figure corresponding to the quadrature signals, and real-time normalization of the PGC demodulated quadrature signals is achieved. By calculating the variation of the phase difference between the two interference signals, the measured displacement is obtained, and nanometer scale displacement measurement is achieved. |
| US10641599B2 |
Extending the range of spectrally controlled interferometry by superposition of multiple spectral modulations
The range of measurement in spectrally controlled interferometry (SCI) is extended by superimposing multiple modulations on the low-coherence light used for the measurement. Optimally, a spectrally controllable light source modulated sinusoidally with low spectral frequency is combined with a delay line, such as provided by a Michelson interferometer. The resulting light is injected into a Fizeau interferometer to generate localized fringes at a distance corresponding to the effect of the spectrally modulated source combined with the optical path difference produced by the delay line. The combination provides a convenient way to practice SCI with all its advantages and with a range that can be extended to the degree required for any practically foreseeable application. |
| US10641597B2 |
Method and apparatus for a precision position sensor
A method and system to measure a parameter associated with a component, device, or system with a specified accuracy, including: providing one or more sensors operably disposed to detect the parameter; obtaining a coarse measurement of the parameter within a first range using the one or more sensors, wherein the first range includes minimum and maximum values for the parameter; obtaining a fine measurement of the parameter within a second range using the one or more sensors, wherein the second range is smaller than the first range and has a specified ratio to the first range that provides the specified accuracy; determining a current value of the parameter by combining the coarse and fine measurements; and providing the current value of the parameter to a communications interface, a storage device, a display, a control panel, a processor, a programmable logic controller, or an external device. |
| US10641595B2 |
Low profile triaxial blade tip clearance probe assembly with driven guard
A low profile triaxial BTC probe may comprise a housing having a first body, a first cavity within the first body, and a neck extending radially from the first body, an outer hat insulator disposed within the first cavity, an inner housing, disposed within the first cavity, having a second body and a second cavity within the second body, an inner hat insulator disposed within the second cavity, a sensor element disposed within the second cavity, an inner cap insulator disposed within the second cavity, an inner cap over the inner cap insulator, an outer cap insulator disposed within the first cavity, a cap over the outer cap insulator, and a hard lead comprising a hard shield, a driven guard, and a lead wire. |
| US10641593B2 |
Combination sensor
An assembly for automatically detecting contactlessly elongate objects (W). The assembly comprises an inductive measuring system (E) and a first optical measuring system (D) for the object (W) within a housing (2). The inductive measuring system (E) is an eddy current sensor for determining an electromagnetic characteristic of the object (W) and has half coils (E1a, E1b) which wind around the object (W) and forms an inductive cylindrical measurement volume (Ev). The half coils (E1a, E1b), together with a capacitor (E2), form a parallel oscillating circuit (E6), which is connected to an electronic evaluating circuit (E5). The first optical measuring system (D) determines the outside diameter (Wdo) of the object (W) and an optical disk-shaped measurement volume (DCPv) is formed between the two half coils (E1a, E1b). Optionally, the assembly, by a second optical measuring system (C), determines the color and the position by a third virtual measuring system (P). |
| US10641590B2 |
Wing deployment and lock mechanism
A lock block for use in a flight vehicle to deploy and lock wings in a deployed position with the lock block having a forward end and an aft end and including a support member, a resilient member adjacent the aft end of the lock block, a first deploy pin extending from the resilient member, a second deploy pin extending from the resilient member, and a wedge located on a bottom side of the resilient member. The first deploy pin and the second deploy pin are each configured to engage a groove in a wing of the flight vehicle to push each wing into a deployed position. |
| US10641588B2 |
Simultaneous linear initiation mechanism
A simultaneous linear initiation mechanism (SLIM). The SLIM includes a first layer. The first layer includes a port, where the port passes through the first layer and is configured to receive a first high explosive. The SLIM also includes a second layer. The second layer includes one or more traces, where the one or more traces include channels within the second layer configured to receive a second high explosive and two or more destination points, where the two or more destination points are the terminal ends of the one or more traces. The SLIM further includes one or more saddle blocks. The one or more saddle blocks include one or more traces, where the one or more traces include channels within the saddle block configured to receive a third high explosive and multiple outlets, where the multiple outlets are configured to receive the third high explosive. |
| US10641587B2 |
Bullet trap
A bullet trap includes a trap body defining a trap compartment, the trap body comprising a baffle plate enclosed within the trap compartment; and a funnel assembly defining an inlet, the inlet aligned with the baffle plate. A method of using a bullet trap includes firing a bullet through a throat of a trap body of the bullet trap; striking a primary baffle plate of the trap body; and redirecting the bullet towards a secondary baffle plate of the trap body. |
| US10641586B2 |
Laser system with protection device
A protection device for a laser system having at least one active laser and having at least one beam guide. Eye safety and/or protection for an exposed person is achieved using at least one additional laser as a warning laser which, operating in a visible spectral range, is used shortly before the active laser is used, and which, can cause at least one person to close his or her eyes and/or change his or her viewing direction away from the receptor point of the active laser beam on a target. |
| US10641581B2 |
Weapon launching tube structure, and naval platform comprising at least one structure of said type
A weapon launching tube structure, and in particular a torpedo launching tube structure, includes a tube inside which weapon guiding slides are mounted at regular intervals around the weapon. The slides are made from a single slide blank obtained by an extrusion process. |
| US10641580B2 |
Weapon
An extendable, telescoping multi-purpose baton that holds one or more tools in such a way that a user can use the baton and another tool at the same time while at least one hand remains free. The baton is extended by a propulsion mechanism permitting controlled speed and force of extension. The telescoping mechanism may be electrically or pneumatically operated and can be extended with sufficient speed and force to deliver a blow or jab when impacting the target, at a distant significantly longer than the user's arm length, permitting use from a safe distance. |
| US10641579B2 |
Projectile toy
A projectile toy is provided, which includes a projected base, a driving mechanism arranged on the projected base, a rotating body, a triggering mechanism and a projected mechanism. The driving mechanism drives said rotating body to rotate for energy storage. The triggering mechanism triggers the projected mechanism to push the rotating body after energy storage out of the projected base. The projectile toy is reasonable in structural design and has a function of projecting, and the projected rotating body can also perform rotational motions, thereby expanding interestingness and functionality of toys. |
| US10641577B1 |
Compound archery bow with latch that maintains full draw with zero string draw weight
An accessory attached to a compound archery bow permitting an archer to pull the bowstring to full draw, actuate a latch and then relax both arms but leave the bow at full draw. At least two cam latches are mounted at the distally opposite end of each of the bow's limbs. Each cam latch is movable into engagement with its associated cam to latch and prevent rotation of the cams. A movable latch trigger is mounted to the riser adjacent the hand grip for actuating the cam latches. A mechanical linkage is connected between the latch trigger and each of the cam latches. The mechanical linkage is moved by the latch trigger to move the cam latches into engagement with the cams and prevent rotation of the cams and is also movable for release of the cam latches into disengagement with the cams to permit rotation of the cams. |
| US10641576B1 |
Knuckle-shot, handle-less slingshot frame
The present invention relates to a handle-less slingshot frame with means for attaching a single, slingshot band with pouch. Frame with attached bands is worn on the fingers. When bands and pouch are drawn back over the handle-less frame, said frame operates as a class 2 lever. Upon release of ammo, said frame becomes a friction stop clip, retaining its position on the shooters fingers. |
| US10641574B2 |
Multiple flange crush washer
One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a crush washer for a firearm that comprises a ring of material about a center axis having an inner surface towards the center axis and an outer surface away from the center axis, and at least one groove in the inner surface or outer surface. The groove forms: a first flange having an inner surface and an outer surface with a thickness therebetween; a second flange having an inner surface and an outer surface with a thickness therebetween; and a bridge connecting the first flange and the second flange, the bridge having an inner surface and an outer surface with a thickness therebetween. In an undeformed state, the inner surface of the first flange is adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the inner surface of the second flange. In a deformed state, the inner surface of the first flange is closer to the inner surface of the second flange compared to the undeformed state. The thickness of the bridge is less than the thickness of the first flange and less than the thickness of the second flange. |
| US10641570B2 |
Area denial communication latency compensation
An area denial system may be operationally placed with communication latency compensation. The area denial system may include a plurality of munitions, one or more sensor devices, and a command and control unit, networked together and having a command and control latency for communication between the command and control unit and the remainder of the area denial system. Latency compensation may include determining a first target position, determining a first predicted position area for the target using the command and control latency and the first target position, receiving an authorization to arm one or more of the munitions, determining a second target position, and determining that the second target position is outside a threshold distance from a first authorized munition of the one or more authorized munitions, and in response, de-authorizing the first authorized munition. |
| US10641569B2 |
Firearm barrel stiffening and/or cooling systems and methods
A barrel having a body including an elongate tubular structure extending from a breach end to a muzzle end; a projectile bore extending from a projectile chamber to the muzzle end; and a one or more tubular recesses formed in the body, wherein each tubular recess is defined by an elongate hole extending from an open end formed in an area proximate the muzzle end. |
| US10641564B2 |
Weapon drive and weapon drive with an emergency weapon stop
A drive for a weapon having a drive cam and a connecting rod unit guided in the drive cam. The drive cam includes the firing cycle of the weapon. A connecting rod unit has a front pin and a rear pin, a strut pin. With its front pin, the connecting rod unit engages in the drive cam. The front pin is also connected to a crank, which is driven by an external drive. The strut pin is connected to an overall control slider of a breech block of the weapon. An emergency stop device, which when a shot is fired makes a pin extend and ensures that the overall control slider is taken along. If, on the other hand, no shot is fired, the pin is not made to extend and the overall control slider not moved. Parts of the drive may in this case continue to run. |
| US10641563B2 |
Firearm receiver and a method of manufacturing it
A receiver and a method for manufacturing it are disclosed. The receiver contains an incomplete receiver containing a first receiver opening configured to accommodate an ammunition magazine, a second receiver opening containing a first and a second protrusion, a buffer tube insert containing an upwardly extending lobe, a first side panel positioned within the second receiver opening, the first side panel containing a first panel opening configured to accommodate the first protrusion, a second side panel positioned within the receiver second opening, the second side panel containing a second panel opening configured to accommodate the second protrusion. |
| US10641562B2 |
Firearm with recoil mitigation
Firearms with recoil mitigation have a frame with a connected slide, the slide configured to reciprocate relative to the frame along a slide reciprocation path, the slide having a ramp surface angularly offset from the slide reciprocation path by a first angle, a follower element connected to the frame and configured to reciprocate with respect to the frame along a follower path, the follower being biased toward the slide, and the follower having a slide contact portion configured to contact the ramp surface of the slide, such that reciprocation of the slide generates reciprocation of the follower element. The reciprocation of the slide may define a horizontal plane. The ramp surface may face downwardly and rearwardly. The slide may include a top panel and opposed downwardly-depending side panels each having lower edges. The ramp surface may be formed in a cutout above the lower edge of a side panel. |
| US10641553B2 |
Heat treatment apparatus, regulation method of heat treatment apparatus, and program
The controller receives information including a plurality of evaluation indexes, a weight of each evaluation index, the number of times for calculating a value of an evaluation function, and initial parameter values, and performs a simulation based on the received information. Then, the controller calculates a value of an evaluation function based on a result of the simulation, and determines whether the calculated value of the evaluation function is minimum, to update parameters when it is determined that the value of the evaluation function is minimum. In the calculation of a value of the evaluation function, a value of the evaluation function is calculated again based on the number of times for calculating a value of an evaluation function. The controller generates new parameters by a genetic algorithm when a value of an evaluation function is calculated again. |
| US10641551B2 |
Drying system, a method and a computer program product
The invention relates to a drying module for drying humid air. The module comprises a humid air inflow opening, a dry air outflow opening and a flow channel extending between the inflow opening and the outflow opening. The flow channel includes a drying chamber for accommodating a zeolite container containing zeolite particles, wherein the drying chamber has at least one dimension transverse to a humid air flow direction that is significantly larger than a dimension of the drying chamber parallel to the flow direction of the humid air. |
| US10641550B2 |
Device for transporting and drying wet items
A drying apparatus promotes drying of a wet item while protecting a surrounding environment from moisture escaping the wet item as it dries. The apparatus includes a waterproof casing comprising one or more waterproof materials and constructed (a) to receive a wet item and (b) prevent the moisture in the wet item from contacting items in the surrounding environment. The waterproof casing also includes a drain structure at one end having an opening through which moisture from the wet item escapes the drying apparatus and one or more rigid structures extending from within the waterproof casing through the opening to create a pathway for the escaping moisture. The drying apparatus also has an intake vent positioned to draw air into the drying apparatus and direct the air over the wet item within the apparatus and through the opening in the drain structure. |
| US10641547B2 |
Pod-based smoothie maker
