| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US11288100B2 |
Managing task running modes in a cloud computing data processing system
Systems and methods allow users to leverage multiple disparate cloud solutions, offered by disparate service providers, in a unified and cohesive manner. A system includes an engine configured to allocate a task among two or more disparate cloud services according to a running mode. The two or more disparate cloud services include a dedicated solution and a shared solution. The running modes include a dedicated mode configured to direct the tasks to the dedicated solution, a serverless mode configured to direct the tasks to the shared solution, and a hybrid mode configured to direct the tasks to a combination of the dedicated solution and the shared solution. |
| US11288098B1 |
Job shop scheduling method with buffer constraints based on improved genetic algorithm
A job shop scheduling method with buffer constraints based on an improved genetic algorithm (IGA) is provided, which specifically includes the following steps: firstly establishing a job shop scheduling mathematical model with buffer constraints; then performing an optimization solution of the improved genetic algorithm, and adopting a job shop scheduling process and a double-layer coding of machines to design a reasonable process adjustment method for decoding; using adaptive crossover mutation probability combined with improved cross operator to improve the algorithm and optimize a solution model. The solution with a higher precision can be obtained under the same buffer capacity, and the efficiency and convergence ability of the algorithm are improved. |
| US11288095B2 |
Enhanced atomics for workgroup synchronization
A technique for synchronizing workgroups is provided. The techniques comprise detecting that one or more non-executing workgroups are ready to execute, placing the one or more non-executing workgroups into one or more ready queues based on the synchronization status of the one or more workgroups, detecting that computing resources are available for execution of one or more ready workgroups, and scheduling for execution one or more ready workgroups from the one or more ready queues in an order that is based on the relative priority of the ready queues. |
| US11288089B2 |
Metrics-based virtual machine snapshots
A computing server includes a hardware platform with hardware resources, with at least a portion of the hardware resources to be allocated as virtualized resources. A hypervisor platform is provided based on execution of code instructions by the hardware platform. A virtual machine operates as an independent guest computing device, with at least a portion of the virtualized resources being allocated by the hypervisor platform to the virtual machine. The hypervisor platform includes a snapshot function to save the state of the virtual machine, a virtual machine activity monitor to monitor activity of the virtual machine, and an activity-based snapshot policy engine to activate the snapshot function based on the monitored activity of the virtual machine exceeding an activity threshold metric. |
| US11288064B1 |
Robotic process automation for interactive documentation
Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for automatically generating electronic documentation, including interactive documentation, using robotic process automation (RPA). An embodiment operates by receiving RPA data associated with an RPA bot. The embodiment further operates by generating modified RPA data based on the RPA data. Subsequently, the embodiment operates by generating electronic documentation data based on the modified RPA data. |
| US11288063B2 |
Method and apparatus for assisting in open source usage
A method, apparatus and computer program product, the method comprising: accessing user computer code; automatically extracting a slice from the user computer code indicating usage or usage attempt of source code, the slice comprising a multiplicity of words; subject to a word from the multiplicity of words being combined of at least two words, splitting the word to the at least two words; issuing a query based on at least some of the multiplicity of words and the at least two words, to a source and document database; and receiving in response to the query, at least one source section or document related to usage of the source code. |
| US11288060B2 |
Detecting anomalies online using historical controller processing activity
Disclosed embodiments relate to identifying Electronic Control Unit (ECU) anomalies in a vehicle. Operations may include monitoring, in the vehicle, data representing real-time processing activity of the ECU; accessing, in the vehicle, historical data relating to processing activity of the ECU, the historical data representing expected processing activity of the ECU; comparing, in the vehicle, the real-time processing activity data with the historical data, to identify at least one anomaly in the real-time processing activity of the ECU; and implementing a control action for the ECU when the at least one anomaly is identified. |
| US11288059B2 |
Leveraging previously installed application elements to install an application
One or more processors of a computing device may receive, from an external computing device, a first one or more application elements of a plurality of application elements of a first application that is to be installed at the computing device. The one or more processors may further obtain from a second application that is installed at the computing device, a second one or more application elements of the plurality of application elements of the first application that is to be installed at the computing device. The one or more processors may further install, using the first one or more application elements and the second one or more application elements, the first application at the computing device. |
| US11288057B2 |
Device for managing substrate processing machine
A management device for a board work machine includes a storage device storing version information in which a current version of software executed by a constitutive device of a board work machine in a production process is associated individually with the multiple constitutive devices and a version designation section configured to designate a version of the software which is to be applied to the production process based on a type of the production process and the version information. |
| US11288056B1 |
System and method for verifying hardware compliance
An information handling system includes a memory to store one or more solution catalogs for systems within the information handling system, and a processor. The processor fetches the one or more solution catalogs for the systems within the information handling system. The processor further combines specified update packages to create one or more revised solution catalogs. The processor also builds a map of an existing solution catalog with the components being managed with the existing solution catalog. Based on an associated one of the revised solution catalogs, the processor determines compliance for each of the solution catalogs. |
| US11288054B2 |
Vehicular communication system
An object of the present disclosure is to determine whether or not communication between ECUs after update of a software program is expected communication. A vehicular communication system includes: a storage unit which stores a first piece of information indicating data scheduled to be transmitted and received on a bus connecting a plurality of ECUs so that the ECUs can communicate with one another; an acquiring unit which acquires a second piece of information indicating data being transmitted and received on the bus when a software program of at least one of the plurality of ECUs is updated; and a determining unit which determines whether or not expected communication is being executed on the bus based on the first piece of information and the second piece of information. |
| US11288051B2 |
Method for adapting functionalities of a field device
The present disclosure includes a method for adapting functionalities of a field device, including a step of transmitting a configuration of the field device to a database. Further application programs, including additional functionality for the field device and basic programs for various field devices are stored on the database. The configuration of the field device has information about the basic program of the field device, any application programs already on the field device, the type of field device or the hardware of the field device. The method also includes a step of selecting a further application program. An installation package is created containing the further application program using a tool chain selected based on the configuration. The tool chain creates the installation package in a format executable on the field device. The installation packet is executed on the field device, thus transferring the further application program to the field device. |
| US11288048B2 |
Fast presentation of markup content having script code
Dynamic code generation and coordination techniques are provided for display of dynamic markup documents including script code. A code generation process is not only guided by deferral of code preparation stages and sub-stages, but also informed by various information levels possessed concerning the code itself, either through interpretation or observation of execution, to not only generate modified code, but also to generate alternative code for alternative situations (e.g., generating different loop bodies that can thereafter be readily swapped in or out depending on a given function call by the browser application). A multi-core architecture further improves user experience by asymmetrically ensuring web site presentation and functionality is prioritized for the user experience. |
| US11288047B2 |
Heterogenous computer system optimization
Method and system are provided for identifying a processing element for executing a computer program code module. The method includes: calculating a cyclomatic complexity score for the module; selecting one of a first or second processing element based on the calculated complexity score, the first processing element having a first architecture and the second processing element having a second architecture different from the first architecture, the first and second processing elements forming part of a heterogeneous computer system; running the module on the selected processing element to determine a first run time, and subsequently running the module on the non-selected processing element to determine a second run time; comparing the first and second run time to identify a shortest run time; and identifying a processing element producing a shortest run time as the processing element for executing the computer program code module. |
| US11288044B1 |
System and method for interprocedural analysis
A computer-implemented method, system and computer program product, the method comprising: obtaining a representation of computer code; analyzing the computer code using a first algorithm to obtain a call graph; subject to the call graph not complying with a stopping criteria: analyzing a part of the computer code using a second algorithm to obtain further edges for the at least one second node; and combining the further edges with the call graph, to obtain a second call graph; and outputting the second call graph. |
| US11288042B2 |
Systems and methods for programming mobile devices
Embodiments of a system and method are described for generating and distributing programming to mobile devices over a network. Devices are provided with Players specific to each device and Applications that are device independent. Embodiments include a full-featured WYSIWYG authoring environment, including the ability to bind web components to objects. |
| US11288040B2 |
Floating-point dot-product hardware with wide multiply-adder tree for machine learning accelerators
Systems, apparatuses and methods may provide for technology that conduct a first alignment between a plurality of floating-point numbers based on a first subset of exponent bits. The technology may also conduct, at least partially in parallel with the first alignment, a second alignment between the plurality of floating-point numbers based on a second subset of exponent bits, where the first subset of exponent bits are LSBs and the second subset of exponent bits are MSBs. In one example, technology adds the aligned plurality of floating-point numbers to one another. With regard to the second alignment, the technology may also identify individual exponents of a plurality of floating-point numbers, identify a maximum exponent across the individual exponents, and conduct a subtraction of the individual exponents from the maximum exponent, where the subtraction is conducted from MSB to LSB. |
| US11288037B1 |
Volume adjustment assembly for portable communication device
An adjustment assembly includes an adjustment knob configured to be rotated about an axis, a potentiometer, and an adapter configured to be disposed between and coupled to both the adjustment knob and the potentiometer. The adapter is configured to be rotated about the axis to move the potentiometer from a first position along the axis to a second position along the axis. |
| US11288026B2 |
Job processing apparatus, method for controlling job processing apparatus, and storage medium
A user is enabled to check a history of job execution by viewing records arranged in chronological order and to easily check the specific description of an error by viewing an error record. The job processing apparatus control method includes executing a job, displaying a plurality of history records with the plurality of history records being arranged side by side in chronological order, the plurality of history records each indicating a history of a job executed in the executing, and detecting an error. In response to an error having been detected in the detecting, an error record is displayed with the error record and the plurality of history records being arranged side by side, the error record indicating the error. |
| US11288023B2 |
Application isolation system
A facility for managing a document conversion environment is described. In various embodiments, the facility includes a native application associated with a native document type and an isolation service. The isolation service determines whether a native application associated with the native document type has started and when it has not started, starts the native application and causes the started native application to load and convert a native document to a common document format, wherein the isolation service starts a single instance of the native application and monitors the single instance of the native application so that it complies with specified a parameter, condition, or setting of operation. |
| US11288021B2 |
Lighting element adjustment towards target profile
In one example in accordance with the present disclosure a print media lighting system is described. The system includes a multi-colored array of lighting elements to illuminate a print media as the print media passes through an illumination zone of a printing device. The multi-colored array of lighting elements are alterable based on a target lighting profile. The system also includes a control device electrically coupled to the multi-colored array of lighting elements. The control device alters emission characteristics of the lighting elements to adjust an actual lighting profile towards the target lighting profile. |
| US11288020B2 |
Non-transitory computer-readable medium storing application program and method for controlling information processing device for printing by a plurality of printers
A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing an application program readable by a computer of an information processing device, the application program, when executed by the computer, causes the information processing device to perform: displaying a first image object and a second image object on a display device of the information processing device; and based on receiving a print instruction via an input device of the information processing device, controlling a first printer to perform printing of a first image based on the first image object and a second printer to perform printing of a second image based on the second image object. |
| US11288018B2 |
Method and system for deploying a virtual distributed unit on a network device
A device may obtain network information associated with a network device to be installed at a particular location in a network. The device may select, based on the network information, a virtual distributed unit (vDU), of a plurality of vDUs, to be deployed on the network device. The device may generate, based on selecting the vDU, deployment information associated with the vDU, where the deployment information includes configuration information that is configured for the particular location. The device may send the deployment information to the network device to cause the vDU to be automatically deployed on the network device. |
| US11288015B2 |
Memory system for accurately predicting power required for sequential command operations performed in memory device, and operation method thereof
A memory system may include: a memory device comprising a plurality of memory dies; and a controller configured to perform: analyzing a first and second commands when the first and second commands are sequentially transferred to any one selected memory die of the plurality of memory dies, identifying first and third operations of the first command and second and fourth operations of the second command, calculating a single power which is expected to be used in one or more single operation sections in which only any one respective operation of the first to fourth operations is performed, calculating an overlap power which is expected to be used in one or more overlap operation sections in which a respective plurality of operations of the first to fourth operations are performed while overlapping each other, calculating a total power which is expected to be used when the first and second commands are performed in the selected memory die by adding the single power and the overlap power according to operation time points of the first to fourth operations. |
| US11288014B2 |
Controller, operating method of controller and storage device including the same
A controller may be configured to control an operation of a nonvolatile memory and to determine a write command processing schedule by analyzing patterns of commands queued in a command queue during a first unit time, the commands queued in the command queue during the first unit time including a first write command, a first read command, or both and to process a second write command queued in the command queue during a second unit time subsequent to the first unit time, based on the determined write command processing schedule. |
| US11288010B2 |
Efficiently storing computer processor data structures in computer memory
Logic may store data structures for two or more processors in memory such as cache, system management memory, protected memory, or other memory. Logic may compress the data structures to be stored in the memory. Logic may determine a reference data structure, store the reference data structure in the memory, determine a difference between a data structure for a second processor and the reference data structure, and store the difference in the memory. Logic may store the difference in the memory within a data structure such as a linked list or a bitmap. Logic may decompress the difference by combining the difference with the reference data structure. Logic may expand the useable data region to include cache in the two or more processors. Logic may instruct two or more processors to store their processor data structures in their respective caches and perform initialization with the processor data structures. |
| US11288009B2 |
Read sample offset bit determination using most probably decoder logic in a memory sub-system
The present disclosure is directed to read sample offset most probable bit operation associated with a memory component. A processing device performs a first read, a second read, and a third read of data from the memory component using a center value corresponding to a read threshold voltage value, a negative offset value, and a positive offset value, respectively. The processing device performs a most probable bit operation on the first set of data, the second set of data, and the third set of data to generate a most probable bit sequence corresponding to the data associated with the memory component. The processing device can store or output the generated most probable bit sequence. |
| US11288008B1 |
Reflective memory system
A reflective memory system includes network-connected computing systems including respective memory subsystems. A reflective memory management subsystem in a first computing system receives a processor memory-centric reflective write request associated with a local reflective memory write operation and remote reflective memory write operations, performs the local reflective memory write operation to write data to a memory subsystem in the first computing system, and uses remote memory access hardware to generate remote memory write information for performing the remote reflective memory write operations to write the data at respective second memory subsystems in second computing systems. The reflective memory management subsystem then instructs a networking device in the first computing system to utilize the remote memory write information to transmit first memory access communications that provide for the performance of the remote reflective memory write operations to write the data at the second memory subsystem in each second computing system. |
| US11288007B2 |
Virtual physical erase of a memory of a data storage device
Virtual physical erase of a memory of a data storage device. One example data storage device may include a flash memory. The data storage device further may include an electronic processor that may be configured to store a first portion of data in the flash memory, and receive a physical erase request from an access device. The electronic processor may be further configured to identify a first block of the flash memory and a memory fragment of the first block where the first portion of data is stored in the flash memory. The electronic processor may be further configured to, in response to receiving the physical erase request, program one or more cells corresponding to the memory fragment to an increased voltage state so as to obfuscate the first portion of data that is stored in the flash memory. |
| US11288005B2 |
Method and system for generating compliance and sequence aware replication in a multiple data cluster system
This application includes a method that is performed store data. The method includes obtaining, by a compliance aware replicator (CAR), a replication request to replicate data; and in response to the replication request: obtaining data chunks, associated with the data, using sequence identifiers of sequencing metadata; replicating the data chunks to obtain replicated data chunks; identifying, using classification metadata associated with the data, a first data cluster of data clusters to store the replicated data chunks; and sending the replicated data chunks to the first data cluster. |
| US11288003B2 |
Cross-platform replication of logical units
To replicate a source LUN to a different storage system platform, a first storage system transmits a request to replicate a LUN along with attributes for the LUN to a second storage system. The second storage system maps the attributes to attributes used and understood by the platform of the second storage system. The second storage system then creates a destination LUN based on the mapped attributes. Since the destination LUN is created with similar attributes as the source LUN, the destination LUN can store the replicated data of the source LUN while still being accessed and recognized as a LUN by the second storage system. The second storage system also stores any proprietary attributes received from the first storage system so that the proprietary attributes can be supplied to the first storage system to recover the source LUN after a data loss event. |
| US11288000B2 |
Data migration in heterogeneous storage environment
Transferring data for a virtual machine from a source storage device to a destination storage device includes determining if either the source storage device or the destination storage device is capable of unilaterally transferring data to a storage device having only input and output capabilities. The source storage device pushes data to the destination storage device if the source storage device is capable of unilaterally transferring data to a storage device having only input and output capabilities. The destination storage device pulls data from the source storage device if the destination storage device is capable of unilaterally transferring data to a storage device having only input and output capabilities. A host computing device transfers data from the source storage device to the destination storage device in response to neither storage device being capable of unilaterally transferring data to a storage device having only input and output capabilities. |
| US11287997B2 |
Method, electronic device and computer program product for managing disk array
Techniques involve determining a stripe width of an array and metadata of candidate disks available for allocating a new array, the metadata indicating a total slice number in each of the candidate disks and a number of used slices in the candidate disks. The techniques further involve determining, based on the width and the total slice number, a first number of slices in the candidate disks that are available. The techniques further involve determining, based on the number of the used slices, a second slice number in the used slices that are available; and determining, based on the first number and the second number, utilization rates of the candidate disks for the allocation for the new array. Such techniques may make the utilization rates of the candidate disks more accurate, which ensures uniform use of the respective candidate disks and improves the performance of the candidate disks. |
| US11287996B2 |
Method, device and computer program product for storing data
Techniques involve dividing a disk in RAID into a plurality of slices, and the plurality of slices include a first slice and a second slice with a first size. The techniques further involve dividing the second slice into a plurality of sub-slices, and each sub-slice in the plurality of sub-slices has a second size smaller than the first size. The techniques further involve forming a first stripe set for storing user data using the first slice and forming a second stripe set for storing metadata using the sub-slices. Such techniques enable configuring a smaller slice size for the set stripe for the metadata, and thus the granularity of storage and migration for the metadata can be reduced, and the metadata can be distributed into more disks in the RAID. |
| US11287991B2 |
Memory system for assuring reliability
A memory system includes a memory device and a controller. The controller includes: a first internal storage, a second internal storage configured to store a recovery code, a level detector configured to detect whether a change in levels of power supply voltages exceeds respectively reference level ranges, a protection operation component configured to determine entry into and exit from a protection mode in response to a result of the level detector, to perform a first protection operation of generating event information and a snapshot information and storing the event and snapshot information in the first internal storage, and a recovery operation component configured to receive the recovery code from the second internal storage in response to exiting from the protection mode, to enter the recovery mode, to receive the event information and the snapshot information from the first internal storage, and to perform a recovery operation on the memory device. |
| US11287987B2 |
Coherency locking schemes
Methods, systems, and devices for coherency locking are described in which different types of writes have different coherency locking schemes. The types of writes can be associated with different sources of write commands, such as external commands from a host system or internal commands from a garbage collection procedure. Coherency locking can be performed for external write commands received from a host system, while coherency locking is not performed for internal write commands. If an internal write is received for data that has been previously written at a prior location, a write to one or more physical memory devices can be performed and, once an acknowledgment is received that the write is complete, an update to a mapping table with the new location of the data is performed. |
| US11287986B2 |
Reset interception to avoid data loss in storage device resets
Apparatus and methods are disclosed, including a controller circuit, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, and a reset circuit, where the reset circuit is configured to receive a reset signal from a host device and actuate a timer circuit. The timer circuit, where the timer circuit is configured to cause a storage device to reset after a threshold time period. The reset circuit is further configured to actuate the controller circuit to write data stored in the volatile memory to the non-volatile memory before the storage device is reset. |
| US11287979B2 |
Congestion mitigation in a multi-tiered distributed storage system
A distributed electronic storage system (DESS) comprises congestion management circuitry and data migration circuitry. The congestion management circuitry is operable to determine an amount of congestion in the DESS. The data migration circuitry is operable to control migration of data stored in a first tier of storage to a second tier of storage based on the amount of congestion in the DESS, characteristics of the data, and characteristics of the first tier of storage. |
| US11287978B2 |
Data storage devices, having scale-out devices to map and control groups on non-volatile memory devices
A scale-out device to control a group of non-volatile memory devices from among a plurality of non-volatile memory devices at a data storage device, includes a buffer and a scale-out controller. The buffer is configured to store address mapping information for the group of non-volatile memory devices, the group of non-volatile memory devices being a portion of the plurality of non-volatile memory devices at the data storage device. The scale-out controller is configured to control operation of only the group of non-volatile memory devices according to the address mapping information stored at the buffer. |
| US11287971B1 |
Visual-tactile virtual telepresence
A system for remote tactile telepresence wherein tactile telepresence sessions are time-coded along with audiovisual content wherein playback is heard, seen, and felt. Embodiments associate motion capture with the tactile profile so that remote, haptic recipients may see renderings of objects (e.g., hands) imparting vibrotactile sensations. |
| US11287970B2 |
Application display method and terminal
Embodiments of the present invention provide an application display method and a terminal, where the method includes: acquiring a first flicking gesture, where a start position of the first flicking gesture is located in a first preset operating area; and when the terminal detects that the first flicking gesture is a first preset flicking gesture, displaying an application that is in a first state, where the first state includes at least one of the following states: a state of running in the foreground, a state of running in the background, and a state of being buffered in the background. Therefore, a recently used application can be displayed to a user according to a gesture of the user, without a need to dispose a dedicated button, thereby improving operation and control efficiency. |
| US11287964B2 |
Systems and methods for navigating content
Methods and systems for navigating content are provided. A method includes detecting an input to perform a content navigation operation in a display interface, the input designating a two-dimensional path in a content display interface. The method determines a forward or reverse direction for the content navigation operation and receives an input indicating the two-dimensional path within the content display interface. The length of the path is determined and the content is navigated based upon the determined direction and length of the two-dimensional path. A system comprising input circuitry configured to detect an input to perform a content navigation operation on a content, and a control circuitry programmed and configured for implementing the method is also provided. |
| US11287960B2 |
Device, method, and graphical user interface for moving drawing objects
In accordance with various implementations, a method is performed at an electronic device with a display device and one or more input devices. The method includes displaying, on the display device, a drawing user interface that includes a set of drawing objects. The method includes detecting, via the one or more input devices, a first user input moving to define a path within the drawing user interface. In response to detecting the first user input moving to define the path within the drawing user interface, the method includes displaying, on the display device, a representation of the path within the drawing user interface. The method includes detecting, via the one or more input devices, a second user input moving within the drawing user interface from a first location on a first side of the representation of the path to a second location. In response to detecting the second user input and in accordance with a determination that the path satisfies a length criterion, the method includes moving those of the set of drawing objects on the first side of the representation of the path. |
| US11287956B2 |
Systems and methods for representing data, media, and time using spatial levels of detail in 2D and 3D digital applications
Approaches provide for navigating or otherwise interacting with content in response to input from a user, including voice inputs, device inputs, gesture inputs, among other such inputs such that a user can quickly and easily navigate to different levels of detail of content. This can include, for example, presenting content (e.g., images, multimedia, text, etc.) in a particular layout, and/or highlighting, emphasizing, animating, or otherwise altering in appearance, and/or arrangement of the interface elements used to present the content based on a current level of detail, where the current level of detail can be determined by data selection criteria associated with a magnification level and other such data. As a user interacts with the computing device, for example, by providing a zoom input, values of the selection criteria can be updated, which can be used to filter and/or select content for presentation. |
| US11287955B2 |
Recommending a transition from use of a limited-functionality application to a full-functionality application in a digital medium environment
A digital medium environment is described to recommend a transition from use of a limited-functionality application to a full-functionality application. As described herein, the limited-functionality application includes a subset of the functionalities of the full-functionality application. Interactions by a user with a limited-functionality application to generate or edit a creation (e.g., a photo, video, or document) are monitored. Based on the interactions, it is determined that the user needs a functionality for the creation that is not available in the limited-functionality application but is supported by the full-functionality application. A recommendation to transition the creation to the full-functionality application that supports the functionality is displayed. The recommendation may include a selectable control that, when selected, causes the creation to be transitioned to the full-functionality application to enable the functionality to be applied to the creation. |
| US11287952B2 |
Dynamic contextual menu
Content items and a dynamic menu element are displayed. Responsive to selection and dragging of the dynamic menu element over a particular content item, a menu of actions contextual to the particular content item is displayed, and the particular content item is highlighted to indicate that the displayed menu is related to the particular content item. Responsive to release of the dynamic menu element over the particular content item, the displayed menu is rendered actionable so that the actions thereof selectable; prior to release of the dynamic menu element over the particular content item, the displayed menu is non-actionable and no action is selectable. Responsive to selection of a specific action of the menu being displayed, the selected specific action is performed in relation to the particular content item. |
| US11287947B2 |
Contextual input in a three-dimensional environment
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to contextual input in a three-dimensional (3D) environment. In an example, a 3D environment is authored using an authoring application, wherein the author selects and positions one or more content items within the 3D environment. The 3D environment has a set of possible environment events that are associated with user input events. As a result, an environment event is generated when a user input event is received from an input device. An author uses the authoring application to associate an environment event with an action of the content item. A user is able to use a variety of input devices to interact with the 3D environment. When an input event is received from an input device, an environment event is generated accordingly, and a content item action associated with the environment event is performed in response to the environment event. |
| US11287946B2 |
Interactive menu elements in a virtual three-dimensional space
The present technology includes displaying a user interface in a simulated three-dimensional environment that includes selectable user interface objects located at different simulated distances from a respective viewpoint in the simulated three-dimensional environment. One or more of the selectable user interface objects are displayed with a simulated depth of field effect that includes applying a respective degree of blurring to the one or more selectable user interface objects. In response to detecting a navigation input, the one or more user interface objects are displayed at a different position relative to the respective viewpoint, and the respective degree of blurring applied to the one or more user interface objects is updated based on the simulated depth of field effect and a respective current position of the one or more user interface objects relative to the respective viewpoint. |
| US11287943B2 |
Resource tracking
Some embodiments relate to resource usage tracking. A resource monitor may monitor resources of a network. A database may record resource usage. A client program may provide resource in a graphical display at a variety of specificity levels. A user may select portions of the graphical display to adjust information presented. |
| US11287940B2 |
HMI development support device, HMI development support method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium
A plurality of HMI projects is easily compared. A HMI development support device includes a calculation unit (11) and a display unit (14). A HMI editing program (210) is stored in a storage unit (12), and by executing this program, the calculation unit (11) functions as a HMI editing unit. The HMI editing unit performs editing of a HMI project. The display unit (14) displays an editing screen of the HMI project. The HMI editing unit has a comparison processing unit which forms a comparison screen for comparing a reference HMI project and the HMI project being edited, and displays the comparison screen on the display unit (14). On the comparison screen, the comparison processing unit highlights differences between the reference HMI project and the HMI project being edited. |
| US11287936B2 |
Touch display panel and touch display device
The disclosure discloses a touch display panel and a touch display device. The touch display panel includes a cathode and a number of touch electrodes, wherein an interior of at least one touch electrode is hollowed out to reduce a relative area between the cathode and the touch electrode. The relative area between the touch electrode and the cathode of the touch display panel may be reduced by hollowing out the interior of at least one touch electrode, thereby reducing the inductive capacitance between the touch electrode and the cathode. |
| US11287934B2 |
Display device and input device
The reliability of a display device with an input device is improved. A plurality of detection electrodes (input position detection electrodes) forming an electrostatic capacity between them and a common electrode of a display device to detect an input position are formed on a different substrate from substrates configuring the display device. Moreover, a polarizing plate and the substrate on which the plurality of detection electrodes are formed are adhesively fixed via, for example, an adhesive layer so that the plurality of detection electrodes are fixed so as to be separated apart from the display device. Thus, a distance between electrodes (the detection electrode and a driving electrode) for detecting an input position can be set separately from a thickness of the display device, and therefore, reduction in detection sensitivity (detection reliability) for the input position due to increase in the electrostatic capacity can be suppressed. |
| US11287929B1 |
Method for locating touched position, locating device, and touch display device
A method for locating a touched position on a touch panel acquires a sensing signal from a sensing area on the touch panel when the touch panel is touched. A determination is made as to whether the sensing signal of the sensing area on the touch panel is a touch signal and if so, sorting all the touch signals to obtain a decreasing sequence of strength of touch signals. Selection of groups of all the touch signals in the decreasing sequence is carried out according to a direction of decrease of strength, to divide all the touch areas into at least one group. Calculating a physical center of each of the at least one group, wherein the touch position of each of the groups is taken as the physical center and point of origin of the coordinates. |
| US11287928B2 |
Touch display device and touch display
A touch display device and a touch display are provided. The touch display device includes a touch electrode and a backlight module disposed opposite to the touch electrode. The backlight module includes a backlight film and a backlight iron frame supporting the backlight film. The backlight film is disposed between the touch electrode and the backlight iron frame; and the touch electrode and the backlight iron frame are electrically connected to a touch signal terminal. The touch signal terminal is configured to transmit a touch signal to the touch electrode and the backlight iron frame. The touch electrode and the backlight iron frame receive a same touch signal, thereby eliminating the capacitance coupling effect between the touch electrode and the backlight iron frame, increasing touch sensitivity, and reducing vibration noise of the backlight film. The touch display includes the touch display device, and has advantages of the touch display device. |
| US11287915B2 |
Display device with sensor
According to an aspect, a display device with a sensor includes: a first substrate; detection electrodes arrayed in a matrix in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction above the first substrate; sensor wires coupled to one of the detection electrodes; pixels each including sub-pixels and arrayed in a matrix in the first and second directions; scanning lines scanning switching elements of the sub-pixels and extending in the first direction; and signal lines coupled to the switching elements and extending in the second direction. One of the sensor wires overlaps one of the signal lines. The sensor wires each have, at a part thereof, a coupling part coupled to the corresponding detection electrode. The pixels include a first pixel with the coupling part and a second pixel without the coupling part. The first and second pixels are alternately disposed in the first and second directions. |
| US11287912B2 |
Display device and circuit board
A display device includes a substrate, first electrodes, lines, pixel electrodes, a display functional layer, a common electrode, second electrodes, and a controller. The first electrodes are opposed to the second electrodes with a space therebetween, and an insulating layer is provided between the common electrode and the first and second electrodes. During the display periods, in response to a control signal from the controller, the pixel electrodes are supplied with a pixel signal through the lines, and the common electrode is supplied with a common signal. During the sensing period, in response to the control signal from the controller, the lines are supplied with a first drive signal to generate a magnetic field. The first electrodes are supplied with a second drive signal to generate electrostatic capacitance between themselves and the second electrodes in response to the control signal from the controller, synchronously or asynchronously with the display periods. |
| US11287911B2 |
Display apparatus including sensor
A display apparatus including a sensor includes: a pixel group including a predetermined number of pixels, each of which includes a pixel circuit and a light-emitting device electrically connected to the pixel circuit; and a sensing pixel including a sensing circuit and a sensing electrode connected to the sensing circuit, where the sensing electrode forms a variable capacitor with respect to a finger, and the sensing circuit is arranged around the pixel circuit of the pixel group. |
| US11287902B2 |
Input device
An input device includes button structures, a light-emitting member, a base plate and a pointing unit. The light-emitting member is disposed under the button structures. The base plate is disposed between the plurality of button structures and the light-emitting member, wherein the base plate has a body and a first extension portion, and the first extension portion extends from the body toward the light-emitting member. The pointing unit is disposed between the at least two button structures corresponding to the first extension portion, wherein a bottom surface of the first extension portion is level with or protrudes from a bottom surface of the light-emitting member. |
| US11287901B2 |
Optical detecting device with lift height detection function
An optical detecting device capable of detecting a lift height of an optical navigation apparatus is disclosed. The optical detecting device includes a sensor module and a processor. The sensor module includes a sensor array and at least one detector strip. The sensor array is adapted to acquire navigation information of the optical navigation apparatus moved relative to a working surface by sensing an illumination area, and the detector strip has a detection region across an edge of the illumination area. The processor is electrically connected to the sensor module, and adapted to compute the lift height of the optical navigation apparatus relative to the working surface according to a detection result of the detector strip. |
| US11287896B2 |
Display apparatus and control method thereof
Displayed is a display apparatus and a control method thereof. A display apparatus includes a communicator including circuitry, a display, a one or more motors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured to, through the communicator, identify a user terminal apparatus present within a threshold distance of the display apparatus and receive a location and position information of the user terminal apparatus from the identified user terminal apparatus, identify a first angle of a yaw direction, a second angle of a roll direction, and a third angle of a pitch direction between the display and the user terminal apparatus, identify whether at least one of the first angle, the second angle, and the third angle exceeds a threshold, and control the one or more motors to move the display about an axis direction of the at least one angle by at least one move angle. |
