| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US11068217B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method
Provide an image forming apparatus including a controller, a communicator that communicates with a management server, and an image former that forms an image. The communicator includes a first communicator and a second communicator, and the controller transmits first information about a use of the image forming apparatus and second information about a state of the image forming apparatus to the management server via the first communicator, and transmits either one of the first information or the second information to the management server via the second communicator if a failure occurs in the first communicator, and transmits the other information via the first communicator if the failure occurring in the first communicator is resolved. |
| US11068198B2 |
Data verification apparatus
A data verification apparatus includes a storage, a management unit, and a verification unit. The storage includes a first storage and a second storage. The first storage stores first data and first status information. The second storage stores second data and second status information. The management unit controls a write process and updates the first status information and the second status information in response to the write process, the write process being a process of writing the first data to the first storage on a basis of data acquired by communication with an external apparatus, and thereafter writing the second data to the second storage on a basis of the data. The verification unit verifies, in a state in which the communication is disconnected, the first data and the second data on a basis of the first status information and the second status information. |
| US11068197B2 |
Tracking data temperatures of logical block addresses
A variety of applications can include apparatus and/or methods that include tracking data temperatures of logical block addresses for a memory device by operating multiple accumulators by one or more data temperature analyzers to count host writes to ranges of logical block addresses. Data temperature for data written by a host is a measure of how frequently data at a logical block address is overwritten. In various embodiments, tracking can include staggering the start of counting by each of the multiple accumulators to provide subsequent binning of logical block addresses bands into temperature zones, which can achieve better data segregation. Data having a logical block address received from a host can be routed to a block associated with a temperature zone based on the binning provided by the staggered operation of the multiple accumulators by one or more data temperature analyzers. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US11068193B2 |
Mapping data sources to storage devices based on fuzzy logic-based classifications
A technique includes, for each storage device of a plurality of storage devices, applying, by a processor, fuzzy logic to assign the plurality of storage devices to respective storage classes based on the weights that are assigned to the plurality of storage devices. The technique includes assigning, by the processor, weights to attributes of a data source. In response to an operation to backup data of the data source, mapping, by the processor, the data source to a given storage device based on the weights that are assigned to the attributes of the data source and the storage class that is associated with the given storage device. |
| US11068190B2 |
Storage apparatus and data arrangement method for storage apparatus
A storage apparatus includes a plurality of storage devices, and a processor coupled to the plurality of storage devices and configured to generate, when detecting a failure of a storage device belonging to a first volume that is generated with the plurality of storage devices, a second volume having a remaining operating rate equal to or larger than an access frequency of the first volume and satisfying a required capacity of the first volume, with a storage device in an operating state of the plurality of storage devices, and move data arranged in the first volume to the second volume generated. |
| US11068188B2 |
Monitored migration of copies of volumes of data between clusters of a virtual tape library system
In one general embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes querying a database associated with a first cluster of a virtual tape library system for volumes of data stored in the first cluster and querying a second database associated with a second cluster of the virtual tape library system for volumes of data stored in the second cluster. Results of the querying of the database associated with the first cluster are compared with results of the querying of the database associated with the second cluster. The method further includes generating a list of entries of volumes of data that are to be migrated from the first cluster to the second cluster based on the comparing of the results. The entries of the list are ordered according to predefined conditions. The method further includes migrating from the first cluster to the second cluster, copies of the volumes of data of the generated list. |
| US11068178B2 |
Systems and methods for minimizing communications
A system for allocation of one or more data structures used in a program across a number of processing units takes into account a memory access pattern of the data structure, and the amount of total memory available for duplication across the several processing units. Using these parameters duplication factors are determined for the one or more data structures such that the cost of remote communication is minimized when the data structures are duplicated according to the respective duplication factors while allowing parallel execution of the program. |
| US11068175B2 |
Technology to manage capacity loss in storage drives
A system including a storage drive and a semiconductor apparatus coupled to the storage drive, is provided. The semiconductor apparatus may include one or more substrates and logic coupled to the one or more substrates, the logic coupled to the one or more substrates to: initiate managing resources of the storage drive and, if the storage drive loses capacity, determine an amount of capacity loss, create a reserved file that is associated with logical memory space in a file system, based on the amount of the capacity loss, and erase at least a portion of the reserved file so that logical memory space associated with an un-erased portion of the reserved file is usable by the storage drive. |
| US11068174B2 |
Semiconductor device, electronic component, and electronic device
Power consumption of an interface circuit is to be reduced. A semiconductor device includes a processor and the interface circuit including a register that stores setting information. The register includes a first memory circuit capable of storing the setting information when power supply voltage is supplied, and a second memory capable of storing the setting information when supply of the power supply voltage is stopped. The interface circuit changes a state between a first state, a second state, a third state, and a fourth state. In the first state, the setting information is stored in the first memory. In the second state, the interface circuit operates on the basis of the setting information stored in the first memory circuit. In the third state, the setting information stored in the first memory circuit is stored in the second memory circuit and the supply of the power supply voltage is stopped. In the fourth state, the supply of the power supply voltage is restarted and the setting information stored in the second memory circuit is stored in the first memory circuit. The interface circuit changes a state between the second state, the third state and the fourth state on the basis of a state of the functional device. |
| US11068172B1 |
Optimizing parallel data replication spanning physical storage devices
Accessing data using a first storage device and a second storage device that is a synchronous mirror of the first storage device includes determining if the first and second storage devices support alternative mirroring that bypasses having the first storage device write data to the second storage device and choosing to write data to the first storage device only or both the first and second storage device based on criteria that includes metrics relating to timing, an identity of a calling process or application, a size of an I/O operation, an identity of a destination volume, a time of day, a particular host id, a particular application or set of applications, and/or particular datasets, extents, tracks, records/blocks. A single I/O operation may be bifurcated to provide a portion of the I/O operation to only the first storage device or to both the first storage device and the second storage device. |
| US11068171B2 |
High availability storage access using quality of service based path selection in a storage area network environment
A method, a computing device, and a non-transitory machine-readable medium for performing a multipath selection based on a determined quality of service for the paths. An example method includes a host computing device periodically polling a storage system for path information including an indication of a recommended storage controller. The host computing device periodically determines a quality of service information corresponding to a plurality of paths between the host computing device and a storage volume of the storage system, where at least one of the plurality of paths including the recommended storage controller. The host computing device identifies a fault corresponding to a path of the plurality of paths that routes I/O from the host computing device to the storage volume. The host computing device re-routes the I/O from the path to a different path of the plurality of paths, where the different path is selected for the re-routing based on the quality of service information and the path information. |
| US11068169B2 |
Data storage device and method for memory operation and iterative polling
A controller of the data storage system may poll a non-volatile memory component to determine an operational status of the non-volatile memory component after a memory operation has been initiated in the non-volatile memory component. The controller may, in response to determining the operational status of the non-volatile memory component is busy, update a polling interval based on a polling factor. The controller may re-poll the non-volatile memory component to determine the operational status of the non-volatile memory component after expiration of the updated polling interval. The controller may repeat the updating of the polling interval and the re-polling of the non-volatile memory component until the operational status of the non-volatile memory component is determined to be ready or until a predetermined number of iterations of the updating and re-polling have been performed if, in response to the re-polling, the operational status is determined to be busy. |
| US11068164B2 |
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. |
| US11068161B1 |
Memory module with emulated memory device population
In a memory module having a plurality of discrete memory die packages, an N-bit data interface and a command/address buffer, a memory access command and chip-select input signals are received within the command/address buffer. In response to the chip-select input signals, the command/address buffer outputs chip-select output signals greater in quantity than the chip-select input signals to exclusively enable one of a plurality of groups of the discrete memory die packages to respond to the memory access command, each of the plurality of groups of the discrete memory die packages having a collective data interface width less than the N-bit data interface width. |
| US11068159B1 |
Systems and methods for facilitating keyboard-based search of local and connected digital media items within a messaging application
Keyboard-based search of local and/or connected digital media items may be facilitated. A digital media item search interface may be presented in the same view as a messaging interface. The digital media item search interface may receive input such as from an on-screen keyboard to facilitate editing of user-provided search queries and submission of the user-provided search queries. The digital media item search interface may present digital media item tags relating to context information based on input received by the digital media item search query field. The digital media item search interface may present visual previews of local and/or connected digital media items corresponding to digital media item tags presented in the digital media item tag field. The digital media item search interface may receive user selections of individual digital media items to be communicated to one or more other users via the messaging interface. |
| US11068157B2 |
Displaying options, assigning notification, ignoring messages, and simultaneous user interface displays in a messaging application
An electronic device with a touch-sensitive surface and display can execute a messaging application. In the messaging application, swipe options can be displayed for messages and threads. Swipe options correspond to actions that can be taken on the messages or threads. Messages and threads can be associated with notification rules as well as be ignored. Composition interfaces and messages can be displayed simultaneously in the messaging application. The messaging application can display a conversation view of a message thread with a common header that can include subject information and names of participants in the threads. The messaging application allows for adding and removing participants to the conversation view. The messaging application allows for grouping search results from a search of messages using a search term. The grouping can be based on the location of the search term within the messages. |
| US11068153B2 |
Device, method, and graphical user interface for displaying user interface objects corresponding to an application
An electronic device with a touch-sensitive surface and a display, that includes one or more sensors to detect intensity of contacts with the touch-sensitive surface, displays a plurality of application icons, where the plurality of application icons include a respective application icon corresponding to a respective application. While a focus selector is over the respective application icon, the device detects a gesture that includes a contact on the touch-sensitive surface; and in response to detecting the gesture: when the contact had a maximum intensity during the gesture that was below a respective intensity threshold, the device displays an application window of the respective application; and when the contact reached an intensity during the gesture that was above the respective intensity threshold, the device displays a plurality of user interface objects that correspond to the respective application. |
| US11068152B2 |
Mobile terminal and control method thereof
A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to provide wireless communication; a touch screen configured to display an execution screen; and a controller configured to receive a touch input that continuously moves from one end of the touch screen toward the other end of the touch screen in a downward direction, and display different control screens on a part of the touch screen displaying the execution screen according to a start point of the touch input when the touch input is received. Further, the controller is further configured to if the start point of the touch input is a first end edge of the touch screen, display a first control screen on the touch screen, and if the start point of the touch input is a second end edge of the touch screen, display a second control screen on the touch screen. Also, the first control screen is a notification panel or notification center, and the second control screen is a quick setting panel, control center or a quick panel. |
| US11068149B2 |
Indirect user interaction with desktop using touch-sensitive control surface
Described herein are techniques that offer a class of user-interaction styles for indirect user interaction with a two-dimensional virtual space (“desktop”) using touch-sensitive control surface of a user-input device (such as a mobile phone). Some described techniques enable a user to point, pan and scale within a large virtual two-dimensional space with input from a touch surface of a handheld device, with the output of the user interaction being rendered on a visual display unit (other than the touch surface). |
| US11068142B2 |
Display device and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing display control program
A display section is configured to be set in a folded position and an unfolded position. When the display section is in the folded position, a display controller causes the display section to display, within a first display area, a plurality of objects and specific images linked to an N number of objects out of the plurality of objects, the specific images being used to receive an operation. When the display section is in the unfolded position, the display section displays the plurality of objects within the first display area and simultaneously to display, within the second display area, specific images linked to an M number of objects out of the plurality of objects, M being larger than N. |
| US11068140B2 |
Intelligent overflow menu
The disclosed subject matter relates to the presentation of context-sensitive or context-dependent selectable option in an interface of a client device. In an implementation of the context-sensitive interface, data indicative of a context of a program or program feature is acquired or accessed and used to determine menu options displayed on an overflow menu when an overflow icon displayed on the interface is selected. In some embodiments, the overflow menu is populated with a plurality of secondary action options based on the context data, in which each secondary action option is associated with a corresponding secondary action that may be performed via the client device. |
| US11068139B2 |
Communications devices and methods for single-mode and automatic media capture
Devices are configured to capture and share media based on user touch and other interaction. Functional labels show the user the operation being undertaken for any media captured. For example, functional labels may indicate a group of receivers, type of media, media sending method, media capture or sending delay, media persistence time, discrimination type and threshold for capturing different types of media, etc., all customizable by the user or auto-generated. Media is selectively captured and broadcast to receivers in accordance with the configuration of the functional label. A user may engage the device and activate the functional label through a single haptic engagement, allowing highly-specific media capture and sharing through a single touch or other action, without having to execute several discrete actions for capture, sending, formatting, notifying, deleting, storing, etc. Devices include any number of sensors to properly detect and act in accordance with the user engagement. |
| US11068135B2 |
Techniques for visualizing probabilistic data generated when designing mechanical assemblies
A design engine implements a probabilistic approach to generating designs that exposes automatically-generated design knowledge to the user during operation. The design engine interactively generates successive populations of designs based on a problem definition associated with a design problem and/or a previously-generated population of designs. During the above design process, the design engine generates a design knowledge graphical user interface (GUI) that graphically exposes various types of design knowledge to the user. In particular, the design engine generates a design variable dependency GUI that visualizes various dependencies between designs variables. The design engine also generates a design evolution GUI that animates the evolution of designs across the successive design populations. Additionally, the design engine generates a design exploration GUI that facilitates the user exploring various statistical properties of automatically-generated designs. |
| US11068132B2 |
Command user interface for displaying selectable software functionality controls
An improved user interface is provided for displaying selectable software functionality controls and for presenting logical groupings of particular functionality controls associated with a selected top-level functionality. Underneath a row of top-level functionality tabs, functionalities controls associated with a given top-level functionality tab are presented in logical groupings. Selection of a particular tab switches modes of the user interface to present controls for functionalities associated with the selected tab. |
| US11068128B2 |
User interface object manipulations in a user interface
Systems and processes for manipulating a graphical user interface are disclosed. One process can include receiving user input through a crown to rotate a virtual object. The process includes selecting a surface of the object from among the multiple surfaces of the object in response to determining that the crown rotation exceeded a speed threshold. |
| US11068127B2 |
Springboard interface for quick task transitions
Techniques for generating and presenting interfaces for navigating between different tasks and applications are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a runtime interface is generated based on a set of one or more attributes associated with a user. Based on the attributes, a subset of applications of a plurality of applications included in a system are identified. In a first area of a display, a first application interface is displayed for interacting with a first application instance. Links to the subset of applications are concurrently displayed in a second area of the display. Responsive to receiving input selecting one of the links, a second application interface is displayed in the first area of the display while the links to the subset of applications remain in the second area of the display. |
| US11068125B2 |
Multi-spatial overview mode
On a computing device, an overview mode is provided to present overview windows of all applications currently running on the computing device. When one or more applications are running in a windowed mode, a first overview window is generated for each of the one or more applications running in the windowed mode; when one or more applications are running in a full-screen mode, a second overview window is generated for each of the one or more applications running in the full-screen mode. The one or more first overview windows in the first space can be arranged in one or more rows in a first overview space, and the one or more second overview windows in the second space in a stack in a second overview space. The arranged overview windows may then be displayed in the overview mode of the computing device. |
| US11068122B2 |
Methods and systems for building a view of a dataset incrementally according to characteristics of user-selected data fields
A process builds a view of a dataset. The process displays a graphical user interface, including: a fields region; a visualization region; and a shelf region that includes multiple shelves. The process detects user input that moves a data field icon from the fields region into the visualization region. Upon ceasing to detect the user input, the process associates the data field icon with a first shelf according to its characteristics and characteristics corresponding to other data field icons, if any, previously associated with the shelves. The method further includes: (i) determining one or more chart types for visualizing a portion of the dataset based, at least in part, on the data field icon and its characteristics, and (ii) generating a graphical representation of the portion of the dataset in the visualization region using a first chart type selected from the one or more determined chart types. |
| US11068121B2 |
System and method for visual exploration of subnetwork patterns in two-mode networks
A method of visualizing relationship data in a network connecting an entity of a first type with an entity of a second type is provided. The method includes detecting, within the network, a subnetwork pattern representing at least one relationship satisfying a condition, generating a visualization based on the detected subnetwork pattern. The visualization includes a first region representative of the first type of entity, a second region representative of the second type of entity, and a linking region connecting the first region to the second region and providing information about the at least one relationship satisfying the condition. |
| US11068120B2 |
Visualization of spending data in an altered reality
Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media for visualizing user spending data in an altered reality are provided. Spending data includes items purchased, budgets for specific rooms or categories, prices paid, dates of purchase, and amounts spent. The user may interact within the altered reality to manage spending and move budgets between rooms or categories. |
| US11068108B2 |
Input device
An input device capable of precisely determining presence or absence of a specific non-contact operation on an operation screen is provided. An input device includes a display control unit that displays an operation screen on a display surface, a first detection unit that detects a passing state of an object in a first sensing layer in air formed to face the display surface, a second detection unit that detects a passing state of the object in a second sensing layer in air formed between the display surface and the first sensing layer, and a determination unit that determines presence or absence of the specific non-contact operation performed by the object based on respective detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. |
| US11068102B2 |
Display device
A display device is provided. The display device includes: a display panel including a first area, a second area, and a folding area between the first area and the second area, and a force sensor at one surface of the display panel. The force sensor includes a plurality of first touch cells overlapping the first area or the second area, a plurality of second touch cells overlapping the folding area, and a touch driver which controls a threshold voltage of the plurality of second touch cells on the basis of an intensity of a base force of the plurality of second touch cells. |
| US11068100B1 |
Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a flexible cover plate, a force sensing module, a touch display module, and a metal thin plate. The force sensing module includes a flexible electrode and a flexible force-sensitive composite layer. The flexible force-sensitive composite layer includes at least one flexible electrode layer and at least one functional spacer layer. The flexible electrode layer has a first resistivity. The functional spacer layer has a second resistivity greater than the first resistivity. The flexible electrode layer and the functional spacer layer are disposed under the flexible electrode. The touch display module is disposed between the flexible cover plate and the force sensing module and includes an organic light emitting display unit and a touch sensing layer. The metal thin plate is disposed under the force sensing module and serves as a contact electrode of the force sensing module. |
| US11068094B2 |
Touch display device, method for driving the same, driving circuit, data-driving circuit, and gate-driving circuit
The present embodiments may provide a touch display device including: a display panel in which a plurality of data lines, a plurality of gate lines, and a plurality of touch electrodes are disposed; a gate-driving circuit configured to drive the plurality of gate lines; a data-driving circuit configured to drive the plurality of data lines; and a touch-driving circuit configured to drive the plurality of touch electrodes while the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines are driven. In this touch display device, while a touch-driving signal swings with a predetermined amplitude, a data signal and a gate signal may also swing with the predetermined amplitude. According to the present embodiments, it is possible to enable high-speed image display and high-speed touch sensing, to perform a display operation and a touch operation simultaneously, and to display an image normally without any image change. |
| US11068092B2 |
Display apparatus having input sensing unit
A display apparatus including a base substrate including front and rear surfaces facing each other and in which a module hole passing through the first and rear surfaces is defined, a circuit layer including a driving element, a display element layer including a light emitting element, an encapsulation layer, and an input sensing unit. A routing area surrounding the module hole is defined in the base substrate. The input sensing unit includes a first touch line, a second touch line, and a bridge pattern. The first touch line includes first touch sensing parts arranged in a preset direction. The second touch line is insulated from and cross the first touch line. The bridge pattern is connected to the first touch sensing parts adjacent to the preset direction with the module hole therebetween and be disposed within the routing area. A slit is provided in the bridge pattern. |
| US11068086B2 |
Impact-resistant terminal, in particular an access control terminal
The present invention concerns a terminal (1) comprising a frame (10), a touchscreen (11), a glass panel (12) protecting the touchscreen (11), an outer shell (13), characterized in that successively gripped between the frame (10) and the shell (13) there are: a first seal (14a), a peripheral region (120) of the glass panel (12), and a second seal (14b); and in that the touchscreen (11) is arranged between a central portion (121) of the glass panel (12) and the frame (10), the touchscreen (11) being secured to only one from among the frame (10) and the glass panel (12). The present invention also concerns a process for manufacturing the terminal. |
| US11068079B2 |
Electronic device having multi-functional human interface
A multi-functional human interface device includes a control unit and a first multi-functional input button. The first multi-functional input button includes a cover unit configured to receive a touch input of a user's finger, an electrode unit including a transmitter and a receiver to form an electric field, an elastic unit configured to move from a first height to a second height when a first pressure is applied from the cover unit and configured to move back to the first height when the first pressure from the cover unit is released, and a switch unit configured to generate an electric signal representing an input of a predetermined letter. |
| US11068077B2 |
Display device and method thereof
A display device is provided, which includes a jog switch which performs a moving operation in a plurality of directions and a push operation, a display unit which displays a first user interface (UI) for adjusting a channel or a volume of the display device or a second UI for adjusting other functions of the display device in accordance with a first operation of the jog switch, and a control unit which adjusts a selected function of the display device in accordance with a second operation of the jog switch in which is performed in a state where the first UI or the second UI is displayed. The jog switch is formed to project for a predetermine height from a surface of the display device, and thus a user can find the jog switch easily and promptly even is the jog switch is obstructed from view. |
| US11068075B1 |
Reading support system and method by relating book object to interactive content
The present disclosure provides a reading support system and method which change a portion of an activity surface video displayed on a display corresponding to a location of an interactive object. The provided reading support system includes a reading support apparatus, and the reading support apparatus outputs interactive contents corresponding to the interactive object included in an activity surface video, detects at least a portion of the interactive contents as a deformation target area based on the location of the interactive object after the interactive contents are output, generates a deformation video reflecting video deformation information in the deformation target area of the interactive contents, and replaces the interactive contents being output with a deformation video to output the deformation video. |
| US11068074B2 |
Flexible device and interfacing method thereof
A foldable device includes a sensor configured to sense an unfolding motion of the foldable device, a display configured to display a layout in which a representation of at least one object varies according to the sensed unfolding motion, and a controller configured to control the display of the layout so that the representation of the at least one object corresponds to the sensed unfolding motion. |
| US11068072B2 |
Mixed reality display system and mixed reality display terminal
In a mixed reality display system, a server and a plurality of mixed reality display terminals are connected, and virtual objects are displayed. The virtual objects include a shared virtual object for which a plurality of terminals have an operation authority and a private virtual object for which only a specific terminal has an operation authority. The server has virtual object attribute information for displaying the virtual objects in each terminal, and each terminal has a motion detecting unit that detects a motion of a user for switching between the shared virtual object and the private virtual object. When a detection result by the motion detecting unit is received from the terminal, the server updates the virtual object attribute information depending on whether the virtual object is the shared virtual object or the private virtual object, and transmits data of the virtual object after the update to each terminal. |
| US11068068B2 |
Toroidal sensor
A plurality of sensors for application to a steering wheel or other generally toroidal objects is disclosed. In an embodiment, the sensor comprises interleaving transmit and receive conductors. In an embodiment, the sensor comprises crossing transmit and receive conductors. In an embodiment, sensor conductors are first provided on a flat substrate, which sensors placed on the flat substrate in a configuration that will permit expansion application of the substrate to the steering wheel. |
| US11068061B2 |
Estimation of equivalent input voltage supply
It is an object to provide a device for estimating the equivalent input voltage of a boost converter. According to a first aspect, a device is configured to apply a switching signal to a boost converter, wherein the boost converter is configured to provide a voltage for a haptic feedback element; wait for at least one time interval; measure at least one voltage on an output side of the boost converter; and estimate an equivalent input voltage of the boost converter based on the at least one measured voltage, wherein the equivalent input voltage represents a physical input voltage that would cause the at least one measured voltage in reference conditions. A device, a method, and a computer program are described. |
| US11068059B2 |
Haptic interface for user input device
Disclosed herein is a dynamically shapeable haptic interface, which can include a drive mechanism, a tactile mechanism, and a display. The display can emit light towards the drive mechanism in the form of image(s). The emitted light can activate a plurality of switches located between coil(s) included in the drive mechanism and the display. The plurality of switches, when activated, can allow current(s), supplied by a source, to pass through the coil(s). The current passing through the coils can create magnetic fields. The magnetic fields can collectively form a magnetic profile. The magnetic profile can cause the tactile mechanism to render shape(s) on the surface of the haptic interface. The tactile mechanism can include magnetic component(s), such as ferrous particles, magnets, and/or magnetic pins. The magnetic component(s) can move based on the magnetic profile and, along with one or more layers of material, can render the shape(s). |
| US11068058B2 |
Control method and immersive system for generating haptic feedback
An immersive system includes a processing device. The processing device is communicated with an interface device and an electronic display in a head mounted display device. The interface device includes a haptic feedback circuit. The haptic feedback circuit is configured to induce a haptic feedback. The interface device includes a haptic feedback circuit. The haptic feedback circuit is configured to induce a haptic feedback. The processing device is configured to provide an immersive content to the electronic display. The processing device is configured to identify a simulated object corresponding to the interface device in the immersive content, and identify an interaction event occurring to the simulated object in the immersive content. The processing device is configured to determine a vibration pattern according to the interaction event and the simulated object, and control the haptic feedback circuit to induce the haptic feedback according to the vibration pattern. |
| US11068054B2 |
Vehicle and control method thereof
The present disclosure provides a vehicle that includes a display and a rotation member that rotates the display. A vision sensing unit acquires eye position information of a user and a controller determines a first area included in a field of view of the user based on the eye position information and a rotation angle of the display. The controller then divides a display area of the display into a plurality of areas based on the first area and operates the display to display content corresponding to each of the plurality of areas. |
| US11068053B2 |
Method and system for displaying at least one spatial section, wherein the spatial section is displayed as a function of an eye position of a person
A first display surface of a first display device in a first space displays a second section of a second space in which a second display device is located. An eye position of a user in the first space is recorded by at least one first recording apparatus. The second section of the second space is determined in dependence on the eye position of the user in the first space and is recorded by at least one second recording apparatus. |
| US11068051B2 |
Augmented mirror
An augmented mirror comprising: a partially silvered mirrored surface; a screen underneath the mirrored surface; a camera; and a computer module for receiving data from the camera and for providing graphical images to the screen, wherein the field of view over which visual information is processed is reduced to visual information from within a visual corridor, the visual corridor corresponding to a subset of the field of view of the camera. |
| US11068047B2 |
Virtual reality system obtaining movement command from real-world physical user
A method comprises displaying in virtual reality a computer-generated scene; obtaining a movement command from a real-world physical movement of a user, the movement command corresponding to a movement of a virtual body; and adjusting the movement of the virtual body in dependence on an effect of gravity in the computer-generated scene and/or in dependence on the presence of at least one object within the computer-generated scene that inhibits the movement of the virtual body, wherein the adjusting of the movement is such that the adjusted movement of the virtual body does not correspond with the real-world physical movement of the user. |
| US11068046B1 |
Evaluation of digital twins using social automatons
In one example, the present disclosure improves simulations based on the use of digital twins using social automatons. In one example, a method performed by a processing system including at least one processor includes constructing a digital twin of a physical environment, constructing a social automaton, wherein the social automaton comprises a virtual representation of an individual that is programmed to exhibit behaviors and characteristics of the individual, and inserting the social automaton into the digital twin to create an extended reality media in which interactions of the social automaton with the digital twin simulate interactions of the individual with the physical environment. |
| US11068042B2 |
Detecting and responding to an event within an interactive videogame
As a user is being presented with interactive media by a presenting device, a separate monitoring device may be used to monitor the presentation of the interactive media and detect an event that occurs therein. Such a monitoring device may be configured and positioned to access media content from the presentation of the interactive media. For example, the monitoring device may be configured and positioned to record video content with a camera and record audio content with a microphone. Having accessed this media content, the monitoring device may generate an identifier, such as a fingerprint or watermark, of the media content and compare the generated identifier with a reference identifier that is generated from the source of the media content. Based on the generated identifier matching the reference identifier, the monitoring device may detect that an event has occurred within the interactive media presentation and present a corresponding notification. |
| US11068039B2 |
Electronic apparatus, control method, and storage medium
An electronic apparatus provided with a touch screen, the electronic apparatus comprising: a first sensor that detects approach of a finger to the touch screen; and a controller that switches, in an inactive state of the touch screen, in a case where the first sensor detects the approach of the finger to the touch screen, an operating state of the touch screen from the inactive state to an active state. |
| US11068038B2 |
System and method for using current slew-rate telemetry in an information handling system
An information handling system includes a current detector module and a baseboard management controller (BMC). The current detector module is configured to detect current slew-rate for an element of the information handling system, to determine that the current slew-rate is greater than a current slew-rate threshold, and to provide an indication that the current slew-rate is greater than the current slew-rate threshold on a communication interface. The BMC may enter an item into a log of the information handling system in response to receiving an indication. |
| US11068037B2 |
Device having main and backup power
One example of a device includes a low voltage direct current (LVDC) bus and a high voltage direct current (HVDC) to LVDC converter to receive HVDC power from an enclosure and provide main LVDC power. The device includes a circuit to pass the main LVDC power to the LVDC bus while the main LVDC power is within regulation limits and to pass backup LVDC power from the enclosure to the LVDC bus in response to the main LVDC power falling outside the regulation limits. |
| US11068033B2 |
Expansion card retention
Some examples include an expansion card retention device, comprising a retaining arm and a retaining bracket. The retaining arm is rotatably attachable to a chassis and moveable between an open state and a closed state. The retaining arm is postionable along the expansion card and includes an interior face to provide multi-point support along a top edge of the expansion card. The retaining bracket is rotatably coupled to the retaining arm. The retaining bracket pivotable about a first axis at a first end of the retaining arm. The retaining bracket includes a contact surface to engage with an interconnect bracket in the closed state. The retaining arm and retaining bracket are movable together between the open state and the closed state with a single user controlled operation. |
| US11068030B2 |
Stand for use with electronic device
A stand that is attachable to a back surface of an electronic device or a protective case for the electronic device. The stand includes a base portion, two legs, and two pivoting spring arms. Each leg pivots at a leg axis along an arc between a stowed position and an extended position. The two pivoting spring arms are attached to the base portion at a first end and attached to a respective one of the legs at a second end. Each pivoting spring arm is configured to apply a spring force to the leg to, alternately, force leg toward the stowed position or the extended position depending on the starting position of the leg. |
| US11068028B1 |
Device dock
A device dock can include a support for a display device; a top side; a bottom side that includes one or more feet; a sloped front side; a sloped back side, where the sloped back side slopes in a direction outwardly away from the bottom side; and a wall mount operatively coupled to the sloped back side. |
| US11068027B2 |
Dynamic scalable attachment mechanism for client devices
A magnetic flexible cable disposed in the housing of a device has an extended position to engage with a corresponding receptacle on another device. The flexible magnetic cable includes a flanged end that limits the distance of extension when the flexible magnetic cable is in the extended position. A retractor can retain the flexible magnetic cable fully within the housing of the first device when the flexible magnetic cable is not engaged with the corresponding receptacle on the second device. |
| US11068024B2 |
Notebook computer
A notebook computer includes a display screen, a base, a rotating shaft coupling the display screen and the base, and a rotating shaft support disposed at an inside of a housing of the display screen and coupled to the rotating shaft in an assembly manner. The notebook computer further includes a drive circuit board disposed inside the housing of the display screen. The rotating shaft support includes a first rotating shaft support and a second rotating shaft support. A projection of the drive circuit board and a projection of the first rotating shaft support do not overlap on a place on which the display screen is located, and the projection of the drive circuit board and a projection of the second rotating shaft support at least partially overlap on the plane on which the display screen is located. |
| US11068017B2 |
Memory system using asymmetric source-synchronous clocking
The disclosed embodiments relate to a memory system that generates a multiplied timing signal from a reference timing signal. During operation, the system receives a reference timing signal. Next, the system produces a multiplied timing signal from the reference timing signal by generating a burst comprising multiple timing events for each timing event in the reference timing signal, wherein consecutive timing events in each burst of timing events are separated by a bit time. Then, as the reference clock frequency changes, the interval between bursts of timing events changes while the bit time remains substantially constant. |
| US11068016B2 |
Output signal generation circuit
An output signal generation circuit includes a first pulse generation circuit configured to receive first information and generate a first pulse signal including the first information, the first pulse signal having a first pulse width that is a minimum pulse width of the first pulse signal, a second pulse generation circuit configured to receive second information and the first pulse signal, and generate a second pulse signal in which the second information is superimposed on the first pulse signal, the second pulse signal having a second pulse width smaller than the first pulse width, and an output circuit configured to output the second pulse signal. |
| US11068013B2 |
System and method for controlling a vehicle based on a force applied to a throttle pedal
An electronic pedal assembly may include a pedal platform and at least one force sensor configured to sense a force applied to the pedal platform. One or more control devices may be communicatively coupled to the force sensor(s) and configured to determine a throttle output for controlling the throttle condition of the vehicle based at least in part on the force applied to the pedal platform and based at least in part on an operating condition associated with operating the vehicle. In some embodiments, the force sensor(s) may be configured to measure a force distribution on the pedal platform. The control device(s) may monitor the force distribution and adjust an operation of the vehicle based on the force distribution. The operation of the vehicle can include controlling the throttle condition of the vehicle or an operation that is different from controlling the throttle condition of the vehicle. |
| US11068012B2 |
Rudder control pedal assembly with linear pedal travel path
A rudder control pedal assembly including an idler link pivotably coupled to a support frame at a first joint, a coupler link pivotably coupled to the idler link at a second joint, a drive link pivotably coupled to the coupler link at a third joint and pivotably coupled to the support frame at a fourth joint, and a pedal coupled to the coupler link and constrained to movement along an approximately linear travel path, wherein the support frame forms an imaginary fixed link to complete a four-bar linkage. |
| US11068011B2 |
Signal generating device and method of generating temperature-dependent signal
