US09672006B2
Described herein are frameworks, devices and methods configured for enabling display for facility information and content, in some cases via touch/gesture controlled interfaces. Embodiments of the invention have been particularly developed for allowing an operator to conveniently access a wide range of information relating to a facility via, for example, one or more wall mounted displays. While some embodiments will be described herein with particular reference to that application, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such a field of use, and is applicable in broader contexts.
US09671998B2
A device capable of operating according to a wireless communications protocol, the device being configured to: receive audio data from an audio data source; generate volume control data for controlling the playback volume of the audio data; encapsulate the audio data and volume control data in a broadcast packet; and broadcast the packet in accordance with the wireless communications protocol.
US09671995B2
An NFC-enabled digital apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a touch screen display and a near field communication (NFC) module comprising an NFC antenna and an NFC controller. In response to tagging between the NFC-enabled digital apparatus and the external NFC terminal, an NFC communication channel is established between the NFC enabled-digital apparatus and the external NFC terminal for data communication therebetween.
US09671992B2
A flexible display device monitoring system includes a display layer that is configured to flex into a plurality of flexed orientations. A sensor layer is coupled to the display layer and is configured to flex with the display layer into the plurality of flexed orientations. The sensor layer includes a plurality of sensors that each generate stress data in response to the sensor layer being flexed. A stress monitoring engine is coupled to the sensor layer and receives the stress data from the plurality of sensors when the sensor layer is flexed. The stress monitoring engine determines that the stress data exceeds a stress threshold and, in response, activates an alert system that may provide a vibration alert, a sound alert, or a visual alert. Visual alerts may include activating a relative portion on the display layer that corresponds to sensors that provided sensor data that exceeded the stress threshold.
US09671990B2
An image forming apparatus includes a setting unit configured to set whether to use personal setting information stored for each user, and a reflection unit configured to reflect a setting value changed by an authenticated user to personal setting information of the authenticated user, in a case where using the personal setting information has been set by the setting unit, and to reflect the setting value changed by the authenticated user to common setting information shared by a plurality of users, in a case where not using the personal setting information has been set by the setting unit.
US09671988B2
An image forming apparatus includes a storage portion, a preview image generating circuit, an output image generating circuit, a data information obtaining circuit, and a display circuit. The storage portion stores image data that is an output target. The preview image generating circuit generates a preview image from the image data based on an output setting. The output image generating circuit generates an output image from the image data based on the output setting. The data information obtaining circuit obtains data information from output image data of the output image, and discards the output image data from which the data information was obtained. The display circuit displays the data information together with the preview image.
US09671984B2
An embodiment of this invention solves memory shortage that occurs in enlargement processing of an image because a web application holds data of an image or the like not as binary data but as character string data. In the embodiment, a processor in an information processing apparatus executes a program including a first program layer with an instruction set to be interpreted and executed by the processor and a second program layer with an instruction set interpreted in advance by a unit other than the processor in the following way. That is, the first program layer draws an image, and divides and enlarges the drawn image using a memory. Image data of each of a plurality of images obtained by the division and enlargement is output from the second program layer to an external device.
US09671983B2
An information processing device may receive, from a server, identification information for identifying an image file being stored in the server and status information indicating a print process status of the image file, display a first screen indicating these information, and send a change instruction to the server. The change instruction may be for changing status information of a designated image file into a first status indicating where a print process for an image file has not been performed. The information processing device may send print instruction information and authentication information to a printer. The print instruction information may be for causing the printer to acquire print data from the server. The authentication information may be used by the printer to acquire the print data from the server.
US09671977B2
In one embodiment, a method for managing data includes receiving migration information that describes movement of data stored to a direct access storage device (DASD) during a data migration operation that causes at least one portion of the data to be moved from a first location in a first tier of a multi-tier file system to a second location in a second tier of the multi-tier file system, determining whether to swap data usage statistics for the second location with data usage statistics for the first location, and swapping the data usage statistics for the second location with the data usage statistics for the first location when the determination is to swap the data usage statistics. Other systems, methods, and computer program products for managing data in a multi-tier file system are described according to more embodiments.
US09671973B2
Technologies are generally described for systems, devices, and methods effective to operate a memory device. A memory controller may compress initial data to produce compressed data. The memory controller may select a storage block in the memory device. The memory controller may identify one or more positions of defective cells in the selected storage block. The memory controller may manipulate the compressed data based on the identified one or more positions to produce manipulated data. The memory controller may store the manipulated data in the selected storage block.
US09671971B2
Provided are a method, system, and computer readable storage medium for managing access to a storage device. A logical-to-physical mapping indicates for each logical address a physical address in the storage device having current data for the logical address and version information indicating whether there is a prior version of data for the logical address. In response to the logical-to-physical mapping indicating that there is no prior version of the data for a target logical address of a write, including information on the target physical address and the physical address indicated in the logical-to-physical mapping in checkpoint information. The version information for the target logical address is updated to indicate that there is a prior version of data. Data for the write is written to a target physical address. The logical-to-physical mapping for the target logical address is updated to indicate the target physical address.
US09671964B2
A method of securely erasing a non-volatile semiconductor mass memory has a plurality of physical memory units assigned either to a first memory area which can be addressed via an interface of the semiconductor mass memory or to a second memory area which cannot be addressed via the interface, and a controller that changes assignment of the memory units to the first memory area and to the second memory area according to an algorithm that produces wear leveling upon receiving a command to overwrite memory units assigned to the first memory area via the interface.
US09671960B2
A rate matching technique may be configured to adjust a rate of cleaning of one or more selected segments of the storage array to accommodate a variable rate of incoming workload processed by a storage input/output (I/O) stack executing on one or more nodes of a cluster. An extent store layer of the storage I/O stack may clean a segment in accordance with segment cleaning which, illustratively, may be embodied as a segment cleaning process. The rate matching technique may be implemented as a feedback control mechanism configured to adjust the segment cleaning process based on the incoming workload. Components of the feedback control mechanism may include one or more weight schedulers and various accounting data structures, e.g., counters, configured to track the progress of segment cleaning and free space usage. The counters may also be used to balance the rates of segment cleaning and incoming I/O workload, which may change depending upon an incoming I/O rate. When the incoming I/O rate changes, the rate of segment cleaning may be adjusted accordingly to ensure that rates are substantially balanced.
US09671949B2
Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for controlling a user interface in an electronic device. Content details are displayed and scrolled at an initial scroll speed. An object is detected within a predetermined distance from an electronic device without touching the object. The initial scroll speed is reduced in accordance with the distance of the object.
US09671942B2
The generation of characters within computer animations is a labor intensive and expensive activity. Whereas prior art approaches have sought to reduce this loading by providing reference avatars, these do not fundamentally overcome the intensive steps in generating these reference avatars, and they provide limited variations to the businesses employing them. Accordingly the invention provides the user with a simple and intuitive mechanism to affect the weightings applied in establishing the physical characteristics of an avatar generated using an inheritance based avatar generator. The inheritance based generator allowing, for example, the user to select a first generation of four grandparents, affect the weightings in generating the second generation parents, and subsequently affect the weightings in generating the third generation off-spring avatar from these parents, therein providing a wide range of avatars from an initially limited set of avatars. Accordingly the invention provides animators with a means of rapidly generating and refining the off-spring avatar to provide the character for their animated audio-visual content.
US09671941B1
A computing device can utilize a recognition mode wherein an interface utilizes graphical elements, such as virtual fireflies, to indicate recognized or identified objects. Fireflies can be displayed near an input element to indicate that a recognition mode is available. When a user selects the input element, the fireflies can appear to emanate from the input element and disperse across the display screen. As objects are recognized, fireflies can create bounding boxes around those objects, or otherwise appear proximate those objects, to indicate recognition. The fireflies can again disperse as the objects fall out of view, and can begin moving towards new objects as features of those objects are identified as potential object features. A subsequent selection of the input element to exit recognition mode can cause the fireflies to appear to retreat to their original location in, or near, the input element.
US09671933B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing electronic distribution of filtered calendars. The disclosed systems and methods may include receiving control data. The control data may be configured to indicate a portion of master calendar data a user designates to transmit. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods may include filtering the master calendar data based on the control data to create filtered calendar data and transmitting the filtered calendar data.
US09671931B2
Described herein are methods and systems for visually deemphasizing a displayed persona. At least one embodiment takes the form of a method carried out by a user-interface (UI)-management device. The UI-management device identifies a persona region of a displayed persona and identifies a user-interface-focus location. The UI-management device then makes a persona-deemphasize determination based on the identified persona region and the identified user-interface-focus location. In response to making the persona-deemphasize determination, the UI-management device visually deemphasizes the displayed persona.
US09671929B2
A method for resolving and operating POI stacks in a virtual environment displayed on an image screen surface, automatically scales, upon selecting a first POI stack with a first quantity of POI's contained in the POI stack, the representation of the virtual environment such that POI's contained in the first POI stack are displayed on the image screen surface such that individual POI's, when correctly positioned in the virtual environment, maintain a minimum size and a minimum distance to respective neighboring POI's, and, if the minimum distance cannot be maintained, a partial quantity of the quantity of POI's of the first POI stack is combined in at least one second POI stack on the basis of the respective position of the individual POI's in the virtual environment. A corresponding system is also described.
US09671921B2
An object is associated with one or more controls in a software application. An object associated with a control determines the operation of the data entry user interface when the data entry user interface is being employed to enter data into the control. More particularly, the object may communicate interface e characteristics to a component that is responsible for providing the user interface to the user. Such a component may be, for example, a shared software module that renders the user interface on a display, receives input data from the user through the user interface, and routes the entered data to a designated destination. Alternately, the object itself may create a user interface having the specified characteristics.
US09671913B2
A device is described. In an example, a device comprises a capacitance sensor layer and a conductive grounded layer. The conductive grounded layer is placed under the capacitance sensor layer in a direction opposite to a targeted sensing direction of the device. The distance between the capacitance sensor layer and the conductive grounded layer is configured to remain within a threshold over a range of deformation. In other examples, a method for manufacturing a device and a module are discussed along with the features of the device.
US09671909B2
The present invention provides a mutual capacitance one glass solution touch panel and a manufacture method thereof. A first through hole and a second through hole are formed at an isolation layer of the touch panel. A first sub electrode pattern of the touch panel is electrically connected to a fourth sub electrode pattern of the touch panel via the first through hole, and a third sub electrode pattern of the touch panel is electrically connected to a second sub electrode pattern of the touch panel via the second through hole as touch control test is performed. According to the aforesaid arrangement, the present invention is capable of reducing the wire resistance of the transmission signals in the electrode patterns to raise the touch control sensitivity.
US09671905B2
A display device with a touch detection function includes, a plurality of display elements performing display operation based on a pixel signal and a display drive signal, a touch detection element detecting an external proximity object based on a touch detection drive signal, a scan drive section performing display scanning by sequentially supplying the pixel signal and the display drive signal to the plurality of display elements in a time-divisional manner, and the scan drive section supplying the touch detection drive signal to the touch detection element, and a touch detection circuit performing touch detection by sampling a detection result from the touch detection element with a period shorter than a period of the display scanning. The scan drive section supplies the touch detection drive signal to the touch detection element in a touch detection operation period different from a display operation period for performing the display scanning.
US09671898B2
Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. The devices and methods utilize a first substrate with proximity sensor electrodes and at least a first force sensor electrode disposed on the first substrate. A second substrate is physically coupled to the first substrate, where the second substrate comprises a spring feature and an electrode component. The electrode component at least partially overlaps the first force sensor electrode to define a variable capacitance between the first force sensor electrode and the electrode component. The spring feature is configured to facilitate deflection of the electrode component relative to the first force sensor electrode to change the variable capacitance. A measure of the variable capacitance may be calculated and used to determine force information regarding the force biasing the input device.
US09671881B2
An electronic device that accepts an input and executes operation includes: a first detection unit that detects a touch position on a first surface among surfaces included on the electronic device; a second detection unit that detects a touch operation on a second surface different from the first surface among the surfaces included on the electronic device; and a control unit that sets a reference position on the first surface or the second surface in response to the touch operation on the second surface, and controls the operation of the electronic device on the basis of a relative positional relationship between the reference position and the touch position on the first surface.
US09671877B2
A passive stylus with a deformable tip is described herein. In one embodiment, a thin annular body configured to be hand-held with a chisel shaped tip disposed at the first end of the body is provided. The chisel shaped tip includes a deformable material such that the chisel shaped tip is operable to interface with a touch a sensitive surface with a detectable surface area when a first pressure is exerted on the body and translated to the chisel shaped tip. The chisel shaped tip is operable to interface with the touch sensitive surface with a second detectable surface area, this one different from the first detectable surface area, when a second pressure is exerted on the body and translated to the chisel shaped tip. The stylus may include a second tip on the back end for providing an erase function.
US09671876B2
Resolution of perspective in three dimensions is necessary for intermeshing real players into simulated environments during virtual training exercises. With the advent of high resolution image sensors the ability to sense position and orientation using image capture devices is possible. The combination of small sized sensors and image recognition tracking algorithms allows the tracking element to be placed directly on the device whose perspective is desired. This provides a solution to determining perspective as it provides a direct measurement from the center axis of the observer. This invention employs a perspective tracking device to determine a point-of-gaze or a point-of-aim in a three-dimensional space to a high degree of accuracy. Point-of-gaze may be used to determine views for head mounted displays and aim-points for weapons. The invention may operate in an unconstrained space allowing simulation participants to operate in a larger, open environment. Areas of interest in the environment are bounded by area of interest markers which identify the region and its physical constraints.
US09671871B2
An apparatus and a method of recognizing a gesture uses an infrared ray. The apparatus for recognizing a gesture, includes a sensing unit which detects a gesture using an infrared sensor to obtain a sensing value from the sensing result; a control unit which performs gesture recognition to which an intention of a user is reflected in accordance with a predetermined recognizing mode based on the obtained sensing value; and a storing unit which stores the predetermined recognizing mode when the gesture recognition set in advance by the user is performed. The predetermined recognizing mode includes a first recognizing mode in which the gesture is directly recognized and a second recognizing mode in which the gesture is recognized after recognizing a hold motion for determining start of the gesture recognition.
US09671870B2
A flexible display device includes a display, a bending sensor configured to detect a bending of the flexible display device, and a controller configured to control the display so that a graphical user interface (GUI) appears in response to detection of the bending of the flexible display device.
US09671867B2
An interactive control device includes a display device, and a method is for operating the interactive control device. The method includes: displaying graphical information on the display device; receiving sensor information; activating a control action if on the basis of the sensor information it is ascertained that a body part of a user is located within an activation region that is spatially defined relative to a display region of a control element on the display device with which the control action is associated; the received sensor information including user information that is evaluated prior to an activation of the control action in order to ascertain a control intention for the at least one control element; and the information represented on the display device being adapted as a function of the ascertained control intention such that the at least one control element is represented in a manner optimized for the activation of the control action associated with the control element. The control device may be arranged as a component of a motor vehicle console so as to be able to implement the control method.
US09671866B2
A system is configured to provide haptic stimulation to a user. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with the performance of one or more control gestures through which the user controls, for example, a game, a real world component or piece of equipment, and/or other entity. In one embodiment, the haptic stimulation is provided to the user in conjunction with control of virtual equipment by the user.
US09671855B2
Disclosed are examples of apparatuses including memory devices and systems comprising memories sharing a common enable signal, wherein the memories may be put into different power modes. Example methods for setting the different power modes of the memories are disclosed. In some examples, different power modes may be set by issuing memory group-level commands, memory-level commands, or combinations thereof.
US09671839B2
Acoustics management at an information handling system provides reduced acoustic noise with limited performance impact by dynamically changing power dissipation as a function of cooling fan speed and ambient temperature so that preemptive power restrictions prevent excessive thermal conditions that lead to excessive cooling fan speeds and associated acoustics. A maximum cooling fan speed of less than an available maximum is set and maintained by reducing power dissipation unless power dissipation reaches a minimum, after which the minimum power dissipation is maintained and cooling fan speed is allowed to increase.
US09671834B2
Retractable screen (1) and keyboard (2) assembly for tables, comprising a supporting structure provided with a frame (3) defining a housing (4), and with a supporting frame (5) on the table, the screen (1) being able to rotate from a position in which it is stowed inside the housing (4) and flush with the supporting frame (5) to an elevated use position, a platform (6) arranged in the housing (4) on which the keyboard (2) rests, means for guiding (G) the platform (6) vertically from a lower position which leaves space for the stowed screen (1) and an upper use position, and further comprising a base (7) for the screen (1) which can rotate about a fixed axis (Γ) in relation to said frame (3), the screen (1) being mounted on said base (7), the screen (1) and base (7) assembly being able to rotate about said axis (Γ) from the stowed position to the use position.
US09671833B2
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include sliding a slider slidably coupled to the structural member and mechanically coupled to the structural member by an ejection spring with an ejection spring force configured to bias the slider in a first position relative to the structural member in absence of a force other than the rejection spring force, wherein the sliding is in a direction opposite the ejection spring force and away from the first position, and wherein the structural member defines at least a portion of a bay for receiving an information handling resource. The method may also include engaging the slider with a release latch mechanically coupled to the structural member, such that when engaged with the release latch, the slider is biased in a second position away from the first position.