| US11287895B2 |
System for remote vehicle door and window opening
Disclosed is a vehicle door and window opening system comprising a controller that includes a user control, a motion sensor configured to detect a first defined motion and a second defined motion of the controller, and a transmitter configured to transmit signals related to the motion sensor and the user control. The system also includes at least one actuator, a receiver configured to receive the signals, and a control unit in communication with the receiver and the at least one actuator. When the user control is activated and released, the control unit commands a first action from the at least one actuator. When the user control is activated and held while the motion sensor detects the first defined motion, the control unit commands a second action from the at least one actuator. When the user control is activated and held while the motion sensor detects the second defined motion, the control unit commands a third action from the at least one actuator. |
| US11287887B2 |
Flexible finger-wearable haptic feedback device
A flexible finger-wearable haptic feedback device includes a fingertip sleeve sheathing a distal phalanx of a finger, a middle sleeve sheathing a middle phalanx of the finger, a proximal sleeve sheathing a proximal phalanx of the finger, outer and inner transmission rods having bending elasticity. The outer transmission rod is fixed on the fingertip sleeve at one end, positioned at a back of a hand at the other end and connected with an outer driver. The inner transmission rod is fixed on the fingertip sleeve at one end, positioned at a palm at the other end and connected with an inner driver. The fingertip sleeve is provided with first and second contact pressure sensors respectively connected with the ends of the outer and inner transmission rods, and an inner wall of the fingertip finger sleeve contacting the finger is provided with a film pressure sensor. |
| US11287885B1 |
Apparatus, system, and method for determining the position of wearables donned by users of artificial reality systems
An apparatus for determining the position of artificial reality wearables may include a wearable dimensioned to be donned by a user of an artificial reality system. The apparatus may also include a sensor incorporated into the wearable. The sensor may detect physical interactions between the wearable and at least one specific body part of the user. The apparatus may further include a processing device communicatively coupled to the sensor. The processing device may determine, based at least in part on one or more physical interactions between the wearable and the specific body part of the user, a change in a position of the wearable relative to the specific body part of the user. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed. |
| US11287883B2 |
Light field device, pixel rendering method therefor, and adjusted vision perception system and method using same
Described are various embodiments of a light field device, pixel rendering method therefor, and vision perception system and method using same. One embodiment describes a method to adjust user perception of an image portion to be rendered via a set of pixels and a corresponding array of light field shaping elements (LFSE), the method comprising: projecting an adjusted image ray trace between a given pixel and a user pupil location to intersect an adjusted image location for a given perceived image depth given a direction of a light field emanated by the given pixel based on a given LFSE intersected thereby; upon the adjusted image ray trace intersecting a given image portion associated with the given perceived image depth, associating with the given pixel an adjusted image portion value designated for the adjusted image location based on the intersection; and rendering for each given pixel the adjusted image portion value associated therewith. |
| US11287880B2 |
Privacy chat trigger using mutual eye contact
Player-to-player eye contact is used to establish a private chat channel in an augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) setting. Since maintaining eye contact requires agreement from both parties, it allows both players an equal amount of control when performing the mutual action. Eye tracking may be used for determining whether mutual eye contact has been established. In the case of AR, “inside out” eye tracking can be used, whereas in a VR setting only inside eye tracking need be used. Techniques are described to confirm and establish a channel once eye contact has been held. |
| US11287879B2 |
Display control device, display control method, and program for display based on travel conditions
A display control device includes a display configured to display a peripheral image indicating a peripheral situation of a host vehicle in a display range viewed from a predetermined virtual viewpoint and a display range determiner configured to determine a viewpoint position of the virtual viewpoint, an angle of view from the virtual viewpoint, or a gaze direction from the virtual viewpoint in accordance with a traveling condition of the host vehicle. |
| US11287878B2 |
Controlling light sources of a directional backlight
Disclosed is an imaging directional backlight including an array of light sources, and a control system arranged to provide variable distribution of luminous fluxes, scaled inversely by the width associated with the respective light sources in the lateral direction, across the array of light sources. The luminous intensity distribution of output optical windows may be controlled to provide desirable luminance distributions in the window plane of an autostereoscopic display, a directional display operating in wide angle 2D mode, privacy mode and low power consumption mode. Image quality may be improved and power consumption reduced. |
| US11287875B2 |
Screen control method and device for virtual reality service
The present disclosure relates to a communication technique, which is a convergence of IoT technology and 5G communication system for supporting higher data transmission rate beyond 4G system, and a system for same. The present invention can be applied to smart services (e.g. smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars or connected cars, health care, digital education, retail businesses, security- and safety-related services and the like) on the basis of 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology. The present disclosure, in a screen control method for a virtual reality service in an electronic device, comprises the steps of: detecting a movement of a pointer on a screen while an application for a virtual reality service is being executed; analyzing the movement of the pointer on the basis of a preset screen display method; and changing and displaying the configuration of the screen in accordance with the analysis of the movement of the pointer. |
| US11287869B2 |
System and methods for on-chip memory (OCM) port throttling for machine learning operations
A new approach contemplates systems and methods to support control of power consumption of a memory on a chip by throttling port access requests to the memory via a memory arbiter based on a one or more programmable parameters. The memory arbiter is configured to restrict the number of ports being used to access the memory at the same time to be less than the available ports of the memory, thereby enabling adaptive power control of the chip. Two port throttling schemes are enabled—strict port throttling, which throttles the number of ports granted for memory access to be no more than a user-configured maximum throttle port number, and leaky bucket port throttling, which throttles the number of ports granted for the memory access down to be within a range based on a number of credit tokens maintained in a credit register. |
| US11287868B1 |
Facility power backstopping system for power monitoring and power loss prevention
A power monitoring and loss prevention system includes actuators installed in lower level components of a primary power system, such as tap boxes of a power busway for an aisle of a data center. The power monitoring and loss prevention system redirects high frequency sampled power flow data to one or more computing devices that determine if power flows in the primary power system are at threshold levels that are likely to cause higher-level circuit breakers of the primary power system to be tripped. If so, the power monitoring and loss prevention causes one or more of the actuators to divert discrete lower level loads that are receiving power from the primary power system to instead receive power from a reserve power system such that power flows in the primary power system that may cause the higher level breakers of the primary power system to trip are avoided. |
| US11287866B2 |
Computing device, power consumption prediction method thereof and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
A computing device, a power consumption prediction method thereof, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are provided. In one embodiment, leakage power consumption of a graphics processor is obtained. Switching power consumption data corresponding to the graphics processor running a frame of image is obtained. Switching power consumption is estimated according to the switching power consumption data. Overall power consumption of the graphics processor is obtained according to the leakage power and the switching power consumption. Overall power consumption of the graphics processor processing one frame of image is estimated based on the overall power consumption. Power consumption performance of the graphics processor is therefore predicted in real-time. |
| US11287864B2 |
Power supply circuit with switch for connection of a DC power supply to a power supply unit based on sensed temperature
It becomes possible to succeed in restarting a power supply unit.A power supply circuit includes the power supply unit which supplies DC power to a CPU, a switch which operates to cause a short-circuit to occur between a DC power supply and an input terminal of the power supply unit or to open a connection between the DC power supply and the input terminal of the power supply unit, a temperature measurement unit which measures a temperature and a processor which controls the switch to open the connection in a case of deciding that the DC power is not supplied to the CPU even when controlling the switch to cause the short-circuit to occur and controls the switch to cause the short-circuit to occur after a predetermined time elapses after controlling the switch to open the connection. The predetermined time is set on the basis of the temperature that the temperature measurement unit measures. |
| US11287857B2 |
Shell structure
A shell structure including a shell, a baffle plate, and a positioning member is provided. The shell has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an expansion opening and a first mounting hole penetrating the first and second surfaces. The baffle plate is detachably mounted to the shell and includes a body portion located in the expansion opening and a side wing portion located outside the expansion opening and in contact with the second surface. The side wing portion includes a second mounting hole overlapped with the first mounting hole. The positioning member passes through the first and second mounting holes, and includes a first positioning portion in contact with the first surface and a second positioning portion passing through the second mounting hole. A maximum outer diameter of the second positioning portion is greater than an inner diameter of the second mounting hole. |
| US11287856B2 |
Electronic apparatus and controlling method
An electronic apparatus includes: a processing unit which executes system processing; a detection unit which detects an object present within a predetermined detection range; an operation control unit which activates the operation of the processing unit when the object is detected within the predetermined range by the detection unit; and a detection range control unit which sets the predetermined detection range according to the operating state of the system processing. |
| US11287855B2 |
Connector module and electronic device comprising same
An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a body portion comprising a first surface facing in a first direction, a second surface facing in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, and a seating groove arranged in an inner peripheral area thereof in the longitudinal direction; a display portion rotatably coupled to the body portion; and a connector module arranged in the seating groove of the body portion so as to provide electric coupling between the body portion and the display portion, at least a part of the connector module being configured to rotate. The connector module may comprise: a support portion fixed/coupled inside the seating groove, the support portion comprising an opening arranged therein; a link portion rotatably coupled to the support portion, the center area of the link portion being open so as to correspond to the opening of the support portion; at least one elastic member arranged between the support portion and the link portion so as to provide elastic restoration power caused by rotation of the link portion; and at least one cable connected from the body portion to the display portion through the opening of the link portion, the cable being folded or unfolded by rotation of the link portion. |
| US11287854B2 |
Portable information apparatus
A portable information apparatus is provided. The portable information apparatus includes a first chassis, a second chassis and a hinge device. The hinge device includes a set of outer shell members disposed side-by-side along an arrangement direction of the first chassis and the second chassis and is respectively equipped with hollow parts, a set of inner shell members each of which is disposed so as to stride over a boundary at least between lower faces of the mutually adjacent outer shell members in the hollow parts of the mutually adjacent outer shell members, a first coupling section which couples each inner shell member and one of the mutually adjacent outer shell members together and a second coupling section which couples each inner shell member and the other of the mutually adjacent outer shell members together. |
| US11287852B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display panel including first, second, and third areas; a first rear cover on a rear surface of the display panel; a second rear cover covering at least a portion of the first rear cover; a first partition between the rear surface of the display panel and the first rear cover to partition the first area, the second area and the third area from one another; a first sound generating module in the first area and the second area to contact the rear surface of the display panel; a second sound generating module in the third area to be spaced apart from the rear surface of the display panel, and a port hole provided in the third area by removing a portion of the first rear cover to allow the second sound generating module to face the rear surface of the display panel. |
| US11287851B2 |
Digital device detox element and method
A detox element or sensor cover is placed at a first location over a sensor such as a camera used to activate a digital device. The sensor cover can leave the digital device in sleep mode until the detox element/sensor cover is removed. The detox element, when not in use for detoxing, is moved to a ready position. The ready position can be, for example, one of the corners of the digital device, where it is mostly out of the way of a touch screen display. The sensor cover is sufficiently small that in one embodiment it is mostly on a bezel of a phone, around a display, with only a small portion impinging on the display. |
| US11287848B2 |
System and method for enhanced training using a virtual reality environment and bio-signal data
A training apparatus has an input device and a wearable computing device with a bio-signal sensor and a display to provide an interactive virtual reality (“VR”) environment for a user. The bio-signal sensor receives bio-signal data from the user. The user interacts with content that is presented in the VR environment. The user interactions and bio-signal data are scored with a user state score and a performance scored. Feedback is given to the user based on the scores in furtherance of training. The feedback may update the VR environment and may trigger additional VR events to continue training. |
| US11287847B2 |
Human-like emulation enterprise system and method
An enterprise system and method for maintaining and transitioning humans to a human-like self-reliant entity is presented. Said system including at least one a biological, biomechatronic, and mechatronic entity with a biological or artificial neural network to at least one transform or maintain. Embodiments are provided to assist in the transition of human between a biological state to a bio-mechatronic and mechatronic entity. Said entity's biological, biomechatronic, and mechatronic subsystems are configured to communicate and interact with one another in order for said enterprise system to manage, configure, maintain, and sustain said entity throughout the entity's life-cycle. Subsystem embodiments and components supported by the enterprise system are presented. |
| US11287843B2 |
Synchronisation of hardware clock using software clock synchronisation error
A first device operates synchronously with a second device, and includes a hardware clock having an adjustable clock frequency and a software clock configured to derive time in dependence on the hardware clock. A controller determines a synchronisation error between the software clock and a clock of the second device, and adjusts the clock frequency of the hardware clock in dependence on the synchronisation error so as to synchronise the hardware clock to a hardware clock of the second device. |
| US11287841B2 |
Operating device and control method for operating device
An operating device according to the present invention includes magnetic field generation means. The magnetic field generation means includes a coil generating a magnetic field when energized, and a yoke forming a magnetic path for the magnetic field passing through a rotor. A control unit includes magnetization means and rotational torque control means. The magnetization means supplies a current to energize the coil such that a residual magnetic field in the yoke is held at a predetermined magnitude. The rotational torque control means adjusts a current value applied to the coil in accordance with the magnitude of the residual magnetic field in the yoke. An absolute value of a maximum value of the current value applied to the coil by the rotational torque control means is smaller than an absolute value of a current value applied by the magnetization means. |
| US11287839B2 |
Dual loop LDO voltage regulator
A dual loop LDO voltage regulator is disclosed. The voltage regulator circuit includes a first current mirror having first and second transistors having source terminals coupled to an input voltage node. The circuit further includes a second current mirror having third and fourth transistors, wherein drain terminals of the third and fourth transistors are coupled to drain terminals of the first and second transistors, respectively. A feedback circuit is coupled between source terminals of the third and fourth transistors, and is configured to generate a feedback signal based on a reference voltage and an output voltage present on the source terminal of the fourth transistor. The first and second current mirrors form a first control loop, and wherein the first and second current mirrors and the feedback circuit form a second control loop. |
| US11287837B2 |
Flow rate control unit
The flow rate control unit 1 is comprised with each of the flow rate control devices 11 connected to (juxtaposedly mounted on) the manifold 2 by the joint 91 interposed between each of the flow rate control devices 11 and the manifold 2. Each of the flow rate control devices 11 can be attached to or detached from the manifold 2 by manually operating (attaching/detaching) the clip 93 without using a tool. Because there is no need to secure space to insert a tool between the adjacent flow rate control devices 11, the mounting pitch between the adjacent flow rate control devices 11 (joints 91) can be reduced to the minimum, allowing miniaturization of the flow rate control unit 1. |
| US11287835B2 |
Geo-fiducials for UAV navigation
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) navigation systems include a UAV charging pad positioned at a storage facility, a plurality of fiducial markers positioned at the storage facility, and a UAV. Each fiducial marker is associated with a fiducial dataset storing a position of the fiducial marker, and each fiducial dataset is stored in a fiducial map. The UAV has a navigation system that includes a camera, a fiducial navigation sub-system, a non-fiducial navigation sub-system, and logic that when executed causes the UAV to image a first fiducial marker with the camera, to transition from a non-fiducial navigation mode to a fiducial navigation mode, to access from the fiducial map the fiducial dataset storing the position of the first fiducial marker, and to navigate based upon the fiducial dataset storing the position of the first fiducial marker, into alignment with and land on the UAV charging pad. |
| US11287828B2 |
Obstacle detection method and apparatus and robot using the same
The present disclosure provides an obstacle detection method as well as an apparatus and a robot using the same. The method includes: obtaining, through the sensor module, image(s); detecting an obstacle image of an obstacle from the image(s) according to characteristic(s) of the obstacle; extracting image feature(s) of the obstacle; obtaining, through the sensor module, a position of the obstacle; associating the image feature(s) of the obstacle with the position of the obstacle; calculating a motion state a the obstacle based on the position information of the obstacle at different moments; and estimating the position of the obstacle in a detection blind zone of the robot based on the motion state. In such a manner, it is capable of providing more accurate position information of the obstacle in the detection blind zone, which is beneficial to the robot to plan a safe and fast moving path. |
| US11287827B2 |
Visual object tracker
A method for tracking a trailer coupler positioned behind a tow vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving one or more images from a camera positioned on a back portion of the tow vehicle. The method also includes determining a trailer coupler position within the one or more images. The trailer coupler position associated with the trailer coupler. Additionally, the method includes receiving vehicle sensor data from one or more vehicle sensors. The method includes determining vehicle motion data based on the received vehicle sensor data. The method also includes determining an updated coupler position based on the trailer coupler position and the vehicle motion data. |
| US11287826B2 |
Terrain aware step planning system
A method for terrain and constraint planning a step plan includes receiving, at data processing hardware of a robot, image data of an environment about the robot from at least one image sensor. The robot includes a body and legs. The method also includes generating, by the data processing hardware, a body-obstacle map, a ground height map, and a step-obstacle map based on the image data and generating, by the data processing hardware, a body path for movement of the body of the robot while maneuvering in the environment based on the body-obstacle map. The method also includes generating, by the data processing hardware, a step path for the legs of the robot while maneuvering in the environment based on the body path, the body-obstacle map, the ground height map, and the step-obstacle map. |
| US11287825B2 |
Path tracking method and mobile robot using the same
The present disclosure provides a path tracking method as well as a mobile robot using the same. The method includes: obtaining a preset path and a current position of the mobile device; determining a forward-looking path point corresponding to the current position on the preset path; obtaining a path curvature corresponding to the forward-looking path point; and determining an adjustment velocity of the mobile device at the current position based on the path curvature corresponding to the forward-looking path point. In this manner, the adjustment velocity of the mobile device can be determined based on the curvature of the path, so as to adjust the velocity of the mobile device and improve the stability of path tracking of the mobile device at different path curvatures. |
| US11287821B2 |
Autonomous working system, an autonomous vehicle and a turning method thereof
Disclosed in the present invention is an autonomous vehicle (1), which comprises an housing (21), an driving module mounted on the housing (21), an borderline detecting module mounted on the housing for detecting the distance between the autonomous vehicle (1) and the borderline (3), an energy module mounted on the housing for providing energy for the autonomous vehicle, and an control module electrically connected with the driving module and the borderline detecting module. The control module controls the driving module to perform steering based on the signal representing the angle relationship between the autonomous vehicle (1) and the borderline (3) transmitted from the borderline detecting module, so that the axis (33) of the autonomous vehicle (1) always forms an acute angle or an right angle with one side of the borderline (3) while steering is completed, but another side of the borderline (3) forms an acute angle or an right angle with the core axis (33) of the autonomous vehicle (1) when the turning begins. The turning has directivity, so that the autonomous vehicle more easily goes out from the narrow area and the efficiency of area covering is higher; moving is kept during the turning, so that the energy is saved, and the working efficiency is improved. |
| US11287818B2 |
Depart constraints implementation in autonomous vehicle routing
A method of controlling navigation of autonomous vehicles includes accessing map data descriptive of the identity and location of different travel ways within a surrounding environment of an autonomous vehicle and accessing constraint data descriptive of one or more geographic areas or geographic identifiers, within the map data, for which associated navigational constraints are defined. The constraint data includes a depart constraint that specifies an area that an autonomous vehicle may not enter but may exit if inside the area when the depart constraint is imposed, thereby preventing the autonomous vehicle from being trapped in a forbidden area even though the autonomous vehicle may safely complete its route. A travel route is determined for the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the map data evaluated relative to the constraint data including the depart constraint, and motion of the autonomous vehicle is controlled based on the determined travel route. |
| US11287817B1 |
System and method of providing recommendations to users of vehicles
A system and method are arranged to provide recommendations to a user of a vehicle. In one aspect, the vehicle navigates in an autonomous mode and the sensors provide information that is based on the location of the vehicle and output from sensors directed to the environment surrounding the vehicle. In further aspects, both current and previous sensor data is used to make the recommendations, as well as data based on the sensors of other vehicles. |
| US11287811B2 |
Gateway interface for a work machine
A gateway interface controller for a work machine includes a CAN bus interface component configured to communicate over a CAN bus of the work machine. The gateway interface controller includes message logic configured to process a request signal, indicative of a requested work machine action, that is received from a remote control, wherein the message logic validates the request signal based on a validation criterion. The gateway interface controller includes command generator logic configured to, based on the validation, generate a CAN signal that corresponds to the request signal and communicate the CAN signal over the CAN bus. |
| US11287810B2 |
Industrial process control coordination and implementation utilizing a facility prescription from a remote server
Systems and methods for industrial process control coordination and implementation are disclosed. In some embodiments, a facility coordinator may be configured to: receive a facility prescription from a remote server; translate the facility prescription into one or more commands understood by one or more of a plurality of controllable devices; communicate the one or more commands to the one or more controllable devices; receive sensor data from one or more of a plurality of environmental sensors; determine based on the sensor data whether an aspect of an environment or one or more of the controllable devices violates one or more constraints; and in the event operational, safety, or physical constraints are or will soon be violated, determine a corrective action and send corrective action commands to one or more of the plurality controllable devices. |
| US11287807B2 |
Defect detection during an automated production process
Described herein are improvements for identifying defects during automated item production. In one example, a method includes identifying a first defect in a first item. The first defect is associated with a stage of production of the first produced item. The method further includes retrieving first parametric data associated with the stage for the first item and identifying one or more defect indicators based on the first parametric data and second parametric data associated with the stage for one or more second items having defects associated with the stage. The method also includes monitoring subsequent parametric data associated with the stage to recognize the one or more defect indicators in the subsequent parametric data. |
| US11287799B2 |
Method for coordinating and monitoring objects
A method for coordinating and monitoring objects in a predefined spatial area that includes multiple subareas that are each associated with a respective subarea computing system includes position and movement information of objects in the particular subarea being ascertained by the particular subarea computing system using sensor units. A particular instantaneous surroundings map of the particular subarea is created by the particular subarea computing system using a particular surroundings map of the particular subarea and the position and movement information. The particular instantaneous surroundings maps are transmitted to a shared higher-order computing system which creates an instantaneous surroundings map of the predefined spatial area and, based on the map, coordinates movements of automated mobile objects in the spatial area with ascertainment of movement specifications that are transmitted to the subarea computing systems and from there to the automated mobile objects. |
| US11287797B2 |
Numerical control device
A numerical control device that suspends tasks related to a machining process when designated conditions are satisfied to execute a designated program as an interrupt. A numerical control device includes: a task management unit that manages tasks that execute a machining program and tasks executed on the background of the tasks that execute the machining program; an interrupt notification unit that monitors system data set to an interrupt condition designated in advance and outputs an interrupt command upon detecting that the interrupt condition is satisfied; and an interrupt processing unit that suspends the tasks being executed at a time point when the interrupt command was received to execute a predetermined interrupt program as an interrupt on the basis of the interrupt command output by the interrupt notification unit. |
| US11287795B2 |
Self-adaptive compensation method for feed axis thermal error
A self-adaptive compensation method for feed axis thermal error, which belongs to the field of error compensation in NC machine tools. First, based on laser interferometer and temperature sensor, the feed axis thermal error test is carried out; following, the thermal error prediction model, based on the feed axis thermal error mechanism, is established and the thermal characteristic parameters in the model are identified, based on the thermal error test data; next, the parameter identification test is carried out, under the preload state of the nut; next, the adaptive prediction model is established, based on the thermal error prediction model, while the parameters in the measurement model are identified; finally, adaptive compensation of thermal errors is performed, based on the adaptive error prediction model, according to the generated feed axis heat. |
| US11287791B2 |
Power-source monitoring apparatus, power-source controlling system, and power-source monitoring method
A power-source monitoring apparatus according to an embodiment includes an abnormality detecting unit, a measurement unit, and a recording unit. The abnormality detecting unit detects an abnormality in a power source. The power source supplies electric power to an autonomous driving apparatus of a vehicle. The measurement unit measures an elapsed time interval from a time point at which the abnormality detecting unit detects an abnormality in the power source. The recording unit records therein the elapsed time interval measured by the measurement unit. |
| US11287789B2 |
Program development support device, program development support system, program development support method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium
A sequence control program and an HMI control program are synchronized and simulated. A program development support unit includes a calculation unit and a storage unit. A sequence control editing program for achieving a sequence control editing unit, an HMI control editing program for achieving an HMI control editing unit, and an integration simulation management program for achieving an integration simulation management unit are stored in the storage unit. The integration simulation management unit manages the synchronization of simulation of the sequence control program and simulation of the HMI control program. The integration simulation management unit executes variable management process. In the variable management process, common variables are exchanged between the sequence control program and the HMI control program during execution of the simulation of the sequence control program and the simulation of the HMI control program. |
| US11287784B1 |
Vehicle configuration using a monitoring system
A monitoring system is configured to monitor a property. The monitoring system includes a sensor that is located at the property and that is configured to generate sensor data that reflects an environmental condition at the property. The monitoring system includes a monitor control unit that is configured to receive the sensor data. The monitor control unit is configured to analyze the sensor data. The monitor control unit is configured to, based on analyzing the sensor data, determine that a resident of the property is likely to perform an action that includes interacting with a vehicle. The monitor control unit is configured to, based on the action, determine a configuration for the vehicle. The monitor control unit is configured to transmit, to the vehicle, an instruction to configure the vehicle according to the configuration. |
| US11287781B2 |
Turbopropeller engine control system and method, providing optimized efficiency
An electronic control system (30) for a turbopropeller engine (1) having a gas turbine (2, 4, 5, 6) and a propeller (7), coupled to the gas turbine, the control system (10) having a propeller control unit (14) and a turbine control unit (15) to jointly control engine power output based on an input request (PLA), wherein the propeller control unit (14) has a first reference generator (16), to determine a reference propeller speed (Npref) based on the input request (PLA), and a first regulator (19), to regulate a propeller speed (Np). The propeller control unit (14) has a reference correction stage (31) to apply a correction to the reference propeller speed (Npref) and generate thereby a corrected reference propeller speed (I), and the first regulator (19) regulates the propeller speed (Np) based on the corrected reference propeller speed (I) to achieve optimized efficiency. |
| US11287780B2 |
Electronic timepiece
An inverted-F antenna is included in an electronic timepiece without increasing the thickness of the electronic timepiece. In an electronic timepiece having a dial, a plastic calendar plate disposed on the back cover side of the dial, and a main plate disposed on the back cover side of the calendar plate, a first conductor element, second conductor element, and a shorting element shorting the first conductor element and second conductor element are formed in unison with the calendar plate, enabling the calendar plate to function as an inverted-F antenna. The first conductor element is disposed on the dial side surface of the calendar plate, and superimposed with the dial in a plan view. The second conductor element is disposed on the main plate side of the calendar plate, and superimposed in the plan view with the first conductor element. The shorting element is disposed to the side of the calendar plate. |
| US11287779B2 |
Modular system for watch
Wearable electronic devices, such as watches, can be part of a modular system that provides a variety of different components and functions to achieve the results that are desired by a user. The modular configurations allow a user to easily customize a watch with one or more functional modules to provide features that integrate with other operations of the body of the watch. The functional modules can be easily exchanged with each other to provide different components and functions at different times. Accordingly, a watch body need not include permanent components that provide every function that will later be desired by the user. Instead, the watch can have expanded and customizable capabilities by the use of one or more functional modules. |
| US11287777B2 |
Pacing and prompting system and method
A system and method that enables a person to understand the concept of “a timed schedule” and/or a “timed task”, so that they can more efficiently and/or effectively perform vocational and other life tasks and skills. |
| US11287776B2 |
Systems and methods for absorption/expansion/contraction/movement of a liquid in a transparent cavity
A thermal compensation system is provided for a liquid-filled inflexible chamber of a device. The chamber has at least one exposed, at least partially transparent surface allowing an outside observer to observe at least one liquid and comprises a mechanism accommodating thermal expansion and/or contraction of the liquids. The mechanism is disposed so as to be substantially invisible to the observer. |
| US11287774B2 |
Safety mechanism for printing apparatus
Example safety mechanisms for example printing apparatuses are provided. An example printing apparatus may include at least one linear guide disposed on a first surface of a back-spine section of a printer body and a top chassis portion coupled to the at least one linear guide. In some examples, the top chassis portion may include a laser safety casing. In some examples, the laser safety casing may comprise a laser module configured to emit a laser beam along a laser path and a safety cover that is moveable to a first cover position intersecting the laser path. |
| US11287772B2 |
Development device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
There are demands for stable connections of contact points between a process cartridge, including a development device, and an image forming device. A development contact point, a first contact point, and a second contact point are disposed in this order on the inside in a perpendicular direction with respect to an insertion direction in which a development device is inserted into an image forming apparatus. |
| US11287771B2 |
External cover
The external cover is a cover to cover a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism is disposed in a space between an image forming apparatus and an optional device that is disposed on a side of the image forming apparats and couples the optical device with the image forming apparatus. The exterior cover has an upper portion and a side portion. The upper portion extends in a front-back direction of the image forming apparatus, which is perpendicular to a direction in which the optional device and the image forming apparatus face each other; the upper portion covers an upper end portion of the coupling mechanism in the space. The side portion covers a front end portion or a back end portion of the coupling mechanism. The external cover is composed of a combination of multiple, identically shaped cover members. |
| US11287770B2 |
Toner cartridge latching
A first replaceable unit is provided for use with a second replaceable unit in an electrophotographic image forming device. The first replaceable unit includes a latch movable between a latching position for latching the first replaceable unit to the second replaceable unit and an unlatching position for permitting the first replaceable unit to separate from the second replaceable unit. The latch is positioned to contact a latch catch on the second replaceable unit in order to prevent the first replaceable unit from separating from the second replaceable unit when the first replaceable unit is mated with the second replaceable unit and the latch is in the latching position. The latch includes a cam follower surface for contacting a camming surface on the second replaceable unit during mating of the first replaceable unit with the second replaceable unit to cause the latch to move toward the latching or unlatching position. |
| US11287765B2 |
Guide and end guide provided in fixing device, and methods of manufacturing guide and end guide
There is provided a guide incorporated in a fixing device including a belt configured to circularly move in a moving direction. The guide includes: a guide portion elongated in a longitudinal direction orthogonal to the moving direction; a first gate mark; and a second gate mark arranged spaced apart from the first gate mark in the longitudinal direction. The guide portion includes a resin and a plurality of elongated-shaped fillers dispersed in the resin. The guide portion has a guide surface configured to guide movement of the belt in the moving direction, a peripheral surface of the belt being configured to contact the guide surface. |
| US11287755B2 |
Lithography system and cleaning method thereof
A lithography system and a cleaning method thereof are provided. The lithography system includes a light source generator. The light source generator includes a collector, a droplet generator and a droplet catcher. The droplet generator and the droplet catcher are facing each other, and disposed at a region surrounding the collector. The cleaning method includes: shifting the droplet generator out of the light source generator via a port of the light source generator; inserting a shove assembly into the light source generator via the port; using a borescope attached to the shovel assembly to identify a location of a deposit formed by droplets generated by the droplet generator; using the shovel assembly to remove and collect the deposit; and withdrawing the shovel assembly along with the borescope from the light source generator via the port. |
| US11287754B2 |
Mask blank for lithography and method of manufacturing the same
A mask for cleaning a lithography apparatus includes a mask substrate and a coating provided on a surface of the mask substrate. The coating is configured to trap particulate contaminant matter from the lithography apparatus. A method of cleaning a lithography tool is also provided preparing a cleaning mask including a particle trapping layer formed on a substrate. The method includes transferring the cleaning mask through a mask transferring route of the lithography tool. Subsequently, the method includes analyzing a particle trapped by the particle trapping layer. |
| US11287744B2 |
Extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus, target control method, and electronic device manufacturing method
An extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus is an apparatus to generate extreme ultraviolet light by irradiating a target with laser light, and may include a target supply unit configured to output the target, an actuator configured to shift a trajectory of the target, a first trajectory sensor configured to detect the trajectory of the target in a first direction, a second trajectory sensor configured to detect the trajectory of the target in a second direction being different from the first direction, and a control unit configured to perform trajectory control including controlling the actuator to cause the second trajectory sensor to be capable of detecting the trajectory of the target when the trajectory of the target has been detected by the first trajectory sensor and has not been detected by the second trajectory sensor. |
| US11287743B2 |
Control system and method
A control system for controlling a laser, comprising a sensor for sensing a physical value indicative of a characteristic of a laser beam emitted by the laser, a switch, a first controller and a second controller. Each controller is configured, to receive a further sensor value from the sensor, adjust a received setpoint value based on the received further sensor value to give an output value and cause the laser to operate in accordance with the output value. The switch is configured to switch between the controllers such that output values are provided from each controller in a cyclic fashion. |
| US11287738B2 |
Method for producing decoration sheet having micropattern
Provided are a decoration sheet and a method for producing same. The decoration sheet sequentially includes a thermosetting resin layer, a deposition layer, and a base layer. The thermosetting resin layer has a micropattern on a surface thereof, and the elongation rate of the sheet is 200% to 300%. The method includes forming a photocurable imprint film having a first pattern on a first surface thereof, forming a thermosetting resin layer having a second pattern, which has a reverse phase to the first pattern, on a first surface thereof, forming a deposition layer on a second surface of the thermosetting resin layer, forming a substrate layer on one surface of the deposition layer, and releasing the photocurable imprint film from the thermosetting resin layer. |
| US11287735B2 |
Diffusion rotating device and projection device
A diffusion rotating device disposed on a transmission path of a light beam is provided. The diffusion rotating device includes a substrate, a rotating axis and a driving element. The rotating axis is connected to the substrate. The driving element is connected to the rotating axis, and drives the rotating axis to rotate. The substrate includes a first diffusion region and an optical region disposed adjacent to each other, and the first diffusion region has multiple first diffusion sub-regions, each of the first diffusion sub-regions extends along a circumferential direction of the substrate and the first diffusion sub-regions are arranged concentrically along a radial direction of the substrate, when the first diffusion region is cut into the transmission path of the light beam, the light beam forms a first light spot on the first diffusion region of the substrate. A projection device is also provided. |
| US11287732B2 |
Optical illumination system and projection device
Provided are an optical illumination system, and a projection device. In an example, the optical illumination system includes a DMD, a lens assembly and a RTIR assembly. The lens assembly adjusts a light beam. The RIM assembly includes a first plano-convex lens and a wedge prism. The first plano-convex lens includes a plane surface and a convex surface and is configured to refract the light beam adjusted by the lens assembly. The wedge prim includes a first side surface, a second side surface and a third side surface. The plane surface of the first plano-convex lens is glued with the first side surface of the wedge prism. The wedge prism is configured to receive and refract the light beam refracted by the first plano-convex lens through the first side surface, and the light beam refracted by the first side surface is transmitted through the second side surface. The DMD is at a light emitting side of the second side surface of the wedge prism, and configured to receive and reflect the light beam from the second side surface of the wedge prism. The reflected light beam is incident to the first side surface of the wedge prism through the second side surface of the wedge prism for total internal reflection then transmitted through the third side surface. |