A method for designing a smoothie pod includes: receiving input from a user via a user device that communicates with a beverage profile system over a communications network, wherein the input is received via a graphical user interface and includes selections of ingredients to be added to the smoothie pod; determining, via the beverage profile system, that a flavor profile of the smoothie pod that is based on the ingredients selected by the user includes at least one flavor type having a percentage of the flavor profile that is outside of an acceptable threshold percentage range of the flavor profile; and presenting a suggestion via the graphical user interface of one or more additional ingredients to be added to the smoothie pod to modify the percentage of the flavor type to be within the acceptable threshold percentage range of the flavor profile. |
| US10641546B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator equipped with a door that becomes transparent as necessary to make the interior thereof visible is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage compartment defined therein, a lighting device for illuminating the interior of the storage compartment, a door, which is hingedly coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment, and has an opening and a panel assembly including a front panel disposed on the front surface thereof, a sensor for detecting sound waves, which are generated by a knock input applied to the door and are transmitted through the front panel, and a controller for controlling the lighting device to allow light to be transmitted through the panel assembly, thus making the storage compartment visible from outside the door through the opening when a predetermined knock input is detected. |
| US10641545B2 |
Domestic refrigeration device, and method of controlling a light source arrangement arranged therein
A domestic refrigeration device comprises an interior for storing foods, a light source arrangement which is configured to emit light, in particular white light, of different spectral characteristics into the interior, and a sensor unit which is configured to optically detect light emitted by the lit interior, to allocate to the detected light a value that is characteristic of the color of the emitted light, and to control the light source arrangement in such a manner that light of a specific spectral characteristic, which is dependent on the value that is characteristic of the color, is emitted. |
| US10641544B2 |
Refrigerator
The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a structure of a receptacle apparatus, which enables efficient utilization of a space for storing an object to be refrigerated or an object to be frozen, and a door or a cover which is for opening or closing the receptacle apparatus. Provided is a refrigerator, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising: a first storage chamber provided above a cabinet; a second storage chamber positioned below the first storage chamber; a partition wall which is for partitioning the first storage chamber and second storage chamber vertically and of which the upper surface maintains a level position; an accommodation unit recessed downward from the upper side of the partition wall, forming a receptacle space and having an input port, into which an object to be stored is input, formed on the upper part thereof; an accommodation unit door provided so as to be movable in the direction parallel to the upper side of the partition wall and for selectively opening or closing the input port; and a position fixing unit provided on the rear of the accommodation unit door and for restraining the movement of the door when the accommodation unit door moves backward and opens the input port. |
| US10641541B2 |
Refrigerator door and manufacturing method of the same
A refrigerator door and a manufacturing method of the same are disclosed. The refrigerator door includes a front panel that includes a first through hole and an input unit, a door liner, an upper cap decoration unit configured to seal an upper side of a first space defined between the front panel and the door liner, a frame attached to an inside of the front panel and defining a second space, a display assembly provided between the frame and the front panel and configured to emit light through the first through hole, and a touch sensor assembly provided between the frame and the front panel, the touch sensor assembly being fixed to a rear of the front panel at a position that corresponds to a location of the input unit. The upper cap decoration unit includes a communication hole for communicating with the second space and includes a cap cover. |
| US10641537B2 |
Ice making system for refrigerator appliance
A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a fresh food chamber and a freezer chamber below the fresh food chamber. The refrigerator appliance further includes an ice maker disposed within the cabinet outside of the freezer chamber and proximate to the fresh food chamber. The ice maker includes an ice making chamber. The ice maker is in thermal communication with the freezer chamber and the ice making chamber is not in fluid communication with the freezer chamber. |
| US10641535B2 |
Ice maker and method of making and harvesting ice
An ice-maker system may be operable in an ice-making mode and in an ice-harvesting mode and may include a working-fluid circuit and an ice mold. The working-fluid circuit may include a compressor, an expansion device, and an ice-making heat exchanger. The expansion device is disposed downstream of the compressor. The ice-making heat exchanger is disposed between the expansion device and the compressor along the working-fluid circuit. The ice mold includes a plurality of pockets configured to receive water from a water-supply conduit when the system is operating in the ice-making mode. The ice mold may be in a heat-transfer relationship with the ice-making heat exchanger. The ice mold may define a channel that receives a warming fluid from a warming-fluid-supply conduit when the system is operating in the ice-harvesting mode. The warming fluid is fluidly isolated from working fluid circulating through the working-fluid circuit. |
| US10641534B2 |
Ice supplying apparatus and refrigerator having the same
An ice supplying apparatus includes: an ice bank configured to store therein ice made by an ice maker; a blade unit having a fixed blade, and a rotary blade formed to be relatively-rotatable with respect to the fixed blade, the rotary blade configured to crush ice when rotated in one direction; and a discharge guide unit provided below the blade unit, and configured to discharge the crushed ice, wherein a scattering preventing unit having a different inclination, in a gravitational direction of the earth, from another side of the discharge guide unit is formed at one side of the discharge guide unit, so as to prevent scattering of the crushed ice when the crushed ice is taken out. |
| US10641533B2 |
Compressor driving apparatus and home appliance including the same
A compressor driving apparatus, or a home appliance including the same, includes a DC terminal capacitor to store a charge, an inverter to convert direct current associated with the charge of the DC terminal capacitor into an alternating current and output the alternating current to a motor, an output current detection unit to detect an output current flowing in the motor, and an inverter controller to increase a motor speed by starting the motor, and controlling a speed increase of the motor to change based on an increasing slope of a change in an output current detected by the output current detection unit during the speed increase of the motor. |
| US10641529B2 |
Heat transfer system with tribofilm on bearing surface
A heat transfer system is disclosed that includes a circulation loop of a heat transfer fluid that comprises a halocarbon. The circulation loop includes a compressor or pump that includes bearing rolling surfaces in contact with the heat transfer fluid. The bearing contact surface has a substrate a layer thereon that includes a polymer or oligomer having polar side groups and a tribofilm. |
| US10641528B2 |
Cooling of pump heads in carbon dioxide chromatography systems
The present disclosure relates to methodologies, systems and apparatus for cooling pump heads and providing balanced cooling and heat transfer between multiple pump heads. Multi-pump systems that are used to pump fluids that vary greatly in density with minor changes in temperature, such as the mobile phase of a CO2-based chromatography system, require highly stable temperature conditions. In order to achieve a substantially equal average heat transfer between multiple pump heads and a coolant fluid, coolant fluid may be flowed through coolant passageways within the pump heads in a recursive and/or parallel coolant flow patterns. Such recursive and/or parallel coolant fluid flow patterns provide increased stability in temperature, compressibility, and density of the fluids passing through a multi-pump system. |
| US10641527B2 |
Multi-material-blade for active regenerative magneto-caloric or electro-caloric heat engines
The present invention describes the design and fabrication of Multi-Material-Blades used as active regenerative regenerators in active regenerative magneto-caloric or electro-caloric engines. The blades consist of a plurality of elements (2) that divide the blade body along its length. Each element (2) is made of a different magneto-caloric or electro-caloric material selected appropriately, and a plurality of dedicated channels (3) penetrates the blade body (1) and extends along the length of the blade. The dedicated channels (3) can be provided with fluid mixing structures, porous layers or hydrophobic coatings to reduce the HE loss in an active regenerative engine. The Multi-Material-Blades are obtainable by ink jet printing techniques to reduce costs. The Multi-Material-Blades can further have a curved shape to form an involute blade body (1). All measures can improve the performance of active regenerative magneto-caloric or electro-caloric engines, and lay the basis for commercial solutions. |
| US10641526B2 |
Method and apparatus for rapidly cooling a gem, including two stage cooling
A cooling apparatus includes a container configured to contain a coolant within a space. The apparatus further includes a cooling block positioned substantially within the space and having a high heat capacity such that the space not occupied by the cooling block is filled with a coolant to a level at or below the top of the cooling block, and a placement structure having high thermal conductivity positioned on top of the cooling block and outside of the space. A method for cooling an object is also provided, which includes inserting a coolant into a container configured to contain the coolant within a space, and placing the object on a placement structure outside the space. For this method, the placement structure has a high thermal conductivity and is coupled to a cooling block, the cooling block having a high heat capacity and positioned substantially within the space. A two-stage cooling apparatus and method is also described. |
| US10641525B2 |
Heat generating system
A heat generating system (1) of the present invention controls an excess heat output from heat-generating element cells (16) that are generating excess heat as a result of the heat generation reaction among the plurality of heat-generating element cells (16) by increasing the number of heat generation reaction positions, and therefore even if the other heat-generating element cells (16) do not generate excess heat due to insufficient heat generation reaction, the heat-generating element cells (16) in which the heat generation reaction is certainly occurring can compensate for insufficient amount of heat to be recovered, thereby capable of stably obtaining heat using the heat-generating element cells (16) each of which generates heat using a hydrogen storage metal or a hydrogen storage alloy. |
| US10641523B2 |
Control device of water heating apparatus, water heating apparatus and control method thereof
The present disclosure provides a control device of a water heating apparatus, a water heating apparatus and a control method thereof. The control device comprises a storage, a processor and a heater, the storage stores a usage state value of the water heating apparatus during a first period and provides the usage state value to the processor connected thereto, the usage state value includes a mean value of outlet water temperature TH, a mean value of outlet water amount LU and a mean value of inlet water temperature TL, the processor determines an output value in accordance with the usage state value and provides the output value to the heater connected thereto, the output value includes a water amount LX to be heated and a water temperature T to be reached, the heater performs heating during a second period in accordance with the output value from the processor. |
| US10641522B2 |
Heat exchanger
The present invention relates to a heat exchanger having a simplified assembly structure as well as a simplified structure for heat-insulating a combustion chamber, the heat exchanger being provided with a heat exchange unit having heating medium flow channels through which a heating medium flows and combustion gas flow channels through which combustion gas combusted in the burner flows to be alternately formed and adjacent to each other in spaces between a plurality of plates, wherein the heat exchange unit comprises: a sensible heat unit which surrounds the outer side of a combustion chamber, is formed of one side area of the plates, and heats the heating medium by using sensible heat of combustion gas generated by the combustion of the burner; and a latent heat unit which is formed of the other side area of the plates, and heats the heating medium by using latent heat of water vapor included in combustion gas that has finished undergoing heat exchange in the sensible heat unit, wherein the rear of the sensible heat unit has provided thereon connection flow channels of the heating medium so that the heating medium that passed through the heating medium flow channels of the latent heat unit can flow to the heating medium flow channels of the sensible heat unit, and the rear of the sensible heat unit also has a water housing cooling unit formed thereon for heat-insulating the combustion chamber. |
| US10641518B2 |
Floor vent assembly
A vent cover assembly is disclosed, such as for a floating or fixed floor. Example vent cover assemblies may include a support plate configured to be secured over a duct, and a flush mount vent cover. The support plate may define a plurality of first airflow apertures configured to permit airflow from the duct through the support plate. The vent cover may define a second plurality of airflow apertures that are positioned in the vent cover such that the second plurality of airflow apertures are aligned with the first airflow apertures when the vent cover is in a first installed position overlying the support plate. The vent cover may obstruct the first airflow apertures when the vent cover is in a second installed position overlying the support plate. |
| US10641516B2 |
Method and apparatus for reheat dehumidification with variable air volume
The HVAC system includes an evaporator coil and a metering device fluidly coupled to the evaporator coil via a distribution line. The HVAC system includes a variable-speed circulation fan for circulating air around the evaporator coil. A temperature sensor is thermally exposed to the distribution line. At least one controller is operatively coupled to the temperature sensor and to the variable-speed circulation fan. The at least one controller adjusts a speed of the variable-speed circulation fan to increase latent capacity of the HVAC system responsive to a determination that a temperature of fluid in the distribution line exceeds an optimal distribution line temperature. |
| US10641515B2 |
Linearization of airflow through zone dampers of an HVAC system
A control system can provide a linear behavior of airflow as a function of damper position of each zone damper in an HVAC system. The control system incrementally closes each zone damper from a fully open position to a fully closed position, and records static pressure measurements with each change in damper position. Then, using a mathematical model that is derived from the second fan law, a correction is calculated for each damper position of each zone damper based on the recorded static pressure measurements to provide corrected damper positions at which the airflow through the zone damper exhibits a linear behavior. The corrected damper positions are stored and used during an operational cycle of the HVAC system to obtain a precise airflow through the zone dampers. |
| US10641513B2 |
Network management system and method for automatic registration of network device thereof
A network management system and method for automatic registration of network device thereof are disclosed. The system has an electronic device, a network device and a control host. The electronic device generates and sends configuration data to the network device according to a user operation. The network device automatically generates registration data having device identity data and location identity data, connects to a communication network according to the configuration data, and sends the registration data to the control host via the communication network. The control host determines classification information according to the registration data and configures the device identity data to correspond to the classification information and location identity data for completing registration of the network device. The present disclosed example can effectively omit a registration operation inputted by the user manually via configuring the network device to register at the control host automatically. |