US09671832B2
The present invention relates to a smart equipment and the display control method of the soft-operation interface thereof, wherein the display controlling method of the soft-operation interface of the smart equipment comprising: sensing the action changing information of the smart equipment by the gravity sensor; according to the action changing information, adjusting the soft-operation interface arrangement of the smart equipment on its display screen. By using the present invention, it is convenient for users to carry out one-hand operation on the smart equipment, and the convenience for the users is improved.
US09671831B2
An electronic apparatus includes: a fixed bracket; an arm base that is rotatably coupled to the fixed bracket; a movable arm that is coupled to the arm base and tilts with respect to the arm base; a movable device that is coupled to the movable arm, and that rotates with respect to the movable arm and is landed on a mounting face; an arm elastic body that is provided on the arm base, and biases the movable arm in a rising direction in which the movable arm is raised against the mounting face; and a base elastic body that is provided on the fixed bracket, and biases the arm base in the rising direction of the movable arm.
US09671816B2
One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for assigning power management classifications to a process, transitioning a computing environment into a connected standby state based upon power management classifications assigned to processes, and transitioning the computing environment from the connected standby state to an execution state. That is, power management classifications, such as exempt, throttle, and/or suspend, may be assigned to processes based upon various factors, such as whether a process provides desired functionality and/or whether the process provides functionality relied upon for basic operation of the computing environment. In this way, the computing environment may be transitioned into a low power connected standby state that may continue executing desired functionality, while reducing power consumption by suspending and/or throttling other functionality. Because some functionality may still execute, the computing environment may transition into the execution state in a responsive manner to quickly provide a user with up-to-date information.
US09671814B2
A lever device in which a lid is mounted to an opening portion of a lever member without dropping down therefrom and with a good visual quality is disclosed. The lever device comprises a lever member swingably supported in a fixed system, an opening portion provided in the lever member to open in a radial direction, and a lid that is engaged to the opening portion to cover the opening portion therewith, wherein the lid is provided with a thin portion. Deflections are generated in such a manner as to concentrate on the thin portion of the lid.
US09671810B2
A system and method for providing power is disclosed. A variable direct current (DC) power source provides a variable DC voltage. A configurator dynamically converts the variable DC voltage to a selected DC voltage to provide the power. A set of switches combines the solar voltage with a substantially constant DC voltage. A control unit controls the set of switches and the configurator to provide the combined voltages at a selected voltage level.
US09671807B2
Plural power storage systems 10 are provided in a power system. The power storage systems 10 are connected to a management system 60 via a communication network CN1. The power storage systems each include a power storage device 11, 12, and a control device 100 for controlling the power storage device. The control device stores performance information about the power storage system including the control device, location information indicating a location in the power system of the power storage system including the control device, and order information indicating an order of operation allocated to the power storage system including the control device. When a disturbance occurs in the power system, the control device performs a predetermined compensation operation based on the location information and the order information, and then returns to a preset stand-by state.
US09671785B1
An object-detection system suitable for use in an automated vehicle includes a transceiver, and object-detector, and a controller. The transceiver is suitable to install on a host-vehicle. The transceiver is used to receive an indicated-location of an object proximate to the host-vehicle. The object-detector is suitable to install on the host-vehicle. The object-detector is used to detect a relative-location of the object relative to the host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the transceiver and the object-detector. The controller determines a confirmed-location of the object relative to the host-vehicle based on the indicated-location and the relative-location. Determining the confirmed-location of the object allows for selecting from a variety of optimized algorithms to better track subsequent expected motion of the object, and reducing the risk of unnecessary or erratic action by the host-vehicle caused by hacking of the wireless-transmission or deliberate malicious content in the wireless-transmission.
US09671783B2
A method is described for aiding the piloting of an airplane by ensuring availability of an automatic pilot that is normally controlled as a function of speed information of the airplane when the speed information is lost. The method includes detecting a loss of the speed information of the airplane. In response to the detection of the loss of the speed information, the method includes determining flight data of the airplane being independent from the speed information of the airplane, determining control parameters from the flight data, and controlling the automatic pilot based on the control parameters and without the speed information of the airplane. The automatic pilot includes an automatic piloting system or a flight director.
US09671780B2
Examples described herein involve a playback device performing one or more playback device actions based on locations of one or more physical contacts on an external surface of the playback device. A processor of the playback device may receive from an array of proximity sensors underlying an external surface of the playback device, location data indicating a physical contact at a location on the external surface. Based on at least the location, the processor may identify a playback device action from a plurality of playback device actions, and cause at least the playback device to perform the identified playback device action. The playback device may further include at least one orientation sensor from which the processor may also receive orientation data indicating an orientation of the playback device. The processor may identify identify the playback device action also based on the orientation of the playback device.
US09671764B2
The present invention is to provide a control system including a sensing device capable of periodically driving a corresponding operation device based on a trigger policy, wherein the sensing device and the operation device have the same trigger policy stored therein. The control system is characterized in that the trigger policy at least includes a trigger code, a time data (such as “after 15 minutes”) and an operation data (such as “turn on a lamp”). When the sensing device detects a sensing signal, the sensing device generates and transmits a trigger instruction to the operation device. When the operation device determines that a trigger code carried in the trigger instruction matches with a second identification code stored therein, the operation device calculates an expiration time of the time data based on the current time, and then executes an action corresponding to the operation data at the expiration time.
US09671757B1
A smartwatch assembly may include a dial portion having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and a circuit board having a plurality of LED modules disposed thereon. The plurality of LED modules may be oriented to emit light toward the plurality of apertures of the dial portion. The circuit board may include a control module configured to illuminate the plurality of LED modules in response to an alert and a communication module configured to interface with an electronic device wirelessly and to receive the alert. Methods of making a smartwatch assembly may include disposing a dial portion having a face plate and a plurality of hour-mark apertures extending through the face plate in a watch casing and disposing a circuit board having a plurality of LED modules disposed thereon in a watch casing, the plurality of LED modules corresponding to the plurality of hour-mark apertures.
US09671753B2
In an image forming apparatus, a duct portion provided on a side surface of a partition wall member on a first space side includes first and second internal passages. The first internal passage allows air that has flowed in from a first air passage to flow and guides the air to a second air passage. The second internal passage allows air that has flowed in from a second air passage to flow and guides the air to a second space via a communication port formed in a partition wall member. A first blower provided in the first space sucks air from the first air passage and blows out the air to the first internal passage. A second blower provided in the second space sucks air from the second air passage and blows out the air to the second space through the second internal passage and the communication port.
US09671752B2
An optical writing device adopting a low cost and simple structure can obtain temperatures of light emitting elements. The device comprises a plurality of light emitting elements arranged linearly in a main scanning direction. The amount of light emitting of the light emitting elements changes by self-generated heat. The light emitting elements are divided into a plurality of groups. Each of the groups includes a prescribed number of light emitting elements. The device comprises a control unit for calculating the amount of heat generation of the light emitting elements for each of groups from clock time t0 to clock time t0+Δt. The control unit calculates the temperature for each of the groups at the clock time t0+Δt, based on the amount of heat generation from the clock time t0 to the clock time t0+Δt and the temperature at the clock time t0.
US09671741B2
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming section that electrophotographically forms an image on a sheet; and a sheet feeding path including a first sheet feeding path that conveys a sheet to the image forming section, and a second sheet feeding path provided continuously with the first sheet feeding path. Unjamming is allowed to be performed by separating the apparatus at a boundary between the first sheet feeding path and the second sheet feeding path, and by pulling out the first sheet feeding path. The apparatus further includes: a jam detection section that detects an occurrence of a jam in the sheet feeding path; and a jam clearing section that determines a procedure for unjamming in accordance with a state of a sheet on the sheet feeding path when a jam occurs, and the jam clearing section makes a request to perform unjamming according to a determined procedure.
US09671736B2
A unit moving apparatus includes a unit provided to a main body in such a manner so as to be attached to and pulled out from the main body, a main-body guide portion provided to the main body and configured to guide the unit while restricting rotation of the unit at a time of attaching and pulling out the unit, a pull-in unit configured to apply a pulling force to the unit to pull the unit into the main body, and a unit restriction portion configured to restrict rotation of the unit in such a manner that the units rotates within an angle smaller than an angle to which the main-body guide portion restricts the unit's rotation when a rotation moment is generated by the pulling force of the pull-in unit applied to the unit and a load applied to the unit in a direction opposite to an attachment direction.
US09671733B2
A fixing device and An image forming apparatus include: a first pressure roller having an elastic layer in a surface layer section; a fixing belt wound on the elastic layer of the first pressure roller; a second pressure roller that presses the elastic layer of the first pressure roller via the fixing belt, the second pressure roller forming a fixing nip portion between the fixing belt and the second pressure roller; and a guide member that guides the fixing belt in such a manner as to separate the fixing belt from a protruding portion of the elastic layer, the protruding portion being formed on an entrance side of the fixing nip portion in a sheet conveying direction.
US09671728B2
An image processing apparatus comprises an image decoloring unit, an image forming unit, a heater and a control unit. The image decoloring unit decolors an image formed on a sheet with a decolorable color material by heating the sheet. The image forming unit forms an image on a sheet with a decolorable color material. The heater thermally fixes the image formed by the image forming unit on the sheet. The control unit carries out a control processing so that the formation of an image with a decolorable color material is different before and after a specified time elapses from the moment the image decoloring unit completes a decoloring processing.
US09671719B2
A layer thickness restriction portion and a developer rectifying portion are formed integrally by injecting a resin material into a mold, in which a gate portion is offset to one side with respect to a center position of the layer thickness restriction portion, through the gate portion.
US09671708B2
An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes a toner particle that has a sea-island structure including a sea portion containing a binder resin and an island portion containing a release agent and having at least two maximum values of distribution of a degree of uneven distribution B of the island portion shown by the following Equation (1): degree of uneven distribution B=2d/D Equation (1) in Equation (1), D represents an equivalent circle diameter (μm) of the toner particle obtained by cross section observation of the toner particle, and d represents a distance (μm) between the center of gravity of the toner particle and the center of gravity of the island portion containing the release agent obtained by cross section observation of the toner particle.
US09671707B2
Provided is an apparatus for heat treatment capable of heat-treating toner particles efficiently and uniformly while suppressing increase of coarse particles due to coalescence, to thereby enable stable toner production. The apparatus for heat-treating powder particles each of which contains a binder resin and a colorant includes: a cylindrical treatment chamber in which the powder particles are heat-treated; a columnar member (6) provided so as to protrude from a lower end part of the treatment chamber toward an upper end part thereof; a powder particle supply unit (2) for supplying the powder particles to the treatment chamber; a hot air supply unit (3) for heat-treating the supplied powder particles; and a collection unit (5) for collecting the heat-treated powder particles discharged outside the treatment chamber through a toner discharge port provided on the lower end part side of the treatment chamber. The hot air supply unit is provided so that the hot air is supplied along an inner circumferential surface of the treatment chamber. The powder particle supply unit includes multiple particle supply ports provided on an outer circumferential surface of the columnar member. The toner discharge port is provided in an outer circumferential portion of the treatment chamber so as to keep a rotation direction of the powder particles.
US09671696B2
Digital imageable flexographic printing elements for producing flexographic printing plates, which are developable using hydrocarbon-comprising washout media and which, between the photopolymerizable layer and the digital imageable layer, have a polar, ultrathin, oxygen-blocking barrier layer. Methods for producing flexographic printing plates using such digital imageable flexographic printing elements, by imaging, exposing, washing out, drying, and post-treating, the washout being formed by means of hydrocarbon-comprising washout media.
US09671692B2
A compound represented by formula (I): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group where a hydrogen atom can be replaced by a halogen atom, L1 represents a C1-C8 fluorinated alkanediyl group, X1 represents *—CO—O—, *—O—CO—, *—O—CO—O— or *—O— where * represents a binding site to L1, and R2 represents a C1-C18 hydrocarbon group in which a methylene group can be replaced by an oxygen atom, a carbonyl group or a sulfonyl group and in which a hydrogen atom can be replaced by a hydroxy group, or in which two hydrogen atoms can be each replaced by an oxygen atom forming one ketal structure together with a C1-C8 alkanediyl group bonded to the oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom in said ketal structure can be replaced by a fluorine atom.
US09671691B2
A resist composition includes (A1) a resin which includes a structural unit represented by formula (a4), a structural unit having a cyclic ether, and the resin has no acid-labile group, (A2) a resin having an acid-labile group, and an acid generator: wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R4 represents a C1 to C24 saturated hydrocarbon group having a fluorine atom and a methylene group contained in the saturated hydrocarbon group may be replaced by an oxygen atom or a carbonyl group.
US09671690B2
A resist composition which generates an acid upon exposure and whose solubility in a developing solution changes under the action of an acid. The composition includes a base material component whose solubility in a developing solution changes under the action of an acid; an acid generator component which generates an acid upon exposure; and a photo-reactive quencher which contains a compound represented by the general formula shown below: in which Ra1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms which may have a substituent; and Ra2 and Ra3 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms which may have a substituent. X− represents a counter anion.
US09671689B2
New photoacid generator compounds (“PAGs”) are provided that comprise a cholate moiety and photoresist compositions that comprise such PAG compounds.
US09671679B2
An apparatus including flash light circuitry configured to emit a flash of light; an optically transparent window, overlying the flash light circuitry, configured to transmit externally an emitted flash of light from the flash light circuitry; and at least one filter configured to reduce total internal reflection of the flash of light within the optically transparent window.
US09671677B2
A focal-plane shutter capable of stabilizing a curtain in continuous photographing action for suppression of variation in light exposure period is provided. The focal-plane shutter includes a base plate having a first opening, a blade receiving plate so arranged as to face the base plate and having a second opening formed in a position corresponding to the first opening, and a rear curtain that is arranged between the base plate and the blade receiving plate and moves between an open position where the first opening and the second opening are open and a closed position where the first opening and the second opening are closed to open and close the first opening and the second opening. The blade receiving plate has a protruding section in a position where the blade receiving plate overlaps with the rear curtain located in the open position when viewed along the optical axis direction, and the protruding section so protrudes toward the rear curtain as to allow the rear curtain to come into contact with the protruding section.
US09671673B2
According to embodiments of the present invention, an optical device is provided. The optical device includes a channel waveguide, and a plurality of optical elements arranged along at least a portion of the channel waveguide to interact with light propagating in the channel waveguide, wherein a period of the plurality of optical elements changes nonlinearly along the portion of the channel waveguide. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for forming an optical device is also provided.
US09671663B2
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display includes an array substrate provided with pixel electrodes including a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode aligning in a first direction, a first gate line placed on one side of the pixel electrodes in a second direction, a second gate line placed on the other side of the pixel electrodes, a source line extending along the second direction, a first pixel switch for switching connection of the source line with the first pixel electrode by a gate signal provided through the first gate line, and a second pixel switch for switching connection of the source line with the second pixel electrode by another gate signal provided through the second gate line, an counter-substrate provided with an common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer held between the substrates.
US09671662B2
The present invention discloses an array substrate and liquid crystal display panel, wherein in the array substrate, each pixel unit includes a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode and a third pixel electrode; and each pixel unit includes a first control circuit and a second control circuit; the first control circuit affects first pixel electrode to make first pixel electrode in a state corresponding to displaying a black image in 3D display mode; the second control circuit affects second pixel electrode to change the voltage of second pixel electrode. As such, the present invention can reduce color difference at large viewing angle, improve opening ratio in 2D mode, reduce signal cross-talk in 3D mode, and reduce the number of data line drivers to reduce the cost.
US09671658B2
A liquid crystal display includes a substrate, a plurality of signal lines, a gate driver, and a sealant. The substrate includes a display area and a peripheral area outside the display area. The signal lines are integrated with the substrate and include a clock signal line. The gate driver includes a stage located between the clock signal line and the display area. The stage is integrated with the substrate and is configured to apply a gate voltage to the display area. The sealant is distributed over part of the peripheral area. A seal region where the sealant is distributed includes a seal line, and the clock signal line is located within the seal line. The clock signal line is located further away from the stage than the other signal lines.
US09671656B2
There is provided a liquid crystal display including a pixel electrode including a first subpixel electrode and a second subpixel electrode. The first subpixel electrode includes a first cross stem portion positioned in a first subpixel region and first minute branches extending from the first cross stem portion, and includes first and second body portions that are positioned in a third subpixel region and separated from each other, and a plurality of first and second slit portions that extend from the first and second body portions, respectively. The second subpixel electrode includes a second cross stem portion positioned in a second subpixel region and second minute branches that extend from the second cross stem portion, and includes a third cross stem portion positioned in a third subpixel region and third minute branches that extend from the third cross stem portion.
US09671652B2
A liquid crystal panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and an enclosure resin frame located between the first substrate and the second substrate to enclose and seal the liquid crystal layer. The enclosure resin frame surrounds the liquid crystal layer that is located in a displaying zone of the liquid crystal panel. The enclosure resin frame includes spherical supports arranged therein. The spherical supports include an inner layer and an outer layer. At least one of the outer layer and the inner layer is made of a heat-shrinkable material, or alternatively, the inner layer and the outer layer are both made of heat-shrinkable materials. Also provided are a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal panel and a liquid crystal displaying device.