| US11287726B2 |
Flash module containing an array of reflector cups for phosphor-converted LEDs
In a thin flash module for a camera, a rectangular array of LEDs is mounted on a single lead frame. The lead frame connects the LEDs in series. The LEDs are much smaller than conventional LEDs in a flash module. The LEDs may be in 5×3 array or a 4×3 array, for example. An array of reflective cups is molded over the lead frame or attached to the 10 lead frame, where each of the cups has a substantially square aperture to produce a square sub-beam. A layer of phosphor is located within each cup overlying its associated LED to produce white light. The aspect ratio of the array is selected to generally match the aspect ratio of the camera's field of view (e.g., 16:9). Since the LEDs are very small, the height of the cups may be small to form an ultra-thin flash module. Thin lenses may instead be used. |
| US11287725B2 |
Optical system
An optical system is provided. The optical system includes an optical member driving mechanism and an image sensor. The optical member driving mechanism includes a movable portion, a fixed portion and a first driving assembly. The movable portion is configured to connect an optical member, and the optical member has an optical axis. The movable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion. The first driving assembly drives the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. The image sensor is disposed to correspond to the optical member, and the optical axis passes through the image sensor. |
| US11287724B2 |
Automatic illumination control apparatus for adjusting output of illumination device depending upon distance between subject and illumination device
An automatic illumination control apparatus for adjusting an output of an illumination device depending upon a distance between a subject and the illumination device, includes: a distance measuring sensor installed at a position close to the illumination device to measure distance information between the illumination device and the subject; and an illumination managing unit configured to generate a management signal including an illumination intensity of illumination which is outputted from the illumination device according to the distance information, and send the management signal to the illumination device. With the present invention, even though the subject comes toward or away from the main illumination device and thus the distance between the subject and the illumination is changed, the illumination intensity indicative of the subject and the space around the subject and the color temperature can be constantly maintained, thereby obtaining the still picture or the motion picture with constant quality. |
| US11287721B2 |
Reconfigurable optical signal processing
A method for reconfigurable optical signal processing. The method includes generating a first pump pulse by propagating a first input pump through a first dispersive medium, generating a first modulated signal by applying a parametric nonlinear wave mixing process on an input optical signal and the first pump pulse, generating a first transformed signal of the input optical signal by propagating the first modulated signal through a second dispersive medium, generating a multiplied signal by multiplying the first transformed signal by a Green's function, generating a second pump pulse by propagating a second input pump through a third dispersive medium, generating a second modulated signal by applying the parametric nonlinear wave mixing process on the multiplied signal utilizing the second pump pulse, and generating a second transformed signal of the multiplied signal by propagating the second modulated signal through a fourth dispersive medium. |
| US11287720B2 |
Semiconductor optical modulator
A semiconductor optical modulator includes a modulation region and a non-modulation region. A first width of a first ground electrode in the non-modulation region is larger than a second width of the first ground electrode in the modulation region. A third width of a second ground electrode in the non-modulation region is larger than a fourth width of the second ground electrode in the modulation region. In the non-modulation region, a first insulating layer is disposed between a first optical waveguide and a first traveling wave electrode and between a second optical waveguide and a second traveling wave electrode. For this reason, a bandwidth of the semiconductor optical modulator can be widened. |
| US11287719B2 |
Tunable grating couplers containing a material with a variable refractive index
Structures including a grating coupler and methods of forming a structure that includes a grating coupler. The grating coupler includes segments that are positioned with a spaced relationship on a slab layer. The segments contain an active material configured to have a first state with a first refractive index and a second state with a second refractive index in response to an applied stimulus. The first and second states may be produced by applying different sets of bias voltages to the segments as the applied stimulus. |
| US11287718B2 |
Reusable display addressable with incident light
A reflective color display that can be addressed from the front (viewing surface side) of the display with a light source, such as a projector, LED, or laser. The display comprises (in order) a color filter array, a transparent electrode, an electro-optic medium, a photoconductive material, and a rear electrode. The color displays of the invention are useful for large format color signage, such as billboards and wayfinding. |
| US11287716B2 |
Methods of making ion-conductive polymer films for electrochromic devices
Methods and materials to fabricate electrochromic including electrochemical devices are disclosed. In particular, emphasis is placed on the composition, fabrication and incorporation of electrolytic sheets in these devices. Composition, fabrication and incorporation of redox layers and sealants suitable for these devices are also disclosed. Incorporation of EC devices in insulated glass system (IGU) windows is also disclosed. |
| US11287715B2 |
Augmented reality optical device comprising a light attenuator that can reactively attenuate light
An augmented reality (AR) optical device comprises an AR optical system configured to generate an AR image and lay the AR image over an actual environment image perceived by a user and a light attenuator disposed in a direction along which the AR optical system is optically exposed to an actual environment and configured to attenuate a brightness of the actual environment image. |
| US11287713B2 |
Optical stack for privacy display
A switchable privacy display apparatus comprises a polarised output spatial light modulator, and an additional polariser. A reflective polariser, switchable liquid crystal polar control retarder, passive polar control retarders and air gap are arranged between the display output polariser and additional polariser. The passive retarders are arranged to provide no phase difference to polarised light from the spatial light modulator for on-axis light; and simultaneously provide a non-zero phase difference for polarised light in off-axis directions. The polar control retarders are further arranged to achieve low reflectivity for light propagating through the air gap. A switchable privacy display that can be conveniently assembled at low cost can be provided with high contrast images for display users while maintaining high visual security level for off-axis snoopers. |
| US11287710B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for inspecting pixels thereof
According to an embodiment, a liquid crystal display apparatus includes a plurality of sense amplifiers for amplifying respective potential differences between a plurality of positive-polarity pixel drive voltages read out from a plurality of pixels of a row to be inspected to a plurality of first data lines and a plurality of negative-polarity pixel drive voltages read out from the plurality of pixels of the row to be inspected to a plurality of second data lines, each of the pixels including a switch transistor for switching whether a positive-polarity pixel drive voltage applied to a pixel drive electrode is output to a corresponding first data line, and a switch transistor for switching whether a negative-polarity pixel drive voltage applied to the pixel drive electrode is supplied to a corresponding second data line. |
| US11287709B2 |
Active matrix substrate and liquid crystal display device
An active matrix substrate includes: a signal line provided in an image display region; and a terminal provided in a frame region and electrically connected to the signal line. The terminal includes: a metal layer; a first contact layer located closer to one side in a lamination direction than the metal layer, and electrically connected to the metal layer, a first interlayer insulating layer located closer to the one side in the lamination direction than the first contact layer; and a second contact layer located closer to the one side in the lamination direction than the first interlayer insulating layer, and electrically connected to the first contact layer through a first through-hole formed in the first interlayer insulating layer. The first contact layer is made of a transparent metal oxide or a semiconductor material doped with impurities. |
| US11287708B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel, color film substrate, and thin film transistor substrate
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel comprising a color film substrate, a thin film transistor substrate, and a photo spacer. Wherein the photo spacer is disposed on the color film substrate or/and the thin film transistor substrate. The color film substrate or/and the thin film transistor substrate are provided with a recess. At least a portion of the photo spacer disposed on one of the color filter substrate and the thin film transistor substrate and the recess disposed on the other of the color filter substrate and the thin film transistor substrate are nested. |
| US11287696B2 |
Liquid crystal display module
A liquid crystal display module includes: a liquid crystal panel; a back chassis having a bottom that supports a substrate, the substrate having a plurality of light sources; a frame having four independent wall members respectively extending in parallel to four sides of the liquid crystal panel, the frame supporting the liquid crystal panel; a bezel having four independent plate-like members disposed so as to surround the four sides of the liquid crystal panel and the four independent wall members; an optical film laminate disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the frame; a first reflective sheet opposed to the four independent wall members, and having a bottom face that has a plurality of apertures through which the plurality of light sources are respectively exposed; and four independent second reflective sheets disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the respective four independent wall members. |
| US11287692B1 |
Backlit display
A backlit display for emitting a display light, said display comprising a backlight configured to emit a high circadian stimulation backlight spectrum having a spectral power distribution (SPD) with an overall power, and a blue range from 440-490 nm with a blue SPD power of at least 25% of said overall power, a pixel array comprising at least three filters, said at least three filter comprising at least a first filter, a second filter, and third filter, forming at least three sub-pixels, wherein said backlight is configured to backlight said pixel array, and wherein said display light has a gamut having an sRGB coverage of at least 85%. |
| US11287687B2 |
Display panel having real-time light intensity change management, method for manufacturing the same and method for driving the same
A display panel, a method for manufacturing the same, and a method for driving the same are provided, the display panel includes a base substrate; a plurality of pixel units on the base substrate; and a controller, at least one pixel unit comprising: a light-emitting element; a reflective layer provided on a light output side of the light-emitting element and configured to receive and reflect light emitted by the light-emitting element to generate reflected light; and an optical sensor configured to receive the reflected light and measure a light intensity of the reflected light, wherein the controller is configured to adjust a light-emitting intensity of the light-emitting element based on the light intensity, wherein the light-emitting element comprises a light-emitting layer, an orthographic projection of the reflective layer on the base substrate does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the light-emitting layer on the base substrate. |
| US11287686B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
The disclosure provides a liquid crystal display device and a manufacturing method thereof. The liquid crystal display device comprises a liquid crystal unit, a pair of polarizers and an optical compensation film. The liquid crystal unit comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The polarizers clamp the liquid crystal unit. The optical compensation film is disposed between the polarizers and the liquid crystal unit. The optical compensation film comprises a first film layer, a second film layer, a third film layer and a fourth film layer which are stacked together, and respectively have a first refractive index, a second refractive index, a third refractive index and a fourth refractive index with different values. The first refractive index is smaller than the second refractive index. The third refractive index is smaller than the fourth refractive index. |
| US11287685B2 |
Optical element and image display device
An object of the present invention is to provide an optical element capable of widening a field of view of an AR glass or the like; and an image display device using the optical element. The object is accomplished with an optical element including a light guide plate; a switching λ/2 plate capable of switching a phase difference between zero and λ/2; and a first optically anisotropic layer that is arranged between the light guide plate and the switching λ/2 plate, is formed using a composition including a liquid crystal compound, and has a liquid crystal alignment pattern in which an orientation of an optical axis derived from the liquid crystal compound changes while continuously rotating along at least one in-plane direction of the first optically anisotropic layer. |
| US11287683B2 |
Display panel and display apparatus having the same
Disclosed herein is a display panel capable of avoiding a wire grid polarizer (WGP) process requiring a high temperature process and preventing deformation of a film polarizer by replacing a WGP with a film polarizer and by separately filming a transparent electrode and an alignment layer, a display apparatus having the display panel and a method of manufacturing the display panel. The display panel comprises a quantum dot color filter layer configured to convert a color of light emitted from a light source, a common electrode spaced apart from the quantum dot color filter layer, and a film polarizer arranged between the quantum dot color filter layer and the common electrode, and configured to be laminated with the quantum dot color filter layer after being laminated with the common electrode. |
| US11287680B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a display panel; a front cover including a front part covering an edge of a front surface of the display panel, a side part extended from the front part and covering a side surface of the display panel, and a guide protruded from the side part and contacting the side surface of the display panel; a frame including a rear part positioned in a rear of the display panel and a supporting part extended from the rear part and supporting a rear surface of the display panel; and a back cover positioned in the rear of the frame and coupled to the front cover. Further, the front cover is coupled to the frame. |
| US11287679B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a display panel, and a top cover disposed around a side surface of the display panel, wherein the top cover includes an accommodation portion corresponding to the side surface of the display panel, a first extension portion extending from an upper end of the accommodation portion, and a second extension portion extending from a lower end of the accommodation portion, such that the first extension portion is offset from the second extension portion. |
| US11287675B1 |
Diffusers in wearable devices
Eyewear including an optical element, a controller, a support structure configured to support the optical element and the controller, light sources coupled to the controller and supported by the support structure, and a diffuser positioned adjacent to the light sources and supported by the support structure, the diffuser including microstructures that diffuse light emitted by the light sources in a radial anisotropic diffusion pattern or a prism-like diffusion pattern. |
| US11287674B2 |
Spectacle lens comprising an activable optical filter
A spectacle lens including an activable optical filter, the activable optical filter being configured to be actively switched between at least three configurations, wherein in the first configuration, the color perception of the spectacle wearer is unaltered, in the second configuration the activable optical filter provides a specific filtering function, in the third configuration vision of the spectacle wearer is protected against glare. |
| US11287672B2 |
Ophthalmic device formed by additive fabrication and method thereof
An ophthalmic device is formed by additive fabrication, the optical device having an optical surface with a surface roughness on the order of less than 10 microns. A method is provided for making an ophthalmic device including an optical surface having a surface roughness of less than 10 microns by depositing on a stage in a first relative position a first lamina of particulates having a size less than 10 microns and in select configurations less than two microns and certain configurations less than one micron, and, synergistically stimulating the first lamina of particulates to form a first solidified layer. |
| US11287670B1 |
Eyewear retention device
Eyewear retention devices, systems, and assemblies are shown and described. The eyewear retention device may comprise a pair of elongated securement points moveably attachable about a temple of an eyewear; a clip body having opposing apertures; and a pair of cords having an insert to removably fit within the opposing apertures. The result is an eyewear retention device to secure eyewear on a head of a user. |
| US11287665B2 |
Image display apparatus
An image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes an emitter, an irradiation target object, an optical unit, and a polarization control unit. The emitter emits image light along a predetermined axis. The irradiation target object is disposed in at least a part of an area around the predetermined axis. The optical unit is disposed to be opposite to the emitter by using the predetermined axis as a reference and causes the emitted image light to enter the irradiation target object. The polarization control unit controls a polarization state of the image light that enters the irradiation target object in accordance with a shape of the irradiation target object. |
| US11287664B2 |
Optical mux and demux module
An optical mux and demux module includes: a mirror which has a reflective surface, a parallel block holder which has a first principal surface and a second principal surface arranged in parallel, where the mirror is disposed at a first principal surface side, and a plurality of band pass filters each of which has a fixing side principal surface and an incident side principal surface, where the parallel block holder is fixed on the fixing side principal surface; wherein dug portions, being the same in number with the band pass filters, are formed on the second principal surface which the parallel block holder has, and each of the plurality of band pass filters is fixed with the parallel block holder with an adhesive agent which is thrown into a dug portion. |
| US11287662B2 |
Imaging lens assembly, camera module and electronic device
An imaging lens assembly includes a plastic barrel and an imaging lens set. The plastic barrel includes an object-side aperture and a first annular surface. The imaging lens set includes a plurality of optical elements, wherein at least one of the optical elements is a plastic lens element, and the plastic lens element includes an effective optical portion, a peripheral portion, a second annular surface, and an object-side connecting surface. The peripheral portion is formed around the effective optical portion. The second annular surface is formed on an object-side surface of the plastic lens element and surrounds the effective optical portion. The object-side connecting surface is formed on the object-side surface of the plastic lens element and surrounds the effective optical portion, and the object-side connecting surface is connected with one of the optical elements disposed on an object side of the plastic lens element. |
| US11287656B2 |
Aligning a collimator assembly with LED arrays
Disclosed herein are techniques for aligning a collimator assembly with an array of LEDs. According to certain embodiments, a method includes using lithography to form a first plurality of contact pads and a second plurality of contact pads on a backplane; bonding a plurality of dies to the first plurality of contact pads, wherein each of the plurality of dies comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes; forming a first plurality of features on the second plurality of contact pads; and aligning a plurality of lenses on an assembly with the plurality of dies by coupling a second plurality of features on the assembly with the first plurality of features on the second plurality of contact pads. |
| US11287654B2 |
System and method for interactive augmented reality experience
Systems and methods disclosed provided a virtual reality experience, including: a set of motorized pads for coupling to feet of a user; a means of communication between the set of motorized pads and a computing environment operating a virtual reality headset; such that the set of motorized pads are configured to provide pressure on a user's feet as an avatar within a virtual environment traverses the environment. Systems and methods disclosed further provide a multiuser virtual reality experience. Systems and methods disclosed further provide a multiuser experience including generation of a common environment viewable in the virtual reality headsets; and recording a tour including audio data as the first user describes the common environment. |
| US11287650B2 |
Head-up display and mobile object comprising head-up display including a display panel, a barrier, and an optical system configured to focus image light corresponding to a parallax image
A head-up display includes: a display panel emitting image light corresponding to a parallax image including a left-eye image and a right-eye image; a barrier including barrier patterns allowing the image light corresponding to the left-eye image and the right-eye image to reach user's left and right eyes, respectively; and an optical system carrying out focusing of the image light corresponding to the parallax image and projecting a resulting parallax image to user's left and right eyes. The optical system carries out focusing of the image light corresponding to the parallax image on a projection plane so that the parallax image is enlarged in a first direction corresponding with a parallax direction by a first enlargement factor, and the parallax image is enlarged in a second direction intersecting with the first direction by a second enlargement factor. The first and second enlargement factors are different from each other. |
| US11287646B2 |
Method for correcting an image, storage medium and projection device
Disclosed is a method for correcting an image, a storage medium, and a projection device. The method is applied to a projection device, the projection device including a grating and a light generation component. The method includes: determining, in a region in which a projection image projected by the projection device overlaps with a projected image projected through the grating by detection light output from the projection device, diffraction spots having a diameter not equal to a preset value as target diffraction spots; determining a group of target diffraction spots continuously arranged in a horizontal or vertical direction, as well as diffraction spots having a diameter equal to the preset value that are respectively located on both sides of the group of target diffraction spots, as a region to be corrected; determining an angle αi between a plane of an ith diffraction spot and a plane of an (i+1)th diffraction spot that are adjacent in the horizontal or vertical direction in the region to be corrected; and determining a corrected projection length of the (i+1)th diffraction spot according to the preset value and angles α1 to αi. |
| US11287645B2 |
Camera lens module
The present disclosure relates to the field of optical image technologies, and provides a camera lens module. The camera lens module includes: a lens barrel including a first barrel wall extending in a horizontal direction and a second barrel wall bent and extending from the first barrel wall; a lens module including at least a first lens and a second lens, the first lens and the second lens being received in the lens barrel sequentially from an image side to an object side; and a light shading sheet provided in the lens barrel and sandwiched between the first lens and the second lens. The second lens includes an optical portion located at a central position and a peripheral portion surrounding the optical portion, and the light shading sheet is embedded in the peripheral portion and fixed to the peripheral portion. |
| US11287644B2 |
Alteration of resonant mode frequency response in mechanically resonant device
A mechanically resonant system exhibits a resonant mode frequency response. A conductor is included on a resonant member within the mechanically resonant system. A current in the conductor causes a modification of the resonant mode frequency response when in the presence of a magnetic field. The modification of the resonant mode frequency response may include an offset in the natural frequency of the mechanically resonant system. |
| US11287636B2 |
Bi-spectral anastigmat telescope
A Bi-spectral Korsch-type anastigmat telescope has an optical axis and a visible channel comprising a concave first mirror, a convex second mirror and a concave third mirror and a visible detector that is sensitive in a visible band, the mirrors being arranged so that the first mirror and the second mirror form, of an object at infinity, an intermediate image located between the second mirror and the third mirror, the third mirror forming, from this intermediate image, a final image in the visible focal plane of the telescope, wherein the visible detector is placed, an infrared channel comprising first and second mirrors in common with the visible channel, a third IR mirror, a fourth IR mirror, and an IR detector that is sensitive in an infrared band, the third and fourth IR mirrors being configured to form, from the intermediate image, a final image in an IR focal plane. |
| US11287632B2 |
Microscope system, control method, and program
A microscope system comprises a microscope body, a stage configured to place a slide as an observation target and move in an X direction and a Y direction. The microscope system changes an arrangement of the placed slide with respect to the stage so as to cause a direction indicated by a mark provided on the slide placed on the stage to align with one of the X direction and the Y direction of the stage. |
| US11287631B2 |
Device for moving a microscope stage and microscope comprising such a device
A microscope stage is movably mounted to a base and is movable relative to the base by two separate drive units on separate rail systems situated at an angle relative to one another. The drive units are mechanically isolated from one another and one of the drive units uses a belt drive. |
| US11287629B2 |
Method for determining a height position of an object
A method for determining a height position of an object at of using a microscope which images using a point-spread function along a z-direction (height direction), comprising the steps of imaging the object in the far field and determining a far-field intensity, calculating a maximum intensity expected by multiplying the far-field intensity by a scaling factor, partially confocally imaging the object with the focus in the z-direction within the depth-of-field range, and determining a partially-confocal intensity of the imaging, calculating the intensity of the point-spread function (at the first location) by forming a difference between the partially-confocal intensity and a product of the far-field intensity and a predefined combination factor, calculating the z-coordinate of the focus at a point-spread function maximum, using a previously-known form of the point spread function, its calculated intensity, and the calculated expected maximum intensity, and using the z-coordinate as the height position of the object. |
| US11287627B2 |
Multi-focal light-sheet structured illumination fluorescence microscopy system
A multi-focal light-sheet structured illumination system that can be implemented as a part of a commercial fluorescence microscope or a module that is adaptable to fit a number of commercially available microscopes. The system provides simultaneous capture of 2D images from multiple planes within a 3D volume, which are resolved laterally and axially to provide improved resolution along the three dimensions (x,y,z). A Wollaston prism allows several axially-localized high-contrast structure illumination patterns to be generated. |
| US11287626B2 |
Chromatic confocal system and a method for inspecting an object
The invention provides a chromatic confocal system for inspecting an object. The system comprises a first light modulator for providing a spatially modulated light beam arranged to project on one or more parts of the object to form a reflected light beam carrying image information of the one or more projected parts of the object; a second light modulator for spatially filtering the reflected light beam to form a light beam carrying filtered image information of the one or more projected parts of the object; wherein operation of the first light modulator and the second light modulator is synchronized such that the spatial filtering of the second light modulator varies in concert with variations in the spatial modulation of the first light modulator. |
| US11287619B2 |
Converter optical system
A converter optical system includes a first lens having positive refractive power; a second lens having negative refractive power; a third lens having positive refractive power; a fourth lens having negative refractive power; and a fifth lens having positive refractive power; wherein the first to fifth lenses are sequentially disposed in numerical order from the first lens to the fifth lens from an object side of the converter optical system to an image side of the converter optical system; and the fourth lens is bonded to either one or both of the third lens and the fifth lens. |
| US11287616B2 |
Camera optical lens including seven lenses of +−−+−+− or +−+−++− refractive powers
The present disclosure relates to the field of optical lenses and provides a camera optical lens sequentially including, from an object side to an image side, first to seventh lenses, the first and sixth lenses each having a positive refractive power and the second and seventh lenses each having a negative refractive power. The camera optical lens satisfies following conditions: −0.49≤f1/f2≤−0.25; 3.00≤f1/(f6+f7)≤4.50; and 2.00≤d4/d6≤10.00, where f1, f2, f6 and f7 denote focal lengths of the first, second, sixth and seventh lenses, respectively; d4 denotes an on-axis distance from an image side surface of the second lens to an object side surface of the third lens; and d6 denotes an on-axis distance from an image side surface of the third lens to an object side surface of the fourth lens. The camera optical lens can achieve high optical performance while satisfying design requirements for ultra-thin, wide-angle lenses having large apertures. |
| US11287614B2 |
Camera optical lens
The present disclosure relates to the field of optical lenses and provides a camera optical lens. The camera optical lens includes, from an object side to an image side: a first lens; a second lens having a negative refractive power; a third lens having a negative refractive power; a fourth lens; a fifth lens; and a sixth lens. The camera optical lens satisfies following conditions: 1.00≤f1/f≤5.00; and 15.00≤R1/d1≤30.00. The camera optical lens can achieve a high imaging performance while obtaining a low TTL. |
| US11287597B2 |
Apparatus and methods for marking optical fibers using an ink stream
A method of marking an optical fiber is disclosed, wherein the method includes forming an ink stream, moving an optical fiber over a fiber path that resides adjacent the ink stream, and periodically changing the position of the fiber path so that the optical fiber at least partially enters the ink stream so that the ink from the ink stream forms spaced apart marks on the outer surface of the optical fiber. An optical fiber marking apparatus is also disclosed that includes payout and take modules that move the optical fiber over the fiber path, a marking unit configured to form an ink stream adjacent the fiber path, and a fiber positioning device that causes the optical fiber to periodically intersect the ink stream so that ink from the ink stream forms spaced apart marks on the outer surface of the optical fiber. |
| US11287595B2 |
Fiber optic dead-end cable clamp with central actuator
A clamp assembly includes a body having a jaw receiving cavity. A jaw actuator assembly is positioned within the jaw receiving cavity. A first jaw member is positioned within a first jaw guide associated with the body and the jaw receiving cavity and is operatively coupled to the jaw actuator assembly. A second jaw member is positioned within a second jaw guide associated with the body and the jaw receiving cavity and is operatively coupled to the jaw actuator assembly. The first and second jaw members are movable within the jaw receiving cavity between a loading position and a clamping position. The jaw actuator assembly moves the jaw members from the loading position and the clamping position. The clamp assembly applies sufficient clamping or gripping force on the fiber optic cable to hold the fiber optic cable without degrading or damaging the fiber optic cable resulting in signal loss. |
| US11287593B2 |
Mounting system for telecommunications distribution elements
A mounting system (700/900) for locking two pieces of telecommunications equipment (610/810) to prevent relative sliding therebetween and relative separation therebetween in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of the relative sliding includes a first locking feature (701/901) defined by a stud (702/902) with a stem portion (708/908) and a flange portion (710/910) having a larger profile than the stem portion (708/908) and a second locking feature (703/903) defined by a slot (704/904) with a receiver portion (712/912) and a retention portion (714/914). The receiver portion (712/912) is sized to accommodate the flange portion (710/910) of the stud (702/902) and the retention portion (714/914) is sized to accommodate the stem portion (708/908) but not the flange portion (710/910) of the stud (702/902). A third locking feature (705/905) prevents relative sliding between the two pieces of telecommunications equipment (610/810) once the stud stem portion (708/908) has been slid within the slot retention portion (714/914) and the stud flange portion (710/910) is out of alignment with the slot receiver portion (712/912). |
| US11287592B2 |
Rapid universal rack mount enclosure
A cable enclosure assembly includes an enclosure, a cable spool and a length of fiber optic cable. The enclosure defines an interior region, a first opening and a second opening aligned with the first opening. The first and second openings provide access to the interior region. The cable spool is disposed in the interior region of the enclosure and is rotatably engaged with the enclosure. The cable spool includes a drum and a flange engaged to the drum. The flange has an outer peripheral side, a cable management portion and an adapter bulkhead portion. The adapter bulkhead portion extends outwardly from the cable management portion and forms a portion of the outer peripheral side. The length of the fiber optic cable is dispose about the drum of the cable spool. |
| US11287589B2 |
Binder film for a fiber optic cable
A fiber optic cable includes a cable core of core elements and a protective sheath surrounding the core elements, an armor surrounding the cable core, the armor comprising a single overlap portion when the fiber optic cable is viewed in cross-section, and a jacket surrounding the armor, the jacket having at least two longitudinal discontinuities extruded therein. A method of accessing the cable core without the use of ripcords includes removing a portion of the armor in an access section by pulling the armor away from the cable core so that an overlap portion separates around the cable core as it is being pulled past the cable core. A protective sheath protects the core elements as the armor is being pulled around the cable core. |
| US11287588B2 |
High-density optical fiber ribbon interconnect and method of making
A fiber ribbon interconnect may include a fiber ribbon, a first optical connector at a first end of the fiber ribbon, and a second optical connector at a second end of the fiber ribbon. The fiber ribbon includes two or more cladding-strengthened glass optical fibers each having an outer surface. The fiber ribbon also includes a common protective coating that surrounds the outer surfaces of the two or more cladding-strengthened glass optical fibers. |
| US11287584B2 |
Connector removal tool
A connector extracting jig according to an embodiment is a connector extracting jig for extracting an optical connector connected to a component to be connected along a connection direction from the component to be connected, the optical connector including a latch engaged with the component to be connected, the latch having a protrusion which is can be pushed down, and the protrusion releasing the engagement of the latch with the component to be connected when being pushed down, the connector extracting jig including: a butting part configured to butt on the optical connector in the connection direction; and a pushing-down part configured to be positioned closer to the component to be connected than the butting part and face the protrusion along a first direction intersecting the connection direction when the butting part butts on the optical connector. |
| US11287579B2 |
Non-rigid blind mate connector system
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first connector portion and a second connector portion. The first connector portion includes a first magnet, an electrical pin, and a first fiber optic connector. The second connector portion is configured to form a non-rigid connection to the first connector portion. The second connector portion includes a second magnet configured to mate with the first magnet of the first connector portion, an electrical contact configured to mate with the electrical pin of the first connector portion, and a second fiber optic connector configured to mate with the first fiber optic connector of the first connector portion. |
| US11287578B2 |
Multicast switch
There is provided a small MCS with the number of leads reduced by half as compared with the conventional configuration. A multicast switch according to the present invention is formed on a substrate, comprising: M input ports, N output ports; M×N optical switch units (optical SU); optical waveguides optically connecting the M input ports, M×N optical SU, and N output ports; and leads connected to the respective M×N optical SU. A multicast switch is configured such that by activating one optical SU, an optical signal input to an input port associated with the activated optical SU is output from an output port associated with the activated optical SU. The M×N optical SU include at least a gate switch and a main switch. In each optical SU, the gate switch and the main switch are connected to the common lead. |
| US11287577B2 |
Optical mode converter for coupling between waveguides with different mode size
An optical mode converter for coupling between photonic integrated circuit (PIC) and optical fiber of different mode sizes is illustrated. The optical mode converter includes a waveguide assembly including a Single waveguide structure, a Multi-layer waveguide structure, and a Transitional waveguide structure. The Single waveguide structure includes a single waveguide. The dimension and propagation constant of a first end, of the single waveguide, is similar to a waveguide of a photonic integrated circuit (PIC). Furthermore, the Multi-layer waveguide structure included a multi-layer waveguide. Further, the Transitional waveguide structure is formed at a transitional structure. The Transitional waveguide structure allows transition of an optical mode between the Single waveguide structure and Multi-layer waveguide structure. The Multi-layer waveguide structure is configured for coupling light between the Transitional waveguide structure and an optical fiber and the Single waveguide structure is configured for coupling the light between the PIC and the Transitional waveguide structure. |
| US11287573B1 |
Heterogeneously integrated photonic devices with improved optical coupling between waveguides
An optical device comprises first, second and third elements fabricated on a common substrate. The first element comprises an active waveguide structure supporting a first optical mode, the second element, fabricated on a planarized top surface of the first element, comprises a passive waveguide structure supporting a second optical mode, and the third element, at least partly butt-coupled to the first element, comprises an intermediate waveguide structure, positioned such that a top surface of the intermediate structure underlies a bottom surface of the passive waveguide structure. If the first optical mode differs from the second optical mode by more than a predetermined amount, a tapered waveguide structure in at least one of the second and third elements facilitates efficient adiabatic transformation between the first optical mode and the second optical mode. Mutual alignments of the first, second and third elements are defined using lithographic alignment marks. |
| US11287566B2 |
Plastic optical fiber and plastic optical fiber cord
A plastic optical fiber is excellent in translucency, heat resistance, resistance to environment and the like, and has highly excellent flexibility. The plastic optical fiber contains a core and at least one layer of cladding, wherein the bending elastic modulus of the innermost layer of the cladding is 20 to 70 MPa, the glass transition temperature of the innermost layer of the cladding is 10° C. or lower, and the storage elastic modulus of the innermost layer of the cladding at 30° C. is 1×106 Pa to 4×107 Pa. |
| US11287565B1 |
Light assemblies for electronic devices
Devices that include light assemblies for providing visual feedback to users that operate the electronic devices. In some instances, the devices comprise voice-controlled devices and, therefore, include one or more microphones for receiving audible commands from the users. After receiving a command, for instance, one such voice-controlled device may cause a corresponding light assembly of the device to illuminate in some predefined manner. This illumination may indicate to the user that device has received the command. In other instances, the devices may illuminate the lighting assembly for an array of other purposes. For instance, one such device may illuminate the corresponding light assembly when powering on or off, playing music, outputting information to a user (e.g., via a speaker or display), or the like. |
| US11287562B2 |
Illumination apparatus including mask with plurality of apertures and display apparatus comprising same
An illumination apparatus comprises a first substrate, an optical structure, an array of light emitting elements disposed on the first substrate and between the first substrate and the optical structure, and a mask comprising a plurality of apertures therein. The optical structure is configured to receive light emitted by the array of light emitting elements, direct the received light into a direction away from the first substrate, direct at least some of the light which has been directed away from the first substrate back towards the first substrate, and direct at least some of the light which has been directed back towards the first substrate through the plurality of apertures of the mask. |
| US11287557B2 |
Backlight module and liquid crystal display
A backlight module and a liquid crystal display are provided. The backlight module realizes a narrow border of the backlight module by arranging a light source between a first protrusion portion of a support part and a light incident surface of a light guide plate. The backlight module cooperates with the liquid crystal display panel having a second protrusion portion and second notches of a stepped area, and a flexible printed circuit board passes through the second notches of the liquid crystal display panel and the first notches of the backlight module. |
| US11287554B2 |
Electronic device
According to various examples of the present invention, an electronic device can comprise: a housing including a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a side surface surrounding at least a part of a space between the first surface and the second surface; a display device formed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface; an opening formed on at least one of the first surface, the second surface, and the side surface; a module mounted inside the housing not to be exposed; and a guide member disposed inside the housing between the module and configured to provide output of the module to outside through the opening. Additionally, the electronic device can be variously implemented according to examples. |
| US11287549B2 |
Apparatus and method for radio-sonde temperature and humidity calibration using upper air simulation technology
The present invention relates to an apparatus for calibrating temperature and humidity of a radio-sonde to be adapted to the upper air environment using an upper air simulation chamber including: an isotemperature-isohumidity unit calibrating temperature and humidity measured via the radio-sonde; a sunlight generation unit coupled to the isotemperature-isohumidity unit and generating sunlight to be irradiated to the isotemperature-isohumidity unit; an air supply unit coupled to the isotemperature-isohumidity unit and controlling the pressure and temperature of atmospheric air, allowing supplying air to the isotemperature-isohumidity unit; a sonic nozzle coupled to the isotemperature-isohumidity unit and creating an air flow set at below a set pressure; and a vacuum pump coupled to the isotemperature-isohumidity unit and discharging air which penetrates the isotemperature-isohumidity unit. |
| US11287548B2 |
Geological sediment provenance analysis and display system
Analysis and display of source-to-sink information according to some aspects includes grouping geochronological data associated with a sediment sample into optimized subpopulations within a reference population and target populations, and producing Gaussian functions for the reference population and the target populations using the subpopulations as a priori constraints. The Gaussian functions describe a distribution of zircons. The subpopulations within the reference population and the target populations are compared based on at least one statistical attribute from the Gaussian functions to identify areas of sediment provenance, and the areas of sediment provenance are displayed in various ways, for example, on a paleographic map as of an age of deposition of the sediment sample. A sink-to-sink analysis can also be performed to identify dissimilarities between samples. |