| US10641512B2 |
Air-conditioning operation condition generation apparatus, air-conditioning operation condition generation method and air-conditioning system
An air-conditioning operation condition generation apparatus as an aspect of the present invention generates trial conditions for multiple air conditioners associated with a target space of air-conditioning control, evaluates a trial performed by coordination of the plurality of air conditioners under the trial conditions, and generates actual operation conditions for the plurality of air conditioners to achieve a targeted state in the target space on the basis of evaluation of the trial. |
| US10641509B2 |
Thermal image sensor and user interface
A thermal image sensor including: a plurality of infrared detector elements that detect infrared light in a detection area; and rotors that scan the detection area in a scanning direction to detect, with the plurality of infrared detector elements, infrared light in an area to be captured as a single thermal image. The plurality of infrared detector elements include infrared detector elements arranged in mutually different positions in a rotational direction corresponding to the scanning direction of the plurality of infrared detector elements. |
| US10641506B2 |
Columnar air moving devices, systems and methods
An air moving system includes an air moving device including a housing member, a rotary fan assembly, and an opening for connection with an airflow duct, the housing including a plurality of air intake vents. A first volume of air can enter the housing through the opening and a second volume of air can enter the housing through the plurality of intake vents. The rotary fan assembly directs the first and second volumes of air. |
| US10641504B2 |
Air-conditioner outdoor device and air-conditioner unit
An air-conditioner outdoor device and an air-conditioner unit are provided. The air-conditioner outdoor device includes a casing and a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is disposed within the casing, a front plate of the casing is provided with an air outlet and two air inlets, the air outlet is located between the two air inlets, the heat exchanger is positioned closer to the front plate relative to a rear plate of the casing and faces the air outlet, and air flow entering the casing from the air inlets flows out of the casing from the air outlet after flowing through the heat exchanger. The air-conditioner unit comprises the air-conditioner outdoor device. The air-conditioner outdoor device of the present application improves the air intake and outlet manners to facilitate the installation of the air-conditioner outdoor device in a mounting hole through a wall and indoors. |
| US10641502B2 |
Connection assembly
A connection assembly is disclosed for connecting a magnetic separator into a central heating system circuit, the magnetic separator including a housing, a separation chamber within the housing, and externally threaded inlet and outlet ports extending from the housing. The connection assembly comprises: a fitment adapted to be received within at least one of the ports of the separator, the fitment including a bore for carrying fluid from/to the central heating circuit to/from the separator; a threaded connector disposed around the bore for securing the fitment to the or each port, the threaded connector having a hand grip area for facilitating tightening of the connector by hand; and a removable force transfer element receivable between the fitment and the threaded connector for transferring force between the threaded connector and the fitment. |
| US10641498B2 |
Antenna device for a wireless probe system of an oven appliance
An oven appliance is provided that includes an antenna device for a wireless probe system. In one exemplary aspect, the antenna device includes features that allow the antenna device to function as an antenna for the wireless probe system as well as an oven cavity air temperature sensing device. |
| US10641497B2 |
Cooktop appliance
A cooktop appliance includes an electric heating element positioned on a cooktop surface and a controller operably connected thereto. The controller is configured for monitoring a temperature with a temperature sensor, adjusting a power level of the electric heating element based at least in part on the monitored temperature over a first period of time, and deactivating the electric heating element for a second period of time based at least in part on the monitored temperature. The controller is also configured for storing the first period of time, an average power level over the first period of time, and the second period of time in a memory. When the controller detects a disconnection of the temperature sensor, the controller operates the heating element at the stored average power level for the stored first period of time and deactivates the heating element for the stored second period of time. |
| US10641494B2 |
Cooktop appliance with a gas burner assembly
A cooktop appliance includes a top panel and a gas burner assembly with a support member formed integrally with a cap at a first end portion of the support member. The support member defines a fuel supply passage that extends between first and second end portions of the support member. A burner body is mounted to the cap such that the burner body is positioned above and spaced from the top panel. |
| US10641493B2 |
Aerodynamic fastening of turbomachine fuel injectors
A premixing fuel nozzle assembly for a turbomachine is disclosed as having at least one fuel injector with an outer jacket having a first end and a second end and a threaded surface disposed therebetween. The first end has a cylindrical sealing surface and the second end has at least one wrenching pocket. An annular hub is disclosed as having an aperture with a first end and a second end and a threaded surface disposed therebetween, wherein the aperture is configured to at least partially house the fuel injector therein and the annular hub further has a conical seat about the first end. The fuel injector cylindrical sealing surface swages inward to form a hermetic seal when contacting the annular hub conical seat as the fuel injector is threaded into the aperture. |
| US10641489B1 |
Fire-starting canteen
A canteen having sides, a top portion, and a bottom portion, forming an interior therein. The top portion and the bottom portion are convex shaped and transparent to light. The top portion and the bottom portion have a radius of curvature of 1.5 and 3 inches. When the interior of the canteen is filled with water, the canteen forms a biconvex fire-starting water lens. The canteen, preferably, is made of PETG thermoplastic resin or PLA, is one piece, and the thickness of the sides, top portion, and bottom portion is 5 to 7 mils. The magnification produced by the bioconvex fire-starting water lens is 2 to 6 fold. |
| US10641486B2 |
Refillable gas lighter
A refillable gas lighter comprises a rear case, a front case and a barrel. The lighter is provided with a physical phenomenon of piezo-electric effect to generate the electric spark. Inside the rear case, the pusher is pressed down to the gas tank with the pusher having a plurality of conducting strips that acts as an electrical conductor connected to the gas tank. A copper wire carrying negative charge is connected with a bridge plate that passes through the conductive hose to achieve fuel distribution and electric conduction. The conductive hose transfers the igniting gas from the gas tank to the spark plug, where the ignition initiates the flame. The housing assembly includes a rear case with a rear case neck, a front case with a front case neck, and a barrel. The housing assembly is further locked together by means of a barrel sleeve where the barrel has a flame opening to ignite. |
| US10641482B2 |
Methods for operating a furnace
A method for combusting fuel in the presence of an alkali-containing material may include introducing fuel into a furnace configured to combust the fuel. The method may also include introducing ball clay having a moisture content of at least about 5% by weight into the furnace, and heating at least a portion of the fuel and ball clay, such that at least a portion of the ball clay is at least partially calcined, and the at least partially calcined ball clay adsorbs at least a portion of alkali present in the furnace. |
| US10641477B2 |
High-bay luminaire with heat-dissipating housing defining a cavity with angled inner wall
A high-bay luminaire includes an upper housing having an outer wall with an interior surface defining an interior compartment, and outer wall with an angled portion extending at an oblique angle towards a center of the interior compartment; a plurality of first heat fins extending from the exterior surface of the outer wall; a base connected to the upper housing; a light emitter connected to the base; a lens connected to the base and positioned below the light emitter; and a driver connected to the angled portion and operatively connected to the light emitter. |
| US10641475B1 |
Light fixture having multiple movable light sockets
A light fixture has a cover, a joystick, a plurality of light sockets, a movable platform, and a plurality of shafts. The cover has a plurality of openings receiving the plurality of light sockets, each light socket spherically movable within its opening. The joystick is from a first side of the cover, and has a distal end. The movable platform engages the distal end of joystick to move in at least two dimensions responsive to movement of the joystick. Each of the plurality of shafts has a first end spherically engaging the movable platform and a second end rigidly coupled to a corresponding light socket. Spherical movement of the joystick causes movement of the movable platform, and movement of the platform causes movement of the second end of the shafts. Movement of the second end of the shafts causes spherical movement of the light sockets. |
| US10641474B2 |
Light string and manufacturing method thereof
A light string includes at least two conductor wires each covered with an insulating coating defining plural holes acting as electrical bare spots, a controller with an input terminal connected to an external power supply and an output terminal electrically connected to the at least two conductor wires, and plural light sources. Each light source includes one or more LEDs and a circuit board having a first surface used for fixing the one or more LEDs and a second surface defining at least two conductive strips across the second surface. The at least two conductive strips are electrically connected to the at least two conductor wires through the electrical bare spots, respectively. Each connecting part between the conductive strips and the conductor wires is wrapped around by a light transmissive glue. Two conductive ends of each LED are electrically connected to two of the at least two conductive strips. |
| US10641473B2 |
Folded heat sink with electrical connection protection
A lighting module having a heat sink and at least one light source supported by the heat sink. A printed circuit board is also supported on the heat sink and electrically coupled to the at least one light source with at least one conductor. The heat sink is folded or formed to define a conductor protector for protecting the at least one conductor and has at least one wall that is situated in operative relationship with the at least one conductor in order to shield or protect the at least one conductor. |
| US10641472B1 |
Hybrid laser/LED modular light source with enhanced directional illumination
An improved vehicle light apparatus including an auxiliary light having a housing defining a front opening extending in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. A light emitting device is mounted in the housing. A transparent cover is mounted over the front opening. A rib extends rearwardly from the housing opposite the front opening and a plurality of fins are mounted on the rib. |
| US10641470B1 |
Light strands bracket device and system
A decorative lighting device and process for mounting method the lighting device on curved or cylindrical surfaces or support structures, such as tree trunks, columns and poles, the lighting device including a system of light strands mounted to at least two brackets at opposite ends of the light strands, and preferably multiple intermediate brackets along the length of the strands between the end brackets, wherein the strands are connected to the brackets by fasteners, such as ties, tie wraps or staples with a first predetermined distance between the fasteners and a second predetermined distance between the light strands, and the brackets are positioned laterally with respect to the strands and spaced apart a third predetermined distance. The brackets may be made of plastic or wood and have predetermined dimensions. The light strands include a plurality of light sources, preferably LED's, that may be a single color or different colors. |
| US10641468B2 |
Lamp device fixing mechanism and illumination device
A lamp device fixing mechanism adapted to be fixed to a lamp rod is provided. The lamp device fixing mechanism includes a casing, a rotating handle, and a fixing member. The casing is adapted to be partially inserted into the lamp rod. The rotating handle is pivoted to the casing. The fixing member is movably disposed at the casing and moved with the rotating handle. The fixing member moves from a first position to a second position along with rotation of the rotating handle to be fixed to the lamp rod. An illumination device is further provided. |
| US10641467B2 |
Retrofit system and method for replacing linear fluorescent lamp with LED modules
A system for replacing linear fluorescent lamps with LED modules in a cabinet sign includes an LED module support structure. The LED module support structure may be attached to the raceways of the cabinet sign or to the sockets formerly used for mounting fluorescent lamps between the raceways. |
| US10641465B2 |
Lighting system
A lighting system may include a plurality of suspenders and a beam configured to provide light in at least one direction. The suspenders may structurally support the beam from a ceiling and may provide electrical power and dimming control signals to the beam. The beam may include a plurality of light engines for emitting light. The light engines may be single sided or dual sided, and may transmit electrical power among each other. The dual sided light engines may emit light upwardly and downwardly from the beam, and the single sided light engines may emit light downwardly. |
| US10641464B2 |
LED light and light support
The invention includes an elongate riser, a circular base having a support arm, an interior wall, an exterior wall, and a coupler, the coupler being engaged to the riser, and a circular housing having an LED light source, a vertical wall, a bottom surface, and an upper surface, the upper surface has a lip extending outwardly from the vertical wall, the vertical wall being disposed interior to the interior wall, the bottom surface being disposed on the support arm, and the housing having a controller and at least one switch, and the controller regulates illumination being generated downwardly from the bottom surface. The housing being a modular drop in unit for removable engagement to the base. |
| US10641461B2 |
Light illuminating apparatus
A light illuminating apparatus for irradiating light of a line shape extending in a first direction and having a predetermined line width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, includes a light emitting unit including a substrate, and a plurality of light sources arranged at a predetermined interval along the first direction on the substrate such that an optical axis is matched to a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and a mirror unit having a mirror surface to reflect and focus the light. In a cross section of the mirror unit taken along a plane defined by the second direction and the third direction, a cross-sectional shape of the mirror surface is a curved shape resulting from rotation of each of a horizontal axis direction positive side part and a horizontal axis direction negative side part of a parabola y=ax2. |
| US10641458B2 |
Light emitting assembly, lighting apparatus and vehicle
A light emitting assembly, a lighting apparatus and a vehicle. The light emitting assembly includes: a mounting plate; a light source assembly mounted on the mounting plate and including a first light source configured for emitting light with a first color and a second light source configured for emitting light with a second color; and a light guide member having a light entrance section and a light guide section integrally formed, the light guide member being configured to couple the light emitted from the light source assembly into the light guide member. The first light source and the second light source of the light source assembly are mounted on different mounting sub-plates of the mounting plate respectively. |
| US10641456B2 |
Lighting module for motor vehicle projector