A signal generating device includes: a first circuit arranged to generate a first current to a first bipolar junction transistor therein; a second circuit coupled to the first circuit via an output terminal for generating a second current to a second BJT therein; and a first control circuit coupled to the first circuit and the second circuit, for generating a first adjusting current and a second adjusting current to the first circuit and the second circuit for adjusting the first current and the second current such that the first circuit and the second circuit outputs a temperature-dependent signal on the output terminal. |
| US11068010B2 |
Current mirror circuit
A current mirror circuit includes a current output terminal, a first transistor, a second transistor, and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The first transistor includes a first terminal coupled to a power rail, a second terminal coupled to a current source, and a third terminal coupled to the current source. The second transistor includes a first terminal coupled to the power rail, a second terminal coupled to the second terminal of the first transistor, and a third terminal coupled to the current output terminal. The DAC includes an output terminal coupled to the second transistor. |
| US11068008B2 |
Supply circuit
A supply circuit is provided including a supply generation circuit coupled to a supply terminal. A voltage deviation detection circuit is adapted to detect a voltage deviation in an internal supply voltage. A current limiter arrangement is adapted to limit a current through the supply generation circuit to a predefined value. |
| US11068007B2 |
Flipped gate voltage reference and method of using
A voltage reference includes a flipped gate transistor coupled between a first node configured to carry an operating voltage and a second node configured to carry a negative supply voltage. A first transistor and a second transistor are coupled in series between the first node and the second node, a gate of the first transistor is coupled with a gate of the flipped gate transistor, and a gate of the second transistor is configured to receive the negative supply voltage. An output node between the first transistor and the second transistor is configured to output a reference voltage, and a current source coupled between the output node and the second node is configured to supply a current through the first transistor based on a current through the flipped gate transistor. |
| US11068005B2 |
Power factor correcting method
A power factor correcting method for correcting a power factor in an alternating current power supply includes detecting zero-crossing points of an input voltage VAC of the AC power supply to obtain a period T of the input voltage VAC; generating a half-wave symmetric periodic function f(t) by using the period T; implementing a recursive low-pass filter y(t) by using the half-wave symmetric periodic function f(t), so that an output of the recursive low-pass filter y(t) matches a target reactive current Ixcap(t) flowing through an X-capacitor; generating a reference current I′ref(t) for correcting the power factor by using a given reference current Iref(t) and the recursive low-pass filter y(t); and correcting the power factor by using the reference current I′ref(t). Accordingly, the reactive current of the EMI capacitor can be compensated in a high code efficiency manner. |
| US11068002B2 |
Vehicle control system with track temperature sensing
A work vehicle may include a load sensor, an engine, a drive train driven by the engine and a track system including at least one track. The track system is connected to the drive train. The work vehicle may further comprise a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature and a vehicle control system configured to receive the sensed temperature and a vehicle load from the load sensor. The vehicle control system is configured to output a work speed vehicle alert based upon a combination of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor and the vehicle load sensed by the load sensor. |
| US11068001B2 |
System for detecting and indicating container volume variations
A system for detecting and indicating variations in volume of chemicals in a container is provided. The system includes a retention basin configured to retain the container. The retention basin includes a pressure cell, a basin input interfaces, and a basin controller. The pressure cell is configured to measure a weight of the container. The container is placed on the pressure cell. The basin input interface is configured to allow specification of properties of the chemicals in the container. The basin controller is configured to calculate the volume of the chemicals in the container based on the measured weight of the container and the specified properties of the chemicals in the container. The basin controller includes a basin display configured to display the calculated volume of the chemicals in the container. |
| US11067997B2 |
Simultaneous localization and mapping methods of mobile robot in motion area
The present disclosure provides a map generation method, localization method, and simultaneous localization and mapping method. The method includes: recognizing fiducial markers in the motion area; taking a position as origin of a global coordinate system of the robot, and obtaining pose information of the fiducial markers; the robot moving to a next position, recognizing the fiducial markers with determined coordinate information and underdetermined coordinate information respectively, and obtaining pose information of the fiducial marker of the undetermined coordinate information with respect to the origin based on that of the determined coordinate information; repeating the previous step until the pose information of all the fiducial markers are obtained; and generating a marker map associated with coordinate information of all fiducial markers. The method is capable of generating a map of the motion area through the fiducial markers and further realizing autonomous localization. |
| US11067995B2 |
Navigation by augmented path prediction
A navigation system may include at least one processor programmed to receive, from a camera, one or more images representative of an environment of a host vehicle; receive a first directional indicator representative of a first target trajectory direction for the host vehicle; and receive a first distance estimate associated with the first target trajectory direction. The processor may analyze the one or more images in view of the received first directional indicator and the received first distance estimate to identify in the one or more images a representation of a first road segment consistent with the first target trajectory direction and the first distance estimate; and generate a planned trajectory for the host vehicle, based at least in part on the first target trajectory direction and the first distance estimate. The planned trajectory may be made to extend along at least a portion of the first road segment. The processor may cause at least one adjustment of a navigational actuator of the host vehicle to cause the host vehicle to navigate relative to the planned trajectory. |
| US11067994B2 |
Machine control through active ground terrain mapping
An elevation map generator in a mobile agricultural machine generates an elevation map by estimating an elevation value for points in front of a work machine based on a plane derived from a measured elevation point measured by a pose detection system affixed to the work machine. Each elevation value has a corresponding confidence value that varies inversely with a distance of the point from the pose detection system. As the machine moves, additional elevation values are aggregated for each point, based on the confidence values. The machine is controlled based on the aggregated evaluation values. |
| US11067993B2 |
Vehicle and trailer maneuver assist system
A trailer assist system for a vehicle includes a plurality of sensors disposed at a vehicle, a trailer sensor disposed at a rear portion of a trailer and having a field of sensing at least rearward of the trailer, and a control having a processor operable to process data captured by the sensors. A display screen displays an area rearward of the trailer. Responsive to a user input selecting a target area present in the displayed image, the control, via processing of data captured by the sensors, is operable to determine a path of travel for the vehicle and trailer to follow to maneuver the vehicle and trailer toward a target location represented by the selected displayed target area. The control, responsive to determination of the path of travel, controls at least steering of the vehicle to maneuver the vehicle and trailer along the determined path of travel. |
| US11067991B2 |
Facilitating rider pick-up for a self-driving vehicle
A control system of a self-driving vehicle (SDV) can process sensor data from the sensor system to autonomously operate acceleration, braking, and steering systems of the SDV throughout a given region. The control system can receive a transport directive from a transport facilitation system to service a pick-up request from a requesting user, the transport directive indicating an inputted pick-up location by the requesting user. The control system can then autonomously operate the acceleration, braking, and steering systems along a current route to a pick-up area encompassing the inputted pick-up location. The control system can further determine a corresponding set of pick-up location options for the pick-up area, and as the SDV approaches the pick-up area, perform a hierarchical operation to identify, via the sensor data, an optimal pick-up location to rendezvous with the requesting user. |
| US11067989B2 |
Apparatus, method and computer program product for facilitating navigation of a vehicle based upon a quality index of the map data
An apparatus, method and computer program product are provided to facilitate the navigation of a vehicle, such as an autonomous vehicle, utilizing map data in which the quality associated with the map data is provided in a more computationally efficient manner. In the context of a method a plurality of different types of sensor data are received including map data, camera data and detector data. The method determines a quality index associated with the map data and weights the reliance upon the map data relative to other types of sensor data based upon the quality index associated with the map data. The method further includes determining navigation information for the vehicle based at least partly upon the weighting of the map data relative to other types of sensor data. |
| US11067986B2 |
Autonomous driving vehicle, method of stopping autonomous driving vehicle, and recording medium
An autonomous driving vehicle includes a main vehicle part, a processor, and a memory storing thereon a computer program, which when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform operations. The operations include detecting a gesture made, to try to stop the main vehicle part, by a person present near a road on which the main vehicle part is running, determining whether there is a passenger in the main vehicle part, and controlling autonomous driving of the main vehicle part. In a case where it is determined that there is no passenger in the main vehicle part, when a person making the gesture is detected, the controlling controls the main vehicle part to stop near the person. |
| US11067985B2 |
Alterations in self-driving vehicle behavior based on passenger time needs and calendar
Method, system, and computer product for operating a self-driving vehicle (SDV). The SDV receives information from a calendar entry of a passenger's schedule about an event at a destination location to which the SDV is to drive the passenger to. The SDV sensors detect one or more behaviors or cognitive states of the passenger while in the vehicle. The SDV determines an optimal arrival time at the destination location based on the user's schedule information and the user's behavior or cognitive state; and further alters the driving speed or route taken by the SDV based on the determined optimal arrival time and an estimated travel time. The reshaping of the SDV driving characteristics is based on calendar information received including: an event meeting time, event topic, attendees, event importance. A detected passenger behavior can include talking on a phone, reading, or being in a tired, sleeping, agitated or nervous state. |
| US11067983B2 |
Coordination of dispatching and maintaining fleet of autonomous vehicles
Various embodiments relate generally to autonomous vehicles and associated mechanical, electrical and electronic hardware, computer software and systems, and wired and wireless network communications to provide an autonomous vehicle fleet as a service. More specifically, systems, devices, and methods are configured to manage a fleet of autonomous vehicles. In particular, a method may include determining destination locations for autonomous vehicles, calculating, at an autonomous vehicle service platform, delivery locations to which the autonomous vehicles are directed, identifying data to implement a delivery location associated with an autonomous vehicle, and transmitting data representing a command to the autonomous vehicle. The command may be configured to cause navigation of the autonomous vehicle to the delivery location. |
| US11067979B2 |
Control systems for water-sports watercraft
An adjustable surf wake system can enhance a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. A rider control device can enable a rider to control the wake of the watercraft while riding the wake, such as for wake surfing. The rider can adjust the speed of the watercraft, can adjust the height of the wake, and/or can change the watercraft between a surf-left configuration and a surf-right configuration. The rider control device can include a position sensor. A drone can position a camera based on the position sensor of the rider control device for filming the rider. |
| US11067976B2 |
Data collection systems having a self-sufficient data acquisition box
The present disclosure describes systems for data collection in an industrial environment having a self-sufficient data acquisition box for capturing and analyzing data in an industrial process. A system can include a data circuit for analyzing a plurality of sensor inputs, a network control circuit for sending and receiving information related to the plurality of sensor inputs to an external system, and a storage device. The data circuit may continuously monitor sensor inputs and store them in an embedded data cube, and the self-sufficient data acquisition box dynamically determines what information to send based on analyzing historical data. |
| US11067971B2 |
Production line configuration change system and production line configuration change method
The production line configuration change system includes: an error information storage unit that stores information of an error which occurs in equipment on a production line; a work information storage unit that stores work contents required for manufacturing a product; an equipment information storage unit that stores constraint information of a tool mountable on the equipment; a production line configuration information storage unit that, in order of manufacturing processes of the product, stores a work content, work assignment equipment, a tool mounted on the equipment, and a process tact time in each of the manufacturing processes; and a production line configuration calculation unit that is activated immediately after the error occurs, prepares a change plan of assigning a work assigned to the equipment in which the error occurs to the equipment before or after the process or another equipment of the identical process and calculates a provisional production line configuration. |
| US11067969B2 |
Relay device for relaying data between devices, control method therefor, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium therefor
The present invention addresses the problem whereby the number of commands to be transmitted increases in accordance with an increase in the number of devices to be backed up and restored, and processing becomes complex. An IO-Link master is provided with: an upper-level communication control unit which receives an instruction to execute backup in which setting information is acquired from IO-Link devices, and stored in a storage unit; and a backup control unit which executes backup of the plurality of IO-Link devices in accordance with the one received instruction. |
| US11067966B2 |
Three-dimensional object data generation apparatus, three-dimensional object forming apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A three-dimensional object data generation apparatus includes a physical property value obtaining unit that obtains, using three-dimensional object data indicating a three-dimensional object represented by plural three-dimensional elements, physical property values calculated by analyzing physical properties at a time when the three-dimensional object has been formed under a predetermined forming condition, the physical property values indicating the physical properties of the plural three-dimensional elements, a division unit that divides the three-dimensional object into plural sub-objects on a basis of a result of comparison between the physical property value of each of the plural three-dimensional elements and a predetermined threshold, a representative value calculation unit that calculates a representative value of physical property values of three-dimensional elements included in each of the plural sub-objects, and a generation unit that generates the three-dimensional object data by setting a forming condition corresponding to the representative value for each of the plural three-dimensional elements using predetermined correspondences between the representative values and forming conditions of a three-dimensional object forming apparatus that forms the three-dimensional object. |
| US11067965B2 |
System and method for additive manufacturing and control thereof
Embodiments of robotic systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a robotic system includes a tool used in a manufacture process on a workpiece, and an arm having an attachment point. The arm moves the tool, in multiple degrees of freedom during the manufacture process. A robot controller controls movement of the arm based on motion parameters to perform the manufacture process via the tool. A path planner component generates the motion parameters used to perform the manufacture process while avoiding robot collision conflicts. The path planner component includes a reach configuration component including data related to physical attributes, motion attributes, kinematics, and limitations of the robotic system. The path planner component also includes a collision avoidance evaluator to, using the reach configuration component, determine if an anticipated robot path results in any robot collision conflicts. |
| US11067960B2 |
Method and arrangement for monitoring the status of a production device
Method and an arrangement for monitoring status of a production device configured to implement an industrial process or industrial production with a control device with sensors and actuators, where at least one further sensor is carried through the production device with a product being processed by the production device, where further signals are wirelessly transmitted to a status-monitoring device by the further sensor, and where the signals and/or status information items and the further signals are placeable in relationship with one another to generate status information item about the production device such that it is possible to plan the status monitoring separately from the production device, and possible to combine information items of the industrial control device with the information items and data of a mobile sensor (further sensor) that passes through the production device, such that more precise status information items about the production device status can be acquired. |
| US11067959B2 |
Methods and systems for the industrial internet of things
The system generally includes a crosspoint switch in a local data collection system having multiple inputs and multiple outputs including a first input connected to a first sensor and a second input connected to a second sensor. The multiple outputs include a first output and a second output configured to be switchable between a condition in which the first output is configured to switch between delivery of a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal and a condition in which there is simultaneous delivery of the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. Each of multiple inputs is configured to be individually assigned to any of the multiple outputs. The local data collection system includes multiple data acquisition units each having an onboard card set configured to store calibration information and maintenance history. The local data collection system is configured to manage data collection bands. |
| US11067954B1 |
Time-to-digital converters with low area and low power consumption
TDCs for converting time periods to digital values are disclosed. An example TDC includes a ring oscillator and a residue generation circuit. Each stage of the residue generation circuit is configured to operate on outputs from two different stages of the ring oscillator. The TDC further includes a counter for counting the number of times that an output of one of the stages of the ring oscillator switches between being at a first signal level and being at a second signal level during a time period that is being converted to a digital value. The TDC also includes a combiner for generating the digital value by combining a value indicative of the number of times counted by the counter and an output of the residue generation circuit. Such a TDC may have relatively low area and low power consumption compared to the conventional TDC designs, while yielding sufficiently linear behavior. |
| US11067950B2 |
Cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
In a cartridge structure employing an inclinable coupling member engaging with a rotational force transmitting portion of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the coupling member is unable to engage with the rotational force transmitting portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus when the mounting and dismounting direction and the developing/spacing direction relative to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of different from each other. Under the circumstances, a coupling lever contacting and retracting relative to the coupling member in interrelation with the mounting and dismounting operation of a developing cartridge B1, and a coupling spring for the coupling lever to apply an urging force to the coupling member are provided. |
| US11067949B2 |
Cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus which uses cartridge
A cartridge for use with a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a driving shaft having a rotational force applying portion, wherein the cartridge is dismountable from the main assembly in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the driving shaft, the cartridge including i) a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the developing roller being rotatable about an axis thereof; and ii) a coupling member engageable with the rotational force applying portion to receive a rotational force for rotating the developing roller, the coupling member being capable of taking a rotational force transmitting angular position for transmitting the rotational force for rotating the developing roller to the developing roller and a disengaging angular position in which the coupling member is inclined away from the rotational force transmitting angular position, wherein when the cartridge is dismounted from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the developing roller, the coupling member moves from the rotational force transmitting angular position to the disengaging angular position. |
| US11067939B2 |
Maintaining layer of cleaning solution on photoconductive surface via wiper with purposefully rounded edge
A cleaning solution is used to at least substantially remove colorant from the photoconductive drum as the photoconductive drum rotates. A wiper wipes the cleaning solution from the photoconductive drum while purposefully maintaining a layer of the cleaning solution on the drum. The wiper has an edge that is purposefully rounded. |
| US11067938B2 |
Cleaning unit, cartridge, image forming apparatus
Provided are a cleaning member that removes a developer from the surface of an image bearing member that is attached to an opening of a frame; a transport member that transports developer removed from the surface of the photosensitive member drum by the cleaning member, from an opening side of the frame towards an opposing deep side; and a driving unit for driving the transport member such that the transport member moves relatively to the cleaning member. The transport member is driven by the driving unit such that an absolute value of maximum acceleration at the time of movement of the transport member in a direction from the opening side of the frame towards the deep side is smaller than an absolute value of maximum acceleration at the time of movement in a direction from the deep side towards the opening side. |
| US11067937B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a power switch, a power supply circuit, a power supply control unit, and a main control unit that sends a control signal to the power supply control unit and allows the power supply control unit to perform the power supply process based on the control signal. The power supply control unit starts to count pressing time as an elapsed time while the power switch is kept pressed. If the pressing time reaches a predetermined time without a change in the control signal, the power supply control unit forcibly starts a power shutdown process. If the control signal changes before the pressing time reaches the predetermined time, the power supply control unit starts the power shutdown process after receiving from the main control unit the control signal requesting for the power shutdown process. |
| US11067935B2 |
Medium conveying apparatus for correcting a skew of a medium
A medium conveying apparatus includes a plurality of feed rollers spaced in a direction perpendicular to a medium conveying direction, each of the feed rollers rotating independently at a respective speed to feed a medium, a plurality of brake rollers, each of the plurality of brake rollers being located to face a corresponding one of the plurality of feed rollers, a plurality of torque limiters separately provided between one of rotation shafts of the plurality of brake rollers and a corresponding one of the plurality of brake rollers, and a processor to detect a skew of the medium, and correct the skew of the medium by changing the speed of one of the plurality of feed rollers when the skew of the medium is detected. |
| US11067933B2 |
Image forming apparatus providing cartridge replacement notification
The image forming apparatus includes a user interface, a controller, and a main memory. The controller provides an error notification to the user interface in a case where drum cartridge information read from the main memory does not match drum-cartridge identification information stored in a drum-cartridge memory of a drum cartridge and replacement of the drum cartridge replacement is not necessary. The controller may also provide an error notification to the user interface in a case where a toner cartridge information read from the main memory does not match toner-cartridge identification information stored in a toner-cartridge memory of a toner cartridge and replacement of the toner cartridge is not necessary. |
| US11067930B2 |
Image forming apparatus including first and second sensors reading different surfaces at different positions to detect posture and shape of a sheet
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet; a second reading sensor, and a controller. The first reading sensor is provided on a conveyance path, and is configured to read a first surface of the sheet conveyed along the conveyance path. The second reading sensor is provided at a position different from a position of the first reading sensor, and is configured to read a second surface which is on a side opposite to the first surface of the sheet conveyed along the conveyance path. The controller is configured to control the image forming unit to form measurement images for measurement of printing positions on the sheet, control the first reading sensor to read end portions of the sheet, and to control the second reading sensor to read the end portions of the sheet. |
| US11067929B2 |
Fixer and image forming device
There is provided a fixing apparatus configured to fix a toner image on a print medium by spraying a fixing solution, the fixing apparatus including: a plurality of first nozzles from which the fixing solution is sprayed, a first electrode which extends in a first direction, and which faces the first nozzles in a second direction, a holding groove which accommodates the first electrode, which is configured to hold the fixing solution sprayed from the first nozzles, and which has a discharge port through, and a container configured to contain the fixing solution discharged from the discharge port. The holding groove has a bottom surface which is positioned apart from the first electrode in the second direction so that the fixing solution held in the holding groove passes between the first electrode and the bottom surface to flow toward the discharge port. |
| US11067928B2 |
Fixing member, fixing unit, and image forming apparatus
A fixing member includes a substrate layer including a resin; a first metal layer that is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the substrate layer and including Cu; a second metal layer that is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first metal layer so as to be in contact with the first metal layer, includes Ni, and has crystal orientation indexes of 0.80 to 1.30 for a (111) plane, 0.80 to 1.50 for a (200) plane, and 0.70 to 1.30 for a (311) plane; and an elastic layer that is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the second metal layer. |
| US11067925B2 |
Heater member for the fuser assembly of an electrophotographic imaging device
A fusing apparatus includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being opposite the first surface on the substrate, a first resistive trace and a second resistive trace, the first and second resistive traces being disposed adjacent each other along the first surface of the substrate in a length-wise direction thereof. A resistance of the first resistive trace is less than a resistance of the second resistive trace. The fusing apparatus further includes a plurality of thermistors disposed along the second surface of the substrate, including a first thermistor disposed on the second surface of the substrate opposite the first resistive trace in a central location along the length of the first resistive trace, a second thermistor disposed on the second surface of the substrate opposite the second resistive trace in a central location along the length of the second resistive trace, and a third thermistor disposed on the second surface of the substrate opposite a first area of the second surface, the third thermistor being closer to a first length-wise end of the substrate than the second resistive trace and a first length-wise end of the first resistive trace being closer to the first length-wise end of the substrate than the third thermistor. |
| US11067920B2 |
Asymmetric key features
An example print component includes a container interface with a guide feature to guide rotation and a rotationally asymmetric key feature. An example toner component includes a recess to receive a toner container, a guide feature to guide rotation of the toner container, and an asymmetric key feature embedded in the guide feature to guide a container material interface towards a component material interface upon rotation. An example container may have a periphery with a rotationally asymmetric surface plane to guide rotation of the container and a protrusion extending from the periphery that has a key feature defined by edges rotationally asymmetric with respect to the periphery. An example container may include a mechanical interface including an asymmetrically-located key feature that, upon rotation of the print material container, generates a sealing force substantially perpendicular to the direction of rotation. |
| US11067918B2 |
Developer supply container and developer supplying apparatus
A developer supply container includes a developer accommodating portion 2a for accommodating toner, a developer supply opening 5b for discharging the toner accommodated in the developer accommodating portion 2a from the developer supply container 1, a feeding portion 2b for feeding the toner in the developer accommodating portion 2a toward the developer supply opening 5b, a rotatable drive receiving portion 7a for receiving a rotational force for rotating the feeding portion 2b, and a holding projection 4h held by a holding mechanism 304 provided in the developer supply container 1 to determine a position of the developer supply container 1, wherein the developer supply opening 5b is disposed between the drive receiving portion 7a and the holding projection 4h. By this, a stability of connection between the discharge opening of the developer supply container and the receiving port of the image forming apparatus side is improved. |
| US11067917B2 |
Detecting completion of injection of toner of toner refill cartridge
A toner refill cartridge includes a body in which toner is accommodated, a plunger inserted into the body and movably coupled to the body in a longitudinal direction of the body to push the toner out of the body, a toner injection completion signal generator used to detect toner injection completion according to movement of the plunger, and a connection interface located at a tip portion of the body and connectable to an image forming apparatus to transfer information about a toner refill cartridge to the image forming apparatus. |
| US11067912B2 |
Printed labels with an overcoat
Herein is described a method of providing a printed label. The method comprises: providing a printed label substrate having disposed thereon an electrostatically printed ink; applying a UV curable overcoat composition to the printed ink, wherein the UV curable overcoat composition comprises (i) a component selected from UV curable monomers and UV curable oligomers, and (ii) a slip agent; curing the overcoat composition under UV irradiation with an output power of 2500 W or less. Printed labels and an ink and overcoat composition set are also described herein. |
| US11067907B2 |
Target supply device, extreme ultraviolet light generating apparatus, and electronic device manufacturing method
A target supply device includes a vibrating element driven by a square wave electric signal and configured to generate a droplet of a target substance by vibrating the target substance to be output from a nozzle through a vibration propagating path; a temperature adjusting mechanism configured to adjust, to a specified temperature, a temperature of a vibration propagating path member including at least part of the vibration propagating path; a droplet detecting unit configured to output a signal containing information on a droplet detection interval indicating a time interval of droplets continuously generated; and a control unit configured to determine, based on the droplet detection interval, an operation specified temperature that is the specified temperature of the vibration propagating path member and an operation duty value that is a duty value of the electric signal used for driving the vibrating element when the droplet is irradiated with the laser beam. |
| US11067898B2 |
Gamma ray generator, gamma ray lithography system and method of performing gamma ray lithography
One of gamma ray lithography systems includes a gamma ray generator and a wafer stage. The gamma ray generator is configured to generate a substantially uniform gamma ray. The gamma ray generator includes a plurality of gamma ray sources and a rotational carrier. The rotational carrier is configured to hold the gamma ray sources and rotate along a rotational axis. The wafer stage is disposed below the gamma ray generator and configured to secure a wafer. |
| US11067894B2 |
Exposure method, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
Correction information is acquired for compensating for a measurement error of a second encoder system that occurs due to a displacement between four sections of a scale member of the second encoder system, based on measurement information of the second encoder system obtained in a fifth area in which four heads of the second encoder system that are provided on a second stage, which holds a substrate, respectively face the four sections of the scale member. |
| US11067893B2 |
Compositions and processes for self-assembly of block copolymers
The present invention relates to a novel styrenic polymer and to the novel composition comprised of this polymer and a solvent; wherein the styrenic polymer has a polydispersity from 1 to 1.3 and further wherein each polymer chain of the styrenic polymer is capped with one end group of structure 1), wherein, and L is a linking group selected from the group consisting of a direct valence bond, oxy (—O—), carbonyloxy, (—(C═O)—O—), carbonate (—O—(C═O)—O—); L2 is a C-1 to C-20 substituted or unsubstituted alkylene spacer, an arylene spacer or a direct valence bond, R, is hydrogen, a halide, a C-1 to C-20 alkyl moiety, or a C-1 to C-20 alkyloxy moiety, m is an integer from 1 to 3; and (I) represent the direct valence bond attaching the end group 1) to the end of the polymer chain of the styrenic polymer. In another aspect of this invention it pertains to the use of this composition to create self-assembly process. |
| US11067891B2 |
Temperature controlling apparatus
A temperature controlling apparatus includes a platen, a fluid source that supplies a fluid, a first conduit, a second conduit, and a plurality of outlet thermal sensors. The first conduit includes a first inlet, a first outlet, and a first heater configured to heat the fluid to a first heating temperature. The fluid having the first heating temperature is dispensed on the platen through the first outlet. The second conduit includes a second inlet, a second outlet and a second heater configured to heat the fluid to a second heating temperature different from the first heating temperature. The fluid having the second heating temperature is dispensed on the platen through the second outlet. The outlet thermal sensors are disposed at the first outlet and the second outlet to sense temperature of the fluid dispensed from the first outlet and the second outlet respectively. |
| US11067889B2 |
Compound, composition, and method for producing same, underlayer film forming material for lithography, composition for underlayer film formation for lithography, and purification method
A compound represented by the following formula (1) and a method for producing the same, and a composition, a composition for optical component formation, a film forming composition for lithography, a resist composition, a method for forming a resist pattern, a radiation-sensitive composition, a method for producing an amorphous film, an underlayer film forming material for lithography, a composition for underlayer film formation for lithography, a method for producing an underlayer film for lithography, a resist pattern formation method, a circuit pattern formation method, and a purification method. wherein R1 is a 2n-valent group of 1 to 60 carbon atoms or a single bond; R2 to R5 are each independently a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group of 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an aryl group of 6 to 30 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group of 2 to 30 carbon atoms, a group represented by the following formula (A), a group represented by the following formula (B), a thiol group, or a hydroxy group, wherein at least one selected from the group consisting of R2 to R5 is a group selected from the group consisting of a group represented by the following formula (A) and a group represented by the following formula (B); m2 and m3 are each independently an integer of 0 to 8; m4 and m5 are each independently an integer of 0 to 9, provided that m2, m3, m4, and m5 are not 0 at the same time; n is an integer of 1 to 4; and p2 to p5 are each independently an integer of 0 to 2: wherein each R6 is independently an alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and m′ is an integer of 1 or larger, and wherein R6 is as defined above; R7 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and m″ is 0 or an integer of 1 or larger. |
| US11067884B2 |
Through-display optical transmission, reception, or sensing through micro-optic elements
A device includes a display stack and an optical receiver. The display stack includes a set of opaque elements defining a translucent aperture. The translucent aperture extends through the display stack. The optical receiver is spaced apart from and behind a back surface of the display stack. At least one micro-optic element is formed on the back surface of the display stack, between the display stack and the optical receiver. The at least one micro-optic element includes a micro-optic element having a focal point located within the translucent aperture. The optical receiver is configured to receive light through the translucent aperture and the at least one micro-optic element. |
| US11067881B2 |
Light source system and projection system using same
The light source system includes a first light source, a light splitting device, a wavelength conversion device, and a light guiding device. The first light source emits first light. The wavelength conversion device includes at least a first color light region and a second color light region, which are sequentially inserted into an outgoing path of the first light. The first color light region emits second light excited by the first light to the light splitting device. The second color light region reflects the first light to the light splitting device. The light splitting device directs one of the first light and the second light to a light path and directs the other to the light guiding device. The first light or the second light is reflected by the light guiding device to the light splitting device, and then is guided to the light path by the light splitting device. |
| US11067880B2 |
Light source unit and projector
A light source according to the present invention includes an excitation light source configured to emit excitation light, and a luminescent wheel including a base material, a fluorescent light emitting zone formed on one surface of the base material and configured to emit fluorescent light having a wavelength in a wavelength range which differs from that of the excitation light and a reflection zone disposed so as to be aligned with the fluorescent light emitting zone on the one side surface of the base material and configured to reflect the excitation light, and a shining position of the excitation light on the fluorescent light emitting zone and a shining position of the excitation light on the reflection zone differ from each other in relation to a radial direction of the luminescent wheel. |
| US11067879B2 |
Ultra-dense LED projector using thinned gallium nitride
A small projector uses an ultra-dense array of gallium nitride (GaN) LEDs. However, epitaxial growth of GaN typically produces a GaN region that is 5 um or thicker. To achieve high pixel density, the LEDs have small area, so the resulting LED structures are tall and skinny. This is undesirable because it makes further processing more difficult and has higher optical losses. As a result, it is beneficial to reduce the thickness of the GaN region. In one approach, a wafer with the GaN region on substrate is bonded to a backplane wafer containing LED driver circuits. The substrate is then separated from the GaN region, exposing a buffer layer of the GaN region. The GaN region is thinned and then patterned into individual LEDs. Typically, the buffer layer is removed entirely. |
| US11067876B2 |
Projection display device
The projection display device includes an imaging element, a light valve, and an image-forming optical system that projects an optical image according to light emitted from the light valve onto a magnification side imaging surface and forms an image of light incident from a magnification side on an imaging element. The image-forming optical system includes a first optical system that comprises at least one lens and is used in common in projection and imaging, and a separation member that separates an optical path from the light valve toward the first optical system from an optical path from the first optical system toward the imaging element. An antireflection layer is comprised in at least one of antireflection target surfaces having a significant influence of ghost light. |
| US11067875B2 |
Stereo camera device
The present invention provides a stereo camera device with which it is possible to prevent the deformation of a housing caused by a warp or strain imposed on a cover and a difference in the rate of increase of the temperature of the housing and the cover, as well as to reduce the size of the housing and to cut down component counts and assembly man-hours. In the present invention, fixing of a substrate and a housing together and fixing of a cover and the housing together are performed in common, and the substrate and the cover are fixed to the housing at the same (common) fixing point, whereby a warp or strain imposed on the cover and a difference in the rate of increase of the temperature of the housing and the cover are absorbed by an elastic body that is used for floating/fixing and is provided for the purpose of cancelling a difference in the amount of contraction and expansion caused by a difference in the coefficient of linear expansion of the substrate and the housing. |
| US11067872B2 |
Optical parametric oscillator
A doubly resonant optical parametric oscillator (1) includes a fan-out crystal (5, 55, 105) having an optical non-linearity of order 2 and placed in an optical cavity (6) able to reflect a pump (2). The crystal (5, 55, 105) has an entrance face (59) and an exit face (60), through which faces the optical axis passes, an upper face (57) and a lower face (58). The optical parametric oscillator (1) has a crystal (105) includes a grating of polarity-inverted lines (106) originating separately and in a narrowly spaced manner at a fictional upper line (61) that is parallel to the upper face (57) of the crystal (105), and ending separately and in a widely spaced manner either at a fictional lower line (63) that is parallel to the lower face (58) of the crystal (105), or at the entrance face (59) of the crystal, two successive lines (106) making between each other a constant angle, the grating starting with a first line (108) originating at the exit face (60) of the crystal (105) and extending towards the lower fictional straight line (63) while diverging from said exit face (60). All the other lines gradually and monotonically inclining from the first straight line (108) towards the entrance face (59) of the crystal (105). |
| US11067871B2 |
Integrated imaging apparatus and display device
The present disclosure provides an integrated imaging apparatus and a display device. The integrated imaging apparatus includes: a display member, an incident light adjusting member, a lens array and a second lens that are sequentially arranged. The display member is configured to display an image; the incident light adjusting member is configured to reduce a pixel divergence angle of an incident light emitted by the display member; the lens array includes a plurality of first lens, the plurality of first lens being arranged on a plane parallel to the display member; and the second lens and the display member are coaxially arranged. The present disclosure effectively extends the field of depth, thereby improving the imaging effect of the integrated imaging apparatus. |
| US11067869B2 |
Self-contained EC IGU
Onboard EC window controllers are described. The controllers are configured in close proximity to the EC window, for example, within the IGU. The controller may be part of a window assembly, which includes an IGU having one or more EC panes, and thus does not have to be matched with the EC window, and installed, in the field. The window controllers described herein have a number of advantages because they are matched to the IGU containing one or more EC devices and their proximity to the EC panes of the window overcomes a number of problems associated with conventional controller configurations. Also described are self-meshing networks for electrochromic windows. |
| US11067868B2 |
Thin wire bus bar
An electro-optic device comprises a first substrate having a rear surface and a second substrate having a front surface opposed to the rear surface of the first surface; a cavity defined between opposed surfaces of the first and second substrates; an electrically conductive coating disposed on the rear surface of the first substrate and the front surface of the second substrate; a metal strip extending at least partially around a circumference of one of the rear surface of the first substrate and the front surface of the second substrate; and a sealing member bonding first substrate and second substrate together in a spaced apart relationship; wherein the sealing member at least partially covers at least a portion of the metal strip. |