| US11287542B2 |
Seismic data processing including surface multiple modeling for ocean bottom cable systems
A system and method are disclosed for predicting, and optionally removing surface multiples from acquired seismic data that lacks surface consistency, such as seismic data acquired using an Ocean Bottom Cable (OBC) or Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) system where the sources are located at or near the water's surface and the receivers are located at or near the ocean's floor. By processing the acquired seismic data using seismic interferometry, source side and/or receiver side operators can be generated which satisfy the surface consistency requirement of techniques such as Surface Related Multiple Elimination (SRME) so that SRME or the like can be used to predict the surface multiples. |
| US11287539B2 |
Apparatus for sensing radiation
An apparatus for sensing radiation is provided. Certain examples provide an apparatus including: a first layer including a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to be responsive to changes in an electric field in the vicinity of the sensor; a second layer including a substrate configured to produce charge carriers in response to incident radiation; and a third layer including a plurality of electrodes, wherein the plurality of electrodes are configured to be selectively addressed during a readout operation of the sensor. Certain examples, relate to an apparatus for sensing X-rays or sensing neutrons including a graphene field effect transistor. |
| US11287538B2 |
Scintillator panel, radiation detector, and method for manufacturing scintillator panel
Provided is a scintillator panel including a substrate, grid-like barrier ribs formed on the substrate, and a phosphor layer in a cell separated by the barrier ribs, in which the barrier rib includes on its surface in the following order: a metallic reflective layer, and an inorganic protective layer mainly containing a nitride. |
| US11287537B2 |
Detector for high-energy radiography and associated imaging assembly
A detector (10) for high-energy radiography includes, in the following order: a metal screen (12) arranged to receive incident radiation, at least part of the incident radiation being transmitted through the metal screen and forming a transmitted radiation, a scintillator component (14) arranged to convert the radiation transmitted by the metal screen into light, and a detection layer (16) arranged to detect the intensity of the light emitted by the scintillator component. The screen (12) is made of a metal having an atomic number that is strictly greater than 70 or is made of an alloy comprising at least 50% mass content of one or more metals having an atomic number that is strictly greater than 70 and in that the thickness of the screen is between 20 μm and 900 μm. |
| US11287534B1 |
Systems and methods for tracking power modulation
Apparatus and methods determine the rotational position of a spinning object. A satellite positioning system can be used to determine the spatial position of an object, which in turn can be used to guide the object. However, when the object is spinning, such as an artillery shell, then the rotational orientation should be known in order to properly actuate the control surfaces, such as fins, which will also be spinning. |
| US11287531B2 |
Architecture for providing forecasts of GNSS obscuration and multipath
Disclosed is a method of providing dilution of precision (DOP) forecasts for GNSS navigation and optionally degree of confidence, for routing of vehicles or alerting humans in vehicles: accessing a 3D map of an area including structure solids and generating cuboids in spaces not contained in the structure solids, and iteratively over time increments, calculating GNSS satellites visible from the cuboids using the 3D map and, using at least the calculated visibility, determining a DOP forecast for GNSS signals observable in the cuboids at the time increments. The disclosed method also includes compressing the calculated DOP forecast spatially and temporally, and distributing the compressed DOP forecast via a content delivery network (CDN), responsive to queries from requestors to an API of the CDN, whereby the requestors' systems can take into account the DOP forecast for routing the vehicles or alerting the humans in the vehicles to a predicted navigation impairment. |
| US11287530B2 |
Data processing system and method for fusion of multiple heterogeneous sensors
Disclosed is a data processing system and method for the fusion of multiple heterogeneous sensors. The data processing system and method may synchronize the first merged sensing signal with the second sensing signal by performing origin time shifting (OTS) and tracklet movement compensation (TMC). Namely, it is possible to perform time synchronization to the heterogeneous sensors by post-processing data without synchronizing the data acquisition time points through a trigger. Also, the data processing system removes the noise points caused by direct and indirect interference included in the first sensing signal, thereby providing more accurate sensing signal data. |
| US11287516B2 |
Spatial light modulator and beam steering apparatus including the same
A spatial light modulator and a beam steering apparatus including the same are provided. The spatial light modulator may include a distributed Bragg reflector provided on a substrate, a cavity provided on the distributed Bragg reflector, a grating reflector provided on the cavity, and a heater provided on the grating reflector. |
| US11287513B2 |
Radar device for a motor vehicle and method for controlling the device
A radar device for a motor vehicle comprises a radar antenna configured to detect a reflected signal characterized as a reflection of a transmitted signal reflected by an object present in the field of view of the radar antenna; a controller configured to transmit at least one radar signal from the radar antenna, the radar signal being transmitted according to a determined object detection transmission power; the controller being configured to detect the power level of the reflected signal derived from the transmitted radar signal reflected by the detected object; the controller being configured to adjust the transmission power, according to the power level of the reflected signal detected, to a minimum power sufficient for the detection of the detected object. |
| US11287510B2 |
Client-based storing of tuning parameters for positioning services
Inter-alia, a method is disclosed comprising: determining at least one fingerprint information indicative of at least one identifier of a cellular and/or a non-cellular radio network, wherein based on the identifier at least one cell of the cellular radio network and/or at least one node of the non-cellular radio network is identifiable; sending the at least one fingerprint information, wherein the at least one fingerprint information comprises or is accompanied by a first set of tuning parameters in case such a set of tuning parameters is stored in a memory; receiving a second set of tuning parameters in response to the sending of the at least one fingerprint information, wherein the first and/or the second set of tuning parameters respectively comprise a correction value for compensating a bias for the at least one fingerprint information; and storing the received second set of tuning parameters, wherein the first set of tuning parameters is updated with the second set of tuning parameters enabling to iteratively converge the set of tuning parameters to the actual bias. It is further disclosed an according apparatus, computer program and system. |
| US11287507B2 |
System and method for testing a structure using laser ultrasound
A method for testing a structure includes steps of: identifying a three-dimensional position of a surface of the structure relative to a reference frame; transmitting laser light from an output of a transmitter onto the surface of the structure to form ultrasonic waves in the structure and to detect a response to the ultrasonic waves; based on the three-dimensional position of the surface, moving the laser light over the structure along a scan path so that the output of the transmitter is located at a constant offset distance from the surface and that the laser light, transmitted from the output of the transmitter, is directed onto the surface at a constant angle of projection; and based on the response to the ultrasonic waves, determining whether an inconsistency is present in the structure. |
| US11287504B2 |
Systems and methods for magnetic resonance imaging
An MRI system is provided. The system may obtain a first set of MRI data relating to a subject acquired by an MR scanner in a first acquisition when the subject reaches a first T1 weighting level, and obtain a second set of MRI data relating to the subject acquired by the MR scanner in a second acquisition when the subject reaches a second T1 weighting level different from the first T1 weighting level. The system may also determine a target value of a reference coefficient associated with a first B1 inhomogeneity in the first acquisition and a second B1 inhomogeneity in the second acquisition based on the first and second sets of MRI data. |
| US11287498B2 |
Gradient array system for MRI and application on diffusion weighted imaging
In one aspect, in a magnetic resonance imaging system having a gradient coil array comprising a plurality of independent coils distributed about an enclosure, a method of applying currents to said coils is disclosed, which comprises defining a merit function for optimizing at least one feature of any of a magnetic field and an electric field generated by the coils, using a computer processor to optimize the merit function so as to determine an optimal current vector, wherein said element of the current vector provides a current value for application to one of said gradient coils, and applying the currents to said coils. |
| US11287495B2 |
Methods and apparatus for use with cochlear implants having magnet apparatus with magnetic material particles
A particle alignment method in accordance with at least one of the present inventions includes the step of positioning a cochlear implant, which is implanted within a patient's head and which includes a magnet apparatus with a central axis and magnetic material particles, at a location outside of the scanning area of an MRI system, adjacent to the MRI system, and within the MRI magnetic field in such a manner that the central axis of the magnet apparatus is at least substantially parallel to the MRI magnetic field. |
| US11287493B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging method and system and computer-readable storage medium
Embodiments of the present invention provide a magnetic resonance imaging method and system and a computer-readable storage medium. The method comprises: performing pre-scanning, wherein a first sequence and a second sequence are separately performed on a plurality of slices; in the first sequence, two echoes are continuously obtained to respectively obtain first image data and second image data having a first phase offset; in the second sequence, two echoes are continuously obtained to respectively obtain third image data and fourth image data having a second phase offset, the first phase offset and the second phase offset having opposite directions but the same angle; obtaining a plurality of radio-frequency field maps respectively corresponding to the plurality of slices based on the first image data and the second image data, and obtaining a plurality of static magnetic field maps respectively corresponding to the plurality of slices based on at least one of the following two groups: a first image and a third image, and a second image and a fourth image; and calculating formal scanning parameters suitable for a corresponding slice based on at least one of the following two components: each radio-frequency field map, and a corresponding static magnetic field map. |
| US11287490B2 |
Magnetoresistive sensor with sensing elements and permanent magnet bars oriented at non-orthogonal and non-parallel angles with respect to the sensing direction of the sensing elements
The present invention relates to a magnetoresistive sensor for measuring a magnetic field. A calculation of the sensitivity to external magnetic fields is provided, and it is shown to be related to the shape anisotropy of the magnetoresistive sensing elements. Moreover, it is shown that sensitivity may be made highest when the shape of the magnetoresistive element is long parallel to the sensing axis, and a magnetic bias field strong enough to saturate the magnetoresistive element's magnetization, Hcross, is applied perpendicular to the sensing axis. A monolithic permanent magnet is provided to generate the Hcross and it may be applied at an angle in order to counteract non-ideal fields along the sense axis direction. The high sensitivity magnetoresistive element can be used in many electrical form-factors. Six exemplary bridge configurations are described herein. |
| US11287488B2 |
Magnetic sensor device
Provided is a magnetic sensor device including: a current input terminal; a voltage input terminal; an output terminal; a magnetic sensor circuit including a first terminal, one of one Hall element and a set of Hall elements connected in parallel to each other, and a pilot signal generating circuit; a chopper modulator/demodulator circuit including a first mixer connected to the magnetic sensor circuit, an amplifier containing an input port connected to the first mixer, a second mixer containing an input port connected to the amplifier, and an output port connected to the output terminal; and a feedback circuit including a second terminal connected to the chopper modulator/demodulator circuit, a third mixer, a voltage-current conversion circuit, and a third terminal connected to the current input terminal and the first terminal, and a fourth terminal connected to the voltage input terminal. |
| US11287486B2 |
3D MEMS magnetometer and associated methods
A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) magnetometer is provided for measuring magnetic field components along three orthogonal axes. The MEMS magnetometer includes a top cap wafer, a bottom cap wafer and a MEMS wafer having opposed top and bottom sides bonded respectively to the top and bottom cap wafers. The MEMS wafer includes a frame structure and current-carrying first, second and third magnetic field transducers. The top cap, bottom cap and MEMS wafer are electrically conductive and stacked along the third axis. The top cap wafer, bottom cap wafer and frame structure together form one or more cavities enclosing the magnetic field transducers. The MEMS magnetometer further includes first, second and third electrode assemblies, the first and second electrode assemblies being formed in the top and/or bottom cap wafers. Each electrode assembly is configured to sense an output of a respective magnetic field transducer induced by a respective magnetic field component. |
| US11287481B2 |
Methods and algorithms of cyclic coulometry
Systems, devices, and methods of diagnosing an electrochemical cell using cyclic coulometry are discussed. An exemplary battery diagnostic system comprises a current generator to generate symmetric charge current and discharge current to excite an electrochemical cell, and a cyclic coulometer to evaluate performance of the electrochemical cell. The cyclic coulometer can adjust at least one of a charge time for applying the charge current, or a discharge time for applying the discharge current, to keep a monitored cell voltage toward a specific setpoint. The adjustment of charge or discharge time can be achieved by changing a current switch timing for reversing current from a first to a second current direction. The cyclic coulometer measures one or more electrical parameters during the charge or discharge cycle, and generates a performance metric using the measured electrical parameters. |
| US11287479B2 |
Control-oriented physics-based calendar life model for lithium ion cells
A physics-based calendar life model for determining the state of health of a lithium ion battery cell. The model accounts for parasitic reactions on anode and cathode particles to accurately determine degradation of a battery. By incorporating electrolyte decomposition in a cathode, the present calendar model can predict capacity retention as well as the substantial rise of cell resistance at high state of charge (SOC) and temperatures. The present calendar model is a simple algorithm, utilizing only three parameters, and determines the capacity retention and resistance rise based on temperature, SOC and time. |
| US11287478B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting damage of battery separator
A separator damage detecting apparatus detects a separator damage of a secondary battery by applying a voltage while pressing an electrode assembly having a structure in which a positive electrode plate, a separator and a negative electrode plate are stacked, to induce a temporary short circuit of a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate. The separator damage detecting apparatus includes a short circuit measuring unit configured to apply a voltage to the electrode assembly and detect a leakage current; and a pressing jig configured to roll-press at least one surface of the electrode assembly or consecutively press predetermined regions of the at least one surface of the electrode assembly. |
| US11287476B2 |
System and method for diagnosing contactor lifetime by using contactor coil current
A system and a method for diagnosing a contactor life using contactor coil current, whereby, after a current value of a current contactor coil is determined based on a resistance value and a voltage value according to a real-time temperature of a contactor coil, whether contactor lifetime has expired and an abnormal operation thus occurs can be previously diagnosed and predicted on the basis of whether an average current value when a corresponding contactor operates a preset number of times or more exceeds a threshold value. |
| US11287475B2 |
Method for compensating to distance between probe tip and device under test after temperature changes
A method for compensating to a first distance between a probe tip and a device under test (DUT) after a temperature change of the DUT includes: capturing a first image having the probe and its reflected image on a reflective surface of the DUT at a first temperature; measuring a second distance between a reference point of the probe and its reflected image; changing the first temperature of the DUT to a second temperature; capturing a second image having the probe and its reflected image on the reflective surface at the second temperature; measuring a third distance between the reference point of the probe and its reflected image; dividing the difference between the third and the second distances by two to obtain a fourth distance; and determining a relative position between the probe and the DUT by the fourth distance to compensate to the first distance. |
| US11287474B2 |
Scan flip-flop and scan test circuit including the same
A scan flip-flop includes an input unit and a flip-flop. The input unit is configured to select one signal from among a data input signal and a scan input signal to supply the selected one signal as an internal signal according to an operation mode. The flip-flop is configured to latch the internal signal according to a clock signal. The flip-flop includes a cross coupled structure that includes first and second tri-state inverters which share a first output node and face each other. |
| US11287472B2 |
Chip and testing method thereof
A chip testing method including the following operations is disclosed: outputting a plurality of testing sequences to a plurality of scan chains by an encoding circuit; generating a plurality of scan output data according to the plurality of testing sequences by the plurality of scan chains; and determining whether an error exists in the plurality of scan chains or not according to the plurality of scan output data by a decoding circuit. |
| US11287468B2 |
Electronic component handling apparatus, electronic component testing apparatus, and socket
An electronic component handling apparatus includes: a thermostatic chamber in which a socket disposed, the socket electrically being connectable to a device under test (DUT) including a first antenna; a moving device that moves the DUT and presses the DUT against the socket; an anechoic chamber disposed adjacent to the thermostatic chamber; a second antenna disposed inside the thermostatic chamber; and a first window that transmits radio waves radiated from the first or second antenna. The thermostatic chamber has a first opening on a wall surface of the thermostatic chamber. The anechoic chamber has a radio wave absorber and a second opening that opens toward a transmission direction of the radio waves from or to the second antenna. The thermostatic chamber and the anechoic chamber are connected to each other to make the first opening and the second opening face each other. |
| US11287464B2 |
Partial discharge measurement system
A method and device for determining partial discharge in an electrical insulation system of a medium- or high voltage apparatus, the method and apparatus including: detecting, with a sensing unit, an electrical signal that comprises partial discharge pulses due to dielectric breakdowns in the electrical insulation system of the medium- or high voltage apparatus; generating an in-phase and a quadrature-signal from the electrical signal comprising the partial discharge pulses in an I/Q-mixer unit by mixing the electrical signal including the partial discharge pulses with two local oscillator signals having the same frequency and a phase difference of 90°; filtering each of the in-phase and the quadrature signals with a low-pass filter; processing the filtered in-phase and the quadrature signals in a processing unit with a low-frequency Analog-Digital converter to obtain digital signals representing an in-phase and a quadrature value. |
| US11287463B2 |
Partial discharge transducer
A partial discharge (PD) transducer that includes a PD sensor configured to sense a PD event of an electrical system. At least one light emitting device (LED) is arranged in series with the PD sensor. The LED is configured to receive the electrical sensor signal from the PD sensor and to generate a light signal in response to the electrical sensor signal. |
| US11287462B2 |
Status detection of alarm sounding parts
The invention belongs to the technical field of alarm sounding component, and relates to state detection of an alarm sounding component. The invention provides a state detection device of an alarm sounding component, comprising: a detection circuit for applying a detection signal to control detection of an equivalent load capacitor of the alarm sounding component that is capacitive; a sampling circuit for sampling feedback information of the equivalent load capacitor of the alarm sounding component when a signal of the detection signal is applied to the alarm sounding component to obtain a sampled signal; and a controller for generating the detection signal, and analyzing and processing the sampled signal to obtain state information which can reflect a fault condition of the alarm sounding component. |
| US11287459B2 |
Magnetic photoacoustic composite non destructive testing device of power transmission line of photovoltaic grid based on corona effect
Disclosed is a magnetic photoacoustic composite non destructive testing device for a power transmission line of a photovoltaic grid based on a corona effect. The device may include a mechanical structure part and a data processing part. The mechanical structure part may include a shielding shell and mounting bases, shielding bodies are mounted on two sides of the shielding shell, a top of the shielding shell is provided with an upper cover, two sides under the upper cover are provided with the mounting base respectively, and the two mounting bases are located above the shielding bodies respectively. The data processing part may include a pair of optical sensing modules, a pair of magnetic sensing modules, an acoustic sensing module, a humidity sensing module, a micro-processor, a signal conditioning and transmission unit and an internal power supply management module. |
| US11287451B2 |
Current sensor
A current sensor sending an output to the outside through a connector does not affect the precision of the sensor even when an external connector is inserted or removed. The current sensor has a bus bar and a case housing part of the bus bar. The case has an open upper surface and a lid covering the upper surface. A circuit board is fixed to the case body with three caulking portions. The circuit board includes a fixed area enclosed by these caulking portions and an extended portion extending from two of these caulking portions. The lid is provided with two lid-side stoppers. Inside the case body, case-body-side stoppers are provided at three positions. When an external connector is connected to or removed from the connector, the warp of the extended portion is suppressed by the case-body-side stoppers and lid-side stoppers. |
| US11287446B2 |
Split thin-film probe card
A split thin-film probe card and an elastic module thereof are provided. The elastic module includes an elastic cushion and a thin-film sheet. The elastic cushion has a plurality of partition slots so as to define a plurality of independent elastic segments. The thin-film sheet includes a carrier, a plurality of signal circuits disposed on the carrier, and a plurality of conductive protrusions that are respectively formed on the signal circuits. The carrier has a plurality of grooves so as to divide the carrier into a plurality of action segments respectively disposed on the independent elastic segments. The signal circuits are respectively disposed on the action segments. When any one of the conductive protrusions is pressed, only the corresponding independent elastic segment is deformed through the corresponding signal circuit and the corresponding action segment. |
| US11287443B2 |
High performance accelerometer
A MEMS accelerometer includes a suspended spring-mass system that has a frequency response to accelerations experienced over a range of frequencies. The components of the suspended spring-mass system such as the proof masses respond to acceleration in a substantially uniform manner at frequencies that fall within a designed bandwidth for the MEMS accelerometer. Digital compensation circuitry compensates for motion of the proof masses outside of the designed bandwidth, such that the functional bandwidth of the MEMS accelerometer is significantly greater than the designed bandwidth. |
| US11287442B2 |
Continuous calibration of accelerometer sensitivity by proof-mass dithering
An in-situ test calibration system and method are disclosed where a perpetual out-of-band electrostatic force induced excitation is used to dither the proof-mass of a MEMS based accelerometer where the amount of deflection change is proportional to sensitivity changes. The supplier of the accelerometer would exercise the accelerometer in a calibration station to determine initial sensitivity values. After the calibration and before removing the accelerometer from the calibration station, the supplier would start the dither and calibrate the acceleration equivalent force (FG) to drive voltage transfer function (FG/V). After installation of the accelerometer into a system or sometime later in the field, any changes in the FG/V transfer function due to changes in the sensitivity are observable and can be used for re-calibrating the accelerometer. |
| US11287439B2 |
System and method for estimating wheel speed of vehicle
A system and method for estimating a wheel speed of a vehicle are provided. The system includes a wheel speed sensor that detects a rotation speed of a wheel of the vehicle and a longitudinal acceleration sensor that detects a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle. A controller converts the longitudinal acceleration to a wheel acceleration, compensates for the converted wheel acceleration based on a compensation value obtained using wheel speed information, integrates the compensated wheel acceleration, and calculates a wheel speed estimation value based on the integrated wheel acceleration. |
| US11287438B2 |
Aircraft airflow sensor having a vane with integrated pressure transducers
An aircraft airflow sensor including a vane assembly configured to sense a direction of local airflow outside an aircraft, at least one port arranged on the vane assembly, and at least one transducer arranged with the vane assembly configured to measure a pressure within the vane assembly. The at least one transducer being in fluid communication with the at least one port. The aircraft airflow sensor also includes a shaft configured to rotatably hold the vane assembly and allow rotational movement of the vane assembly. |
| US11287437B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing drive signal for driving resolver sensor
A method and apparatus for generating a drive signal for driving a resolver sensor are provided. The method and apparatus implement a drive signal to be input to a resolver sensor. The method and apparatus perform counting in association with an incoming square wave signal and implement a drive signal after confirming that a specific point corresponding to a preset condition of the incoming square wave signal arrives. |
| US11287436B2 |
Carrier for automated microbiology sample processing
Carriers are provided for microbiological laboratory use, as are methods for their use. The carriers may be used to transport patient samples between laboratory stations and can be loaded into automated AST systems. In an aspect, a method of performing AST may include loading a tube comprising a patient sample onto a carrier. An AST panel may be loaded onto the carrier. The carrier may be conveyed to an automated inoculation assembly. The patient sample may be inoculated from the tube into the AST panel. The AST panel may be loaded into an automated AST system. |
| US11287434B2 |
Analysis system for testing a sample
An analysis system and a method for testing a biological sample, wherein an operating instrument is provided which preferably can be separated from an analysis device with respect to a data connection and/or wirelessly connected to the analysis device. |
| US11287433B2 |
Methods for in vitro investigating mitochondrial replication dysfunction in a biological sample, kits and uses thereof, therapeutic methods against progeroid-like syndromes or symptoms and screening method for identifying particular protease inhibitor(s) and/or nitroso-redox stress scavenger compound(s)
The invention relates to a method for in vitro investigating mitochondrial replication dysfunction in a biological sample removed from a subject susceptible of suffering from physiological ageing or physiopathological conditions related to physiological ageing, or physiopathological ageing or associated symptoms or conditions, in particular premature ageing or accelerated ageing, or of a progeroid syndrome, such as Cockayne syndrome (CS), or neurodegenerative disorders or symptoms thereof, in which the levels of at least one species selected in the group of: POLG1 protein, POLG1 RNA, POLG2 protein, protease(s) which have POLG as a target, in particular serine protease(s) such as HTRA3 protein, HTRA2 protein and, HTRA3 RNA or HTRA2 RNA, or any combination of these species, are investigated. The invention also relates to kits and uses thereof, therapeutic methods against progeroid-like syndromes or symptoms and screening method for identifying particular protease inhibitor(s) and/or nitroso-redox stress scavenger compound(s) having relevance for the symptoms discussed herein. |
| US11287432B2 |
System and method for detection of trauma
This disclosure describes portable bio-nano-chip assays, methods and compositions for diagnosing trauma at point-of-care using biological samples. The assays, methods and compositions provide in a more convenient, less expensive, and less time-consuming sampling and analysis. |
| US11287431B2 |
Method of testing for pulmonary hypertension
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a method for conveniently and accurately testing for pulmonary hypertension. To achieve this object, the present invention provides a method for testing for pulmonary hypertension using as an indicator the concentration of selenoprotein P protein in a sample derived from a subject. |
| US11287428B2 |
PD1 and PDL-1 expression during progression from myelodysplastic syndrome to acute myelogenous leukemia
The present disclosure relates to a method for diagnosing in a subject the progression from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Also disclosed are methods of treating AML in a subject diagnosed by the disclosed methods. |
| US11287425B2 |
Genetic markers associated with endometriosis and use thereof
The present invention relates to novel genetic markers associated with endometriosis and risk of developing endometriosis, and methods and materials for determining whether a human subject has endometriosis or is at risk of developing endometriosis and the use of such risk information in selectively administering a treatment that at least partially prevents or compensates for an endometriosis related symptom. |
| US11287424B2 |
Calibrating assays using reaction time
A method for performing an assay on a liquid sample for the detection of one or more analytes of interest in an assay device having a flow path which includes a sample zone and detection zone thereon includes: dispensing the sample onto the sample zone; combining the sample and a reagent, wherein the sample and reagent may be combined prior to addition of the sample to the sample zone or on the assay device, flowing the combined sample/reagent by capillary action into and through the detection zone having capture elements bound thereto, wherein a signal at least partially representative of the presence or concentration of analyte(s) is produced and detected; determining a reaction time or reaction volume; and determining the concentration of the analyte by using both the detected signal and the reaction time or reaction volume. |
| US11287418B2 |
Detection and modification of gut microbial population
Methods and systems for evaluating health/disease state of an individual are provided herein. In particular, the disclosure provides methods for measuring levels of one or more metabolites of interest in an individual and using these measurements to assess the individual's health. The disclosure also provides systems for carrying out the disclosed methods. For example, the disclosed systems may include a metabolite level evaluation module to determine the individual's health based on the metabolite levels measured. |
| US11287417B2 |
Detection and modification of gut microbial population
Methods and systems for evaluating heath/disease state of an individual are provided herein. In particular, the disclosure provides methods for measuring levels of one or more metabolites of interest in an individual and using these measurements to assess the individual's health. The disclosure also provides systems for carrying out the disclosed methods. For example, the disclosed systems may include a metabolite level evaluation module to determine the individual's heath based on the metabolite levels measured. |
| US11287414B2 |
Sample dispenser including an internal standard and methods of use thereof
The invention generally relates to a sample dispenser including an internal standard and methods of use thereof. |
| US11287411B2 |
Systems and methods for crop health monitoring, assessment and prediction
Systems and methods for monitoring and assessing crop health and performance can provide rapid screening of individual plants. The systems and methods have an automated component, and rely primarily on the detection and interpretation of plant-based signals to provide information about crop health. In some cases knowledge from human experts is captured and integrated into the automated crop monitoring systems and methods. Predictive models can also be developed and used to predict future health of plants in a crop. |
| US11287408B2 |
Gas sensor including optic fiber connector
A gas detector sensor node includes a first sensor conductor having a terminal end, a second sensor conductor including an end section, and a coupler joining the terminal end of the first sensor conductor with the end section of the second sensor conductor. The coupler is permeable to gas. |
| US11287404B2 |
Analysis apparatus with spectrometer
An apparatus having a spectrometer and techniques for use thereof for efficient and effective point-of-care diagnostics are provided. In one aspect, a device is provided. The device includes: an intake port; fluidic channels connecting the intake port to a detecting chamber(s), wherein the detecting chamber(s) is configured to permit optical measurements of a fluid sample; a vent leading away from the detecting chamber(s); and a liquid blocker between the detecting chamber(s) and an opening of the vent, wherein the liquid blocker permits air to pass therethrough while at the same time restricting liquid flow. A method for analyzing a fluid sample is also provided. The method includes: introducing the fluid sample to the device; contacting the fluid sample with a reagent(s) prior to the fluid sample entering the detecting chamber(s); and making optical measurements of the fluid sample in the detecting chamber(s). |
| US11287402B2 |
Automated method for maintaining a clinical diagnostics system
An analytical system including a mass spectrometer (MS) coupled to liquid chromatography (LC) via an ionization source (IS), and an automated method of maintaining the analytical system in a QC-compliant status are described. The method comprises determining a deviation of the analytical system from a QC-compliant status by determining a deviation of one or more predetermined parameters in an m/z spectrum above one or more predetermined thresholds, triggering an IS and/or MS maintenance procedure upon determining a deviation from the QC-compliant status, determining a return or a failed return to the QC-compliant status during and/or after the IS and/or MS maintenance procedure by determining a return or a failed return respectively of the one or more predetermined parameters in an m/z spectrum below the one or more predetermined thresholds, triggering another IS and/or MS maintenance procedure upon determining a failed return to the QC-compliant status. |
| US11287394B1 |
Detection system and method for distribution state of magnetic fluid in sealing gap
The present disclosure provides a detection system and method for a distribution state of magnetic fluid in a sealing gap. The detection system includes: a detection assembly including a first capacitor plate, a second capacitor plate and a capacitance meter. The first capacitor plate is arranged at an inner circumferential surface of a pole piece in a sealing device, and the second capacitor plate is arranged at an outer circumferential surface of a rotating shaft in the sealing device. The first capacitor plate and the second capacitor plate are annular and opposite to each other in a radial direction of the rotating shaft, the sealing gap being formed between the first capacitor plate and the second capacitor plate. The capacitance meter is electrically connected with the first capacitor plate and the second capacitor plate to measure capacitance between the first capacitor plate and the second capacitor plate. |
| US11287387B2 |
Measurements and calibration utilizing colorimetric sensors
Methods and apparatuses for determining levels of gaseous elements and optionally utilizing the determined levels to calibrate one or more sensors of an air purifier. For example, in some implementations a first image is captured of a colorimetric sensor device at the start of a sensing period and a second image is captured of the colorimetric sensor device at the end of the sensing period. The colorimetric sensor device includes at least one colorimetric sensor configured to change colors in response to reaction with a gaseous pollutant. Values may be determined based on the colors of the colorimetric sensor in the first and second images and the values may be utilized to determine a pollution value indicative of the amount of the gaseous pollutant to which the colorimetric sensor was exposed during the sensing period. |
| US11287386B2 |
Method for controlling alkali emissions of a glass element during hot forming
A method for controlling alkali emissions of a glass element during hot forming is provided. The method includes the steps of: heating the glass element using one or more burner units each providing a burner flame to provide a heated glass element; sensing light emissions of a total light emitting area of the heated glass element and the burner flame of the one or more burner units via one or more sensor units; providing one or more signals of the one or more sensor units of the light emissions; comparing the one or more signals with one or more reference signals; determining, based on the comparing step, determined alkali emissions of the glass element; and controlling the one or more burner units based on the determined alkali emissions to adjust the alkali emissions of the glass element to a pre-given interval. |
| US11287385B2 |
Composite particles having nanogap, and preparation method therefor
Composite particles are provided. The composite particles can comprise: a base particle; a metal layer encompassing the base particle and having a surface on which a plurality of gaps are formed; and markers provided on the metal layer and also provided within the plurality of gaps of the metal layer. |
| US11287379B2 |
System and method for detecting multiple-excitation-induced light in a flow channel
A system for detecting signal components of light induced by multiple excitation sources including: a flow channel including at least two spatially separated optical interrogation zones; a non-modulating excitation source that directs a light beam of a first wavelength at a near constant intensity onto a first of the optical interrogation zones; a modulating excitation source that directs a light beam of a second wavelength with an intensity modulated over time at a modulating frequency onto a second of the optical interrogation zones; a detector subsystem comprising a set of detectors configured to detect light emitted from particles flowing through the at least two optical interrogation zones and to convert the detected light into a total electrical signal; and a processor that determines signal components from the light detected from each of the optical interrogation zones. |
| US11287377B2 |
Detection system for an electronic nose and an electronic nose comprising such a system
The invention relates to a detection system for an electronic nose capable of detecting and identifying a set of compounds that can be found in a gaseous sample, the detection system comprises a plurality of cross-reactivity detection sensors (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7) for supplying signals representing the presence of one or more compounds of said set in the gaseous sample, and which is particularly characterised in that the detection system further comprises at least one reference sensor (RI) for supplying a signal representing the measurement noise of the detection system. The detection system further relates to an electronic nose comprising such a detection system. |
| US11287376B2 |
System and method to standardize whiteness calibration and measurement
By way of overview and introduction, various embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods described herein are directed improved approaches to aligning and standardizing different total spectral radiance factor shapes measured with different instruments. Furthermore, in one or more configurations and approaches, the disclosure presented herein is directed to obtaining a whiteness calibration value for use in sample measurements without the need of UV filter adjustments. |
| US11287372B2 |
Gas sensor module
A gas sensor module (100) includes an infrared light emitting diode (10) configured to emit infrared light in accordance with a drive current, a quantum infrared sensor (20) configured to detect infrared light that passes through a detection target gas, a drive circuit (30) configured to output the drive current to the infrared light emitting diode (10), a charging circuit (50) to be connected to a power source and configured to output a charge current having a smaller current amount than the drive current, and a capacitor (40) configured to charge by the charge current being supplied from the charging circuit (50) and discharge by supplying the drive current to the drive circuit (30). |
| US11287367B2 |
System and method for optical whole blood hemolysis detection
A method and system is described that includes obtaining a whole blood sample and obtaining a first light absorbance profile of the whole blood sample. Next, the whole blood sample is hemolyzed to generate a hemolyzed sample of blood and a second light absorbance profile of the hemolyzed sample of blood is obtained. The level of hemolysis in the whole blood sample is determined by comparing the first light absorbance profile and the second light absorbance profile. |
| US11287365B2 |
Cuvette
A cuvette comprising: a main body having a sample chamber formed therein, the sample chamber communicating with the exterior of the cuvette by an opening formed in the exterior of the main body, wherein the sample chamber comprises a first sample chamber and a second sample chamber, the first sample chamber being in fluid communication with the opening, and the second sample chamber having a first end which is in fluid communication with the first sample chamber, and a second, closed end, the second sample chamber being in fluid communication with the exterior of the cuvette only through the first chamber, the first chamber having a width which is greater than that of the second chamber, and further wherein the greatest width of the opening is greater than or equal to the greatest width of the first sample chamber, the greatest width of the first sample chamber is greater than or equal to the greatest width of the second sample chamber, and the width of the sample chamber, passing from the opening to the closed end of the second chamber, either remains constant or decreases at each point along its length. |
| US11287364B2 |
System, apparatus and method for off-axis illumination in flow cytometry
A flow cytometer including a laser beam that impinges upon a sample stream at an angle at 15-70°, optionally 30°, from C an orthogonal plane where the light and fluid intercept. |
| US11287362B2 |
Particle analysis in an acoustic cytometer
The present invention is a method and apparatus for acoustically manipulating one or more particles. |
| US11287361B2 |
System and device for analyzing fluid flow in unconventional hydraulically-fractured porous media
A system for analyzing fluid flow in unconventional, hydraulically-fractured porous media. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reservoir test sample, wherein the reservoir test sample comprises a core barrel, annular fluid, a synthetic tubing, supporting layers, and a core sample stack, wherein the core sample stack comprises one or more core slots. |
| US11287357B2 |
Vortex fluid sensing to determine fluid properties
Components and systems are disclosed for determining fluid component concentrations. In some embodiments, a vortex chamber is configured to rotationally direct fluid flow. A first pressure sensor is disposed on an inner radial position within the vortex chamber. A second pressure sensor is disposed on an outer radial position within the vortex chamber. A fluid property detector is configured to determine a fluid property based, at least in part, on pressure values detected by the first and second pressure sensors. |
| US11287355B2 |
Smear preparation apparatus and smear preparation method
A smear preparing apparatus may include: a staining unit including staining tanks that are configured to receive glass slides smeared with samples and to accommodate a staining solution used to stain the samples smeared on the glass slides; a transfer unit that holds the glass slides and transfers the glass slides to the staining unit; a fluid circuit that supplies the staining solution to each of the staining tanks in the staining unit; and a controller that determines a staining tank used for staining processing among the staining tanks in response to a manipulation by a user. |