Lighting module for a projector of a motor vehicle, the lighting module including a light source and a matrix of micromirrors, characterized in that it includes a mask disposed between the light source and the matrix of micromirrors, the mask including an opening allowing light rays coming from the light source to pass and oriented towards the matrix of micromirrors, and the mask including an opaque part blocking light rays coming from the light source and not oriented toward the matrix of micromirrors. |
| US10641455B2 |
Motor vehicle lighting unit with heat sink
The invention relates to a lighting unit (1) for a motor vehicle, which comprises a light module (2) and a mirror module (3), wherein the mirror module (3) is designed to reflect the light emission produced by the light module (3) in an emission direction of the lighting unit (1), characterized by: the light module (2), which comprises at least one light source (4) and a first heat sink (5), the mirror module (3), which comprises a mirror unit (6) and a second heat sink (7), a cooling system (8), which comprises at least one inlet (9), at least one outlet (10), at least one line (11), at least one flow unit (12), a cooling medium, a first cooling sink, and a second cooling sink, wherein the inlet (9) and the outlet (10) are connected by the line (11), and the flow unit (12) is inserted into the line (11) in order to produce a flow of the cooling medium in the line (11) and sucks in the cooling medium through the inlet (9) and discharges the cooling medium through the outlet (10), and the first cooling sink is formed by the first heat sink (5) of the light module (2) and the second cooling sink is formed by the second heat sink (7) of the mirror module (3), wherein the first cooling sink is arranged downstream of the second cooling sink. |
| US10641449B2 |
Lighting and/or signalling device, more particularly for an automotive vehicle
A light-emitting module for an automotive vehicle includes a light source including a plurality of electroluminescent rods, and a layer adapted for encapsulating the electroluminescent rods and for converting at least a portion of the light emitted by the rods into a converted light, the layer including a conversion sublayer extending beyond a free end of the electroluminescent rods, the conversion sublayer including a phosphor compound adapted for generating the converted light from the light emitted by the electroluminescent rods, the phosphor compound being in the form of grains, the dimensions of which are provided to prevent the presence of the grains between spaces delimited laterally between the rods, and an encapsulation sublayer in which at least a portion of the electroluminescent rods is embedded. |
| US10641439B2 |
Nano-scale light-emitting diode (LED) electrode assembly emitting polarized light, method of manufacturing the same, and polarized LED lamp having the same
The present invention relates to a nano-scale light emitting diode (LED) electrode assembly emitting polarized light, a method of manufacturing the same, and a polarized LED lamp having the same, and more particularly, to a nano-scale LED electrode assembly in which partially polarized light close to light that is linearly polarized having one direction is emitted as an emitted light when applying a driving voltage to the nano-scale LED electrode assembly and also nano-scale LED devices are connected to a nano-scale electrode without defects such as an electrical short circuit while maximizing a light extraction efficiency, a method of manufacturing the same, and a polarized LED lamp having the same. |
| US10641438B2 |
Lighting system
Proposed is a lighting system comprising: at least one laser adapted to output light; a pixelated luminous screen for emitting light when excited by incident light; and at least one optical component adapted to redirect and distribute light from the at least one laser to the pixelated luminous screen. The pixelated luminous screen comprises: a plurality of luminous pixels arranged adjacent each other with separated side edges, each pixel comprising luminous material; and a heat sink formed from thermally conductive material. The heat sink is positioned between the plurality of luminous pixels such that it contacts the adjacent side edges of the pixels. |
| US10641434B1 |
Light source carrier
A glow stick carrier comprising one or more openable containers for carrying at least one substance, and one or more attachments of the container to a glow stick. |
| US10641430B2 |
Methods and apparatus for a suspension system
Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise a method and apparatus for a space-saving suspension system. In various embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a fine suspension device, a coarse suspension device, and a mechanical assembly. In various embodiments, the fine suspension device is arranged at an angle greater than zero degrees from the z-axis. In various embodiments, the mechanical assembly is coupled to the fine suspension device and a payload, such that when a force is exerted on the mechanical assembly by the payload, an applied force is transmitted to the fine suspension device. |
| US10641429B2 |
Techniques for protecting pipe coatings
A method of protecting a layered coating on a length of pipe for subsea use includes applying an edge finisher to the coating to encase an edge of the coating by fusing the edge finisher with the coating or by moulding the edge finisher at an edge of the coating. Where the coating and the edge finisher are of thermoplastics such as PP, fusing can be achieved by injection moulding the edge finisher or by welding a discrete edge finisher component to the edge of the coating. Mirror welding may be employed for this purpose, with a hot plate being interposed between the edge of the coating and the edge finisher. |
| US10641425B2 |
Depressurizer
To provide a depressurizer with a function of depressurizing a filling hose separated from a filling device when a safety device (safety joint) operates (separates). A depressurizers (10, 11) according to the present invention are mounted to a filling hose (21) for filling hydrogen from a hydrogen filling apparatus (100) to a vehicle. In the present invention, it is preferable that on a main body portion (1) of the depressurizers (10, 11) is formed a depressurizing communication hole (1B) communicating with a hydrogen gas passage (1A); a plug (2) that can be inserted into the depressurizing communication hole (1B) is mounted; and on the depressurizing communication hole (1B) and the plug (2) are formed tapered portions (a pin tapered portion 2B of the plug 2 and a tapered portion 1BB of the depressurizing communication hole 1B) with complementary shapes. |
| US10641424B2 |
Subsea direct electric heating system
A subsea direct electric heating system has a subsea pipeline which has an electrically conducting pipeline material, and a first piggyback cable extending along a portion of the subsea pipeline, electrically connected in series with the subsea pipeline. The system further comprises a topside AC power supply and a power feeder cable which extends from the topside AC power supply to a subsea location. The power feeder cable feeds electric power to the first piggyback cable and the pipeline, resulting in a heating of the pipeline. In order to improve power conditions in the system, the arrangement for reducing the reactive component of the power comprises the power feeder cable, the power feeder cable having a distributed capacitance which is sufficient, in the absence of a capacitor, to result in a power factor of an electric circuit comprising the power feeder cable, the subsea pipeline and the piggyback cable in the range 0.9 to 1.0. |
| US10641423B2 |
Adapters for connecting a separated-outlet fluid cartridge to a single-inlet mixer, and related methods
An adapter for connecting a separated-outlet fluid cartridge to a single-inlet static mixer includes a lock mechanism and a lock release mechanism. The adapter includes a connection portion that engages the mixer. The lock mechanism has at least one snap arm that lockingly engages the cartridge in a snap fit manner so as to secure the adapter to the cartridge in fluid communication. When in the locked position, separate fluids are evacuated from the cartridge into the mixer where they are mixed prior to dispensing. The lock release mechanism quickly and easily unlocks the at least one snap arm from the cartridge for allowing a user to separate the adapter from the cartridge. The adapter sealing engages with both the mixer and the cartridge so that fluid flowing from the cartridge to the mixer does not leak. |
| US10641420B2 |
Pipe connectors and systems
A pipe connector includes a housing body defining an axial bore arranged to receive a length of pipe including an enlarged end section. A locking member is split into two or more segments configured to lock the enlarged end section within the axial bore when the locking member is secured to the housing body. A segment coupling member is arranged to detachably secure the two or more segments together outside the axial bore and on a housing top of the housing body. At least one sealing member is positionable on the length of pipe and arranged to compress between the enlarged end section and the locking member. A retaining member is arranged to secure the locking member to the housing body such that the locking member fills a gap between the length of the pipe and an opening of the retaining member. |
| US10641417B2 |
Fire protection sleeve
A firestop collar for sealing of openings, especially of line penetrations, that pass-through walls or ceilings, has a frame and a block of optionally intumescent material disposed therein, and is characterized in that an intumescent inlay is disposed between the block and the frame. |
| US10641416B2 |
Fixing cable tie
A fixing cable tie binds electric cables and fixes the electric cables to a mounting plate. The fixing cable tie includes a pair of elastic pieces and a pair of cable ties. The elastic pieces serve as a locking section for fixing the electric cables to the mounting plate, and elastically deform inward by external urging to shrink in diameter. The pair of cable ties binds the electric cables. The pair of cable ties (first cable tie section and second cable tie section) is joined respectively to the pair of elastic pieces. |
| US10641412B2 |
Steam trap monitor with diagnostics
A steam trap monitor includes a process variable sensor configured to sense a process variable related to operation of a steam trap. A memory contains information related to a baseline parameter of the process variable. Diagnostic circuitry calculates a current parameter of the process variable sensed by the process variable sensor and compares the current parameter of the process variable with the baseline parameter. Based on the comparison, the diagnostic circuitry responsively provides a diagnostic output based upon the comparison. The baseline and current parameter are based on a time period during which the steam trap is open or closed. |
| US10641410B2 |
Pneumatic valve for air suspension systems
Disclosed is a pneumatic solenoid poppet valve assembly having a dampening element. The valve assembly comprises a housing with a stator having a spring pocket being secured to the housing and an armature slidably located inside the housing. The armature has a spring pocket and an armature return spring located in the spring pockets of the stator and the armature, the spring biases the armature away from the stator thereby creating an air gap between them. A dampening element is located in the spring pocket of the stator surrounding the return spring and extending into the air gap. When the solenoid is energized the armature is moved across the air gap and contacts the dampening element prior to contacting the stator and the dampening element dampens movement of the stator across the air gap. A molded seat retainer locates upper and lower seals, provides a valve seat and flow passages. |
| US10641406B2 |
Venturi vacuum drawback assemblies and dual orifice venturi valve assemblies
A venturi vacuum drawback assembly includes a fluid supply passage that supplies the fluid to the device, a fluid return passage that returns the fluid to the device, a shutoff valve positioned on the fluid supply passage, a bypass passage, a bypass valve positioned on the bypass passage, and a venturi valve positioned on the bypass passage downstream of the bypass valve. The bypass passage includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connected to the fluid supply passage upstream of the shutoff valve, and the outlet connected to the fluid return passage. The venturi valve includes a venturi inlet, a venturi outlet, and a primary orifice positioned between the venturi inlet and the venturi outlet. The primary orifice is connected to a drawback opening on the fluid supply passage by a conduit. The drawback opening of the fluid supply passage is positioned downstream of the shutoff valve. |
| US10641402B2 |
Three-way valve for flow rate control and temperature control device using same
Provided are a three-way valve for flow rate control and a temperature control device using the three-way valve for flow rate control. The three-way valve for flow rate control is capable of controlling a mixture ratio between two kinds of fluids with higher accuracy, as compared to a three-way valve including an inflow port which allows inflow of a high-temperature heat-medium circulating liquid, an inflow port which allows inflow of a low-temperature heat-medium circulating liquid, an outflow port which allows outflow of a constant-temperature heat-medium circulating liquid, and a control valve configured to control the flow rate ratio between the high-temperature heat-medium circulating liquid and the low-temperature heat-medium circulating liquid. The three-way valve for flow rate control includes: a valve main body including a valve seat, the valve seat having a columnar space and having a first valve port, which allows inflow of a first fluid and has a rectangular cross section, and a second valve port, which allows inflow of a second fluid and has a rectangular cross section; a valve body being provided in a freely rotatable manner in the valve seat of the valve main body so as to simultaneously switch the first valve port from an closed state to an opened state and switch the second valve port from an opened state to a closed state, the valve body being formed into a half-cylindrical shape having a predetermined central angle and being formed into a curved-surface shape at each of both end surfaces of the valve body in a circumferential direction; and drive means for driving the valve body to rotate. |
| US10641400B2 |
Three way valve
The utility model discloses a three way valve, which includes a three way valve body, and the three way valve body is provided with a water inlet channel, partition are provided in the center of the three valve body, and two water outlets are provided on the partition, and two water outlets are connected separately to two water outlet channels; A rotor is arranged above the partition, and the eccentric position of the bottom of the rotor is provided with a sealing leather bowl. When the rotor is rotated, the sealing leather bowl can sequentially seal the two water outlet. The utility model is capable of sequentially sealing the water outlet by the rotating rotor and the leather bowl synchronously rotating with the rotor, and can form two water outlet channels to separately discharge water or simultaneously discharge water. |
| US10641399B2 |
Valve
A valve (100, 200, 300). The valve (100, 200, 300) comprises a valve body (1); a valve rod (4, 302); a valve core (2, 2′, 304); a valve base (3, 305); a transmission apparatus (5′, 5″, 307) used for transmitting movement of the valve rod (4, 302) to the valve core (2, 2′, 304); and a limiting apparatus (1h, 1g) used for limiting the movement sequence of the valve core (2, 2′, 304). The limiting apparatus (1h, 1g) is used for limiting the movement of the valve core (2, 2′, 304) during opening of the valve (100, 200, 300). The valve (100, 200, 300) can be opened according to a movement sequence, has a compact structure, and is easy to operate. |
| US10641396B2 |
Seal ring and sealing structure
A seal ring and a sealing structure that reduce the deviation of the central axis of the seal ring from the central axis of a shaft thereby preventing the seal ring from abutting against the tip end of a housing in the operation of inserting the shaft in the housing. The seal ring includes a thin part 100A provided in a range less than 180° with respect to a circumferential direction and a thick part 100B, which is configured to protrude inward in the radial direction from an inner peripheral surface of the thin part 100A, the thin part 100A has an abutment joint part 110, and the thick part 100B has, at respective ends of both side surfaces on an inner peripheral surface side thereof, a concave part 120 over an entire range thereof to form a gap between the ends of the both side surfaces and corner parts at both ends of a groove bottom of the annular groove. |
| US10641390B1 |
Trunnion swash installations in a transmission and methods of assembly