| US11067865B1 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a display medium, a pixel structure, a read-out transistor, a first insulating layer, a light-sensing structure, and a color filter pattern. The display medium is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The pixel structure is disposed between the display medium and the first substrate. The read-out transistor has a semiconductor pattern and a control terminal. The light-sensing structure is disposed between the second substrate and the display medium, and is electrically connected to the read-out transistor. The first insulating layer is disposed between the semiconductor pattern and the control terminal of the read-out transistor. The color filter pattern is disposed between the second substrate and the display medium. The first insulating layer has an opening located outside the light-sensing structure, and the color filter pattern fills the opening of the first insulating layer. |
| US11067860B2 |
Liquid crystal diffractive devices with nano-scale pattern and methods of manufacturing the same
An optical device includes a liquid crystal layer having a first plurality of liquid crystal molecules arranged in a first pattern and a second plurality of liquid crystal molecules arranged in a second pattern. The first and the second pattern are separated from each other by a distance of about 20 nm and about 100 nm along a longitudinal or a transverse axis of the liquid crystal layer. The first and the second plurality of liquid crystal molecules are configured as first and second grating structures that can redirect light of visible or infrared wavelengths. |
| US11067857B2 |
Display panel, display device, and method for manufacturing display panel
Provided are: a display panel whereby a frame can be narrowed, while ensuring conduction between substrates; a display device; and a method for manufacturing the display panel. The display panel is provided with: a first substrate having a surface, on which an electrode layer is formed; a second substrate having a surface, on which a wiring path for supplying the electrode layer with signals is formed; and a sealing section that defines a space sealed between the first substrate surface and the second substrate surface, which are facing each other. The display panel is also provided with a columnar section that electrically connects the electrode layer to the wiring path. The columnar section is formed at a position in contact with the sealing section. |
| US11067854B2 |
Method of applying alignment film, and color filter substrate
A method of applying an alignment film on a substrate of a liquid crystal panel, the method includes: forming a surface having high wettability and a surface having low wettability, with respect to a material of the alignment film; bringing uniformly the material of the alignment film into contact with the surface having high wettability and the surface having low wettability when the material of the alignment film on the substrate is applied by using a transfer plate; and separating the transfer plate and the surface of the substrate such that the material of the alignment film is left on the surface having high wettability and the material of the alignment film is not left on the surface having low wettability. |
| US11067851B2 |
Light-emitting apparatus and display apparatus
A light-emitting apparatus according to the present invention, includes: a light source board on which a first light source group including a plurality of light sources and a sensor that detects light or temperature are disposed; and a reflection sheet that is disposed on a side of the light source board where the first light source group and the sensor are disposed, and includes an opening from which the first light source group is exposed, wherein the sensor is surrounded by the plurality of light sources. |
| US11067850B2 |
Multi-mode display
Multi-mode displays are described. In particular, multi-mode displays having an emissive display element, a partial reflector disposed on the emissive display element, a spatial light modulator disposed on the partial reflector, and an absorbing polarizer disposed on the spatial light modulator are described. Multi-mode displays having at least reflective display modes and emissive display modes are described. The display is configured such that switching between these modes happens quickly or even automatically. |
| US11067848B1 |
Switchable reflective devices including first and second optically transparent materials with different refractive indexes and methods and systems for fabrication thereof
An electroactive device may include (i) a first conductor, (ii) a first optically transparent material electrically coupled to the first conductor, the first optically transparent material including a plurality of nanovoids and having a first refractive index, (iii) a second optically transparent material electrically coupled to the first optically transparent material, the second optically transparent material having a second refractive index that is lower than the first refractive index, and (iv) a second conductor electrically coupled to the second optically transparent material. Various other methods, systems, apparatuses, and materials are also disclosed. |
| US11067841B2 |
Manufacturing method of a display device comprising polymerizing a monomer contained in a second liquid crystal layer in a region not overlapping with a coloring layer by light irradiation
Provided is a display device having high visibility regardless of the intensity of external light. Provided is a display device capable of a variety of display. Provided is a display device that can operate with low power consumption. The display device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first liquid crystal layer, a second liquid crystal layer, a first coloring layer, and a first insulating layer. The first liquid crystal layer overlaps with the second liquid crystal layer with the first insulating layer therebetween. The first electrode is configured to reflect visible light. The second electrode includes a portion not overlapping with the first electrode and is configured to transmit visible light. The second liquid crystal layer includes a first portion overlapping with the first coloring layer and the second electrode, and a second portion not overlapping with the first coloring layer. The first portion contains monomers and liquid crystal. The second portion contains a polymer obtained by polymerization of the monomers. |
| US11067832B2 |
Lens element
A lens element intended to be worn in front of an eye of a person includes a prescription portion having a first refractive power based on a prescription for correcting an abnormal refraction of the eye of the person and a second refractive power different from the first refractive power. The lens element further includes a plurality of at least three optical elements, at least one optical element having an optical function of not focusing an image on the retina of the eye to slow down the progression of the abnormal refraction of the eye. |
| US11067822B2 |
Optical system
An optical system is provided and includes a fixed module, a movable module, a sensing unit and a driving assembly. The fixed module includes a base, and the movable module includes an optical member holder, configured to hold an optical member. The sensing unit is configured to obtain information related to a first rotation angle of the optical member holder when rotating around a first axis relative to the base and a second rotation angle of the optical member holder when rotating around a second axis relative to the base. The driving assembly includes a coil, the coil and the movable module are arranged along an optical axis of the optical member, and the coil is disposed around an opening of the base. The first axis or the second axis is perpendicular to the optical axis. |
| US11067821B2 |
Apodized optical elements for optical artifact reduction
Techniques disclosed herein relate to a near-eye display system. One example of an optical device of a near-eye display includes a substrate and holographic grating conformally coupled to a surface of the substrate. The substrate is transparent to visible light and infrared light and is configured to be placed in front of an eye of a user of the near-eye display. A refractive index modulation of the holographic grating is apodized in a surface-normal direction of the substrate to reduce optical artifacts in the visible light. |
| US11067820B2 |
Structured light projector and three-dimensional image sensing module
A structured light projector including a light source, an irradiation range controlling device, and a diffractive optical element is provided. The irradiation range controlling device is disposed on a transmission path of a light beam from the light source. The diffractive optical element is disposed on a transmission path of the light beam from the irradiation range controlling device. The irradiation range controlling device is adapted to control an irradiation range of the light beam transmitted to the diffractive optical element so as to change a size of a region of the diffractive optical element illuminated by the light beam from the irradiation range controlling device. A three-dimensional image sensing module using the same is also provided. |
| US11067815B2 |
Apparatus for beam shaping of laser radiation
An apparatus for beam shaping of laser radiation in the form of ultra short pulses includes an achromatic optical device comprising a first substrate having a first Abbe number and a second substrate connected to the first substrate and having a second Abbe number that is different from the first Abbe number. The first and second substrates are arranged to allow the laser radiation to at least partially pass through the first and second substrates in succession, wherein an optically functional transformation boundary surface is disposed on one of the first and second substrates. The optically functional transformation boundary surface allows the laser radiation to pass at least partially, such that a profile of the laser radiation is transformed into a top-hat profile. |
| US11067812B2 |
Waveguide display element with reflector surface
A waveguide display element includes a waveguide comprising two opposing main surfaces, a first optical element arranged at a first location of the waveguide, a second optical element arranged at a second location of the waveguide, and at least one reflector surface extending between said main surfaces and adapted to reflect light rays propagating within the waveguide. The reflector surface is adapted to redirect light rays from the first optical element to the second optical element. |
| US11067809B1 |
Systems and methods for minimizing external light leakage from artificial-reality displays
The disclosed display system may include (1) a display element that is transparent and includes a first surface facing a viewing region and a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface facing an external environment, (2) a light-blocking shutter that faces and overlaps at least a portion of the second surface of the display element, (3) a display-driving subsystem that displays images visible to a user at the viewing region via display light emitted from the first surface of the display element during active display intervals, and (4) a shutter-driving subsystem that alternately switches the state of the light-blocking shutter between a blocking state during the active display intervals and a pass-through state during inactive display intervals when the display light is not emitted from the display element. Various other systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed. |
| US11067806B2 |
Foveated display for augmented reality
An augmented reality display system includes a first beam path for a foveal inset image on a holographic optical element, a second beam path for a peripheral display image on the holographic optical element, and pupil position tracking logic that generates control signals to set a position of the foveal inset as perceived through the holographic optical element, to determine the peripheral display image, and to control a moveable stage. |
| US11067799B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a first diffraction element that diffracts light emitted from a light source section in front of an observer such that the light is directed to an eye of the observer, and a second diffraction element that is disposed in an optical path from the light source to the first diffraction element to diffract the light such that the light is directed to the first diffraction element. The first diffraction element has a wider wavelength width than the second diffraction element at the half value of diffraction efficiency with respect to light in a first wavelength range, a second wavelength range, and a third wavelength range. This structure reduces a decrease in intensity of the light diffracted by the second diffraction element and the first diffraction element even if a wavelength at which diffraction efficiency is maximum is shifted in the first diffraction element. |
| US11067796B2 |
Information display system for a vehicle
A display system of a vehicle includes a display device disposed in the vehicle and operable to display heads up information for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The display device includes a mirror, a display screen and a cooling device. The mirror is pivotally mounted at a base plate and is pivotable via a pin of a mounting arm of the mirror moving along a spiral groove of a gear element when the gear element is rotated. The pin is urged towards a side wall of the spiral groove to limit play of the mirror relative to the base plate. |
| US11067794B2 |
Scan mirror systems and methods
A system to scan a field of view with light beams can include a scanning mirror arrangement having a mirror and a drive mechanism configured to rotate the mirror about an axis between two terminal positions; at least one light source configured to simultaneously produce at least a first light beam and a second light beam directed at the mirror from different directions. Upon rotation of the mirror, the first and second light beams can scan a field of view. The scanning mirror arrangement may include a mirror; hinges attached at opposite sides of the mirror; and a drive mechanism attached to the hinges and configured to twist the hinges resulting in a larger twist to the mirror, wherein the hinges are disposed between the drive mechanism and the mirror. |
| US11067793B2 |
Mems reflector system with trajectory control
A scanning microelectromechanical reflector system comprising a mobile reflector mass and a mobile frame mass which surrounds the mobile reflector mass when the reflector plane coincides with the mobile frame plane. The mobile frame mass is suspended from a fixed frame which at least partly surrounds the mobile frame mass when the mobile frame plane coincides with the fixed frame plane. The reflector system further comprises a pair of first torsion beams aligned on a first axis in the mobile frame plane, and one or more first actuation units which can be configured to rotate the reflector mass and the mobile frame mass about the first axis. |
| US11067792B2 |
Two-dimensional optical scanning mirror device, manufacturing method for same, two-dimensional optical scanner and image projector
A two-dimensional optical scanning mirror device, a manufacturing method for the same, a two-dimensional optical scanning device and an image projector. A two-dimensional optical scanning mirror device includes a substrate, a movable mirror portion supported on the substrate in such a manner that two-dimension optical scanning is possible, a hard magnetic thin film provided in the movable mirror portion and a magnetic field generator that includes at least an alternating magnetic field generator for driving the movable mirror portion, where the hard magnetic thin film has a magnetization direction in a direction of a film plane, and the ratio of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator relative to the coercive force of the hard magnetic thin film is 0.2 or lower. |
| US11067789B2 |
Borescope wand protection system
The present disclosure is directed to a borescope. The borescope includes a borescope wand having a base portion, an articulating portion, a lens end, and an outer surface. A lens is positioned in the lens end of the borescope wand. A sleeve is positioned around a portion of the outer surface of the borescope wand. The sleeve is spaced apart from the lens. An end cap defines a passage extending therethrough from a first opening to a second opening. The lens end of the borescope wand extends through the first opening and is positioned within the passage such that the lens is positioned between the first opening and the second opening. |
| US11067788B2 |
Bright relay optical system, and optical system for rigid endoscope and rigid endoscope using the same
A relay optical system includes an object-side lens which is disposed nearest to an object, an image-side lens which is disposed nearest to an image, and a cemented lens having a positive refractive power. The object-side lens has a positive refractive power and is disposed such that a convex surface is directed toward an object side. The image-side lens has a positive refractive power and is disposed such that a convex surface is directed toward an image side. A plurality of the cemented lenses is disposed between the object-side lens and the image side lens and the following conditional expression (1) is satisfied: 0.04 |
| US11067787B2 |
Microscope mounted infrared digital thermal image system
An infrared (IR) digital lens (IR Objective) for an optical microscope is disclosed which includes a body, configured to be mounted to an objective interface of an optical microscope, an IR camera disposed in the body, the IR camera configured to receive light in the range of IR and capture images from a specimen disposed under the body without the need to move the specimen from the optical microscope. |
| US11067786B2 |
Artifact regulation methods in deep model training for image transformation
A computerized method of artifact regulation in deep model training for image transformation first performs one cycle of deep model training by computing means using a training data, a validation data, a similarity loss function, an artifact regulation loss function and a weight of loss functions to generate similarity loss and artifact regulation loss and a deep model. The method then performs a training evaluation using the similarity loss and the artifact regulation loss thus obtained to generate a training readiness output. Then, depending upon the training readiness output, the method may be terminated if certain termination criteria are met, or may perform another cycle of deep model training and training evaluation, with or without updating the weight, until the termination criteria are met. Alternatively, the deep model training in the method may be a deep adversarial model training or a bi-directional deep adversarial training. |
| US11067778B2 |
Imaging optical lens assembly, imaging apparatus and electronic device
An imaging optical lens assembly includes seven lens elements, the seventh lens elements being, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element, a sixth lens element, and a seventh lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in a paraxial region thereof. The second lens element has negative refractive power. The seventh lens element has an image-side surface being concave in a paraxial region thereof and having a critical point in an off-axis region thereof. The image-side surface and an object-side surface of the seventh lens element are both aspheric. |
| US11067777B2 |
Optical imaging system
The present disclosure discloses an optical imaging system. The optical imaging system includes, sequentially from an object side to an image side, a first lens having a negative refractive power; a second lens having a refractive power; a third lens having a negative refractive power; a fourth lens having a refractive power; a fifth lens having a refractive power; a sixth lens having a refractive power; and a seventh lens having a refractive power. There is an air spacing on an optical axis between any two adjacent lenses in the first to seventh lenses. An effective focal length f of the optical imaging system and an entrance pupil diameter EPD of the optical imaging system satisfy: f/EPD≤2.10. The effective focal length f of the optical imaging system and an effective focal length f1 of the first lens satisfy: f1/f>−3. |
| US11067770B2 |
Image pickup unit and image pickup apparatus for holding lens group movably in optical axis direction
An image pickup unit including a lens barrel having a plurality of first holding members holding optical components, respectively. The image pickup unit includes two vibration-type linear actuators each configured to drive different driving objects in an optical axis direction of the lens barrel. One of the two vibration-type linear actuators drives at least one of the first holding members in the optical axis direction of the lens barrel. The two vibration-type linear actuators are disposed on a first side surface parallel to an optical axis of the lens barrel. |
| US11067768B2 |
Optical member driving mechanism
An optical member driving mechanism is provided, including a first module, a second module, a driving module, and an electronic member module. The driving module can drive the second module to move relative to the first module. The electronic member module includes at least one electronic member, at least one lead frame, and a package member. The lead frame is connected to the electronic member and an external circuit outside the optical member driving mechanism. The package member has a single material and covers the electronic member and the lead frame. The lead frame is exposed from the package member, and the electronic member is not exposed therefrom. |
| US11067767B2 |
Actuator driver
A position detection unit generates a position detection value PFB that indicates the position of a control target. A temperature detection unit generates a temperature detection value that indicates the temperature. A correction unit corrects the position detection value PFB. A controller generates a control instruction value SREF such that the position detection value PFB_CMP subjected to the correction matches a position instruction value PREF that indicates the target position of the control target. A driver unit applies a driving signal that corresponds to the control instruction value SREF to an actuator. The correction unit corrects the position detection value PFB such that the relation between the position detection value PFB and the actual position exhibits linearity that is uniform independent of the temperature. |
| US11067766B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An apparatus includes a control portion. When a toner image formed on a first recording material is fixed onto the first recording material by the fixing portion, and then an image is formed on a second recording material of which width is larger than that of the first recording material, the control portion can execute a cooling sequence to cool a non-passing region of the fixing portion through which the second recording material passes but the first recording material does not pass, before the toner image formed on the second recording material is fixed by the fixing portion. The control portion sets an execution condition to execute the cooling sequence in accordance with information on the toner image in the region of the second recording material corresponding to the non-passing region. |
| US11067765B2 |
Evanescent coupling of photodiode with optical waveguide
Embodiments described herein include an apparatus comprising a semiconductor-based photodiode disposed on a semiconductor layer, and an optical waveguide spaced apart from the semiconductor layer and evanescently coupled with a depletion region of the photodiode. The photodiode may be arranged as a vertical photodiode or a lateral photodiode. |
| US11067764B2 |
Optical transceiver
An optical transceiver includes a receptacle, a ferrule and a ferrule fastening component. The receptacle includes a supporting portion and an inset portion connected with each other. The ferrule is disposed within the inset portion. The ferrule fastening component is disposed on the receptacle. The ferrule fastening component includes a first holding portion, a cap and a second holding portion connected together. The cap is located between the first holding portion and the second holding portion. The first holding portion touches the supporting portion, the second holding portion touches the ferrule, and the cap covers a first area of a top surface of the receptacle. |
| US11067763B2 |
Integrated packaged light engine and signal transmitting and receiving method thereof
Disclosed are an integrated packaged light engine and signal emitting and receiving method thereof. The light engine includes molded interconnection device in which ceramic substrate is embedded, laser chip, photodiode chip, optical driving chip, transimpedance amplifier chip, array lens module and optical fiber interface provided on the ceramic substrate; the signal transmitting method includes: S1, powering optical drive chip by external power supply; S2, transmitting external signal to optical drive chip, so that laser chip emits optical signal; S3, totally reflecting and then transmitting optical signal by array lens module. The signal receiving method includes: S1, optical signal entering optical fiber interface; S2, optical signal entering array lens module; S3, transmitting optical signal to photodiode chip by array lens module; S4, converting and then transmitting optical signal into electrical signal to transimpedance amplifier chip by photodiode chip; S5, transmitting electrical signal to external circuit by transimpedance amplifier chip. |
| US11067762B2 |
Optical module including photo detector with lens
An optical module according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a substrate having a base plane, an optical circuit element having an optical waveguide and a reflector, a support member, a photo detector mounted on the base plane, the photo detector including a condenser lens and a light-receiving layer. The light beam travels along an optical path from the reflector to the tangent plane, the optical path having a shortest distance set to be smaller than a preset value, and as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base plane, the light beam has an optical axis set apart from the top of the condenser lens by an offset distance. |
| US11067759B2 |
Ingress protected fan-out connector and adapter assembly
An integral fan-out connector assembly for fiber optic cables includes a connector housing that provides an integrated fan-out housing and connection adapter. The fan-out connector housing may be configured with a variety of cable adapters, and may be installed as a ‘plug and play’ type solution where it will be ready to accept a feed cable for use when needed. |
| US11067757B2 |
Optical wire transition adapter
A transition adapter for routing a first optical cable into a plurality of optical cables of the present disclosure has a main body. In addition, the transition adapter has a first channel within the main body and configured for receiving the first optical cable, a second channel, the first channel open to the second channel, the second channel within the main body and configured for receiving a second optical cable, which is a first portion of the first optical cable, the second channel terminating with a first opening from which the second optical cable extends, and a third channel, the first channel open to the third channel, the third channel within the main body and configured for receiving a third optical cable, which is a second portion of the first optical cable, the third channel terminating with a second opening from which the third optical cable extends. |
| US11067756B2 |
Small form factor stackable fiber optic adapter assemblies
A stackable adapter having opposing ports configured to accept differing fiber optic connectors along a longitudinal axis. The stackable adapter is formed from opposing partially open sidewalls having a recess and a protrusion opposite one another near a top edge and bottom edge. Mating two stackable adapters forms a stackable adapter assembly with stackable outer sidewalls for reducing the width of an array of two stackable adapters by at least one-third over placing two standard adapter side-by-side in the panel. |
| US11067752B2 |
Reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer
Embodiments of the present invention provide a reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer, including: an input component, an output component, a beamsplitter, a first switch array, a wavelength dispersion system, a redirection system, and a second switch array. The input component includes M+P input ports, the output component includes N output ports, the beamsplitter is configured to: receive M input beams from M input ports, and split each of the M input beams into at least N parts, to obtain at least M×N beams; the first switch array includes at least P switch units; and the second switch array includes N rows of switch units. The first switch array, the beamsplitter, the wavelength dispersion system, the redirection system, and the second switch array are arranged so that P optical add beams and sub-beams of M×N beams in the at least M×N beams can be routed to the N output ports. |
| US11067750B2 |
Silicon photonics platform with integrated oxide trench edge coupler structure
Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to optical coupling between a highly-confined waveguide region and a low confined waveguide region in an optical device. The low confined waveguide region includes a trench in a substrate of the optical device in order to provide additional dielectric layer thickness for insulation between the substrate of the optical device and waveguides for light signals having a low optical mode. The low confined waveguide region is coupled to the highly-confined waveguide region via a waveguide overlap and in some embodiments via an intermediary coupling waveguide. |
| US11067748B2 |
Guide transition device and method
A guide transition device including a light source designed to generate a light beam, a light input port on a first plane and coupled to receive the light beam from the light source, a light output port on a second plane different than the first plane, the light output port designed to couple a received light beam to output equipment and plane shifting apparatus coupled to receive the light beam from the light input port on the first plane and to shift or transfer the light beam to the second plane. The plane shifting apparatus is coupled to transfer the light beam to the light output port on the second plane. |
| US11067746B2 |
Light deflection device
In a light deflection device, the radiation efficiency of radiated light beams is to be improved. The light deflection device is configured by a photonic crystal waveguide having a lattice array with low refractive index parts periodically arrayed in a surface of a high refractive-index member. The lattice array has a dual-periodic structure consisting of a first periodic array and a second periodic array which differ from each other in periodic arrangement of the low refractive index parts. A line defect where no low refractive index parts are arrayed constitutes a waveguide core for propagating incident light. The cross section of at least either the first periodic array or the second periodic array constituting the periodic arrays of the dual-periodic structure is asymmetrical in the thickness direction of the low refractive index parts. |
| US11067745B1 |
Display assembly including at least two display devices
A display assembly includes at least two display devices and two image compensating elements at a juxtaposition of every adjacent two display devices. Each display device includes a front surface that is viewed by user. Each front surface defines a display area and a border area. Each image compensating element is on the front surface. Each image compensating element includes a first part and a second part independent from each other, the first part is closer to the border area than the second part. Each of the first part and the second part includes a plurality of light guiding channels extending along a direction from a light-incident surface toward a light-emitting surface. |
| US11067743B1 |
Electronic device with light guide module comprising two light guide units and elastic unit there between
A light guide module is provided. The light guide module includes a first light guide unit, a second light guide unit and an elastic unit. The elastic unit is disposed between the first light guide unit and the second light guide unit. One side of the elastic unit is connected to the first light guide unit, and the other side of the elastic unit is connected to the second light guide unit. In an initial state, a first distance is formed between the first light guide unit and the second light guide unit. In an extended state, the elastic unit is elastically deformed, and a second distance is formed between the first light guide unit and the second light guide unit. |
| US11067742B2 |
Backlight module, display device, and method for manufacturing backlight module
The present disclosure provides a backlight module and a display device, and relates to the field of display technology. The backlight module includes: a heat sink located above a backplane for dissipating heat generated by a light source; a reflective member disposed on a side of a light guide plate adjacent to the backplane; and one or more thermal buffer members disposed between the heat sink and the reflective member, wherein a thermal conductivity coefficient of each of the thermal buffer members in a direction perpendicular to a light exiting surface of the backlight module is less than that of the heat sink. |
| US11067736B2 |
Directional privacy display
A directional privacy display may include a waveguide; and an array of light sources and spatial light modulator that operate in a time sequential manner. The waveguide may include light extraction features arranged to direct light from an array of light sources by total internal reflection to an array of viewing windows and a reflector arranged to direct light from the waveguide by transmission through extraction features of the waveguide to the same array of viewing windows. First and second phases may be temporally multiplexed with respective primary and secondary images and primary and secondary angular illumination distributions. An efficient and bright privacy display may be provided with obscured primary image visibility for off-axis observers. |
| US11067735B2 |
Direct-lit backlight unit with 2D local dimming
Backlight units include a light guide plate having a plurality of light extraction features, at least one light source optically coupled to a second major surface of the light guide plate, a rear reflector positioned proximate the second major surface, and a patterned reflective layer positioned proximate a first major surface of the light guide plate. Display and lighting devices comprising such backlight units are further disclosed. |
| US11067726B2 |
Gratings with variable depths for waveguide displays
A manufacturing system for fabricating self-aligned grating elements with a variable refractive index includes a patterning system, a deposition system, and an etching system. The manufacturing system performs a lithographic patterning of one or more photoresists to create a stack over a substrate. The manufacturing system performs a conformal deposition of a protective coating on the stack. The manufacturing system performs a deposition of a first photoresist of a first refractive index on the protective coating. The manufacturing system performs a removal of the first photoresist to achieve a threshold value of first thickness. The manufacturing system performs a deposition of a second photoresist of a second refractive index on the first photoresist. The second refractive index is greater than the first refractive index. The manufacturing system performs a removal of the second photoresist to achieve a threshold value of second thickness to form a portion of an optical grating. |
| US11067724B2 |
Fresnel-based varifocal lens assembly for VR or AR displays
A near-eye display system includes a display panel to emit display light representative of a display image and a lens assembly disposed along an optical axis. The lens assembly includes a first phase mask plate having a first major surface facing the display and a second major surface opposite the first major surface, the second major surface implementing a first freeform Fresnel lens structure, and further includes a second phase mask plate adjacent and parallel to the first phase mask plate and having a third major surface facing the second major surface and an opposing fourth majors surface, the third major surface implementing a second freeform Fresnel lens structure. A pose of at least one of the first and second phase mask plates relative to the other is configured to be adjusted so as to adjust an optical power of the lens assembly. |
| US11067718B1 |
Aggregating sensor data for environment conditions
Described are systems, methods, and apparatus that gathers environment condition data from different sensors at various locations within an area, aggregates the environment condition data to produce aggregated environment condition scores for the area and provides the aggregated environment condition scores to different locations within the area. While sensor data from a single sensor/device, such as a camera may provide low quality environment information, by collecting and aggregating information from multiple sensors and/or locations in the area, highly accurate aggregated environment condition scores for environment conditions may be realized. The aggregated environment condition scores may be provided to various locations within the area as representative of the environment condition at that point in time within the area, regardless of whether those locations have sensors. The aggregated environment condition scores may be used by other devices at those locations to automate one or more actions, such as adjusting lighting conditions, closing garage doors, adjusting window blind positions, etc. |
| US11067716B2 |
System and method for a downhole gamma ray instrument
A downhole logging tool includes a radiation generation source operable to emit radiation into a formation surrounding the tool and a radiation detector operable to detect backscattered radiation from the formation surrounding the tool. The tool also includes a sleeve positioned around the radiation generation source, the sleeve including at least one aperture for forming a pathway for a radiation beam, emitted from the radiation generation source, to enter the formation, the sleeve being rotatable about an axis of the tool to change a position of the aperture to distinctly inspect different regions of the formation. |
| US11067714B2 |
Systems and methods for locating a metal object
A device for locating an object. The device includes a housing including a first hole. The device also includes a sensor carried by the housing and comprising two or more electrodes that are positioned next to each other to form a substantially circular configuration. The sensor includes a second hole formed in the center of the circular configuration, and the second hole is axially aligned with the first hole. |
| US11067713B2 |
Electrostatic field sensor and security system in interior and exterior spaces
Electrostatic field sensor and security system in interior spaces and exterior spaces which can measure electrostatic fields and the variations thereof along a metal conductor that acts as a detection probe or antenna (1). The antenna (1) is connected to an electronic circuit (2, 3, 4, 31, 32) which is able to decode the changes in the electrostatic field around the conductor and to detect minuscule variations in the electrostatic field by means of a processor (7) enabling the clear detection of a human presence in an area surrounding the antenna (1) and the ability to differentiate between a human presence and any other type of animal or object. |
| US11067709B2 |
Radiation position detection method, radiation position detector, and PET apparatus
A radiation position detection method includes: a first step of calculating a first centroid position in an incident direction regarding positions where scintillation light is detected, on the basis of electrical signals; and a second step of specifying, on the basis of a first table showing first identification regions for identifying the plurality of segments, and the first centroid position, the segment that initially generates the scintillation light. The first identification region includes a first region, a second region, and a third region. In the second step, in a case where the first centroid position is located in the first region or the third region, the first segment is specified as the segment that initially generates the scintillation light, and in a case where the first centroid position is located in the second region, the second segment is specified as the segment that initially generates the scintillation light. |
| US11067703B2 |
Shadow recovery of a single satellite signal in a GNSS receiver
A GNSS receiver includes an antenna receiving GNSS signals from a plurality of GNSS satellites; a plurality of channels, each channel processing a single GNSS signal from a single GNSS satellite, and outputting a pseudo-phase of a signal carrier frequency of the single GNSS signal; a block for solving the navigation task based on the pseudo-phases of multiple GNSS signals; each channel including a detector of shadowing of the corresponding GNSS signal; each channel including a weight calculator specifying a relative weight of the single GNSS signal in solving of the navigation task; and each channel including a circuit for recovering a tracking of the shadowed GNSS signal once the shadowing ends. The recovering includes generating guiding indications that enable reducing a time to re-acquire the shadowed GNSS signal. |
| US11067702B2 |
Method and apparatus for second order intercept point (IP2) calibration
An electronic device, a method, and a chipset for receiving global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals are provided. An input/output (I/O) mixer including a first multiplier and a second multiplier downconverts a modulated radio frequency wave to an intermediate frequency. The modulated radio frequency wave is input to first inputs of the first multiplier and the second multiplier, and where an in-phase signal, from a first digital to analog converter (DAC), and a quadrature phase signal, from a second DAC, are input to second inputs of the first multiplier and the second multiplier, respectively. A mixer imbalance between the first mixer and the second mixer is reduced using direct current (DC) bias voltages from the first DAC and the second DAC. The DC bias voltages are determined based on a first and second DAC codes of the first and second DACs. The downconverted modulated radio frequency wave is filtered. |
| US11067699B2 |
Apparatus and method for improved position determination for a vehicle
An apparatus for use in a vehicle for receiving and processing first data while the vehicle is in a parked position, the data taking into consideration errors in a position determination for the vehicle on account of atmospheric effects. The first data are produced by at least one satellite which is designed to send the first data to the vehicle having a first communication interface. The first communication interface is designed to receive the first data from the at least one satellite. A controller is connectable to the first communication interface in order to receive first data from the first communication interface for processing. The controller is further designed to take the received first data as a basis for determining at least one parameter for the creation of an error correction model for correcting a position error in the determination of a position for the vehicle. |
| US11067697B2 |
Method and system for providing assistance to geolocation of node devices of an asynchronous RF network
Where each node device is assumed to know the time-of-day with an accuracy of only plus or minus 1 second, the geolocation of said node device is determined by an A-GNSS server by help of a time-stamp known with an accuracy better than or equal to 10 milliseconds and added by at least one transceiver of the asynchronous RF network. Indeed, the technical feature of said asynchronous RF network according to which the time-of-day at which data are sent from each node device is known in a deterministic manner allows the A-GNSS server to determine retrospectively this time-of-day in function and with the precision of the time-stamp added by said at least one transceiver to the data packet issued from said node device over the asynchronous RF network. |
| US11067692B2 |
Detector for determining a position of at least one object
A method for adjusting a detector (110) for determining a position of at least one object (112) within a range of measurement (114) is disclosed. The detector (110) comprises at least two longitudinal optical sensors (116) and at least one transfer device (118) for imaging the object (112) into an image plane. The transfer device (118) has a focal plane. The transfer device (118) is positioned in between the longitudinal optical sensors (116) and the object (112). Each of the longitudinal optical sensors (116) has at least one sensor region (120). Each of the longitudinal optical sensors (116) is designed to generate at least one longitudinal sensor signal in a manner dependent on an illumination of the respective sensor region (120) by at least one light beam (178) propagating from the object (112) to the detector (110), wherein the longitudinal sensor signal, given the same total power of the illumination, is dependent on a beam cross-section of the light beam (178) in the sensor region (120). The detector (110) further comprises at least one evaluation device (124). The method comprises the following steps: (i) subsequently moving the object (112) longitudinally to at least two different calibration positions (134, 136) having at least two different longitudinal coordinates within the range of measurement (114); (ii) recording, for each of the calibration positions (134, 136), at least one first longitudinal sensor signal generated by a first longitudinal optical sensor (126) and at least one second longitudinal sensor signal generated by a second longitudinal optical sensor (128); (iii) forming, for each of the calibration positions (134, 126), at least one calibration signal using the first and second longitudinal sensor signals; (iv) generating a calibration function using the calibration signals, the calibration function defining a relationship between the longitudinal coordinate of the object (112) and the first and second longitudinal sensor signals. |
| US11067689B2 |
Information processing device, information processing method and program
The information processing device includes a plurality of light transmission/reception units and an information processing unit. Each of the light transmission/reception unit includes an emission unit which emits a light, a scanning unit which scans the light emitted by the emission unit, and a light receiving unit which receives the light reflected by an object. The information processing unit obtains at least one of a distance to the object and an angle of the object based on light receiving results of the light receiving units. Each of the scanning units is arranged at a position where there is a direction in which the light scanned by the scanning unit is blocked by a vehicle itself, and scans the light omnidirectionally in a horizontal direction in a manner shared by the scanning units. |
| US11067681B1 |
Adaptive algorithms for interrogating the viewable scene of an automotive radar
A radar system in an autonomous vehicle may be operated in various modes and with various configurations. In one example, the radar system determines a target range for further interrogation. The target range may be determined based on the radar system transmitting a first electromagnetic radiation signal and receiving a first reflected electromagnetic signal radiation signal. After the radar system determines a target range, it transmits a second electromagnetic radiation signal. Additionally, the radar system receives a reflected electromagnetic signal radiation based on the transmission. After receiving the reflected signal, the radar system can process the reflected signal to only have components associated with the target range. The processing of the reflected signal may create a processed signal. Finally, the radar system may determine at least one parameter of a target object based on the processed signal. |
| US11067678B2 |
Radar device using delay
A radar device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept includes a clock generator, a transmitter, a receiver, and a signal processor. The clock generator outputs the transmission clock, outputs the reception clock at the second time after the delay from the first time when the transmission clock is outputted, and generates the notification signal when the delay has the minimum value. The transmitter emits a transmission signal based on the transmission clock. The receiver receives an echo signal corresponding to the transmission signal, and generates a first signal corresponding to the echo signal based on the reception clock. The signal processor obtains a third time point at which a delay has the minimum value based on the notification signal. |
| US11067677B2 |
Ultrasound imaging transducer array with integrated apodization