US09671651B2
A display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed separately; a sealant disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; and at least one color resist layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein, the at least one color resist layer and the sealant are disposed in an alternate arrangement, and are disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate in order to support the first substrate and the second substrate. A display device is also disclosed. Through replacing the spacers in the sealant with the color resist layer to support the first substrate and the second substrate, a display uneven phenomenon near the sealant of a narrow frame display panel is solved. In addition, because the color resist layer replaces the spacer, the cost of the spacer is saved so as to reduce the design cost.
US09671640B2
In an electro-optical device 100, a color filter substrate 20 is provided with colored pixels, which are: a red pixel 2(R) with a colored layer 28(R) formed inside a concave portion 25(R) formed in a first surface 20s of a light-transmissive substrate 20d, a green pixel 2(G) with a colored layer 28(G) formed inside a concave portion 25(G) formed in said surface, and a blue pixel 2(B) with a colored layer 28(B) formed inside a concave portion 25(B) formed in said surface. In addition, in the substrate 20d, a non-colored pixel 2(W), at which no colored layer is provided, is provided outside the concave portion 25(R), 25(G), 25(B) at a position where the thickness of the substrate 20d is greater than that at the colored pixels.
US09671633B2
There is provided a display device including a substrate, a black matrix disposed on one side of the substrate, a thin film transistor disposed on the other side of the substrate, a common electrode and a pixel electrode disposed on the thin film transistor and overlapping with each other with an insulating layer disposed therebetween, a roof layer formed to be spaced apart from the pixel electrode and the common electrode with a microcavity disposed therebetween, including a supporting member, and having an injection hole through which a portion of the microcavity is exposed, a liquid crystal layer filling the microcavity, and an overcoat formed on the roof layer so as to cover the injection hole and sealing the microcavity.
US09671632B2
A display device includes: a display panel including a display area in which an image is displayed and a pad area in which an image is not displayed; an intermediate frame member on which the display panel is disposed; and an upper frame member which covers the pad area and is coupled to the intermediate frame member. The intermediate frame member may define: a first side wall portion thereof extended along a first side of the display panel; and a second side wall portion thereof extended along a second side of the display panel, the second sidewall portion connected to the first side wall portion in the pad area and a height of the second side wall portion being less than a height of the first side wall portion. The upper frame member which covers the pad area is coupled to the second side wall portion.
US09671631B2
Electronic displays are physically reshaped and/or resized to meet custom specifications for special applications such as avionics, where Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) are not typically used. Customization includes cutting the physical display to specified dimensions to fit into a target opening, and resealing the display to preserve proper cell spacing and assure basic functionality. The sealing process may include improving the original seal, and/or providing additional seals.
US09671629B2
A display device and display system are disclosed, and the display device comprises: a liquid crystal display (LCD) provided with a backlight and an LCD panel (1), a first quarter-wave phase retardation film (2) disposed on one side of the LCD panel (1) away from the backlight, and a first liquid crystal phase retardation plate (3) disposed on one side of the first quarter-wave phase retardation film (2) away from the LCD panel (1); the LCD emits first linearly polarized light for type I information and second linearly polarized light for type II information; and when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal phase retardation plate (3), emergent light, passing through and emitted from the first quarter-wave phase retardation film and the first liquid crystal phase retardation plate, of the first linearly polarized light and the second linearly polarized light, is converted into overlapped light of circularly polarized light in different rotation directions. The display device makes naked eye personnel unable to identify effective image information, so that the confidential display effect can be greatly improved.
US09671626B2
Methods and apparatus are described herein related to a see through head mountable device (HMD) configured to reduce glare originating from polarized light. Each eyeglass of the HMD is associated with a grid comprising a plurality of dynamically configurable polarization filters placed in the path of the light. A polarization analyzer module analyzes the polarization characteristics of a field of view and performs an optimization calculation. The polarization analyzer controls the said grid via a controller module in such a way that the filter state of each grid element can be addressed separately. The grid of polarization filters causes the polarization characteristics of the incident light to be adapted in such a way as to reduce glare and/or to provide a user of the said head mountable device with an enhanced visual perception of the field of view. The user of the described head mountable device has the option of selection between a plurality of polarization enhancement modes, such as horizontal or vertical polarization filtering only or a hybrid mode combining both horizontal and vertical polarization filtering on an individual basis for each grid element.
US09671619B2
A gaze direction tracking system for an ophthalmic lens comprising an electronic system is described herein. The gaze direction tracking system is part of an electronic system incorporated into the ophthalmic lens. The electronic system includes one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry. The gaze direction tracking system is utilized to determine pupil position and use this information to control various aspects of the ophthalmic lens.
US09671611B2
An optical cell may include a first port coupled to a second port by an optical path. The optical cell may also include a compensator disposed in the optical path. The compensator may be rotatable about an axis. Rotating the compensator about the axis may vary a distance that the optical path passes through the compensator thereby changing the optical path length of the optical path.
US09671606B2
An illumination optical system for an endoscope includes two light guides disposed in an insertion tube in a first direction to sandwich a center of the insertion tube therebetween; an observation window on a tip end face of the insertion tube; two concave lens parts having negative powers sandwiching the observation window at positions facing end faces of two light guides on the tip end face of the insertion tube. The end face of each of the two light guides has a smaller width in the first direction than a width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; each of the two concave lens parts has a larger negative power in the first direction than a negative power thereof in the second direction; and of illumination light which has propagated through each of the two concave lens parts after being emitted from each of the two light guides.
US09671601B2
A method for autofocusing in microscopic examination of a specimen located at the focus of a microscope objective uses an autofocus beam path, the autofocus beam path being directed, via a deflection device arranged on the side of the microscope objective facing away from the specimen, toward the microscope objective, and from there onto a reflective autofocus interface in the specimen region. The autofocus beam path is reflected at the autofocus interface and directed via the microscope objective and the deflection device toward an autofocus detector. The deflection device comprises two regions spaced apart from one another in a propagation direction of the autofocus beam path. Each region reflects the autofocus beam path. The autofocus detector is arranged in a plane conjugated with the microscope objective pupil to acquire an interference pattern. The focus of the microscope is adjusted as a function of the acquired interference pattern.
US09671600B2
A light microscope having a sample plane for positioning a sample, and a light source for emitting illumination light, includes optical imaging means for guiding the illumination light into the sample plane. A detector device having a plurality of detector elements for detecting sample light coming from the sample. Adjacent detector elements are at a distance from one another which is smaller than an Airy-Disk produced by a point of the sample plane on the detector device. A scanning device has at least a first and a second optical arrangement simultaneously movable in a common direction for producing an illumination scanning movement and a detection scanning movement, which are opposite to one another. Sample regions spaced apart from one another can be examined simultaneously, such that both a beam path of the sample light from the sample plane to the detector device and a beam path of the illumination light from the light source to the sample plane run via the first optical arrangement and only one of these two beam paths runs via the second optical arrangement. Sample light can be imaged in a non-inverting manner and with an imaging scale of less than one. The invention is additionally directed to a corresponding microscopy method.
US09671598B2
In a 1-2nd lens group, an aspherical resin lens is disposed on the outermost enlargement side, an enlargement-side fixed lens group (second fixed lens group) as a fixed group is disposed, a moving lens group, which move when focusing is performed in response to the magnification change, is disposed further on the reduction side from the second fixed lens group. Even in a case where the second optical group is configured of one mirror, it is possible for a primary image to have appropriate aberration and to hereby reduce aberration of an image which is finally projected onto a screen through the second optical group.
US09671596B2
A plurality of imaging optical systems includes at least two imaging optical systems, and each imaging optical system includes an identical diaphragm member. Each imaging optical system includes in order from an object side, a front lens unit having a positive refractive power, a focusing lens unit having a negative refractive power, and a rear lens unit having a positive refractive power. The diaphragm member is disposed near the focusing lens unit. At the time of focusing, only the focusing lens unit moves on an optical axis. Each imaging optical system satisfies the following conditional expression (1), and the plurality of imaging optical systems satisfies the following conditional expressions (2) and (3). 0.5
US09671593B2
An imaging lens assembly is provided in the present disclosure. The imaging lens assembly includes a first lens with positive refractive power; a second lens with negative refractive power; a third lens with negative refractive power; a fourth lens with positive refractive power; a fifth lens with positive refractive power; and a sixth lens with negative refractive power. The first lens, the second lens, the third lens, the fourth lens, the fifth lens and the sixth lens are arranged in sequence from the object side to the image side, and satisfy conditions provided in the present disclosure.
US09671586B2
Provided is an optical system having, in order from an object, a positive first lens group (G1), an aperture stop (S) and a second lens group (G2), wherein the first lens group (G1) includes, in order from the object, a negative lens component (L1), a positive lens component (L2) and a first lens component (L3, L4), the image side surface of which is a concave surface facing the aperture stop (S), the second lens group (G2) includes, in order from the object, a second lens component (L5, L6), the object side surface of which is a concave surface facing the aperture stop (S), and a positive lens component (L8) disposed closest to the image, the first lens component (L1) and the second lens component (L2) face each other sandwiching the aperture stop (S), and the following conditional expressions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 1.5
US09671578B2
A structured substrate for optical fiber alignment is produced at least in part by forming a substrate with a plurality of buried conductive features and a plurality of top level conductive features. At least one of the plurality of top level conductive features defines a bond pad. A groove is then patterned in the substrate utilizing a portion of the plurality of top level conductive features as an etch mask and one of the plurality of buried conductive features as an etch stop. At least a portion of an optical fiber is placed into the groove.
US09671570B2
An optical wavelength division multiplexor module (40) has a housing (44) having a front face (45) and a rear face (46). The wavelength division multiplexor module (40) comprises a short wavelength path terminal (41), a common optical terminal (42), and a long wavelength path terminal (43). The short wavelength path terminal (41) comprises a first fiber optic adapter (48), for engaging a fiber optic connector of a first patch cable (24), while the common optical terminal (42) comprises a second fiber optic adapter (48), for engaging a fiber optic connector of a second patch cable (26). The long wavelength path terminal (43) comprises a fiber optic connector (49) for directly engaging with a fiber optic adapter (48) carried on a modified optical test access switch (50). The short wavelength path terminal (41) and the common optical terminal (42) are both provided on the front face (45) of the housing (44), while the long wavelength path terminal (43) is provided on the rear face (46) of the housing (44).
US09671569B2
A cable sealing device including an attaching part securable to the cable; a fixation part adapted to be mountable on the attaching part; and a sealing part. The attaching part includes outer locking faces. The fixation part has inner abutment faces adapted to co-operate with the outer locking faces to axially and rotationally lock the fixation part relative to the attaching part. The sealing part includes an inner seal and an outer seal. The sealing part also includes a second securing arrangement that is configured to engage a first securing arrangement of the fixation part to axially and rotationally lock the sealing part to the fixation part.
US09671559B2
Disclosed herein are methods, structures, apparatus and devices to integrate polarization filters and power tap couplers on planar photonic circuits that advantageously provide a lower insertion loss to an optical signal and improved optical bandwidth as compared with contemporary designs wherein these two functions are implemented separately.
US09671555B2
A display device includes a display screen and a frame disposed around the display device, an infrared receiver and a light guide member, wherein the light guide member has a securing surface through which the light guide member is secured to the frame, the light guide member further including a receiving end and a light exiting surface, the receiving end formed at a display side of the display device, a width of the receiving end in a direction perpendicular to the frame to which the light guide member is secured is narrower than a width of the light exiting surface in the direction. Only a narrower portion of the light guide member can be seen when a human being looks at the display device, thus improving display effect of the narrow frame of the display device.
US09671551B2
A fiber optic cable includes a first optical fiber, a jacket, and a second optical fiber. The first optical fiber includes a glass core and cladding. The glass core is configured to provide controlled transmission of light through the fiber optic cable for high-speed data communication. The jacket has an interior surface that defines a conduit through which the first optical fiber extends. The jacket further has an exterior surface that defines the outside of the fiber optic cable. The second optical fiber is integrated with the exterior surface of the jacket.
US09671547B2
Provided are an illumination device capable of improving the uniformity in brightness of the illumination light, and a display device using the same. An illumination device is provided with: a plurality of light sources arranged in a row in one direction; and a light guide plate which has, along a side edge face, a light receiving face facing the light source, guides light entering through the light receiving face, and outputs illumination light from a light emitting surface disposed on the front surface; the light guide plate having a plurality of prisms and a plurality of prisms provided in an indented manner on the front or rear surface and arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the light receiving face; the prisms being formed spanning between the light receiving face and the opposing face opposite the light receiving face; and the prisms being formed, between adjacent prisms, deeper than the prisms within a predetermined range in the vicinity of the light receiving face.
US09671543B2
To reduce the crosstalk caused by the optical characteristic of the support film. A patterned retardation film comprising at least a support film (14) having optical anisotropy and a patterned retardation layer (12) disposed on the support film and having a first retardation region and a second retardation region, at least one of an in-plane slow axis direction and a retardation being different between the first and second retardation regions, wherein a variation in the in-plane slow axis direction of the support film is 3° or more.
US09671540B2
According to the present invention, there are provided a polarization filter and a sensor system. The polarization filter includes a circularly polarized light-separating layer having a cholesteric liquid crystalline phase fixed therein, in which the circularly polarized light-separating layer is a layer which selectively transmits one of the left-hand circularly polarized light and the right-hand circularly polarized light in the specific wavelength band, a λ/4 phase difference layer for light in the specific wavelength band is disposed on one of the surfaces of the circularly polarized light-separating layer, and the λ/4 phase difference layer includes a first phase difference region and a second phase difference region of which slow axis directions are orthogonal to each other. The sensor system includes the polarization filter, a light source which emits light having a wavelength in the specific wavelength band, and a light-receiving element which can detect light having a wavelength in the specific wavelength band. The polarization filter of the present invention can improve the sensitivity of a sensor system using polarized light, and the sensor system of the present invention has high sensitivity and is extremely cost effective.
US09671527B2
An optical lens assembly, which has an optical axis, includes, at least one dual molded lens element having two plastic parts with different colors. The dual molded lens element includes a transparent portion and a light absorbing portion, wherein the transparent portion has an optical effective region. The dual molded lens element has an outer diameter surface connecting a first side surface and a second side surface of the dual molded lens element, the transparent portion is arranged from an optical effective region of the dual molded lens element to the outer diameter surface and surrounds the dual molded lens element, thus the transparent portion is a part of the outer diameter surface, and the light absorbing portion is located on one of the first side surface and the second side surface of the dual molded lens element.
US09671521B2
Method and system for buried land mine detection through derivative analysis of laser interferometry
A method of detecting land mines includes pre-processing a raw laser interferometer image, processing pre-processed image by calculating one or more derivatives having one or more peaks, along vectors extending in at least two different directions, mapping the peaks of said derivatives to create a derivative map, and detecting an anomalous signature in the derivative map.
US09671517B2
The disclosure is concerned with a tool and method for imaging a formation through a substantially non-conductive medium. The tool includes one or more injection electrodes for injecting current through the substantially non-conductive medium and into the formation. The tool further includes one or more return electrodes for receiving current from the substantially non-conductive medium, the formation, or both. The tool also includes circuitry for determining a complex impedance based on the received current, determining a phase angle of the complex impedance, and determining a component of the complex impedance that is orthogonal to the phase angle.
US09671505B2
In the present invention, a battery box is provided on the lower side of a survey meter body so as to protrude downwardly. Four primary batteries are accommodated inside the battery box with inclined postures. A stepped structure is formed between the front surface of the battery box and the lower surface of the body. The survey meter can be held by a hand while an index finger, or the like, is hooked on the stepped structure. It is also possible to remove the battery box and dispose a plate-like secondary battery in an accommodation space.
US09671500B1
Methods and systems are provided for locating a vehicle. A locating device receives position data and determines an approximate position of the vehicle. A remote server reports a correction factor for each of a plurality of locations and a broadcast server broadcasts the correction factors over a wireless data stream. A receiver device receives the correction factors from the broadcast device and a correction device extracts a selected correction factor from the wireless data stream based on the location and the approximate position to determine a refined position of the vehicle.
US09671497B2
Systems and methods for synchronizing a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver with a GNSS signal are provided. In one example, a GNSS receiver may include one or more sets of 20 GNSS channels that are each configured to integrate a received GNSS signal over a 20 millisecond accumulation window to output a navigation message bit. The accumulation windows of the 20 GNSS channels may be delayed relative to other windows of the 20 GNSS channels by 1 millisecond. The GNSS receiver may identify one of the 20 GNSS channels having the correct synchronization with the GNSS signal based on the navigation message bits output by the 20 GNSS channels. The identified GNSS channel having the correct synchronization with the GNSS signal may be used to determine a location of the GNSS receiver.
US09671493B1
Described is system for optimizing visual inspection of radar targets. The system detects radar hits with a radar system comprising radar and a radar-cued camera. The camera has a current state comprising a current slew position and a current zoom level. The radar hits are stored, and a set of metrics are determined for each radar hit. A track value (TV) metric is determined that combines the set of metrics for each zoom level of the camera. The camera sends a set of commands based on the TV metric, such that the camera slews from the current state to a new state. The new state is a position of a radar hit with the largest TV metric and a corresponding zoom level. Given the new state, an image is captured and processed to generate captured tracks. The current state of the camera is updated to reflect the new state.