An example pump includes: (i) a swash block having (a) a first trunnion arm on a first side of the swash block, and (b) a second trunnion arm on a second side of the swash block; and (ii) a housing including (a) a through-hole disposed on a respective first side of the housing, (b) a blind hole disposed on a respective second side of the housing opposite the respective first side thereof, and (c) an internal chamber. The swash block is supported within the internal chamber of the housing by the first trunnion arm being positioned in the through-hole of the housing and the second trunnion arm being positioned in the blind hole of the housing. |
| US10641387B2 |
Vehicle shift-by-wire device
A vehicle shift-by-wire device includes: a casing in which the shift actuator is disposed; a coupling member; and a connecting/disconnecting member disposed in the casing movably in the shifting direction and movably in a connecting/disconnecting direction crossing the shifting direction, and moved in the shifting direction integrally with the coupling member, wherein when the connecting/disconnecting member is held at an electrically shifting position in the connecting/disconnecting direction, the connecting/disconnecting member is coupled to the shift actuator and is moved in the shifting direction by the shift actuator to switch the shift corresponding position of the shift position switching mechanism via the coupling member, and wherein when the connecting/disconnecting member is moved to a manually shifting position in the connecting/disconnecting direction, the connecting/disconnecting member coupled to the shift actuator is disconnected so that the shift actuator is disabled to switch the shift corresponding position of the shift position switching mechanism. |
| US10641386B2 |
Automatic transmission control decice
In an automatic transmission control device of the invention configured to start an increase in engagement pressure of a start-up engagement element, when a determination threshold value for determining that a turbine rotational speed has reduced is reached or exceeded, the determination threshold value when a selection operation from a non-traveling range to a traveling range is made before a prescribed period of time from starting of an engine has elapsed, is increased and set greater than the determination threshold value when the selection operation is made after the prescribed period of time has elapsed. Accordingly, a reduction in the turbine rotational speed can be accurately determined, and thus it is possible to suppress torque fluctuations, occurring owing to engagement of a second brake, which is the start-up engagement element. |
| US10641383B2 |
Vehicle control apparatus
A control apparatus includes a shifting delay control portion configured to delay a moment of generation of a shift-down command to implement a power-on shift-down action of the step-variable transmission, with respect to a moment of determination to implement the power-on shift-down action, for thereby reducing a shifting shock of the step-variable transmission in the process of the power-on shift-down action. The shifting delay control portion adjusts a delay time from the moment of determination to implement the power-on shift-down action to the moment of generation of the shift-down command, on the basis of at least one of an output state of the drive power source; an inertia power required in the process of the power-on shift-down action; a consumption power to be consumed by the coupling devices; and a state of a battery to and from which an electric power is respectively supplied from and to the motor/generator. |
| US10641381B2 |
Gear assembly
A gear assembly comprising first and second gears configured to mesh with each other, the first gear comprising inner and outer ring elements and a resilient ring element disposed between and coupled to the inner and outer ring elements, the outer ring element comprising first gear teeth which mesh with second gear teeth of the second gear, wherein the first and second gears each comprise a positioning ring axially spaced apart from the first and second gear teeth, the positioning rings being configured to engage each other and limit the position of the first and second gear teeth relative to each other. |
| US10641380B2 |
Brake assembly structure of transmission, transmission, and vehicle
There is provided a brake assembly structure for a transmission. An automatic transmission includes a torque converter, a transmission case, and a two-way clutch and a first brake which are accommodated in the transmission case and adjacent to each other. The first brake includes a drum, an outer plate that is fixed to the drum in such a manner that the outer plate is unrotatable with respect to the drum, an inner disk that comes in contact with the outer plate in an axial direction, and a hub to which the inner disk is fixed in such a manner that relative rotation is not permitted. The drum is provided separately from the transmission case and includes a hydraulic chamber. The two-way clutch is assembled in the transmission case and the first brake is then assembled in the transmission case. |
| US10641372B2 |
Gearbox unit for a farm vehicle with a wide range of speeds
A gearbox assembly that includes a system of stacked planetary gearsets; a clutch device including an input clutch shaft and an output clutch shaft; a large clutch wheel and a small clutch wheel mounted idle on the output clutch shaft; a clutch coupling device for coupling the small and large wheels with the output clutch shaft; an output shaft including a small output wheel meshing with the large clutch wheel and a large output wheel meshing with the small clutch wheel. |
| US10641361B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train apparatus of automatic transmission may include input and output shafts first to fifth planetary gear sets respectively having first to third, fourth to sixth, seventh to ninth, tenth to twelfth, and thirteenth to fifteenth elements, first shaft fixed to the third element and the input shaft, second shaft fixed to the fourteenth element and the output shaft, third shaft fixed to the first and fourth elements, fourth shaft fixed to the second, eighth, and fifteenth elements, fifth shaft fixed to the fifth element, sixth shaft fixed to the sixth, ninth element, and eleventh elements, and shafts, each of which is selectively connectable to housing and fixed to element of the third, fourth, and fifth planetary gear sets which is not fixed to the first to sixth shafts. |
| US10641360B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train may include: an input shaft; an output shaft; a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements; a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements; a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements; a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements; four clutches, each selectively connecting at least one of the first to twelfth rotation elements to another rotation element or the input shaft; and two brakes, each selectively connectable at least one of the first to twelfth rotation elements to a transmission housing. |
| US10641355B2 |
Transmission belt
The present invention relates to a transmission belt containing a core wire extending in a lengthwise direction of the belt, an adhesive rubber layer in contact with at least a part of the core wire, a back surface rubber layer formed on one surface of the adhesive rubber layer, and an inner surface rubber layer formed on the other surface of the adhesive rubber layer and engaging or in contact with a pulley, in which the adhesive rubber layer is formed by a vulcanized rubber composition containing a rubber component, a fatty acid amide and a silica. |
| US10641353B2 |
Damping assemblies for a vehicle part to reduce an impact
A damping assembly in a vehicle is provided. The damping assembly comprises a rod; a spring disposed along a lengthwise direction of the rod; and a buffer pad including a connection end coupled to the rod and an external end opposing the connection end and including a buffer surface. The spring is coupled with the rod and configured to be retracted and extended with the rod at the lengthwise direction. |
| US10641352B2 |
Method for applying sand to drum brake linings
The invention relates to a method for applying sand to the inner radius of drum brake linings comprising the following steps: a) rolling a UV-curing adhesive onto the inner radius of a drum brake lining, b) applying a frictional grain, such as zircon sand, to the adhesive layer, c) removing the frictional grain not retained by the adhesive from the lining surface, and d) curing the coating by means of UV radiation. |
| US10641350B2 |
Rotational friction brake regulated by angular acceleration
A rotational friction brake regulated by the rate of change of angular speed is disclosed. The rotational friction brake includes: a first body, a second body rotationally attached to said first body, the second body rotating around a rotational center axis of said second body, and at least one braking arm rotationally attached to said second body in a pivot point. The pivot point is eccentrically offset to said rotational center axis. The at least one braking arm comprises a braking member arranged to frictionally engage a part of said first body. The at least one braking arm has a mass center placed at a distance from said pivot point that is longer than a distance from said pivot point to said rotational center axis. The braking member is arranged to frictionally engage said part of said first body. A fishing reel comprising a rotational friction brake is also disclosed. |
| US10641348B2 |
Popoff valve in hydraulic arrangement for multi-clutch assembly
An arrangement for a multi-clutch assembly including a popoff valve is disclosed. The arrangement also includes a first clutch, a second clutch, and a spool valve assembly. Depending on the mode, the popoff valve either provides a flowpath for residual hydraulic fluid from a latching chamber of the spool valve assembly to a vent of the popoff valve, or provides a flowpath for supplying hydraulic fluid to the latching chamber of the spool valve assembly via a fluid connection from a supply inlet to a latch port of the popoff valve. |
| US10641346B2 |
Clutch arrangement for a drive train of a motor vehicle
A clutch arrangement for a drive train of a motor vehicle comprising a switching element with a control geometry, an actuator, an actuating element, and a running roller. The switching element is arranged on an output element such that it is fixed in terms of rotation but can be moved axially into a first switching position and into a second switching position, an actuator operable for movement of the switching element from the first switching position into the second switching position and/or vice versa. The actuating element, via the actuator, actuates movement of the switching element from the first switching position into the second switching position and/or vice versa. The running roller is arranged on the actuating element. |
| US10641345B2 |
Shifting device for a clutch
A shifting device for a positively engaging clutch having complementary first and second positively engaging coupling elements includes a housing and an actuator rod which is axially movable within the housing by means of an associated rod actuating mechanism. A clutch shift fork for engagement with the first coupling element is mounted on the actuator rod for axial movement of the first coupling element into and out of engagement with the second coupling element in response to axial movement of the actuator rod. The clutch shift fork is mounted on the actuator rod by a threaded connector such that the clutch shift fork is axially movable on the actuator rod. Thus conveniently the axial position of the clutch fork on the shaft may be altered by rotating the shaft relative to the clutch fork for accurate positioning of the clutch fork relative to the coupling element with which it engages. |
| US10641333B2 |
Cage segment for a rolling-element bearing cage
A cage segment for a rolling-element bearing cage includes first and second side elements connected by a bridge extending in a longitudinal direction. A first attaching element on the first side element extends away from the bridge in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second attaching element on the second side element extends away from the bridge in a second direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first and second attaching elements are configured to receive a wire or cable for connecting the cage segments to other cage segments, and the first attaching element is offset from the longitudinal axis in a first direction by a first distance and the second attaching element is offset from the longitudinal axis in a second direction opposite the first direction by a second distance. |
| US10641332B2 |
Roller element bearing with preloaded hydrodynamic cage guides
A bearing includes an inner ring having an outer surface and a cage having both an inner surface and an outer surface. The cage inner surface is positioned to be in opposition to the inner ring outer surface. The bearing further includes an outer ring having both an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer ring inner surface is positioned to be in opposition to the cage outer surface. One or more of the inner ring outer surface, the cage inner surface, the cage outer surface, and the outer ring inner surface defines a non-circular circumferential profile. |
| US10641331B1 |
Ball cage for ball bearing
A ball cage for ball bearing includes a first race, a second race, a plurality of first ribs equiangularly arranged on the first race with a first curved groove defined between each two adjacent first ribs, and a plurality of second ribs equiangularly arranged on the second race with a second curved groove defined between each two adjacent second ribs. The first ribs are respectively and partially stacked on the second ribs so that each first curved groove is combined with one respective second curved groove to create a respective ball accommodation chamber. Thus, the ball cage can be commonly used for ball bearings lubricated with grease or oil gas to increase the convenience of use. |
| US10641327B2 |
Oil supply system for fluid film damper
A fluid film damper may comprise a sleeve, an annular support housing surrounding the sleeve, an annular volume between the annular support housing and the sleeve, a first supply conduit in fluid communication with a first inlet to the annular volume, a second supply conduit in fluid communication with a second inlet to the annular volume, wherein the first inlet is disposed opposite the annular volume from the second inlet, and a common oil supply conduit in fluid communication with the annular volume via a check valve, wherein the common oil supply conduit supplies the fluid to the annular volume via the first supply conduit and the second supply conduit. |
| US10641326B2 |
Plain bearing bush
The invention relates to a rolled plain bearing bush, having a butt joint, an axial direction, a radial direction, and a peripheral direction, comprising a first semicylindrical segment and a second semicylindrical segment, which are arranged diametrically opposite each other, and a third segment and a fourth segment, which each deviate from the semicylindrical shape of the first and second segments and are arranged between the first and second segments in the peripheral direction and diametrically opposite each other, wherein the first and second segments each have a semicylindrical inner peripheral surface and outer peripheral surface, and wherein the third and fourth segments each have a flat inner peripheral surface, which flat inner peripheral surfaces extend parallel to each other, wherein a smallest radial distance between the inner peripheral surfaces of the third and fourth segments is less than a bush inside diameter, which corresponds to a radial distance between the inner peripheral surfaces of the first and second segments, which is constant along the extent of the inner peripheral surfaces of the first and second segments. |
| US10641320B2 |
Shock reducing tape spring hinge
Provided is a shock reducing tape spring hinge including fixing members fixed to at least two objects, respectively, a thin shell type tape spring having both end portions that are fastened to the fixing members, respectively, and a shell-shaped damping plate aligned with the tape spring, the damping plate having both end portions that are fastened to the fixing members, respectively. The damping plate and the tape spring may be configured to connect the at least two objects being spaced through the fixing members, and the damping plate may be configured to reduce a deployment shock occurring when the tape spring is deployed. |
| US10641317B2 |
Half thrust bearing
Provided is a semi-annular-shaped half thrust bearing having a sliding surface for receiving an axial force and a back surface opposite to the sliding surface. The sliding surface includes a plurality of recesses. Each recess has a recess surface recessed from the sliding surface toward the back surface of the half thrust bearing. The recess surface is convex toward the back surface of the half thrust bearing in cross-sectional view in a circumferential direction of the half thrust bearing. The recess surface includes a plurality of circumferential grooves recessed from the recess surface toward the back surface of the half thrust bearing. The circumferential grooves extend along the circumferential direction of the half thrust bearing, and smooth surfaces and the circumferential grooves are alternately arranged on the recess surface. |