A transducer array (802) includes at least one 1D array of transducing elements (804). The at least one 1D array of transducing elements includes a plurality of transducing elements (904). A first of the plurality of transducing elements has a first apodization and a second of the plurality of transducing elements has a second apodization. The first apodization and the second apodization are different. The transducer array further includes at least one electrically conductive element (910) in electrical communication with each of the plurality of transducing elements. The transducer array further includes at least one electrical contact (906) in electrical communication with the at least one electrically conductive element. The at least one electrical contact concurrently addresses the plurality of transducing elements through the at least one electrically conductive element. |
| US11067676B2 |
Lidar intensity calibration
Aspects of the present disclosure involve a vehicle computer system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing a set of instructions, and a method for light detection and ranging (Lidar) intensity calibration. The method includes collecting a data set comprising a plurality of raw intensity values output by a channel of a Lidar unit at a particular power level from among multiple power levels at which the channel is capable of operating. The method further includes using a linear model to compute a calibration multiplier and a bias value for the particular power level of the channel. During operation of the vehicle, calibrated intensity values are determined by applying the linear model to subsequent raw intensity values output by the channel at the particular power using the determined calibration multiplier and bias value. |
| US11067673B2 |
Sensor, apparatus for lidar application and method of background cancellation
Techniques of designing an image sensor particularly useful in lidar applications are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, an image sensor is designed to take advantage of the architecture of CMOS sensor with correlated double sampling, or CDS, to avoid the sensing speed being halved in order to cancel background light interference. It is commonly known that a photosensor is read twice (i.e., first and second readouts) in CDS for removing the inherent noises from the photosensor itself. Instead of subtracting a pixel's dark or reference output level from an actual light-induced signal, a background image is managed to be captured before the second readout of the sensor and subtracted from an actual image, where the actual image is defined to include an target. As a result, the readout speed of an image sensor is maintained while the background light interference is removed. |
| US11067668B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for automatically configuring a detection device
A method, system, and computer program product is provided for automatically configuring a detection device. The method includes scanning, with a LiDAR device, a region to generate LiDAR data, analyzing the LiDAR data to determine a material classification for the region, determining a zone of interest within the region based on the material classification, the zone of interest comprising a subset of the region defined by a spatial boundary, monitoring the zone of interest with the detection device, identifying an event occurring within the spatial boundary of the zone of interest based on monitoring the region with the detection device, and in response to identifying the event occurring within the spatial boundary, automatically initiating at least one responsive action. |
| US11067666B2 |
Self-compensating radar system
A method for self-calibrating a radar system includes forming a calibration loop-back signal path. The calibration loop-back signal path is configured for determining a passband response of each of a radio frequency (RF) signal path, a local oscillator (LO) signal path, and an intermediate frequency (IF) signal path of the radar system. The method also includes transmitting a set of calibration signals into the RF signal path and the LO signal path and measuring output signals from the IF signal path in a receiver of the radar system. The method further includes determining the passband response of each of the RF signal path, the LO signal path and the IF signal path from the measured output signals and compensating for distortions and/or non-linearities in the signal paths using the passband response of each signal path. |
| US11067655B2 |
Method and apparatus recording two magnetic resonance images
In a method for creating a first and a second image dataset of an examination object, a train of RF refocusing pulses are radiated into the examination object after the radiation of an RF excitation pulse to generate a spin echo signal after each radiated RF refocusing pulse, phase encoding gradients are activated for encoding the phases of the spin echo signals generated, and readout gradients are activated in each case in a readout window to read out the generated spin echo signals as measurement data. The readout windows alternately include a first time point at which the phases of the different spin species in the spin echo signal are the same, and a second time point at which the phases of the different spin species in the spin echo signal are not the same. |
| US11067652B2 |
Radio frequency coil
A radio frequency coil according to an embodiment configured to receive a magnetic resonance signal from a subject by a plurality of coil elements including a first coil element and a second coil element. The first coil element and the second coil element are supported by a first housing and a second housing, the first housing and the second housing being rigid. The first housing and the second housing are connected by a flexible connector. The first coil element overlaps the second coil element at least part of the connector. |
| US11067649B2 |
Method for creating electron-beam hologram, magnetic field information measurement method and magnetic field information measuring device
An object wave made of an electron beam influenced by a sample and reference beam made of an electron beam not influenced by the sample are made to interfere with each other where a magnetic field has been applied to the sample to create a first electron-beam hologram and create a first reconstructed phase image from the first electron-beam hologram. An object wave made of an electron beam influenced by the sample and a reference beam made of an electron beam not influenced by the sample are made to interfere where a magnetic field has not been applied to the sample to create a second electron-beam hologram and create a second reconstructed phase image from the second electron-beam hologram. Magnetic field information indicating the influence of the magnetic field on the sample is acquired on the basis of the difference between the first and second reconstructed phase images. |
| US11067643B2 |
Magnetic field sensor and method for making same
A multi-element sensor for measuring a magnetic field. The multi-element sensor comprises a magnetic sensing element, and an electronic circuit. The magnetic sensing element is mounted on the electronic circuit and comprises a fractured tether. The magnetic sensing element is electrically connected with the electronic circuit. The electronic circuit is produced in a first technology and/or first material and the magnetic sensing element is produced in a second technology and/or second material different from the first technology/material. |
| US11067642B2 |
Device for generating a magnetic field of calibration and built-in self-calibration magnetic sensor and calibration method using the same
The present invention provides device for generating magnetic field of calibration and built-in self-calibration (BISC) magnetic sensor and calibration method, in which a novelty structure utilized for generating a uniform, predetermined magnitude, and three-dimensional orthogonal or approximately orthogonal magnetic field of calibration is arranged in the magnetic sensor such that the magnetic sensor can perform BISC function for obtaining a calibrating information with respect to the magnetic field of calibration anytime and anywhere. The magnetic sensor can be arranged in the application device for measuring magnetic field under the real environment where the magnetic sensor is located and the calibrating information are utilized for calibrating the measuring result thereby improving and advancing the accuracy of measuring three-dimensional magnetic field. |
| US11067641B2 |
Measurement device and operating methods thereof for power disturbance indication
Systems and methods provide for display of a deficiency indicator in response detection of a defined deficiency in an electric signal in an insulated wire. Measurement systems may include a housing sized and shaped to be held in a hand, a set of sensors for sensing a set of electrical characteristics of the electric signal, one or more processors, and a display provided on a surface of the housing. The measurement system may obtain measurements from the set of sensors and detect a presence of the defined deficiency based on the set of measurements. In response to detecting the presence of the defined deficiency, the measurement system may display a deficiency indicator that is representative of the defined deficiency detected. |
| US11067638B2 |
Method of and system for detecting a serial arc fault in a power circuit
A method of detecting a serial arc fault in a DC-power circuit includes injecting an RF-signal with a narrow band-width into the DC-power circuit and measuring a response signal related to the injected RF-signal in the DC-power circuit. The method further includes determining a time derivative of the response signal, analyzing the time derivative, and signaling an occurrence of a serial arc fault in the power circuit based on the results of the analysis. A system for detecting an arc fault is configured to perform a method as described before. |
| US11067632B2 |
Battery condition detection in hand hygiene product dispensers
Systems and methods for detection and analysis of battery condition information may be used with respect to, for example, battery powered hand hygiene product dispensers. The battery condition information may be used to identify potential low battery conditions, the type of dispenser, the type or form of product dispensed, and/or to detect occurrence of a battery replacement event in a hand hygiene product dispenser. The battery condition information may further be used to determine a number of dispenses remaining for a hand hygiene product dispenser. The battery condition information may further be used to provide battery condition information for battery operated hand hygiene product dispensers in hand hygiene compliance systems. |
| US11067631B2 |
Methods for determining an alternate current motor fault in a non-variable frequency device based on current analysis
A system and method for detection of a fault in a component of an Alternate Current Motor (ACM) based on current samples of the ACM. The system includes a current sensor for sampling a current of the ACM. The sampling is performed a plurality of times within a half-wave form of an Alternate Current (AC) of the ACM and over several cycles of half-waves. The system also includes a computing device for receiving the plurality of current samples. The computing device is configured to analyze a plurality of current samples of the AC of the ACM, the plurality of current samples taken for at least several periods of half-waves of the AC, determine, based on the analysis of the plurality of current samples, whether the ACM is a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) or a non-VFD, and report that fault detection cannot be made if the ACM is a VFD. |
| US11067629B2 |
Automated test equipment for testing high-power electronic components
Aspects of the present application are directed to an automated test equipment (ATE) and methods for operating the same for testing high-power electronic components. The inventor has recognized and appreciated an ATE that provides both high-power alternating-current (AC) and direct-current (DC) testing in a single test system can lead to high throughput testing for high-power components with reduced system hardware complexity and cost. Aspects of the present application provide a synchronized inductor switch module and both a high-precision digitizer and a high-speed digitizer for capturing DC and AC characteristics of a high-power transistor. |
| US11067627B2 |
Noise injection circuit
A method for testing a circuit includes receiving, by a noise injection circuit, an input signal and generating a noise pulse. Generating the noise pulse includes computing an input resistor pulse, and computing an output resistor pulse. Generating the noise pulse further includes short-circuiting an output resistor substantially simultaneously with opening an input resistor. The method for testing the circuit includes modifying, by the noise injection circuit, the input signal using the noise pulse. |
| US11067625B2 |
IC device authentication using energy characterization
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are described for verifying the authenticity of an integrated circuit device. An integrated test apparatus may use quiescent current and/or conducted electromagnetic interference readings to determine if a device under test matches the characteristics of an authenticated device. Deviations from the characteristics of the authenticated device may be indicative of a counterfeit device. |
| US11067624B2 |
Inspection system
An inspection system includes: an inspection section provided with an inspection part having a plurality of inspection units each including a tester that performs an electrical inspection of an inspection target, and a probe card provided between the tester and the inspection target; and a loader section including an arrangement part in which a storage container for the inspection target is disposed, and a loader that delivers the inspection target between the storage container and the inspection section. The inspection part includes a plurality of inspection unit rows that are formed by arranging the plurality of inspection units in one horizontal direction and arranged in a plurality of tiers in a vertical direction. The arrangement part is provided on an end part side in one direction of the inspection part. |
| US11067620B2 |
HEMT wafer probe current collapse screening
A method includes applying a DC stress condition to a transistor for a predetermined stress time, measuring an impedance of the transistor after the predetermined stress time, and repeating the application of the DC stress condition and the measurement of the impedance until the measured impedance exceeds an impedance threshold or a total stress time exceeds a time threshold, where the DC stress condition includes applying a non-zero drain voltage signal to a drain terminal of the transistor, applying a gate voltage signal to a gate terminal of the transistor, and applying a non-zero source current signal to a source terminal of the transistor. |
| US11067618B2 |
Systems and methods of diagnosing root causes of anomalous AMI information
An example embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of diagnosing root causes of anomalous AMI meter data. The method can include receiving meter data, identifying anomalous data in the meter data, comparing the anomalous data to a database of known root causes, and generating a work order if there is a known root causes of the anomalous data. The method can also include requesting manual review of anomalous data without a known root cause and receiving input indicating a discovered root cause. The method can add the discovered root cause to the database of known root causes. |
| US11067617B2 |
Single-end traveling wave fault location using line-mounted device
A line-mounted device is used to provide power system signals to a device for detecting a fault and calculating a fault location using a traveling wave launched thereby. Current at the line-mounted device is used to separate incident and reflected traveling waves at a terminal. Times and polarities of traveling waves passing the line-mounted device and the terminal are compared to determine if the fault is located between the terminal and line-mounted device or at a location beyond the terminal or line-mounted device. Voltage of the traveling wave may be calculated using currents from the line-mounted device. |
| US11067612B2 |
Monitoring device, monitoring system, monitoring method, correction information generation device, correction information generation method, and non-transitory storage medium
A monitoring device (10) includes a feature amount storage unit (11) that stores a device feature amount which is a feature amount of each of a plurality of electrical devices installed in a predetermined unit in operation; a measured data acquisition unit (12) that acquires measured data of the predetermined unit which is at least one of a total current consumption, a total power consumption, and a voltage measured in the predetermined unit; a feature amount extraction unit (13) that acquires a measurement feature amount which is the feature amount included in the measured data of the predetermined unit; a correction unit (15) that corrects a first feature amount which is the device feature amount or the measurement feature amount based on unit feature information indicating a feature of the predetermined unit; and a presumption unit (16) that presumes the electrical device being in operation using the corrected first feature amount, and a second feature amount which is the device feature amount or the measurement feature amount, and a different feature amount from the first feature amount. |
| US11067611B2 |
Method for sensing inductor current across range exceeding ADC dynamic range and PWM controller system including ADC therefor
According to certain aspects, a predictive tracking scheme is provided for sampling inductor currents in a digital PWM controller used for high-bandwidth voltage regulation. In one or more embodiments, the predicted current derived from the PWM waveform is fed forward to the current sense ADC in order to reduce the required conversion range. These and other embodiments only need to convert a few of the LSB of the ADC in order to correct the largest error expected in the synthesizer. |
| US11067609B2 |
Method of measuring output current through resistance compensation and conversion circuit thereof
A method of resistance compensation for measuring output current includes the following steps: (a) providing a secondary side loop of a conversion unit, and the secondary side loop includes a sense resistor and the first line. (b) providing a control unit for controlling the conversion unit, and the control unit is coupled to the first line and the sense resistor. (c) utilizing a first current to flow through the secondary side loop to obtain a first equivalent line resistance of the first line. (d) providing a second current by the control unit flowing through a loop of the sense resistor, the first line and the control unit to obtain a second equivalent line resistance of the second line. (e) compensating the sense resistor by the control unit according to the first equivalent line resistance and the second equivalent line resistance. |
| US11067608B2 |
Current sensor and frequency compensation method thereof
A current sensor including a voltage generation circuit and a voltage integration circuit is provided. The voltage generation circuit is configured to generate a first voltage according to a current to be sensed. The voltage integration circuit is coupled to the voltage generation circuit and configured to receive the first voltage and a second voltage to generate an output voltage. The voltage integration circuit includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier and a first capacitor. The first amplifier is configured to receive the first voltage and the second voltage to generate a third voltage. The second amplifier is coupled to the first amplifier and configured to receive the third voltage to generate the output voltage. The first capacitor is coupled between an output terminal of the voltage generation circuit and an output terminal of the first amplifier and configured to reduce a voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. |
| US11067602B2 |
Electrical connecting apparatus
To maintain the horizontalness of a probe card even, if the number of measured DUTs is increased.An electrical connecting apparatus according to the present, disclosure comprises a support member having a lower surface region in which a level part is formed and a wiring board provided adjacent to the lower surface of the support member, and to be connected to a testing device side. The electrical connecting apparatus comprises: a connection unit having multiple connection terminals; a probe substrate electrically connecting multiple probes to the connection terminals; multiple anchors arranged on the upper surface of the probe substrate; and multiple supports functioning as supports between corresponding ones of the anchors and the support member via the wiring board and the connection unit. The anchors and the supports are arranged at positions including: each vertex point of a square; each vertex point of two rectangles having respective two long sides passing through corresponding facing vertex points on one side and corresponding facing vertex points on the other side of the square; and multiple points along a virtual circle centered on the center of the square and having a diameter surrounding each of the rectangles. |
| US11067599B2 |
Probe device
An embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a probe device including: a base, including a main body, a cavity formed in the main body, and a through hole defined in the main body and communicating with the cavity; a probe, including a main part, a probe head defined at one end of the main part, and a mounting portion defined at the other end of the main part, the mounting portion being inserted into the cavity via the through hole; and a conductive member, disposed in the cavity and defined on the mounting portion, allowing the mounting portion to be caught in the cavity. The conductive member is in contact with the probe device to release the charge of the probe accumulated during operation of the probe, when the probe device is not in operation. |
| US11067593B2 |
Pitot static systems with angle of sideslip determination and compensation
An air data probe system can include a pitot static system configured to sense at least one total pressure value of a flow at one or more locations, at least one static pressure value of the flow at the one or more locations, and, directly or indirectly, at least one differential static pressure value of the flow at the one or more locations. The system can include an angle of slip (AOS) module configured to determine a local angle of slip (LAOS) value at each location based on the at least one total pressure value at each location, the at least one static pressure value at each location, and the at least one differential static pressure value at each location. |
| US11067587B2 |
Automatic analysis device
To reduce the risk of mistaken operation and improve convenience in an automatic analysis device. Information about types of measurement inputted from an input device is combined in an examination mode creation screen image 301 on a display device of an automatic analysis device that performs analysis of specific types of measurement on a specimen container accommodating a specimen, the information about types of measurement including biochemistry examination items 303, immunology examination items 304, ISE examination items 304, blood clotting examination items 306, etc. This information is associated with an examination mode name 302, which comprises discretionary setting information, and is stored in a table of a storage unit. Information which is to be displayed on the display device and for which a change in settings is to be enabled is limited on the basis of the stored information about types of measurement associated with the examination mode name 302. |
| US11067586B2 |
Adrenomedullin assays and methods for determining mature adrenomedullin
Subject of the present invention is an in vitro method for therapy follow-up in septic patients wherein the concentration of mature ADM 1-52 and/or mature ADM 1-52-Gly in a sample of bodily fluid of said septic patient is determined using an assay comprising two binders that bind to two different regions within the region of mature adrenomedullin and/or adrenomedullin-Gly that is aminoacid 21-52-amid SEQ ID No. 1 or aminoacid 21-52-Gly SEQ ID No. 2 wherein each of said regions comprises at least 4 or 5 amino acids. The invention further relates to assays and calibration methods. |
| US11067583B2 |
Methods of making active antibodies from biological fluids
The present invention provides a method of making an antibody by identifying a circulating antibody with activity from a subject comprising i) subjecting biological fluid selected from the group consisting of blood, plasma and serum and combinations thereof from the subject to one or more rounds of affinity chromatography to purify the circulating antibody; ii) optionally further subjecting the circulating antibody to isoelectric focusing to purify the circulating antibody based on charge; iii) testing the purified circulating antibody for activity; iv) digesting the purified circulating antibody from parts i) or ii) to create an antibody fragment; v) subjecting the antibody fragment to mass spectrometry to generate a mass assignment and a deduced amino acid sequence of the antibody fragment; vi) comparing the deduced amino acid sequence with an amino acid sequence of an antibody generated from the subject's B-cells to identify an antibody sequence that matches the deduced amino acid sequence; vii) generating an antibody comprising light chain and heavy chain CDR sequences of the B-cell antibody that matches the deducted amino acid sequence of party vi); and viii) testing the antibody of part vii) for activity. |
| US11067581B2 |
Detection of cerebrospinal fluid
The invention encompasses methods and test strips for detecting the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a biological sample comprising removing sialo-transferrin and selectively detecting or measuring asialo-transferrin in the biological sample. |
| US11067577B2 |
Method for diagnosis, prognosis and determination of treatment for cutaneous t-cell lymphoma
The present invention relates to biomarkers associated with CTCL, including TOX, PLS3, KIR3DL2, GATA3 and RUNX3, where increased expression, relative to normal control, of one or more of TOX, PLS3, KIR3DL2, and/or GATA3 is associated with CTCL and decreased expression of RUNX3, relative to normal control, is associated with CTCL. One or more of these biomarkers may be used to diagnose CTCL and/or design and monitor treatment. |
| US11067576B2 |
Method for health maintenance monitoring
A method for monitoring health maintenance by collecting an initial blood sample from an individual and dividing the collected blood sample into at least two parts. The first of the two parts is immediately analyzed for multiple blood components levels, and the second part is frozen immediately after the collection to be used at a later time as a comparative standard. After a period of time, a second blood sample is collected from the same individual and analyzed for the same multiple blood components levels in a parallel test with the frozen part. The results obtained from the second blood sample are then compared to the results from the frozen comparative standard to detect real changes in the multiple blood components levels over time. |
| US11067575B2 |
Optical resonator diagnostic device and methods of use
An implantable diagnostic device in accordance with the present disclosure provides various benefits such as a compact size thereby allowing implanting of the device inside animate objects; low cost due to incorporation of inexpensive detection circuitry and the use of conventional IC fabrication techniques; re-usability by heating thereby allowing multiple diagnostic tests to be performed without discarding the device; and a configuration that allows performing of simultaneous and/or sequential diagnostic tests for detecting one or more similar or dissimilar target molecules concurrently or at different times. |
| US11067571B2 |
Surface functionalization
This invention is in the field of surface modification. In particular, the invention relates to the surface modification of microfluidic devices to alter surface hydrophobicity characteristics. |
| US11067568B2 |
Trenched sample assembly for detection of analytes with electromagnetic read-write heads
Described are embodiments of an invention for detecting target antigens in a biological sample using a sample assembly. Detection may be accomplished by performing a method comprising: sweeping a head module over the sample assembly, wherein said head module includes at least one magneto-resistive read sensor configured to detect target antigens via nanoparticles within the sample assembly; and detecting at least one particular antigen among the target antigens. Preferably, detecting the target antigens via the nanoparticles is based at least in part on detecting unique magnetic properties of particular nanoparticles specifically associated with different types of the target antigens. Detection using a magnetic read/write head in the sample assembly facilitates automation of sample detection with high speed and fidelity. Corresponding systems are also disclosed. |
| US11067565B2 |
Device and method for biological sample collection and inspection
A device is described including a lid, a collection portion support, and a collection portion with a surface for receiving a biological sample, the lid includes a window and a window holder, the surface defines a first plane, the collection portion includes a first, a second, and a third position markers, each position marker indicates a center point marker, the center points define a second plane that has a line of intersection with the first plane, the device has an interior volume defined partially by the collection portion support, the collection portion, the window, and the window holder, the window allows visual inspection of the position markers, the collection portion support has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet with a fluid path from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet via the interior volume. |
| US11067564B2 |
Portable insulin resistance diagnosis device and diagnosis method using same
A portable insulin resistance diagnosis device includes: a housing capable of being grasped by an outer periphery thereof and comprising a space formed therein; a sensor unit which protrudes towards the outside of the housing and detects glucose and proteins in blood when a blood sample of a target specimen is dropped on the sensor unit, a diagnosis unit, which is provided inside the housing, amplifying an electrical signal generated according to concentrations of the blood glucose and proteins detected in the sensor unit, converting the electrical signal into a digital signal, and determining whether insulin resistance is normal; and a display unit, which is provided on an external surface of the housing, displaying whether insulin resistance analyzed in the diagnosis unit is normal. |
| US11067562B2 |
Method of sequencing multiple copies of a sequence in a circular template
The invention relates to methods for nanopore sequencing. A substrate such as a semiconductor is provided having a nanopore or an array of nanopores connecting an upper solution with a lower solution. A polymerase-nucleic acid complex comprising a strand displacing DNA polymerase and a circular nucleic acid template and components required for DNA synthesis are provided. The polymerase produces a nascent DNA strand complementary to the circular nucleic acid template and this nascent strand is translocated through the nanopore while it is being produced by a polymerase-nucleic acid complex comprising a strand displacing DNA polymerase and a circular nucleic acid template and providing the components required for DNA synthesis whereby the polymerase produces a nascent DNA strand which is translocated through the nanopore while the nascent DNA strand is being produced. The sequence of the nascent DNA strand is determined while it translates through the pore using the measured current over time. The polymerase proceeds around the circular template and continues to produce the nascent DNA strand such that a sequence in the nascent strand corresponding a sequence in the circular template is determined more than once. Determining the sequence of corresponding to the circular template more than once can provide for greater accuracy. |
| US11067557B2 |
Gas detecting device
A gas detecting device includes an actuating-and-sensing module, a driving controller, a data storage device and a data processor. The actuating-and-sensing module includes a first gas sensor, a second gas sensor and a gas transportation actuator. The driving controller controls the actuations and non-actuations of the first gas sensor, the second gas sensor and the gas transportation actuator. The first gas sensor measures the target gas and transmits first gas measured information to the data storage device. The second gas sensor measures the target gas and transmits second gas measured information to the data storage device. The data processor calculates concentrations of the gases in the target gas by comparing the information stored in a gas database, the first gas measured information and the second gas measured information. |
| US11067553B2 |
Method for determination and isolation of abnormal sub-sensors in a multi-core sensor
A method for determination and isolation for abnormal sub-sensors in a multi-core sensor. It can be intelligently determined whether the reason for an abrupt dramatic change in sensor data is a sensor fault or sudden pollution, so as to increase data reliability. A data online rate is increased if a repair can be performed via automatic determination when a device fault occurs, which has significant value for continuous monitoring required for a haze treatment operation. In addition, human and material resources for device maintenance may be saved, thereby reducing waste. |
| US11067551B2 |
Device for measuring the amount of oxygen present in a gas, and air-separation module comprising such a measurement device
The present disclosure relates to a device for measuring the amount of oxygen present in a gas to be analyze. The device includes at least one member for measuring the amount of oxygen, a first inlet in communication with the measuring member for the supply of gas to be analyzed, and an outlet for the discharge of said analyzed gas. The device also includes a second inlet intended to communicate with the measuring member, allowing said device to be supplied selectively with a calibration gas having a known amount of oxygen, such that the measurement of the amount of oxygen present in the calibration gas makes it possible to determine a potential drift of the measurement of said measuring member relative to the actual known amount of oxygen present in the calibration gas. |
| US11067545B2 |
Continuous wave ultrasound for analysis of a surface
A continuous wave ultrasound analysis device for analysing a surface of a component includes an input to receive ultrasound data relating to continuous wave, swept frequency ultrasound propagated through the component; a processing section to derive a standing wave amplitude spectrum from the received ultrasound data, and determine a property of an unconstrained layer on the surface based on the standing wave amplitude spectrum; and an output to output the determined property of the layer. A method of continuous wave ultrasound for analysing a surface is also provided. |
| US11067539B2 |
System for detecting a break in a rail
A system for detecting the presence of a rail end in a rail of a railway track includes a support structure mountable to a component of a rail vehicle. At least one magnetic field generator is carried by the support structure to generate a remanent magnetic field in the rail. A sensor arrangement is carried by the support structure in spaced relationship to the magnetic field generator to detect magnetic flux leakage associated with the remanent magnetic field. The sensor arrangement includes at least one pair of longitudinally spaced sensors, each sensor generating a measured signal based on the magnetic flux leakage detected by that sensor. A signal processing module is responsive to the measured signals to calculate a differential signal from the measured signals of the sensors of the at least one pair of sensors. The differential signal is indicative of the presence of a rail end in the rail. |
| US11067538B2 |
Systems and methods for effective gap filtering and atmospheric pressure RF heating of ions
An apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode is placed in parallel with the first electrode to provide constant gap distance. The gap between the first electrode and the second electrode is at atmospheric pressure. Ions are introduced into the center of the gap and travel through the apparatus in a direction parallel to the first electrode and the second electrode. The apparatus is configured as a high-field symmetric-waveform apparatus for filtering high mobility ions or for fragmenting ions. The apparatus is also configured for three modes of operation: as a conventional DMS; as a filter high mobility ions; and as fragmentation device. A symmetric electric field is produced in the gap with a maximum density normalized field strength greater than 10 Td to filter high mobility ions and with a maximum density normalized field strength greater than 100 Td to fragment ions. |
| US11067535B2 |
Fluorescent testing system, dielectrophoresis device, and molecular testing method
Provided are a fluorescent testing system, a dielectrophoresis device, and a molecular testing method that measure only fluorescence emitted from a test object without separating excitation light and the fluorescence by an optical filter and that are able to prevent reduction of an application range of a type of the fluorescence. A fluorescent testing system (1) includes: an excitation light source (23) that radiates excitation light (L1) to a test object (M) flowing in a microfluidic channel (22); a silicon integrated circuit (10) provided with a photon detection unit (13) that detects light by a photodiode (12); a dielectrophoresis electrode pair (16) that generates an electric field (EF) to draw the test object (M) onto the photodiode (12) by dielectrophoresis; and a control unit (24) that causes the excitation light source (23) to radiate the excitation light (L1) to the test object (M) that is drawn and causes the photon detection unit (13), after extinguishment of the excitation light (L1), to detect fluorescence (L2) emitted from the test object (M). |
| US11067531B2 |
Method of operation of a gas sensor
A method of operation of a gas sensor includes applying a control voltage that is repetitively set to on state and off state between the reference electrode and the measurement-object gas side electrode to pump in oxygen to the periphery of the reference electrode; and detecting the specific gas concentration in the measurement-object gas on the basis of a voltage between the reference electrode and the measurement electrode during a second period, from among a first period that is started upon setting of the control voltage to on state, during which a potential difference between the reference electrode and the measurement-object gas side electrode is large, and the second period that is started upon setting of the control voltage to off state after the potential difference falls from the first period. |
| US11067528B2 |
Electro-chemical sensor and coating method, production method and corresponding uses
The invention relates to an electro-chemical sensor and coating method, production method and corresponding uses. The coating method of an electro-chemical sensor comprises the following steps: coating a carbon-rich substrate, with a carbon content greater than or equal to 0 wt. % in relation to the total weight of the substrate, and with an organic polymer; and applying a cold plasma treatment to said coating. This method permits the production of electro-chemical sensors with a carbon-rich substrate, with a carbon content greater or equal to 50 wt. % in relation to the total weight of the substrate, and a modified organic polymer coating. These new sensors are suitable for the detection of, inter alia, dopamine, glucose, uric acid and ascorbic acid. |
| US11067526B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for performing optical and electrochemical assays
This present invention relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for performing optical and electrochemical assays and, more particularly, to devices and systems having universal channel circuitry configured to perform optical and electrochemical assays, and methods of performing the optical and electrochemical assays using the universal channel circuitry. The universal channel circuitry is circuitry that has electronic switching capabilities such that any contact pin, and thus any sensor contact pad in a testing device, can be connected to one or more channels capable of taking on one or more measurement modes or configurations (e.g., an amperometric measurement mode or a current drive mode). |
| US11067525B2 |
Electrical conductivity meter
An electrical conductivity meter comprises a measurement tube formed of an electrical insulation material and through which a fluid of a measurement target flows, a first electrode formed on an outer peripheral surface of the measurement tube, a second electrode connected to a common potential and in contact with the fluid, a resistor in which one end is connected to the first electrode, a voltage detecting portion that detects voltages of a signal generated in the first electrode due to an input of an AC signal to the other end of the resistor, and an electrical conductivity calculating portion that calculates an electrical conductivity of the fluid based on an amplitude of the voltages detected by the voltage detection circuit. |
| US11067519B2 |
Strain detecting device and diagnosing device
A strain detecting device includes a sensor portion and a covering elastic deformation member. The elastic deformation member generates heat when compressed and absorbs heat when expanded, resulting in heat flux. The sensor portion includes first and second heat flux sensors, each of which has first and second sensor surfaces formed opposite to each other. Each sensor outputs a strain-indicating signal of a polarity when the heat flux passes through the sensor, from the first sensor surface to the second sensor surface, and outputs a strain-indicating signal of an opposite polarity when the heat flux passes through the sensor in reverse, from the second sensor surface to the first sensor surface. The first sensor surfaces are opposed to each other across a heat absorbing member interposed between the sensors. The sensor portion generates signals based on the heat flux generated by deformation of the elastic deformation member. |
| US11067518B2 |
NMR measurement method and apparatus
A whole measurement process includes a plurality of step combinations. Each of the step combinations is composed of a solution-state measurement step and a solid-state measurement step. In the solution-state measurement step, solution-state NMR measurement is performed such that magnetization that is to be used in the solid-state measurement step remains. In the solid-state measurement step, solid-state NMR measurement is performed by using the magnetization that remains. No waiting time for recovering magnetization is provided between the solution-state measurement step and the solid-state measurement step. The solid-state measurement step may be performed earlier, and the solution-state measurement step may be performed later. Alternatively, the two steps may be performed simultaneously. |
| US11067515B2 |
Apparatus and method for inspecting a wafer process chamber
An apparatus for inspecting a wafer process chamber is disclosed. In one example, the apparatus includes: a sensor, a processor, and a lifetime predictor. The sensor captures information about at least one hardware part of the wafer process chamber. The processor processes the information to determine a hardware condition of the at least one hardware part. The lifetime predictor predicts an expected lifetime left for the at least one hardware part based on the hardware condition. |
| US11067513B2 |
Simultaneous detection of multiple spectra of scattered radiation
In an example, an apparatus is described that includes a light source, a holographic optical element, a sampling apparatus, and a detector. The light source is configured to emit a beam of excitation light. The holographic optical element is arranged to convert the beam of excitation light into a plurality of beams of excitation light. The sampling apparatus is arranged to project the plurality of beams of excitation light onto a surface outside the apparatus as a two-dimensional pattern of projection points. The sampling apparatus is further arranged to collect scattered radiation emitted by the surface in response to the two-dimensional pattern of projection points. The detector detects a frequency shift in the scattered radiation. |
| US11067509B2 |
Fluorescent microscope
The present disclosure provides a method and system including a non-confocal microscope with an attached imaging fiber optic for direct and real time in-situ visualization of mammalian microscopic structures for diagnostic and therapeutic uses. |
| US11067507B2 |
Sensors with gradient nanostructures and associated method of use
A plasmonic sensor with gradient nanostructures and a method of use thereof is provided. The gradient of shapes will induce different spectral responses at different region of the sensor and show different colors. When there is a change in the environment properties of a substance, such as refractive index, gas concentration or ion density changes, the sensor displays different images, e.g., redial intensity displays and radial color displays. An image recognition based method can be used to extract the environment property with high accuracy according to the sensor image. |
| US11067503B2 |
Lens assembly, terahertz wave tomography system and method, and terahertz wave filter
The present disclosure provides a lens assembly, a terahertz wave tomography system and method, and a terahertz wave filter. The lens assembly includes: a first substrate and a second substrate that are oppositely disposed; a seal, wherein the seal, the first substrate and the second substrate enclose a cavity in which a magnetic fluid is filled; and a plurality of electromagnetic generating units disposed on at least one of a first side of the first substrate close to the second substrate or a second side of the first substrate away from the second substrate, wherein at least a part of the plurality of electromagnetic generating units are configured to generate a magnetic field in a case where a voltage is applied to make the magnetic fluid form a Fresnel zone plate pattern. |
| US11067501B2 |
Fabric validation using spectral measurement
Fabric validation using spectral measurement is provided. In various embodiments, a near-infrared absorption spectrum of a fabric sample is received from a near-infrared spectrometer. A plurality of features is extracted from the spectrum. The plurality of features is provided to a trained classifier. The trained classifier provides a similarity score indicative of the similarity of the fabric sample to a reference fabric sample. |
| US11067498B2 |
Food preparation and analyzing device
The present disclosure relates to a food preparation device. The device comprises a food preparation space, a heating element for heating a food in the food preparation space, and/or a tool for blending and/or chopping a food in the food preparation space. The device further comprises a spectrometer for analyzing a food associated with the device. The present disclosure further relates to a method for analyzing a food. In this way, a reproducible cooking result as well as an output of the nutritional values and the actual energy content of prepared food can be made possible. |
| US11067494B2 |
Multidimensional microfluid focusing device
A multi-dimensional micro fluid focussing device. The device includes an apparatus for multi-dimensional micro fluid focussing. The device also includes an analyser for analysing the focused fluid. The apparatus includes a microchannel having an inlet defining a first region, a middle region and an outlet defining a second region. A first junction is formed at the intersection of the first region and the middle region. A second junction is formed at the intersection of the middle region and the second region. A first sheath positioned proximal to the first junction and a second sheath positioned at the second junction. The junctions formed, along with the positioning of the sheaths enable the multi-dimensional focusing of the fluid. The analyser includes a holder for removably retaining the apparatus. A microscope is positioned across the holder. A recording unit is coupled to the microscope. |
| US11067490B2 |
Bracket, support system, and thrombelastography device and use method thereof