US09671483B2
A method for processing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement data includes: receiving, with a processor, NMR measurement data obtained from an NMR tool, the NMR measurement data being affected by a motion artifact and having a first echo train obtained with a long polarization time TWET and a second echo train obtained with a short polarization time TWTL that is shorter than TWET; and at least one of (i) reducing, with a processor, an effect on the NMR measurement data of the motion artifact using the first echo train and the second echo train and (ii) identifying, with a processor, the motion artifact using the first echo train and the second echo train; wherein the motion artifact is related to a magnetic field magnitude that varies in a volume of interest due to a motion of the NMR tool.
US09671482B2
An MRI method includes detecting movement of an object while a protocol is executed to capture an image of a region of the object, and outputting information indicating occurrence of the movement, based on a value of a movement amount.
US09671480B2
The MRI apparatus includes an image generating unit, an area setting unit, a slice condition determining unit and an imaging executing unit. The image generating unit images an object at a predetermined imaging position, and generates an image for positioning. The area setting unit sets a slab area and a slice area on a basis of a recommended value that is stored in a storage and corresponds to the predetermined imaging position, and to display the set slab area and the set slice area on the image for positioning, the storage storing the recommended value of a parameter concerning a slice condition for each of a plurality of imaging positions. The slice condition determining unit determines the slice condition on a basis of the slice area. The imaging executing unit executes an imaging of the slab area in accordance with the determined slice condition.
US09671478B2
An antenna (100), which is designed for exciting and/or detecting a magnetic resonance in an object (1) under investigation, comprises a conductor loop (10) with an inner conductor (11) and a primary shield conductor (12), which form at least one waveguide, wherein the primary shield conductor (12) is interrupted by a gap (13), and wherein a secondary shield conductor (14) is provided which surrounds the primary shield conductor (12), wherein a dielectric (15) is arranged between the primary shield conductor (12) and the secondary shield conductor (14) and at least the gap is covered by the secondary shield conductor (14). An antenna arrangement which comprises a plurality of such antennas, a magnetic resonance device, and a method for magnetic resonance imaging or magnetic resonance spectroscopy are also described.
US09671476B2
A method and a local coil for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system are provided. The local coil includes a hand coil having a plurality of rings, each made of a plurality of coil elements.
US09671472B2
A system includes a helically polarized magnet having a plurality of north and south poles circumferentially and helically patterned along a linear axis. Magnetic flux varies at different positions along a linear path in a direction aligned with the linear axis. A multi-axis magnetometer and/or magnetometer array is configured with at least two sensing coils to detect the position of the helically polarized magnet by sensing the magnetic flux variations at the different positions along the linear path.
US09671469B2
A voltage detection circuit for a secondary battery. A secondary battery is composed of a plurality of battery blocks (B1) to (B3), and is connected to a flying capacitor (C1) via input side sampling switches (SW1) to (SW3). The flying capacitor (C1) is connected to a differential amplifier circuit (10) via output side sampling switches (SWa) and (SWb). A feedback capacitor (C2) is connected to an inverting input terminal of the differential amplifier circuit (10) to form an integrator circuit, which reduces the capacitance of the flying capacitor (C1).
US09671468B2
Electrical battery apparatus embodiments are presented that generally involve incorporating sensing, computing, and communication capabilities into the one common component that a vast number of electronic devices employ—namely batteries. By integrating these capabilities into disposable and/or rechargeable batteries, new functionality and intelligence can be provided to otherwise stand-alone devices.
US09671466B2
An apparatus for testing an arc fault circuit interrupter includes an AC signal generator circuit configured to be capacitively coupled to an AC power line and to induce an AC signal thereon and a control circuit configured to control the AC signal generator circuit to selectively enable and disable generation of the AC signal responsive to a waveform of an AC power voltage of the AC power line.
US09671464B2
An integrated circuit has controller circuitry having coupled to a test clock and a test mode select inputs, and having state a register clock state output, a register capture state output, and a register update state output. Register circuitry has a test data in lead input, control inputs coupled to the state outputs of the controller circuitry, and a control output. Connection circuitry has a control input connected to the control output of the register circuitry and selectively couples one of a first serial data output of first scan circuitry and a second serial data output of second scan circuitry to a test data out lead. Selection circuitry has an input connected to the serial data input lead, an input connected to a test pattern source lead, a control input coupled to the scan circuitry control output leads, and an output connected to the scan input lead.
US09671463B2
A falling edge controller includes a controller having an inverted TCK (Test Clock) input, a TMS (Test Mode Select) input, a shift register control output, an update register control output, and a shift output; a shift register having a TDI (Test Data In) input, a shift register control input coupled to the shift register control output, address inputs, a select input, address and select outputs, and a TDO (Test Data Out) output; an update register having address and select inputs coupled to the address and select outputs, an update register control input coupled to the update register control output, address outputs coupled to the address inputs, and a select output coupled to the select input; and address circuitry having address inputs coupled to the address outputs, and having an enable output.
US09671458B2
A guided approach device for guiding together a first device (handler or tester) and a second device (including a test head for electronic components), including a latching device with a cylindrical pin socket for holding and fixing a front end of a catch pin. The latching device is connected to a linear displacement device such that the cylindrical pin socket may be displaced in a linear direction at least a short distance corresponding to a multiple of a length of a leading section of the catch pin, which may be inserted into the pin socket. Additionally or alternatively, the latching device is connected to a linear displacement device such that the latching element, a spring element and the pin socket may be displaced, with the catch pin engaged, in a linear direction by the linear displacement device, so that the first and second devices maybe moved relative to one another.
US09671451B2
A method for performing diagnostics on a transformer includes generating, by a voltage generator, an AC voltage and applying the AC voltage to a winding or phase of the transformer. Current flowing from the generator to the winding or phase is decomposed into a plurality of harmonic components. Respective magnitudes of the plurality of harmonic components are compared with corresponding magnitudes of harmonic components associated with one or more benchmark transformers of a known condition to determine whether the condition of the transformer matches the condition of one or more benchmark transformers.
US09671449B2
A system for detecting an electrical fault in an electrical installation including several electrical conductors, the system including at least two measurement modules, each measurement module including first radioelectric communication device, a sensor for measuring each electrical magnitude associated with a corresponding electrical conductor and a first clock defined by a first initial instant and a first clock frequency, each measured value being suitable for being associated with a first instant of measurement, determined with respect to the first initial instant and as a function of the first frequency, an acquisition unit, including second radioelectric means adapted for communicating with the first radioelectric communication device.
US09671440B2
There are provided a method and device for detecting a zero phase component. The device for detecting a zero phase component includes a meter chip of a sequential sampling method, a data acquiring unit configured to acquire sequential data on a plurality of phases from the meter chip, and a zero phase current value calculating unit configured to calculate an instantaneous current value for fault detection by summing instantaneous current values for each phase from the acquired sequential data, and calculate a zero phase current value using the calculated instantaneous current value for fault detection.
US09671435B2
A voltage measurement circuit including a current mirror having an input branch in series with a first resistive element between first and second nodes of application of said voltage, and having an output branch providing a current representative of said voltage.
US09671434B2
A sensor device for use in detecting current in a conductor is provided. The sensor includes a non-magnetic substrate defining an aperture structured to receive a conductor therein, a coil comprising a plurality of turns wound about at least a portion of the substrate, and a housing for enclosing the substrate and coil. The housing includes a dielectric material having a dielectric constant and positioned adjacent to the coil and at least partially within the aperture such that the dielectric material is disposed between the coil and the conductor when the conductor is received through the aperture and at least one spacer coupled to the aperture to facilitate maintaining a position of the coil relative to the conductor, wherein each of the spacers is positioned offset from the dielectric material such that each of the spacers does not radially extend between the coil and the conductor.
US09671425B1
A test apparatus that is usable with a switchgear cabinet is structured to mimic the operation of a circuit interruption device being received in the interior of the switchgear cabinet by providing a number of structures such as an engagement wall that engages a shutter assembly and moves it from a deployed state to an undeployed state. The engagement wall in the test apparatus has a number of openings formed therein that permit a number of electrical conductors and the relevant portions of the shutter assembly to be viewed from the exterior of the switchgear cabinet.
US09671424B2
Energy dissipation measurements in Frequency Modulation-Atomic Force Microscopy (FM-AFM) should provide additional information for dynamic force measurements as well as energy dissipation maps for robust material properties imaging as they should not be dependent directly upon the cantilever surface interaction regime. However, unexplained variabilities in experimental data have prevented progress in utilizing such energy dissipation studies. The inventors have demonstrated that the frequency response of the piezoacoustic cantilever excitation system, traditionally assumed flat, can actually lead to surprisingly large apparent damping by the coupling of the frequency shift to the drive-amplitude signal. Accordingly, means for correcting this source of apparent damping are presented allowing dissipation measurements to be reliably obtained and quantitatively compared to theoretical models. The methods are non-destructive and can be both easily and routinely integrated into FM-AFM measurements within vacuum environments where measurements exploiting prior art solutions cannot be performed.
US09671421B2
A micro-position gap sensor assembly including a structural housing and a flexible diaphragm fixedly attached forming a barrier against fluid ingress. The structural housing includes a shaft orthogonally attached to the flexible diaphragm, a first retainer including one or more standoffs, a second retainer, and a parallel plate gap sensor. The parallel gap plate sensor includes a non-contact sensor plate biased against a portion of the first retainer defining a plane of the non-contact sensor plate and receiving a biasing force in opposition of the first retainer from the second retainer, a target plate comprised of a conductive paramagnetic material. The parallel plate gap sensor is configured such that displacement of one of the target plate or the non-contact sensor plate changes a distance between the target plate and the non-contact sensor plate.
US09671417B2
There is provided an analyzer capable of stably supplying the cuvettes even if a great number of cuvettes is input to the storage section without thinking. The analyzer includes a storage section configured to store the plurality of input cuvettes, a take-out section configured to take out the cuvettes in the storage section from the storage section, and a vibration unit configured to vibrate the storage section to stimulate movement of the cuvettes in the storage section.
US09671409B2
A nanoscale calcinated silicate film fabricated on a gold substrate for highly effective, matrix-free laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) analysis of biomolecules. The calcinated film is prepared by a layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition/calcination process wherein the thickness of the silicate layer and its surface properties are precisely controlled. The film exhibits outstanding efficiency in LDI-MS with extremely low background noise in the low-mass region, allowing for effective analysis of low mass weight samples and detection of large biomolecules including amino acids, peptides and proteins. Additional advantages for the calcinated film include ease of preparation and modification, high reproducibility, low cost and excellent reusability. Experimental parameters that influence LDI on calcinated films have been systemically investigated. Presence of citric acid in the sample significantly enhances LDI performance by facilitating protonation of the analyte and reducing fragmentation. The wetting property and surface roughness appear to be important factors that manipulate LDI performance of the analytes. This new substrate presents a marked advance in the development of matrix-free mass spectrometric methods and is uniquely suited for analysis of biomolecules over a broad mass range with high sensitivity.
US09671407B2
The present invention provides a device for isolating target biomolecules or cells from samples, particularly biological samples. In particular, the device comprises a loading mixture, which contains the biological sample and a first binding entity that specifically binds to the target biomolecule or target cell; and a micro-channel coated with a second binding entity that binds directly or indirectly to the first binding entity. Methods of capturing, detecting, and/or evaluating target biomolecules or target cells (e.g. cancer cells) in biological samples are also disclosed.
US09671406B2
The invention provides methods for predicting or determining the response of a mammalian tumor to a chemotherapeutic agent and for treating a mammalian tumor comprising detecting and quantifying the SPARC protein or RNA in a sample isolated from the mammal. The invention further provides kit for predicting the response of a mammalian tumor to a chemotherapeutic agent, comprising a means for the isolation of protein or RNA from the tumor, a SPARC protein or RNA detection and quantification means, control RNAs, and rules for predicting the response of the tumor based on the level of SPARC protein or RNA in tumor.
US09671405B2
The invention relates to detection and/or treatment of a subset of prostate cancer patients who may benefit from taxane treatment. The method comprises testing whether an androgen receptor (AR) splice variant is present in a test sample obtained from the patient, wherein the androgen receptor variant can be ARv5,6,7.
US09671404B2
The present invention relates to the use of myeloid cell biomarkers for the differential diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or colorectal cancer (CRC). The present invention furthermore relates to monitoring the effect of a treatment against renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or colorectal cancer (CRC), and establishing a prognosis of the outcome of the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or colorectal cancer (CRC). The present invention furthermore relates to panels of cellular biomarkers for use in the above methods, in particular multicolor panels for measuring said biomarkers.
US09671403B2
The present invention encompasses a method for detecting a target comprising a repeating epitope.
US09671398B2
The present invention relates to systems and methods for the rapid in situ determination of the existence of a hook effect and expansion of the dynamic range of a point of care immunoassay. For example, a system for identifying a hook effect and expanding the dynamic range of an immunoassay is provided that may include a primary sensor having first immobilized antibodies that may be configured to generate a first signal based on a presence or absence of a target analyte in a sample. The system may further include an attenuated sensor having second immobilized antibodies at a reduced concentration relative to a concentration of the first immobilized antibodies on the primary sensor and that may be configured to generate a second signal based on the presence or absence of the target analyte in the sample. The system may further include a processor configured to determine a presence of a hook effect in the immunoassay based on relative values of the first and second signals and optionally determine the target analyte concentration of the sample.
US09671396B2
The present invention provides solid supports comprising a surface bound array of dendrons and methods for using the same.
US09671392B2
The present invention relates to a multisensor array for detection of analytes in the gas phase or in the liquid phase, comprising at least two different chemo-selective compounds represented by the general formula (I) wherein the hetero atoms X1-X4 and the substituents R1-R4 are defined in the specification and the dashed bonds represent independently of each other either a single bond or a double bond. Said chemo-selective compounds are capable of individually changing physicochemical properties when exposed to analytes or analyte mixtures and these changes can be detected by a transducer or an array of transducers. The present invention does also relate to the use of at least two different chemo-selective compounds in a sensor array, a method for preparation of such sensor arrays and the use of said sensor arrays. Furthermore the present invention relates to methods for detecting and identifying analytes or mixtures thereof in the gas phase or in the liquid phase.
US09671390B2
The present invention relates to the discovery that the T1R receptors assemble to form functional taste receptors. Particularly, it has been discovered that co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3 results in a taste receptor that responds to umami taste stimuli, including monosodium glutamate. Also, it has been discovered that co-expression of the T1R2 and T1R3 receptors results in a taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli including naturally occurring and artificial sweeteners. Also the present invention relates to the use of hetero-oligomeric taste receptors comprising T1R1/T1R3 and T1R2/T1R3 in assays to identify compounds that respectively respond to umami taste stimuli and sweet taste stimuli.
US09671387B2
The invention concerns a test system for carrying out blood sugar tests with a diagnostic tape cassette which comprises a windable analytical test tape for detecting an analyte and a cassette housing accommodating the test tape, and a test device which has a device housing for inserting and removing the tape cassette and a measuring unit for detecting the analyte on the test tape. According to the invention it is proposed that the tape cassette can be detachably fastened by positioning elements on a platform mounted in the device housing and that the measuring unit is rigidly attached on the platform or can be engaged therewith.
US09671382B2
Provided is a gas sensor comprising a gas-sensitive layer consisting of nickel oxide (NiO) doped with chrome (Cr) so as to selectively detect methylbenzene gas. The gas sensor, according to the present invention, has a gas-sensitive layer consisting of Cr-doped NiO. The gas sensor exhibits superior selectivity for methylbenzene gas when compared to other gases. The gas sensor can be easily and mass produced according to the production method of the present invention and is not affected by the microstructures of the material forming the gas-sensitive layer. The present invention relates to a gas sensor exhibits a negligible sensitivity of benzene, formaldehyde, and alcohol and exhibits significantly high selectivity and sensitivity of methylbenzene gas such as xylene and toluene when the NiO sensor material with a hierarchical structure favorable to gas dispersion and response is doped with Cr.
US09671370B2
A method and system for detecting material loss in a tubular. A method includes identifying a radial cross-sectional area of a tubular as having a loss of material in a wall of the tubular. Responsive to the identifying, an amount of voltage offset present in each of a plurality of measurement signals is determined. Each of the measurement signals provides measurement information for an arc section of the wall. For each of the measurement signals, a zero adjusted signal is produced by adjusting the measurement signal to remove the amount of voltage offset over a length of the tubular for which the identifying recognizes the loss of material. An assessment of wall material loss is produced for each arc section of the wall of the tubular based on the zero adjusted signals. An image of the wall of the tubular showing the wall material loss for each arc section is generated.