| US10641316B2 |
Bearing sleeve for a shaft
A rolling element shaft assembly includes a solid shaft having a first end and a second end, a tubular shaft configured to receive the shaft first end, and a bearing sleeve coupled to the solid shaft. The bearing sleeve includes a first portion defining a first edge, a second edge, and at least one first bearing aperture, and a second portion defining a third edge, a fourth edge, and at least one second bearing aperture. The first portion is configured to couple to the second portion about the solid shaft. The bearing sleeve further includes at least one first bearing disposed within the at least one first bearing aperture and at least one second bearing disposed within the at least one second bearing aperture. |
| US10641314B1 |
Suction holder
A suction holder includes a suction unit, a housing unit, a pressure deformable unit, and a linkage positioning unit. The suction unit includes a suction cup and a traction element engaged to a top of the suction cup. The pressure deformable unit has a circumference radially distributed with a plurality of elastic pressing elements. The pressure deformable unit is located on the suction cup and is confined in the housing unit. The linkage positioning unit can drive the traction element to move upward so that the suction cup can attach to a surface. When the surface is curved or has arcs, the elastic pressing elements can be deformed to different extents to be pressed on the suction cup to maintain better attachment to the surface. |
| US10641312B2 |
Gasket assembly
A seal assembly for an assembly of a vehicle is provided. The seal assembly comprises a seal configured to create a seal between first and second components of the vehicle assembly and a retaining element configured to couple the seal to the first component prior to assembly of the vehicle assembly, wherein at least a portion of the retaining element is deformable and is configured to deform from a first state to a second state during installation or use of the seal assembly, such that after said deformation the retaining element no longer couples the seal to the first component. |
| US10641311B2 |
Anchor fastener including an expansion sleeve
A fastener including a body having a threaded portion and an opposing, tapered portion, where the tapered portion includes an outwardly angled surface, and a sleeve movably connected to the body. The sleeve includes a plurality of fingers at least partially separated from each other, where each of the fingers includes at least two, axially spaced gripping members protruding from the body. When the fastener is inserted in a borehole formed in a substrate and a fastening member is threaded onto the threaded portion and tightened, the sleeve progressively moves along the angled surface causing the fingers to move outwardly and at least one of the gripping members to engage an inner surface of the substrate forming the borehole to secure the fastener in the borehole. |
| US10641307B2 |
Radiused lead-in for interference fit fasteners
An assembly comprising first and second structural elements having aligned holes, an fastener that occupies at least respective portions of the holes without a surrounding sleeve, and a mating part that is coupled to the fastener. The fastener comprises: a head; a circular cylindrical shank extending from the head; a mating portion comprising external projections; and a transition portion disposed between the shank and the mating portion. The transition portion comprises a first radiused lead-in section that meets the shank at a shank/lead-in intersection and a second radiused lead-in section that meets the first radiused lead-in section. The first radiused lead-in section curves gradually in a first axial direction toward the mating portion and has a first profile that is a circular arc having a first radius, while the second radiused lead-in section curves abruptly in the first axial direction and has a second profile that is a circular arc having a second radius which is much smaller than the first radius. |
| US10641306B2 |
Fixing bolt
A fixing bolt contains: a flexible sleeve and a locking nail. The flexible sleeve is provided with an internal threaded section above a conical hole, multiple-annular protrusions, and multiple projected wings. Furthermore, the flexible sleeve defines a plurality of slits to communicate with the conical hole, and extend across the multiple annular protrusions to be joined at a central axis of the flexible sleeve, below the conical hole, so that a lower portion of the flexible sleeve is formed into a plurality of paws. The locking nail includes an external threaded section configured to be in threaded engagement with the internal threaded section of the flexible sleeve, a driving head, and a forcing section. Furthermore, the forcing section of the locking nail includes a cylindrical portion and a conical portion to facilitate expanding or retracting the paws of the flexible sleeve, thus anchoring or de-anchoring the flexible sleeve. |
| US10641304B2 |
Resistance spot welding method and weld joint
Provided is a method for resistance spot-welding at least two overlapping steel sheets. When an electrode force F after an electric current supply is started changes from an initial electrode force Fi to an electrode force Fh(1) while a lapse from the start of the electric current supply is between 20 ms and 80 ms inclusive, a suspension of the electric current supply of from 20 ms to 60 ms inclusive is started. Then the electric current supply is resumed when the electrode force F reaches an electrode force Fc(1). |
| US10641303B2 |
Connector assembly fitting with co-molded washers
The connector assembly includes a fitting with a first mounting portion having two opposing surfaces and mounting hole(s) extending between the two surfaces for connecting with a first member. A second mounting portion extends angled with respect to the first mounting portion and has two opposing surfaces and mounting hole(s) extending between the two for connecting with a second member. A joint portion integrally connects the first and second mounting portions. One or more washers each have opposing upper and lower surfaces and at least one hole extending between the two surfaces, each receiving a fastener for attaching the second mounting portion to the second member. The washer lower surface is disposed on the second mounting portion inner surface such that the washer opening is centered about the at least one mounting hole axis. Each washer is joined to the second mounting portion to form an integral assembly. |
| US10641298B2 |
Hydraulic control valve for controlling pressure drop across motors
A hydraulic control valve maintains the pressure at a control port at a desired percentage of the pressure at two other ports as the pressure at the two other ports varies. Upon the pressure at the control port reaching a predetermined pressure setting, a fourth port will open to maintain the control port at a second desired percentage of the two other ports. |
| US10641288B2 |
Method for operating a compressor of a turbomachine comprising providing a plurality of stages in a front compressor area, a rear compressor area, and allowing a swirl in the rear compressor area
Described is a method for operating a compressor of a turbomachine, in which, when considered in the direction of a main flow, an, in particular, radially averaged degree of reaction has dropped in a front compressor area from a maximum to a minimum, is held constant or virtually constant across a central compressor area up into a rear compressor area, an, in particular, radially averaged degree of reaction being adjusted in the rear compressors area which is closer to the minimum than to the maximum, and a residual swirl of at least 47° is present in the middle section, and a compressor and a turbomachine. |
| US10641285B2 |
Fan and frame structure thereof
A fan includes an impeller, a drive device, and a frame structure. The driving device drives the impeller to rotate, and the frame structure accommodates the driving device. The frame structure includes a frame body, a first frame, a second frame, a base and a plurality of supports. The frame body has first engaging portions and second engaging portions, which are disposed annularly at the upper end and the lower end of the frame body, respectively. The first frame is mounted on the frame body and disposed corresponding to the first engaging portions. The second frame is mounted on the frame body and disposed corresponding to the second engaging portions. The base is disposed within the frame body and located adjacent to the second frame. The supports are disposed around the base. The material of the frame body is different from that of the first and second frames. |
| US10641284B2 |
Centrifugal blower assemblies having a plurality of airflow guidance fins and method of assembling the same
A centrifugal blower assembly includes a housing and a blower wheel coupled to the housing. The blower wheel includes a plurality of blades circumferentially-spaced about an axis of rotation. Each blade includes a length and is oriented at a first angle along the length with respect to the rotational axis. The centrifugal blower assembly also includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced fins coupled in flow communication with said blower wheel, said plurality of fins configured to direct an inlet airflow into the blower wheel such that a relative velocity direction of the inlet airflow is oriented at the first angle with respect to the rotational axis. |
| US10641282B2 |
Fan device and vacuum cleaner including the same
A fan device includes an impeller rotating around a central axis and a motor disposed farther downward than the impeller. The impeller includes a base unit enlarged downward and plural blades disposed on a peripheral surface of the base unit. Upper portions of the blades are positioned at a leading end of a rotating direction with respect to lower portions. In an outer end portion on a front surface of each blade at the leading end of the rotating direction, a radial-direction component of a normal unit vector of an upper end portion of the blade is smaller than that of a lower end portion, assuming that an outer peripheral side of the blade is a positive direction. A thickness of a root of the lower end portion is larger than that of the upper end portion. |
| US10641281B2 |
Mistuned laminate airfoil
A gas turbine engine includes a fan mounting a first group of blades and a second group of blades. The first group of blades and the second group of blades share a profile shape. The first group of blades have a first laminate composition, and the second group of blades have a second laminate composition, distinct from the first laminate composition. A frequency of a vibratory mode of the first group of blades is offset from a frequency of a vibratory mode of the second group of blades. |
| US10641279B2 |
Molten metal rotor with hardened tip
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a rotor for a molten metal pump and a molten metal pump including the rotor. The rotor has a main body and a top comprised of a material that is at least twice as hard as the main body. The top, among other things, may form a first portion of each rotor blade wherein the first portion directs molten metal into a pump chamber or other structure in which the rotor is mounted. |
| US10641277B2 |
Gas seal structure and centrifugal compressor
A gas seal structure includes: a first member with a first flow path where seal gas flows; a second member that is disposed to face the first member and includes a second flow path where the seal gas flowing from the first flow path flows toward a predetermined seal surface; and a communicating pipe disposed across the first and second flow paths. The communicating pipe includes: a first pipe end and a first seal member that are held within the first flow path, a second pipe end and a second seal member that are held within the second flow path, and a flexible pipe that connects the first pipe end and the second pipe end. A rigidity of the flexible pipe end is lower than a rigidity of each of the first pipe end and the second pipe end. |
| US10641275B2 |
Compressor
This compressor is provided with a motor, a plurality of shafts each having a gear, a housing (30), and a plurality of impeller sections. The housing (30) includes a first housing element (31) and a second housing element (32) connectable to the first housing element from above and separable from the first housing element. A first upper end surface support section (41) is formed on an upper end surface of the first housing element (31). The housing (30) has at least one insertion support section (40A) having a shape that enables insertion of the gear and that supports the shaft, at a height position different from a height position of the first upper end surface support section (41). |
| US10641272B2 |
Vacuum pump with abatement function
A vacuum pump with abatement function which can prevent contamination of a process chamber without allowing products generated by exhaust gas treatment to flow back to the process chamber, and can reduce the amount of gas to be treated without allowing a purge gas and a diluent gas to be contained in an exhaust gas, and thus can achieve energy saving by reducing the amount of energy required for the exhaust gas treatment in an abatement part is disclosed. The vacuum pump with abatement function includes a vacuum pump to which at least one abatement part for treating an exhaust gas is attached. The vacuum pump comprises a dry vacuum pump having a pair of multistage pump rotors each of which comprises a plurality of rotors arranged on a rotating shaft, and the at least one abatement part is connected to an interstage of the multistage pump rotors. |
| US10641270B2 |
Tensioned support shaft and other molten metal devices
A vertical member, which is preferably a support post used in a molten metal pump, includes a ceramic tube and tensioning structures to add a compressive load to the tube along its longitudinal axis. This makes the tube less prone to breakage. A device, such as a pump, used in a molten metal bath includes one or more of such vertical members. |
| US10641269B2 |
Lubrication of scroll compressor
A scroll compressor is provided, including: a compression mechanism, a driving mechanism, a suction fitting and a lubrication system. The compression mechanism is adapted to compress working fluid and includes a movable scroll component, a fixed scroll component and a suction window, the working fluid flows into the compression mechanism via the suction window. The driving mechanism includes a driving shaft and is adapted to drive the compression mechanism. The working fluid flows into the scroll compressor via the suction fitting and then flow into the compression mechanism. The lubrication system includes a lubricant source and a compression mechanism oil supply device adapted to supply the lubricant to the compression mechanism from the lubricant source. The compression mechanism oil supply device has an oil supply passage and an outflow opening of the oil supply passage is located between an opening of the suction fitting and the suction window. |
| US10641265B2 |
Water pump for marine engine having tool for replacing impeller
A water pump for a marine engine includes a cap covering an internal cavity of the pump's housing when the pump is operating. The cap functions as a tool to remove a damaged or worn impeller from inside the internal cavity. A threaded hub of the cap engages internal threads of the impeller to assist a user in removing the impeller for replacement. A cap lock ring threaded onto the pump housing retains the cap over the internal cavity. A rotatable drive shaft has splines which mate with a splined portion of the impeller to rotate the impeller. The cap lock ring is disengaged from the housing and the cap removed to enable a person to use the threaded hub of the cap to remove the impeller. |
| US10641263B2 |
Method for operating a linear compressor
A method for operating a linear compressor includes substituting a first observed velocity, a bounded integral of the first observed velocity, an estimated clearance, an estimated discharge pressure, and an estimated suction pressure into the mechanical dynamic model for the motor, calculating an observed acceleration for the piston with the mechanical dynamic model for the motor, calculating a second observed velocity for the piston by integrating the observed acceleration for the piston, calculating an observed position of the piston by integrating the second observed velocity for the piston, and updating an estimated clearance, an estimated discharge pressure, and an estimated suction pressure based upon an error between the first and second observed velocities and an error between the bounded integral of the first observed velocity and the observed position. |
| US10641261B2 |
Pump with motor