A bracket, a support system, and a thrombelastography device and use method thereof are disclosed. The bracket comprises: a first support part (1001), a second support part (1003), and a connection part (1002), wherein the first support part (1001) supports the second support part (1003) by means of the connection part (1002), so that the second support part (1003) can rotate relative to the first support part (1001) under a first action force. The first support part (1001) comprises: a rotatable structure (1004), a support base (1013), and a stop mechanism (1024), wherein the stop mechanism (1024) is used for applying a stop force to the rotation of the rotatable structure (1004), the rotatable structure (1004) is supported on the support base (1013) and can rotate relative to the support base (1013) under a second action force when the stop force of the stop mechanism (1024) is eliminated, and the rotatable structure (1004) supports the second support part (1003) by means of the connection part (1002), so that the rotatable structure (1004) can rotate relative to the second support part (1003) while rotating relative to the support base (1013). Angular shifts of test parts of the thrombelastography device can be adjusted, thereby improving the measurement accuracy. |
| US11067489B2 |
Device for measuring rubber wear
The present invention provides a device and method for testing wear and friction properties of different materials under various experimental conditions representative of real usage conditions. In general, the device according to the invention is based on contacting a sample with a rotating disk with intermittent contact, in “open cycle” conditions, where dynamic loads are applied to the sample for the contact to occur. The control of dynamic loading is fully independent of the disk rotation. |
| US11067486B2 |
Electron microscopy
Aspects and embodiments relate to electron microscopy sample preparation apparatus; and a method of preparing an electron microscopy sample. Aspects and embodiments provide electron microscopy sample preparation apparatus. The apparatus comprises a support holder configured to receive an electron microscopy sample support, the electron microscopy sample support configured to receive a fluid sample. The apparatus comprising a gas outlet configured to direct a flow of gas towards a surface of the electron microscopy sample support to adjust fluid supported by the electron microscopy sample support. Aspects and embodiments recognise that in order to be successfully imaged, a specimen must be adequately prepared for imaging. Successful and reproducible preparation of an electron microscopy sample or specimen may be key to obtaining useful results from microscopy techniques. It will be appreciated that incorrect or unsuccessful preparation of a specimen for examination, may result in damage to a specimen, poor and/or irreproducible results. |
| US11067483B2 |
Hybrid cooler/dryer and method therefor
A hybrid cooler/dryer that conditions a sample gas includes a heat exchanger, a condensate-removal device, and a membrane dryer. In some embodiments, the hybrid cooler/dryer also includes passive cooling, as embodied by an air amplifier and heat sink, or a length of tubing that exposes the sample gas to ambient temperature. The hybrid cooler/dryer requires no electrical power. |
| US11067482B2 |
Appliance operation signal processing system and method
An appliance operation signal processing system including an input for receiving an appliance operation signal. The appliance operation signal includes information relating to operation of an appliance. The system further includes an output for outputting information relating to degradation of the appliance and a processor configured to determine a probability that the appliance or a component of the appliance is in at least one degradation state by applying a classifier to a feature vector including information relating to frequency data extracted from the appliance operation signal. |
| US11067481B2 |
Instrumented fracturing slurry flow system and method
Embodiments include a method for monitoring a fracturing operation that includes positioning a pump at a well site where fracturing operations are being conducted. The method also includes arranging one or more sensors at at least one of a pump inlet or a pump outlet, the one or more sensors monitoring a flow rate of a slurry. The method includes receiving flow data from the one or more sensors. The method also includes determining a pump efficiency, based at least in part on the flow data, is below a threshold. The method further includes adjusting one or more operating parameters of the pump. |
| US11067480B2 |
Half-car floating device based on load feedback and half-car position tracking method
Disclosed is a half-vehicle floating device and a half-vehicle position tracking method based on load feedback. The device includes a rack, an active platform, a position-measuring triangle frame and a position-measuring platform. Guide rails corresponding to the active platform and the position-measuring platform are provided vertically on the rack. The active platform and the position-measuring platform are respectively placed on a corresponding rail through a slider. The bottom of the active platform is hinged to a first corner of an active triangle frame through an active slider rod, and a second corner of the active triangle is hinged to the rack and connected to an inverter motor through a transmission device. The bottom of the position-measuring platform is hinged to a first corner of the position-measuring triangle frame through a position measuring slider rod, and a second corner of the position-measuring triangle frame is hinged to the rack. |
| US11067476B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring at least one optically effective object
A device and method are described having/using at least a first radiation source and a second source of radiation, at least one measurement or detection device as well as at least one evaluation system with the first radiation source and second radiation source either oriented towards a top or bottom side of the optically effective object, or together oriented towards the top or bottom of the optically effective object, whereby at least the first radiation source emits reflective radiation towards the optically effective object and/or excitation radiation emitted for the stimulation of luminescence radiation in the material of the optically effective object and/or in the coating material of the optically effective object, and whereby the second radiation source at least emits radiation that penetrates through the optically effective object. |
| US11067475B2 |
Bedload transport methodology and method of use
A method for determining an estimate of an overall bedload transport rate by using bedload transport rates for a plurality of subswaths involves, generally, performing a bathymetry survey in areas at multiple times, calculating an amount of erosion and deposition and their ratio, and calculating an erosion and a deposition transport rate using the provided equations. |
| US11067474B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling impact
An impact test device includes a control rail and a carriage assembly moveable along the control rail in a plurality of directions including a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The carriage assembly includes a catch configured to engage the control rail to control movement of the carriage assembly. Movement of the carriage assembly in the first direction urges the catch to disengage from the control rail, and movement of the carriage assembly in the second direction urges the catch to engage the control rail. |
| US11067470B2 |
Methods of leak testing a surgical conduit
Systems, devices, and methods for leak testing surgical conduit grafts or valved conduits such as aortic-valved conduits with a pressurized gas such as air. Air is non-destructive and especially useful for leak testing conduits that have coatings or sealants that may be functionally impacted when exposed to fluids such as water or saline. Open ends of the conduit are clamped and sealed, and a pressurized gas introduced into an inner lumen thereof. A change in mass flow rate is measured to quantify the leakage. One end of a tubular conduit may be clamped to a fixed manifold, and the opposite end to a manifold slidably mounted to accommodate any conduit elongation when pressurized. The clamping and sealing structure may be pneumatic and/or mechanical, and complementary contoured clamp members may be used to seal a scalloped external sealing ring of an aortic conduit. |
| US11067467B2 |
Fitting assembly with leak detection for analytical systems
An improved fitting assembly for analytical devices is provided. The fitting assembly includes a tube securable to a fitting component via rear and front ferrules and a nut. The fitting component includes a body having a cavity for receiving the tube and ferrules. The body also includes a channel connecting the cavity to a leak chamber defined in a space between the tube, the fitting component and the inner sidewall of the nut body, the leak chamber being in fluid communication with the exterior of the nut body via the channel in the nut body. Sealing elements are provided between the tube and nut for encouraging leaks to flow through the leak path. A method for detecting leaks in the fitting assembly is also provided. |
| US11067464B2 |
Wet barrel hydrant with pressure monitoring and leak detection
Example aspects of a pressure monitoring system for a wet barrel hydrant, a pressure monitoring and leak detection system for a wet barrel hydrant, and a method for using a pressure monitoring and leak detection system are disclosed. The pressure monitoring system for a wet barrel hydrant can comprise a pressure sensor assembly comprising a pressure sensor and a connector, the pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of a fluid received in the wet barrel hydrant, the connector configured to attach the pressure monitoring system to the wet barrel hydrant; a mounting flange coupled to the pressure sensor assembly; a main PCB configured to process pressure data measured by the pressure sensor; an antenna configured to send a signal representative of the pressure data; and a housing coupled to the mounting flange, the housing enclosing the processor and the antenna. |
| US11067463B2 |
Pressure meter for fluid circuits
The invention relates to a pressure meter for fluid circuits which has a pressure-sensitive cell that is arranged connected to an electronic circuit, connected to which, in turn, are terminals of a connector for connecting the meter in the application thereof, wherein the pressure-sensitive cell is housed in a metal body, wherein it rests by means of a seal, while a plastic disc is arranged resting against the surface of the upper face of the pressure-sensitive cell, whereon an electronic circuit is incorporated. |
| US11067461B2 |
Assembly and method for on-wing thrust measurement of aircraft engines
A method determines a thrust force of an aircraft engine that is attached to an aircraft by a force transferring element having a strain gauge for determining its strain state and a temperature sensor for measuring a surface temperature of the force transferring element adjacent to the strain gauge. The method includes: determining the surface temperature; determining a strain of the force transferring element; determining the strain state of the force transferring element based on the determined strain and compensating for temperature effects by taking into account the surface temperature, the compensation of the temperature effects taking into account both static and transient influences; and calculating the thrust force of the aircraft engine from the determined strain state. |
| US11067456B2 |
Thermochromic liquid crystal temperature indicator
A new and useful thermochromic liquid crystal Indicator is disclosed that provides an indication of the temperature of the Object to which the Indicator is attached, and is an improvement over the existing art for at least the fact that the impact of ambient air circulating around the Indicator and circulating the Object is reduced by several means, such as i) the use of a novel cap or housing to isolate the liquid crystal Structure from ambient air and from touching or ii) using a novel liquid crystal formulation that reduces the reaction time of the thermochromic liquid crystal contained in the Indicator to changing temperatures conveyed by the ambient air. The new and useful liquid crystal Indicator can also employ either a template or a colored filter as a mask that narrows the colors and narrows the range of temperatures indicated by the Indicator. Further, the new and useful Indicator can also employ a new manner in which to indicate that a predetermined temperature or predetermined temperature range has been reached in that it eliminates the confusion arising from the use of multiple temperature indicating panels that were present in the prior art devices. |
| US11067450B2 |
Measurement apparatus of wavefront and polarization profile of vectorial optical fields
An apparatus measures the transverse profile of vectorial optical field beams, including both the phase and the polarization spatial profile. The apparatus contains a polarization separation module, a weak perturbation module, and a detection module. Characterizing the transverse profile of vector fields provides an optical metrology tool for both fundamental studies of vectorial optical fields and a wide spectrum of applications, including microscopy, surveillance, imaging, communication, material processing, and laser trapping. |
| US11067449B2 |
Multispectral imager
A multispectral imager includes processing circuitry, an illumination assembly, a detector assembly, and a focusing assembly. The illumination assembly includes an array of illumination elements controlled by the processing circuitry to illuminate a scene. The detector assembly includes a detector array controlled by the processing circuitry to capture images from the scene at different wavelengths. The focusing assembly includes a lens and is controlled by the processing circuitry to adjust a focal point for the detector array. The processing circuitry generates and processes the images from the scene, taken at different wavelengths and focal points, combines the images to form a multispectral image cube for the scene, and determines a composition of an object within the scene based on a spectral profile of the multispectral image cube. |
| US11067448B2 |
Spectral object detection
A multispectral material detection system captures spectral data and compares select spectral bands to reflectance spectra of a plurality of materials. The system identifies distinguishing features in reflectance spectra of a plurality of materials and in a plurality of spectral channels identifying distinguishing structural aspects of each material with respect to the background environments. Upon an observed spectral reflectance being proximate to one or more known spectra characteristics, the object is associated with a material of interest. |
| US11067447B2 |
Analysis apparatus, imaging system, and storage medium
An analysis apparatus includes an estimator configured to estimate spectral information of an object based on information acquired by a spectroscope, and a processor configured to tag the spectral information of the object with a feature amount of the object. The estimator performs different estimation processing for each of a plurality of spectroscopes, and the processor performs regression processing common to the plurality of spectroscopes. |
| US11067444B2 |
Adaptive optical analyzer with automatic drift control and high dynamic range
A spectroscope includes a light source, at least one static optical element for manipulating or structuring light, at least two adaptive optical elements and at least one detector. The at least two adaptive optical elements are configured to partition an optical function of spectral sorting from at least one of the following optical function: routing, attenuation, and/or encoding. The light source, the at least one static optical element, and the at least two adaptive optical elements are configured to direct light from the light source into first and second distinct light channels, the first light channel containing a sample to be analyzed. |
| US11067442B2 |
Miniaturized waveguide imaging spectrometer
A waveguide spectrometer includes at least one substrate layer with at least one waveguide. Each waveguide extends from an inlet face proceeding partly through the substrate layer to a reflecting element. A multiplicity of photo detectors is arranged on a front side of the substrate layer, while the photo detectors are electrically connected to an electronic read out system. The spectrometer can be made lightweight and easier to produce by forming the waveguides as surface waveguides, each showing a longitudinal opening with a width to the front side of the substrate layer between the inlet face and the reflecting element. The photo detectors are in print distributed at the front side on top of the substrate layer at least partly overlapping the longitudinal opening along an overall length of sampled region and the electrical connection of the photo detectors with the electronic read out system is achieved by a multiplicity of printed electrical conductors. |
| US11067440B2 |
Hybrid leakage-compensation scheme for improved correction range
A dark current compensation circuit comprises a first comparator having inputs for a detection signal and a first voltage, and a second comparator having inputs for the detection signal and a second voltage. The dark current compensation circuit also comprises a controller coupled to the first and second comparators, which has an input for an event signal. An adjustable current source is coupled to the controller and configured to generate a compensation current. The controller adjusts a value of the compensation current based on the first and second comparator outputs and maintains a constant value in response to the event signal indicating photons incident on a photon detector. In some implementations, the dark current compensation circuit further comprises an analog sub-circuit coupled to the adjustable current source and configured to receive the detection signal. The analog sub-circuit generates an analog compensation current in response to the detection signal. |
| US11067434B2 |
Fast detector of electromagnetic radiation
A detector of electromagnetic radiation (RL) is described. The detector comprises: a substrate (1), an oriented polycrystalline layer (2) of thermoelectric material deposited on the top surface (10) of the substrate, first and second electrodes spaced the one from the other and in electrical contact with the oriented polycrystalline layer. The substrate comprises at least one ceramic layer and the oriented polycrystalline layer has a crystal orientation at an angle comprised between 30 degrees and 55 degrees relative to a normal to the top surface of the substrate. |
| US11067424B2 |
Portable liquid level gauge for buckets
A portable gauge for measuring the level of a liquid or a granular solid in a container, such as a bucket, is made up of an elongated body and a slider. The body includes gauge marks, based on a specific bucket, to indicate various levels of volume. The body includes an upper end, which has downwardly directed integrally formed arms which, in combination with the body, define a saddle. The saddle is sized and shaped to comfortably capture and rest on the rim of the bucket, during use. The slider is sized and shaped to snuggly slide along the body and includes a tab portion. The slider is moved to a desired volume level so that when the added contents of the bucket reach the tab portion, the volume level of the contents will be known. |
| US11067422B2 |
Thermal fluid flow sensor
We disclose herewith a heterostructure-based sensor comprising a substrate comprising an etched portion and a substrate portion; a device region located on the etched portion and the substrate portion; the device region comprising at least one membrane region which is an area over the etched portion of the substrate. At least one heterostructure-based element is located at least partially within or on the at least one membrane region, the heterostructure-based element comprising at least one two dimensional (2D) carrier gas. |
| US11067420B2 |
Sensor for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium streaming through a measuring channel
A sensor for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium, in particular an induction air-mass flow of an internal combustion engine, flowing through a measuring channel. The sensor has a sensor housing, in particular a plug-in sensor, which is introduced or may be introduced into a flow pipe and in which the measuring channel is developed, and at least one sensor chip, disposed in the measuring channel, for determining the parameter of the fluid medium. The sensor housing has a plurality of channel walls, which delimit the measuring channel. The sensor chip is situated on a sensor carrier. At least in the region of the sensor carrier, at least a first channel wall of the plurality of channel walls and a second channel wall of the plurality of channel walls, which differs from the first channel wall, or the sensor carrier have at least partly magnetic properties. |
| US11067418B2 |
Magnetically inductive flowmeter for suppressing noise
A magnetically inductive flowmeter includes an electrode arrangement for capturing a voltage dependent on a medium flow speed and induced, over a measurement section, in a galvanically contacting manner, wherein signal processing is performed in a control and evaluation device to suppress noise, during which a first voltage signal between a first electrode and a reference potential and a second voltage signal between a second electrode and the reference potential are each captured and filtered to obtain a noise signal contained therein, where the first and second voltage signals are summed with the first and second noise signals, respectively, so as to form two sum signals in which their difference corresponds to the voltage induced over the measurement section, such that noise components caused, for example, by gas bubbles in the medium or electrochemical effects can be largely eliminated from the measurement signal. |
| US11067415B2 |
Sensor system and alerting unit for sensing and verifying data related to a movement of an object
A sensor system and an alerting unit. The sensor system according to the invention may comprise first sensing element configured to measure a first signal indicative of a velocity of a movement of an object and a second sensing element configured to measure a second signal indicative of a direction of the movement, further comprising an alerting unit configured to issue a warning if a predefined relationship between the first signal and the second signal is being violated. The invention further teaches an alerting unit configured to monitor a predefined relationship between a first signal and a second signal and further configured to issue a warning should the predefined relationship become violated. |
| US11067413B2 |
Rotation angle detector
A rotation angle detector includes a magnet arranged to rotate, and a magnetic detection circuit provided with a first pair of magnetic detection elements arranged to be in combination sensitive to a first magnetic field in circumferential direction to the first surface and to a second magnetic field in normal direction to the first surface and arranged away from the rotation axis, and configured to detect magnetic flux of the magnet. A second pair of magnetic detection elements are arranged to be in combination sensitive to the first magnetic field in circumferential direction to the first surface and to the second magnetic field in normal direction to the first surface. A signal processing unit is configured to output a signal representative of a rotation angle of the magnet based on outputs of the first and second pair of magnetic detection elements. |
| US11067411B1 |
Route segmentation analysis for points of interest
A method to determine a traffic flow at a point-of-interest (POI). The method comprises presenting a user interface on a display that shows segments overlaid on a map, receiving input that defines a perimeter of a POI, determining route segments contained within the perimeter of the POI, creating a POI object that comprises the identities of the route segments contained within the perimeter of the POI, whereby a geolocation of the POI is defined, for each of a plurality of mobile communication devices, determining route segments traversed by the mobile communication device based on geolocations of the device, and determining a number of different mobile communication devices that intersect with the POI based on comparing the route segments traversed by the mobile communication devices to the route segments associated to the POI object, whereby a traffic flow at the geolocation of the POI is determined. |
| US11067407B2 |
Generating turn-by-turn direction previews
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to generating turn-by-turn direction previews. In one aspect, one or more computing devices, may receive a request for a turn-by-turn direction preview. The one or more computing devices may generate a set of directions from a first geographic location to a second geographic location. Each turn of the directions may be associated with a corresponding waypoint. The one or more computing devices may then identify street level images corresponding with the waypoints, and display a preview of their associated turns by displaying their street level images and a map in between. |
| US11067405B2 |
Cognitive state vehicle navigation based on image processing
Image-based analysis techniques are used for cognitive state vehicle navigation, including an autonomous or a semi-autonomous vehicle. Images including facial data of a vehicle occupant are obtained using an in-vehicle imaging device. The vehicle occupant can be an operator of or a passenger within the vehicle. A first computing device is used to analyze the images to determine occupant cognitive state data. The analysis can occur at various times along a vehicle travel route. The cognitive state data is mapped to location data along the vehicle travel route. Information about the vehicle travel route is updated based on the cognitive state data. The updated information is provided for vehicle control. The updated information is rendered on a second computing device. The updated information includes road ratings for segments of the vehicle travel route. The updated information includes an emotion metric for vehicle travel route segments. |
| US11067404B2 |
Vehicle usage-based pricing alerts
Methods, apparatus, computer program products, and systems for presenting a trip cost determination and/or a representation thereof to a user. An example method comprises receiving a pricing request comprising a user location and determining one or more cost model parameters, the one or more cost model parameters comprising at least one of current real-world conditions, predicted real-world conditions, user behavior characteristics, vehicle characteristics, and roadway information. The example method further comprises providing cost model information comprising at least one of (a) one or more cost model parameters, (b) a route, and (c) the user location and receiving a trip cost determination. The trip cost determination is determined based at least in part on the cost model information. The example method further comprises providing the trip cost determination and causing presentation of a representation of the trip cost determination through a user interface of a user apparatus. |
| US11067403B2 |
Vehicle energy usage tracking
A system and method of tracking energy usage in a vehicle. The method, in one implementation, involves building an energy usage prediction model, obtaining a planned route for a vehicle that contains one or more planned route segments, applying the energy usage prediction model to each planned route segment of the one or more planned route segments of the planned route to obtain an energy usage plan, receiving onboard data from the vehicle, constructing an actual route based on the onboard data, and performing a match analysis between the planned route and the actual route based on the onboard data. |
| US11067400B2 |
Request and provide assistance to avoid trip interruption
Embodiment of the present invention provides a systems and methods for completing travel plans after a personal vehicle failure. The system receives a request from a disabled vehicle and determines at least a first destination of one or more users associated with the disabled vehicle based on user input. Then the system determines a second destination of the disabled vehicle based on the user input and analyzes the user input and generating a list of rescue plans. Then it transmits the list of rescue plans to the one or more users and receives a selection by the user. Furthermore, it sends instructions to a service provider associated with the selected rescue plan to deliver the one or more users to the first destination and the disabled vehicle to the second destination. |
| US11067398B1 |
Indoor positioning method, electronic device and readable storage medium
An indoor positioning method detects a moving object defines a possible location area of the moving objects according to errors calculated by RSSI values of the moving object, and calculates RSSI moving vectors between the moving object and wireless devices according to the RSSI values to predict an exact position of the moving object according to the dependency of the RSSI moving vectors and relative angular positions of the moving object. The high relevance feature between CCI of multi-nodes and CINR is transformed as vectors and the vectors are compared with the RSSI moving vectors to calculate a RMSE value. When the root mean square error is less than a preset threshold value, the exact position of the moving object can be obtained. |
| US11067392B2 |
Anchor bolt length determination method based on monitoring of roof rock stratum horizontal extrusion force
An anchor bolt length determination method based on monitoring of a roof rock stratum horizontal extrusion force includes drilling a borehole in the middle of a roadway roof to determine a surrounding rock fracturing scope by a borehole television. The method includes selecting the number and locations of horizontal extrusion force measuring points according to the surrounding rock fracturing scope. The method includes monitoring and recording a change of the horizontal extrusion force over time in the borehole by a device for monitoring a roof rock stratum horizontal extrusion force. The method includes selecting a location with the largest horizontal extrusion force as a center of a anchoring segment of an anchor bolt to determine a distance between the anchoring center and the roof. The method includes calculating a total length of the anchor bolt. |
| US11067389B2 |
Overlay metrology system and method
A system for measuring an overlay error of a sample is disclosed. The system may include a broadband illumination source configured to emit broadband illumination. The system may also include one or more optical elements configured to direct the broadband illumination to a target disposed on the sample, wherein the one or more optical elements are configured to collect illumination from the target and direct it to a spectrometer, wherein the spectrometer is configured to disperse multiple wavelengths of the illumination collected from the sample to multiple elements of a sensor to generate a plurality of signals. The system may also include a controller configured to calculate an overlay error between a first structure and a second structure of the target by comparing the plurality of signals with a plurality of calculated signals. |
| US11067388B2 |
3D asset inspection
Systems and methods for physical asset inspection are provided. According to one embodiment, a probe is positioned to multiple data capture positions with reference to a physical asset. For each position: odometry data is obtained from an encoder and/or an IMU; a 2D image is captured by a camera; a 3D sensor data frame is captured by a 3D sensor, having a view plane overlapping that of the camera; the odometry data, the 2D image and the 3D sensor data frame are linked and associated with a physical point in real-world space based on the odometry data; and switching between 2D and 3D views within the collected data is facilitated by forming a set of points containing both 2D and 3D data by performing UV mapping based on a known positioning of the camera relative to the 3D sensor. |
| US11067385B2 |
Laser centering tool
A laser centering tool for surface areas used to find the center point or area of a surface. The laser centering tool uses multiple laser units or sources to project a plurality of lines on a horizontal or vertical surface. It may comprise of multiple lasers, rotational plates, prism, beam splitter, gear housing, and/or a gear mechanism. Edge lasers may be moved to outline the edge of a surface. The device may be in a cylindrical housing shape having an upper and lower base where the upper and lower base portion pivot relative to each other. The upper base housing portion may have segmented housing portions which may rotate in opposite but simultaneous rotational directions from an adjacent segment and the rotational segments may each have a laser unit. |
| US11067379B2 |
Digital holographic microscope with electro fluidic system, said electro-fluidic system and methods of use
The current invention concerns a fluid microscope system for analyzing and/or monitoring the contents of one or more fluid-based reactors or canalizations such as bio-reactors, micro-reactors, brewing reactors, water supply systems or sewer systems. The fluid microscope system includes a digital holographic microscope (DHM) with one or more electro-fluidic systems, capable of guiding fluid from the reactors to the DHM. The current invention also concerns an electro-fluidic system for such a fluid microscope system having any or all of the elements mentioned above. Furthermore, the current invention encompasses a method for installing, replacing and removing such an electro-fluidic system in and from a fluid microscope system, and lastly, a method for monitoring and/or observing suspended objects in a fluid in a fluid-based reactor or canalization. |
| US11067376B1 |
Direct impingement cook-off mechanism and system
Embodiments are directed to direct impingement cook-off mitigation systems. As assembled, a munition fuzewell is torqued into the aft end of a munition. During a cook-off event, the expanding gases from the booster energetic will burn instead of detonating. The hot expanding booster gases are vented to the munition's main fill energetic causing the main fill energetic to burn concurrently with the booster energetic. The combined expanding gases from both the booster and main fill energetics are then vented through longitudinal vents. |
| US11067369B2 |
RF attenuating switch for use with explosives and method of using the same
A radio frequency attenuating switch including a switch having a first input for connection to an electrical power supply and first and second output leads for connecting a device such as a detonator. One or more RF mitigation devices are connected within one or more of the output leads. |
| US11067368B1 |
Composite enclosure for explosive reactive armor and methods of manufacturing the same
An explosive reactive armor (ERA) enclosure for an ERA tile includes a bottom and a plurality of sidewalls extending from the bottom, where the plurality of sidewalls are continuous with each other and with the bottom so as to define an internal volume. The plurality of sidewalls are formed from a fiber-reinforced composite material having a plurality of plies of fiber sheet material. Additionally, a sidewall seam defined by abutting edges of the first ply is offset from a sidewall seam defined by abutting edges of the second ply. Methods of manufacturing ERA enclosures, including applying wrap layers and forming attachment structures for securing the fiber-reinforced composite ERA enclosure to an armor element, are also described. The composite enclosure is inexpensive and lightweight and improves the dynamic capabilities of armored vehicles using such ERA tiles. |
| US11067367B2 |
Weapon communication method and system
Communication method and system for bidirectional data transfer among smart modules (101-111) attachable to a weapon (100), where messages are encoded by modulating an electric supply provided by at least one powered rail (200, 200′, 200″, 200′″). At least two priority levels are defined among smart modules supplied by the powered rail (200, 200′, 200″, 200′″). High-priority smart modules (600) are allowed to transmit high-priority data message (741) directly; whereas low-priority smart modules (500) are required to transmit a data transfer request message (723) and wait for a data transfer permission message (731), which is only sent when no high-priority data message (741) is being received. |
| US11067366B2 |
Leveling jack for a gun sight of a rifle
A leveling jack for a gun sight (or ‘scope’) of a gun or rifle is provided. The leveling jack is movable between at least a first and a second position and is secured to a gun or rifle. The leveling jack has a bottom edge which may be secured to, for example, the picatinny rail of the top of the gun or rifle and an extended bar which contacts and levels the gun sight. The leveling jack may also be secured directly to the gun or rifle without utilizing a picatinny rail. The leveling jack is especially suitable for leveling the gun sight of the gun or rifle in a quick and efficient manner. |
| US11067363B2 |
Electronic weapon accessory and detachable mount with integrated control apparatus
An electronic weapon accessory system includes an electronic weapon accessory, such as a light, and a detachable mount with an integrated control switch. The electronic weapon accessory includes an electronic component, such as an LED, and a power source disposed within a housing. The electronic component and the battery are electrically connected with a circuit having electrical contacts exposed on an outer surface of the housing. The mount has a body with a clamp structure, a dome switch disposed on an outer surface of the mount body and a circuit having electrical contacts exposed on the outer surface of the mount body. Fasteners removably secure the mount body and accessory housing in assembled relation. When the electronic weapon accessory and mount are assembled, the accessory electrical contacts physically and electrically engaging the mount electrical contacts to complete an electronic control circuit and provide integrated control and operation of the electronic accessory. |
| US11067362B1 |
Sight with light reflection indicator for firearms
A device implementable on a firearm includes a one-piece sight functioning as a rear sight or a front sight when installed on the firearm. The one-piece sight includes a notch and a user-facing side configured with a first surface aligned with the notch and a second surface on two opposite sides of the first surface. The first and second surfaces are sloped at first and second angles, respectively, to reflect an ambient light at different angles. |
| US11067361B2 |
Stock assembly systems with mating interfaces
Adjusting the length of firearms using stock assembly systems are provided. In one embodiment, a stock assembly comprises: a receiver extension having a first interface configured to mate with a second interface of a stock; the first interface comprising a base portion, a plurality of first edges, and a plurality of first grooves; the second interface comprising a slot portion, a plurality of second edges, and a plurality of second grooves; wherein the plurality of first edges are in contact with the plurality of second grooves and the plurality of first grooves are in contact with the plurality of second edges of the second interface to mate the stock with the receiver extension; and wherein the base portion of the first interface is in contact with the slot portion of the second interface allowing the stock to slide along a horizontal axis of the receiver extension. |
| US11067358B2 |
Telescopic cylinder assembly in automatic reloading system of a toy gun
A telescopic cylinder assembly in automatic reloading system of a toy gun is disclosed. It comprises an external cylinder having an internal space formed therein, an internal cylinder located at the internal space of the external cylinder and configured to be movable in longitudinal direction of the external cylinder, a nozzle at least a part thereof is located inside the internal cylinder and configured to be movable in longitudinal direction of the external cylinder, a nozzle supporter connected to the internal cylinder and configured to support the nozzle, and a cylinder valve configured to open and close a front outlet of the nozzle. The internal space of the external cylinder is expanded primarily in accordance with the movement of the internal cylinder, and the internal space is further expanded secondarily in accordance with the movement of the nozzle. |
| US11067357B1 |
String pulling mechanism of crossbow
A string pulling mechanism includes a rolling assembly, a rotary shaft, a unidirectional bearing, two rollers, a switch, and a swing lever. The holder has a first accommodation portion, an opening, and a first coupling orifice. The unidirectional bearing includes an internal ring and an external ring having multiple teeth, the two rollers are fixed on the rotary shaft, and the switch is inserted to the opening of the rolling assembly and is rotatably connected with the rolling assembly. The switch is received into the opening so as to control the external ring to rotate or not rotate. The swing lever disposed on a side of the rolling assembly to actuate the rotary shaft, the internal ring of the unidirectional bearing, and the two rollers to rotate. The string is fixed on the two rollers and are inserted through and connected with a pull seat. |
| US11067355B2 |
Archery bow cable mounted protector
In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a rotatable member and at least one cable segment. A protector is supported by the cable segment. The protector is arranged to prevent the rotatable member from contacting the cable segment. |
| US11067354B2 |
Breech and method for noise reduction
A breech for noise reduction in a recoil-less weapon is described. The breech is adapted to be arranged in fluid communication with a launcher of the weapon to release exhaust gas. The breech comprises a venturi tube. The venturi tube has an inlet at a first end adapted to be connected to the launcher, and an outlet for releasing the exhaust gas at a second end, wherein the area of the outlet is larger than the area of the inlet. The venturi tube further comprises an exhaust gas controlling element formed at the venturi tube structure. The exhaust gas controlling element is arranged to control the release of exhaust gas so as to decrease a sound pressure peak at the weapon. The inner envelope surface of the venturi tube is configured, such that the inner envelope surface does not alter or at least has a very small influence on recoil characteristics of the weapon. |
| US11067353B2 |
Trigger assembly
A trigger assembly suspends a trigger for rotation about both a first axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of a firearm barrel and a second axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the firearm barrel. A support frame is mounted to a firearm frame and pivotable with respect to the firearm frame and the first axis. A support member is mounted to the support frame for movement therewith and has a support-member axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. A trigger-bar actuator extends from the support frame and is fixed thereto. A trigger arm is mounted to the support member and is pivotable with respect to the support member about the support-member axis. The trigger arm extends away from the support member at least in a direction perpendicular to the support-member axis and the transverse axis. The trigger is supported on the trigger arm for movement with the trigger arm. |
| US11067350B1 |
Handgun frame conversion system
This invention discloses embodiments which disclose a handgun frame conversion and adapter system which provides for the conversion of use of a handgun frame from use with a first slide to use with a second and dissimilar slide (such as allowing a Glock® Gen 1, Gen 2 or Gen 3 slide to be used on a Gen 4 or Gen 5 Glock® compatible frame). Aspects of this frame conversion system include a conversion adapter which is installable and removable from the frame portion of the handgun, thereby allowing any one of a number of handgun slides to be mounted or installed on one frame. |
| US11067348B1 |
Slide assembly for a firearm
A slide assembly for a firearm comprising a slide and an extractor assembly is provided. The slide includes a mounting recess about a top side of the slide, and a housing recess about a proximal end of the slide. The extractor assembly is mounted within the housing recess and includes a distal end for engaging a cartridge and a proximal end opposite the distal end. The proximal end terminates at a position adjacent about a mid-portion of the mounting recess. One or more retaining holes are provided within a proximal region of the mounting recess spaced from the proximal end of the extractor assembly. Firearm sights are attachable to the mounting recess via fasteners engaging the retaining holes. The retaining holes are arranged such that they do not interfere with the extractor assembly or other components within the housing recess of the slide. |
| US11067347B2 |
Firearm bolt assembly with a pivoting handle
Firearms and bolt mechanisms are disclosed herein. The firearm can include a bolt assembly configured to provide leverage for extracting a cartridge. The bolt body can include a main cylindrical body, handle, and a pivot pin extending through a portion of the handle within the cylindrical body. The handle can be rotated relative to the main cylindrical body to push the bolt assembly along an internal passageway of the receiver. |
| US11067346B2 |
Cooling tower adjusting method and system
An adjusting method to adjust the liquid discharge operation from a collection tank of a cooling tower, comprising the steps of: checking an activation signal of a discharge solenoid valve (EV) of the tank; detecting a flow value of the liquid flowing between an inlet mouth and a discharge mouth of the collection tank to allow a discharge operation of the liquid contained in the tank, wherein said discharge operation is allowed in correspondence of a detection of a flow rate value of the liquid flowing between an inlet mouth and a discharge mouth of the collection tank at least equal to a reference threshold value and wherein said discharge operation is inhibited in correspondence of a detection of the liquid flow rate value that is null or lower than said reference threshold value. |
| US11067344B2 |
Thermal energy storage apparatus
A thermal energy storage apparatus, including: a block of a heat-absorbing material, the block defining at least one receptacle and being a contiguous block of compressed sintered graphite; and a phase change material stored in the or each receptacle, the phase change material being one that expands as it cools, wherein separation of side walls of the or each receptacle progressively increases as they extend upwardly from the base, whereby as the phase change material solidifies and expands it is urged upwardly to reduce pressure applied to the heat-absorbing material. |
| US11067342B2 |
Method for heat exchange and conditioning of a heat exchanger
The invention relates to a method for heat exchange. At a first point in time, in a thermal energy storing device, at least part of the previously accumulated thermal energy is discharged to a first fluid by heat exchange, and subsequently, at a second later point in time, when the first fluid has been heated to a temperature higher than the temperature of a second fluid, the second fluid receives heat energy by heat exchange with said first fluid which then circulates on the other side of a first wall that prevents the first and second fluids from mixing. |
| US11067340B2 |
Double pipe heat exchanger and method for manufacturing the same
A heat exchanger and a method for manufacturing the same provides a double pipe heat exchanger including an outer pipe, an inner pipe forming a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, first and second connecting pipes to pass fluid from the outside and exhaust the fluid by connecting ends of the outer pipe, and a connector to connect the inner pipe and each connecting pipe to the outer pipe. The connector includes expanded ends of the outer pipe and a reducing part configured to assemble the inner pipe inserted in the outer pipe with an end of each connecting pipe by forming at an end of each expanding part with a pressing process. The center line of the inner pipe connected to the connector is disposed at an upper side of the inner circumference surface of the outer pipe. |
| US11067337B2 |
Grain dryer unload system
A grain dryer unload system is presented that facilitates operation of a discharge system independent of a metering system. A motor connects to an axle that connects to the discharge system, which may be a drag chain, a belt or an auger. The axle also connects to a metering system. A clutch mechanism is connected to an end of the axle and is positioned between the discharge system and the metering system. When the clutch mechanism is in an engaged position, the motor simultaneously operates the metering system and the discharge system. However, when the clutch mechanism is in a disengaged position, the motor operates the discharge system while the metering system does not operate. This arrangement facilitates easier cleaning of the grain dryer without introducing the fines into the grain or a connected grain storage device. |