| US11287352B2 |
OTDR with increased precision and reduced dead zone using superposition of pulses with varying clock signal delay
A method for determining the position of an irregularity in an optical transmission fiber using an optical time domain reflectometer, the method comprising the steps of emitting a succession of sampling light pulses into the optical transmission fiber, detecting reflected light pulses resulting from the reflection of the sampling light pulses at the irregularity in the optical transmission fiber and generating corresponding time-dependent detection signals, wherein different delays are associated with detection signals corresponding to different sampling light pulses, obtaining a combined signal from the detection signals, and analyzing the combined signal for determining the position of the irregularity in the optical transmission fiber with respect to the optical time domain reflectometer, wherein the combined signal corresponds to a superposition of the detection signals. |
| US11287350B2 |
Fuel, communications, and power connection methods
Embodiments of systems and methods for supplying fuel, enabling communications, and conveying electric power associated with operation of a hydraulic fracturing unit of a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units are disclosed and may include a fuel line connection assembly configured to be connected to the first hydraulic fracturing unit and to supply fuel from a fuel source to a gas turbine engine connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit. A system also may include a communications cable assembly configured to be connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit and to enable data communications between the hydraulic fracturing unit and a data center or another hydraulic fracturing unit. A system further may include a power cable assembly configured to be connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit and to convey electric power between the hydraulic fracturing unit and a remote electrical power source or the plurality of hydraulic fracturing units. |
| US11287349B2 |
Burst-duct detection system
A burst-duct detection system is provided. The system may include a manifold; a rolling diaphragm dividing a chamber within the manifold into a top portion and a bottom portion; a high pressure chamber in fluid communication with the top portion of the manifold; an ambient pressure chamber in fluid communication with the top portion of the manifold; a piston disposed within the top portion of the manifold and operably connected to the diaphragm; a mechanical link may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a middle portion, the mechanical link being disposed within a core chamber of the manifold and the proximal end operably connected to the piston; and an indicator piston operably connected to the mechanical link. |
| US11287348B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring imbalance forces of a tire/hub assembly of vehicle during motion of the vehicle
An apparatus configured to be removably attached to a tire/hub assembly of a vehicle via lug nuts of the tire/hub assembly is used to determine imbalance forces of the tire/hub assembly during motion of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a disk and a plurality of cup-shaped objects fixed at one end to the disk and extending perpendicularly outward from the disk. The plurality of cup-shaped objects are arranged a fixed radial distance from a radial center of the disk in a pattern that matches the lug nuts of the tire/hub assembly. The apparatus is mounted to the vehicle's tire/hub assembly by fitting the plurality of cup-shaped objects over the lug nuts of the tire/hub assembly. The apparatus further includes one or more inertial measurement units (IMU's) mounted to the disk to measure parameters that are used for calculating the imbalance forces during motion of the vehicle. A method for collecting measurement parameters related to imbalance forces of a tire/hub assembly of a vehicle during motion of the vehicle on a road surface by using the apparatus is also described. |
| US11287347B2 |
Temperature-compensated strain gauge measurements
A device for measuring a strain of an object independently of temperature variations includes: at least one strain gauge that is attachable directly or indirectly to the object whose strain is to be measured; a first temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the at least one strain gauge; read-out electronics for measuring a change of electrical resistance of the at least one strain gauge as a measured electrical resistance change, the read-out electronics including at least one fixed resistor whose value is relied upon when obtaining a value of the change of electrical resistance of the strain gauge as a result of the measurement, the read-out electronics being such that a temperature of the at least one fixed resistor is known and/or obtainable by measurement; and an evaluation unit for: correcting the measured electrical resistance change, and/or a strain of the strain gauge and/or the strain of the object. |
| US11287345B2 |
Sensor including oxygen getter metallic material for improved protection
The invention relates to sensors comprising a substrate, a platinum component having a first surface facing toward the substrate and a second surface facing away from the substrate, a protective covering over the platinum component, the protective covering comprising one or more layers, at least on of which is an oxygen getter material, a lower surface in physical contact with the second surface of the platinum component, and an upper surface; and a method for forming such a sensor. The protective covering with oxygen getter material protects the platinum component against oxygen dissolution therein, thereby reducing sensor drift. |
| US11287340B2 |
Multi-axis force and torque sensor and robot having the same
A multi-axis force and torque sensor and a robot are provided. The sensor includes a first supporting element, a second supporting element, a deformable component connected between the first supporting element and the second supporting element, and multiple signal pairs. The deformable component is configured to deflect in response to applied external force and torque in multiple directions. Each of the multiple signal pairs includes a magnet and a hall effect detector. The magnet is mounted on one of the first supporting element and the second supporting element, and the hall effect detector is mounted on the other. The hall effect detector is located corresponding to the respective magnet. One or more magnetization directions of the magnets of the signal pairs are different such that the signal pairs are capable of measuring force and torque applied on the first supporting element and the second supporting element in different directions. |
| US11287337B2 |
Reference signal compensation for magnetostrictive sensor
A gap compensated stress sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a stress sensor configured to generate a stress signal representing stress applied to a target based upon measurement of generated magnetic fluxes passing through the target. The system can also include a drive circuit configured to provide a current for generation of the magnetic fluxes, and to measure signals characterizing a gap between the sensor head and the target. The controller can analyze these signals to determine a gap-dependent reference signal that is relatively insensitive to electrical runout. The controller can further adjust the stress signal based upon the gap-dependent reference signal to determine an improved stress signal that has reduced sensitivity to gap changes. |
| US11287336B2 |
Monitoring subsea cables
This applications relates to methods and apparatus monitoring of subsea cables (100), for example subsea power or telecommunication cables, and in particular to determining a burial status for such cables. The method involves interrogating a sensing optical fibre (107) with an interrogator unit (108) to perform distributed fibre optic sensing. The sensing optical fibre (107) is deployed along the path of the subsea cable (100) and may, in some instances, form part of the subsea cable. A frequency spectrum of the respective measurement signal from at least one sensing portion of the sensing fibre (107), which corresponds to pressure variations (ΔP(t)) due to surface water waves (109) to determine a burial status. High frequency components of the pressure variation that are detected in any unburied section (106) are attenuated in buried sections (105). |
| US11287334B1 |
Optomechanical pressure measurement system and method using the vibrational modes of a membrane
An optomechanical pressure-measurement system measures pressure in the range of 10−6 Pa-10−2 Pa by measuring various properties of a vibrational mode of an ultra-thin membrane member. With independent measurements of the thickness and density of the membrane, in addition to the measured vibration mode properties, the system can operate as a primary pressure sensor. The membrane member is mounted on a vibration-isolated mount and is excited by a drive force. A laser beam impinges on the excited membrane, and an optical phase detector detects the amplitude of the oscillations, as well as parameters of the laser beam affected by the membrane vibration. In one embodiment, a mechanical damping is computed based on the amplitude or frequency shift (depending on the pressure range), and the pressure based on the ring-down time of the membrane vibration mode. |
| US11287330B2 |
Low profile surface temperature sensor
A temperature sensing unit is provided, which includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of an object and a mounting member. The mounting member is elastic and is attached to the temperature sensor for securing the temperature sensor around the object, and the temperature sensor in one form defines a first thermocouple ribbon and a second thermocouple ribbon with a very low profile and high temperature capability. |
| US11287328B1 |
Thermocouple protection gauge
A thermocouple (TC) protection gauge may guard TCs from flying debris and fragments in an explosive environment or demanding commercial environments. The gauge may contain multiple co-located TCs. By using the protection gauge, the survivability of the TCs is significantly increased and allows for a longer time frame of data collection. Temperature data is acquired from multiple TCs that are experiencing approximately the same gas temperature and gas velocity. The temperature data may be used to reconstruct the real gas temperature of a dynamic event. Each of the TCs has a different diameter and therefore has a different time resolved temperature trace. The individual temperature traces may be used to extrapolate the real gas temperature using, for example, a reconstruction algorithm. |
| US11287326B2 |
LED thermal characterization and calibration for an optical display
Techniques are disclosed for calibrating display devices, such as head-mounted augmented reality (AR) devices. For each of a set of primary color light sources disposed in a unit, measurement points are obtained including chromaticity and luminance values as a function of temperature of the unit and drive currents of the primary color light sources. The measurement points are converted to an XYZ color space to produce XYZ values. For each of a set of target luminances and a set of discrete temperatures, primary luminances are calculated for each of the set of primary color light sources, and the drive currents and the XYZ values are interpolated or extrapolated for each of the primary luminances to obtain calculated currents. |
| US11287323B2 |
Semiconductor substrate measuring apparatus, semiconductor substrate processing apparatus and semiconductor device manufacturing method using the same
A semiconductor substrate processing apparatus includes a transfer chamber disposed between process chambers performing processing of a semiconductor substrate, a transfer robot disposed inside the transfer chamber to load the semiconductor substrate into the process chamber and unload the semiconductor substrate whose processing has been performed in the process chamber, an optical assembly irradiates irradiation light having multiple wavelengths onto the semiconductor substrate, the optical assembly splitting measurement light reflected from a surface of the semiconductor substrate into first and second measurement light and collecting interference light caused by first reflected light and second reflected light, a light detector detecting the interference light and converting the interference light into an electric signal to produce an interference signal, and a controller extracting spectrum information for each wavelength of the measurement light from the interference signal and calculating distribution information of a film formed on the semiconductor substrate. |
| US11287321B2 |
Predicting and measuring melanopic dose
Melanopic dose rate and dose are calculated in a virtual environment. A computer generated model of an actual or planned building is used as the virtual environment. Indirect and direct spherical irradiances are calculated using convex polyhedra throughout the virtual environment, and each is multiplied by a melanopic conversion factor. The two are added, then adjusted for a human's angular responsivity and age. Building design features or lighting devices may be adjusted to provide a required melanopic dose rate. A camera is used to capture a panoramic image, which is calibrated to tristimulus values, and used with the spectral power distribution of the light sources to derive the melanopic dose rate. |
| US11287317B2 |
Optical measurement device including internal spectral reference
An optical measurement device may include a light source; an emission optic configured to direct a first portion of light generated by the light source to a measurement target; a collection optic configured to receive light from the measurement target; an optical conduit configured to direct a second portion of light generated by the light source to a spectral reference; the spectral reference; a sensor; and a filter. A first portion of the filter may be provided between the collection optic and a first portion of the sensor. A second portion of the filter may be provided between the spectral reference and a second portion of the sensor. |
| US11287316B2 |
Circuit to improve sensing efficiency of pixels
There is provided a circuit to improve the sensing efficiency of pixels that uses the induction effect of a capacitor to duplicate a voltage deviation caused by additional electrons and uses a circuit to cancel out the voltage deviation during reading pixel data thereby improving the sensing efficiency. |
| US11287314B1 |
Method for evaluating artificial lighting of a surface
Described herein is a method of evaluating artificial lighting of a surface. The method may comprise measuring a first lumen output at a first location on the surface at a first altitude. The method may further comprise photographing the surface from a second altitude to obtain an aerial photograph of the surface comprising a plurality of pixels, each pixel of the plurality of pixels having a second lumen output, and performing an altitude adjustment on the second lumen output to obtain a third lumen output. The method may comprise dividing the aerial photograph into a plurality of zones, each zone corresponding to a section of the surface. The method may further comprise establishing a user-defined threshold lumen output for each zone of the plurality of zones, and identifying a percentage of the total number of pixels in each zone which meets or exceeds the user-defined threshold lumen output. |
| US11287313B2 |
Detecting compositions and method of using same
The disclosure provides a detecting composition or layer; a film, a device, a tape and a detecting system having the detecting layer; and methods of use thereof. |
| US11287304B2 |
Truck scale management system and method
A truck scale management system comprising a server including a processor and a memory having executable instructions stored thereon that when executed by the processor cause the processor to connect to a truck scale system through a communication interface via a virtual scale, the virtual scale comprising a data connection to a physical truck scale in the truck scale system and including attributes of the physical truck scale, retrieve a given virtual kiosk associated with the virtual scale from a database, the given virtual kiosk communicatively accessible from a client device and including one or more customizable functionalities and workflows that interact with the truck scale system, and facilitate communication between the client device and the truck scale system via the given virtual kiosk. |
| US11287302B2 |
Method and device for measuring volume of contents of a vessel or pipe using circuit oscillator
A circuit is set up for a container or vessel (10) as shown in FIG. 1, which has a microphone (20), a speaker (30), a frequency control device (40) volume control device (50), an amplifier (60), a frequency reader (70) and a spectrum analyzer (80). The oscillation in the circuit is created by applying power to the amplifier (60) which creates an initial fixed standing wave that does not move. Adjusting or changing components, invokes a new behavior of the circuit which is parasitic in nature and reading of oscillating frequency on the frequency reader (70) determines the change of conditions inside the vessel or container. The method is non-intrusive, and the method of this invention can also be used for measurement of miniscule quantities in microns or micro liters such as that of biofilm or algal growth. |
| US11287301B2 |
Container disturbance filtering for capacitive liquid level sensing
An apparatus for filtering touches and disturbances of a container comprises a processing unit (PU) and computer-readable storage devices storing machine instructions. The PU obtains and sums together sensor values for a first sampling time from electrodes affixed to the container. The PU determines a difference between the sum for the first sampling time and a sum for a second sampling time, which is compared to a threshold representative of a change in capacitance due to a touch on the container. The PU determines whether the touch on the container has occurred at the first sampling time based on the comparison. If a touch occurred, the PU continues to obtain additional sensor values for additional sampling times and determine whether a touch on the container has occurred at the additional sampling times, until determining no touch occurred. The PU determines liquid level for the container after determining no touch occurred. |
| US11287299B2 |
Multi-material transducer enclosure
Techniques are disclosed for configuring a bi-material enclosure for an acoustic sensor assembly, such as for use in a water or gas metering applications, or other applications using piezo and/or transducer devices. A plastic housing with mechanical reinforcements (e.g., 40% glass fiber) provides the advantage of strength and resistance to a high-pressure environment encountered during use. Use of a plastic sleeve having less or no reinforcements provides more consistent signal reception and data generation between different transducer assemblies under the same or similar conditions. Accordingly, the bi-material transducer enclosure provides a high resistance to pressure and/or high reproducibility of signal-transmission characteristics between transducer assemblies. |
| US11287294B2 |
Field device, method of diagnosing field device and diagnostic apparatus
In order to improve the adaptability of diagnosis of an operating state of a field device, a field device 10 according to the present disclosure has a diagnoser 17 configured to diagnose an operating state of the field device 10 by hierarchically implementing a plurality of diagnostic processes. The diagnoser 17 can select whether to enable or disable a diagnostic result of at least one diagnostic process of a plurality of diagnostic processes in a diagnostic process after the one diagnostic process. |
| US11287284B1 |
Methods and systems for calibrating sensors using road map data
Example methods and systems for calibrating sensors using road map data are provided. An autonomous vehicle may use various vehicle sensors to assist in navigation. Within examples, the autonomous vehicle may calibrate vehicle sensors through performing a comparison or analysis between information about the environment received by sensors with similar information provided by map data (e.g., a road map). The autonomous vehicle may compare object locations as provided by the sensors and as shown by map data. Based on the comparison, the autonomous vehicle may adjust various sensors to accurately reflect the information as provided by the road map. In some instances, the autonomous vehicle may adjust the position, height, orientation, direction-of-focus, scaling, or other parameters of a sensor based on the information provided by a road map. |
| US11287281B2 |
Analysis of localization errors in a mobile object
The invention relates to a method for analyzing localization errors, wherein the method includes the steps of obtaining relative positions and absolute positions of an object moving within a mapped environment, which are generated sequentially over time, calculating differences between the relative positions and absolute positions to determine sequential localization errors, and decomposing the localization errors into a systematic error that is dependent on the orientation of the object and into a systematic error that is independent on the orientation of the object by analyzing the intrinsic dynamics of the localization errors. |
| US11287280B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a recommended vehicle parking or stopping location based on a next destination
An approach is provided for recommending a vehicle parking or stopping location at a current destination based on a next destination. The approach, for example, involves determining the next destination that follows the current destination. The approach also involves processing map data representing a road network within a proximity threshold of the current destination to determine the recommended parking or stopping location based on minimizing a travel time, a travel distance, or a combination thereof between the recommended parking or stopping location and the next destination. |
| US11287274B1 |
Systems and methods to improve memory management for route optimization algorithms
Technologies are provided for memory management for route optimization algorithms. An example method can include determining a cost surface of a route-based project associated with an area, the cost surface including nodes comprising costs associated with respective locations within the area; determining whether a cache has data of each neighbor of a current node being processed to determine a least-cost path from a start node to an end node; obtaining, from the memory cache, the data of each neighbor; for each particular neighbor that is not a boundary node in the cost surface, determining a projected cost of the particular neighbor based on an accumulated cost of the particular neighbor and an additional cost estimated based on a distance between the particular neighbor and the end node; and based on the projected cost of each particular neighbor, determining the least-cost path from the start node to the end node. |
| US11287263B2 |
Position capturing system and position capturing method
A position capturing system (1) includes a vehicle (5) provided with a measuring unit (2) which magnetically detects a magnetic marker (10) laid in a road and determines a polarity thereof and a GPS unit (35) which measures a position; a database (34) having stored therein a laying position of each of magnetic markers (10) linked with polarity information of the magnetic marker (10); and a position capturing unit (32) which executes processes for capturing the position of the vehicle (5) by selecting corresponding laying position from the database (34) when any of the magnetic markers (10) is detected; and when any of the magnetic markers (10) is detected, selects the laying position located in a specified area with reference to a measured position by the GPS unit (35) and linked with polarity information which complies with the polarity of the detected magnetic marker (10). |
| US11287261B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling unmanned aerial vehicle
A method for controlling a movable object is described. The method may include controlling the movable object to move with a variable speed along one or more directions; collecting sensing data from one or more sensors onboard the movable object during the movement along the one or more directions, wherein the one or more sensors do not include a magnetic sensor; and determining a correspondence between a local coordinate system and a global coordinate system based on the sensing data. |
| US11287260B2 |
Vibrator device
A vibrator device includes: a vibrator element that includes a vibrator substrate including a vibrating arm, and an electrode arranged in the vibrator substrate; a base; a support substrate that includes a base mount fixed to the base, an element support that supports the vibrator element, and a beam that connects between the base mount and the element support, and supports the vibrator element relative to the base; a wiring pattern that is arranged in the support substrate, and is electrically connected to the vibrator element; and a buffer member that is arranged on the wiring pattern of the support substrate, and whose hardness is lower than that of the support substrate. Also the buffer member is arranged on a face of the support substrate, that opposes the vibrator element, and overlaps the vibrating arm in a plan view of the support substrate. |
| US11287255B2 |
Sensing systems for agricultural implements and related methods
Sensing systems for agricultural equipment and related methods may be configured for detecting the operating state of rotating elements in agricultural implements. The sensing systems for an agricultural implement may include a rotating element and a monitoring center equipped with an alert mechanism. The sensing systems may include an inertial sensor, a microprocessor, a communication element, and a power supply. The sensing system may be a single element fixed directly to the rotating element. |
| US11287254B2 |
Localized deformation sensor
A sensing system is embedded into a fabric or material that conforms to a portion of a user's body. The fabric or material has transmitting antennas and receiving antennas placed thereon. Movement of the fabric or material with the transmitting and receiving antennas placed thereon are able to measure the changes in the signals received by the receiving antennas. Measurement of the changes are used to determine movement of and position of parts of the body within and/or distal to the fabric or material by determining localized pressure deformation to reconstruct volumetric changes. |
| US11287253B2 |
Device and method applicable for measuring ultrathin thickness of film on substrate
The present disclosure relates to a device and a method for measuring a thickness of an ultrathin film on a solid substrate. The thickness of the target ultrathin film is measured from the intensity of the fluorescence converted by the substrate and leaking and tunneling through the target ultrathin film at low detection angle. The fluorescence generated from the substrate has sufficient and stable high intensity, and therefore can provide fluorescence signal strong enough to make the measurement performed rapidly and precisely. The detection angle is small, and therefore the noise ratio is low, and efficiency of thickness measurement according to the method disclosed herein is high. The thickness measurement method can be applied into In-line product measurement without using standard sample, and therefore the thickness of the product can be measured rapidly and efficiently. |
| US11287252B2 |
Magnetic position sensors, systems and methods
Magnetic position sensors, systems and methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a position sensing system includes a magnetic field source; and a sensor module spaced apart from the magnetic field source, at least one of the magnetic field source or the sensor module configured to move relative to the other along a path, the sensor module configured to determine a position of the magnetic field source relative to the sensor module from a nonlinear function of a ratio of a first component of a magnetic field of the magnetic field source to a second component of the magnetic field of the magnetic field source. |
| US11287250B2 |
Grading tool for measuring a rocker arm and rocker arm grading system
A rocker arm grading system can comprise a grading tool. The grading tool can be used with a rocker arm to measure aspects of the rocker arm and determine a resulting valve lift. The grading tool can comprise a rocker arm jig comprising a pivot peg and a valve peg. A cam jig can comprise a cam arm. A cam pin can be mounted in the cam arm. A rocker arm can be removably mounted to the rocker arm jig. The rocker arm can comprise a radius on a bearing surface. A cam edge of the cam pin can press against the bearing surface. At least one measuring device comprising a wavelength emitting device paired with a wavelength detecting device can be configured to measure the radius of the bearing surface with respect to the pivot peg. |
| US11287244B1 |
Regularized shearograms for phase resolved shearography
A shearography a system and method for regularizing phase resolved shearograms with an arctan regularization function to produce regularized phase resolved shearogram outputs is provided. The system and method of the present disclosure optimizes the processing of phase resolved shearography allowing interference fringe analysis techniques to be applied to the regularized phase resolved shearogram output results of the processing. |
| US11287242B2 |
Cyclic error measurements and calibration procedures in interferometers
An interferometer system, including a heterodyne interferometer and a processing system. The heterodyne interferometer is arranged to provide a reference signal and a measurement signal. The reference signal has a reference phase. The measurement signal has a measurement phase and an amplitude. The processing system is arranged to determine a cyclic error of the heterodyne interferometer based on the reference phase, the measurement phase and the amplitude. |
| US11287237B1 |
Electronic setback detection method for 40 mm munitions
In a projectile launch environment, a fuzing safety device independently generates its own voltage upon setback which then is then used to arm the projectile. The arming is done independently of any on board battery rise time, and setback scenarios are detected free of false impacts such as dropping or jostling. The fuzing safety device includes a piezoelectric sensor for detecting motion in the projectile. |
| US11287235B2 |
Enhanced polymer marking projectile for nonlethal cartridge
Nonlethal cartridges adapted to be chambered in a firearm having a barrel that includes rifling are provided. In one example, the cartridge includes a cartridge case and a sabot that is telescopically coupled to the cartridge case and that has a sabot mouth. A projectile includes a polymer base projectile portion disposed in the sabot mouth. A polymer front shell projectile portion is coupled to the polymer base projectile portion and has an outer surface that includes a circular locking rib feature that forms an interference fit with the sabot mouth. The polymer base projectile portion is configured to engage the rifling of the barrel to impart spin stabilization to the nonlethal projectile when propelled from the sabot in response to the expansion of a propellant gas. |
| US11287234B1 |
Cook-off mitigation systems
The disclosed embodiments are directed to enhancing insensitive munitions performance. Some of the embodiments employ an outgassing pad having unique geometrical configurations, compositions, and positioning. Other embodiments rely on using thermally-releasable components to foster billet expulsion. Additional embodiments combine both aspects into entire cook-off mitigation systems for insensitive munitions improvements. |
| US11287232B2 |
Additively manufactured self-destructive delay device
The system and method for an additively manufactured self-destructive delay device is a bellow/lattice structure or other form. The device may be installed as a replacement to a previous device, where the device yields under the deployment force at a specific rate to match the time-displacement curve established by a previous hydraulic delay device. The delay device has a virtually unlimited lifespan, is cheap to manufacture, and can be adaptable to other loads and conditions for use in or on other platforms. This solution can be applied anywhere where mechanical delay devices are needed within systems. Some examples include wing/fin deployment mechanisms, safety crumple zones, or devices that act as shear pins. |
| US11287230B1 |
Less-than-lethal kinetic impact round
A less-than-lethal kinetic impact projectile and an associated less-than-lethal ammunition round are provided. The projectile has a typically self-supporting, sealed cylindrical elastomeric bag with a particulate load therein and with a deformable hemispherical hollow nose cap forwardly attached to a front of the cylindrical elastomeric bag. The round has a cylindrical casing with an ignitable propellant powder charge disposed therein, and the projectile nested within the casing forwardly of the propellant powder charge. In operation, the polymer material of the cylindrical elastomeric bag with deformable hollow nose cap is such that the projectile will expand in diameter but remain intact when impacting against a soft or semi-soft target (e.g., the body of a human being or animal), but will tend to fragment, disintegrate, or open up at the back, upon impact with a hard or semi hard target (e.g., against concrete or wood). |
| US11287229B1 |
Process for preparing foam celluloid parts
The present invention is directed to a process for making combustible foam celluloid munition parts having high aspect ratios, different densities or having an insert embedded into the foam celluloid munition part. The process for making such foam celluloid munition part requires pre-soaking dry particles of celluloid, placing the celluloid particles into a munition part mold, exposing the celluloid particles to high heat and pressure until the celluloid particles expand and fuse into the shape of the mold. Varying the density or the size of the celluloid particles used in the process produces munition parts having different densities. In addition, the placement of inserts into the particles prior to exposure to high heat and pressure produces munition parts having inserts that are useful for identification and tracking of such parts. |
| US11287228B2 |
Initiator unit
An electronic initiator unit for the electrical firing of a charge in an energetic device is described. The unit includes an actuation module comprising electrically in series a first conductor, an electronic actuator, and a second conductor; an engagement module including a first electrical connector conductively connected to the first conductor and defining a first connector contact portion spaced remotely from the first conductor and a second electrical connector conductively connected to the second conductor and defining a second connector contact portion spaced remotely from the second conductor; a shunt module including a first shunt connector defining a first shunt contact portion, a second shunt connector defining a second shunt contact portion, and a conductive shunt connection between the first and second shunt connector spaced remotely from the shunt contact portions; wherein the engagement module and the shunt module are co-operably configured so as to be engageable together such as to effect when so engaged an electrical connection between the first connector contact portion and the first shunt contact portion and between the second connector contact portion and the second shunt contact portion. A system and method for the electrical firing of a charge in a plurality of energetic devices in a controlled manner from a remote location are also described. |
| US11287223B2 |
Mounting and fastening system mounting adapter
A mounting adapter for a mounting and fastening system includes: a radially inward portion including a throughbore having a throughbore axis; an inboard end including an adapter inboard surface extending transversely with respect to the axis, and an inboard counterbore in the adapter inboard surface in communication with the throughbore; an outboard end including an adapter outboard surface extending transversely with respect to the axis; and a radially outward portion having a tapered outward surface that tapers in an axially inboard and radially inward direction. |
| US11287212B2 |
Recoil pad with survival module kit
A recoil pad with survival module kit provides rifle recoil absorption and also provides peace of mind to a hunter as a means of carrying essential survival components in a compact form in a way which currently is not provided in the art. In a hunting situation in the wilds, the loss of backpacks or other means of carrying a first aid kit can arise. The most important thing a hunter will try to avoid losing is his or her rifle. Thus, the recoil pad with survival module kit will always be available to the hunter if a crucial scenario should occur as long as the hunter retains the rifle. The survival module kit is compressible within the recoil pad and provides the same recoil absorption as currently available recoil pads along with the added convenience of all of the items contained in the survival module kit. |
| US11287211B2 |
Open-breach firearm action with metallic insert
A multi-piece action for a single-shot firearm. The action comprises an action body, an action liner, and a breech plug. The action body is configured to accept a firearm bolt. The action body is further configured to accept an action liner and hold that action liner in place. The action liner is configured to accept a barrel, preferably through a series of threads. The action liner is open at both ends and is configured to accept a breech plug. |
| US11287209B2 |
Dual stage compound bow
The present disclosure provides for a cam assembly, the cam assembly comprising a shoot cam and a charge cam. The shoot cam is configured to be operatively coupled to the charge cam. The cam assembly is configured to store a potential energy in response to a draw of a drawstring. |
| US11287206B2 |
Automatic action assembly of a firearm
An automatic action assembly of a firearm, comprising a barrel (2) with a sliding cartridge chamber (1) arranged in a sliding way between the front and rear dead center. The movement of the sliding chamber (1) is delimited by at least one first stop (3) on the sliding chamber (1) and a corresponding at least one second stop (4) connected to the barrel (2). Between the first stop (3) and second stop (4), there is a play (A). In the rear part of the sliding chamber (1), a breech block (5) is lockably connected at the end of which a breech block (5) carrier (6) is to mounted in a sliding way. The breech block (5) carrier (6) is pushed by a return spring (7) towards the barrel (2). The breech block (5) is fitted with an unlocking mechanism for delayed disconnection of the breech block (5) from the sliding chamber (1). |
| US11287201B1 |
Adjustable firearm gas block
An adjustable gas block may include an ingress port to receive gas expelled from a gas port located on a firearm barrel, and a front end to receive a gas metering screw, wherein the gas metering screw is drivable into a threaded hole in the front end to at least partially cover the ingress port with an end of the gas metering screw to restrict a flow of the gas, according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, a columnar sidewall of the head of the gas metering screw may include a circumferential marking alignable with an alignment feature of the front end of the adjustable firearm gas block to set a predefined gas flow restriction. In some embodiments, the adjustable gas block may include a columnar projection with a section alignable with an individual one of the indentations or bumps to preserve a rotational position of the gas metering screw. |
| US11287187B2 |
Methods and systems for drying softgels with hydrophilic fills
Provided herein are systems, methods, and processes for drying a softgel having a hydrophilic fill material and one or more active ingredients. After forming the hydrophilic softgel, for example, the softgel is dried by sequentially passing the softgel through a series of specific drying conditions, in which the first drying condition has a low temperature and low dew point. In certain examples, controlled airflow is also used to dry the softgels. By using the systems, methods, and processes, the total time to dry the hydrophilic softgel can be beneficially reduced from several days to about 24 hours without causing shriveling of the softgel. |
| US11287173B2 |
Low energy evaporator defrost
A refrigerator is provided that includes a low energy defrost system and method for melting frost formed on an evaporator of a cooling system for the refrigerator. The low energy defrost system includes using air from the refrigerator compartment or external air adjacent the refrigerator to be directed to the evaporator and passed adjacent the evaporator coils to melt any frost formed thereon. As the air is above freezing temperature, it will melt any frost formed on the coils without the need of use an electrical heater. Re-cooled air from the melted frost may then be directed back into the refrigerator compartment to be used to aid in cooling the refrigerator compartment or keeping the refrigerator compartment at the programmed or predetermined temperature. |
| US11287172B2 |
Freezer dehumidification system
An augmented heat transfer system can be used to control the humidity of adjacent conditioned spaces by selectively absorbing latent heat energy from a relatively warm space, such as a loading dock, and discharging this energy in the form of sensible heat to an adjacent relatively cold space, such as a freezer served by the loading dock. This transfer of sensible heat energy into the cold space induces a vapor compression system to remove sufficient moisture from the cold space to avoid uncontrolled precipitation. At the same time, the process of removing moisture/latent heat from the warm space can also be used to reduce humidity in the warm space via condensation on a cold evaporator. Therefore, in operations where the warm space and the cold space are both nominally sealed from ambient air, such as an indoor loading dock serving a freezer, the augmented heat transfer system can eliminate uncontrolled precipitation in the freezer while also mitigating moisture ingress to the freezer from the dock space. |
| US11287171B1 |
Heat switches for controlling a flow of heat between thermal stages of a cryostat
Heat switches are presented herein for controlling a flow of heat between thermal stages of a cryostat. In one aspect, a heat switch for a cryostat includes a thermal linkage configured to simultaneously contact a first thermal stage and a second thermal stage of the cryostat and define a thermal pathway therebetween. The thermal linkage includes a superconducting element disposed along a portion of the thermal pathway that is capable of transitioning between a superconducting state and a non-superconducting state. A thermal conductivity of the superconducting state is lower than a thermal conductivity of the non-superconducting state. Other types of heat switches are presented, including methods for controlling a flow of heat between thermal stages of a cryostat. |
| US11287170B2 |
Method and control system for a refrigeration system and refrigeration appliance including compressor associated with suction line and refrigerated compartment
A control method for a refrigeration system (10), with the refrigeration system (10) including at least one compressor (1) associated with at least one pair of suction lines (L2, L3, . . . LN), with each of the suction lines (L2, L3, . . . LN) respectively associated with at least one refrigerated environment (C1, C2, . . . CN). The method includes generating a system equivalent (Seq) to the refrigeration system, with the equivalent system (Seq) comprising at least one control parameter (PC1, PC2, . . . PCN) associated with each of the refrigerated environments (C1, C2, . . . CN). A control system for a refrigeration system and a refrigeration appliance are also described. |
| US11287168B2 |
Cooling system with vertical alignment
A cooling system uses P-traps to address the oil return issues that result from a vertical separation between the compressor and the high side heat exchanger. Generally, the vertical piping that carries the refrigerant from the compressor to the high side heat exchanger includes P-traps installed at various heights to capture oil in the refrigerant and to prevent that oil from flowing back to the compressor. T-connections are coupled to the P-traps to allow the oil to drain out of the P-traps. The oil may then be collected and returned to the compressor. |
| US11287167B2 |
Electronic expansion valve and assembly method therefor
An electronic expansion valve and an assembly method therefor. The electronic expansion valve includes a screw rod component, a movable connection component, a valve pin component and an elastic element. One end of the elastic element abuts the movable connection component, and the other end thereof abuts the valve pin component. In the period from the valve pin component closing the valve port part to the screw rod component moving a pre-set displacement amount in the valve closing direction, the elastic element does not generate an elastic force pushing the valve pin component towards the valve port part; and in the period from the valve pin component closing the valve port part to in a case that the screw rod component moving more than the pre-set displacement amount in the valve closing direction, the elastic element generates an elastic force pushing the valve pin component towards the valve port part. |
| US11287161B2 |
Heating system component providing a compact temperature sensor design
The invention relates to a heating system component for a heating system for heating a fluid medium, with a carrier unit, and a heating unit coupled to said carrier unit, wherein said carrier unit comprises a wet side and a dry side, wherein said wet side corresponds to a surface of said carrier unit configured to be in contact with said fluid medium, wherein said dry side is located on a surface opposite to said wet side; and wherein said heating unit is recessed in a groove provided on said dry side of the carrier unit. A temperature sensor, in particular an NTC thermistor, positioned to measure a temperature of a fluid medium at the wet side of the carrier unit, wherein the temperature sensor is effectively thermally insulated from the heating unit. |
| US11287159B2 |
Methods systems and devices for controlling temperature and humidity using excess energy from a combined heat and power system
A combined heat and power system generates energy and efficiently captures a percentage of such energy that would otherwise be lost to, among other things, control the temperature and humidity of a house or dwelling. |
| US11287152B2 |
Hydronic building systems control
Controlling heating and cooling in a conditioned space utilizes a fluid circulating in a thermally conductive structure in fluid connection with a hydronic-to-air heat exchanger and a ground heat exchanger. Air is moved past the hydronic-to-air heat exchanger, the air having fresh air supply and stale air exhaust. Sensors located throughout the conditioned space send data to a controller. User input to the controller sets the desired set point temperature and humidity. Based upon the set point temperature and humidity and sensor data, the controller sends signals to various devices to manipulate the flow of the fluid and the air in order to achieve the desired set point temperature and humidity in the conditioned space. The temperature of the fluid is kept less than the dew point at the hydronic-to-air heat exchanger and the temperature of the fluid is kept greater than the dew point at the thermally conductive structure. |