US09671369B2
A method and an apparatus for determining a mobility of ions. The method includes the steps of modulating an ion beam with an ion gate which is controlled by a modulation function for generating a modulated ion beam, of guiding the modulated ion beam through a drifting region, of measuring a signal of the modulated ion beam after the modulated ion beam has passed the drifting region and of calculating a correlation of the modulation function and the signal in order to determine the mobility of the ions. The apparatus includes the ion gate, the drifting region through which the modulated ion beam is guidable, a detector by which the signal of the modulated ion beam is measurable after the modulated ion beam has passed the drifting region and a calculation unit by which the correlation of the modulation function and the signal is calculable in order to determine the mobility of the ions. An autocorrelation of the modulation function is a two-valued function.
US09671366B2
One embodiment of the invention provides a system adapted and configured to generate a localized flow circulation zone. The system includes: a free-standing microfluidic pipette comprising three or more channels with exits separated from each other by an outer surface of the pipette; and a controller programmed to control fluid flows through each of the three or more channels to generate a localized recirculating fluid flow path outside the pipette. Liquid leaving the microfluidic pipette through at least one outlet channel exit is withdrawn through at least two inlet channel exits.
US09671362B2
Embodiments described herein provide for a pH sensor that comprises a substrate and an ion sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) die. The ISFET die includes an ion sensing part that is configured to be exposed to a medium such that it outputs a signal related to the pH level of the medium. The ISFET die is bonded to the substrate with at least one composition of bonding agent material disposed between the ISFET die and the substrate. One or more strips of the at least one composition of bonding agent material is disposed between the substrate and the ISFET die in a first pattern.
US09671360B2
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a biosensor comprising (a) forming an insulating layer in an electrode region; (b) coating the first photoresist layer on the insulating layer; (c) performing the first exposing process on the first electrode region through the first photomask; (d) removing unexposed area of the first photoresist layer except for the first electrode region using development; (e) coating the second photoresist layer on the first electrode region and the insulating layer after the step (d); (f) performing the second exposing process on the second electrode regions through the second photomask; (g) performing the third exposing process on the top portion of the second photoresist layer through a photomask with open areas in the shape of micro-sized wires connecting the second electrode regions; (h) removing the second photoresist layer except for the portions exposed in the steps (c), (f) and (g) using development.
US09671352B2
Provided are a reel-to-reel inspection apparatus and method. The reel-to-reel inspection apparatus includes: an unwinding unit configured to unwind a roll-shaped object; a first inspection unit configured to photograph a surface of the object discharged from the unwinding unit; a second inspection unit configured to photograph another surface of the object which has passed through the first inspection unit; a marking unit configured to indicate a mark on the object which has passed through the second inspection unit; and a winding unit configured to wind in a roll shape the object which has passed through the marking unit.
US09671349B2
A method and apparatus are provided for automatically detecting the type of replacement fluid loaded by the operator during a therapeutic exchange procedure and to provide a warning alarm if an incorrect fluid is used. After the operator connects the container of replacement fluid to the replacement fluid line of a single-use kit and enters into the controller an identification of the exchange procedure to be performed, the replacement fluid is flowed through a segment of the kit in proximity to a sensor associated with the hardware component that detects the type of fluid flowing through the segment. The controller verifies whether the replacement fluid detected in the segment corresponds to that appropriate for the selected exchange procedure, and notifies the operator in the event that an incorrect replacement fluid has been loaded.
US09671348B2
The present invention provides a method for measuring a component to be measured in a sample, comprising converting the component to be measured in the sample into hydrogen peroxide and measuring the formed hydrogen peroxide in the presence of an α-keto acid using an oxidative-coloring chromogen. The present invention also provides a method for suppressing the influence of a peroxide on a method of converting a component to be measured in a sample into hydrogen peroxide and measuring the formed hydrogen peroxide using an oxidative-coloring chromogen, the suppression method comprising using an α-keto acid. The measuring method and the suppression method of the present invention using an α-keto acid suppress the influence of a peroxide to give an accurate measurement of the component to be measured in the sample.
US09671342B2
An optical instrument monitors PCR replication of DNA in a reaction apparatus having a temperature cycled block with vials of reaction ingredients including dye that fluoresces in presence of double-stranded DNA. A beam splitter passes an excitation beam to the vials to fluoresce the dye. An emission beam from the dye is passed by the beam splitter to a CCD detector from which a processor computes DNA concentration. A reference strip with a plurality of reference emitters emit reference beams of different intensity, from which the processor selects an optimum emitter for compensating for drift. Exposure time is automatically adjusted for keeping within optimum dynamic ranges of the CCD and processor. A module of the beam splitter and associated optical filters is associated with selected dye, and is replaceable for different dyes.
US09671337B2
An objective lens system having a high numerical aperture, a large working distance, and low optical aberrations over a wide spectral band of wavelengths is disclosed. The objective lens system includes a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group. The first lens group includes first and second positive meniscus lenses that are positioned at a distance from each other along an optical axis of the objective lens system. The distance may be dependent on a focal length of the objective lens system. The second lens group includes first and second meniscus lenses and a bi-convex lens. The third lens group includes a bi-concave lens and a doublet lens.
US09671335B2
A photonics integrated system is disclosed, comprising a substrate, an integrated interferometer integrated in the substrate and being configured for receiving radiation from a radiation source, and an integrated spectral filter integrated in the substrate and being configured for receiving radiation from the interferometer. The integrated interferometer has a period and the integrated spectral filter has a bandwidth such that the period of the integrated interferometer is smaller than the bandwidth of the integrated spectral filter. The integrated spectral filter has a periodic transfer characteristic with a period and the system has a bandwidth such that the period of the periodic transfer characteristic of the integrated spectral filter is larger than the bandwidth of the system.
US09671328B2
A system for classifying different types of sheeting materials of road signs depicted in a videostream compares estimated retroreflectivity values against known minimum retroreflectivity values for each of a plurality of colors. Once a road sign has been identified in the videostream, the frames associated with that road sign are analyzed to determine each of a plurality of colors present on the road sign. An estimated retroreflectivity for each of the plurality of colors present on the road sign is then determined. By comparing the estimated retroreflectivity for each of the plurality of colors against known minimum retroreflectivity values for the corresponding color for different types of sheeting materials, an accurate determination of the classification of the sheeting material of the road sign is established. Preferably, certain conditions of gross failure of the sheeting material are filtered out before classification of the sheeting material is determined.
US09671325B2
A particle measuring device includes: an optical resonator that reflects laser light back and forth between two facing reflective mirrors in order to amplify an energy of that laser light and form resonant laser light; a particle transport unit that transports particles in an aerosol to be measured across a beam path of the resonant laser light; a scattered light receiving unit that receives scattered light produced when the particles in the aerosol are irradiated by the resonant laser light; and a processor that receives light reception signals from the scattered light receiving unit, wherein the processor outputs light reception pulses according to the light reception signals and calculates time intervals between the light reception pulses that are temporally adjacent.
US09671322B2
An automated embedding machine includes at least a conveyor, a pouring station, and a cooling station. The conveyor is embodied and arranged to receive casting molds each having at least one histological sample arranged therein, and to transport them to the pouring station which fills each casting mold with an embedding medium heated to above its melting point, and then to the cooling station which cools the embedding medium of each casting mold to below its melting point. The disclosure furthermore relates to a method for embedding a histological sample.
US09671321B2
Disclosed are methods, compositions and kits for the isolation of exosomes from biological fluids and tissues. Volume-excluding polymers are used to precipitate exosomes from biological samples thereby allowing exosome isolation by low-speed (benchtop) centrifugation or filtration. Further fractionation of exosomes after precipitation is also described.
US09671315B2
An apparatus comprises an outer shell, a gauge ring, and a spring. The gauge ring is configured to rotate to a first position as a nut passes through an opening of the outer shell and contacts a bottom surface of the gauge ring, the first position permitting the nut to pass through the gauge ring and into a socket by aligning one or more gauge ring lobe slits with one or more outer shell lobe slits and one or more deformable lobes of the nut. The spring is configured to rotate the gauge ring to the second position after the nut passes through the gauge ring and into the socket, the second position preventing the nut from exiting the socket by preventing alignment of the one or more gauge ring lobe slits with the one or more outer shell lobe slits.
US09671310B2
A method and apparatus for measuring cluster gears for run-out employs a plurality of master gears, each engageable with one of the gears of the cluster and each supported on a fluid cylinder powered slide movable radially to a gear to be measured. As the gear to be measured is rotated, the radial motion of the slides is sensed and compared to maximum values by a computer. An additional master gear, having sections engageable with each gear of a cluster simultaneously on its own slide, may be provided to measure the total run-out of the cluster.
US09671296B2
There is provided a portable electronic device with one or more integrated temperature sensors (12) for measuring an ambient temperature, a compensator (25,26) for reducing the difference between a sensor output (Ts) and the ambient temperature (Ta) with the compensator (25,26) switching depending on environmental and/or handling conditions between a plurality of compensation modes selected dependent on measurements of one or more other integrated and/or external sensors.
US09671293B2
A temperature detection circuit and a temperature measurement circuit capable of detecting and measuring temperatures precisely are disclosed. The temperature detection circuit includes n temperature detectors (n is an integer of 2 or more), each of the temperature detectors being configured to output a detection signal of high level when a temperature of an object reaches a first value, and a temperature determination part configured to determine whether or not the temperature of the object has reached a second value based on a count of high-level detection signals.
US09671290B2
There is provided a temperature measurement method for measuring a temperature of an ultraviolet light transmittance member transmitting ultraviolet light. The method includes: detecting ultraviolet light transmitted through the ultraviolet light transmittance member using a spectroscopic measurement unit, and obtaining an absorption edge wavelength of the ultraviolet light transmittance member; and deriving a temperature of the ultraviolet light transmittance member on the basis of the obtained absorption edge wavelength.
US09671288B2
A solid-state photodetector with variable spectral response that can produce a narrow or wide response spectrum of incident light. Some embodiments include a solid-state device structure that includes a first photodiode and a second photodiode that share a common anode region. Bias voltages applied to the first photodiode and/or the second photodiode may be used to control the thicknesses of depletion regions of the photodiodes and/or a common anode region to vary the spectral response of the photodetector. Thickness of the depletion regions and/or the common anode region may be controlled based on resistance between multiple contacts of the common anode region and/or capacitance of the depletion regions. Embodiments include control circuits and methods for determining spectral characteristics of incident light using the variable spectral response photodetector.
US09671284B1
A circuit is provided. The circuit includes a single-photon avalanche diode. The circuit further includes a delay element comprising a first regulator and a second regulator, each of which is independently selectable based on a selection signal applied to a selection terminal of the delay element. The delay element is configured to receive, at an inverting section, an event signal indicative of an avalanche event in the single-photon avalanche diode. Furthermore, the delay element is configurable in one of two distinct delay resolution regimes, each corresponding to only one edge of the event signal being actively delayed by the delay element when one of the first regulator and the second regulator is enabled and the other one of the first regulator and the second regulator is turned off.
US09671278B2
An arrangement for detecting toilet flushing by utilizing an acoustically-based motion detector in a simple amplifier circuit. The detector is in contact with the toilet bowl, which acts as a resonant system. Upon detection of such flushing, a subsequent event, such as a cleaning or disinfecting a toilet, ventilating the surrounding area or releasing deodorant into the area, may be triggered. The mechanically resonant system with the provided circuit is capable of separating frequencies from the frequency of the flushing water in a specific bowl design and provides a high degree of immunity to unwanted ambient frequencies. In addition, the system consumes low power and is suitable for battery power operation.
US09671272B1
A dipstick adapter assembly for use with an oil pan includes a front fixture having an inner face, and a backing plate coupled to the front fixture opposite the inner face. A first fastener is applied through the front fixture and fixed to the backing plate with a bond to prevent rotation of the backing plate with respect to the first fastener. A second fastener is applied to the front fixture for application to the backing plate so as to engage the backing plate and move the backing plate toward and away from the front fixture.
US09671270B2
A flow meter includes a meter body having a longitudinal axis and including a fluid passageway and an outer surface, and a plurality of electronics housings supported on the meter body by a mounting member, wherein the mounting member includes a base, a tubular member having a passage extending therethrough for the passing of a transducer cable, and a bracket member coupled to the tubular member distal the base, the bracket member having a pair of elongate slots, each configured to allow for the passage of a transducer cable to one of the electronics housings.
US09671267B2
A method for determining the flow rates of a multi-component mixture in a pipe including a gas phase and a liquid phase comprising an emulsion of oil and water, the emulsion being either of the water continuous type or the oil continuous type, the method comprising the following steps: a. the flow rates of the individual components of the multi-component mixture are measured, b. the Reynolds number of the multi-component mixture is measured, c. the emulsion type of the liquid phase of the multi-component mixture is determined, and d. based on the results from steps b and c, a more accurate flow-rate of the individual components of the multi-component mixture and a fluid property of at least one of the components of the multi-component mixture are calculated. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.
US09671265B2
A thermal mass dispersion flow rate sensing transducer and transducer assembly or instrument for improved functional life of the transducer without degradation in sensing accuracy. Several aspects of the transducer components and structure reduce thermal leakage within the transducer so the sensor (RTD) output signal is accurately transmitted to the signal processor, resulting in precise ΔT determinations and consequent precise determinations of mass flow rate of the fluid flowing in the conduit. Additionally, the same components and structure also have long life without appreciable degradation, thereby delaying any basis for the need for recalibration of the instrument.
US09671260B2
A magnetically inductive flow meter including a first electrode arrangement for galvanically contact detection of an induced voltage dependent on the flow velocity of the medium as a first measurement signal, and a second electrode arrangement for capacitive detection of an induced voltage as a second measurement signal, wherein by determining and evaluating characteristic parameters of the first and second measurement signals, diagnostic messages on the status of the medium and/or the flow meter are obtained, such as the content of gas bubbles in the fluid, electrode corrosion, electrical conductivity of the medium, damage to the electrically insulating interior lining of the measuring tube, deposits on electrodes, magnetic interference fields, electrode short-circuits and/or the fill level of the measuring tube.
US09671248B2
A method of calibrating an inertial unit having an inertial core with vibratory axisymmetric gyros, the method includes the steps of starting from a first position, causing the inertial core to pivot towards a second position about a pivot axis that is different from the sensing axes of the gyros and from a trisector thereof, while taking measurements of an angular orientation of the vibration of each gyro, the angular orientation being left free during pivoting; returning the inertial core to the first position; adjusting the angular orientation of the vibration of each gyro to a value corresponding to the second position; causing the inertial core to pivot towards the second position while once more taking measurements of the angular orientation of each gyro; and calibrating the inertial core as a function of the measurements taken.
US09671247B2
The present invention is concerned with a method of calibrating a vibrating gyroscope. The method comprises exciting a vibration along an excitation axis of a resonant structure wherein the excitation axis is positioned at a first angular position, sensing the vibration of the resonant structure on a first sensing axis of the resonant structure while the excitation axis is positioned at the first angular position, generating a first sensing signal indicative of the sensed vibration of the resonant structure on the first sensing axis, rotating the excitation axis in a continuous manner around the resonant structure to a second angular position, sensing the vibration of the resonant structure on a second sensing axis of the resonant structure while the excitation axis is positioned at the second angular position, generating a second sensing signal indicative of the sensed vibration of the resonant structure on the second sensing axis and adding the first sensing signal to the second sensing signal in order to derive a bias of the gyroscope.
US09671246B2
The invention relates to a navigation device (200) comprising a display (240) for displaying a digital map to a user, a processor (210) configured to access digital map data and cause a digital map to be displayed to a user using the display, and a user interface operable by a user to enable the user to interact with the apparatus. The user interface is arranged to allow a user to select a continuous region present in the digital map by providing one or more indications on the digital map displayed to the user. The processor (210) is arranged to determine digital map data relating to the selected continuous region, and to carry out one or more mapping or navigation operations using the determined digital map data. The processor may calculate a route using a path selected on the map by a user.
US09671236B2
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are described for updating navigational map data. A routing request is received from a user or device. From the routing request, a first map tile and a second map tile are identified. A new version of the first map tile is identified, and a compatibility matrix for at least the first map tile is accessed. An analysis of the compatibility matrix is performed to determine whether objects of the new version of the first map tile are compatible with the second map tile.
US09671233B2
A system and method for providing position information of a transit object to a computing device is provided. Global positioning satellite (GPS) information of a transit object can be periodically received. For each of some of the GPS information, one or more candidate points of a transit system can be identified based on the GPS information. Using the one or more candidate points, a most likely path of travel can be determined. Additional position points along the most likely path of travel can be extrapolated and transmitted to a computing device.
US09671230B2
In one embodiment of the present invention, a wait time client enables prediction of wait times (e.g., time required to checkout at a grocery store) based on crowdsourced wait data. In operation, the wait time application downloads predicted wait data from a server. The predicted wait data reflects measured wait times for one or more location, such as the ticket line at a movie theater. The wait time client then selects a wait time data point that corresponds to a location of a point-of-interest. Based on the selected wait time data point, the wait time client determines a predicted wait time at the point-of-interest. Advantageously, by leveraging crowdsourced, deterministically measured wait times, the wait time clients enables the incorporation of realistic and up-to-date predicted wait times into the trip planning process.