| US11067327B2 |
Portable cooler with active temperature control
A portable cooler container with active temperature control system is provided. The active temperature control system is operated to heat or cool a chamber of a vessel to approach a temperature set point suitable for a medication stored in the cooler container. |
| US11067325B2 |
Refrigeration cycle optimization
A refrigeration cycle including at least one outdoor unit including a plurality of compressors and indoor units each placed in indoor spaces comprises a plurality of compressors for supplying refrigerant to indoor units; and a controller for controlling cooperatively a plurality of the compressors in the outdoor unit to provide a capacity for air-conditioning in the indoor spaces through the indoor units, wherein the controller controls operation of the compressors so as to minimize a cost including start/stop of each compressor by prediction of an air-conditioning requirement in a next time chunk. |
| US11067324B2 |
Refrigerator and control method therefor
A control method for a refrigerator comprises: sensing a temperature of a first storage chamber; increasing an output of a first cooling fan if the temperature reaches a value greater than or equal to a second reference temperature; reducing the output of the first cooling fan if the temperature reaches a value less than or equal to a first reference temperature; increasing the output of the first cooling fan if a first reference time has passed after the temperature has reached the value or if the temperature reaches a first setting temperature between the first reference temperature and the second reference temperature; and reducing the output of the first cooling fan if a second reference time has passed after the output of the first cooling fan has been changed, or if the temperature reaches a preset second setting temperature between the first setting temperature and the first reference temperature. |
| US11067322B2 |
Method and apparatus for preventing component malfunction using accelerometers
A method of minimizing components of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system from malfunctioning, the method includes measuring, by an accelerometer associated with at least one component of the HVAC system, vibration of the at least one component and receiving, by a controller, actual vibration data reflective of the measured vibration. The method further includes determining, using the controller, whether the actual vibration data is greater than pre-defined acceptable baseline vibration data by more than a pre-defined acceptable amount and responsive to a positive determination in the determining step, adding, by the controller, as a deadband frequency, an operational frequency of the at least one component corresponding to the actual vibration data. |
| US11067315B2 |
Temperature control system
A temperature control system includes: first and second refrigerator units; a first fluid flow apparatus that allows a first fluid to flow therethrough and that is cooled by the first refrigerator unit; a second fluid flow apparatus that allows a second fluid to flow therethrough and that is cooled by the second refrigerator unit; and a valve unit that is configured to allow the first fluid or the second fluid to selectively flow out therefrom. The first refrigerator unit has, in a medium-temperature-side refrigerator, a medium-temperature-side first expansion valve and a medium-temperature-side second expansion valve. A medium-temperature-side second evaporator corresponding to the medium-temperature-side second expansion valve and a low-temperature-side condenser of a low-temperature-side refrigerator constitute a cascade condenser. The first fluid is cooled by a medium-temperature-side first evaporator corresponding to the medium-temperature-side first expansion valve, and is then cooled by a low-temperature-side evaporator of the low-temperature-side refrigerator. |
| US11067311B2 |
Field conversion electric water heater
An electric water heater has upper and lower electric resistance type heating elements respectively controlled by a single pole, double throw upper thermostat and a single pole, single throw lower thermostat. The upper and lower thermostats are operatively interconnected by a wiring harness having outer conductor end portions that are connected to a terminal block portion of an external junction box to provide the water heater with a variety of heating element operating modes without having to replace either of the thermostats, vary the wiring harness interconnections therebetween, or vary the connection between the outer conductor end portions and the terminal block. The water heater may thus be advantageously manufactured in a single variant that may be easily and quickly modified in the field to selectively alter the heating element control mode of the water heater. |
| US11067308B2 |
Method and apparatus for re-heat dehumidification utilizing a variable speed compressor system
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for regulating humidity of an enclosed space. The HVAC system includes an evaporator coil. A metering device is fluidly coupled to the evaporator coil. A variable-speed compressor is fluidly coupled to the condenser coil and the evaporator coil and a controller is operatively coupled to the variable-speed compressor. A humidity sensor is operatively coupled to the controller and exposed to the enclosed space. Responsive to a determination that the relative humidity of the enclosed space exceeds the maximum humidity threshold, the controller adjusts a speed of the variable-speed compressor to increase latent capacity of the HVAC system. Responsive to a determination that the relative humidity of the enclosed space falls below the minimum humidity threshold, the controller adjusts a speed of the variable-speed compressor to decrease latent capacity of the HVAC system. |
| US11067300B2 |
Packaged terminal air conditioner unit having a removable exhaust air filter
A packaged terminal air conditioner unit, as provided herein, may include a housing, an outdoor heat exchanger assembly, an indoor heat exchanger assembly, a compressor, and a filter assembly. The housing may define an indoor portion and an outdoor portion. The filter assembly may be supported on the housing. The filter assembly may include a support bracket attached to the housing, an exhaust air filter, and a louver cap. The exhaust air filter may be disposed on the support bracket in fluid communication with the indoor portion to receive air therefrom. The louver cap may be disposed over the exhaust air filter and downstream therefrom. The louver cap may be selectively attached to the support bracket. |
| US11067288B2 |
Dual coil electric heating element
An embodiment of an electric heating element is disclosed, including an electrically resistive inner heating element, an electrically resistive outer heating element, and a thermostat positioned along a cold leg of the inner heating element. The thermostat is configured to selectively allow electrical current to be delivered to the inner heating element while maximum electrical current, for example, continues to be provided to the outer heating element. The thermostat cycles the electrical current on and off when detecting maximum and minimum desired temperatures radiated from the electric heating element. The inner heating element has a pair of cold legs that extend parallel to a pair of cold legs of the outer heating element, some or all of which may be supported by a terminal bracket. |
| US11067286B2 |
Temperature control system and method for grill
The present invention provides a temperature control system of a grill including a heat source 100 supplying heat to cook a cooking object, a grill 110 cooking the cooking object 120 based on the heat supplied from the heat source 100, a temperature sensor 220 measuring the temperature of the grill 110, a smart controller 200 receiving a value measured in the temperature sensor 220 to check an appropriate temperature according to a cooking object and control the intensity of the heat source, and a controller 500 connected with the smart controller 200 wirelessly to transmit and receive information and controlling the smart controller to control the intensity of the heat source 100, wherein the smart controller 200 transmits a signal according to an appropriate temperature matching result and a cooking step to a user group 310 and the controller 500, an indicator 210 of the smart controller 200 indicates the appropriate temperature matching result and the cooking step, a control window of the controller 500 indicates the appropriate temperature matching result and the cooking step, the user group 310 is configured by a plurality of users equipped with a signal receiver 320, the smart controller 200, the user group 310, and the controller 500 are connected to each other wirelessly through a communicator 300, and when the temperature of the grill 110 is not the appropriate temperature according to the cooking object, the smart controller 200 generates a signal to the user group 310 and the controller 500 so that the user directly controls the grill temperature or the controller 500 automatically controls the intensity of the heat source to be cooked at an appropriate temperature according to the cooking object. |
| US11067280B2 |
Centerbody injector mini mixer fuel nozzle assembly
The present disclosure is directed to a method for operating a turbine engine, the method including arranging a fluid conduit through a fuel nozzle in a first direction toward a downstream end and in a second direction toward an upstream end, the fluid conduit in fluid communication with a premix passage via a fluid injection port; flowing an oxidizer into the premix passage via a radially oriented first inlet port and a radially oriented second inlet port; flowing a first fuel to the premix passage through the fluid conduit and the fluid injection port, wherein the first fuel is provided to the premix passage axially downstream of the first inlet port; and generating a premixed flame from a mixture of the oxidizer and the first fuel. |
| US11067276B2 |
Igniter seal arrangement for a combustion chamber
An igniter seal arrangement for a combustion chamber. The combustion chamber has a wall having first surface and second surfaces. A boss projects from the first surface, and has a platform on its remote end. The platform has an inner surface spaced from the first surface of the wall to define a chamber between the first surface of the wall and the inner surface of the platform. The platform has an outer surface facing away from the first surface of the wall and an aperture extends through the wall from the outer surface of the platform of the boss to the second surface. First and second L-shape rails extend from the platform and a sealing member has a first edge and a second edge locatable between the outer surface of the platform and the first and second L-shape rails and the sealing member has an aperture to receive an igniter. |
| US11067275B2 |
Multifunctional lighter case with adjusting clip and poker
A multi-functional, all inclusive smoking tool may include a housing; a cigarette lighter attached to the housing; a poker attached to the housing so that the poker can swivel outward from the housing and swivel inward towards the housing, while attached to the housing; and wherein the elongated poker is configured to be swiveled outwards from the housing and thereafter used to clean debris from pipes, while attached to the housing. The apparatus may further include a clip attached to the housing so that the clip is configured to be moved, while attached to the housing, from a first position to a second position, with respect to the housing; wherein in the first position, the clip is at least partially within the housing, while attached to the housing; and wherein in the second position, the clip is entirely outside of the housing, while attached to the housing. |
| US11067274B2 |
Flue gas exhaust system, duct, industrial furnace, and plant
The present disclosure relates to a flue gas exhaust system for an industrial furnace, especially a steam reforming furnace. The flue gas exhaust system comprises a stack having an inlet opening for introducing flue gas into the stack and an outlet opening for exhausting flue gas. The inlet opening of the stack is in fluid connection to an outlet of a heat recovery system of the industrial furnace. Further, the fluid connection between said heat recovery system outlet and said stack inlet opening comprises a transition flue gas duct that at least partly embraces a part of the stack. |
| US11067272B2 |
Tandem flare
A flare tip for discharging and burning high pressure and low pressure flare gas is provided. A cover is positioned over the upper end of a first pipe through which a high pressure waste gas stream flows. The configuration of the cover allows the high pressure waste gas to burn smokelessly. The upper end of a second pipe that is concentrically positioned around the first pipe is positioned at a lower elevation than the upper end of the first pipe, and the outer edge of the second pipe is tangential to the flat bottom portion of the cover. When the waste gas exiting the upper end of the first pipe does not have sufficient force to raise the cover off the upper end of the first pipe, the flat bottom portion of the cover forms a cap over the upper end of the first pipe while the upper end of the second pipe remains open. |
| US11067270B1 |
Flip-up light for a remote control
A portable lamp for affixing with an object, such as a remote control, includes a base that has a raised pivot pin. An enclosure has a pivot pin receiving recess adapted for receiving the pivot pin of the base pivotally therein. The enclosure includes an opening on a lower side thereof and a circuit board that includes a lighting circuit having a plurality of LEDs aligned with the opening of the lower side of the enclosure, a battery, and a magnetic switch disposed within the enclosure adjacent to at least one magnet of the base when the base and the enclosure are mutually aligned. In use, with the base affixed with the object and with the base aligned with the enclosure, the lighting circuit maintains the LEDs in an off state. With the enclosure manually pivoted away from the base the lighting circuit illuminates the LEDs. |
| US11067268B1 |
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing a battery powered nightlight within a lighted mirror
An apparatus to provide a source of light includes a lighted mirror. The lighted mirror is configured for installation within a building. A single electrical power circuit provides a source of electrical power to the lighted mirror from the building. The single electrical power circuit is either in an ON state or an OFF state. The lighted mirror includes a nightlight system. The nightlight system includes a battery. The battery is electrically connected to charge when the single electrical circuit is in the ON state. The nightlight system includes a first sensor. The first sensor is configured to receive electrical power from the battery and to measure a first value for a first parameter from an area proximate to the lighted mirror. The nightlight system includes a nightlight. The nightlight is electrically connected to receive electrical power from the battery. The nightlight system has an ON state and an OFF state and control logic. The control logic receives the first value and turns the nightlight to an ON state when the first value is above a first threshold, thereby providing a source of light from the nightlight. When the single electrical power circuit is in the ON state, electrical power is inhibited from the nightlight and the nightlight is in the OFF state. |
| US11067266B1 |
Heat dissipating LED light structure
A LED light that is configured to provide heat dissipation so as to allow the light to accept a higher input current so as to increase the amount of light generation. The LED light includes a body wherein the body has a wall. The wall defines the shape of the body and the body further has an interior volume. The interior volume extends between a first end and second end of the body. A LED filament is centrally disposed within the interior volume of the body and extends between the first end and second end. The interior volume is filled with a fill material wherein the fill material has a thermal conductivity that promotes heat dissipation from the body. The fill material is a transparent material so as to not interfere with the light production of the light. |
| US11067264B2 |
Luminaire with adjustable lamp modules
A lamp module includes a rotatable base, a mount, a light emitter, and an optic. The base includes a plate and a projection extending from the plate. The mount is rotatably connected to the projection. The light emitter is connected to the mount. The optic is positioned over the light emitter. The light module can be used with a housing to form a luminaire. |
| US11067262B2 |
Landscape lighting fixture and mount system
A multi-axis pivoting knuckle for a light fixture that allows for pivoting the light fixture about a horizontal axis and rotating the light fixture about a vertical axis. A single tightening bolt can secure movement of the light fixture in both axes. Tightening the bolt compresses a face plate that secures a brake pad against a toothed neck around the vertical axis of rotation. Tightening the same bolt also compresses a top stem against a base mount to engage annular geared teeth on each. A ground stake has a slotted neck port for receiving a base stem with lugs on the pivoting knuckle. A rotating collar on the neck port can selectively block the slots on the neck port. A wire slot is provided through the ground stake, neck port, and rotating collar allowing for removal and insertion of connected electrical wires. |
| US11067260B2 |
Lighting systems incorporating connections for signal and power transmission
In accordance with various embodiments, lighting systems features multiple inter-connectable light panels each having multiple light-emitting elements thereon. One or more of the light panels features one or more connectors, and associated conductors, for the transmission of power, communication signals, and/or control signals. |
| US11067259B2 |
Outdoor light fixture
Disclosed is an outdoor light fixture assembly having a housing, a contact block, and a user serviceable light module. The housing has a first opening for receiving the contact block and a second opening for receiving the user serviceable light module. The contact block has at least one contact and a power wire. The contact block can be disposed relative to the first opening so that the at least one contact is accessible from inside the housing. The user serviceable light module light module is sized and shaped to transition between a connected position and a released position relative to the housing. The user serviceable light module has a cover and a circuit board supporting one or more light emitting diodes and having at least one contact pin. The light emitting diodes are arranged relative to the circuit board to emit light in a direction towards the second opening when the user serviceable light module is in the connected position. |
| US11067257B2 |
Lighting device provided with a reflector element
A lighting device uses a plurality of lighting sources. The lighting device includes a printed circuit board having a main side on which the lighting sources are arranged side by side, the lighting sources are oriented so as to project an emitted light radiation in a direction perpendicular to the main side, a first support body supporting the printed circuit board in a horizontal direction, a second support body rigidly connected to the first support body to form a single casing, and a reflector element rigidly connected by a plurality of connecting members to the second support body. The reflector element has a plurality of reflective surfaces arranged side by side. Each of the reflective surfaces faces towards one of a plurality of channel-shaped portions of the second support body and directs the emitted light radiation to one of a plurality of lenses at ends of the channel-shaped portions. |
| US11067256B2 |
Modular light emitting diode fixture having enhanced interconnect pins between modular components
The present disclosure relates to modular LED fixtures that have improved electrical connection between modular components of the fixture. The improved electrical connection is achieved through pins having a non-flat head, such as a generally hemispherical head. |
| US11067255B2 |
Rotationially adjustable wall wash luminaire
A wall wash luminaire includes a trim assembly that has a trim and a light re-direction assembly. The light re-direction assembly includes a reflector kicker that is configured to re-direct light from the wall wash luminaire and an optical lens that is coupled to the reflector kicker such that the reflector kicker and the optical lens operate as a single unit. The light re-direction assembly is removably coupled to the trim such that the light re-direction assembly is slidingly rotatable with respect to the trim and 360 degrees about a central axis of the trim assembly. |
| US11067251B2 |
Illumination device
An embodiment of an illumination device comprising a broad band artificial light source and a non-liquid chromatic diffuser transparent to visible light comprising a dispersion of elements of nanometrical dimensions of a first material with of certain refractive index in a second material with different refractive index, wherein the light is scattered producing a separation and different distribution between cold and hot components of the light originally produced by the source, according to a scattering process in “Rayleigh” regime. The device allows illumination effects similar to those of natural outdoor environments to be reproduced in indoor environments. |
| US11067250B2 |
Light emitting device and integrated light emitting device
A light emitting device includes: a base; a light emitting element; a light reflective film located on an upper surface of the light emitting element; and a encapsulant. A ratio of a maximum width (Wmax) of the encapsulant with respect to a maximum width of the light emitting element, in a side view, is 2 or more. An outer shape of a part of the encapsulant located within a range of elevation angles that is in a range of 10° to 50° from a center of a mounting region at an upper surface of the base on which the light emitting element is mounted is formed to have a curved surface. A ratio (r/Wmax) of a radius of curvature (r) of the curved surface with respect to the maximum width (Wmax) of the encapsulant, in a side view, is in a range of 0.25 to 0.50. |
| US11067249B2 |
Optical system
The present invention discloses an optical system comprising: a light source (1); a reflection hood (2); a shielding cone (3) arranged below the reflection hood (2); and a double focus lens (4) arranged between the light source (1) and the shielding cone (3). |
| US11067248B1 |
Multiple light control lenses for asymmetric light distribution
A lens can includes a disc-shaped diffusion part in which a top surface central part thereof is lower than a top surface edge part, and a concave accommodation part that is formed on a center of a bottom surface of the diffusion part and provides a space in which a light source is accommodated therein, wherein a plane of incidence to which a light of the light source is incident is formed on an interface between the concave accommodation part and the diffusion part, wherein the plane of incidence includes a plate-shaped surface in which a height of an edge part is lower than a central part thereof; and a vertical side surface extending from an edge of the plate-shaped surface to a bottom surface of the diffusion part. |
| US11067247B2 |
Collimator and a lighting unit
The invention provides a collimator comprising a Fresnel lens comprising a refractive lens portion and a toothed total internal reflection portion. A light blocking element is at least between the lens portion and the light source. A portion of a light source output is blocked from reaching at least one region of the inner lens portion. At some or all parts of the lens portion, light does not reach those parts from the full area of the light source. This partial light blocking means the whole shape of the light source is not projected onto all of the lens portion, and the halo effect is reduced or eliminated. |
| US11067239B1 |
Lighting device simulating light effect of candle flame
The present disclosure relates to a lighting device simulating visual effect of candle flame includes an immovable assembly and a movable assembly. The immovable assembly has a stationary supporting structure for holding a light source in position. The movable assembly has a light-effect component for simulating visual effect of natural flame at a candle wick. The movable assembly further includes at least a part of a driving component accommodated in the supporting structure. The part of the driving component and the light-effect component of the movable assembly are such connected to each other that when the part of the driving component moves positively and/or is driven to move passively, at least a part of the light-effect component performs swing movement. The lighting device thus can simulate naturally flickering or dancing flame of a burning candle, thereby creating lighting effect and atmosphere as those provided by a real candle. |
| US11067238B2 |
Flame simulating assembly for simulated fireplaces including a reflecting light system
A flame simulating assembly is provided with a reflected flickering light that includes only one light source. Light from the light source passes though a rotating flicker element onto one or more reflectors, or mirrors, that reflect light up onto a simulated fuel bed and the some of the light is reflected off of the flicker elements towards a flame screen to create a simulated flame. The clipping flicker elements creates a fluttering light effect due to the flicker elements “intermittently dipping” into the light path. This fluctuating light is reflected onto the logs and ember bed in front and creates a dancing effect, which simulates glowing embers. |
| US11067231B2 |
Alternate junction box and arrangement for lighting apparatus
Embodiments are directed to a lighting system including a junction box for accommodating a light source assembly, and which is configured to allows for additional components such as separate drivers or emergency ballasts to also be included in the lighting system together with the light source assembly. In embodiments, the junction box is mounted on a pan style frame. In some embodiments, the lighting system includes a test switch mounted on a trim piece that is accessible from below a ceiling in which the lighting system is installed, and which allows for an emergency power supply to be verified. |
| US11067230B2 |
Lighting device
A lighting device 1 includes a circuit board that is long and flexible, light emitters mounted in a row on the circuit board, and an elongated cover. The cover includes (i) a translucent member that is made of translucent soft material and that covers the circuit board and the light emitters, and (ii) a phosphorescent member containing a phosphorescent material that is to be excited by light emitted by the light emitters. The phosphorescent member is arranged on a second area portion of the cover other than a first area portion of the cover that is located in an emission direction of light from each of the light emitters and a luminous intensity is equal to or greater than a standard luminous intensity in the emission direction. |
| US11067229B2 |
LED strip for indirect light emission
Disclosed is a LED strip for providing indirect light emission. The LED strip comprises a plurality of LEDs arranged on an upper surface, wherein the LED strip has an unfolded state and a folded state, the LED strip being substantially planar in the unfolded state. The LED strip comprises a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the first and second side being parallel to a central longitudinal axis in the unfolded state. The LED strip in the folded state has a plurality of first loops comprising at least one opening and being provided with at least one of the plurality of LEDs, which is configured to emit light towards a reflective interior surface of the loop, whereby at least a portion of the light reflected from the reflective interior surface may exit the at least one opening of each loop. |
| US11067227B2 |
Aircraft water tank and method for manufacturing same
An aircraft water tank includes a conical surface of a skirt portion and a conical surface of an inner liner attached together using an adhesive, with an identical adhesive used in forming a fiber-reinforced resin layer on the inner liner via a filament winding method. When attaching with the adhesive, the adhesive is expelled at the outer circumferential edge of the skirt portion from between the conical surface of the skirt portion and the conical surface of the inner liner. Reinforcement fibers are applied on top of the protruding adhesive, and the adhesive impregnates into the reinforcement fibers. The protruding adhesive and the reinforcement fibers form a reinforcing member which connects a uniform stress surface of the skirt portion to a uniform stress surface of the inner liner located radially outward of the skirt portion. |
| US11067224B2 |
Multi-functional hook
A multi-functional hook, which comprises a body portion, and a positioning portion and a hook portion arranged on a back surface of the body portion, wherein the back surface of the body portion is provided with a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion, the first mounting portion is provided with a first rotating shaft, the positioning portion is pivoted on the first rotating shaft, an inside end of the positioning portion is provided with a rotating portion and a limiting portion, the rotating portion is arranged on one side of the hook portion, and the positioning portion can rotate along the rotating portion towards the positioning portion; and the second mounting portion is provided with a second rotating shaft, and an inside end of the hook portion is pivoted on the second rotating shaft and can rotate along the second rotating shaft. |
| US11067214B2 |
Enclosed hose end thread protector
Hose end protector intended to be carried on the end of a hose so as to surround and completely enclose the threaded coupling for its protection. The protector includes an elastic body having been secured by a retaining ring on a solid fitting adapted to engage with the hose. The fully enclosed protector protects the threaded coupling from damage, prevents debris and small objects from entering hose, and provides a method of diffusing flow, and is used as a means of handling hose. |
| US11067210B2 |
Low-spill coupling assembly
A coupling system includes a female coupling device, the female coupling device including a first main body with a first front face, the first front face defining a first opening leading into a first fluid passageway; a stem having a stem head positioned within a sleeve; a first spring positioned about the stem that biases the sleeve into a closed position; a first seal that seals between the main body and the sleeve; a second seal that seals between the sleeve and the stem head; and a third seal that is positioned at the opening of the main body. |
| US11067209B2 |
Connection adapter, in particular for air-conditioning systems
A connection adapter for producing a detachable fluid connection between a first fluid system and a second fluid system is provided, the connection adapter comprising a switching valve; a housing including a pressure chamber and a valve chamber fluidly connected; an actuation element to actuate the switching valve to selectively open and close the fluidic connection; a ventilation path leading out of the connection adapter from the valve chamber; a ventilation shut-off means to close and open the ventilation path; a connection element fluidly connecting the pressure chamber to the first fluid system; a quick fastener socket fluidly connecting to the valve chamber and connects the valve chamber to a connection element of the second flush system; and a locking mechanism to lock the quick fastener socket and is restricted to a locked position when the ventilation shut-off means closes off the ventilation path. |
| US11067205B2 |
Threaded connection for steel pipe
A threaded connection for steel pipe is provided that prevents cross-threading and provides good compression load resistance. A threaded connection (10) includes a pin (30) and a box (40). The male thread stabbing flank (34) of the pin (30) includes two male thread stabbing flank portions (341) and (342). The male thread stabbing flank portion (341) is located farther from the pipe axis (X) of the steel pipe (20) and has a stabbing flank angle (α1) of −10 to 15 degrees. The male thread stabbing flank portion (342) is located closer to the pipe axis (X) and has a stabbing flank angle (α2) of 20 to 60 degrees. The female thread stabbing flank (44) of the box (40) includes two female thread stabbing flank portions (441) and (442). The female thread stabbing flank portion (441) is located farther from the pipe axis (X) and has a stabbing flank angle (α1) equal to the stabbing flank angle (α1) of the male thread stabbing flank portion (341). The female thread stabbing flank portion (442) is located closer to the pipe axis (X) and has a stabbing flank angle (α2) equal to the stabbing flank angle (α2) of the male thread stabbing flank portion (342). |
| US11067204B2 |
Polymer compositions
Polymer compositions comprising at least two polyethylene polymers, for example, recycled polymer compositions, methods for the production thereof, the use of functional fillers in said compositions, and articles formed from the polymer compositions. Pipe having at least one wall, the pipe having a nominal inside diameter of at least about 400 mm and a SN of at least about 4, and wherein the at least one wall comprises at least about 25% by weight of recycled polymer, based on the total weight of the at least one wall. |
| US11067202B2 |
Puzzle-lock pipe mount assembly
A carrier assembly for a plurality of pipes includes a block and a keeper plate. The block has pipe holes defined therein, which are configured to receive the pipes. A slot is angular to the pipe holes. The keeper plate has a planar member and open channels formed therethrough, which are configured to partially surround the pipes. A lock member on the keeper plate interfaces the slot in the block. The keeper plate is moveable between an unlocked position, where the lock member is outside of the slot of the block and the open channels are not aligned with the pipe holes of the block; and a locked position, rotated relative to the unlocked position, where the lock member of the keeper plate is within the slot of the block, and the open channels of the keeper plate are aligned with the pipe holes of the block. |
| US11067201B2 |
Pole collar for mounting cables to a supporting element
A pole collar for mounting cables to a tubular supporting element includes at least one bracket having at least one pass-through hole defined therein, in combination with an insert or adapter having a threaded pass-through hole. |
| US11067197B2 |
Subsea shut-off device
A subsea shutoff device, in particular for use in water depths of more than 30 m for operating a valve with a gate with a waterproof, oil filled housing, a crank mechanism arranged in the housing, and a rotary actuator, wherein the rotary actuator is adapted to operate a gate of a valve via the crank mechanism. |
| US11067196B2 |
Internal valve transmitter flange
A transmitter flange includes a flange body having a valve opening therein, the valve opening having a valve seat, and an internal valve configured to be retained in the valve opening. A retaining ring may be configured to thread into the valve opening to further retain the internal valve within the opening. |
| US11067194B2 |
Combination valve
A combination valve includes a valve seat, a diaphragm valve element, a pilot system to automatically bring the diaphragm valve element into or out of contact with the valve seat by use of air pressure, and a manual system to hold the diaphragm valve element in contact with the valve seat even while air pressure is supplied. In the combination valve, a piston rod is provided such that, when the handle is turned to move the manual stem in a seating direction while the diaphragm valve element and the valve seat are separated from each other, the piston rod moves in the seating direction relative to a first piston and a second piston that are pushed by the air pressure in a separating direction. |
| US11067190B2 |
Linear magnetic valve actuator with external magnets and internal magnetic flux path
Various devices and techniques related to magnetically-actuated valves are generally described. In some examples, valves may include a bonnet defining an enclosure. In various examples, a movable valve member may be disposed in the enclosure. A valve stem may be disposed in the enclosure and may be operatively coupled to the movable valve member. A first internal ferromagnetic actuation member and a second internal ferromagnetic actuation member may be coupled to the valve stem. The first internal ferromagnetic actuation member and the second internal ferromagnetic actuation member may be disposed in a spaced relationship along the valve stem. In various examples, the valves may include an external actuator slidably engaged to an exterior surface of the valve bonnet. The external actuator may comprise a first magnet magnetically coupled to the first internal ferromagnetic actuation member and a second magnet magnetically coupled to the second internal ferromagnetic actuation member. |
| US11067189B2 |
Electromagnetic hinged armature valve device
The invention relates to an electromagnetic hinged armature valve device with armature means (14) which are configured for interaction with a stationary valve seat (22), are articulated such that they can be pivoted and/or folded in a housing of the valve device relative to stationary core means (16) and coil means (12) which surround them at least in sections, and which armature means (14) are configured to close or open the valve seat as a reaction to an energization of the coil means, wherein a coil carrier assembly (10) which supports a winding of the coil means and encloses the core means and a valve seat assembly (24) which configures the valve seat are configured in such a way that both can be adjusted with respect to one another for assembly of the valve seat device and can then preferably be connected non-releasably to one another, and, in a connected state or assembled state, limit and/or define a pivoting or folding stroke of the armature means which configure at least one flat side, which pivoting or folding stroke can be influenced and/or is influenced by the adjustment. |
| US11067188B2 |
Electromagnetic pressure control valve
An electromagnetic pressure control valve including an electromagnetic actuator configured to position a piston that is received axially movable in a receiving opening of a valve housing of the electromagnetic pressure control valve, wherein the piston facilitates opening and closing flow connections of the electromagnetic pressure control valve, wherein the piston receives a pin at a piston face that is oriented away from the electromagnetic actuator, wherein a relative movement is enabled between the pin and the piston, wherein the pin includes a pin face that is arranged in the valve housing and oriented away from the piston and arranged opposite to a stop, and wherein the pin is fixed at the stop so that a movement of the pin in a direction towards the stop is eliminated. |
| US11067187B2 |
Fluidic control valve with small displacement actuators
A fluidic control valve configured to control a flow of fluid through a conduit includes a piezostack actuator, a seal plate having a sealing face, an orifice plate including a plurality of orifices, and a suspension connected to the seal plate. The piezostack actuator is configured to displace the seal plate along a longitudinal axis of the conduit between a closed position, in which the sealing face engages the orifice plate, seals the orifices of the orifice plate and closes the valve, and an open position, in which the seal plate is displaced from the orifice plate to open the valve. The suspension is configured to flex and adjust an orientation of the sealing face relative to the orifice plate during movement of the seal plate from the open position to the closed position. |
| US11067185B2 |
Systems and methods for improved valve stem coupling assembly for isolating the torque load from the thrust load
A coupler that separates a unitary valve stem into two separate but coupled sections to isolates the thrust load from the torque load. |
| US11067176B2 |
Crank pin configuration for butterfly valve
A torque transfer arrangement for a butterfly valve includes a crank having a tubular portion with an outer radial surface and an inner radial surface defining a cylindrical bore about a first axis. The tubular portion has two openings connecting the outer surface with the inner surface. A shaft is sized and configured to fit within the cylindrical bore and aligned with the first axis. A hole formed therethrough is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. A tapered pin is sized and configured to snuggly engage within the two openings and the hole. A butterfly valve and method are also disclosed. |
| US11067173B2 |
Piston assembly and fluid pressure device
A rod assembly for a fluid pressure cylinder includes a rod member and a packing that is mounted on an outer circumferential part of the rod member and slides along a slide hole. Assembly is simple because a conventional hard piston is not used. The assembly can be carried out simply by hand without the use of a dedicated tool. Thus, the rod assembly simplifies assembly work. |
| US11067161B2 |
Transmission with a separate breather element
A transmission for a motor vehicle, includes a housing (1), which has a first housing part (10) and a second housing part (20), wherein, in the assembled state of the transmission, the first housing part (10) and the second housing part (20) are joined together, having a vent duct (30), through which air can escape from the transmission, and having a separate breather element (31), which extends into the first housing part (10) and forms at least one first duct wall of the vent duct (30), and the breather element (31) is located in a plug-in position in the first housing half (10) and has a fixing stop (37), against which the second housing part (20) bears in the assembled state of the transmission and thus securely fixes the breather element (31) in the plug-in position. |
| US11067158B2 |
Driving force distribution apparatus
A driving force distribution apparatus includes a driving force connecting/disconnecting mechanism between a pinion gear shaft and an intermediate rotational member, a first driving force adjustment mechanism between the intermediate rotational member and a second output rotational member, a second driving force adjustment mechanism between the intermediate rotational member and a first output rotational member, and a hydraulic unit configured to generate pressures of hydraulic oil for operating the driving force connecting/disconnecting mechanism and the first and second driving force adjustment mechanisms. The hydraulic unit includes a single hydraulic pump and a hydraulic circuit configured to distribute a pressure of the hydraulic oil, which is discharged from the hydraulic pump, to cylinder chambers of pistons. |
| US11067155B1 |
Spindle drive for curved path of movement
A spindle drive assembly includes a threaded spindle rotatable about a spindle axis; a threaded spindle nut disposed on the threaded spindle and configured to travel along the spindle axis via a rotation of the spindle; a ball stud attached to the spindle nut, the ball stud extending radially away from the spindle nut; an attachment plate configured to be attached to a part to be moved; and a ball socket connected to the attachment plate and having a cavity dimensioned for receiving the ball stud. The cavity of the ball socket has a first diameter in a direction perpendicular to the spindle axis and a second diameter parallel to the spindle axis, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. |
| US11067154B2 |
Toroidal continuously variable transmission
A toroidal continuously variable transmission includes a first disc and a second disc disposed so that the first disc and the second disc are rotatable around a common rotational axis line, the first disc and the second disc facing each other; a power roller which is tiltably disposed between the first disc and the second disc; a pressing device of a loading cam type, the pressing device including a cam plate which is rotatable around the rotational axis line, and a roller unit including at least one roller sandwiched between a cam surface of the second disc and a cam surface of the cam plate; and a cam plate support supporting a back surface of the cam plate, the back surface being opposite to the cam surface of the cam plate, at a radial position conforming to a radial position of at least a portion of the roller unit. |
| US11067153B2 |
Speed change device
A speed change device comprising an inner race having an outer surface, an outer race having an inner surface, and set of orbital rollers including inner rollers in rolling contact with the outer surface of the inner race and outer rollers in rolling contact with the inner surface of the outer race. |
| US11067151B2 |
Planetary gearbox
A planetary gearbox comprises a driving shaft, a plurality of planetary gear train units (PGTUs), a carrier arm disc, a driven shaft and at least one brake assembly. Each of the PGTU further comprises a sun gear, at least one planet gear that is meshed to the sun gear and mounted on a planet axle, a ring gear that is meshed to the planet gear and at least one circular planet carrier arm (CPCA) that is coupled to the planet axle. The driving shaft of the planetary gearbox is coupled to the sun gear of the PGTU thereby causing the sun gear to rotate along with it. Further, the CPCA of the PGTU is coupled to the carrier arm disc and the carrier arm disc is further coupled to the driven shaft. |
| US11067149B2 |
Centrifugal pendulum
A centrifugal pendulum includes a first flange, a first pendulum mass, and a first preloading element. The first pendulum mass is arranged on the first flange for movement in a radial direction relative to an axis of rotation and relative to the first flange. The first pendulum mass has an innermost point, an outermost point, a radial extension between the innermost point and the outermost point, and a first region arranged radially inward at most five percent (5%) of the radial extension from the outermost point. The first preloading element is arranged to contact the first pendulum mass in the first region for axially preloading the first pendulum mass with respect to the first flange. |
| US11067146B2 |
Composite vibration-damping body and metal-spring-equipped composite vibration-damping body using the same
A composite vibration-damping body including a first elastic body and a second elastic body overlapped with each other, wherein the first elastic body is formed of a material having higher attenuation than that of the second elastic body, the first elastic body includes a recessed part opening onto a surface of the first elastic body, and the recessed part forms a gap, and a strain concentration part configured to be subjected to an increased strain during load input is set to a wall of the gap of the of the first elastic body. |
| US11067145B2 |
Method for producing latex composition
A method for producing a composition containing a latex of a nitrile rubber of α,β-ethylenically unsaturated nitrile monomer unit of 8 to 60 wt % content, and an iodine value of 120 or less, an isothiazoline-based compound represented by formula (1), and a benzisothiazoline-based compound represented by formula (2), both in a content of 26 ppm by weight or more to the rubber, wherein adding both compounds to the latex at 2,000 ppm by weight/min or less, at 50° C. or lower, and the compounds in an aqueous state having 0.1 to 40 wt % concentration. formula (1), R1 and formula (2), R4 represents a hydrogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted organic group; wherein formula (1) R2 and R3 represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or an substituted organic group; and formula (2), R5 represent a hydrogen atom, or an substituted organic group, and an integer “n” of 0 to 4. |
| US11067144B2 |
Braking system for a hydraulic machine
A hydraulic apparatus comprising a casing (1) having arranged therein a hydraulic machine (2), a shaft (4) mounted to rotate relative to the casing (1) by means of a bearing (5), a braking system (3) having a plurality of brake disks (31, 34) configured to prevent the shaft (4) rotating relative to the casing (1) in selective manner, and a control system (6, 7) for controlling said braking disks (31, 34), the hydraulic system including an irrigation system adapted to cool said brake disks (31, 34) by means of a fluid, the irrigation system including a fluid inlet (81) and a fluid outlet (82), the hydraulic system being characterized in that the fluid inlet and outlet (81, 82) of the irrigation system define a fluid flow within the casing in which the braking system (3) is downstream from the hydraulic machine (2). |
| US11067143B2 |
Adjustment structure of hydraulic brake system