| US11287151B2 |
Method and apparatus for thermally preconditioning a meeting space
An example method for thermally preconditioning a meeting space includes determining that a meeting is electronically scheduled for a meeting space for a plurality of attendees. A thermal preconditioning setpoint for the meeting space is determined based on individual thermal preferences of the plurality of attendees, and a historical setpoint of the meeting space. A time required to achieve the thermal preconditioning setpoint is determined based on the thermal preconditioning setpoint and a temperature of the meeting space before the scheduled meeting. Thermal preconditioning of the meeting space is initiated based on the determined thermal preconditioning setpoint and the determined time. |
| US11287148B2 |
Air conditioner, control strategy of the air conditioner, and air conditioning system
The present disclosure provides an air conditioner, a control strategy of the air conditioner and an air conditioning system. The air conditioner includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a phase-change thermal-storage heat exchanger, a throttling device and a box. The throttling device is provided between the first heat exchanger and the phase-change thermal-storage heat exchanger. One of the first heat exchanger and phase-change thermal-storage heat exchanger functions as an evaporator and the other functions as a condenser. The box includes an air supply port and an air return port. The compressor, the first heat exchanger, the phase-change thermal-storage heat exchanger and the throttling device are mounted in the box, thereby facilitating installation of the air conditioner. |
| US11287144B2 |
Water heaters with real-time hot water supply determination
A water heating system can include a water heater having a tank, and a first temperature sensor disposed toward a top end of the tank to measure a first temperature and a second temperature sensor disposed toward a bottom end of the tank to measure a second temperature. The water heating system can further include a controller communicably coupled to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, where the controller determines an amount of heated water in the tank based on a plurality of algorithms and measurements made by the first and second temperature sensors. The plurality of algorithms solves for at least one calculated temperature for at least one point between a first location of the first temperature sensor and a second location of the second temperature sensor, where the at least one calculated temperature is used to determine the amount of heated water in the tank. |
| US11287140B2 |
Cooking appliance with an imaging device
A cooking appliance can include a cooking chamber and an imaging device for capturing an image of a food item inside the chamber. The appliance can include a transparent, touchscreen display for displaying the interior contents of the cooking appliance to a user without requiring the user to open the cooking appliance, as well as providing for the user controlling, operating, and interacting with the cooking appliance. |
| US11287134B2 |
Combustor with dual pressure premixing nozzles
A combustor may include a combustor liner and flow sleeve. A high pressure air cools an outer surface of the combustor liner via openings in the flow sleeve, creating a lower pressure air in an annulus between the combustor liner and the flow sleeve. A first fuel nozzle is positioned at a primary combustion zone, and a second fuel nozzle is positioned at a secondary combustion zone of the liner. A fuel source is configured to deliver a fuel to the fuel nozzles. The fuel nozzles produce a premixture of high pressure air and the fuel, and produce a mixture of the premixture and the lower pressure air, prior to introducing the mixture to a respective primary or secondary combustion zone of the combustor. The combustor provides improved fuel premixing and is fuel flexible, and reduces pressure drop requirements. The combustor is usable in a can, annular, or segmented annular combustor assembly. |
| US11287133B2 |
Axially staged rich quench lean combustion system
A combustion system and a method of combustion for a gas turbine engine includes a combustor liner defining a combustion chamber. A plurality of fuel nozzle sets extend into, and supply fuel flow to, the combustion chamber. A pilot fuel nozzle injects a first fuel spray in a tangential direction relative to the combustion liner and toward the upstream end of the combustion chamber. A main fuel nozzle injects a second fuel spray toward the exit end of the combustion chamber. At ignition conditions, a majority of the fuel flow is injected through the pilot fuel nozzles, and at high power conditions a majority of the fuel flow is injected through the main fuel nozzles. At high power conditions, a fuel rich mixture is supplied to the combustion chamber, and a row of quench jets are configured to supply air to the combustion chamber, providing rich-quench-lean combustion. |
| US11287132B2 |
Quench aperture body for a turbine engine combustor
An assembly for a turbine engine includes a combustor wall. The combustor wall includes a shell, a heat shield and an annular land. The heat shield is attached to the shell. The land extends vertically between the shell and the heat shield. The land extends laterally between a land outer surface and an inner surface, which at least partially defines a quench aperture in the combustor wall. A lateral distance between the land outer surface and the inner surface varies around the quench aperture. |
| US11287122B1 |
Light assembly connector for insertion into both straight and curved lighting tracks
A lighting assembly connector is configured for being inserted into a lighting track. The lighting assembly connector includes a casing having a width defining a lateral direction and a length defining longitudinal direction. The length is greater than or equal to the width. The casing is definable as including three sections each defining one-third of the length. The three sections include a middle section, a first end section including a first longitudinal end of the casing and a second end section including a second longitudinal end of the casing. The middle section has a greater average width than each of the first end section and the second end section. The lighting assembly connector also includes a plurality of electrical contacts extending out of the casing each configured for contacting a respective line of the lighting track; and at least one fastener connected to the casing configured for removably connecting the lighting assembly connector to the lighting track. |
| US11287121B1 |
Flashlight assembly with internal sealed subframe
The flashlight assembly includes a light source, a power source, a switch assembly for electrically coupling the light source to the power source, a subframe defining an interior volume configured to receive the power source, and a body enclosing the subframe. The subframe includes an opening and a seal to close the opening and render it fluid-impermeable. |
| US11287115B2 |
Illuminated sign having an electrical cable with a vertical structure
The present invention relates to a lighting fixture having a plurality of light sources positioned at the front of a support plate. The light sources each having at least a first and a second electrical terminal. The support plate includes an upper conductive layer and a lower conductive layer. The upper and lower layers are electrically insulated from one another by an intermediate insulating layer, and in that, for each light source, the first and the second electrical terminals are electrically connected respectively to the upper and lower layer, or conversely. |
| US11287105B2 |
Light emitting module and planar light source
A light emitting module includes: a light guide member including: an emission region defined by a sectioning groove, a light source placement part located in the emission region, and a light adjusting hole that, in a schematic top view, is located between the sectioning groove and the light source placement part; and a light source disposed in the light source placement part. A refractive index of an inside of the light adjusting hole is lower than a refractive index of the light guide member. In the schematic top view, the light adjusting hole is positioned to intersect with a first straight line connecting a center of the light source and a farthest point in the sectioning groove, the farthest point being farthest from the center of the light source. |
| US11287102B2 |
Heat source for vehicle illumination assembly and method
A heater is provided for a vehicle illumination assembly. The heater includes a heat transfer body, a heat source, and a mounting base. The heat transfer body has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface has a higher emissivity than the bottom surface. The heat source is affixed in heat transfer relation with the heat transfer body. The mounting base is configured to affix the heat transfer body within a housing of a vehicle illumination assembly to provide the top surface of the heat transfer body in radiant heat transfer relation with a light transmissible portion of the vehicle illumination assembly. A method is also provided. |
| US11287100B2 |
Light system including a static bending light
A light system comprising: (a) a plurality of light sources configured to be located on a vehicle and project light outboard of a width of a vehicle; (b) one or more reflectors that are angled in a first direction relative to the plurality of light sources; and (c) one or more static bending light reflectors that are angled in a second direction relative to the plurality of light sources and the one or more reflectors. |
| US11287098B2 |
Headlight lens for a vehicle headlight
The invention relates to a headlamp lens for a vehicle headlamp, wherein the headlamp lens comprises a precision-molded body made of a transparent material, wherein the body comprises at least one light tunnel (108) and a light-conducting part (109) with at least one optically active light exit surface (102). The light tunnel (108) comprises at least one light entry surface (101) and merges with a bend (107) in the light-conducting part to depict the sharp bend as a light/dark boundary by means of light coupled or radiated into the light entry surface. The surface of the light tunnel (108) is at least partially convexly curved in the region of the bend (107). |
| US11287094B2 |
Aurora and night sky light projector
The light projector includes a housing and an upper cover which form a containing cavity; a light-emitting component, a laser lamp component, a main control board, a speaker and a cavity bracket are all arranged within the cavity. The cavity bracket is provided with a motor fixing groove and a limiting wall, the light-emitting component is arranged in the limiting wall, a motor is placed on the motor fixing groove and is fixed through a fixing lug, a refracting surface of an optical lens is formed by a plurality of curved striped prisms. An aurora sheet is rotated by the drive component, light from the light emitting lamp shining through the aurora sheet and projected by the refracting surface of the optical lens to form a dynamic aurora pattern. The laser lamp component is configured to project an illumination pattern simulating. |
| US11287077B2 |
CIPP liner reel system
A CIPP liner reel system for managing the utilization and deployment of CIPP liners. The CIPP liner reel system generally includes a frame connected to a reel and drive unit. The drive unit is connected to the reel to control the rotation of its core. This core contains an opening that provides access to a connector unit within the core. This connector unit can be used to connect the reel to the end of a CIPP liner using a strap. Rotation of the core causes CIPP liner to wind on to or unwind from the reel. The reel may also contain a left guide member and a right guide member to assist in controlling the process of winding and unwinding the CIPP liner. The frame may also include a tractor connector that enables the CIPP liner reel system to be coupled to and transported by a tractor without affecting its operation. |
| US11287071B2 |
Quick connect device for connecting tubular members
A quick connection device for fluidly connecting tubular members is provided. In one example aspect, the connection device includes a housing defining a pass-through opening. Locking rings having a plurality of locking pins are disposed within the pass-through opening and are operable to engage tubular members received therein. The housing includes opposing connection ends each having threaded portions. Collets each having a sleeve can be threadingly engaged with the connection ends of the housing via the threaded portions. The collets can be threaded onto the connection ends such that their sleeves engage the locking pins of the locking rings. The engagement of the sleeves with the locking pins causes the locking pins to deflect, which allows the tubular members to be inserted/removed into or from the pass-through opening without need for a user to apply a continuous force on the locking ring and without scratching the tubular members. |
| US11287066B2 |
Extensible flexible hose, and method and production line for continuously manufacturing thereof
A hose that includes an inner layer and an outer layer made of an elastic polymeric material, and a textile reinforcement layer interposed between the inner and the outer layers. The inner layer and the outer layer are reciprocally coupled to form a unitary tubular member, within which the textile reinforcement layer is embedded. The unitary tubular member has an elasticity such to automatically elongate under the working pressure given by the liquid flowing therethrough to increase its original length and to automatically recover once the working pressure stops. The textile reinforcement layer is adapted to move from a rest configuration when the working pressure stops to a working configuration when the unitary tubular member elongates under the working pressure, and vice versa. |
| US11287062B2 |
Interconnection of subsea pipelines and structures
There is provided a method of interconnecting a conduit and a plurality of subsea structures. The method comprises providing a first manifold header in-line of the conduit, where the first manifold header has at least one valve installed therein, A portion of the conduit is lowered to the sea bed such that the first manifold header is engaged with a first subsea structure, and a further portion of the conduit is lowered to the sea bed. A second manifold header, having at least one valve installed therein, is provided in-line of the conduit and engaged with a second subsea structure. The length of conduit provided on the sea bed between the first subsea structure and the second subsea structure is significantly greater than the distance between the first and second subsea structures. |
| US11287055B2 |
Executive system for driving a valve to open and close
The present invention discloses an executive system for driving a valve to open and close, comprising a first housing, a linkage block, a first drive rod and a drive mechanism. Wherein, the first housing has a first inner cavity; a medium channel is provided in a side wall of the first housing; an outer peripheral wall of the linkage block is arranged on a wall of the first inner cavity in a slidable and sealed manner, and the linkage block partitions the first inner cavity into an upper cavity and a lower cavity; the medium channel is communicated with the upper cavity; a bottom part of the first drive rod sequentially passes through a top part of the first housing and the linkage block and extends into the lower cavity; a position-limiting part on the bottom part of the first drive rod blocks the linkage block within a region between the position-limiting part and the top part of the first housing; the drive mechanism is provided on top of the first drive rod. The degree of friction between an outer peripheral wall of the linkage block and an inner surface of the first housing is reduced, and the probability of a gap being produced between the peripheral wall of the linkage block and the inner wall of the first housing is reduced, so that the first drive rod can drive the valve stem to move into position, thereby increasing the reliability of the executive system controlling the valve to open and close. |
| US11287052B2 |
Valve arrangement
A valve arrangement having a main valve and having a pilot valve which is provided for controlling the main valve and which is inserted into a pilot valve receptacle in an insertion direction, wherein, through closure of the pilot valve, a pressure is able to be built up within a pressure chamber which is closed off by a diaphragm, whereby a valve seat between a main valve inlet and a main valve outlet is able to be closed off. By opening the pilot valve, it is possible to set a release of pressure within the pressure chamber by water flowing away via an inflow, connected to the pressure chamber, of the pilot valve receptacle and via a pilot valve inlet, adjoining the latter and formed by a main body of the pilot valve. A pilot valve outlet, formed by the main body, and via an outflow, adjoining said pilot valve outlet, into the main valve outlet, opens into the main valve outlet on the outflow side of the diaphragm. The pilot valve inlet and the pilot valve outlet are arranged offset from one another along a longitudinal axis of the pilot valve. |
| US11287051B2 |
Float valve
A float valve for controlling a liquid level includes a valve main body which forms a throughflow duct, a valve narrowing which is formed by the throughflow duct, and a float mounted above the valve narrowing as a valve element. The valve element is freely movable, closes the valve narrowing via its weight, and is lifted from a valve closing position via a liquid. The float has a low center of gravity so that the float always rights itself to a standing position. |
| US11287048B1 |
Flow control valve by bending a pipeline
A flow control valve by bending a pipeline comprises: a motor; a driving device having one end connecting to a spindle of the motor; the spindle of the motor serving to drive the driving device; another end of the driving device being connected to a pipeline connection device for retaining a flexible pipeline; wherein when the motor is actuated, the spindle of the motor drives the driving device so that the driving device moving along a fan shape section to drive the pipeline to bend to be formed as a bending section; as a result, the pipeline is bent to form an angle along the bending section; the bending of the pipeline confines flow rates of the fluid within the pipeline, in an extreme state, it is possible that the flow rate is reduced to zero. |
| US11287047B1 |
Split body, rotary C gate, removeable stem, vacuum valve
A split body, rotary C gate, removeable stem vacuum valve using an input assembly with handle extensions that allow for hand movement of the incoming pipe to access an inner aperture body with a curved sealing face that directly seals to a C shaped gasketless gate that can be rotated into and out of the inner body aperture for easy cleaning. The gasketless gate is held in position using gate axles with an outer axle stem connected to a polygon lower body that mates into a matching polygon aperture on the gasketless gate. The middle valve assembly's gasketless housing body defines upper and lower axle washer pockets for locating the axles for proper operation and simple axle pins for securing the axles in position. |
| US11287041B2 |
Sealing apparatus
To provide a sealing apparatus in which a uniform amount of grease can be applied to an inner circumferential surface of both a main lip and an auxiliary lip in a circumferential direction. A sealing apparatus 10 includes: a main lip 122 which is slidable on a shaft; an auxiliary lip 221 which is provided on a sealed fluid side with respect to the main lip 122 and which is slidable on the shaft; and grease G applied to an inner circumferential surface of both the main lip 122 and the auxiliary lip 221, wherein the sealing apparatus 10 further includes an auxiliary lip-side annular projection 222 which extends from an auxiliary lip 221 side toward a main lip 122 side to a position not in contact with the main lip 122 and which prevents the grease G from entering radially outwardly. |
| US11287031B2 |
Apparatus and method for shift control in vehicle
An apparatus for shift control in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes storage configured to store speed profiles corresponding to respective gears of the vehicle for each of a plurality of downhill slopes, and a controller configured to perform the shift control in the vehicle based on the speed profiles, when the vehicle coasts on a downhill road. |
| US11287030B2 |
Shift device
In a shift device, the placement of magnets relative to sensors can be changed by rotating a ball shaft of a lever. The sensors detect magnetic fields generated by the magnets in order to detect a shift position of the lever. Shields suppress a magnetic field outside the ball shaft from reaching the sensors. The magnets, the sensors, and the shields are disposed on the ball shaft. This enables a reduction in the size of the shift device. |
| US11287029B2 |
Damping mechanism for a shift selector assembly and a shift selector assembly comprising the damping mechanism
The damping mechanism comprising a damping element suitable for absorbing impacts from a movable part of the shift selector assembly. The damping mechanism comprising a and a support member to which the damping element is rotatably mounted. A shift selector assembly is also provided. The assembly includes a fixed part, a moveable part, a damping element, and a support member. The movable part can be moved relative to the fixed part and biased onto a contoured surface. The damping element absorbs impacts from the moveable part of the shift selector. The support member is rotatably mounted to the damping element. |
| US11287027B2 |
Lubrication system for ballscrew actuator
A ballscrew assembly comprises a ballnut having a first helical groove and a ballscrew comprising a second helical groove opposed to the first helical groove so as to form a helical raceway. A plurality of balls is disposed in the helical raceway. A first seal is disposed at a first axial end of the ballnut to seal between the ballscrew and the ballnut. A second seal is provided for selectively sealing between the ballscrew and a second axial end of the ballnut, the second seal comprising a ballscrew seal mounted for axial movement with the ballscrew, and configured to make sealing engagement with the ballnut when the ballscrew is in a first axial position relative to the ballnut to form a chamber between the first and second seals, but not to make sealing engagement with the ballnut when the ballscrew assembly is in a second axial position relative thereto. |
| US11287025B2 |
Cooling units for transmissions
Transmissions and methods therefor are disclosed herein. A transmission includes a housing, an input shaft, and a cooling unit. The input shaft extends outside of the housing and is configured to receive rotational power from a rotational power source. The cooling unit is supported by the input shaft. The cooling unit includes a heat exchanger. |
| US11287023B2 |
Correction mechanism for a function of a movement of a timepiece
A correction mechanism for a function of a movement for a timepiece, notably a display function, including a corrector, and at least one clockwork part, notably a gear wheel, in which the clockwork part can be driven by a movement cooperating with a flexible transmission end of a movement. |
| US11287022B2 |
Differential locking system
A differential locking system that can rotationally lock a shift fork and a sliding clutch assembly to ensure correct engagement of an axle shaft with a sliding clutch assembly during reassembly of an axle shaft. The differential locking system includes a first portion of a push rod is selectively engaged with a portion of the shift fork and a second portion of the push rod is selectively engaged with a portion of a carrier housing. |
| US11287019B2 |
Actuator
There is provided an actuator comprising screw shaft and a nut assembly. The nut assembly comprises a primary nut for transmitting load through the actuator along a primary load path, and a secondary nut for transmitting load through the actuator along a secondary load path. The secondary nut comprises first and second portions movable relative to one another. As load is transmitted through the actuator along the primary load path the secondary nut does not transmit load through the actuator, wherein upon failure of the primary load path the first and second portions move relative to each other, such relative movement causing the first and second portions to engage the screw shaft and enable transmittal of load through the secondary nut of the actuator along the secondary load path. |
| US11287016B2 |
Multi-gear transmission layout
Described is a transmission including an input direction assembly, a first clutching assembly, a second clutching assembly, a first range clutching assembly, a second range clutching assembly and a housing. The input and direction selection assembly includes an input shaft, a first direction selection clutch assembly, a second direction selection clutch assembly and a reversing gear in driving engagement with the second direction selection clutch assembly and the input shaft. The first clutching assembly is selectively drivingly engaged with the input and direction selection assembly and the first range clutching assembly. The second clutching assembly is selectively drivingly engaged with the input and direction selection assembly. The first range clutching assembly is selectively drivingly engaged with the second clutching assembly and the second range clutching assembly. |
| US11287014B2 |
Transmission belt and transmission belt element
An element of a transmission belt includes a pair of rocking edge portions with a convex surface, these are formed on one of a front face and a rear face to extend a part of the rocking edge portion over a pillar portion, and the rocking edge portions are spaced away from each other in a width direction; and a non-contact portion extended along a saddle surface in the width direction between the rocking edge portions, in non-contact with an adjacent element. S/A≥3.5 is satisfied, when a sum of widths of end portions of the rocking edge portions on an outer peripheral side of the transmission belt is set as “A”. A sum of surface areas of parts of the pillar portions on the outer peripheral side of the transmission belt is set as “S”. |
| US11287013B2 |
Electrically conductive belt
A conductive anti-static drive belt includes a first or drive surface having a plurality of tooth formations therein with a land portion formed between each adjacent pair of teeth. The drive surface is provided by a fabric layer having electrically conductive properties. The fabric layer has an interior surface opposite the drive surface. A second surface is provided opposite the drive surface. The second surface is provided by a polymeric body that conforms to and is mated with the interior surface of the fabric layer. At least one tensile reinforcement member is at least partially encased in the polymeric body and extends along the interior surface of the fabric C layer at each land portion throughout a loop formed by the belt. A conductive strand is at least partially encased in the polymeric body and extends along the interior surface of the fabric layer at each land portion. |
| US11287011B2 |
Hydraulic mount
A hydraulic mount includes a core, a first elastomeric member, a second elastomeric member connected to the first elastomeric member, a third elastomeric member connected to the core, a housing including a first housing member connected to the first elastomeric member and a second housing member connected to the second elastomeric member, a first ring, and a second ring connecting the first ring with the third elastomeric member. The first elastomeric member, the second elastomeric member, the third elastomeric member, the first ring, and the second ring may cooperate to provide a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber, fluid path connects the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. |
| US11287010B2 |
Combined air spring system
A combined air spring system includes an upper cover plate, an air bag, an upper end plate and a lower end plate. An outer periphery of the upper cover plate is connected with an outer periphery of the upper end plate through the air bag. A low-position sand clock elastomer is connected between the upper end plate and the lower end plate. A pressing plate is installed at a bottom portion of the upper cover plate, and a high-position elastomer is connected between the upper cover plate and the pressing plate. A limiting table is arranged at a bottom portion of the pressing plate. A limiting groove is formed in a top face of the upper end plate. The limiting table is located in the limiting groove in a deflated state. |
| US11287009B2 |
Rotary damper
A rotary damper has a housing and a damper shaft rotatable in the housing. A damper volume contains magnetorheological fluid for influencing the damping of a damper shaft rotation relative to the housing. A partition wall on the shaft and a partition wall formed on the housing divide the damper volume into two variable chambers. A gap is formed between the partition unit of the housing and the damper shaft, and a gap is formed between the partition unit on the damper shaft and the housing. The magnetic field source includes a controllable electric coil for influencing the strength of the magnetic field and thus the strength of damping. A substantial part of the magnetic field of the magnetic field source passes through at least two of the gaps and influences the two gap sections in dependence on the strength of the magnetic field. |
| US11287008B2 |
Damper
A rotary damper (1) has a first sealing ring (8a) and a first bushing (4a) which are located between a through-hole (23) of a circular cylindrical chamber (21) inside a case (2) and a lower end part (33a) of a rotor body (31) of a rotor (3), and a second sealing ring (8b) and a second bushing (4b) which are located between a through-hole (60) in a lid (6) and an upper end part (33b) of the rotor body (31). The first sealing ring (8a) has an outer peripheral surface (85) having a width in a direction of a center axis of the circular cylindrical chamber (21) and being pressed against an inner peripheral surface (220) of the through-hole (23), and an inner peripheral surface (84) having a width in the direction of the center axis of the circular cylindrical chamber (21) and being pressed against an outer peripheral surface (34) of the lower end part (33a), and the second sealing ring (8b) has an outer peripheral surface (85) having a width in the direction of the center axis of the circular cylindrical chamber (21) and being pressed against an inner peripheral surface (64) of the through-hole 961 (60), and an inner peripheral surface (84) having a width in the direction of the center axis of the circular cylindrical chamber (21) and being pressed against the outer peripheral surface (34) of the upper end part (33b). |
| US11287006B2 |
Emergency air spring assembly
An emergency air spring assembly includes an upper cover plate, an air bag, an upper end plate and a lower end plate. An outer periphery of the upper end plate is connected with an outer periphery of the lower end plate through the air bag. An hourglass elastomer is connected between the upper cover plate and the upper end plate. A plurality of steel springs are arranged between the upper cover plate and the upper end plate in a circumferential direction of the sand clock elastomer in a pressing mode. |
| US11287004B1 |
Graphene-based wet friction material
A resin impregnated wet friction material that serves as the friction lining on either a clutch plate or a brake pad plate is formed as a paper matrix. The composition of the paper matrix contains graphene nanoparticles as an aid for thermal capacity and conductivity. |
| US11287002B1 |
Electric brake actuator
An electric brake actuator includes a housing, a three-stage planetary gear mechanism provided in the housing, the planetary gear mechanism having a first stage, a second stage, and a third stage that are sequentially meshed from one end to the other end of the planetary gear mechanism, and each stage of planetary gear mechanism comprising at least one planet gear, and a planet carrier supporting the planet gear; a motor provided in the housing; and at least one gear connected between the planetary gear mechanism and the motor, the at least one gear being arranged the motor to drive the planetary gear mechanism. The at least one planet gear of the first stage is made of a first material that is different from a second material of which the planet gear of the second stage or the planet gear of the third stage is made. |
| US11287001B2 |
Ventilated braking band, assembly of ventilated brake disc and method of ventilation
A ventilated braking band for brake disc having a first plate and a second plate; the first plate has at least a first inner surface, and the second plate has a second inner surface. The first inner surface defines a first inner surface plane or level (z1-z1) coinciding with said first inner surface, and the said second inner surface defines a second inner surface plane or level (z2-z2) coinciding with the second inner surface. The ventilated braking band has connecting elements which extend in an axial direction between the first inner surface and the second inner surface. The ventilated braking band has at least one bulge. The at least one bulge is partially interpenetrated with: at least one portion of the first foot, thus forming a structural continuity with the first foot, thus avoiding the first inner surface level from being reached; or at least one portion of a second foot, thus forming a structural continuity with the second foot, thus avoiding the second inner surface level from being reached. |
| US11286991B2 |
Wheel bearing seal having an integrated outer seal
A sealing device and a sealing arrangement which creates an improved outer seal in front of the sealing lips, for example, wherein the outer seal can be used in a confined space and affords an enhanced sealing effect for a low coefficient of friction and/or ease of fitting |
| US11286987B2 |
Bearing cage, associated assembly and associated mounting and dismantling methods
The invention relates to a bearing cage for a bearing of the type comprising a first ring having a first bearing race, a second ring having a second bearing race, rolling bodies positioned in an annular rolling volume between the first and the second bearing races in such a way as to enable a relative rotation between the first and second rings around a reference axis of the bearing, the cage comprising cells for housing rolling bodies, the cage being characterised in that it comprises an interface for coupling with a maneuvering member, such that when the maneuvering member is engaged with the coupling interface, the bearing cage is capable of being rotationally driven by the maneuvering member in a predetermined direction with respect to the reference axis. |
| US11286983B2 |
Control device and a method for controlling magnetic levitation and torque generation
An electrical drive includes an electrical machine, a first converter stage connected to terminals of stator phase-windings of the electrical machine, and a second converter stage connected to intermediate points of the stator phase-windings. A control device determines first component currents and second component currents so that torque is generated in accordance with electrical machine control and magnetic levitation force is directed to a rotor of the electrical machine in accordance with levitation control when portions of the phase-windings between the terminals and the intermediate points carry both the first and second component currents and the other portions of the phase-windings carry the first component currents. The reference currents for the first converter stage are determined based on the first and second component currents, and the reference currents for the second converter stage are determined based on the second component currents. |
| US11286980B2 |
Rolling-element bearing transmission
A rolling-element bearing transmission includes a first rolled-on element, at least one second rolled-on element and a third rolled-on element. Each of the rolled-on elements has a raceway configured to support a plurality of rolling elements. A first set of rolling elements is disposed between the first rolled-on element and the at least one second rolled-on element and a second set of rolling elements is disposed between the at least one second and the third rolled-on elements. Each of the rolled-on elements comprises or supports at least one transmission element, and the at least one transmission elements are disposed and configured to form a transmission. |
| US11286979B2 |
Power transmission elements, torque measuring device and freewheel assembly
A load cell for determining a radial force acting on a crankshaft having a receiving sleeve for receiving a bearing ring and a fastening ring for attaching the load cell in a transmission housing. Axial support areas are provided on the fastening ring for axially supporting the outer ring of the first bearing. Moreover, measuring regions for receiving radial forces of the receiving sleeve are provided which connect the receiving sleeve with the fastening ring. Strain sensors are attached to at least two of the measuring regions. |
| US11286977B2 |
Stacked thrust tapered dissimilar series roller bearing
A thrust bearing includes a first axial end washer defining thereon a first race, a second axial end washer defining thereon a second race, a one-piece, radially-inner washer having a first axial end engaged with the first axial end washer and having a second axial end defining thereon a third race, and a one-piece, radially-outer washer having a first axial end defining thereon a fourth race and having a second axial end engaged with the second axial end washer. A first set of tapered rolling elements is supported between the first race and the fourth race and a second set of tapered rolling elements is supported between the second race and the third race. The first and second sets of tapered rolling elements are both axially and radially offset from one another. |
| US11286974B2 |
Suction device for reversible adhesion to a substrate surface
A suction device, in particular a suction cup, suction lifter, or vacuum gripper, for reversible attachment to a substrate surface, comprising a first component, which is used for the actuation of the suction device, and a second component, which can be brought into contact with the substrate surface via the suction cup surface, wherein the first component consists of at least one harder first material and the second component of at least one, in comparison to the first material, softer second material, wherein the second material is an extremely soft material with a Shore 00 hardness less than 50, wherein the thickness of the second component measures, in an unloaded condition, at least 2.5% of an outer diameter or a length or a width of the first component and/or particles and/or fibers, which are harder than the second material, are integrated into at least one second material. |
| US11286967B2 |
Bi-directional clamp
The present disclosure relates generally to a bi-directional clamp system and method of use. More particularly, a bi-directional clamp with two clamp bars and two clamping assemblies are described herein. The clamp assemblies have a plurality of arms freely movable in response to a material load is described herein. |
| US11286966B2 |
Resistance welding apparatus
A welding gun includes: a moving mechanism portion (ball screw mechanism) for moving a movable electrode back and forth; a motor that includes a rotor and drives the moving mechanism portion to move the movable electrode back and forth; and a brake mechanism that prevents rotation of the rotor during a braking operation, wherein the brake mechanism includes an annular brake disc that is attached to an outer peripheral surface of the rotor and rotates integrally with the rotor, and a clamping portion that prevents rotation of the brake disc by clamping the brake disc during the braking operation. |
| US11286964B2 |
Soft actuator and artificial muscle including the same
Provided is a soft actuator. The soft actuator includes a first bistable polymer layer, a second bistable polymer layer on the first bistable polymer layer, a first flexible electrode layer on an upper surface of the second bistable polymer layer, a second flexible electrode layer between the first bistable polymer layer and the second bistable polymer layer, a first light absorption heating layer disposed on the first flexible electrode layer and configured to increase a temperature when light is absorbed, and a first voltage supply unit, wherein the first voltage supply unit is electrically connected to the first flexible electrode layer and the second flexible electrode layer. |
| US11286963B2 |
Fluid control device and connector for fluid control device
The present invention relates to a fluid control device and a connector for the same. The connector includes a first unit and a second unit to form a connector in a particular shape. Thus, the connector and an adjacent connector can be stacked upon each other to allow simple disassembling. The present invention also provides a fluid control device including the connector. |
| US11286959B2 |
Accumulator module for hydromechanical spring-loaded drive
The invention relates to an accumulator module for a hydromechanical spring-loaded drive, wherein the spring-loaded drive is provided to actuate a high-voltage power switch (12), and wherein the accumulator module contains a pressure-tight housing (1), an accumulator piston (2) which protrudes into the housing (1) and is axially moveable in the housing (1), and a sealing cover (4) which seals the housing in an pressure-tight manner. In addition, at least one connecting channel (5, 6) is provided, which is introduced into the housing (1) for transporting a highly pressurised fluid present between the inner wall (7) of the housing and the head (3) of the accumulator piston to a high-pressure channel (11) of the spring-loaded drive, which channel is outside the housing. In order to increase the service life of the accumulator module, at least one pressure relief groove (8) is circumferentially applied to the head (3) of the accumulator piston. |
| US11286958B2 |
Pistons for use in fluid exchange devices and related devices, systems, and methods
Pistons and related methods may be configured to separate fluids and to at least partially prohibit one fluid from traveling to one side of the piston from another side of the piston. Pressure exchange devices and systems may include such pistons. |
| US11286954B1 |
Air duct assembly for axial flow fan
An air duct assembly for an axial flow fan including an air inlet shroud and an air outlet shroud. The air inlet shroud includes a plurality of mutually angled air inlet surfaces, and a ratio of an area of the air inlet surfaces of the air inlet shroud to that of air outlet surfaces of the air outlet shroud is 1.1 to 1.35. The air inlet shroud is provided to have mutually angled air inlet surfaces to increase the ratio of the area of the air inlet surfaces of the air inlet shroud to that of the air outlet surfaces of the air outlet shroud, obtaining a higher wind speed with fairly little noise. |
| US11286953B2 |
Blower
A blower includes a moving blade, a motor, and a housing. The housing includes a holding portion located below the moving blade to hold the motor, and a peripheral wall portion having a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis and extending upward from a radially outer end portion of the holding portion. The peripheral wall portion includes a peripheral wall recess that is recessed downward from an upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion and connects a space radially inside of the peripheral wall portion and a space radially outside of the peripheral wall portion, and includes a first peripheral surface facing one circumferential direction that is opposite to a rotation direction of the moving blade. The first peripheral surface extends in one circumferential direction from the upper end of the peripheral wall recess toward the lower side. |
| US11286947B2 |
Impeller and cooling fan including the impeller
An impeller includes a hub, a plurality of blades provided around an outer periphery of the hub, and at least two connecting rings connected to the plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades has a top edge and a bottom edge opposite to the top edge. One or more of the at least two connecting rings is disposed between but not connected to the top edges and the bottom edges of the plurality of blades. A cooling fan including the impeller is also provided. |
| US11286943B2 |
Single-stage compressor with thrust load suppression section
A compressor device includes a housing and a shaft supported for rotation within the housing. The compressor device includes a compressor section with a compressor wheel. Also, the compressor device includes a thrust suppression section with a chamber and a thrust balance body disposed within the chamber. Moreover, the compressor device includes a motor configured to drivingly rotate the shaft, the compressor wheel, and the thrust balance body. The thrust balance body divides the chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. Additionally, the compressor device includes a bleed air system that fluidly connects the compressor section and the thrust suppression section. The bleed air system is configured to bleed air from the compressor section, through the first sub-chamber, to the second sub-chamber, pressurizing the first sub-chamber and generating a counterbalancing thrust load that counterbalances a compressor thrust load on the shaft. |
| US11286942B2 |
Fan control system
A fan control system includes an input unit receiving a domestic power signal, an operation controller, a first converter connected to the input unit and the operation controller, and a second converter connected to the first converter and a fan. Upon receipt of an operation signal outputted by the operation controller, the first converter switches from a normal mode where the domestic power signal is directly outputted as a converted power signal, to a converting mode where the domestic power signal having an attribute thereof varied for a preset duration is outputted as the converted power signal. The second converter outputs an output signal based on the converted power signal for controlling rotational speed of the fan. |
| US11286941B2 |
Pump assembly
A pump assembly (1) includes a rotor axle (45) extending along a rotor axis (R), an impeller (12) fixed to the rotor axle (45), a pump housing (11) accommodating the impeller (12), and a drive motor with a stator (17) and a rotor (51). The rotor (51) is fixed to the rotor axle (45) for driving the impeller (12). A rotor can (57) accommodates the rotor (51). The rotor can (57) includes a rotor can flange (63). An electronics housing (13) has a cap (21) including a first material (139) forming a front face (19) of the cap (21). The front face (19) extends essentially perpendicular to the rotor axis (R). The first material (139) is at least partially overmolded with a second material (141) at an inner side of the cap (21). The second material (141) is more heat-conductive than the first material (139). |
| US11286939B2 |
Rotor and rotor shaft for molten metal
A molten metal rotor receives and retains an end of a molten metal rotor shaft. The rotor shaft has one or more projections at the end received in the rotor. The rotor has an inner cavity, a top surface with an opening leading to the inner cavity, and at least one abutment. The opening includes one or more portions for allowing each projection to pass through the opening and into the inner cavity. The rotor and/or shaft are then rotated so at least one of the outwardly-extending projections is under the top surface of the rotor and is against an abutment. A molten metal pump, rotary degasser scrap melter or other device used in molten metal may utilize a rotor/shaft combination as disclosed herein. |
| US11286938B2 |