US09671223B2
Beforehand, the device characteristic patterns of each critical dimension SEM are measured, a sectional shape of an object to undergo dimension measurement is presumed by a model base library (MBL) matching system, dimension measurements are carried out by generating signal waveforms through SEM simulation by inputting the presumed sectional shapes and the device characteristic parameters, and differences in the dimension measurement results are registered as machine differences. In actual measurements, from the dimension measurement results in each critical dimension SEM, machine differences are corrected by subtracting the registered machine differences. Furthermore, changes in critical dimension SEM's over time are monitored by periodically measuring the above-mentioned device characteristic parameters and predicting the above-mentioned dimension measurement results. According to the present invention, actual measurements of machine differences, which require considerable time and effort, are unnecessary. In addition, the influence of changes in samples over time, which is problematic in monitoring changes in devices over time, can be eliminated.
US09671222B2
Measurement accuracy during determination of the thickness of rolling stock, in particular a rolling strip or a metal plate, is remotely measured using a base measurement value for the thickness obtained by a radiation measurement system having a radiation source and a radiation detector, both carried by a holding mechanism. A reference measurement value for the thickness is measured by an ultrasonic measurement head that is likewise arranged on the holding mechanism. The reference measurement value is used to eliminate the influence of errors on the base measurement value.
US09671220B2
A scanner is used for scanning an object, in particular one or more teeth (13, 14, 15) or a dental cast. An improved scanner comprises a carrier (2) on which a plurality of projectors (4) for projecting a pattern onto the object and a plurality of cameras (5) for recording the object are provided one beside the other in an array.
US09671218B2
A quick subpixel absolute positioning device and method are introduced. The method includes the steps of (A) capturing a real-time speckle pattern of a target surface; (B) providing a coarse-precision speckle coordinate pattern and a plurality of fine-precision speckle coordinate patterns, wherein the coarse-precision speckle coordinate pattern and the fine-precision speckle coordinate patterns include a coordinate value; (C) comparing the real-time speckle coordinate pattern with the coarse-precision speckle coordinate pattern by an algorithm and then comparing the real-time speckle coordinate pattern with the fine-precision speckle coordinate patterns to obtain a coordinate value, wherein each said coarse-precision speckle coordinate pattern corresponds to a set of fine-precision speckle coordinate patterns, and the fine-precision speckle coordinate patterns are obtained when the coarse-precision speckle coordinate pattern is captured again and then captured repeatedly according to a fixed fine-precision displacement distance. Accordingly, the subpixel positioning is attained by quick comparison and manifests high precision.
US09671216B1
The present invention is directed to a modulated which includes a semiconductor laser being driven by direct current for frequency tuning, and an AC current with two radio frequencies that can generate repump and Raman frequencies, such that only one laser is needed to produce all the frequencies required to operate an atom interferometer. The present invention is also directed to a method of double modulating a laser to produce all required frequencies for an atom interferometer.
US09671215B2
Wafer to wafer alignment which includes a first semiconductor wafer and a second semiconductor wafer. The first and second semiconductor wafers have selectively-activated alignment arrays for aligning the first semiconductor wafer with the second semiconductor wafer. Each of the alignment arrays include an alignment structure which includes an antenna connected to a semiconductor device. The antenna in each of the alignment arrays is selectively activated to act as a charge source or as a charge sensing receptor. The alignment arrays are located in the kerf areas of the semiconductor wafers. The semiconductor wafers are aligned when the charge sources on one semiconductor wafer match with the charge sensing receptors on the other semiconductor wafer.
US09671214B2
A discrete magnetic angle sensor device according to an embodiment includes a first magnetic field gradiometer and a second magnetic field gradiometer. The first magnetic field gradiometer and the second magnetic field gradiometer are of different types of a group of gradiometer types. An embodiment may improve an accuracy of a determination of a rotation angle.
US09671213B2
Methods and systems are disclosed for integrating LC circuits into a user's jewelry for controlling systems such as computer games. The resonant frequency of the circuit at each of multiple rings worn by the user may be adjustable. A secondary coil within each ring may be moved in relation to the magnetic field generated by a primary coil that may be part of another piece of jewelry, such as a watch or a bracelet, to generate control signals. The magnetic field may inductively couple and power the rings, which may each contain an LC tank circuit. If powered, each of these circuits may oscillate at its resonant frequency. A receiver system may comprise an antenna and a tuning circuit to detect a resonant frequency as an input to control moves of a character within a game, for example for use with heads-up displays (HUDs) for augmented reality applications.
US09671206B2
A detonator which, in response to a command, uses a first modulation process to generate a first signal and, in response to an event, uses a second modulation process to generate a second signal.
US09671203B1
Disclosed herein is a fire extinguishing bullet system for launching, which is capable of effectively extinguishing a fire generated at a place that is difficult to access by a person by loading a fire extinguishing bullet that generates a fire extinguishing gas having a fire extinguishing effect onto a projectile, throwing the fire extinguishing bullet loaded at a long distance from a firing point to a specific distance, and discharging the fire extinguishing gas after the fire extinguishing bullet reaches the firing point.
US09671199B1
A process for making steel armor products for use, for example as body armor. The steel armor product made has a compound curve and is made from a flat blank of armor steel by high-temperature annealing an armor steel blank to slightly above its austenitizing temperature, then followed by a slow, temperature-controlled cooling it, over-pressing the annealed blank to a first configuration so it springs back to a second configuration approximating the desired product shape when released from the press, and then heat-treating the product back to its austenitizing temperature, quenching it, and tempering it at a low temperature. The tool is conveniently made by lamination, using a series of thin plates of tool steel each cut to produce an approximation of the desired die.
US09671189B2
In at least one embodiment, a crossbow comprises a stock, a first limb, a first rotatable member, a second limb and a second rotatable member. A bowstring, a first power cable and a second power cable each extend between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. The first rotatable member and the second rotatable member are constructed and arranged to provide a left-off during draw of said bowstring in an amount of approximately 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% or more. The drawstring let-off reducing load on a latch assembly and/or a trigger assembly.
US09671188B2
A noise suppressor for mounting on a distal end of a rifle barrel. The suppressor is made up of an inner core component and an outer sleeve component which is received about the inner core component, creating a gas-receiving chamber between the two. The inner core component an internally threaded, barrel receiving end which receives and engages the exteriorly threaded end of the rifle barrel in overlapping fashion, an oppositely arranged exteriorly threaded end, and a central bore between the two ends which allows the passage of a bullet when the bullet is fired, firing of the bullet also setting off hot exhaust gases in the central bore. The inner core component has window openings for exhausting hot gases from the inner chamber into the surrounding outer chamber and also has an exterior longitudinal region forward of the central chamber, the exterior region having a series of longitudinally aligned, upwardly extending teeth formed therein for diverting the hot, high speed gases contacting the upwardly extending teeth.
US09671186B1
A trigger mechanism that gives a shooter a durable, adjustable, soft and gentle pull. In this design, the sear block remains, but the trigger mechanism is replaced with a new, softer action mechanism. This mechanism uses a tripper that attaches to a trip. The trip is a formed body that has a lower frame and a top bearing that sits against the bottom of the seer. When the trigger is pulled, it rotates the tripper forward, which causes the trip to rotate backwards. The backward movement of the trip causes the top bearing to roll off the bottom of the seer, causing the gun to fire. The rotation of the trip is smooth compared to the snapping action of the seer in the prior art designs. This smooth movement does not jar the action, making for a better shot.
US09671184B1
A firearm impingement apparatus that includes a gas flow control member that is operable to provide incremental adjustment of gas flow within the gas block of the firearm impingement apparatus wherein the gas flow control member is configured to provide calibrated rotational movement thereof. The gas flow control member further includes a first portion, second portion and third portion contiguously formed. The first portion includes a plurality of longitudinal indentations circumferentially disposed thereon. The second portion has a diameter that is less than that of said first portion and said second portion. A mounting member is present adjacent an opening of a channel and includes a control pin biasly mounted therein that is operable to engage the gas flow control member. The control pin engages the longitudinal indentations to provide calibrated rotational movement of the gas flow control member.
US09671183B2
A cleaning system and method for cleaning heat transfer surfaces in a boiler using a temperature measuring system for measuring and monitoring wall temperature of an annular wall of the tube of a lance of one or more sootblowers. Controlling a flow of steam or other fluid through the tube during the cooling portions of the strokes based on wall temperature measurements from the temperature measuring system. Infrared or thermocouple temperature measuring systems may be used. The steam or other fluid may be flowed at a default flowrate that may be substantially zero until the temperature measuring system indicates the wall temperature of the annular wall begins to exceed a predetermined temperature limit which may be the softening point of the annular wall. Then the steam or other fluid is flowed at a rate greater than the default flowrate.
US09671182B2
The present invention provides a copper alloy tube for heat exchangers which is tolerable to a high operating pressure of new cooling media such as carbon dioxide and HFC-based fluorocarbons, and is excellent in fracture strength, even if the tube is thinned, and a copper alloy tube for a heat exchanger which has a composition having specified amounts of Sn and P, has an average crystal grain size of 30 μm or less and has a high strength of 250 MPa or more of a tensile strength in the longitudinal direction of the tube improves the fracture strength as a texture in which the orientation distribution density in the Goss orientation is 4% or less.
US09671176B2
A heat exchanger is provided to efficiently transfer heat between air and a flow of refrigerant in a reversing air-sourced heat pump system. When the system is operating in heat pump mode, a flow of air is directed through the heat exchanger and is heated by the refrigerant. A portion of the flow of air is prevented from being heated by the refrigerant in a first section of the heat exchanger, and is used to sub-cool the refrigerant in another section of the heat exchanger after the remaining air has been heated by the refrigerant. The same heat exchanger can be used to cool a flow of air using expanded refrigerant when the system is operating in an air conditioning (cooling) mode.
US09671172B2
A fan includes an air movement implement including a blade and a motor that drives the air movement implement. The motor includes a rotor that includes an internal diameter heat exchanger and a heat pipe having a first end and a second end, the first end in thermal contact with the internal diameter heat exchanger and the second end in thermal contact with the blade.
US09671166B2
An acoustic energy-transfer apparatus including: an acoustic chest, the acoustic chest defining an inner chamber sized to receive a material to be processed; and an acoustic device positioned within the acoustic chest and oriented to direct acoustic energy towards the material to be processed. A method for drying a material, the method including: positioning a material in an acoustic chest including an acoustic device; and directing acoustically energized air from the acoustic device at the material within the acoustic chest.
US09671164B2
A system and method for at least partially drying seeds treated with a liquid. A supply of heated air is continuously fed to a drying chamber. Treated seeds enter one opening of the drying chamber and are forced around at least a portion of the internal perimeter of the drying chamber before exiting out a second opening. Another embodiment can treat the seeds during and/or after the seeds entering the drying chamber.
US09671159B2
A liquefier includes a Dewar having a storage portion and a neck portion extending therefrom. A hermetically isolated liquefaction chamber is disposed within the neck of the Dewar. One or more control components including a temperature and pressure sensor are coupled to a CPU and disposed within the liquefaction chamber for dynamic control of liquefaction conditions. A gas flow control is coupled to the CPU for regulating an input gas flow into the liquefaction chamber. A volume surrounding the liquefaction chamber may be adapted to provide a counter-flow heat exchange. These and other features provide improved liquefaction efficiency among other benefits.
US09671157B2
A refrigerator or liquid dispensing appliance adapted for receiving, storing, managing, processing and dispensing a liquid enhancement component for preparation of a finished beverage is disclosed. Delivery, processing and management of the liquid enhancement component includes loading a solid liquid enhancement component at a product interface, and managing the transfer of the liquid enhancement component through various systems of the invention including processing to provide a processed liquid enhancement component for discharging for preparing a finished beverage.
US09671145B2
A combined accumulator and receiver tank of a refrigeration system is described. The tank may have an accumulator portion positioned above a receiver portion. An accumulator/receiver pipe (AR pipe) connects the accumulator portion to the receiver portion. The AR pipe may have a valve that allows liquid refrigerant to flow from the accumulator portion to the receiver portion during a heating and/or defrost, and prevent the fluid flow when the refrigeration system is in a cooling cycle. In some embodiments, a side opening that is connected to the AR pipe is above an oil pick up orifice of an accumulator suction line pipe.
US09671144B1
Aspects of the disclosure provide a system and method for thermal-compression refrigeration. The refrigeration system includes a storage tank that stores a refrigerant condensate from a condenser, a mixing chamber that receives a refrigerant vapor from an evaporator and a portion of the refrigerant condensate from the storage tank, and produces a refrigerant mixture of the refrigerant vapor and the portion of the refrigerant condensate, and a first and second refrigerant compressors between the mixing chamber and condenser. The first and second refrigerant compressors each receives the refrigerant mixture from the mixing chamber, compresses the refrigerant mixture to produce a compressed refrigerant using thermal energy, and is capable of operating in a heater mode or a cooler mode.
US09671142B2
Disclosed embodiments include thermoelectric-based thermal management systems and methods configured to heat and/or cool an electrical device. Thermal management systems can include at least one electrical conductor in electrical and thermal communication with a temperature-sensitive region of the electrical device and at least one thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the at least one electrical conductor. Electric power can be directed to the thermoelectric device by the same electrical conductor or an external power supply, causing the thermoelectric device to provide controlled heating and/or cooling to the electrical device via the at least one electrical conductor.
US09671139B2
A centrifugal compressor for compressing a refrigerant vapor in a refrigeration cycle. The compressor comprises an impeller drive shaft (28) supported by first and second radial bearings (32) for rotation within the compressor housing and an impeller assembly including at least one centrifugal impeller wheel mounted on the impeller drive shaft to rotate with the impeller drive shaft. The first and second radial bearings are hydrodynamic fluid bearings in which the bearing fluid is the refrigerant vapor. The compressor further comprising a conduit (36) for supplying a portion of the refrigerant vapor from the impeller assembly to the first and second fluid bearings.
US09671138B2
The present invention provides a method for operating a plurality of independent, closed cycle power plant modules each having a vaporizer comprising the steps of: serially supplying a medium or low temperature source fluid to each corresponding vaporizer of one or more first plant modules, respectively, to a secondary preheater of a first module, and to a vaporizer of a terminal module, whereby to produce heat depleted source fluid; providing a primary preheater for each vaporizer; and supplying said heat depleted source fluid to all of said primary preheaters in parallel.
US09671132B2
The invention describes a tank comprising a water or solvent based solution, dispersion or emulsion. The tank comprises an electrical resistance heating element immersed in the solution, dispersion or emulsion. The electrical heating element is provided in the tank with an electrical current. The electrical resistance heating elements comprises a textile fabric and at least one electrical heating wire. The electrical heating wire is fixed onto the textile fabric and the electrical heating wire comprises metal filaments or metal fibers.
US09671115B2
A home appliance with a telescopic rack including a cavity with walls having an opposing set of ribs, a rack with opposing side edges, a slide coupled to an opposing side edge, and a brace coupled to the slide and capturing the opposing set of ribs.
US09671111B2
A selector valve and shutter mechanism for use with a gas burner unit is disclosed. The valve includes a pilot gas manifold which is in communication with two pilot flames and associated ODS for two different kinds of gas fuel. The shutter mechanism opens or closes an opening to a burner mixing chamber to thereby adjust the flow of air into the mixing chamber depending on the fuel selected, and preferably is in the form of a sleeve that in one approach is rotatably mounted on a part of the burner mixing chamber, with a part of the sleeve covering the mixing chamber opening in one orientation and opening it to airflow in another orientation. A first gear is mounted on the sleeve which is engageable with a second gear mounted on part of the valve which is rotatable to one position or another depending on the gas fuel selected, the sleeve thereby adjusting the airflow to the mixing chamber in response to the valve position. In another approach, the cover moves linearly along the burner tube between orientations. A novel selector mechanism having a manifold for gas flows and a plate-like element to adjust the manifold is also disclosed.
US09671102B2
One electrical lead from an LED package is soldered to an inner electrically conductive member positioned and electrically isolated from an outer electrically conductive member by electrically insulating material while a second electrical lead and a neutral lead from the LED are soldered to the outer electrically conductive member so that heat is transferred from an LED die within the LED package to the outer electrically conductive member and then to a thermally conductive outer casing with a thermal path that minimizes thermal resistance.
US09671086B2
An oxynitride orange-red fluorescent substance and a light-emitting film or sheet and a light-emitting device comprising the same are disclosed. The chemical formula of the oxynitride orange-red fluorescent substance is MmAaSixNyOz:dR in which the element M is one or more of the elements selected from Ca, Sr and Ba, the element A is Al or a mixture of Al with one or more of the elements selected from Ga, La, Sc and Y, the element R is one or more of the elements selected from Ce, Eu and Mn, 0.8≦m≦1.2, 1
US09671084B2
A plurality of LED light sources that are mounted on a front face of a mounting plate are separated from each other respectively being disposed in cells of a partitioning wall. Inner faces of the respective cells are made of a material of low reflectivity. With respect to a normal line direction of the mounting plate, light of the LED light source is viewed, as light being brighter the closer to a back side and darker the closer to a near side on the inner face, in a state of being given gradations by the inner face.
US09671081B2
According to the present disclosure, a first optical system includes a first light source and emits a first illumination light. A second optical system includes a second light source and emits a second illumination light. A controller controls turning-on/off of the first light source and the second light source. The first optical system and the second optical system are configured such that a first illumination standard is satisfied by the first illumination light and the second illumination light. The first optical system is configured such that a second illumination standard is satisfied by the first illumination light. The controller allows the turning-on of the first light source when the turning-on of the second light source is disabled, and prohibits the turning-on of the second light source when the turning-on of the first light source is disabled.