A pump with a motor includes a pump housing, a motor housing, and a connecting structure configured to connect the motor housing to the pump housing. The connecting structure includes a motor connecting portion provided at an end of the pump housing, and a pump connecting portion provided at an end of the motor housing. The motor connecting portion includes a bearing configured to rotatably support the other end of the rotating shaft whose one end supported by the motor housing, a plurality of through holes, and projections projecting to the side of the motor housing. The pump connecting portion includes a first hole in which the bearing is fitted, a plurality of connecting pieces inserted into the plurality of through holes, respectively, and caulked on the motor connecting portion, and second holes in which the projections are fitted. |
| US10641258B2 |
Inflating device
An inflating device comprises a valve body and a gasbag, the valve body being provided with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a gas storage chamber; the gas inlet has a gas intake valve device provided therein, and the gas outlet has a gas exhaust valve device provided therein; the gas storage chamber is communicated with the gasbag; and the gas inlet is communicated with the gas outlet through a chamber body of the valve body, and the gas storage chamber is communicated with the chamber body. In the invention, gas can be fed into an inflatable product by continually pressing with hands, without requiring electricity or blowing with mouth. The inflating device of the invention is convenient to operate, clean and sanitary. The inflating device of the invention has a small volume and is thus convenient to carry. |
| US10641256B2 |
Vacuum pump with abatement function
A vacuum pump with abatement function which can prevent contamination of a process chamber without allowing products generated by exhaust gas treatment to flow back to the process chamber, and can reduce the amount of gas to be treated without allowing a purge gas and a diluent gas to be contained in an exhaust gas, and thus can achieve energy saving by reducing the amount of energy required for the exhaust gas treatment in an abatement part is disclosed. The vacuum pump with abatement function includes a vacuum pump to which at least one abatement part for treating an exhaust gas is attached. The vacuum pump comprises a dry vacuum pump having a main pump capable of evacuating gas from an atmospheric pressure and a booster pump for increasing an evacuation speed of the main pump, and the at least one abatement part for treating the exhaust gas is connected between the main pump and the booster pump. |
| US10641254B2 |
Pumping device
A pumping device includes a barrel, a pump, and a control valve. The barrel has a gas hole. The pump includes a cylinder and a piston movable in the cylinder. The piston partitions the cylinder into a first space and a second space. Air in the first space is able to enter the second space via a one-way mechanism, but not in reverse. The control valve includes a main body and a control element. The main body has a first hole, a second hole, a ventilation hole, an inlet, and an outlet. The first hole and the second hole communicate the gas hole. The inlet communicates the first space, and the outlet communicates the second space. The control element is movable to make the inlet communicate the first hole or the ventilation hole and to make the outlet communicate the ventilation hole or the second hole. |
| US10641252B2 |
Actuator based on carbon nanotubes and actuating system using the same
The disclosure relates to an actuator based on carbon nanotubes and actuating system using the same. The actuator includes: a carbon nanotube layer and a vanadium dioxide layer stacked with each other. Because the drastic, reversible phase transition of VO2, the actuator has giant deformation amplitude and fast response. An actuating system using the actuator is also provided. |
| US10641245B2 |
Hybrid power generation system and an associated method thereof
A hybrid power generation system is presented. The system includes a first power generation subsystem including a prime mover driving a generator including a rotor and a stator, one or more first conversion units coupled to at least one of the rotor and the stator, a first direct current (DC) link, and one or more second conversion units coupled to a corresponding one or more first conversion units via the first DC link. The system includes one or more second power generation subsystems coupled to the first power generation subsystem and one or more power conversion subunits including one or more first bridge circuits coupled to a corresponding one or more second bridge circuits via one or more transformers, where at least one of the one or more second power generation subsystems and the first power generation subsystem includes the one or more power conversion subunits. |
| US10641243B2 |
Electrical power generator harnessing a swaying movement of a pole and including a system for generating a magnetic repulsion force
An electrical power generator includes a first part configured to be located in a fluid such that, when the fluid moves, it generates vortices in the fluid so that a lift force is generated on the first part, which produces an oscillating movement of the first part, which has an amplitude. The natural oscillation frequency of the first part may be adjusted to wind speed by way of magnets, which repel each other. Magnets may also be used to generate electrical currents in coils. The first part can have a diameter that increases with distance above the base of the generator. |
| US10641241B2 |
Negative-pressure suction-type fluid-driving dynamical machine
A negative pressure air suction type fluid-driven power machine comprises a fluid pressure accumulation bin, a necking port, a flow inlet, a flow guiding cover, a fluid-inlet flow guiding cover, turbine driving blades, a turbine housing, a turbine shaft, a turbine bracket, nozzles surrounding peripheries of the turbine driving blades, a turbine fluid outlet, a fluid negative-pressure flow guiding cover, a fluid negative-pressure outlet, an external driving fluid inlet, an external driving fluid flow guiding cover, and nozzles. The negative pressure air suction type fluid-driven power machine is formed using a gravity acceleration fluid generated by a fluid flowing to a direction opposite to operation of an object as a main driving power source and using a fluid air suction phenomenon as an auxiliary power source, and can replace some effects of steam engines, internal combustion engines, motors and the like. |
| US10641235B2 |
Device for conversion of wave energy into electrical energy and the process for its deployment at the exploitation location
Device for conversion of wave energy into electrical energy and the process for its deployment at the exploitation location, wherein the device comprises a supporting construction composed of buoyancy elements and having a supporting tube attached on the upper side. The device comprises a joint gear on the inner circumference connected with the outside surface of the supporting tube in a sliding manner and a sphere to which is the floating body pivotally connected. The device has two gears, the first flexible gear for connecting the floating body to the second gear and the second gear for connecting the flexible gear to the generator. The flexible gear consists of pulleys and a flexible element, e.g. a rope or a steel cable and the second gear can be arranged in several suitable forms, e.g. rigid elements as a set of a gear and a rack positioned inside the lower supporting tube or a flexible element, e.g. a chain and a sprocket wheel set in the buoyancy element. The supporting construction is by ropes connected to the anchor weight that is made in a form of a sphere segment either directly or through the rolling elements placed in the spherical dent of the anchor base. The invention comprises the process for device deployment at the exploitation location which is particularly suitable due to stable transport with low draught. |
| US10641234B2 |
Method for engine laser ignition system
Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing a laser ignition system of an engine. In one example, a controller may operate the laser in a sealed cylinder hours after key-off. Then, the cylinder may be unsealed and a change in exhaust temperature may be correlated with laser functionality. |
| US10641228B2 |
Methods and systems for enabling engine start/stop function
Methods and systems are provided for enabling engine start/stop function in a vehicle with a detachable door. In one example, a method may include, adjusting an engine start/stop strategy responsive to a driver side door of the vehicle been detected to be absent. The adjustment to the start/stop strategy further may be modified based on a type of transmission system coupled to the vehicle. |
| US10641227B2 |
Electric power system
Provided is an electric power system mounted on a vehicle having an engine, a battery, and a starter that starts the engine. The electric power system includes an SOC estimation part, estimating the SOC of the battery based on a first algorithm; an idling stop control part, permitting implementation of an idling stop control when an estimation result of the SOC estimation part satisfies a predetermined automatic stop condition; a full charge determination part, determining whether the battery is in a full charge state based on a second algorithm different from the first algorithm; and a malfunction determination part, determining that malfunction occurs in the SOC estimation part when the battery is estimated in the full charge state by the full charge determination part and the estimation result of the SOC estimation part does not satisfy the automatic stop condition. |
| US10641225B2 |
Motor assembly for starting engine and driving balance shaft and method of controlling the same
A method of controlling a motor assembly for starting an engine and driving a balance shaft includes: determining whether starting or restarting of an engine is desired; operating an actuator such that a motor shaft is moved forward when the starting or restarting of the engine is desired; and starting or restarting the engine by rotating a motor and by driving a start gear, after the operating the actuator. |
| US10641220B2 |
Fuel filter
A fluid drain off system for a fuel filter, the system comprising a float, movable together with a trigger device for a switch, such as a magnet, in response to the level of fluid contaminant, a switch arranged to be selectively triggered by the trigger device upon the fluid contaminant reaching a predetermined level, and a fluid passage configured to be selectively opened in response to the triggering of the switch to allow fluid contaminants to be drained from the filter. |
| US10641217B2 |
Deformation inhibiting device for fuel tank, and fuel tank device incorporating the deformation inhibiting device
A deformation inhibiting device for inhibiting deformation of a fuel tank includes a strut member. The strut member includes a bottom support portion and a top support portion configured to support a bottom wall portion and a top wall portion, respectively, of the fuel tank when the strut member is disposed within the fuel tank. The strut member is deformable or movable between an arrangement state for arrangement within the fuel tank and an insertion enabled state configured to be inserted into the fuel tank via the opening. |
| US10641216B2 |
Structure for preventing freezing of blow-by gas in intake manifold
The present disclosure relates to a structure for preventing freezing of moisture contents within a blow-by gas in an intake manifold, capable of preventing the blow-by gas introduced into the manifold from freezing even under a low temperature environment. The structure includes a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) channel into which the blow-by gas is introduced, an insulating member having a first side and a second side that communicate with each other and inserted into the PCV channel, and a PCV nipple having a first end and a second end that communicate with each other and inserted into the insulating member to guide the blow-by gas. The insulating member includes an outer peripheral surface in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the PCV channel and an inner peripheral surface in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the PCV nipple to surround the peripheral surface of the PCV nipple. |
| US10641210B2 |
Optical heat exchanger and associated method
An optical heat exchanger and an associated system and method are provided to allow a vehicle, such as an unmanned air vehicle, a rocket or the like, to deliver more payload at a lower cost. The optical heat exchanger includes a support surface defining a plurality of tapered openings. Each tapered opening tapers from the first size proximate an outwardly facing end of the opening to a second smaller size proximate an inwardly facing end of the opening. The inwardly facing end of each tapered opening is in communication with the propellant. The optical heat exchanger also includes a plurality of lenses with each lens positioned proximate the outwardly facing end of a respective opening. Each lens is configured to receive an electromagnetic energy beam and concentrate the majority of the electromagnetic energy beam through the inwardly facing end of the respective tapered opening, thereby heating the propellant. |
| US10641209B2 |
Jet engine nacelle having a reverser flap
A nacelle comprising a fixed cowl and a movable cowl movable in translation, a window delimited by the fixed cowl and the movable cowl, a reverser flap movable in rotation and a drive mechanism coordinating the movements of the reverser flap with those of the movable cowl. The drive mechanism comprises two bearings fixed to the nacelle, for each bearing, a lever arm with one end movable in rotation on the bearing and one end articulated on the reverser flap, for each lever arm, a rail comprising a straight portion and a curved portion, for each lever arm, a rod with one end articulated on the lever arm, and for each rail, a slider that is movable in translation on the rail and is articulated to one end of the rod. |
| US10641208B2 |
Translating nozzle for mixed flow turbofan engine
A thrust reverser for a gas turbine engine includes a reverser door pivotally mounted to a frame, an exhaust duct translationally mounted to the frame and an actuator having an actuator rod connected to the reverser door and to the exhaust duct. |
| US10641207B2 |
Air flow deflector assembly for a thrust reverser system for reducing re-ingestion of reverse efflux air flow and method for the same
There is provided an air flow deflector apparatus for a thrust reverser system of an engine of an air vehicle. The air flow deflector apparatus is movable between a stowed non-reversing position and a deployed thrust reversing position, to deflect an air flow out of the engine, and to provide an effective reverse thrust for the thrust reverser system. There is further provided an air flow deflector assembly for a structure. The air flow deflector assembly has the air flow deflector apparatus, an extender member, and a recessed housing disposed in the structure. The air flow deflector assembly has an air flow deflector actuator that moves the air flow deflector apparatus between a stowed position and a deployed position adjacent to a reverse efflux air flow exit portion of the structure. The air flow deflector assembly deflects a reverse efflux air flow away from being re-ingested into the structure. |
| US10641205B2 |
Exhaust stream mixer
An exhaust nozzle for a turbine engine includes multiple daisy style corrugations arranged circumferentially about the exhaust nozzle. Each of the daisy style corrugations has a radially inner base portion and multiple lobes protruding radially outward from the base portion. |
| US10641204B2 |
Variable geometry thruster
A propulsion system coupled to a vehicle. The system includes a diffusing structure and a conduit portion configured to introduce to the diffusing structure through a passage a primary fluid produced by the vehicle. The passage is defined by a wall, and the diffusing structure comprises a terminal end configured to provide egress from the system for the introduced primary fluid. A constricting element is disposed adjacent the wall. An actuating apparatus is coupled to the constricting element and is configured to urge the constricting element toward the wall, thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of the passage. |
| US10641189B2 |
Turbocharger protection systems and methods
Methods for protecting turbochargers of engine systems include determining a speed gradient of the turbocharger and implementing a turbocharger speed protection action if the determined speed gradient is above a speed gradient threshold. Implementing a protection action comprises limiting engine torque, engine speed, vehicle speed, and/or fuel injection to the engine. The method can further include determining a cold start condition prior to determining the speed gradient of the turbocharger. A cold start condition can be determined based on ambient temperature, engine oil temperature, or engine coolant temperature. The method can further include, subsequent to implementing the turbocharger speed protection action, disabling the turbocharger speed protection action when a subsequently determined turbocharger speed gradient is below the speed gradient threshold. Systems for implementing the methods are also disclosed. |