Oil separator and relief valve of a screw compressor for a utility vehicle
A screw compressor for a utility vehicle includes at least one housing and at least one air-oil separator holder arranged at the housing. The air-oil separator holder is manufactured from a non-corrosive material. A relief valve is provided, which is arranged in the air-oil separator holder and by which the interior of the screw compressor can be relieved of pressure. |
| US11286935B2 |
Screw compressor including control sliders that cooperate to form an inflow chamber for inflow from a compression chamber and with one slider provided with an outflow outlet
A screw compressor includes two screw rotors and two control sliders that are arranged one behind the other in a slider channel. The control sliders have a combined position with mutually facing end surfaces sealing tightly with each other, and being movable together and have a separated position, with positionable spacing from one another, forming an intermediate space. In a transfer position between the combined and separated positions, the control sliders form an inflow chamber into which the medium to be compressed flows out of one of the compression chambers by passing between the mutually facing end surfaces of the control sliders. One of the control sliders is provided with at least one outflow outlet that is adjacent to the inflow chamber and through which the medium from the inflow chamber enters an outflow opening in the slider channel that overlaps with the outflow outlet in this transfer position. |
| US11286934B2 |
Vacuum pump system and method for operating a vacuum pump system
A vacuum pump system is provided that includes a main vacuum pump that is connected to a chamber that is to be evacuated. An auxiliary pump is connected to an outlet of the main vacuum pump. Furthermore, a sealing gas supply device is connected to the main vacuum pump. The sealing gas supply device is switched on and off with the aid of a control device as a function of a predetermined control variable. Additionally, a method for controlling the vacuum pump system. |
| US11286932B2 |
Optimized helix angle rotors for roots-style supercharger
A blower may include a blower housing that may include a plurality of rotor chambers and a plurality of rotors. The plurality of rotors may be substantially identical and each may include a twist angle and a helix angle. The rotors and the blower housing may be configured to create internal fluid compression when the rotors are rotating at a first rotational speed and not to create internal fluid compression when the rotors are rotating at a second rotational speed. The rotors and the blower housing may be configured to create the internal fluid compression without backflow slots in the blower housing. The twist angle may include the angular displacement of lobes of the plurality of rotors between axial ends of the plurality of rotors. The helix angle may be a function of the twist angle and a pitch diameter of the plurality of rotors. |
| US11286931B2 |
Scroll compressor having a shaft support portion including a closing portion
Provided is a scroll compressor including a sealed case, a fixed scroll portion fixed at an inside of the sealed case and provided with a fixed scroll vane, an orbiting scroll portion provided with an orbiting scroll vane that is coupled to the fixed scroll vane, and a rotating shaft formed to allow the orbiting scroll portion to orbit. The orbiting scroll portion is provided at a center thereof with a shaft support portion such that the orbiting scrolling portion is coupled to the rotating shaft. The shaft support portion includes a closing portion provided to cover an end portion of the rotating shaft, and slide while in contact with an inner surface of the fixed scroll portion, and a high-pressure space formed in an outer surface of the closing portion that faces the inner surface of the fixed scroll portion, and on which a discharge pressure acts. |
| US11286927B2 |
Pump device
The pump device includes a motor portion that includes a shaft rotating about a central axis and a pump portion that is driven by a motor portion via the shaft. The pump portion includes a pump rotor that rotates along with the shaft and a pump housing that includes an accommodation portion that accommodates the pump rotor. The pump housing includes a pump body that includes a first bearing portion that supports the shaft and a pump cover with an accommodation portion disposed between the pump cover and the pump body. The pump cover includes a flow path through which oil is discharged and suctioned, and includes a second bearing portion that rotatably supports the shaft and that communicates with the flow path. An end portion of the shaft on one side in the axial direction is disposed at the second bearing portion or inside the flow path. |
| US11286926B2 |
Pump rod and driving link with side-load reducing configuration
A pump rod has a head extending from a neck, and the head is received within a drive slot of a drive link. The head includes a projection, and has an area smaller than an area of the head. The projection contacts an inner surface of the drive slot. The drive link may include a projection aligned with a centerline of the drive link. The drive link projection contacts a head of the pump rod. The projections provide a reduced contact area between the pump rod and the drive link, thereby reducing any side-loading on the pump rod and increasing a lifespan of the wear parts. |
| US11286923B2 |
Reduced pressurization shift within diaphragm pump cavity
A positive displacement pump includes a housing surrounding a drive chamber and a diaphragm compartment. A drive element is inside the drive chamber. A diaphragm is inside the diaphragm compartment and divides the diaphragm compartment into a fluid chamber and a cavity. A shaft connects the drive element and the diaphragm. A breather valve is fluidically connected to the cavity and is configured to allow air to exit the cavity. The cavity is fluidically disconnected from the drive chamber. |
| US11286922B2 |
Miniature piezoelectric pump module
A miniature piezoelectric pump module is provided and includes a piezoelectric pump, a microprocessor, a driving component and a feedback circuit. The piezoelectric pump includes two electrodes and a piezoelectric element and has the best efficiency while operating under an ideal operating voltage. The driving component is electrically connected to the microprocessor and the piezoelectric pump and includes a transform element and an inverting element. The transform element outputs an effective operating voltage to the piezoelectric pump. The inverting element controls the two electrodes to receive the effective operating voltage or to be grounded. The piezoelectric element is subjected to deformation for transporting fluid due to piezoelectric effect. The feedback circuit generates a feedback voltage according to the effective operating voltage. The microprocessor adjusts the modulation signal according to the feedback voltage for adjusting the effective operating voltage outputted by the transform element to approach the ideal operating voltage. |
| US11286918B2 |
Electroosmotic pump
The present invention discloses a path-type liquid medicine delivery electro-osmosis pump that can be applied to a wearable medicine device.An electro osmosis pump according to the present invention includes: a connector provided with a liquid medicine inlet and a liquid medicine outlet; a check valve assembly combined to one side of the connector; and a driver that is connected to the other side of the connector and moves the liquid medicine toward the liquid medicine outlet by applying pressure to the liquid medicine while being separated from the liquid medicine, which passes through the check valve assembly. |
| US11286917B2 |
Motor drive system and method
A water pumping system, a motor drive, and a method of starting pumping by the motor drive. The method includes powering the electric motor with a motor drive; driving a progressive cavity pump with the electric motor; monitoring a speed difference between an electrical speed and an observed speed of a rotor of the electric motor; and performing a protective action as a function of the speed difference. |
| US11286911B2 |
Relating to wind turbine rotor angle sensing systems
This application describes a method of detecting an error in a rotor angle sensing system of a wind turbine, where the wind turbine comprises a rotor including a plurality of wind turbine blades, a blade load sensor associated with a respective one of the wind turbine blades, and a rotor angle sensing system configured to output a rotor angle signal. The blade load sensor is configured to output a measured blade load signal. The method comprises generating an estimated blade load signal based on at least the rotor angle signal; comparing the estimated blade load signal with the measured blade load signal to determine a phase difference between them; and identifying an error if the phase difference between the estimated blade load signal and the measured blade load signal exceeds a predetermined threshold. |
| US11286908B2 |
Wind turbine blade and method of assembly of blade elements to form a wind turbine blade
A method of assembling a wind turbine blade from wind turbine blade elements is provided. The method comprises joining the elements via a taper joint around the whole circumference of the blade. |
| US11286905B2 |
Method for rebuilding an electric supply grid
A method for rebuilding an electric supply grid of a grid operator by means of at least one wind power installation, wherein the electric supply grid has a first grid section and at least one further grid section, wherein the first grid section is connected to the at least one wind power installation and has a first grid nominal voltage, the first grid section is coupled to the at least one further grid section via at least one switching device in order to transmit electric energy between the grid sections, wherein the at least one switching device is set up to disconnect the first grid section from the at least one further grid section in the event of a fault, comprising the steps of operating the at least one wind power installation in an observation mode if the fault occurs, wherein the wind power installation does not feed the first grid section in the observation road and a status of the first grid section is checked, and operating the at least one wind power installation in a grid rebuilding mode if the first grid section has a grid rebuilding voltage, and operating the at least one wind power installation in a normal operating mode again as soon as the fault has passed. |
| US11286904B2 |
Method of controlling a wind turbine generator
A method for use in controlling a wind turbine generator of a wind power plant based on a condition of a power converter or a component forming part of a power converter in the wind power plant. The method comprises determining the initial condition of the power converter or a component forming part of a power converter and determining the evolution of the condition from the initial condition based on notional power reference values of the wind turbine generator. The method further comprises comparing the evolution of the condition to a predetermined threshold and determining, from the comparison, a time period by which the condition of the power converter or a component forming part of a power converter will substantially equal the predetermined threshold. |
| US11286899B2 |
Modular envelope hydrodynamic electrification system
A hydrodynamic electrification system that generates electricity from water moving from a high side to a low side and around a structure that divides the low side from the high side generally includes a water transport system that directs the water from the high side presenting a hydraulic head, over the structure, and to the low side. The system includes a power extraction system having a wheel that receives the water from said water transport system and a mounting system having a high side anchor that connects near an intake to the water transport system at the high side and having a low side anchor that connects to the power extraction system at the low side. |
| US11286893B2 |
Physical quantity measuring device, humidity detector abnormality detection device, and humidity detector abnormality detection method
A physical quantity measuring device is configured to measure a physical quantity of a fluid. The physical quantity measuring device includes: at least two humidity detection parts configured to output a humidity signal corresponding to a humidity of the fluid; and an abnormality determination part configured to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the humidity detection parts in response to that a difference between the humidity signals obtained from the two humidity detection parts exceeds an abnormality determination threshold. |
| US11286892B2 |
Air pipe for motor vehicles
An air pipe for motor vehicles, in particular for connecting a hot component to a cold component, is provided. A first connector at a first end of the pipe is provided for securing the pipe in an airtight manner to a hot component and a second connector at a second end of the pipe is provided for securing the pipe in an airtight manner to a cold component. At least one flexible pipe portion is provided between the first and the second connectors. Supporting rings made from a material which is dimensionally stable in relation to the flexible pipe material are provided. The supporting rings surround a free pipe cross section and stabilize the cross-sectional shape of the flexible pipe portion. |
| US11286889B2 |
Evaporative fuel treatment device
In an evaporative fuel treatment device, a differential pressure specifying unit specifies a differential pressure between a pressure in a diagnosis target system and the atmosphere, and a pressure target setting unit sets a pressure target value so that the differential pressure attains a predetermined differential pressure value. A pump pressurizes or depressurizes the pressure in the diagnosis target system to the pressure target value, and a leakage diagnosis unit performs a leakage diagnosis based on a pressure change relation value related to the pressure change in the diagnosis target system and the leakage diagnosis threshold value. The fuel partial pressure estimation unit estimates a first partial pressure of fuel vapor in the fuel tank from a tank inside concentration and a tank absolute pressure of a specific component. A corresponding partial pressure specifying unit specifies a second partial pressure of the fuel vapor in the fuel tank based on a relation between the tank absolute pressure and the first partial pressure when the second partial pressure of the fuel vapor in the fuel tank when the pressure is increased or reduced to the target pressure value. A comparison unit compares the first partial pressure and the second partial pressure. A correction unit corrects, based on a comparison result of the comparison unit, a leakage diagnosis threshold value or the pressure change relation value used for the leakage diagnosis. |
| US11286885B2 |
External core gas turbine engine assembly
A gas turbine engine utilizes one or more gas generators having a core inlet flowpath and an exhaust outlet. Adjacently offset from the core gas generator, is a propulsor assembly. An exhaust outlet of the core gas generator is fluidly connected to the propulsor assembly and exhaust from the gas generator drives a fan drive turbine. |
| US11286883B2 |
Gas turbine engine with low stage count low pressure turbine and engine mounting arrangement
A gas turbine engine includes, among other things, a fan section including a fan rotor, a gear train defined about an engine axis of rotation, a high spool, and a low spool including a low pressure turbine that drives the fan rotor through the gear train. A static structure includes a first engine mount location and a second engine mount location. |
| US11286876B1 |
Cylinder head assembly and cylinder head having igniter cooling moat
A cylinder head casting in a cylinder head assembly includes a coolant cavity upper surface and a coolant cavity lower surface forming a coolant cavity. The coolant cavity lower surface is contoured to form an igniter-support prominence and cast-in coolant channels through the igniter-support prominence to feed a flow of coolant through a cooling moat extending circumferentially around an igniter post supporting an igniter sleeve. The igniter sleeve abuts the cylinder head, radially outward of the igniter post, at a first contact location and a second contact location in an alternating arrangement with a first coolant feed opening and a second coolant feed opening. Related methodology relating to making a cylinder head is also disclosed. |
| US11286872B2 |
Method for detecting physical stoppage of an engine
Disclosed is a method for detecting physical stoppage of an internal combustion engine, including: at least four cylinders, a set of cylinder pressure sensors, configured such that, over the course of a combustion cycle of the engine, there is at least one cylinder in the compression or expansion phase whose pressure is measured by a pressure sensor of the set, the method including the following steps: measuring the pressure in a cylinder in the compression or expansion phase, calculating, from the pressure measured in the cylinder, a ratio between a pressure variation in the cylinder and the pressure in the cylinder, and detecting a physical stoppage of the engine if the measured pressure is decreasing and if the calculated ratio is constant. |
| US11286870B2 |
Catalyst temperature calculating device, and controller for internal combustion engine
A catalyst having an oxygen storage capacity is provided in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. A catalyst temperature calculating device calculates an oxygen storage amount of the catalyst to a value greater than or equal to zero and less than or equal to than a maximum value based on an amount of oxygen and an amount of unburned fuel components in a fluid flowing into the catalyst. A temperature calculation process calculates a temperature of the catalyst assuming that an amount of temperature rise of the catalyst is larger when an increase amount of the oxygen storage amount is large than when the increase amount of the oxygen storage amount is small in a case where the oxygen storage amount increases. |
| US11286864B2 |
Active inlet turbine control
Disclosed are systems and methods for active inlet turbine control. The systems and methods may include receiving a plurality of signals, determining a temperature gradient across an inlet of a gas turbine engine, and transmitting an activation signal to a modulating valve. Each of the plurality of signals may correspond to a temperature measured by one of a plurality of sensors located proximate the inlet of the gas turbine engine. The temperature gradient across the inlet of the gas turbine engine may be determined based on the plurality of signals. The activation signal may be operative to open or close the modulating valve based on the temperature gradient. |
| US11286861B2 |
Igniter for gas turbine engine
There is disclosed an igniter for a gas turbine engine including: a base including a securing assembly configured to be matingly connected to a casing of the gas turbine engine, a glow plug heater rod extending from the base along an axis to a rod end distal from the base, the glow plug heater rod sized such that that the rod end is exposed to a combustion chamber of the gas turbine engine when the base is connected to the casing. |
| US11286857B2 |
Turbine-turbine generator power thermal management system
A thermal management system for one or more aircraft components includes a bleed airflow source at a gas turbine engine of the aircraft, one or more turbines configured to expand the bleed airflow, thus lowering a temperature of the bleed airflow, the bleed airflow driving rotation of the one or more turbines. One or more heat exchangers are in fluid communication with the one or more turbines. The one or more heat exchangers are configured to exchange thermal energy between the bleed airflow and a thermal load. One or more electrical generators are operably connected to the one or more turbines. The one or more electrical generators are configured to convert rotational energy of the one or more turbines to electrical energy. |
| US11286853B2 |
Cooling system
A thermal management system for a gas turbine engine and/or an aircraft is provided including a thermal transport bus having a heat exchange fluid flowing therethrough. The thermal management system also includes a plurality of heat source exchangers and at least one heat sink exchanger. The plurality of heat source exchangers and the at least one heat sink exchanger are in thermal communication with the heat exchange fluid in the thermal transport bus. The plurality of heat source exchangers are arranged along the thermal transport bus and configured to transfer heat from one or more accessory systems to the heat exchange fluid, and the at least one heat sink exchanger is located downstream of the plurality of heat source exchangers and configured to remove heat from the heat exchange fluid. |
| US11286842B2 |
Speed-sensitized type air duct apparatus
A speed-sensitized type air duct apparatus includes an air duct having an internal space, an inlet at a front through which cooling air can be introduced, and an outlet at a rear through which the cooling air can be discharged. A guide extends across the internal space of the air duct in a front-rear direction. The guide has a number of air curtains configured to guide flow of the cooling air and having turning portions to change a flow direction of the cooling air, at some sections to decrease a flow rate of cooling air that is discharged to the outlet with the flow direction of the cooling air further changed as a flow speed of cooling air entering the inlet increases. |
| US11286840B2 |
Fan shroud
A shroud assembly can include a support frame with a locking slot and a hinge slot, and a shroud with a first pin and a second pin. The locking slot can receive the first pin to secure the shroud in a closed configuration. The hinge slot can receive the second pin to support the shroud in the closed configuration, in an open configuration, and during hinging of the shroud between the closed and open configurations. A tab can engage a notch to support the shroud at a predetermined angle relative to the support frame when the shroud is in the open configuration. |
| US11286839B2 |
Method for reusing vehicular catalyst
A method for reusing a vehicular catalyst that ensures effective reuse of a catalyst discarded when a vehicle is discarded is provided. A catalyst deterioration level of a catalytic converter is diagnosed, a catalyst that has a value of the deterioration level diagnosed to be smaller than a predetermined value is determined as a reusable catalyst, and the catalytic converter that includes the catalyst determined as the reusable catalyst is removed from a discarded vehicle. The removed catalytic converter is stored in association with a vehicle type and a manufacturing time of the discarded vehicle. When an abnormality occurs in a catalyst of a drivable vehicle corresponding to the vehicle type and the manufacturing time, a catalytic converter that includes the abnormal catalyst is replaced with the stored catalytic converter. |
| US11286835B2 |
System and methods for controlling flow distribution in an aftertreatment system
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for estimating exhaust air mass-flow in an aftertreatment system. An embodiment includes a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system including at least one catalyst, a differential pressure (dP) sensor operatively coupled to the SCR system, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The dP sensor is configured to measure a value of a differential pressure across the SCR system, determine a first output value from the dP sensor, and a first temperature output value from the temperature sensor. The first output value is indicative of the value of the differential pressure across the SCR system. The first temperature output value is indicative of a temperature of the SCR system. The controller is further configured to estimate an exhaust air mass-flow output from the aftertreatment system using the first output value from the dP sensor and the first temperature output value from the temperature sensor. |
| US11286831B2 |
Catalytic converter substrates comprising triply periodic minimal surfaces
Described herein are catalytic converter substrates or cores based on triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) geometries, along with methods of making and using the same. |
| US11286830B2 |
Exhaust gas cleaning catalyst
The exhaust gas cleaning catalyst according is provided with a substrate and a catalyst coat layer formed on a surface of the substrate. The catalyst coat layer is formed as a laminate structure having an upper layer and a lower layer. The upper layer is a Pd-free layer that does not contain Pd, and the lower layer is a Pd-containing layer. In addition, when a region of the lower layer that corresponds to 20% of the length of the exhaust gas cleaning catalyst from the exhaust gas inlet side end towards the exhaust gas outlet side of the exhaust gas cleaning catalyst is divided into four equal regions to be each 5% of the length, the relationship A>B>C is satisfied, where A, B, and C represents the Pd content in the first, second, and third region respectively. |
| US11286828B1 |
Diesel exhaust treatment apparatus and methods
A diesel exhaust treatment system for treating exhaust gas from a diesel engine comprising at least one diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), at least one diesel particulate filter (DPF), at least one diesel exhaust fluid mixing chamber and at least one selective catalytic reduction converter (SCR). In one desirable embodiment, two DOCs, two DPFs, two SCRs, and two diesel exhaust fluid mixing chambers are arranged in parallel. The disclosed system is configured to reduce back pressure and increase urea vaporization while effectively using available space and providing improved access to components. The system can be coupled to a vehicle frame rail, such as the frame rail of a heavy duty truck. |
| US11286826B2 |
Integrative reductant system and method using constant volume injection
Various embodiments relate to a selective catalytic reduction system for treating exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine. The system includes an inlet section that receives exhaust gases from the engine. The system includes a tank storing diesel exhaust fluid (“DEF”), a pump, a valve, and an injector each in fluid communication with each other. The injector is coupled to the inlet exhaust pipe and configured to inject DEF into the exhaust gases flowing through the inlet exhaust pipe in a plurality of pulses. Each of the plurality of pulses injects a constant volume of DEF into the inlet exhaust pipe. The system further includes a controller configured to operate the pump and the valve such that a time interval between successive constant volume pulses of the plurality of pulses is varied based on a variable oxides of nitrogen content of the exhaust gases. |
| US11286821B2 |
Exhaust systems and methods for vehicles
An exhaust system for a vehicle comprising an engine and a turbine generator comprises an engine exhaust system and a turbine exhaust system. The engine exhaust system comprises an engine exhaust pipe extending from the engine to a desired location relative to the vehicle. The turbine exhaust system comprises a turbine exhaust pipe operatively connected between the turbine generator and the engine exhaust pipe between the engine and the desired location. |
| US11286820B2 |
Method and apparatus for filling silencer with glass fiber
There is provided a method for filling a silencer with glass fiber, for filling an internal space between a case and an inner pipe with glass fiber in a silencer in which a porous inner pipe penetrates through a pair of through holes in the case, the method including shifting the inner pipe in a penetrating direction from a normal position where the inner pipe is secured to the case, inserting a nozzle auxiliary portion into an interior of the case from a through hole opened by the inner pipe being shifted, supplying glass fiber into the interior of the case from a nozzle of a glass fiber supply machine connected to the nozzle auxiliary portion, and filling the internal space between the case and the inner pipe with glass fiber. |
| US11286819B2 |
Internally cooled valve with inertial pump
A internally cooled poppet valve (2) with inertial pump (4) includes a valve body (20) having a valve head (22) and a valve stem (24). The valve body (20) has a closed cavity (26), in which a cooling fluid (28) is disposed. The inertial pump (4) is disposed in the valve body (20), which moves the cooling fluid (28) in the cavity during operation. |
| US11286818B2 |
Modular rocker arm
A modular exhaust valve rocker arm assembly system comprising first and second rocker arm assemblies configured to each selectively receive a hydraulic lash adjustment assembly or a mechanical lash adjustment assembly. A main lifter assembly operably associated with the first and second rocker arm assemblies. An added motion lifter assembly operably associated with the first rocker arm assembly and configured to selectively provide one of an early lift profile and an extended lift profile, which can comprise at least one of an engine braking feature, a late intake valve closing (LIVC) feature, and an early exhaust valve opening (EEVO) feature. The main lifter can be configured as a fixed lifter or as a deactivating lifter for cylinder deactivation (CDA) configured to selectively move to a deactivated state configured to absorb motion of a normal lift profile cam into lost motion. |
| US11286814B1 |
Exhaust duct of gas turbine engine
An exhaust duct of a gas turbine engine comprises a hub defining a radially-inner surface of a substantially annular exhaust gas path, and a strut extending into the exhaust gas path. The strut is attached to the hub via a first fastener at a forward fastening location closer to a leading edge of the strut than to a trailing edge of the strut, and via a second fastener at an aft fastening location closer to the trailing edge than to the leading edge. The second fastener is engaged with an appendage of the strut. The appendage is received into a receptacle formed in the hub open to the radially-inner surface. |
| US11286813B2 |
Turbine ring assembly having indexed flanges
A turbine ring assembly includes ring segments forming a turbine ring and a ring support structure, each segment having a part forming an annular base with, in the radial direction, an inner face and an outer face from which project a first and a second hooking tab, the structure including a shroud from which project a first and a second radial flange between which are retained the first and second tabs, a first annular flange made of one part and a second annular flange disposed upstream of the ring. The first flange includes an annular shoulder and the second flange includes an annular recess forming an axial stop cooperating with the shoulder. |
| US11286811B2 |
Low pressure ratio fan engine having a dimensional relationship between inlet and fan size
According to an example embodiment, a gas turbine engine assembly includes, among other things, a fan section including a fan, the fan including a plurality of fan blades, a diameter of the fan having a dimension D that is based on a dimension of the fan blades, each fan blade having a leading edge, and a forward most portion on the leading edges of the fan blades in a first reference plane, a geared architecture, a turbine section including a high pressure turbine and a low pressure turbine, the low pressure turbine driving the fan through the geared architecture, a nacelle surrounding the fan, the nacelle including an inlet portion forward of the fan, a forward edge on the inlet portion in a second reference plane, and a length of the inlet portion having a dimension L measured along an engine axis between the first reference plane and the second reference plane. A dimensional relationship of L/D is between 0.20 and 0.40. |
| US11286810B2 |
Outflow housing of a steam turbine
An outflow housing for a turbine section of a steam turbine. The outflow housing has an outflow housing wall, which surrounds a central drum chamber along a housing longitudinal axis, and a connection interface for connecting the outflow housing to a turbine housing of the steam turbine. A sealing device for sealing an end of the outflow housing, which end is arranged at the rear in the flow direction, with respect to a turbine shaft of the steam turbine is arranged on the outflow housing wall, wherein the sealing device is sealed to the outflow housing wall. A steam turbine has the outflow housing herein. |
| US11286809B2 |
Airfoil platform cooling channels
An airfoil may include an airfoil body, a root and a platform disposed between the airfoil body and the root. The platform may have a first mating surface and a second mating surface. The platform may include a pocket defined by an inner diameter surface of the platform proximate the first mating surface. A channel may be defined in the platform with an outlet of the channel defined in the second mating surface. |
| US11286806B2 |
Automated propeller feather testing
There is described herein methods and systems for testing a propeller feathering function. The method comprises monitoring a rotational speed over time of propeller blades of an aircraft, commanding an angle change of the propeller blades, comparing a post-angle change rotational speed of the propeller blades to an expected rotational speed without the commanded angle change and obtaining, by the processor, a rotational speed difference, and issuing a test passed signal when the rotational speed difference exceeds a threshold and a test failed signal when the rotational speed difference does not exceed the threshold. |
| US11286802B2 |
Turbine shroud segment having a seal segment perimeter seal with separated buffer cavities
A turbine shroud segment of a gas turbine engine includes a carrier segment, a blade track segment, and a plurality of seals arranged between the carrier segment and the blade track segment. The plurality of seals are arranged between the carrier segment and the blade track segment to block gases from passing between the carrier segment and the blade track segment. |
| US11286791B2 |
Engine components with cooling holes having tailored metering and diffuser portions
An engine component includes a body having an internal surface and an external surface, the internal surface at least partially defining an internal cooling circuit. The component further includes a plurality of cooling holes formed in the body and extending between the internal cooling circuit and the external surface of the body. The plurality of cooling holes includes a first cooling hole with a metering portion and a diffuser portion extending from the metering portion to the external surface of the body. |
| US11286790B2 |
Cooling passages for gas turbine engine component
A gas turbine engine component includes a wall that has an inner surface and an outer surface. An inlet is defined by the inner surface. At least one non-rectangular slot is defined by the outer surface and includes at least one protrusion extending into the slot. A slot passage fluidly connects the inlet to the at least one non-rectangular slot. The slot passage comprises an inlet portion that extends through the wall from the inlet to an intermediate portion. An outlet portion extends through the wall from the intermediate portion to the at least one non-rectangular slot. |
| US11286781B2 |
Multi-disk bladed rotor assembly for rotational equipment
A rotor assembly is provided for a gas turbine engine. This rotor assembly includes a first rotor disk, a second rotor disk and a plurality of rotor blades. The first rotor disk is configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The second rotor disk is configured to rotate about the rotational axis. The rotor blades are arranged circumferentially around the rotational axis. Each of the rotor blades is mounted to the first rotor disk and to the second rotor disk. The rotor blades include a first rotor blade. The first rotor blade includes an attachment projecting axially along the rotational axis into a first pocket in the first rotor disk and a second pocket in the second rotor disk. The attachment has a dovetail cross-sectional geometry when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis. A portion of the first rotor disk extends circumferentially across and covers the attachment. |
| US11286779B2 |
Characteristic distribution for rotor blade of booster rotor
A rotor for a turbofan booster section associated with a fan section of a gas turbine engine includes a rotor blade having an airfoil extending from a root to a tip and having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The airfoil has a plurality of chord lines spaced apart in a spanwise direction. Each chord line of the plurality of chords lines is defined between the leading edge and the trailing edge and has a normalized chord value. From the hub, the normalized chord value decreases to a minimum value between about 20% to about 90% span and increases from the minimum value to the tip. The rotor includes a rotor disk coupled to the rotor blade configured to be coupled to the shaft or the fan to rotate with the shaft or the fan, respectively, at the same speed as the shaft and fan. |
| US11286778B2 |
Method for extracting a foreign body lodged in a high-pressure distributor blade
A method for extracting at least one foreign body lodged within a blade of a high-pressure distributor of a turbojet engine, the high-pressure distributor including hollow fixed blades between two annular shrouds forming a gas flow path, each blade being coated with a thermal barrier and provided with at least one recess at least partially obstructed by a first soldered closing plate, includes the following operations: cutting off the first closing plate, extracting the foreign body from the recess, carrying out an endoscopic inspection of an internal space of the recess in order to verify that no foreign body remains, positioning a second closing plate on the recess, and soldering the second closing plate directly onto the distributor with the blades coated with the thermal barrier. |
| US11286776B2 |
Method for separation of a metallic element glued to an element made of a composite material
The invention relates to a method of separating at least one portion of a metallic part (3) glued to a composite material part (2) of the carbon-epoxy type, comprising a step to degrade the glued interface between the metallic part (3) and the composite material part (2). The metallic part (3) and the composite material part (2) are electrically connected to a dc electrical voltage generator so that an electrical potential difference can be applied to them to generate partial discharges in the glued interface to degrade the interface. |
| US11286775B2 |
Rotatable piston assembly
A rotatable piston assembly for a reciprocating piston type hydraulic machine includes a rotatable piston configured for a controlled rotation and configured to reciprocate within a cylinder bore of the reciprocating piston type hydraulic machine. |
| US11286771B2 |
In-situ surfactant retention evaluation using single well chemical tracer tests
The present disclosure provides methods for determining surfactant retention values in subterranean reservoirs. In particular, the methods comprise conducting at least one single well chemical tracer test and performing a straight line analysis on a saturation profile of the subterranean reservoir. |
| US11286770B2 |
Assessment of flow networks
A method for assessment of an oil and gas flow network comprises: gathering historical data and/or live data relating to the status of multiple control points at different branches within the flow network and to one or more flow parameter(s) of interest in one or more flow path(s) of the flow network d; identifying time intervals in the data during which the control points and the flow parameters are in a steady state; and extracting statistical data representative of some or all steady state intervals identified in step to thereby represent the original data from step in a compact form. |
| US11286769B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for sensing temperature along a wellbore using resistive elements
Apparatus for use in sensing temperature in a wellbore, comprising: tubing comprising a plurality of temperature sensor modules provided at locations along the inside of the tubing, said temperature sensor modules comprising temperature sensors provided at least in part by at least one resistive element having electrical properties that vary with temperature; an electrical network configured to electrically connect to the resistive elements to in use allow measuring of the respective electrical properties of the resistive elements to infer a thermal characteristic of the resistive element; and at least one control module electrically connected to multiple temperature sensor modules, via the electrical network, and configured to receive and process an electrical signal associated with the temperature sensor modules to enable inference of the temperature of the resistive elements and the environment to which the tubing is exposed at the location of that resistive element. |
| US11286767B2 |
Accessible wellbore devices
A wellbore assembly for use downhole in a wellbore may include a casing string comprising a mandrel. The mandrel may include a side pocket in an inner region of the mandrel. A downhole device may be positioned within the side pocket of the mandrel. The downhole device may include an electronics package, a power source, and a transmitter for transmitting data from the downhole device via a wireless communications link to a downhole tool for transmitting the data to a surface of the wellbore for monitoring a downhole environment of the wellbore. |
| US11286764B2 |
System and method for streaming data
A system and method to conform data flow are provided. The system includes a queue configured to receive at least one data stream, and a processor configured to convert the at least one data stream to a continuous data stream, and output the continuous data stream at a constant rate. |
| US11286763B2 |
Drilling with information characterizing lateral heterogeneities based on deep directional resistivity measurements
A method and system is provided for drilling a wellbore that traverses a geological formation using a drilling tool. The method and system derives a plurality of formation models that characterize the geological formation. The number of formation models represent layer structures with a heterogeneity (such a fault) offset laterally at variable distance relative to position of the drilling tool. Simulated directional resistivity data of the drilling tool is derived from the plurality of formation models. Certain simulated directional resistivity data are combined or selected for processing as multi-dimensional cross-plot data. Measured directional resistivity data obtained by the drilling tool is used to evaluate the multi-dimensional cross-plot data to determine distance of the heterogeneity relative to position of the drilling tool. The determined distance of the heterogeneity relative to position of the drilling tool can used for controlling drilling direction and can be stored in computer memory and used in other reservoir analysis. |
| US11286756B2 |
Slickline selective perforation system
Systems and methods are provided for transmitting information to and from a downhole tool for detonation at a specified location. Perforating systems and methods may use a digital slickline unit and a telemetry module to autonomously operate within a wellbore. A well system may comprise: a downhole perforating system comprising: at least one perforating gun; a setting tool; and a control unit coupled to the at least one perforating gun and the setting tool in a tool string for conveyance downhole, wherein the control unit comprises a battery pack, electronics, at least one sensor, wherein the electronics are operable to send one or more actuation signals to the at least one perforating gun and the setting tool. |
| US11286754B2 |
Landing system for subsea equipment
A landing system for subsea equipment includes a heavy component having a latch affixed thereto and having a mechanism attached to enable lowering the heavy component from a platform above the bottom of a body of water. A landing system frame has a connection point matable with the latch. A linear motor is functionally coupled to the landing system frame and at least one of the subsea well structure and a movable frame on the landing system. The linear motor is operable to control a distance between the landing system frame and the subsea well structure or the movable frame. |
| US11286753B1 |
System and method for exploiting deepwater shallow low-abundance unconventional natural gas by artificial enrichment
A system and method for exploiting deepwater shallow low-abundance unconventional natural gas by artificial enrichment is provided. The system includes a metallogenic system, a transport system and a collection system. The metallogenic system is used for clustering and enriching the deepwater shallow low-abundance nonconventional natural gas to form a natural gas hydrate reservoir. The metallogenic system includes an artificial foundation pit and a dome cap covering the top of the artificial foundation pit. The transport system is used for transporting low-abundance natural gas in a deepwater shallow low-abundance nonconventional natural gas stratum to the metallogenic system to provide a gas source for synthesizing the natural gas hydrate reservoir for the metallogenic system. The transport system includes oriented communication wells connecting the artificial foundation pit and the deepwater shallow low-abundance nonconventional natural gas stratum and filled with gravel particles. The collection system is used for exploiting the natural gas hydrate reservoir. |
| US11286751B2 |
Downhole power source
A power source system including a plurality of cells. The power source system uses electrical charge or current generated by a reaction in at least one of the cells to provide at least one operating material to at least one other of the cells. Optionally, the power source system uses the electrical charge generated by the reaction in the at least one of the cells to provide the at least one operating material to the at least one other of the cells only when the state of charge of the at least one of the cells is equal to or below a threshold or when the use of the cell is equal to or above a threshold. Optionally, in an initial or non-operational state, one or more or each of the cells is dry or without the at least one operating material and the power source system is configured to selectively switch at least one of the plurality of cells from the non-operational state to an operational state by providing the at least one operating material to the at least one cell. |
| US11286748B2 |
Pump-through standing valves, wells including the pump-through standing valves, and methods of deploying a downhole device
Pump-through standing valves, wells including the pump-through standing valves, and methods of utilizing a pump-through standing valve to deploy a downhole device are disclosed herein. The pump-through standing valves include a valve body, a standing valve at least partially formed within the valve body, and a flow-through valve at least partially formed within the valve body. The standing valve includes a standing valve fluid conduit and a standing valve flow control device. The flow-through valve includes a flow-through valve fluid conduit and a flow-through valve flow control device. The wells include a wellbore, which extends within a subterranean formation, a wellbore tubular, which extends within the wellbore, and the pump-through standing valve, which is operatively attached to the wellbore tubular. |
| US11286743B2 |
Wire line deployable metal patch stackable system
A method and apparatus for patching damaged areas in a well includes a top and a bottom patching section which include an anchor/sealing member for securing the apparatus within the well. One or more extension patch sections are connected between the top and bottom patch sections. The top and bottom patch elements are placed above and below the damaged area to isolate the damaged area from the exterior flow portion of the well. |