An adjustment structure of a hydraulic brake system is provided, which includes a main body, a piston and an adjusting device. The main body includes at least one fluid reservoir, an inner chamber and at least one fluid passage. The inner chamber includes a cylinder channel and an opening part, and the cylinder channel is communicated with the fluid reservoir by at least one fluid port. The piston is driven by the brake cable to be limitedly moved in the cylinder channel. The piston includes a cable hole for receiving the brake cable, and the piston has a normal operated position relative to the fluid port. The adjusting device is disposed in the opening part and is abutted against the piston. The adjusting device is operated to be moved relative to the brake cable such that the piston is adjusted to be returned to the normal operated position. |
| US11067139B2 |
Vehicle transmission system
This vehicle transmission system includes a transmission (21), a clutch device (26), a clutch control unit (61), and a shift operation detecting means (48), and, when a hydraulic pressure is supplied from a clutch actuator (50) to a slave cylinder (28), the clutch device (26) moves to a connection side, in an in-gear stop state in which the transmission (21) is in an in-gear state, and a vehicle (1) is in a stop state, the clutch actuator (50) supplies a standby hydraulic pressure (WP) to the slave cylinder (28), and the clutch control unit (61) sets the standby hydraulic pressure (WP) to a first setting value (P1) during non-detection in which a shift operation is not detected by the shift operation detecting means (48) and sets the standby hydraulic pressure (WP) to a second setting value (P2) lower than the first setting value (P1) when the shift operation is detected by the shift operation detecting means (48). |
| US11067136B1 |
One-way clutch with reduced friction
A one-way clutch is designed to minimize parasitic drag in the over-running condition. Rollers are positioned radially between an inner ring and outer ring and rotate with the inner ring. Positioning pins push the rollers up ramps on the inner ring into contact with the outer ring. In the locked mode, the outer ring also tends to push the rollers up the ramps into tighter contact. In the over-running condition, the outer ring tends to push the rollers down the ramp, against the force of the positioning pins, and away from contact. Each positioning pin includes a ball which is rotatably held in a retainer via microspheres. The ball is in rolling contact with the roller, as opposed to sliding contact, thereby limiting parasitic drag. |
| US11067127B2 |
Bearing whose load supporting position can be changed
A bearing of which a load supporting position capable of being changed, including: a cylindrical housing comprising a hollow inner circumferential surface; one or more support members provided in the housing and disposed along a circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface; a plurality of pin holes provided along an outer circumferential surface of the housing; and a rotation preventing pin coupled to a first pin hole of the plurality of pin holes and configured to prevent rotation of the housing. In addition, threads are formed on inner circumferential surfaces of the pin holes and an outer circumferential surface of the rotation preventing pin to enable a pin hole and the rotation preventing pin to be easily coupled and decoupled. |
| US11067126B2 |
Circulator structure and slider device using the same
A circulator structure includes a main body, a Y-like groove and two return channels. The main body has a first side surface, a second side surface and a through hole. The Y-like groove includes a first oil-guiding groove, a second oil-guiding groove and an oil distribution groove. The first oil-guiding groove and the second oil-guiding groove are located at two opposite sides of the through hole, and the oil distribution groove is located below the through hole. A lower guiding end of the first oil-guiding groove and a lower guiding end of the second oil-guiding groove are respectively connected to the oil distribution groove. The oil distribution groove has an upper end distribution opening connected to the through hole and a lower end distribution opening. The return channels are respectively located on two opposite sides of the first side surface and are connected to the lower end distribution opening. |
| US11067121B2 |
Multi-film oil damper with tapered damper rings
A multi-film oil damper has a housing defining an annular damper cavity between a radially outward wall and radially extending side walls. The annular damper cavity has an oil inlet configured for connection to a source of pressurized oil. A closure ring defines a radially inward boundary of the annular damper cavity. First and second damper rings are nested together coaxially within the annular damper cavity. At least one of the first damper ring and the second damper ring has an axial end radial thickness less than an intermediate-portion radial thickness. |
| US11067116B2 |
Low torque ball socket assembly
The ball socket assembly includes a housing with at least one open end and with an inner surface that surrounds an inner bore which extends along a central axis. The ball socket assembly also includes a ball stud that has a ball portion and a shank portion. The ball portion is disposed in the inner bore of the housing and has an outer diameter which is in a spherical fit relationship with the inner surface of the housing. The shank portion of the ball stud extends out of the inner bore through the at least one open end of the housing. The ball portion is out of contact with any bearings on opposite axial sides of the ball portion such that the ball stud is able to move along the central axis relative to the housing. |
| US11067113B2 |
Screw insert and tool for use with screw insert
A screw insert has a body configured to engage a threaded fastener and transmit a torque to the threaded fastener, a separable head connected to the body and a neck extending between body and the separable head. The neck is configured to break causing the separable head to separate from the body in response to a torque applied to the separable head exceeding a predetermined value. |
| US11067111B2 |
Furniture connection bracket
A female connection bracket includes a catch in the first end portion of the body. A male bracket includes a first end portion of the male bracket, and, the first end portion includes a pivot opening and a latching opening. A clip includes a latch portion and a gripping portion, the gripping portion includes a barb residing in the pivot opening of the male bracket rotatably affixing the clip to the male bracket. The latch portion of the clip releasably resides in the latch opening of the male bracket. The male bracket resides in an open channel formed by first and second guides of the female connection bracket. The latch of the clip releasably interengages the catch in the body of the female connection bracket, alternately, retaining and securing, or, releasing, the male bracket with respect to the female connection bracket. |
| US11067110B2 |
Device coupling for a motor
A diagnostic instrument is disclosed. The diagnostic instrument may have a highly efficient probe washer station and/or may be able to sense whether there is a tube septum on a specimen tube to be sampled. The instrument may also be able to determine where the bottom of the tube is located. The probe washer station may have a flow of saline that is used to wash both the internal cavity and the external circumference of the probe. |
| US11067109B2 |
Engagement structure
An engagement structure engages a first part with a second part, and includes a receive portion provided on the first part and an insertion portion provided on the second part. The insertion portion includes an insertion main body protruded in its insertion direction to the receive portion, and protrusions protruded from a side face of the insertion main body and having elasticity to be deformable. The receive portion includes an opening provided with an opening main portion into which the insertion main body is inserted and cutouts into which the protrusions are inserted when the insertion main body is inserted into the opening main portion, and overhangs that are disposed adjacently to the opening main portion to prevent, on a back surface of the receive portion, the protrusions from being pulled out due to elastic restorations of the protrusions that have passed through the cutouts. |
| US11067106B2 |
System for implementing redundancy in hydraulic circuits and actuating multi-cycle hydraulic tools
A system and method for providing redundancy in hydraulic circuits in multi-cycle hydraulic tools is described. The problems of dysfunctional hydraulic tool due to the failure of electromechanical actuators are addressed by providing redundant actuators and associated circuitry design. |
| US11067105B1 |
Flange mount cylinder sensor
Cylinder sensor assembly includes a sensor with pressure pipe extending from the first sensor axial face of a sensor body, an annular face seal adapted to be disposed between the first sensor axial face and an endcap external axial face, and a sensor retention assembly. The sensor retention assembly includes a plurality of fasteners and a retainer body having a retainer distal face, a plurality of through holes and an internal chamber with a radially-extending flange extending into the internal chamber with the internal chamber open to the retainer distal face. The sensor body is disposed within the internal chamber adjacent the radially-extending flange. |
| US11067103B2 |
Hydraulic system for working machine
A hydraulic system for a working machine, includes a hydraulic device to change a flow rate of an operation fluid. The hydraulic device includes a first hydraulic receiver to which the operation fluid is applied, a second hydraulic receiver to which the operation fluid is applied, and a movable portion to be moved by the operation fluid applied to any one of the first hydraulic receiver and the second hydraulic portion. A hydraulic system further includes a differential pressure regulator to supply the operation fluid to the first hydraulic receiver and the second hydraulic receiver, the differential pressure regulator being configured to regulate a differential pressure between a first pressure that is a pressure of the operation fluid applied to the first hydraulic receiver and a second pressure that is a pressure of the operation fluid applied to the second hydraulic receiver. |
| US11067096B2 |
Turbomachine assembly
The present disclosure relates to a turbomachine assembly, which includes a shaft, a radial gas expander supported on the shaft between a first bearing and a second bearing, and a compressor supported on the shaft in overhung position adjacent to one or the other of the first and second bearings. The compressor includes a plurality of movable inlet nozzles and the radial gas expander includes a plurality of movable guide vanes. |
| US11067093B2 |
Propeller fan, air-sending device, and air-conditioning apparatus
In a propeller fan, an air-sending device and an air-conditioning apparatus, between a leading edge and trailing edge of each of blades, a starting point at which the first one of first maximum points is located is closer to the leading edge than a starting point at which the first one of second maximum points are located, distances L1 between minimum points and the first maximum points vary such that the distance L1 increases from the starting point at which the first one of the first maximum points is located, toward the trailing edge, and distances L2 between a connection point and the second maximum points vary in accordance with the position of each of the second maximum points such that the distance L2 increases from the starting point at which the first one of the second maximum points is located, toward the trailing edge. |
| US11067089B2 |
Flow generator
A flow generator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an upper fan configured to suction upper air and generate a first airflow, an upper fan housing configured to accommodate the upper fan from a lower side thereof and comprising a first discharge part through which the suctioned upper air is discharged, a lower fan configured to suction lower air and generate a second airflow, a lower fan housing configured to accommodate the lower fan from an upper side thereof and comprising a second discharge part through which the suctioned lower air is discharged, an air guide disposed between the upper fan and the lower fan to guide generation of a third airflow in which the first airflow and the second airflow are mixed with each other, and a control unit configured to control a rotational speed of the lower fan or the upper fan to adjust a discharge direction of the third airflow, wherein the first discharge part is disposed to face the second discharge part with respect to the flow guide part. |
| US11067085B2 |
Method for determining operational parameters of a blood pump
Methods and apparatuses for determining operational parameters of a blood pump comprising a rotor which transports the blood are provided. The change in the behaviour of at least one first and one second operational parameter, independently from each other, of the pump, is determined. A determination of the flow through the pump and/or the difference in pressure across the pump and/or the viscosity of the blood takes into account the determined change in behaviour of the at least two operational parameters. A modelling for a dynamic model of the known quantities may be carried out and an estimation method using a Kalman filter may be used. |
| US11067080B2 |
Low cost scroll compressor or vacuum pump
A low cost scroll device and methods of manufacturing the same are described. The scroll device includes, for example, a drive pin hole and bearing bores machined into a scroll of the scroll device from the same side as the involute of the scroll; idler shaft assemblies with no more than one bearing in the orbiting scroll for mechanically coupling the orbiting scroll to the fixed scroll; and an epoxy coating applied using a process that requires assembly of the scroll device only once. |
| US11067079B2 |
Scroll compressor
A scroll compressor is provided that may include a frame; a non-orbiting scroll provided with a non-orbiting wrap formed on a first side surface of a non-orbiting end plate in an axial direction; an orbiting scroll provided with an orbiting wrap formed on a first side surface of the orbiting end plate in the axial direction and engaged with the non-orbiting wrap to form a compression chamber; a plurality of first guides disposed between the frame and the non-orbiting scroll to be located radially outward from the non-orbiting wrap; and a plurality of second guides provided on the orbiting end plate to be located radially outward from the orbiting wrap, respectively, so as to allow an orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll together with the first guides. |
| US11067078B2 |
Scroll compressor having single discharge port open at starting end of fixed-side wrap
A scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll having a spiral-shaped fixed-side wrap, and a movable scroll having a spiral-shaped movable-side wrap. The fixed-side wrap and the movable-side wrap mesh with each other to form a compression chamber. The movable scroll is rotated eccentrically with respect to the fixed scroll to discharge a refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber from a single discharge port open at a starting end of turns of the fixed-side wrap. A first port expanding portion and a second port expanding portion communicating with the single discharge port to enlarge a passage area of the discharge port are arranged at an interval in a circumferential direction on a root side of the fixed-side wrap of the fixed scroll. |
| US11067068B2 |
Method for accurate and low-consumption MEMS micropump actuation and device for carrying out said method
The present invention describes the improvements due to alternated actuation cycles to reduce the delivery errors related to the pumping chamber elasticity, the actuator relaxation or hysteresis. The method actuates a pumping device with an optimal driving voltage profile, wherein the pumping device comprises a pumping chamber including a pumping membrane and a voltage controlled actuator connected to said membrane; the movement of said membrane being defined by three positions, namely a rest, a bottom and a top position. The method includes the actuation of the membrane with a pumping pattern including at least two different cycles: Cycle A: rest-bottom-rest-top-rest Cycle B: rest-top-rest-bottom-rest. The invention also relates to a device to carry out the method. |
| US11067066B2 |
Harmonic distribution radial piston hydraulic machine
The hydraulic machine includes a cam and a cylinder block with pistons co-operating with cam lobes, each of which has two ramps extending between top and bottom dead center arcs. The cylinders are connected in alternation to a feed and to a discharge, in sequences separated by switchover stages including an isolation stage during which they are isolated relative to the feed and discharge main ducts. The angular position of the start or of the end of at least one first isolation stage relative to the corresponding dead center arc is different from the angular position of the start or of the end of at least one second isolation stage relative to its corresponding dead center arc, both of these dead center arcs being top dead center arcs or both of them being bottom dead center arcs. |
| US11067064B2 |
Propulsion systems including a sublimable barrier
The present disclosure is related to propulsion systems (e.g., electrospray devices such as electrospray emitters and/or electrospray thrusters) having a sublimable barrier that may act as a passive valve for a propellant (e.g., a source of ions). The sublimable barrier may be located and arranged such that it physically separates a propellant, such as a source of ions, from an ambient environment exterior to the propulsion system. After the sublimable barrier has sublimated due to exposure to vacuum, and where appropriate diffused out of the propulsion system, the propulsion system may be operated normally. In some embodiments, the sublimable barrier may be a solid sublimable organic compound. |
| US11067063B2 |
Embedded conductive wires in polymer artificial muscle actuating devices
An actuating device and a method for manufacturing an actuating device, where the method includes wrapping a conductive wire (204) around a polymer fiber (202) at a set tension, and heating the polymer fiber and wire to a temperature that exceeds the glass transition temperature of the polymer fiber for a predetermined amount of time to partially embed the conductive wire into the polymer fiber. The method also includes cooling the polymer fiber and wire to below the glass transition temperature resulting in a wired polymer fiber wherein at least part of the conductive wire is embedded in the polymer fiber. |
| US11067060B2 |
System and method for controlling a hybrid energy facility having multiple power sources
A method for automatically controlling a renewable energy facility having a plurality of power sources includes operating, via a farm-level controller, the hybrid renewable energy facility at a first farm-level power set point. The method also includes modifying, via the farm-level controller, the first power set point to a second farm-level power set point. In response to modifying the first power set point to the second farm-level power set point, the method includes generating one or more power change requests for individual controllers of the plurality of power sources. Further, the method includes generating a power output via the plurality of power sources so as to transfer power generation from one of the plurality of power sources to another while minimizing the impact on farm-level production. |
| US11067058B2 |
Method of applying a protective layer to a wind turbine rotor blade
Provided is a method of applying a protective layer to an outer surfaced of a wind turbine rotor blade, which method includes the steps of preparing a protective layer for application to the outer surface of the rotor blade; providing an air exit channel between the rotor blade and the protective layer; attaching the protective layer to the outer surface of the rotor blade; and extracting air through the air exit channel. Further provided is a wind turbine rotor blade including a protective layer applied to an outer surface of the rotor blade using such a method. |
| US11067055B2 |
System for capturing the energy of fluid currents
A system for capturing the energy of fluid currents, using axial turbines with one free end and the other end fastened to a mechanical element or electric generator, characterized in that the turbines include coil springs, helically twisted plates or crossbeams, complete helical turbines with their shafts or just their blades, which capture the energy of wind or water, with their shaft or fastened end actuating an electric generator or mechanical system. In all cases the blades around the rotation axis of the turbines have an inclination such that they generate a torque in the same direction and the turbines are automatically oriented by the water or air currents, like weather vanes. |
| US11067053B2 |
Method for orientating the blades of a turbine
This method is for orientating the blades (40) of a turbine (4) past a non-reachable range of positions (α1, α2) in a power plant (2), said blades (40) being rotatable around orientation axes (X40) distinct from a rotation axis (X) of the turbine (4), the turbine (4) comprising means (42, 44, 46) for orientating the blades (40), said means being adapted to exert an adjustable torque on the blades (40). The method comprises steps consisting in a) stopping the energy production of the turbine (4), b) setting a water flow which runs the turbine (4) to a value inferior to a normal energy production value, c) rotating the turbine (4) in a motor mode using energy from a grid, d) adjusting the torque delivered by the means for orientating the blades (40) to a reduced value while the turbine (4) is still rotating, so that the blades (40) are free to rotate around their orientation axes (X40), under action of a hydraulic torque exerted by the water, past the non-reachable range of positions, e) once the blades (40) have overcome the non-reachable range of positions, adjusting the torque delivered by the means for orientating the blades (40) to a normal value superior to the reduced value, so that the rotation of the blades (40) around their orientation axis (X40) is stopped in a determined position. |
| US11067052B2 |
Device for controlling internal combustion engine and method for controlling internal combustion engine
Provided is a control device of an internal combustion engine that reduces the number of times of discharge in multiple discharge by an ignition plug of the internal combustion engine and suppresses an error in fuel ignition by the ignition plug. The control device according to the present invention includes an ignition plug provided in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, and an ignition control unit which has an ignition control function of controlling discharge (ignition) of the ignition plug and an ignition detection function of detecting ignition of an air-fuel mixture through ignition by the ignition plug. The ignition control unit is configured to stop ignition by the ignition plug on the basis of detection of ignition of the air-fuel mixture by the ignition plug. |
| US11067051B2 |
Ignition device of internal combustion engine
An ignition control device is provided with an ignition coil including a primary coil and a secondary coil, a main ignition circuit performing a main ignition operation, an energy input circuit that performs an energy input operation for superposing a current having the same polarity to a secondary current, in which a signal generation circuit is provided to generate, based on a main ignition signal that controls the main ignition operation, at least one of an energy input signal controlling the energy input operation and a target secondary current command signal commanding a target secondary current value. |
| US11067050B2 |
Vehicle power relay startup control and diagnostic
A hybrid vehicle includes an isolation switch disposed between a first bus that is electrically coupled to a starter for an engine and a second bus that is electrically coupled to a power converter and accessory loads. The hybrid vehicle includes a controller programmed to normally command the switch closed, and, in response to expiration of a predetermined time interval without starting the engine, command the switch to open for a predetermined duration to perform diagnostics on the isolation switch. |
| US11067047B2 |
External starter motor
An external starter motor for an internal combustion engine, comprising: a power supply; an electric motor for producing torque; a dog rotatable by the electric motor and adapted to be axially movable into and out of engagement with a starting mechanism to turn over the internal combustion engine; and a circuit for detecting the presence of an output signal from the internal combustion engine and energising the external starter motor by the power supply when detecting the presence of the signal. |
| US11067044B2 |
Fluid conveying device
A fluid-conveying device for conveying a fluid from a tank includes: a first fluid-conveying pump; a swirl pot; and a second fluid-conveying pump having a drive region and a conveying region coupled to the drive region. The fluid is conveyable from the swirl pot by the first fluid-conveying pump, and the conveying region is configured and arranged so as to be drivable by the drive region. |
| US11067042B2 |
Engine intake system
An intake system of an engine supplies gas at least containing fresh air to each cylinder. The system includes an EGR passage that communicates with an internal space of a downstream intake passage and introduces some EGR gas into the downstream intake passage. The EGR passage includes a projected section in a substantially polygonal or cylindrical shape that is projected to the internal space of the downstream intake passage. The projected section is formed in such a shape that a projection length H1 in an outer circumferential surface on an upstream side is longer than a projection length H2 in an outer circumferential surface on a downstream side. |
| US11067040B2 |
Exhaust gas cooling apparatus
The present invention relates to an exhaust gas cooling apparatus and, more specifically, to an exhaust gas cooling apparatus capable of reducing flow resistance and improving heat exchange performance, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of heat exchange tubes (200), which is spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the width direction and has a height longer than the width, and through which an exhaust gas flows; and a main plate (300) including a first communication hole (310) to which one end of each of the heat exchange tubes (200) is fixed and a second communication hole (320) to which the other end of each of the heat exchange tubes (200) is fixed. |
| US11067038B2 |
Device for adding a fluid to combustion air of an internal combustion engine
A device for adding a fluid to combustion air of an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle includes a first fluid container from which the fluid can be removed and supplied to the combustion air. A second fluid container is provided, which is connected to the first fluid container via a line so as to carry fluid. A fluid pump is arranged in the line. As a result of the configuration, the fluid in the first fluid container can quickly be warmed and decontaminated. |
| US11067037B2 |
Three-dimensional monolithic diaphragm tank
A three-dimensional monolithic diaphragm tank including a first portion having a first inner surface, a second portion having a second inner surface, and a deformable diaphragm extending from a peripheral junction with the first inner surface and the second inner surface. The first inner surface and the diaphragm defining a first chamber. The second inner surface and the diaphragm defining a second chamber. The first portion having an outlet port in fluid communication with the first chamber, and the second portion having an inlet port in fluid communication with the second chamber. The peripheral junction of the diaphragm and the first inner surface including an integral inner fillet having an inner radius. |
| US11067033B2 |
Dual gallery steel piston
A piston capable of operating at a high temperature and consequently contributing to a high in-cylinder temperature, as well as reducing engine oil temperature, when used in an internal combustion engine, is provided. The piston includes an upper portion and a lower portion welded together to present a cooling gallery therebetween. The cooling gallery extends circumferentially around a center axis of the piston and is spaced the center axis. A partition is located in the cooing gallery and extends from one inner surface to another inner surface of the cooling gallery. The partition extends circumferentially around the center axis, and divides the cooling gallery into at least a first gallery portion and a second gallery portion. The partition can be formed as one piece with the upper portion or the lower portion. Alternatively, the partition can be formed as a separate piece from the upper portion and the lower portion. |
| US11067031B2 |
Cylinder head and engine
A cylinder head includes: a plurality of exhaust ports configured to lead out exhaust gas from combustion chambers; a plurality of intake ports configured to introduce fresh air into the combustion chambers; an intake air aggregate part configured to aggregate the plurality of intake ports; and a second EGR pipe in which EGR gas flows, wherein exhaust outlets of the plurality of exhaust ports and an EGR gas inlet of the second EGR pipe are arranged side-by-side on a flat left side surface, and a fresh air inlet of the intake air aggregate part and an EGR gas outlet of the second EGR pipe are arranged side-by-side on a flat right side surface. |
| US11067030B2 |
Modular cylinder head for engine blocks
A modular cylinder head is configured for use with combustion engine block configurations each having different valvetrain oiling pathways. Thus, when used with “LA-style” engine blocks, oil receiving/delivery ports provided by the cylinder head are compatibly interfaced with an oil outlet port provided by the engine block, thus allowing oil to pass from the engine block into the head for delivery to a valvetrain carried thereby. Alternatively, when the head is used with “Magnum-style” engine blocks, the oil receiving/delivery ports of the head are not used. Rather, a pushrod and lifter having internal ports are used by the cylinder head to allow oil to pass from the engine block, through the internal ports of the lifter and pushrod, and into the valvetrain. |
| US11067029B2 |
Systems and methods for coupling a cylinder head to a cylinder block
An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head and a cylinder block. The cylinder head includes a first boss cylinder head conduit portion and a first boss cylinder head cavity portion. The first boss cylinder head conduit portion is configured to receive a first fastener without threadably engaging the first fastener. The first boss cylinder head conduit portion has a first diameter. The first boss cylinder head cavity portion is aligned with the first boss cylinder head conduit portion. The first boss cylinder head cavity portion is configured to receive the first fastener without threadably engaging the first fastener. The first boss cylinder head cavity portion has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The cylinder block is coupled to the cylinder head. The cylinder block includes a first boss cylinder block threaded portion. |
| US11067028B2 |
Fuel injector
A fuel injector system includes an injector body having a proximal end and a distal end, the injector body defining a nozzle having an outlet. The injector system includes a spill valve fluidly connected to the outlet and having a spill valve member movable between an open position and a closed position. The injector system includes a control valve including a control valve member movable between an open position and a closed position. The injector system includes a check valve fluidly connected to the outlet, the control valve including a check valve needle movable between an open position and a closed position. The injector system also includes an electrical monitoring circuit configured to output a signal indicative of at least one of the open position or the closed position of the spill valve member. |
| US11067021B2 |
Determination of pressurized fuel temperature
A method and a system for determining a temperature for pressurized fuel included in a high pressure fuel system arranged for providing fuel to an engine are presented. The method includes determining a first temperature for a first fuel volume included in a first section of the high pressure fuel system, where the first section includes a common rail fuel system. The method further includes determining a second temperature for a second fuel volume included in a second section of the high pressure fuel system, where the second section includes at least one fuel injector arranged in a cylinder head of the engine. The method also includes the step of determining the temperature for the pressurized fuel based at least on the first temperature and on the second temperature. |
| US11067020B2 |
Control device of internal combustion engine, internal combustion engine, and vehicle
An internal combustion engine comprises a filter and is configured to enable attachment of a secondary air feed system feeding air into exhaust gas flowing into the filter. A control device of the engine is configured, in the PM removal control for removing particulate matter deposited on the filter, to perform temperature raising processing for controlling the engine so that the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas discharged from the engine body 1 is a rich air-fuel ratio and for feeding air from the secondary air feed system, and to perform regeneration processing for controlling the engine so that the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas discharged from the engine body is a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio and for feeding air from the secondary air feed system so that the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the filter is a lean air-fuel ratio. |
| US11067016B2 |
Method and system for controlling engine fueling
Methods and systems are provided for tracking a fuel puddle mass in the intake port of a deactivated engine cylinder. The difference in fuel evaporation rate in the deactivated cylinder intake is accounted for by applying distinct time constant and gain values to a transient fuel compensation model. A fuel vapor content is clipped once the intake vapor pressure in the intake port of the deactivated cylinder reaches a saturation pressure limit. |
| US11067013B2 |
Systems and methods for inferring fuel vapor canister loading rate
Methods and systems are provided for indicating a restriction in a fuel system vapor recovery line. Responsive to such an indication, methods and systems are provided for taking mitigating actions such that an entirety of a vehicle fuel system and evaporative emissions system, including a fuel filler system, may be diagnosed as to a presence or absence of undesired evaporative emissions, even with the restriction in the vapor recovery line present. In this way, undesired evaporative emissions may be reduced or avoided, completion rates for such tests may be increased, and customer satisfaction may be improved. |
| US11067010B2 |
Method and device for determining combustion noise parameters
A method and a device for determining combustion noise parameters, comprising acquiring a cylinder pressure sequence which comprises cylinder pressures corresponding to different crank angles φ and corresponding moments tφ; calculating a first parameter sequence according to the cylinder pressure sequence, wherein the first parameter sequence is a parameter sequence in a time domain, and the first parameter sequence comprises one or more of a top surface cylinder force sequence, a top surface cylinder force rise rate sequence, a side surface cylinder force sequence and a side surface cylinder force rise rate sequence; and determining a target parameter for representing combustion noise in the cylinder according to the first parameter sequence. |
| US11067009B2 |
Method for estimating cylinder pressure
The invention relates to a method (100) for estimating a cylinder pressure (CP) in an internal combustion engine arrangement (10), the method comprising the steps of: initiating (110) an opening of a valve by an actuator during an expansion stroke; monitoring (120) the valve to determine a point in time (Tp) when the valve opens; determining (130) a differential pressure (DP) between the combustion cylinder and a position in a fluid medium exhaust passage (29, 39, 60) downstream said valve at the point in time (Tp); receiving (140) data being indicative of a pressure (EP) in the fluid medium passage at the point in time (Tp); and determining (150) the cylinder pressure (CP) at the point in time (Tp) based on the determined differential pressure (DP) and the data indicative of the pressure in said fluid medium passage. |
| US11067007B2 |
Gas turbine and method for operating gas turbine
A gas turbine is equipped with: a low-pressure bleed passage, a medium-pressure bleed passage, and a high-pressure bleed-passage for supplying compressed air bled from respective bleed chambers to a turbine; a low-pressure exhaust passage, a medium-pressure exhaust passage, and a high-pressure exhaust passage for exhausting the compressed air in the respective bleed passages to an exhaust chamber; a low-pressure exhaust valve, a medium-pressure exhaust valve, and a high-pressure exhaust valve provided respectively in the exhaust passages; a low-pressure ejector and a medium-pressure ejector provided in the respective exhaust passages; a driving air supply passage for supplying the compressed air to the ejectors; and a control device configured to open the exhaust valves and supply compressed air from the driving air supply passage to the ejectors when an operating state of a gas turbine is in a region in which rotation stall is generated. |
| US11067004B2 |
Gas turbine engine fluid system with accumulator and hydraulic accessory
A fluid system for a gas turbine engine includes a first supply line, a hydraulic accessory actuable by a fluid, and a second supply line fluidly connected the hydraulic accessory and to the first supply line upstream of the component. An accumulator is fluidly connected to the second supply line upstream of the hydraulic accessory. The accumulator is operable to fill a reservoir with the fluid from the first supply line via the second supply line, and to deliver the fluid to the hydraulic accessory via the second supply line. The first supply line may be a fuel or lubricant main supply line of the engine. A method of actuating a hydraulic accessory is also disclosed. |
| US11067003B2 |
Fluid cooling structure for an electric machine of a gas turbine engine
The present disclosure is directed to a gas turbine engine including a housing circumferentially surrounding an electric machine. The electric machine is supported within the housing. The housing defines a cooling passage proximate to the electric machine. The cooling passage circumferentially surrounds the electric machine and is extended at least partially along a lengthwise direction of the electric machine. The cooling passage provides a flow of fluid therethrough. |
| US11066999B2 |
Fuel cooled cooling air
A gas turbine engine includes a main compressor section having a downstream most location, and a cooling air tap at a location upstream of the downstream most location. A main turbine section, each of the main turbine section and the main compressor section are mounted within a housing, and each have rotatable components. A first heat exchanger is connected to the cooling air tap. The first heat exchanger is also connected to receive fuel to be supplied to a combustor in the gas turbine engine, and such that the fuel may cool the cooling air in the first heat exchanger. A boost compressor is connected to receive air downstream of the first heat exchanger and connected to deliver the cooling air to at least one of the rotatable components in at least one of the compressor and turbine sections. |
| US11066995B2 |
Gas turbine with oil warming anti-ice circuit
Disclosed is an inlet system for a gas turbine engine that extends along a longitudinal axial centerline, the inlet system comprising: an inner dome, a shroud located axially aft and radially outward of the inner dome with respect to the centerline, a splitter nose located radially inward of the shroud with respect to the centerline, a first plurality of struts radially disposed between the shroud and the splitter nose with respect to the centerline, a second plurality of struts radially disposed between the splitter nose and a bearing with respect to the centerline, a plurality of inlet guide vanes radially disposed between the splitter nose and the bearing with respect to the centerline, and the plurality of inlet guide vanes axially aft of the plurality of second struts with respect to the centerline. |
| US11066994B2 |
Assembly comprising two juxtaposed acoustic panels in which the panels comprise a resistive face which extends as far as an end wall
An assembly including two juxtaposed acoustic panels. Resistive faces of the acoustic panels are in the continuation of one another. A first resistive face extends as far as the first end wall of a first panel. The first end wall is in contact with a second end wall of a second panel in the region of the first resistive face and of the second resistive face. A connecting piece is interposed between the first end wall and the second end wall over a part of the length thereof so that the connecting piece does not extend as far as the first and second resistive faces. That makes it possible to form an acoustic cladding that is continuous, exhibiting no non-acoustic zone or reduced-acoustic zone at the junction between the acoustic panels of which it is formed. A nacelle of an aircraft propulsion unit is one application. |
| US11066990B2 |
Constant-volume combustion module for a turbine engine, comprising communication-based ignition
The invention relates to a turbine engine combustion module (10), in particular for an aircraft turbine engine, designed to carry out constant-volume combustion, comprising: at least two combustion chambers (12A, 12B) arranged about an axis, each chamber (12A, 12B, 12C) comprising a compressed gas intake port (16) and a burnt gas exhaust port (18); and an ignition means that triggers combustion in the combustion chambers (12A, 12B, 12C). The module (10) comprises at least one duct (80) which establishes a communication between a first combustion chamber (12A) and at least one second combustion chamber (12B) in order to inject burnt gases from the first combustion chamber (12A) into the second combustion chamber (12B) so as to trigger combustion in the second combustion chamber (12B). |
| US11066982B2 |
Centrifugal compressor and turbocharger
A centrifugal compressor operable in a wide operation range under a condition accompanied with pulsations of a pressure and a flow rate. The centrifugal compressor has a casing including at least one recirculation channel that includes a first inlet slit connected to an air flow passage on a downstream side of a leading edge in an air flow direction of the air flow passage, a second inlet slit connected to the air flow passage on a downstream side of the first inlet slit in the air flow direction of the air flow passage, a first vane disposed on a downstream side of the first inlet slit or in the first inlet slit in the at least one recirculation channel, and a second vane disposed on a downstream side of the second inlet slit or in the second inlet slit in the at least one recirculation channel. |
| US11066980B1 |
Methods and systems for a variable volume pre-chamber igniter
Systems and methods are provided for a variable volume pre-chamber igniter, which may be coupled in an engine system. In one example, a method may include adjusting an internal volume of a pre-chamber igniter based on operating conditions by adjusting a position of a cap of the pre-chamber igniter, the pre-chamber igniter including a plurality of orifices fluidically coupling the pre-chamber igniter to a main combustion chamber of a cylinder of an engine. By adjusting a position of the cap, the internal volume of the pre-chamber igniter may be increased or decreased to provide reliable ignition to the cylinder across a wide range of operating conditions. |
| US11066979B2 |
Internal combustion engine with fuel injection direction and ignition direction intersecting in a combustion chamber of a cylinder
Combustion cylinder (10) of an internal combustion engine, having a combustion chamber wall (20), which surrounds a combustion chamber (30), and a combustion chamber cover (40), which closes off the combustion chamber (30) on the upper side, wherein at least one inlet valve (50) for letting in a fluid is arranged on an inlet side (42) in the combustion chamber cover (40), and at least one outlet valve (60) for letting out a fluid is arranged on an outlet side (44) in the combustion chamber cover (40), wherein, furthermore, a prechamber spark plug (70) is arranged between the at least one inlet valve (50) and the at least one outlet valve (60) in the combustion chamber cover (40), which prechamber spark plug is arranged between the at least one inlet valve (50) and an injector (80) for injecting combustion fluid. |
| US11066977B1 |
Ignitor for natural gas engine
In one aspect, an engine ignition apparatus for a natural gas engine may include a housing including a drive piston, a floating piston, a controllable hydraulic fluid chamber located between the drive piston and the floating piston, and an ignition chamber acted on by the floating piston, the ignition chamber having an outlet formed by a plurality of orifices, the outlet being in direct communication with a combustion chamber of the engine. In another aspect, an engine ignition apparatus for a natural gas engine may include, among other features, a controllable valve connected to a hydraulic fluid chamber, and configured to open and release a hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid chamber, and to close. In still another aspect, a method for controlling an engine ignition apparatus for an engine includes, among other features, controlling a volume of a hydraulic fluid chamber of an ignition apparatus. |
| US11066970B2 |
Tube-pin assembly for heat exchanger of vehicle
A tube-pin assembly for a heat exchanger of a vehicle includes a housing having an inlet into which exhaust gas flows; a plurality of tubes arranged inside the housing to provide a passage through which the exhaust gas flows; and cooling pins provided between the tubes to provide a coolant passage through which coolant flows, where a foamed metal made of a porous material is provided inside at least one of the tubes. |
| US11066969B2 |
Positive crankcase ventilation system
A positive crankcase ventilation system includes a positive crankcase ventilation valve, a coupling part, and a plate member. The coupling part is configured to couple the positive crankcase ventilation valve and an internal combustion engine. The plate member is attached to the coupling part on an opposite side from a side where the coupling part and the internal combustion engine contact each other. A portion of the plate member is bent in a direction toward a base of a hose insertion port provided on the positive crankcase ventilation valve, and another portion of the plate member is bent in a direction toward a side wall of an attachment portion of the positive crankcase ventilation valve provided on the coupling part. |
| US11066968B1 |
Cooling apparatuses for marine engines having a crankcase and an intake plenum
A marine engine has a crankcase containing lubricant; an intake plenum for conveying intake air for combustion in the marine engine; and a cooling apparatus located between the crankcase and the intake plenum. The cooling apparatus is configured to cool both the lubricant in the crankcase and the intake air in the intake plenum. |
| US11066967B2 |
Controllable lubricating oil delivery system for internal combustion engines
An adjustable lubrication oil conveying system for a combustion engine is proposed which comprises a screw pump for conveying lubrication oil with at least one screw rotatably accommodated in a screw chamber, wherein the screw pump is arranged such that a suction side of the screw chamber is connected with an intake path from an oil sump of the combustion engine, and a pressure side of the screw chamber is connected with a feed path to moving parts of the combustion engine. The lubrication oil conveying system is characterised in particular in that the screw pump is driven by the combustion engine; and towards the suction side of the screw chamber, an adjustable throttle valve is provided by means of which a flow cross-section of the intake path is gradually limitable between an opened position and a closed position. Therefore, the oil pressure in a combustion engine is, for the first time, adjusted by suction throttling in connection with a screw pump. |
| US11066965B1 |
Systems and methods for hydraulic lash adjuster oil flow