US09671077B2
An illumination unit for a motor vehicle includes at least one LED, a reflector defining a main light exit aperture, and a shading element with an opening provided between the reflector and the LED, with the light from the LED leaving through the opening and the shading element limiting the emission area.
US09671074B2
A lighted artificial tree as that includes a first trunk body, a second trunk body, a first electrical connector, and a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector is housed in the first trunk body, and the second electrical connector is housed in the second trunk body. The first trunk body is configured to couple to the second trunk body, causing the first and second electrical connectors to make electrical connection, the first electrical connector being rotationally locked to the second electrical connector.
US09671073B2
The present invention is directed to a surface mount circuit board indicator. In one embodiment the surface mount circuit board indicator includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having at least one light emitting diode (LED) die, one or more traces and at least one lens, a housing comprising at least one opening on a side along a perimeter of the housing, wherein the PCB is coupled to the housing such that a light output surface of the at least one LED die faces a same direction as the at least one opening and at least one alignment pin coupled to the housing.
US09671068B2
A pipeline leakage protection vault system includes a plurality of leakage protection vault modules and a central control unit adapted to be communicably configured to each other. Each module includes a retrofittable configuration adapted to include sub-modules coupled around the pipeline. Each sub-module includes a protective casing, spacer rings and a vault door. The protective casing is adapted to compliment the portion of the pipeline to be fitted to protect the fluid in event of leakage. Further, the spacer rings are adapted to be disposed circumferentially over the protective casing in spaced relationship from each other. The spacer rings includes a plurality of components adapted to monitor parameters associated with the pipeline to generate real time data related to the pipeline. Furthermore, the vault door disposed over the top protective casing and rest over the spacer rings covering the sub-module and withholding the fluid in case of leakage.
US09671061B2
An anti-spin mounting pole for holding a communications device mounted thereon generally stable relative to a desired position when the lower end portion of the resultant pole is installed in a concrete base, such anti-spin mounting pole formed from an elongated pole having a generally uniform cross-sectional configuration defining a nominal outer perimeter and having one or more compressed areas formed along the lower end portion of the pole to alter thereat the initial generally uniform cross-sectional configuration and effect an enhanced out-of-round condition defining an anti-spin portion that includes a pair of oppositely directed ears extending outwardly beyond the nominal outer perimeter of the elongated pole.
US09671057B2
A support plate is used for supporting an electronic device. The support plate includes a first plate member, a foldable portion, and a second plate member. The foldable portion is connected to the first plate member and the second plate member. The first plate member includes a combining portion far away from the foldable portion and a contact portion adjacent to the foldable portion. The second plate member includes at least one combined portion and a non-slip element attached on a side surface of the second plate member. The combining portion is foldable to combinedly position the combined portion, wherein the contact portion supports the second plate member and forms an included angle with the second plate member. Accordingly, the support plate can stably support the electronic device and can be expanded or received quickly.
US09671054B1
A device for semi-permanently sealing a leaking fluid delivery system comprising generally cylindrical resilient tubing comprising a material that permits delivery through a portion of a fluid delivery system at a first diameter and application to an interior wall of the fluid delivery system at a second diameter when exposed to temperature and pressure gradients, and further configured to undergo a change from the second diameter to a third diameter when exposed to reduced pressure to enable removal of the cylindrical resilient tubing from the fluid delivery system for replacement by a second length of generally cylindrical resilient tubing that permits delivery at a first diameter and application to an interior wall of the at least a portion of the fluid delivery system at a second diameter when exposed to temperature and pressure gradients.
US09671046B2
A cable hanger is disclosed. The cable hanger may include a first latch configured to suspend the cable hanger from a strut and a second latch configured to suspend the cable hanger from the strut. The cable hanger may also include a cable saddle to hold one or more cables. When the cable hanger is suspended by the first latch and not the second latch, a gap may be formed between the cable saddle and the strut such that the cable saddle is configured to receive the one or more cables through the gap. When the cable hanger is suspended by the second latch, the gap may be closed between the cable saddle and the strut to secure the one or more cables.
US09671045B1
An air hose supporting apparatus comprising a housing having a pair of sidewalls, a first end, a second end, a top surface and an air hose workstation surface engaging base located distal the top surface of the housing, an elongated air hose receptacle extending through the housing with the elongated air hose receptacle having an open end, a closed end, and an air hose supporting sidewall tapering from the open end to the closed end, and a means for maintaining the base to the air hose workstation surface.
US09671044B2
Linear pipe recovery/lay tensioners can include one or more pivot assemblies for rotatably moving an upper track away from a lower track to facilitate placement of a pipe segment between the two tracks. In addition, or alternatively, the tensioners can include one or more hydraulic cylinders that provide flexible suspension to the upper and lower tracks so the tracks can move and rotate as necessary due to differing pipe segment shapes. In addition, or alternatively, the upper and lower tracks include one or more gripping pads having one or more gripping members that can be sheathed by a compliant member until such time as the pipe segment compresses the compliant member causing the gripping member(s) to protrude from the compliant member and engage the pipe segment. Rotation of the tracks is controlled by a hydraulic pump capable of rotating the tracks at the same rate or at different rates.
US09671041B2
Embodiments of a valve device that reduces noise and vibration that may occur during low flow conditions in fluid couplings (e.g., valves and flow regulators). These embodiments utilize a plug and seat arrangement with geometry to prevent pressure differentials that cause the plug element to open and close in a cyclic pattern. In one embodiment, the valve device includes a seat element with an aperture and a plug element with a boss that extends into the aperture when the plug element contacts the seat element. The boss has an outer surface that forms a gap, which defines an annular area proximate the point of contact between the seat element and the plug element that is sized to reduce Venturi flow effects that cause the cyclic pattern to occur.
US09671031B2
An automatic, wireless electric valve designed to be installed on a main fluid pipe that receives wireless, remote open and close commands, and which comprises an external casing, an electric motor, an internal power supply, an inner pipe with an inlet, an outlet, and a disc, an inner clamp, a primary cogwheel that is attached to the electric motor by means of an axle, a secondary cogwheel that is attached to the rotation shaft, and an electronic control mechanism.
US09671027B2
A valve arrangement including a sealing element is provided. The valve arrangement includes a housing having a port. A rotary valve body includes an opening, and the rotary valve body is arranged within the housing. The port of the housing and the opening of the rotary valve body are alignable with each other via rotation of the rotary valve body in the housing. A sealing element is arranged within the port. The sealing element includes a seal body having a first axial end engaged against the rotary valve body and a second axial end including a resilient axially compressible portion that engages against a seat in the housing. The resilient axially compressible portion of the sealing element preloads the sealing element axially against the rotary valve body.
US09671022B2
The invention relates to known housing seals of two housing parts lying against each other, a first housing part (1) having a first sealing surface (6) and a second housing part (2) having a second sealing surface (7), which housing seals are equipped with a seal (15), which is inserted into a groove (10) in the first sealing surface (6) of the first housing part (1), wherein the groove (10) is covered by the second sealing surface (7) of the second housing part (2). According to the invention, in order to prevent crevice corrosion, the groove (10) has an opening (11) between the sealing surfaces (6, 7), which is used to ventilate the groove (10) having the inserted seal. The invention is intended for water pumps, in particular for auxiliary water pumps of motor vehicles.
US09671020B2
A central release unit for a hydraulic clutch actuator has a plastic cylinder housing which is produced by injection molding and which has at least one cylinder wall provided, on an outer circumference, with a reinforcement sleeve. The reinforcement sleeve can be fastened to the cylinder wall after the injection molding of the cylinder housing, for which purpose a snap-action connection is provided on a forward end, which faces away from the pressure connection piece, of the reinforcement sleeve. The connection is formed by a radially inwardly bent detent portion of the reinforcement sleeve and by a rib integrally formed on the outer circumference of the cylinder wall. The reinforcement sleeve has a main portion which adjoins the detent portion and which is of conical shape complementary to an outer circumferential surface, which is of conical form in the reinforcement region, of the cylinder wall.
US09671017B2
A transmission control device includes a converter that converts continuous accelerator positions detected by an accelerator pedal sensor into a stepped step position, and a controller that controls the gear ratio of a continuously variable transmission based on the converted step position. The converter creates a hysteresis regarding the converted step position, when the accelerator depression amount increases, and when the accelerator depression amount decreases. In the case where the step position reaches a predetermined position or greater, the controller executes kick-down control where the gear ratio is controlled to a low side.
US09671015B2
An abnormality detection device includes: a torque upper limit setting module that sets an upper limit of torque based on an allowable input torque for the continuously variable transmission, the upper limit of torque limiting an output torque of an engine; a determination torque calculation module that determines an acceleration requested by a driver based on an amount of operation of an accelerator, obtains a running resistance of a vehicle according to the requested acceleration, and calculates a determination torque for determining abnormality of the upper limit of torque based on the running resistance of the vehicle and a gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission; and an abnormality determination module that determines the upper limit of torque to be abnormal in the case where the upper limit of torque is less than or equal to the determination torque.
US09671013B2
It is configured to have a first hydraulic pump connected to a drive source, a second hydraulic pump connected to a rotor of the first hydraulic pump, a first regulator valve that regulates pressure of the hydraulic oil discharged from the first hydraulic pump to a third oil passage that connects a discharge port of the first hydraulic pump and a hydraulic actuator, a fourth oil passage that connects the second hydraulic pump and a lubrication system of the hydraulic actuator, a second regulator valve that regulates pressure of the hydraulic oil discharged from the first regulator valve to a pressure lower than a line pressure, and an one-way valve that is installed in a second oil passage connecting the second hydraulic pump and a reservoir and permits supply of hydraulic oil from the reservoir only to the second hydraulic pump.
US09671000B2
A device for controlling an electromotive linear drive configured as a furniture drive for adjusting movably mounted parts of reclining and seating furniture, consisting of at least one threaded spindle (4, 5) that can be driven via a worm gear for displacing a lifting element, and comprising a guide body (7) which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the respective threaded spindle (4, 5) and on which a worm wheel (6) is rotatably mounted, a coupling sleeve (8) which is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner, but is axially displaceable on the respective guide body (7), from which the worm wheel (6) and the guide body (7) can optionally be connected or separated via a claw clutch, and in each case an actuation element which is provided for displacing the coupling sleeves (8) as well as a switching mechanism for driving the respective actuation element.
US09670987B1
A method of forming a chain having a plurality of links that are formed from separate link members is provided that includes press fitting one link member into another link member. The method may further comprise cooling or heating one link member before completing the pressing operation.
US09670984B2
A method for remanufacturing of a flywheel is provided. The flywheel has a damage area thereon. The method includes removing a portion of a material from a face of the flywheel containing the damage area to form a recessed portion, wherein the recessed portion has a ring shaped profile. The method also includes aligning an insert within the recessed portion of the flywheel, wherein the insert is ring shaped and is configured to fit within the recessed portion of the flywheel. The method further includes coupling the insert within the recessed portion of the flywheel.
US09670981B2
Motion-damping systems and methods that include motion-damping systems are disclosed herein. The motion-damping systems are configured to damp relative motion between a base structure and an attached component that define a gap therebetween. The systems include an at least substantially rigid tubular structure that defines an internal volume and extends within the gap. The systems also include a magnetic assembly and a magnetically active body. One of the magnetic assembly and the magnetically active body is located within the tubular structure and the other of the magnetic assembly and the magnetically active body is operatively attached to a selected one of the base structure and the attached component. The magnetic assembly is in magnetic communication with the magnetically active body such that a magnetic interaction therebetween resists motion of the attached component relative to the base structure. The methods include dissipating energy with the motion-damping system.
US09670973B2
The disclosure relates to a procedure for controlling torque transmission rate of a clutch. The clutch is in connection with a transmission and an electric machine, configured to receive torque from the electric machine by a couple half of the clutch, and configured to produce a torque guiding connection between a combustion engine and the transmission. According to the procedure, when the clutch is in a slipping condition, a shifting demand to the transmission to shift from a neutral position to a gear is detected. After detecting such a shifting demand, either a counter is started so that when the counter reaches a first count, the torque transmission rate of the clutch is being increased, or an event detection is actuated to detect an event that directly precedes the shifting process, so that when this event is detected, the torque transmission rate of the clutch is increased.
US09670972B2
In order to reduce torsional vibrations in a drive including a torque converter with a turbine and impeller, clutch slip speed of the drive is adjusted by manipulation of clutch pressure. This may be done in either closed loop mode or open loop mode by setting the clutch pressure to a predetermined value or continuously adjusting clutch pressure. Pressure is adjusted to produce a positively sloped function of sensed total torque of the clutch and turbine over the clutch slip speed. This produces extended service life of the drive train components, greater efficiency of the torque converter, and smoother operation of the drive.
US09670966B2
A tube yoke has a tube seat, lugs and stiffening ribs. The tube seat has a base, a wall and the stiffening ribs. The lugs project outwardly from the tube seat. Various designs of the tube yoke may be used to achieve different performance characteristics.
US09670965B2
A joint assembly including a first yoke and a second yoke is provided. A sleeve is coupled to the first and second yokes and a centering device engages the ends of the first and second yokes. The centering device is configured to maintain the angular positions of the first and second yokes relative to one another, and is substantially fixed from rotation during rotation of the first and second yokes.
US09670961B2
An instrumented bearing, which includes an outer race and an inner race between which a rolling chamber is delimited. Rolling bodies are disposed in the rolling chamber. The bearing additionally includes a member isolating the rolling chamber from the outside; and a measuring device including at least one sensor adapted to measure at least one operating parameter of the instrumented bearing. At least one measuring device can be mounted to the member isolating the rolling chamber from the outside.
US09670957B2
The invention provides a tilting-pad thrust bearing that requires less oil supply and a rotary machine having the same. A tilting-pad thrust bearing 100 comprises: multiple oil inlets 10 disposed in spaces between pads 6; multiple outflow guide grooves 12 each formed near the inner circumferential edge of the sliding surface of the pad 6 such that the outflow guide grooves 12 extend in a circumferential direction; and multiple inflow guide grooves 13 provided separately from the outflow guide grooves 12 and formed at the leading ends of the sliding surfaces of the pads 6 so as to be located more radially inward than the oil inlets 10. Each outflow guide groove 12 is open to the sliding surface and the trailing end surface of the pad 6. Each inflow guide grooves 13 is open to the leading end surface and the sliding surface of the pad 6.
US09670950B2
The present invention relates to a mechanism and method for rigidly mounting a handrail to the interior of an elevator cab. The mechanism includes a threaded rod having a pivoting member at one end for passing through an existing or new opening in an elevator cab wall. Upon passing through the wall, the pivoting member can rotate to provide a brace against the exterior of the elevator cab wall. A base portion having a number of grooves on its exterior surface and threads on its interior surface threads onto the rod to create a solid connection to the cab's wall. The handrail, having a base portion receiver, is then securely attached to the cab by sliding over it the sleeve and having set screw(s) inserted through the handrail's receiver at points adjacent to the corresponding grooves in the sleeve.
US09670939B2
An operation control system for a work apparatus equipped to a work vehicle includes a controller controlling the work apparatus. A first hydraulic valve and a second hydraulic valve control hydraulic pressure supply to the work apparatus. An operation unit provides an operation input signal to the controller. A first mounting base and a second mounting base are provided adjacently to each other in the operation unit. A first single-operation tool is formed mountable on the first mounting base and a second single-operation tool is formed mountable on the second mounting base. Further, a multi-operation tool is mountable so as to straddle both the first mounting base and the second mounting base.
US09670938B2
A method and device for transfer of thermal energy is described which comprise providing a vessel with a compressible fluid medium, subjecting the compressible fluid medium to a pressure gradient and exposing the compressible fluid medium to sound waves capable to induce fluctuations of density accompanied by establishing of pressure gradient waves propagating through the compressible fluid medium and transferring the thermal energy.
US09670937B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a centrifugal compressor, a heat exchanger integral with the centrifugal compressor and configured to transfer heat from a fluid pressurized by the centrifugal compressor to a cooling fluid flow, and a cooling fluid supply head of the heat exchanger comprising an integral flow control valve configured to regulate a cooling fluid flow rate through the heat exchanger.
US09670933B2
A compressor control apparatus, and a refrigerator including the same are provided. The operation of two compressors may be controlled using an alternating current (AC) switch, thereby minimizing a number of components, as well as increasing compressor capacity and enhancing operation efficiency. A plurality of operation modes may be used to correspond to a load or freezing capacity using two compressors, and the two compressors may be operated in a separate or simultaneous manner using a drive including two (AC) switches, thereby simplifying the configuration of the system.
US09670932B2
In a fan, a housing includes decreased thickness portions and increased thickness portions arranged alternately in a circumferential direction. A distance between a central axis and an edge increases from an air inlet toward an air outlet. An inner circumferential surface has a minimum radius smaller than a distance between the central axis and an outermost portion of the edge. At a boundary between upper and lower housing portions of the housing, the inner circumferential surface has a radius greater than the distance between the central axis and the outermost portion of the edge. The increased thickness portions include component fastening structures defining a fastening structure arranged to fit the upper and lower housing portions to each other.