| US10641185B2 |
System and method for monitoring hot gas path hardware life
A system and a method for predicting and optimizing remaining hardware life of gas turbine components. Operating parameters of the gas turbine which may impact remaining hardware life are sensed and tracked using a plurality of sensors in communication with a control system including a computing device. Remaining hardware life is predicted using a physics-based hardware lifing model. The hardware lifing model may include an output of a filtration model configured to monitor contaminants based on a pressure drop across a filter. Optimizing the remaining hardware life is achieved by the control system adjusting one or more operation settings of the gas turbine. |
| US10641181B2 |
Gas turbine engine accessory gearbox
An example gas turbine engine includes, among other things, a nacelle having an inner wall providing a bypass duct of a gas turbine engine, and an outer wall; an accessory gearbox is received between the inner wall and the outer wall of the nacelle; and an accessory drive of the accessory gearbox is configured to rotate about an accessory drive axis that is transverse to a central axis of the gas turbine engine. |
| US10641180B2 |
Hydrostatic non-contact seal with varied thickness beams
A non-contact seal assembly includes a plurality of seal shoes arranged about a centerline in an annular array. The seal shoes include a first seal shoe extending axially along the centerline between a first shoe end and a second shoe end. A seal base circumscribes the annular array of the seal shoes. The assembly also includes a plurality of spring elements, each of the spring elements radially between and connecting a respective one of the seal shoes with the seal base. Each of the spring elements comprises a first beam having a first beam thickness and a second beam thickness, where the first and second beam thicknesses are different. |
| US10641177B2 |
Apparatus and process of retrofitting a combined cycle power plant
A process for retrofitting an electric power plant that uses two 60 Hertz large frame heavy duty industrial gas turbine engines to drive electric generators and produce electricity, where each of the two industrial engines can produce up to 350 MW of output power. The process replaces the two 350 MW industrial engines with one twin spool industrial gas turbine engine that is capable of producing at least 700 MW of output power. Thus, two prior art industrial engines can be replaced with one industrial engine that can produce power equal to the two prior art industrial engines. |
| US10641173B2 |
Gas turbine combined cycle optimized for post-combustion CO2 capture
In a gas turbine system including a first gas turbine generator, a heat recovery steam generator and a steam turbine generator heat rejection system, the present invention relates to a method for CO2 capture from flue gas in said system, said method including: (a) diverting an amount of heat recovery steam generator flue gas from the CO2 capture plant; and (b) mixing the diverted heat recovery steam generator flue gas with an air stream, forming a combined gas stream, wherein (1) the combined gas stream is fed to a second gas turbine generator; (2) exhaust gas from the second gas turbine generator is mixed with exhaust gas from the first gas turbine generator, forming a combined exhaust gas stream; and (3) the combined exhaust gas stream enters the heat recovery steam generator, with the CO2 content of the combined exhaust gas stream increased through supplementary firing in the heat recovery steam generator. |
| US10641172B2 |
Bifurcated air inlet housing for a miniature gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine has a nose cone with a nose cone upstream end and an inlet housing including a plurality of separate flow paths at a housing upstream end which is downstream of the nose cone upstream end. The inlet housing includes a mixing portion downstream of the housing upstream end which mixes airflow from the separate flow paths, such that the airflow is generally around 360 degrees of a rotational axis of the gas turbine engine. A rotor and a turbine drive a shaft to drive the rotor with the shaft including a bearing mounted at a location downstream of the nose cone upstream end. |
| US10641169B2 |
Hybrid combustor assembly and method of operation
A hybrid combustion system, and method of operation, for a propulsion system is provided. The hybrid combustion system defines a radial direction, a circumferential direction, and a longitudinal centerline in common with the propulsion system extended along a longitudinal direction. The hybrid combustion system includes a rotating detonation combustion (RDC) system comprising an annular outer wall and an annular inner wall each generally concentric to the longitudinal centerline and together defining a RDC chamber and a RDC inlet, the RDC system further comprising a nozzle located at the RDC inlet defined by a nozzle wall. The nozzle defines a lengthwise direction extended between a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet along the lengthwise direction, and the nozzle inlet is configured to receive a flow of oxidizer. The nozzle further defines a throat between the nozzle inlet and the nozzle outlet, and wherein the nozzle defines a converging-diverging nozzle. The hybrid combustion system further includes an inner liner extended generally along the longitudinal direction; an outer liner extended generally along the longitudinal direction and disposed outward of the inner liner along the radial direction; a bulkhead wall disposed at the upstream end of the inner and outer liners, in which the bulkhead wall extends generally in the radial direction and couples the inner liner and the outer liner, and wherein the inner liner, the outer liner, and the bulkhead wall together define a primary combustion chamber, and further wherein the RDC system and bulkhead wall together define a RDC outlet through the bulkhead wall and adjacent to the primary combustion chamber; and a fuel manifold assembly extended at least partially through the bulkhead wall, in which the fuel manifold assembly defines a fuel manifold assembly exit disposed adjacent to the primary combustion chamber. |
| US10641164B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine equipped with a turbocharger (5) including a turbine (40) and a compressor (27) that are arranged in a coaxial relationship, the internal combustion engine includes an exhaust pipe (41) extending from an outlet (59) of the turbine along a side of the compressor, an actuator (90) attached to a part of the compressor for controlling a flow path of the turbocharger, and a fluid pipe (76, 79) conducting fluid and extending through a space defined between the exhaust pipe and the actuator. |
| US10641163B2 |
Method for operating a supercharged internal combustion engine
A supercharged internal combustion engine has cylinder groups with plural cylinders and plural exhaust gas turbochargers. Exhaust gas can be fed to at least one first exhaust gas turbocharger from first outlet valves of the cylinders of the first and second cylinder groups via at least one first exhaust manifold. Exhaust gas can be fed to at least one second exhaust gas turbocharger from second outlet valves of cylinders of the first and second cylinder groups via a second exhaust manifold. At low rotational speeds and/or in part load and/or non-steady state operation, exhaust gas can be fed via the first exhaust manifolds that are connected to the first outlet valves per cylinder group to a turbine of the first exhaust gas turbocharger in flows that can be divided in the inflow region of the turbine, while the second exhaust gas turbocharger is inactive. |
| US10641158B2 |
Coolant control system and control method for the same
A coolant control system includes: a high temperature radiator communicating with an engine through a high temperature coolant line, a high temperature coolant pump, a coolant temperature sensor, a low temperature radiator, a low temperature coolant pump, a water-cooled intercooler, an intake air temperature sensor, bypass valves provided upstream and downstream of the water-cooled intercooler for selectively controlling the high temperature coolant or the low temperature coolant to flow through the water-cooled intercooler, an ambient temperature sensor, a radiator bypass line connected to the high temperature coolant line and bypassing the high temperature radiator, a thermostat to selectively flow the high temperature coolant to the radiator bypass line, and a controller for controlling the operations of the low temperature coolant pump, the bypass valve and the thermostat in accordance with a vehicle operation state. |
| US10641156B2 |
Exhaust pipe structure
An exhaust pipe structure includes an exhaust pipe, a branching portion including an inflow port, a first flow path, a second flow path, a first discharge port, and a second discharge port, a first muffler, a first pipe, a second muffler, and a second pipe. The second flow path is lower in position in an up-down direction of a vehicle than the first flow path at a downstream side part of the second flow path including at least a portion of the second discharge port. The second pipe is lower in position in the up-down direction of the vehicle at an upstream side part connected to the second discharge port than an upstream side part of the first pipe connected to the first discharge port. |
| US10641155B2 |
Regeneration control device for exhaust gas treatment device
A regeneration control device for an exhaust gas treatment device includes: a DOC blockage risk state determination part configured to determine whether the DOC is in a blockage risk state which is a state where blockage of the DOC is likely to occur, on the basis of comparison between a counter value and a threshold related to an operation time of the diesel engine; a DOC temperature increase execution part configured to execute a blockage recovery process for increasing a temperature of the DOC to a first temperature, if it is determined that the DOC is in the blockage risk state; a DPF forced regeneration condition determination part configured to determine whether a forced regeneration execution condition for the DPF is satisfied; a DPF forced regeneration execution part configured to execute a forced regeneration process for increasing a temperature of the DPF to a second temperature and increasing the temperature of the DOC to the first temperature, if the forced regeneration execution condition is satisfied; and a counter reset process part configured to reset the counter value after completion of the forced regeneration process by the DPF forced regeneration execution part. |
| US10641154B2 |
Particulate matter sensor with engineered particle size cut-point
An aftertreatment system comprises a particulate filter configured to filter PM possessing a predetermined, least effective size range included in an exhaust gas flowing through the aftertreatment system. A PM sensor assembly is positioned downstream of the particulate filter and includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, a sidewall and defines an internal volume. A PM sensor is positioned within the internal volume. The housing is configured to redirect a flow of exhaust gas entering the PM sensor assembly around the PM sensor so that small particles included in the exhaust gas flow having a first size within or smaller than the predetermined size range are directed around the particulate matter sensor. Large particles having a second size larger than the predetermined size range impact the PM sensor. A controller is communicatively coupled to the PM sensor. |
| US10641153B1 |
Exhaust after-treatment system having an oxidation component bypass for low temperature SCR
An exhaust after-treatment system that is configured to treat an exhaust produced by an engine, and includes a bypass passage including an inlet for receiving an amount of the exhaust from an exhaust passage. A first exhaust treatment component is located within the bypass passage, and a valve is located proximate the bypass passage that is configured to control the amount of the exhaust that enters the inlet of the bypass passage. A second exhaust treatment component is located in the exhaust passage downstream from the inlet of the bypass passage, wherein an outlet of the bypass passage communicates the exhaust treated by the first exhaust treatment component back to the exhaust passage at a location that is downstream from the second exhaust treatment component such that the exhaust treated by the first exhaust treatment component does not interact with the second exhaust treatment component. |
| US10641149B2 |
Gas duct with heated porous metal structure
A gas duct (100) has a duct wall (110) enclosing an interior space (120), a heated porous metal structure (113) arranged in the interior space (120) for passing through gases and an electric heater (102). The electric heater (102) is a mineral-insulated heater including a heat conductor (104), one or more front-side connection openings and an outer metal jacket (108). The electric heater (102) has a section (102a), which is passed through the duct wall (110), so that all front-side connection openings (116) are arranged outside the interior space (120) of the gas duct (100) and the outer metal jacket (108) is welded or soldered to the duct wall (110) in the section. The heat conductor (104) is completely embedded in a ceramic insulation (106) at least in the sections of the electric heater (102) that are arranged in the interior space (120) of the gas duct (100). |
| US10641148B2 |
Exhaust gas control apparatus for internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an outer tube, a downstream side catalyst held in the outer tube via a first mat, and an electric heating catalyst held in the outer tube via a second mat upstream of the downstream side catalyst. A joint of the first mat is disposed in a place other than a vertically lowermost portion. |
| US10641147B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment systems utilizing a single electrically heated catalyst
Exhaust gas systems include an oxidation catalyst (OC) capable of receiving exhaust gas and oxidizing one or more of combustible hydrocarbons (HC) and one or more nitrogen oxide (NOx) species, a selective catalytic reduction device (SCR) disposed downstream from and in fluid communication with the OC via a conduit, and an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) disposed at least partially within the conduit downstream from the OC and upstream from the SCR. The EHC comprises a heating element having an outer surface including one or more second oxidation catalyst materials capable of oxidizing CO, HC, and one or more NOx species. The OC includes one or more storage materials individually or collectively capable of storing NOx and/or HC species. Exhaust gas can be supplied by an internal combustion engine which can optionally power a vehicle. |
| US10641144B2 |
Intake manifold drain assembly of an engine
An intake manifold drain assembly of an engine comprises a drain tube connected to a bottom of a manifold chamber; an oil separator connected to an engine block; and a controlled check valve connecting the drain tube to the oil separator and configured to allow liquid and gas in the manifold chamber to flow into the oil separator and control a gas flow passing the controlled check valve below a threshold flowrate. |
| US10641140B2 |
Hydraulic early engine exhaust valve opening system
An early exhaust valve opening (EEVO) module increases a no-load engine speed so an engine can smoothly transition to driving a load when necessary. The EEVO module includes a drive piston engaging an injector rocker and a driven piston engaging an exhaust rocker. The pistons are fluidly connected by a activation fluid passage so that the drive piston compresses air in the passage when an injector cam rotates the injector rocker and causes movement of the driven gear and the exhaust rocker to open an exhaust valve to release exhaust energy during a piston expansion stroke to limit the energy transferred to a crankshaft. A low pressure timing valve may drain pressurized fluid from the passage during an initial portion of the movement of the drive piston so driven piston does not move to open the exhaust valve until a desired amount of energy has been transferred to the crankshaft. |
| US10641136B2 |
Valve train for an internal combustion engine
A valve train for an internal combustion engine may include a cam shaft and a cam follower. The valve train may also include a first cam arranged on the cam shaft for conjoined rotation, and a second cam for conjoined rotation, arranged on the cam shaft axially adjacent to the first cam. The cam follower may be axially adjustable between a first position, in which the cam follower is drive-connected to the first cam, and a second position, in which the cam follower is drive-connected to the second cam. The cam follower may also include a mechanical adjustment device interacting with the cam shaft for axially adjusting the cam follower between the first position and the second position. |