Methods and systems are provided for oil flow for hydraulic lash adjusters of a vehicle engine. In one example, an engine cylinder bank includes a plurality of deactivatable hydraulic lash adjusters and a plurality of non-deactivatable hydraulic lash adjusters. A first linear oil supply passage and a second linear oil supply passage are formed within the cylinder bank and extend linearly through the cylinder bank without bends or curvature to the deactivatable and non-deactivatable hydraulic lash adjusters, with the deactivatable and non-deactivatable hydraulic lash adjusters having a same length. |
| US11066963B2 |
Internal combustion engine and vehicle
An internal combustion engine includes, as a lost motion spring that urges a rocker arm toward a cam, a compression coil spring supported on a cylinder head. A shaft is located on an inner side of the compression coil spring and extends along a winding axis of the compression coil spring. The internal combustion engine significantly reduces or prevents a decrease in the fuel efficiency and an increase in the size of the variable valve mechanism, while surging is unlikely to occur while running at a high speed, and it is possible to reduce the size or the weight of the rocker arm. |
| US11066960B2 |
Double-reheat power generator with an ultra high pressure cylinder and a high-intermediate pressure cylinder each having additional heat recovery turbine stages
A double-reheat power generator with an ultra high pressure cylinder and a high-intermediate pressure cylinder each having additional heat recovery turbine stages, including steam exhaust of the ultra high pressure cylinder having additional heat recovery turbine stages, that is, first extraction supplies steam to a first high-pressure heater. New second, new third and new fourth extractions of the ultra high pressure cylinder having additional heat recovery turbine stages supply steam to second, third and fourth high-pressure heaters respectively; a new fifth extraction of the HP-IP cylinder having additional heat recovery turbine stages supplies steam to a deaerator; a new sixth extraction of the HP-IP cylinder having additional heat recovery turbine stages supplies steam to an air-preheater; and an air-preheater drainage pump used for water draining of the air-preheater connects to the deaerator. |
| US11066957B2 |
Axial-flow fluid machine and tip clearance measuring method therefor
An axial-flow fluid machine provided with: a retainer ring holding a stationary blade train; a casing supporting the retainer ring; and an eccentric pin. An engagement part of the casing has a protruding section protruding to the retainer ring side. An engagement part of the retainer ring has a pair of wall plate sections forming a groove into which the protruding section is put. In the casing, a penetration hole is formed extending in a radial direction so as to be centered about a penetration center position that is biased to an axial upstream side in a region of the casing where the engagement part is formed. In the engagement part of the casing, a portion on an axial downstream side relative to the penetration hole exists in the entire circumferential area. The eccentric pin is inserted into the penetration hole. |
| US11066956B2 |
On-off valve and steam turbine
An on-off valve of the present invention includes a valve box which includes an inlet flow path of steam and an outlet flow path which communicates with the inlet flow path through a communication bole, a stop valve body which opens or closes the communication hole, and a stop valve support portion, in which the outlet flow path extends in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the communication hole toward a downstream side in a flow direction of the steam, and a minimum wall thickness of the valve box is smaller than a minimum wall thickness of the valve box. |
| US11066954B2 |
Geared gas turbine engine with oil deaerator and air removal
A gas turbine engine has a fan drive turbine for driving a gear reduction. The gear reduction drives a fan rotor. A lubrication system supplies oil to the gear reduction, and includes a lubricant pump to supply an air/oil mixture to an inlet of a deaerator. The deaerator includes a separator for separating oil and air, delivering separated air to an air outlet, and delivering separated oil back into an oil tank. The separated oil is first delivered into a pipe outwardly of the oil tank, and then into a location beneath a minimum oil level in the tank. Air within the oil tank moves outwardly through an air exit into the deaerator. A method of designing a gas turbine engine is also disclosed. |
| US11066948B2 |
Rotary machine
There is provided a rotary machine including a rotary shaft; a plurality of rotor blades extending outward from the rotary shaft in a radial direction of the rotary shaft, and are provided with gaps therebetween in a peripheral direction of the rotary shaft; a casing surrounding the rotor blades radially outside the rotor blades, and in which a recessed portion as a cavity accommodates tips of the rotor blades; a sealing portion extending from one of a bottom surface of the recessed portion and the tip of the rotor blade, and having a clearance with the other; a jet flow passage through which a fluid is jetted rearward in a rotation direction of the rotary shaft in the cavity; and a valve which is capable of switching a flow condition of the jet flow with turning the valve on an opening state and a closing state. |
| US11066947B2 |
Turbine shroud assembly with sealed pin mounting arrangement
A shroud assembly adapted for use with a gas turbine engine includes a seal segment, a carrier, and a mount system. The seal segment extends circumferentially at least partway around an axis to define a gas path boundary of the shroud assembly. The carrier is configured to support the seal segment in position radially relative to the axis. The mount system couples the seal segment with the carrier. |
| US11066945B2 |
Fluid collection gutter for a geared turbine engine
A turbine engine system includes a gutter and a gear train with an axial centerline. The gutter is disposed radially outside of the axial centerline. The gutter includes an inner surface and a channel that receives fluid directed out of the gear train. The inner surface at least partially defines a bore in which the gear train is arranged. The channel extends radially into the gutter from the inner surface, and circumferentially to a channel outlet. The bore has a cross-sectional bore area, and the channel has a cross-sectional channel area that is substantially equal to or less than about two percent of the bore area. |
| US11066943B2 |
Intermediate casing for a compressor in a gas turbine engine and a gas turbine engine
An intermediate-casing structure for a compressor in a gas turbine engine, in particular an aircraft engine, having a plurality of components including at least one static blade row for deflecting at least one airflow entering the intermediate-casing structure, and at least one ring, on which the blade rows are radially arranged, characterized in that at least one first component of the intermediate-casing structure is formed from composite material, in particular fiber-composite material, or exhibits composite material, and at least one second component of the intermediate-casing structure is formed from metal or exhibits metal. Furthermore, the invention relates to a gas turbine device. |
| US11066941B2 |
Transition duct support and method to provide a tuned level of support stiffness
A transition duct support apparatus and a method to support an exit frame in a transition duct in a gas turbine engine are provided. A stiffener (24) may be arranged to provide support to an outer edge (27) of an exit frame (12) in a transition duct (14). Stiffener (24) may be configured to circumferentially extend between mutually opposed corners (30) of the exit frame of the transition duct. A brace (26) may be connected to a centrally-disposed section (20) and may extend to support respective end portions (32) of the stiffener. The support apparatus is effective to provide a respective tuned level of stiffness support with respect to one or more axes of the exit frame in the transition duct. The apparatus and method may be effective for distributing mechanical stresses on the exit frame of the transition duct and/or neighboring regions in the transition duct. |
| US11066939B2 |
Composite blade and method for producing composite blade
A composite blade is formed by laying up composite layers in which reinforced fibers are impregnated with resin, and has a blade root and an airfoil extending from the blade root in a longitudinal direction. The composite blade includes a first laminate of the composite layers extending along the longitudinal direction in the airfoil and extending along a first inclination direction inclined toward a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction in the blade root; a second laminate of the composite layers extending along the longitudinal direction and contacting the first laminate in the airfoil, the second laminate extending along a second inclination direction inclined toward a direction opposite to the first inclination direction in the blade root and being separated from the first laminate; and a third laminate of the composite layers provided between the first and second laminates in the blade root. |
| US11066934B1 |
Turbine rotor blade airfoil profile
The present application provides a turbine rotor blade including an airfoil shape and a trailing edge shape. The airfoil shape may have a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table I, while the trailing edge profile is defined by Table II. The Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z are non-dimensional values from 0% to 100% convertible to dimensional distances in a unit of distance by multiplying the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z by a height of the airfoil in the unit of distance (e.g., inches). The X and Y values, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z. The airfoil profile sections at Z distances may be joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape. |
| US11066927B2 |
Wired drill pipe connector and sensor system
A downhole tool and a wired drill string assembly including a downhole tool. The downhole tool includes a body having a first connector and a second connector. At least the first connector is configured to be connected to a wired drill pipe. The downhole tool also includes one or more electrical components coupled to the body and configured to receive a first signal and transmit a second signal. The downhole tool further includes a first transmission line extending along the body to the first connector and electrically connected to the one or more electrical components. The first transmission line is configured to be electrically connected to a transmission wire of the wired drill pipe when the wired drill pipe is connected to the first connector. |
| US11066921B1 |
Fluid flow condition sensing probe
An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly. The ESP assembly comprises an electric motor, a centrifugal pump mechanically coupled to the electric motor, and a probe mechanically coupled to the electric motor and extending upstream of the electric motor, comprising a plurality of sensor bundles wherein each sensor bundle comprises at least one sensor. |
| US11066920B2 |
Guided wave attenuation well logging excitation optimizer based on waveform modeling
Methods and apparatus for inspecting oilfield infrastructure components. Methods include estimating an optimal value for at least one excitation parameter for an acoustic excitation source to produce a guided wave of mixed multiple modes in the component; selecting at least one excitation parameter corresponding to an optimal simulated guided wave determined in dependence upon the application of waveform criteria to the time domain waveforms; and generating a guided wave in the tubular using the at least one optimal excitation parameter. Methods may include calculating a guided wave dispersion relation; modeling each of the plurality of simulated guided waves, wherein the modeling comprises generating a time domain waveform for each of a plurality of wave modes in dependence upon the acoustic excitation source; selecting the at least one excitation parameter corresponding to an optimal simulated guided wave determined in dependence upon the application of waveform criteria to the time domain waveforms. |
| US11066907B2 |
Sequential fully implicit well model with tridiagonal matrix structure for reservoir simulation
A subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir is simulated by sequential solution of reservoir and well equations to simulate fluid flow inside the reservoir and well production rates. Sequential solution of reservoir and well equations treats wells as specified bottom hole pressure wells. This avoids solving large matrices resulting from the simultaneous solution of the reservoir and well equations which can be computationally very expensive for large number of unknowns and require special sparse matrix solvers. Such sequential solution involves regular reservoir system solvers complemented by small matrices for the numerical solution of the well bottom hole pressures. The solution is performed on tridiagonal matrices for the adjacent reservoir cells to the well cells at the perforated well intervals; and a vector of the unknown reservoir potentials for the adjacent reservoir cells. |
| US11066906B2 |
Submersible vehicle with optical fiber
A submersible vehicle is provided which includes a housing, an optical fiber coupled with the housing and communicatively coupled with a data acquisition system, and a propulsion system. The propulsion system is configured to propel the submersible vehicle in a fluid at a velocity. The optical fiber is configured to be released at a release rate equal to or greater than the velocity of the submersible vehicle. |
| US11066904B2 |
System, method, and device for powering electronics during completion and production of a well
A system, method, and power control device for powering electronics located in a wellbore intersecting a subterranean earth formation. The system comprises a battery, a turbine generator, an electronic device, and a processor. The battery is locatable in the wellbore and the turbine generator is locatable in the wellbore so as to be in fluid communication with a flow path in the wellbore. The electronic device is locatable in the wellbore and electrically coupled to the battery and the turbine generator. The processor determines if a power condition is satisfied to allow the turbine generator to power the electronic device. The method comprises powering an electronic device located in the wellbore using a battery and opening a closed flow path in communication with a turbine generator. The method also comprises powering the electronic device using the turbine generator if a power condition is satisfied. |
| US11066901B2 |
Stored-energy pressure activated completion and testing tools and methods of use
Methods and apparatus of pressure activated completion tools for hydraulic fracturing and related processes are provided. In some embodiments, the hydraulic fracturing apparatuses for well testing and accessing subterranean formations can include a tubular body to be fluidly connected in-line with a completion string, a pressure storage mechanism to store pressure when exposed to hydraulic pressure, and a movable inner shift sleeve operable to slide along the inside of the tubular body from a first position to a second position when exposed to the stored pressure. The tubular body can have flow-port(s) that are blocked when the movable inner sleeve is in the first position and opened when the movable inner sleeve slides to the second position. Uses of such apparatuses can include fracing, toe intervention, and pressure testing of wells. |
| US11066897B2 |
Well packers
A packer for wells can include a body having a tubular shape, a sealing element having an upward end and a downward end and disposed around the body. The packer also includes a first prop upward of the sealing element, and a second prop downward of the sealing element. The first prop is configured to wedge under the upward end of the sealing element and the second prop is configured to wedge under the downward end of the sealing element to push the sealing element outward at both the upward end and the downward end. |
| US11066896B2 |
Expandable backup ring
A radially expandable backup ring (50) with relatively rigid segments (56) and relatively resilient segments (58) that are integral with one another to circumferentially urge the relatively rigid segments (56) together when the backup ring (50) expands. The backup ring (50) may radially expand to reduce or eliminate a radial gap between the backup ring (50) and a radially inwardly facing surface of a corresponding cased wellbore (22) to prevent or minimize axial extrusion of a corresponding sealing member (32), such as a compressible packer seal of a cased-hole retrievable packer assembly. The relatively resilient segments (58) allow the backup ring (50) to elastically expand and retract to prevent axial extrusion of the sealing member (32). The relatively rigid support segments (54) may be axially aligned with a corresponding relatively resilient segment (58) of the backup ring to prevent axial extrusion of the sealing member (32) through the corresponding relatively resilient segment (58). |
| US11066895B2 |
Plug, retaining member, and method for well completion using plug
A plug which does not cause an adverse effect such as failure of a member constituting the plug when a wellbore is plugged. A downhole plug (10) includes a mandrel (1) having a hollow structure, an annular sealing member (2) attached to an outer circumferential surface of the mandrel (1) and being deformable by exerted pressure, and an annular socket (3) attached, adjacent to the annular sealing member (2), onto the outer circumferential surface of the mandrel (1), downstream of where a pressure is exerted on the sealing member (2). The annular socket (3) is configured to include a socket-inner portion (31) which comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the mandrel (1), and a socket-outer portion (32) in an annular shape having an inner diameter equivalent to or larger than that of the socket-inner portion (31) and movably attached to the socket-inner portion (31). The socket-outer portion (32) includes a face facing the sealing member (2). |
| US11066881B2 |
Method and composition for stabilization of drill cuttings
A method and composition for stabilizing drill cuttings commences by providing precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). The PCC is dried to a moisture level of about 10% or less. Drying by heat not to exceed 400° F. is preferred to prevent changes in the PCC. The dried PCC is blended with kiln dust to compose a generally uniform admixture. In the admixture, the kiln dust is not to exceed 40%. The admixture is introduced to the drill cuttings to initiate a nucleation reaction within the commixture of drill cuttings and the admixture. |
| US11066880B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning boreholes within substrates
Cleaning implement apparatus for cleaning boreholes formed within various different substrates, such as, for example, concrete slabs, concrete blocks, bricks, or the like, comprises a first embodiment for use within a power-operated tool, such as for example, a roto-hammer type power tool for drilling boreholes within concrete or brick substrates, while a second embodiment of the apparatus comprises a manually-operated tool. The first embodiment comprises a bit member having a slotted drive shank (SDS) connection for mounting within the chuck mechanism of the roto-hammer type power tool. In this manner, the same roto-hammer type power tool can be used for both drilling the borehole within the substrate as well as for cleaning the borehole by exchanging the cleaning implement for the drill bit. |
| US11066879B2 |
Used automobile tires as loss circulation material
An automobile tire that is unsuitable to carry an automobile is obtained. Tire chips are formed from the obtained automobile tire. The tire chips are mixed with a quantity of wellbore carrier fluid to form a mixture. The mixture is used as loss circulation material during a wellbore drilling operation. |
| US11066877B2 |
Directional drill securing device and method
A directional drill securing device and associated methods are shown. Securing devices and methods shown include a plurality of staking devices on a single lateral side of a directional drill. Using examples shown, a lower force is required to drive multiple staking devices than would be needed for a larger staking device of equivalent area. |
| US11066873B2 |
Slat angle adjustment mechanism for window blind
A slat angle adjustment mechanism adapted for use with slats of a Venetian blind includes a body shell and a transmission unit. The transmission unit includes a transmission gear set and a retractable member. The transmission gear set has a gear and a screw. A position-limiting hole of the gear corresponds in position to a second through hole of the body shell. The retractable member connects to the extendible segment of the screw and undergoes reciprocating motion along the extendible segment of the screw. Pulling the retractable member from an initial first position of the extendible segment of the screw to a second position of the extendible segment of the screw allows a rib of the body shell to be confined to a limiting portion of the retractable member. Therefore, the slat angle adjustment mechanism is capable of extension, retraction, engagement and fixation. |
| US11066868B2 |
Double egress door frame
A double egress door frame has a channel-shaped header with upstanding sides connected by a central web. The central web has a first series of slots that are offset to one side of the central web and a second series of slots that are offset toward the opposite side of the central web. Door stops comprise a right elongated channel-shaped member and a left elongated channel-shaped member. The channel-shaped members are attached to the central web of the header by tabs extending from the sides of the channel-shaped members. The tabs engage the slots. Once the tabs have passed through the slots to the opposite side of the central web, the tabs are twisted thereby connecting the channel-shaped members to the central web. A spot weld is used to insure the door stops is permanently locked into position. |
| US11066867B2 |
Door control device
A door control device in a vehicle including seats and doors, includes: a door driver; a seating position detector; and a door controller. The door driver at least drives opening of the doors. The seating position detector detects a seating position information indicating a position of the seat on which an occupant is seated. The door controller determines a door to be opened on the basis of the seating position information detected by the seating position detector and causes the door driver to drive opening of the determined door. |
| US11066866B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling motor for speed regulator power window
A method and an apparatus for controlling a motor for a speed regulator power window is provided. The motor for the power window is adjusted to operate with a maximum output when a user operates a switch if an external environmental state of a vehicle coincides with a configured reference condition. The output of the motor is adjusted to operate the window at one of a normal speed, a high speed, and a low speed set by the user when the external environmental state of the vehicle does not coincide with the configured reference condition. |
| US11066865B2 |
Automated sliding window mechanism with air pressure sensor
An automated sliding window mechanism is disclosed. An automated sliding window mechanism includes a motor attached to a first component of a sliding window and configured to open and close the sliding window, a controller that controls the motor, and at least two air pressure sensors in communication with a processor. If the window is open, based on signals from the air pressure sensors, the processor determines whether a draft is flowing through the window. If the window is closed, based on signals from the air pressure sensor, the processor determines whether a draft would flow through the window if opened. The processor sends a signal to the controller to either open or close the window, depending on whether a user has elected to have a draft flow through the window. In a preferred embodiment, a system is provided with at least two automated windows. |
| US11066860B1 |
Hinged assembly with fail-safe hinge pin
A pin assembly is provided with an axial centerline. This pin assembly includes an outer pin, an inner pin, a first collar and a second collar. The outer pin extends axially along the axial centerline between an outer pin first end and an outer pin second end. The inner pin extends axially along the axial centerline within a bore of the outer pin. The first collar circumscribes the outer pin. The first collar is connected to the outer pin and the inner pin at the outer pin first end. The second collar circumscribes the outer pin. The second collar is connected to the outer pin and the inner pin at the outer pin second end. |
| US11066859B2 |
Enhanced composite live hinge
A hinged component fabrication method in which, in a layup stage of fabrication, the component includes a live hinge joining uncured material portions together at a hinge region and comprising a layer of tensile fabric at least partially infiltrated by an uncured elastomer layer at least partially interposed between the tensile fabric and the uncured material portions such that the uncured elastomer blocks the uncured material portions from infiltrating the hinge region. The method may include locating overlapped tensile fabric and elastomer layers in a tool and introducing polymer-based material into the tool such that polymer-based material portions overlap respective opposite ends of the fabric and elastomer layers. The polymer-based material portions are formed to a desired shape using the forming tool so that the fabric and elastomer layers form a live hinge between the polymer-based material portions. |
| US11066856B2 |
Sealed tailgate handle assembly
An embodiment is directed to a sealed tailgate handle assembly having a housing and a circuit board positioned in the housing. A switch is positioned in the housing and is configured to complete an electrical circuit path on the circuit board. Resin material encompasses the circuit board, with the resin material configured to seal the connection between the circuit board and the switch. An inner cover is movable between an initial position and a second position. A resilient member extends between the inner cover and the resin material. An outer cover has a deformable upper wall. Upon an application of a force to the upper wall, the inner cover is moved from an initial position to the second position, causing the inner cover to engage the switch, causing the switch to complete an electrical circuit path on the circuit board to release a tailgate. |
| US11066848B2 |
Push to lock and unlock door lock
A door locking mechanism is contained within a cartridge for use with a tubular style door lock. The cartridge activates and deactivates the door lock with a manual depression of a push button. Depressing the push button causes a cam to rotate thus converting the axial motion of the push button into a rotary motion thereby activating the door lock. Once locked, both the interior and exterior door knobs may not be rotated. In order to unlock the door, the push button is depressed a second time thereby rotating the cam in an opposing direction and deactivating the door lock. |
| US11066844B2 |
Temporary shelter and mobile cart
Embodiments of the invention are generally related to a mobile shelter, and more particularly to a movable storage container that converts into a shelter adequate for protection of its occupants against the elements, and optionally converts into a collapsed configuration suitable for transportation. |
| US11066840B2 |
Modular auditorium
There is provided a lifting fixture securable to a lifting machine adapted for lifting/manipulating corresponding tier sections for assembly/disassembly of a modular auditorium including a plurality of tubes connected to a first fixture portion and a second fixture portion, the plurality of tubes adapted to be selectively secured to the lifting machine, the first fixture portion and the second fixture portion including a plurality of lifting interfaces adapted to interface with corresponding lifting interfaces of the corresponding tier sections. |
| US11066839B2 |
Modular system and method for concrete crack repair
A system for repairing a crack in a concrete installation includes a stitch having a center portion configured to span across the crack and an anchor plate coupled to the stitch. The anchor plate includes an anchor bore configured to receive a concrete anchor, a first bore extending parallel to the anchor bore, a second bore extending transverse to the anchor bore, and a groove extending transverse to the first bore and the second bore. The first bore intersects the groove, and the second bore intersects the anchor bore. |
| US11066837B2 |
Floor panel for forming a floor covering
A floor panel for forming a floor covering wherein the floor panel is substantially realized on the basis of synthetic material. The floor panel is rectangular and comprises a first pair of opposite edges and a second pair of opposite edges such that both pairs of opposite edges comprise coupling parts allowing for mutually coupling a plurality of such floor panels to each other. The coupling parts of at least the first pair of opposite edges are configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other at these edges by means of a turning movement and the coupling parts to this aim consist of a tongue and a groove as well as locking parts, which, in the coupled condition, prevent the shifting apart of the tongue and groove. The floor panel has a global thickness which is smaller than or equal to 4.5 millimeters. |
| US11066836B2 |
Floorboards comprising a decorative edge part in a resilient surface layer
A set of essentially identical floorboards each including a front face and a rear face extending in the horizontal plane, a core, and a surface layer, a mechanical locking system is arranged at least at two opposite edges for connecting a floorboard with an adjacent floorboard in a horizontal and a vertical direction, said mechanical locking system being configured for connecting the floorboard with the adjacent floorboard by vertical folding, wherein one of said opposite edges is provided with a horizontally extending protrusion at an upper edge, and wherein said protrusion is configured to overlap a surface groove at an upper edge of the other of said opposite edges, such that two connected and adjacent floorboards have upper overlapping edges. |
| US11066835B2 |
Building panel with a mechanical locking system
A set of essentially identical panels, such as building panels, provided with a mechanical locking system including a displaceable tongue, which is arranged in a displacement groove with a first opening at a first edge of a first panel. The displaceable tongue is configured to cooperate with a first tongue groove, with a second opening at a second edge of an adjacent second panel, for vertical locking of the first and the second edge. The height of the first opening is greater than a second height of the second opening. |
| US11066830B2 |
Deck framing system
A deck framing system includes a perimeter support member that has a joist support wall and a web wall extending perpendicularly from the joist support wall. Each of a plurality of joist support brackets comprising an attachment portion configured to be attached to the web wall of the perimeter support member and a joist support portion. The joist support portion includes a pair of opposed lateral walls with each lateral wall configured to be attached to a corresponding lateral wall of a joist supported by the joist support wall. |
| US11066829B2 |
Curtain wall and wall element thereby applied and method for manufacturing such a wall element
A curtain wall constructed from prefabricated connecting wall elements mounted in rows next to and above each other with the wall elements including a frame of assembled profiles on the inside of the curtain wall and of one or more infill elements on the outside of the curtain wall. The frame contains mullions and transoms in the form of profiles which along the perimeter of the frame have female coupling parts and male coupling parts which allow the adjacent mullions and adjacent transoms in an assembled condition in the curtain wall to engage with their coupling parts to form composite basic profiles, where between two rows of connecting wall elements a horizontal seal has been applied which extends continuously in a horizontal direction over the width of the underlying row. |
| US11066828B1 |
Mold design and process for constructing an insulated precast concrete wall system
A wall structure comprising horizontal concrete base and top beams; two or more concrete vertical support members integrally joined to the base and top beams and meeting at an essentially right angle; wherein the two or more vertical support members define left and right wall boundaries, and wherein the top and base beams define top and a bottom wall boundaries, respectively; an exterior wall shell extending from the left to the right wall boundaries, and extending from the top to the bottom wall boundaries, and continuous with the base and top beams, and the support members; H-shaped insulation encompassing the vertical support members, attachment strips attached to the insulation along its length with fasteners joining the attachment strip to the vertical support member, wherein the fasteners pass though the insulation; and insulation attached to the exterior wall shell between the vertical support members. |
| US11066827B2 |
Precision dry-stack masonry unit
The present invention generally relates to a precision dry-stack masonry unit made of two spaced-apart face shells and at least one connector joining the face shells. The connector has a top surface, a right surface and a left surface. The top surface of the connector and the face shells form a horizontal channel above the connector, and the right surface and the left surface of the connector and the face shells form vertical channels to each side of the connector. Each of the channels is configured to accommodate one or more reinforcement bars. |
| US11066826B2 |
Insulatable, insulative framework apparatus and methods of making and using same
A building framework is disclosed herein comprising a first structural member, a second structural member, and a third structural member disposed between the first and second structural members, a first web member connecting the first and third structural members in a spaced apart relationship, and a second web member connecting the second and third structural members in a spaced apart relationship. The first web member is positioned relative to the second web member such that the shortest distance between the first web member and second web member is greater than or equal to 5 times the thickness of the third structural member. Additional products, systems, and methods also are disclosed. |
| US11066825B2 |
Quonset building with internal tower support
A quonset style building is provided with an arched-roof defining a width, length and height, and tower supporting the roof adjacent its apex. The tower separates storage areas on opposite sides of the building. The tower also permits the building height and width to be increased over conventional quonset buildings, and allows the width to be 3× the height, while withstanding typical weather forces, including wind and snow. |
| US11066816B2 |
Faucet extender
A faucet extender having a channel adapted to extend and divert a fluid out of an open edge away from a faucet opening. The faucet extender may have a fluid outlet fitting having a receiving opening and a flow-through opening. The faucet extender may have an attachment mechanism that pivotally rotates and secures the fluid outlet fitting in an angle that diverts the fluid to the open edge. The faucet extender is adapted to interface with a variety of different faucet configurations. |
| US11066815B2 |
Outlet box
A utility box for mounting at least in part within a wall for use with a fluid carrying supply pipe, the box comprising, a housing including a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, a back wall and a front opening providing access into an interior of the housing defined by the top, bottom, first side, second side and back walls, a bottom wall aperture in the bottom wall sized for extending the pipe through the bottom wall aperture with the pipe terminating in a free end portion positioned within the interior of the housing at a location above the bottom wall, a valve attachable to the free end portion of the pipe, the junction of the valve and the pipe being within the interior of the housing above the bottom wall, and a first seal positioned to provide a fluid-tight seal between the bottom wall and the pipe to prevent fluid within the interior of the housing from passing out of the interior of the housing through the bottom wall aperture. |
| US11066812B2 |
Bucket lip stabilizer structure
A stabilizer structure includes an elongated main body portion having an upper portion with outward-facing side surfaces and a lower portion below the upper portion, the lower portion being greater in width than the upper portion. The stabilizer structure also includes a hole in a top surface of the upper portion. The stabilizer also includes a forward portion integrated with the main body portion as a single monolithic piece. The forward portion includes a bridge section, a first prong extending from the bridge section, and a second prong extending from the bridge section. The first prong, second prong, and bridge section share a single forward-facing curved surface and a single rear-facing curved surface, the forward-facing curved surface having a different curve than the rear-facing curved surface. |
| US11066811B2 |
Construction machinery, mobile information terminal for acquiring operation data from construction machinery, construction machinery information communication system, and program implemented on mobile information terminals
A vehicle-side control unit determines whether a long distance communication mechanism is available or not, when determining that the long distance communication mechanism is available, controls a first vehicle-side communication unit to transmit operation data via the long distance communication mechanism, and when determining that the long distance communication means is not available, causes a vehicle-side storage unit to store the operation data, and further determines whether a transmission start command is received from a tablet or not, and when determining that the transmission start command is received, controls a second vehicle-side communication unit to transmit the operation data stored in the vehicle-side storage unit via a short distance communication mechanism. |
| US11066809B2 |
Motor grader saddle positioning system and method thereof
A draft frame positioning system of a motor grader having a main frame includes an adjustable draft frame configured to be moved to one of a plurality of positions and a moldboard coupled to the draft frame. The moldboard is movable based on the position of the draft frame. A saddle assembly is coupled between the draft frame and the main frame, and the saddle assembly includes a first saddle arm, a second saddle arm, and a saddle top member coupled between the first and second saddle arms. A saddle positioning cylinder moves between an extended position and a retracted position, and the cylinder is coupled at one end to the main frame or the saddle top member and at an opposite end to the saddle assembly. A movement of the saddle positioning cylinder induces movement of the draft frame to any of its plurality of positions. |
| US11066808B2 |
Work machine
A work machine includes: control valves that control flows of a hydraulic operating oil supplied to actuators; operation lever devices that generate hydraulic signals to be output to the corresponding control valves according to an operation; solenoid proportional valves that reduce pressure of the hydraulic signals generated by the corresponding operation lever devices; and a front implement control section that controls the solenoid proportional valves. The work machine further includes: operation signal lines connected to the operation lever devices; signal input lines connected to the control valves; pressure reducing lines provided with the solenoid proportional valves; and selector valves that have a first position that interrupts connection of the operation signal lines and the pressure reducing lines and directly connects the operation signal lines to the signal input lines, and a second position that connects the operation signal lines to the signal input lines via the pressure reducing lines. |
| US11066806B2 |
Arm for working machine, bearing member, and manufacturing method of the arm for the working machine
The arm for the working machine includes: an arm body; and the bearing member attached to the arm body. The bearing member includes: a boss; and the greasing tube having: one end portion attached to a greasing hole provided on the boss; the other end portion attached to the arm body; and a tube body portion connecting the one end portion and the other end portion. The side surface of the arm body is provided with a cutout portion to which the tube body portion is inserted, the cutout portion opening toward the tip end portion. The one end portion of the greasing tube and the tube body portion are housed inside the arm body. The other end portion of the greasing tube is oriented to an outside of the arm through the cutout portion and fixed to the side surface of the arm. |
| US11066804B2 |
Perimeter drain
The present disclosure provides a water drainage system comprising: a plurality of lengths of drain pipe comprising a channel and a vertical wall, wherein (i) the vertical wall comprises one or more standoffs extending horizontally from the vertical wall and (ii) wherein the drain pipe comprises a top edge and a bottom edge, each of the top and bottom edges being bifurcated by a v-shaped notch. |
| US11066800B2 |
Offshore installation
The invention relates to an offshore installation, comprising an underwater foundation structure, a construction placed onto the foundation structure, a docking device for a boat, and a device for cathodic corrosion protection for the underwater foundation structure, said device having at least two anodes (2), which are arranged at a distance from each other and are each fastened to a beam (4) or a support of the foundation structure, the extension arms or the supports being connected directly to the foundation structure below the waterline. |
| US11066798B2 |
Water intake structure
The present invention relates to a water intake structure according to a first aspect. The structure includes a plurality of elongate members. The elongate members couple together and are trapezoidal in lateral cross-section. There is also provided a water intake structure according to a second aspect. The structure includes a plurality of elongate members. The elongate members couple together. Each said elongate member has first and second exterior surfaces that are planar and a third exterior surface that is outwardly concave. |
| US11066797B2 |
Salt spreader attachable to earth moving equipment
A salt spreader for distributing a material includes a bucket including a front surface, a rear surface, first and second side surfaces, and a base surface, wherein the front and rear surfaces tend toward one another, and wherein the base surface includes an ejection port, a spinner mount attached to the base surface of the bucket under the ejection port, a spinner rotatably mounted atop of the spinner mount, and an auger positioned in a base of the bucket. |
| US11066794B2 |
Brace for erecting a bollard fence
A bollard panel having adjacent bollards and a gap between the adjacent bollards, a brace having a panel connector, a first longitudinal section, and a second longitudinal section, and the brace supporting the bollard panel in a vertical position relative to a ground with the brace disposed in the gap with the first longitudinal section located on a first side of the bollard panel, the second longitudinal section located on a second side of the bollard panel, and the panel connector attached to the bollard panel. |
| US11066793B2 |
Arch foot maintaining device and maintenance method for achieving multi-degree-of-freedom displacement of arch foot
An arch foot maintaining device includes a plurality of supporting structures, and the supporting structure includes a base, two base supporting seats, a hydraulic jack, a roller, and a roller supporting seat. The base is a cuboid with equal length and width, a through hole running through side surfaces of the base is provided on the base. A vertical guide groove is provided on each of the two base supporting seats. The roller supporting seat is U-shaped and located between the two base supporting seats, and the roller is rotatably supported in the roller supporting seat. Two ends of a central axis of the roller are respectively located in the two guide grooves, the hydraulic jack is disposed within the base, and a top of the hydraulic jack abuts against a bottom of the roller supporting seat. |
| US11066791B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a quality of a paving material
A method for controlling a quality of a paving material distributed along a paving area using a paver includes: receiving a thermal profile of a portion of the paving area in which the paving material is distributed, and the thermal profile includes a plurality of temperature values assigned to respective measurement points, and analyzing the thermal profile in order to detect segregation spots of the paving material within the portion. Analyzing includes determining a first zone of measurement points arranged adjacent to each other and having temperature values within a predetermined range, the first zone being at least partially surrounded by measurement points having temperature values out of the predetermined range, and analyzing an orientation of the first zone with respect to a travel direction of the paver. The last substep of analyzing is assigning an indication, in particular an error indication, to the portion based on the analyzing of the orientation. |
| US11066780B2 |
Protective layer for ironing board
A protective layer for an ironing board comprises an overlay portion and an edge that extends over an entirety of sides of a top surface of an ironing board to prevent slippage of the protective layer from the ironing board. The protective layer includes a plurality of tabs extending from the edge, each tab having a hole positioned therein for hanging items from the protective layer. The protective layer is stretchable to fit over the top surface of an ironing board, and the plurality of tabs are positioned on each elongated side of the protective layer and on a back portion thereof. The protective layer may be part of an ironing board cover that includes a padded textile base section to form a smooth, heat-reflective and secure ironing surface. |
| US11066779B2 |
Clothes dryer
A clothes dryer comprises a body, a first drying container installed in the body and configured to include a rotary drum configured to be rotatable, and a second drying container installed in the body but separated from the first drying container, and the second drying container includes an electrode plate configured to include a plurality of electrode regions, a controller configured to select an electrode region where an electric field is to be applied, among the plurality of electrode regions and an electric field is applied to the electrode region selected by the controller. |
| US11066778B2 |
Hybrid RF/conventional clothes dryer
The present application encompasses methods and apparatus for heating a load such as clothes immersed in a medium such as water during a heating period. A method embodiment of the present invention comprises heating the load and medium within an enclosure by subjecting said load and medium to heated air originated from a conventional energy source; and applying heat to said load and medium within the enclosure via an AC electrical field, embodied as a capacitor, originated from an RF power source. |
| US11066775B2 |
Method and apparatus for cleaning laundry
A laundry washing machine having: a casing, a washing tub located within the casing, a drum mounted within the washing tub and configured to rotate relative to the casing, a door attached to the casing and being openable to provide access to the drum, an additive loading and supply system configured to receive loose detergent, one or more valves configured to selectively provide water to the additive loading and supply system, a tub supply pipe fluidly connecting the additive loading and supply system to the drum, a receptacle configured to receive a unit dose package comprising a water soluble pouch containing a dose of cleaning product, and means for breaking the unit dose package outside the additive loading and supply system. |
| US11066774B2 |
Laundry treating appliance and dispenser for treating chemistries
A dispenser for the laundry treating appliance has a siphon for handling liquid treating chemistries and a float mechanism for handling solid treating chemistries, especially in the form of powders, in the same chamber. The dispenser can thus be operable for either or both types of treating chemistries with a single chamber and without having to reconfigure anything. |