| US11286742B2 |
Sub-surface release plug system
A subsurface release plug system includes a plug mandrel body and a plug. The plug mandrel body includes a bore, a flow port fluidly connected to the bore, and a sleeve adjustable from a first position to a second position. The sleeve prevents fluid flow through the flow port when in the first position and allows fluid flow through the flow port when in the second position. The plug is releasably connected to the plug mandrel body, wherein the plug is configured to be released from the plug mandrel body by fluid flowing through the flow port. |
| US11286741B2 |
Downhole tools comprising oil-degradable sealing elements
Downhole tools comprising a body, wherein at least a portion of the body is degradable when exposed to a wellbore environment; and at least one oil-degradable sealing element composed of an oil-degradable elastomer, wherein the oil-degradable sealing element degrades in the wellbore environment. The oil-degradable elastomer is selected from the group consisting of an oil-degradable natural rubber, an oil-degradable synthetic rubber, and any combination thereof. |
| US11286738B2 |
Method for cutting a tube or pipe
A cutting device using an ultrahigh pressure (UHP) hose carrying UHP fluid is designed to be inserted into a pipe or tube and cut the same from the inside out. In one example, the cutting device is for insertion into a wellbore for cutting the casing of the wellbore from within the wellbore with a revolvable UHP hose. The cutting head which effectuates the cut may be centered by a centering device that is generally conical in shape such that a portion of the centering device remains exterior to the pipe or tube as the UHP revolves during the cutting action. |
| US11286727B2 |
Multifunction wellbore conditioning tool
The multifunction wellbore conditioning tool (100, 200, 300) is installed in the bottom hole assembly of a drill string and performs the functions of a cutting tool, keyseat wiper, roller reamer, keyseat wiper, and stabilizer during drilling operations, precluding the need for multiple different tools in the drill string. The tool (100, 200, 300) has a working sleeve (114, 214, 314) captured concentrically on the driveshaft (102, 202, 302) between opposed spring sets (134, 136; 234, 236; 334, 336). The sleeve (114, 214, 314) remains rotationally stationary about the rotating driveshaft (102, 202, 302) when in its central or neutral position on the driveshaft (102, 202, 302). When the sleeve (114, 214, 314) shifts axially on the driveshaft (102, 202, 302) it engages a clutch mechanism that allows it to rotate with the driveshaft (102, 202, 302) so that the rotating working sleeve (114, 214, 314) conditions the borehole. |
| US11286725B2 |
Drill pipe segments for logging operations
A pipe segment includes an outer pipe including a shaft wall, a first connector disposed at a first end of the shaft wall, and a second connector disposed at a second end of the shaft wall opposite the first end. The pipe segment further includes an electrical cable extending through the shaft wall along a length of the outer pipe between the first and second connectors and an inner pipe positioned within the outer pipe and surrounding the electrical cable, the inner pipe being movable axially with respect to the outer pipe, and the outer pipe being movable rotationally with respect to the inner pipe. |
| US11286724B2 |
Drilling assembly with a small hydraulic downhole motor
The invention relates to the field of drilling. A packed-hole assembly comprises a drill bit, and a positive displacement motor having a bending unit for deviation by a tilt angle f, and further comprises a rotation module and a hinge module which are rigidly connected to one another, to drill pipes and to the motor by threaded connections. The rotation module consists of a fixed shaft with a central channel and axial openings for drilling fluid, and a rotating body with radial channels which is mounted on cageless rolling contact bearings such as to be capable of circular movement as a result of the reactive force of drilling fluid flowing into the annulus of the borehole through the axial openings in the shaft, the space between the shaft and the rotating body, and the radial channels in turn. The hinge module consists of two half bodies connected to one another by a hinge such as to be capable of rotating freely in an apsidal plane by an angle e=f, restricted by cams, wherein at least one half body is provided with centering ribs. The result is an increase in penetration rate and bit run rate. |
| US11286722B2 |
Deflector assembly and method for forming a multilateral well
Provided, in one aspect, is a deflector assembly. The deflector assembly may include a tubular member, the tubular member having an uphole lateral wellbore tubular portion and a downhole main wellbore tubular portion. The deflector assembly may further include an exit window located in a sidewall of the uphole lateral wellbore tubular portion, and a ramped deflector positioned within the uphole lateral wellbore tubular portion, the ramped deflector located proximate and ramping toward the exit window. The ramped deflector may include a through bore having a diameter (DTB) coupling the uphole lateral wellbore tubular portion and the downhole main wellbore tubular portion, the through bore forming a ramped deflector lip for allowing a first downhole tool having a diameter (D1) less than the diameter (DTB) to pass through the ramped deflector to the downhole main wellbore tubular portion, and for diverting a second downhole tool having a diameter (D2) greater than the diameter (DTB) toward the exit window. |
| US11286719B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling a drilling path based on drift estimates
In a drilling system, a control system coupled to a drilling rig controls a bottom hole assembly (BHA) to drill a borehole through a geological formation along a drilling path. The control system determines a present position of the BHA and calculates a toolface vector to create a convergence path from the present position of the BHA to a desired target path. The control system also receives geological information and compensates the toolface vector to account for an estimated geologic formation drift. The control system causes at least one control parameter to be modified in order to alter a drilling direction of the BHA based on the calculated toolface vector and transmits the at least one control parameter to the drilling rig to target the BHA in accordance with the calculated toolface vector. The control system iteratively performs this process until convergence with the desired target path is achieved. |
| US11286718B2 |
Rotary steerable system with cutters
A rotary steerable tool may include a tool body with an upper end and a lower end. Additionally, the tool body may include at least one steering assembly extending from the tool body and includes at least one steering actuator configured to extend beyond other portions of the steering assembly. Furthermore, at least one cutter may be disposed on the rotary steerable tool a distance from the at least one steering actuator. |
| US11286717B2 |
Gutter protection and ladder support apparatus
A gutter protection and ladder support and safety apparatus includes a mechanism structured and arranged to be releaseably positioned in a gutter to prevent damage thereto caused by a ladder. The apparatus includes a mechanism for locking the apparatus in place to prevent lateral tipping and slippage of a ladder, a ladder supporting member operatively connected to the locking mechanism, and an adjustable ladder securing apparatus connected to the ladder supporting member and configured to releaseably secure a ladder thereto. |
| US11286716B2 |
Three section extension ladder and method
An extension ladder including a base section having two side rails with rungs spanning horizontally between them. The extension ladder including an intermediate fly section having two side rails with rungs spanning horizontally between them. The intermediate fly section slidably attached to the base section. The extension ladder including a top fly section having two side rails with rungs spanning horizontally between them, the top fly section sliding attached to the intermediate fly section with the intermediate fly section disposed between the base and the top fly section. The extension ladder including a handle having a first strap portion attached to the base section having a first buckle portion, and a second strap portion attached to the top fly section having a second buckle portion that engages with the first buckle portion when the base section, intermediate fly section and top fly section are in a folded state. A method of moving an extension ladder. |
| US11286715B2 |
Roller blind assembly
A roller blind assembly includes a blind roller, a clutch assembly that includes a bracket engagement member, and a pre-torsioned spring assembly that includes a spring. The pre-torsioned spring assembly is positioned in an interior cavity of the blind roller, and exerts a torque proportional to a preset torsion of the spring to promote rotation of the blind roller relative to the bracket engagement member. Rotation of the blind roller relative to the bracket engagement member in a first direction decreases torsion in the spring while rotation of the blind roller relative to the bracket engagement member in a second direction increases torsion in the spring. The pre-torsioned spring assembly is preferably selected from a group of at least two pre-torsioned spring assemblies, each spring assembly having a different spring preset torsion. |
| US11286712B2 |
Door assembly
A door assembly and a frame member for a door assembly. The door assembly may include at least one door panel and a door frame having a plurality of frame members including a header and a pair of side jambs. The invention may also be considered a frame member including a storage compartment. The frame member may include a core; and a top piece adjoining the core to form a structural member. The core and the top piece may be a composite of cellulosic material and at least one other material. The top piece may be a two-piece top piece and may include hollow cavities. Also disclosed are door jamb frame members and mullion frame members. |
| US11286711B2 |
Hardened compression frame systems and methods
Blast, ballistic, and entry resistant compression frame systems include a plurality of bolts, an exterior frame assembly having a peripheral flange and a plurality of sleeves that receive the bolts, an interior frame assembly having a peripheral flange and a plurality of apertures that receive the bolts therethrough, an exterior gasket between the peripheral flange of the exterior frame assembly and an exterior surface of the wall of the building, and an interior gasket between the peripheral flange of the interior frame assembly and an interior surface of the wall of the building. The exterior frame assembly peripheral flange and the interior frame assembly peripheral flange apply a compression force to the wall when the bolts are torque tightened into the threaded sleeves. Methods of installation in a wall of a building are also provided. |
| US11286705B1 |
Cable guide assembly for a window regulator
A cable guide assembly adapted for use with a guide rail for a motor vehicle, for redirecting a cable of a window regulator, includes a cable guide formed with an arc-shaped body having a cable guide groove on an outer perimeter of the arc-shaped body and a cable guide receiving site formed in the guide rail adapted to receive and mount the cable guide. The cable guide includes a cable holding tab extending outward from the arc-shaped body along a longitudinal axis and a pair of side hooks extending from an end portion of the arc-shaped body along a transverse axis. In an intermediate-installed state of the cable, the cable is set under the cable holding tab, and in a fully-installed state of the cable, the side hooks are configured to prevent the cable from coming off from the cable guide. |
| US11286704B2 |
Object moving device
A carrier plate is attached to a guide rail so as to move on the guide rail along the extending direction. An erected portion includes a first surface and a second surface which extend in an extending direction. A slit is formed by a first edge portion which is disposed on a side of the first surface of the erected portion and a second edge portion which is disposed on a side of the second surface of the erected portion. A cutout portion which includes an opening facing the erected portion is provided in at least one of the first edge portion and the second edge portion. The cutout portion includes a space portion which allows grease to be stored therein. The grease stored in the cutout portion is applied to the erected portion which slides in the slit when the carrier plate moves on the guide rail. |
| US11286700B2 |
Safety device for sliding door
[Problem] To provide a safety device for a sliding door with which finger pinching can be automatically prevented without manually operating a stopper, and which can be smoothly closed without a resistance that acts when closing the sliding door. [Solution] A safety device for a sliding door is provided with a guide frame 11 and a feed plate 12 that are mounted on the opening side and the sliding door side, respectively, so as to face each other. A low-speed movement groove 38a and a lock groove 38b are provided on the guide frame 11 side. A contact face 12c that is inclined to contact a disk roller is provided on the feed plate 12 side. In addition, when the feed plate 12 collides with the disk roller 14 at a force stronger than or equal to a prescribed value, the shaft 14b of the disk roller 14 is moved from inside the low-speed movement groove 38a to inside the lock groove 38b and the movement of the disk roller 14 in the left-right direction is locked. |
| US11286698B2 |
Cooking appliance having a load-bearing door
Cooking appliances described herein may include an oven and a cooktop disposed above the oven. The oven may have an oven cavity and an oven door configured to open and close the oven cavity by pivoting about a horizontal axis. A linear actuator may be coupled to the oven door and configured to reposition the oven door in a vertical direction. Using this apparatus, a user may be assisted by the vertically-repositionable oven door when lifting and lowering objects. |
| US11286694B2 |
Exterior door handle for a vehicle
The present invention relates to an exterior door handle (10) for a vehicle (3) particularly for an activation of an electric lock (2) of the vehicle (3) comprising: a door handle body (20) with a wall (22), wherein the door handle body (20) is configured such that an activation action is performable by a user (5) at the door handle body (20) in the deformation area (40), at least one inductive activation means (60) which is arranged in the deformation area (40), at least one sensor device (30) arranged within the door handle body (20) for inductivity measurements at the activation means (60), wherein the door handle body (20) is at least configured elastically deformable in the deformation area (40) and the sensor device (30) for the detection of the activation action is arranged spaced apart to the activation means (60) such that the deformation of the door handle body (20) is detectable by the inductivity measurement. |
| US11286693B2 |
Restraint devices
This disclosure discloses a restraint device including a pair of bracelets that are adjustable in distance therebetween, while at least one of the bracelets can be dually engaged during a restraint and dually disengaged not during the restraint. Further, this disclosure discloses a sleeve to enable a restraint device to be converted from a “chain style” into a “hinge style” and vice versa. Additionally, this disclosure discloses a restraint device including a first arm and a second arm, where the second arm is elastically coupled to the first arm in order to avoid overtightening when restraining. |
| US11286690B2 |
Combination lock
The present disclosure is directed to a combination lock including a housing configured to lockingly receive a locking link. The lock includes a plurality of outer dials and a plurality of inner dials, each selectively coupled to a corresponding outer dial. A spindle is positioned radially internal to the inner dials. A multiplier link is pivotably connected between the spindle and a locking bolt. Some forms of the combination lock include a tactile feedback mechanism and/or a combination reset mechanism. |
| US11286689B1 |
Apparatus for attaching lockbox to door
Apparatus for retaining a key on a door handle or lever. The apparatus includes two arms each with a head portion and a bottom portion having a shackle prong extending in a direction away from the head portion. The arms have an open state in which the head portions are at least partly separated from one another, and a closed state defining an aperture therebetween. A key box has a compartment for containing the key, and receptacles that receive the shackle prongs when the arms are in the closed state. The key box transitions from a closed state in which the shackle prongs are locked in the receptacles to an open state in which the shackle prongs are out of the receptacles upon entry of a shackle release code. The key box enables access to the compartment upon receiving an access code different than the shackle release code. |
| US11286684B2 |
Connection apparatus for mounting a guyed mast
Disclosed is a connection apparatus and foundation connection method developed in order to be used in guyed overhead line towers. The foundation connection method and connection apparatus mentioned above enables all the legs of a tower to be fixed onto a single base plate. According to the structure of foundation connection apparatus, the angle determining tubes welded to the base plate are capped with a welded treated cap plate which is connected to the bottom cone plate located at the ends of the legs of the towers by a pin. To provide angular rotation between the connection apparatus and the leg, the beveled plate is squeezed between the treated cap plate and the bottom cone plate. |
| US11286683B2 |
Ductile connections for pre-formed construction elements
Precast construction elements are described suitable for use in high seismic area. The precast construction elements can be precast, pre-topped double tees. The precast construction elements incorporate a passive energy dissipation device in a flange. The energy dissipation device provides a ductile connection having a deformation capacity of larger than 0.6″. Adjacent elements are connected to one another at joints that include the passive energy dissipation device. Passive energy dissipation devices can be passive hysteretic dampeners, such as U-shaped flexural plates. Passive energy dissipation devices can be bar dissipaters (e.g., grooved dissipaters). Also described are passive hysteretic dampers that include U-shaped flexural plates held in conjunction with a reinforcement element that defines a circle around which the flexural plate can bend. |
| US11286681B2 |
Compression post with retainer clip
A retainer clip for a compression post includes a retainer body defining a first lateral body end, a second lateral body end opposite the first lateral end, a retainer opening formed through the retainer body and positioned between the first and second lateral body ends, and a retainer tab extending into the retainer opening; and a substantially J-shaped ledge grip extending from the first lateral body end, the ledge grip defining a curved portion and a planar portion, the curved portion coupled to the first lateral body end, the planar portion extending from the curved portion distal to the first lateral body end, the planar portion extending beneath the retainer body. |
| US11286680B2 |
Reinforcement device for existing structure and incidental facility attaching device
A reinforcing device for reinforcement of an angle material of an existing structure includes two band members for holding both sides of the angle material. A band auxiliary member is arranged at an inside corner of the angle material, a joining bolt/nut set is provided for joining the band auxiliary member and one end of each of the band members together, and a tightening bolt/nut set is provided for integrally fixing the other end of each of the band members to the angle material. The joining bolt/nut set and the tightening bolt/nut set are arranged only one by one respectively at one end and the other end of each of the band members. An outer face of each of the band members has reinforcing ribs provided at either an upper part or a lower part of each of the two band members. |
| US11286671B2 |
Mobile fabric water tower system
A water tower system having a catchment system to collect climatically-produced water and route the water to an output; a water mattress system fluidly coupled below to the catchment system to collect the water from the catchment system; an elevated water tower storage system fluidly coupled to the water mattress system to receive and store water from the water mattress system, the elevated water tower storage system is located at or below the water mattress system; and a water distribution system fluidly coupled to the elevated water tower storage system to receive water from the elevated water tower storage system and distribute the water to a predetermined location. |
| US11286666B2 |
Assemblies for suspending ceiling panels
An assembly for suspending ceiling panels, having a frame and suspension members for suspending the frame from a structure, the frame having intersection members and support members extending therebetween, each support member being for supporting a respective side of the ceiling panel, and wherein the ends of the support members are configured to engage with engageable portions provided circumferentially about each of the intersection members. |
| US11286662B2 |
Framed acoustic panel and method of manufacture
The present disclosure relates generally to acoustic panels, for example, suitable for acoustic ceiling surfaces. The present disclosure relates more particularly to acoustic panels that include a panel body (e.g., comprising fiberglass, or having an NRC value in the range of at least 0.5, e.g., 0.5-0.95 or 0.5-0.9) and a perimeter frame extending around a side edge of the panel body. The perimeter frame includes a plurality of frame members including a first frame member and a second frame member. A first adhesive bonds the frame members to the panel body. A second adhesive with a shorter working time may also bond the frame members to the panel body. In addition, or alternatively, a bracket that couples the frame members to one another includes a sharp projection that hinders removal of the bracket from the frame members once assembled. These aspects allow the acoustic panel to be handled before the first adhesive is cured. |
| US11286659B2 |
Modular building connector
A connector assembly, having an upper connector coupled to a lower connector and a gusset plate sandwiched between the upper and lower connectors. The upper and lower connectors allow for coupling to adjacent upper and lower connectors, respectively, allowing for addition of a modular unit to a pre-existing modular structure. Also, ways of coupling adjacent upper connectors and coupling of adjacent lower connectors when coupling a modular unit to a pre-existing modular structure are provided. |
| US11286656B1 |
Bidet-type toilet attachment
The electronic bidet toilet attachment is a device that can be installed on a regular toilet and has all the functions of a regular bidet, including water spraying, soap dispensing, blow drying, and a soft brush. Further enhancements include a motion activated light and spray enabling water sound induced urination. A perfume and cologne mister is also included. The device attaches to the toilet seat of a regular toilet, and a hook mounts a small cleaning fluid tank within the water tank of the toilet. That is the electronic bidet device's source of water and is coaxial with the fluid soap line. The electronic bidet-type toilet attachment has a side control panel for the user to conveniently operate the device. There are buttons to actuate all the aforementioned features, as well as a dial to control intensity and a button to flush the toilet. |
| US11286654B2 |
Waste disposer with embedded sprinkler assembly
The present invention relates to the field of food waste disposers, and, more particularly, to food waste disposers with embedded sprinkler assemblies. |
| US11286651B2 |
Fixing means for fixing a wear element on the front edge of a support
A wear element configured to be fixed on a support, where the wear element comprises two arms wrapping around the front edge of the support. The wear element being fixed with [a] a C-shaped body, [b] a wedge, [c] a screw with a shank, with a first segment having a smaller diameter than the head, a second segment having a larger diameter than the first segment, and a threaded segment, and [d] a nut. The shank of the screw is housed between the wedge and the body. The C-shaped body has a C-shaped projection suitable for housing the first segment of the screw. The projection has substantially the same height as the first segment. Neither the head nor the second segment can go through the projection. The wedge has a first projection and a second projection. Both projections have through holes suitable for allowing the passage of the threaded segment and suitable for blocking the passage of the nut, and the distance between both projection is greater than the height of the nut. |
| US11286649B2 |
Estimating yaw of rotating body using velocity measurements
A method for estimating a yaw (or heading) of a rotating body of a machine is disclosed. The method may include obtaining measurements related to a velocity of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antenna coupled to the rotating body based on a motion state associated with the machine satisfying one or more conditions, calculating a first unit vector of a lever arm from a rotation axis to the GNSS antenna, and calculating a second unit vector orthogonal to the one or more measurements related to the velocity of the GNSS antenna in a direction towards the rotation axis (e.g., based on a velocity of another GNSS antenna coupled to the rotating body and/or a yaw rate measurement obtained by an inertial measurement unit). Accordingly, the yaw of the rotating body may be estimated based on a rotation angle between the first unit vector and the second unit vector. |
| US11286648B2 |
System and method for estimating implement load weights during automated boom movement
A method for estimating implement load weights includes controlling an operation of at least one component of the work vehicle to perform an automated boom movement operation during which a boom of a work vehicle is automatically moved across an angular range of boom positions from a starting position to a final position. The method also includes receiving load-related data associated with a load weight for an implement of the work vehicle as the boom is moved across the range of positions, and identifying at least one measurement region within the angular range of positions associated with a phase of the automated boom movement operation during which a boom velocity of the boom is maintained substantially constant. In addition, the method includes determining a region load weight the at least one measurement region based on the load-related data. |
| US11286644B2 |
Hydraulic actuator for excavation work machine
A hydraulic drive apparatus includes a boom flow rate control valve, a target boom cylinder speed calculation part calculating a target boom cylinder speed for making a construction surface by a bucket closer to a target construction surface based on the cylinder speed of a boom cylinder and the like, and a boom flow rate operation part. The boom flow rate operation part operates the boom flow rate control valve to make a boom cylinder supply flow rate be a target supply flow rate corresponding to the target boom cylinder speed when the target boom cylinder speed direction coincides with a cylinder thrust direction, and operates the boom flow rate control valve to make the boom cylinder discharge flow rate be a target discharge flow rate corresponding to the target boom cylinder speed when the target boom cylinder speed direction is opposite to the cylinder thrust direction. |
| US11286643B2 |
Hydraulic circuit for construction equipment
Provided is a hydraulic circuit of construction equipment, including a boom cylinder for controlling ascending and descending movement of a boom, which includes a valve unit having a first control valve configured to control a large chamber of the boom cylinder to selectively communicate with a small chamber of the boom cylinder, a second control valve configured to control the large chamber to selectively communicate with an oil tank, a third control valve configured to control the large chamber to selectively communicate with an accumulator, and a fourth control valve configured to control a part of hydraulic oil flowing to the accumulator to selectively flow to an assist motor. |
| US11286641B2 |
Attachment-configurable system for a work machine
An attachment-configurable control system and method for a work machine, the work machine comprising a frame and a ground-engaging mechanism; a boom assembly coupled to the frame and moveable relative to the frame by a pair of first hydraulic cylinders, and an attachment coupler coupled to a distal section of the boom arms, the attachment coupler moveable relative to the frame by a pair of second hydraulic cylinders; an operator cab coupled to the frame, the operator cab comprising a joystick configured to move in at least a first direction, and at least a second direction wherein the second direction is transverse to the first direction; and a controller enabling an operator to command movement of a first attachment coupled to the boom assembly using a first movement command configuration a second attachment coupled to the boom assembly using a second movement command configuration. |
| US11286638B2 |
Loading machine control device and control method
An avoidance position specification unit specifies an interference avoidance position that is higher than a loading object and has no loading object therebelow. A timing determination unit determines a swing start timing based on a remaining swing angle formed by a straight line that extends from a center of swing to a work equipment and a straight line that extends from the center of swing to an interference avoidance position, and a height of the interference avoidance position. An operation signal output unit outputs an operation signal of the work equipment in a case of not reaching the swing start timing and outputs an operation signal for swinging a swing body at swing speed higher than that when not reaching the swing start timing and an operation signal of the work equipment, in a case of reaching the swing start timing. |
| US11286636B2 |
Soft-soft foundation for offshore structures
A foundation for an offshore structure is disclosed. The foundation includes a tower having an anchoring portion anchored in the seabed and a connecting portion arranged at the opposite end. The foundation also includes a power generation system arranged above the water surface connected to the connecting portion of the tower. A natural frequency of the offshore structure lies below an excitation component one times the rotational frequency 1P of at least one exciting component. The foundation also includes at least one restoring element connected to the tower via one or more transition pieces. The restoring element is designed such that, in a skewed position of the tower, tensile and/or compressive forces can be transferred to the tower by means of the restoring element such that the tower can be straightened up. |
| US11286634B2 |
Trench box and method of assembly
A trench box which has first and second side panels connected in parallel spaced relation by first and second lateral supports. Each lateral support comprises connection points at each end of each lateral support that connect the side panels to the lateral supports. The connection points maintain the side panels in parallel spaced relation and the lateral supports in parallel spaced relation between the side panels. Each connection point comprises a pivot connection that permits pivotal movement of the side panels relative to the lateral supports about a pivot axis, and a releasable connection spaced from the pivot connection in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis. The releasable connection is selectively releasable to permit the respective first or second side panel to pivot about the pivot axis such that the panels are not parallel. |
| US11286633B2 |
System with markers for placing a retaining pile with asymmetrical reinforcement and method for using same
The invention relates to a system with markers for placing a retaining pile with asymmetrical reinforcement and method for using same, so that the reinforcement is disposed in the correct position. The system comprises at least one positioned separator and a marker-separator attached to transverse reinforcing means, at least one marker disposed on a guide wall or sleeve, the marker-separator being aligned with the marker or separated by a distance equal to or less than a predetermined safety value. The method for using the system comprises the steps of: positioning a separator and attaching a marker-separator to the transverse reinforcing means, positioning the marker on the guide wall or sleeve; aligning the marker-separator with the marker or positioning at a distance equal to or less than a predetermined safety value, when the asymmetrical reinforcement is placed inside the guide wall or sleeve. |
| US11286628B2 |
Earth working machine having a dust extraction system and rotatable filter cartridges
A mobile earth working machine (10), for example a road milling machine, recycler, or surface miner, includes: a working apparatus (12) for material-removing working of a region of a substrate (U); and an extraction device (40) that is embodied to extract dust-laden air from at least one machine region at at least one extraction location (46), and to exhaust extracted air at a discharge location (50) different from the extraction location (46), the extraction device (40) comprising a filter apparatus (42) arranged along an operational flow path from the at least one extraction location (46) to the discharge location (50), the filter apparatus (42) encompassing: a filter housing (54); a filter element (52) received in the filter housing (54), the filter element (52) being embodied to remove dust particles from the air flowing through the filter apparatus (42); and a cleaning apparatus (76) that is embodied to remove from the filter element (52) dust particles that accumulate on the filter element (52) during filtering operation. Provision is made that the filter element (52) is received in the filter housing (54) rotatably around a rotation axis (D), the filter apparatus (42) comprising a rotary drive system (70) that is embodied to impart rotation to the filter element (50). |
| US11286627B2 |
Self-propelled ground milling machine and method for working on a traffic surface
The invention relates to a self-propelled ground milling machine, in particular a road milling machine or road recycler, having a machine frame supported by running gears and a working roller arranged on the machine frame in a roller housing, a hold-down device which is height-adjustable with respect to the traffic surface being arranged upstream of the working roller in the working direction. The invention further relates to a method for working on a traffic surface using a self-propelled ground milling machine. The ground milling machine comprises a detection unit which is formed in such a way that a physical variable characteristic of an undesirable state of the operating process is determined, in which state fragments are broken off from the traffic surface during work on the traffic surface using the working roller, apply a compressive force to the hold-down device and can press the hold-down device into a raised position with respect to the traffic surface. In the ground milling machine according to the invention, the device for height-adjusting the hold-down device is formed in such a way that a contact pressure, directed counter to the compressive force applied by the fragments, is applied to the hold-down device when the detection unit detects the undesirable state of the operating process. By applying a sufficient contact pressure, the hold-down device can be effectively prevented from rising from the traffic surface, in such a way that during the milling process it is at least made more difficult for fragments to break off undesirably from the traffic surface. |
| US11286626B2 |
Controlling compaction of a substrate by a surface compactor machine
A surface compactor machine includes a compacting surface for compacting a substrate, a first motor, a second motor, a support assembly, and a controller. The first motor rotates a first eccentric shaft. The second motor rotates a second eccentric shaft. The support assembly is connected to the first and second eccentric shafts to transfer vibration forces to the compacting surface. The controller controls speed of at least one of the first and second motors so that a rotational speed of the second eccentric shaft is an integer, greater than 1, times faster than a rotational speed of the first eccentric shaft to generate a composite displacement waveform that vibrates the compacting surface upwards and downwards, wherein the composite displacement waveform includes a zero amplitude coordinate, a wave section located above the zero amplitude coordinate, and a wave section located below the zero amplitude coordinate that is asymmetric relative to the wave section located above the zero amplitude coordinate. |
| US11286622B2 |
Tissue product made using laser engraved structuring belt
A tissue product including a laminate of at least two plies of a multi-layer tissue web, the tissue product having a softness value (HF) of 92.0 or greater, a lint value of 4.5 or less, and an Sdr of greater than 3.0. |
| US11286621B2 |
Aqueous surface treatment composition for paper and board
Embodiments disclosed herein provide enzymatic formulations comprising a polypeptide having amylase activity for producing a paper product. Also provided are aqueous surface treatment compositions for paper and board comprising degraded starch. Further provided are methods for producing paper and board using the aqueous surface treatment composition, and to corrugated boards produced from this paper. |
| US11286619B2 |
Bale of virgin cellulose and cellulose ester
A bale of sheets made of virgin cellulose fibers and cellulose ester (CE) staple fibers can be fed to a hydropulper. The CE staple fibers have: i. a denier per filament (DPF) of less than 3, or ii. a cut length of less than 6 mm, or iii. crimping, or iv. a combination of any two or more of (i)-(iii). The bales can be fed and dropped in as entire bales to a hydropulper, or a blend tank directly or indirectly in fluid communication with a hydropulper, using the same feed system employed for feeding cellulose to the hydopulper and avoiding having to defiberize by pulling or drawing fibers from a box container into a hydropulper. |
| US11286615B2 |
Cable and medical hollow tube
A cable includes a sheath, and a coating film covering a circumference of the sheath. The coating film adheres to the sheath. The static friction coefficient of a surface of the coating film is smaller than the static friction coefficient of a surface of the sheath. The adhesion strength between the sheath and the coating film is 0.30 MPa or more. |
| US11286613B2 |
Ironing center
The present invention provides for a complete ironing center to be attached to and stored within a wall cabinet. The ironing board is deployed perpendicularly from the back wall of the cabinet. In one embodiment, the cabinet is integrated into a larger wall cabinet system. In these embodiments, the cabinet is extended from the wall cabinet and locked into an open position. This complete system is easily and quickly closed and stored out of sight within the cabinet when not in use. |
| US11286612B2 |
Iron with heat control display on handle
An iron includes: a housing; a handle attached to an upper portion of the housing; a sole plate attached to a lower portion of the housing; a heating element positioned within the housing to heat the sole plate; a controller operatively connected with the heating element to regulate heat produced by the heating element; and a display mounted on one of the housing and the handle, the display operatively connected with the controller, the display configured such that manipulation of the display selects a heat level associated with the sole plate. |
| US11286603B2 |
Laundry treating apparatus and controlling method thereof
The present invention provides a laundry treating apparatus including a drain pump having a motor, an inverter unit to transfer power to the motor, and a control unit to control the inverter unit to operate the drain pump, wherein the control unit sets an operation mode of the drain pump based on a current flowing in a part of the inverter unit, and controls the inverter unit based on the set operation mode. |
| US11286601B2 |
Processing of chemically modified cellulosic fibres
A chemically modified cellulosic fibre or filament having a moisture content of at least 7% by weight obtained by a process comprising the steps of (i) obtaining cellulosic fibres or filament and chemically modifying the cellulose by substitution to increase its absorbency; (ii) washing the fibres after step (i) in a mixture comprising water and up to 99% by weight of water-miscible organic solvent; (iii) drying the fibres to a moisture content of at least 7% by weight. |
| US11286597B2 |
Sewing machine and sewing method
A sewing machine is disclosed. The sewing machine includes a holding member configured to be movable while holding a workpiece within a predetermined plane including a sewing position immediately below a needle, an actuator configured to move the holding member, an imaging device configured to be capable of capturing the workpiece, a sewing data acquisition unit configured to acquire sewing data including a sewing order to be referred to in sewing processing, and an imaging position setting unit configured to output a control signal to the actuator so that a plurality of feature patterns of the workpiece are sequentially disposed in an imaging region of the imaging device based upon the sewing data. |
| US11286593B2 |
Flame retardant mattress core cap and method of making same
A fabric made by the method of providing a non-woven batt having flame retardant fibers, stitch bonding the non-woven batt with an elastic yarn, and heat setting the stitch bonded, non-woven batt. The stitch bonded non-woven batt is exposed to a temperature in a range of 160° C. to 200° C. for a period in a range of 30 seconds to 120 seconds. In an embodiment, the fabric is adapted for use as a mattress core cover. |
| US11286591B2 |
Footwear article including circular knit structures
An aspect of the disclosure is a footwear article. The footwear article includes a double layer knitted upper having a foot bed, an upper portion continuous with the foot bed, an ankle opening, and an inner void for receiving a foot of a wearer. The double layer knitted upper has an outer knit layer defining an exterior surface of the double layer knitted upper. The double layer knitted upper also has an inner knit layer monolithically knit to the outer knit layer. The inner knit layer has a plurality of inner knit regions that spatially correspond to the plurality of outer knit regions of the outer knit layer. The outer knit layer and the inner knit layer substantially define the foot bed and the upper portion of the double layer knitted upper. |
| US11286586B2 |
Core-free thermoplastic polyurethane yarn with added nanosilica
The present invention provides a resin for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) yarn using nanosilica and a method for manufacturing the same. Nanosilica having a particle size of 100 nm or less is added as a thickening agent for improving productivity and glossiness of TPU yarns, such as mono-filament TPU yarns having a denier count of 50 to 350 or multi-filament TPU yarns having a denier count of 50 or less. No TPU coating is needed for applying to the surface of polyester or nylon yarns, thereby securing desired workability and properties and realizing continuous drawing of TPU yarns without thread breakage. The content of nanosilica at least from 0.1 or 0.3 to 7 phr, or a non-zero content of 7 phr or less in TPU resin is optimal for productivity of mono- or multi-filament yarns. The content of nanosilica from 0.5 to 1.5 phr is optimum for both productivity and cost reduction. |
| US11286584B2 |
Bale opener
A take-off arm is provided for a bale opener for taking off fiber flocks from fiber bales. The take-off arm includes a housing, and a take-off unit having an axial length within the housing. A pressing element is connected to the housing via only load cells such that a contact force (F) of the take-off arm on the fiber bales is continuously measured by an evaluation of the load cells situated between the pressing element and the housing. |
| US11286583B2 |
Carbon fiber bundle and method of manufacturing same
A carbon fiber bundle is characterized in that a ratio (n/N) of a number n of pairs wherein a flaw of 50 nm in size or more is present on at least one of the fracture surfaces forming the pair to a total number N of pairs of fiber fracture surfaces selected at random after performing a single fiber tensile test for a gauge length of 10 mm is 35% or less, and in that a single-fiber diameter d is 4.3 μm or more. |
| US11286582B2 |
Method for stabilizing lignin fiber for further conversion to carbon fiber
A method for producing a stabilized lignin fiber from softwood alkaline lignin by heat treatment in the absence of oxidant is disclosed. The stabilized lignin fiber can be further treated to obtain carbon fiber. |
| US11286577B2 |
Plating method and plating apparatus
A plating method capable of saving a substrate in an event of a failure of a transporter, a plating tank, or other component when the substrate is being plated is disclosed. The plating method includes: transporting a plurality of substrates to a plurality of plating tanks, respectively, with a transporter; immersing the plurality of substrates in a plating solution held in the plurality of plating tanks to plate the plurality of substrates; detecting a failure that has occurred in the transporter or a post-processing tank; and replacing the plating solution in the plurality of plating tanks with a preservative liquid to thereby immerse the plurality of substrates in the preservative liquid. |
| US11286562B2 |
Gas-phase chemical reactor and method of using same
A gas-phase chemical reactor, a system including the reactor, and methods of using the reactor and system are disclosed. An exemplary reactor includes a reaction chamber and is configured to provide a precursor within the reaction chamber for a soak period—e.g., a period wherein a supply of the precursor to the reaction chamber is ceased and before purging of the reaction chamber begins. This allows relatively high residence times, relatively high partial pressures of the precursor(s) and/or a relatively high absolute pressure to be obtained within the reaction chamber during substrate processing. |
| US11286560B2 |
Thickness compensation by modulation of number of deposition cycles as a function of chamber accumulation for wafer to wafer film thickness matching
Methods and apparatuses for performing atomic layer deposition are provided. A method may include determining an amount of accumulated deposition material currently on an interior region of a deposition chamber interior, wherein the amount of accumulated deposition material changes over the course of processing a batch of substrates; applying the determined amount of accumulated deposition material to a relationship between a number of ALD cycles required to achieve a target deposition thickness, and a variable representing an amount of accumulated deposition material, wherein the applying returns a compensated number of ALD cycles for producing the target deposition thickness given the amount of accumulated deposition material currently on the interior region of the deposition chamber interior; and performing the compensated number of ALD cycles on one or more substrates in the batch. |