US09670926B2
A variable displacement pump includes a variable mechanism configured to change a volume-variation rate of each pump chamber by movement of a movable member; a biasing mechanism provided to bias the movable member in a direction that increases the volume-variation rate; at least one reduction-side control oil chamber to which oil is supplied from a discharge portion such that the reduction-side control oil chamber applies force to the movable member in a direction that reduces the volume-variation rate; at least one increase-side control oil chamber to which oil is supplied from the discharge portion such that the increase-side control oil chamber applies force to the movable member in the direction that increases the volume-variation rate; and a control mechanism configured to control a oil quantity which is supplied to each control oil chamber. The total number of the control oil chambers is three or more.
US09670922B2
A pump system includes a pump housing defining a plurality of pump bores, a plurality of pumping members, and a plurality of valves positioned within the pump housing. Each of the valves includes a valve body defining a plurality of inlets, arranged to receive a low pressure fluid, a suction valve coupled to the valve body and movable between a closed position and an open position, the suction valve including a suction valve closing member having a conical contact surface having a large diameter portion, and a first elastomeric member positioned adjacent the large diameter portion, and a discharge valve coupled to the valve body and movable between a closed position and an open position, the discharge valve including a discharge valve closing member having a conical contact surface having a large diameter portion, and a second elastomeric member positioned immediately adjacent the large diameter portion.
US09670915B2
A housing assembly for a side-by-side (SBS) piston pump may define a pump cavity enclosing first and second piston pumps having parallel longitudinal axes. The housing assembly may include a shroud partially or wholly separating the piston pumps to substantially reduce churning of lubricating fluid flow flowing around the piston pumps and pooling in a fluid intersection area between the piston pumps. The shroud may be a planar shroud plate extending between the piston pumps, or a curved shroud plate between the piston pumps and having sections partially encircling each of the piston pumps. The shroud may alternatively be first and second shroud portions extending inwardly from the cavity walls and directing the lubricating fluid flows the merge in a combined lubricating fluid flow area.
US09670912B2
A hydraulic electric power generation system for roadway installation has a plurality of fluid-filled compressible pump channels positioned for compression by a vehicle to drive the fluid in a channel outwardly through outlet sides of the channels. The channels are contained in a mat adapted for positioning of a roadway surface in a manner such that the channels are compressed by the tires of vehicles travelling on the roadway. An outlet manifold collected the fluid driven out through the outlet sides of the channels and directs it to through piping to a hydraulic motor and coupled electric generator. The fluid exiting from the motor passes to a sump, from which it can be returned to a mat manifold at inlet sides of the channels. The channels are provided with one-way valves to prevent backflow.
US09670909B2
A wind energy plant foundation is provided with a plurality of ready-made concrete foundation segments. The foundation segments have a plurality of first and second sheaths which serve to receive tension wires for bracing the foundation segments.
US09670903B2
Provided is a windmill device including a wind tunnel member with a wind tunnel passage and a windmill held rotatably inside the wind tunnel passage of the wind tunnel member. The windmill includes a hub serving as a rotation center, plurality of spokes extending radially therefrom, an approximately annular limb connecting outer ends of the plurality of spokes, and plurality of sailcloth pieces, each sailcloth piece being approximately triangular in shape, one side of each sailcloth piece left as a free end 24a not supported by any of the spokes and the limb. A ratio S2/S1 is 0.9 or more. S1 is a cross-sectional area of the wind tunnel passage. S2 is a wind catching area of the plurality of sailcloth pieces.
US09670895B2
A control device suitable for use in a vehicle (such as, for example, for a glow plug of a vehicle) includes an electrically conductive element having a first end in electrical connection with a first solder joint and a second end in electrical connection with a second solder joint. A center region of the electrically conductive element is in electrical connection with a vehicle power source. When a temperature at the first solder joint exceeds a threshold temperature and a temperature at the second solder joint is below the threshold temperature, electrical connection at the first solder joint is broken and electrical connection at the second solder joint is not broken.
US09670888B2
One embodiment is a filter element including an outer filter media and an inner filter media. The outer filter media is operable to remove particulates present in a flow of fluid and/or coalesce water contained in the flow of fluid. The inner filter media is operable to remove particulates from the flow of fluid, separate water form the flow of fluid, and remove particulates from the flow of fluid. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods relating to fuel filters and filtration. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.
US09670884B2
A coolant control valve that selectively supplies an EGR cooler with coolant may include a cylinder head having a first water jacket and a second water jacket, an EGR cooler that is disposed at one side of the cylinder head and is disposed on an EGR line that recirculates exhaust gas from an exhaust side to an intake side, a heater that is disposed at another side of the cylinder head and heats air through coolant that is supplied to the heater, and a coolant control valve that respectively controls coolant that is supplied from the first water jacket and the second water jacket, supplies the heater with the coolant, and selectively supplies the EGR cooler with the coolant depending on a temperature of the coolant.
US09670878B2
A cellular acoustic structure for a turbojet engine includes a closed wall. The closed wall includes at least two faces having acoustically transparent areas and acoustic reflective areas. The closed wall is filled with a plurality of cells, and the acoustic reflective areas are disposed within the closed wall so that an acoustic path of aerial sound vibrations travels through the acoustically transparent areas, penetrates inside the cells and reflects on the acoustic reflective areas. In particular, the acoustic path in some of the cells has a depth greater than a half of the thickness of the cellular acoustic structure.
US09670874B2
The present disclosure relates to a seal for an aircraft turbojet engine nacelle thrust reverser, the seal having body having a cross section with respect to a longitudinal axis of the seal that is substantially circular, and a base which is intended to be mounted in a seal support. The seal is notable in that the base of said seal has apertures spaced from each other.
US09670870B2
A method for producing a cast component may include providing an insert part including an insert body having a circumferential face; coating the circumferential face with an adapter layer made of silicon oxide; arranging the insert part in a casting mold; and positively locking a casting encapsulation of the insert part and the adapter layer with an aluminum alloy to produce the cast component, wherein the aluminum alloy has a magnesium proportion of at least 0.3% by weight.
US09670867B2
Methods and systems are provided for a direct injection fuel pump. In one example, pressure in a step chamber of the direct injection fuel pump may be regulated to a substantially constant pressure during an entire pump cycle including a compression stroke and a suction stroke.
US09670863B2
An apparatus and a method control an internal-combustion engine with a fuel injection valve for injecting fuel into an inlet port. In fuel injection control, injection field pressure at injection start timing is estimated from engine rotation speed and injection starting timing of the fuel injection valve. Since flow rate of the fuel injection valve fluctuates when a fuel accumulating space between a valve body and injection holes of the fuel injection valve changes by injection field pressure, a correction value to correct flow rate fluctuations is calculated based on injection field pressure at injection start timing. Fuel injection by the fuel injection valve is controlled by setting the result of adding the correction value to an injection pulse width calculated from intake air flow, engine rotation speed, etc., to final injection pulse width. Air-fuel ratio error is thereby reduced even when injection field pressure at injection timing changes.
US09670854B2
Systems and methods are provided. In one example, a method for an engine comprises adjusting an air charge estimate for a first cylinder based on a firing pattern of a second cylinder. In this way, cylinder air charge estimates may be improved in real-time for an arbitrary cylinder firing pattern, thereby improving engine efficiency.
US09670852B2
A method for operating a turbocharged engine is disclosed. In one example, during a first condition an engine operation is adjusted in response to a turbocharger expansion ratio exceeding a first limit and during a second condition an engine operation is adjusted in response to the turbocharger expansion ratio exceeding a second limit that differs from the first limit. Degradation of the engine may be reduced under some engine operating conditions by adjusting engine operation in response to the turbocharger expansion ratio.
US09670841B2
Systems and methods are provided for varying the exhaust gas recycle circuit of low emission gas turbines. In one or more embodiments, the systems and methods incorporate alternatives to the use of a direct contact cooler. In the same or other embodiments, the systems and methods incorporate alternatives intended to reduce or eliminate the erosion or corrosion of compressor blades due to the presence of acidic water droplets in the recycled gas stream.
US09670840B2
The present disclosure introduces a rotor assembly having a concentric arrangement comprising a rotating turbine portion, a cooling channel and an annular reinforcement wall. The concentric arrangement is configured to rotate around a common axis. Also introduced is a rotary engine comprising the rotor assembly, in which the cooling channel further functions as a rotating compressor portion. The rotary engine also comprises a stator assembly that itself comprises a static turbine portion positioned upstream of the rotating turbine portion, a static compressor portion positioned downstream of the rotating compressor portion, and a combustion chamber positioned downstream of the static compressor portion and upstream of the static turbine portion.
US09670833B2
An actuator comprising a drive, at least one rotatable threaded element and at least one output element driven in translation thereby is described, characterized in that the threaded element has at least two regions of differing pitch and a rotational axis of the threaded element is inclined relative to a translational axis of the output element.
US09670827B2
A pre-chamber is provided. In one embodiment, the pre-chamber is part of a two-stroke combustion engine having a cylinder head with a sparkplug receptacle that has a generally frustoconical shape, and the pre-chamber is coupled to the sparkplug receptacle. The pre-chamber may include a cooling jacket with a generally frustoconical shape and a combustion chamber having an upper zone and a lower zone, which may be narrower than the upper zone.
US09670819B2
A catalyst deterioration determination system determines deterioration of an exhaust gas purification catalyst on the basis of its oxygen storage capacity. The system includes a downstream oxygen concentration sensor having characteristics by which as rich gas components in exhaust gas increase, the oxygen concentration sensor outputs a measurement value of the oxygen concentration corresponding to a richer air-fuel ratio. The system performs a rich shift mode and a lean shift mode based on the measurement value of the oxygen concentration sensor. The rate of change of the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio in at least the lean shift mode is limited to a predetermined rate of change or lower, and the rate of change of the exhaust gas air-fuel ratio in the rich shift mode is set higher than the rate of change of the exhaust gas air fuel ratio in the lean shift mode.
US09670818B2
A reductant dosing system is disclosed as having a pump, and suction, discharge, and return passages. The system may also have a return valve, an air passage, and an air valve. The system may additionally have an air passage pressure sensor, a discharge passage pressure sensor, and a controller. The controller may be configured to calculate a first average pressure inside the discharge passage while the pump is off, the air valve is open, and the return valve is closed; and calculate a second average pressure inside the discharge passage while the pump is off, the air valve is open, and the return valve is open. The controller may also be configured to determine a pressure drop inside the discharge passage based on the first and second average pressures, and to determine that priming is successful based on the pressure drop and pressures of the discharge and air passages.
US09670813B2
The invention relates to a supply system for a medium, in particular for an exhaust-gas purification apparatus for the treatment of exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, having a storage vessel for the medium, having a dosing device for dosing the medium, and having a provision line which comprises a feed line for the supply of the medium to the dosing device and a return line for returning the medium from the dosing device into the storage vessel. Flow can pass through the dosing device from a feed port to a return port of the dosing device. The provision line comprises an additional fluid connection between the feed line and the return line. The additional fluid connection opens out into the feed line upstream of the feed port of the dosing device and opens out into the return line downstream of the return port of the dosing device.
US09670812B2
An object of the present invention is to detect deterioration of a selective reduction type catalyst early and improve a detection precision in a deterioration detection system for an exhaust gas purification apparatus including a selective reduction type catalyst disposed in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine, a reducing agent adding valve disposed in the exhaust passage upstream of the selective reduction type catalyst, and a NOx sensor disposed in the exhaust passage downstream of the selective reduction type catalyst. To achieve this object, in the deterioration detection system for an exhaust gas purification apparatus according to the present invention, during control for causing the reducing agent adding valve to add a reducing agent, the reducing agent adding valve is controlled in order to modify a reducing agent addition interval thereof while keeping an addition amount per fixed time period constant. Deterioration of the selective reduction type catalyst is then determined on the basis of a difference in a NOx purification ratio before and after modification of the addition interval.
US09670810B2
An exhaust gas purification system which can suppress a decrease in engine torque during a desulfurization process applied to a NOx storage reduction catalyst. The system includes a NOx storage reduction catalyst in an exhaust pipe of an engine, and a desulfurization process control unit that controls an amount of intake air introduced to the engine to enrich the exhaust gas, and performs a desulfurization process to the NOx storage reduction catalyst. The desulfurization process control unit is configured to gradually reduce an amount of intake air when the desulfurization process is commenced.
US09670803B2
A crankcase oil catcher configured for placement above a crankshaft and below a piston is described. In one particular example, the crankcase oil catcher has a contour that catches dispersed oil within the crankcase while directing the oil away from a casing wall and towards a crank sump along the contoured surface of the crankcase oil catcher. Inclusion of an aperture within the surface allows for passage of a connecting rod of the crankshaft while providing for a protruding lip around the perimeter of the aperture that prevents oil on the top surface from falling through the aperture.
US09670794B2
A steam valve includes: a valve main body which has, on the inside thereof, a flow path through which steam flows, and has a valve seat formed in a portion of the flow path; a valve body which comes into contact with the valve seat, thereby shutting off the flow path, and is separated from the valve seat, thereby opening the flow path; a valve shaft which is connected to the valve body, extends in an upward direction from the valve body, and moves up and down, thereby bringing the valve body into contact with the valve seat and separating the valve body from the valve seat; a hydraulic drive unit which is disposed to be separated in a horizontal direction from the valve main body, at a position which does not overlap the valve main body in a case of being viewed from above, and has a drive rod which is driven forward and backward by oil pressure; a first link unit which connects the drive rod and the valve shaft and transmits the forward and backward drive of the drive rod to the valve shaft, thereby moving the valve shaft up and down; a second link unit connected to the valve main body; and a connection unit which connects the second link unit and the first link unit and transmits a movement of the valve main body in the horizontal direction to the first link unit through the second link unit.
US09670789B2
A composite guide vane for a gas turbine structure is adapted to extend in a guide vane direction from a first housing towards a second housing of the gas turbine structure. The guide vane includes a guide vane length in the guide vane direction and the guide vane includes a first attachment portion with at least one first opening for attachment of the guide vane to the first housing. The first opening extends in a first opening direction which forms an angle with the guide vane direction. The guide vane includes a cover portion including a first material and a core portion which is at least partially enclosed by the cover portion.
US09670781B2
A turbine rotor blade is provided. The turbine rotor blade includes a root, a platform coupled to the root, and an airfoil extending from the platform. The platform has a leading edge, a trailing edge, a suction side edge, and a pressure side edge. The pressure side edge includes a first concave portion.
US09670778B2
The invention relates to a rotary piston engine (2) which operates as a pump, condenser or motor for a liquid or gaseous medium. The rotary piston engine (2) has a first gear (4) having a first central axis (I), a second gear (6) arranged opposite the first gear (4) and having a second central axis (II), and a drive shaft (8) having a third central axis (III) and a sliding plane (10, 12) fixedly connected to the drive shaft (8). The first central axis (I) and the second central axis (II) enclose an angle (α3) which is not equal to 180°. The third central axis (III) and at least one central axis (I, II) from the group comprising the first central axis (I) and second central axis (II) enclose an angle (α1, α2) which is not equal to 0° or 90°. The sliding plane (10, 12) and the central axis (I, II) are perpendicular to each other. The first gear (4) has a first end face (14) having a first has toothing (16) that h at least one first tooth (18), and the second gear (6) has a second end face (20) having a second toothing (22) that has at least one second tooth (24), wherein a first number of first teeth and a second number of second teeth differ from each other. The first tooth (18) and the second tooth (24) engage with each other in such a way that a working chamber (26) is formed by means of a meshing of the teeth (18, 24). A volume formed by means of the at least one working chamber (26) is changed by the meshing of the teeth (18, 24). The at least one working chamber (26) is delimited by a conically shaped inner wall (30) of a housing (28). The at least one working chamber (26) can be connected to a supply flow (40) and an outlet flow (42) for the medium. According to the invention, a component (4, 6) from the group comprising the first gear (4) and second gear (6) is coupled to the housing (28) such that a rotation of the drive shaft (8) causes only the components (4, 6) to tumble. The respective other components (4, 6) from the group comprising the first gear (4) and second gear (6) is coupled to the sliding plane (10, 12) such that the respective other component (4, 6) rotates and tumbles by means of a rotation of the drive shaft (8).
US09670777B2
A longwall mining system includes at least one face end roof support having a longitudinal length, and at least one near end roof support adjacent the face end roof support. The near end roof support has a longitudinal length substantially shorter than the face end roof support longitudinal length. There is also at least one face roof support adjacent the near end roof support, and the face roof support has a longitudinal length substantially shorter than the near end roof support longitudinal length. There is also a forward conveyor extending forward to and attached to the face end roof support, the at least one near end roof support, and the at least one face roof support, and a rearward conveyor extending rearward of and attached to the face end roof support, the at least one near end roof support, and the at least one face roof support. This creates an effective cave line at an angle to the coal face, that helps reduce the goaf pressure on the face end, thereby increasing the stability of the main gate roof support.
US09670776B2
A mining machine including a frame, a cutting head moveably coupled to the frame and pivotable about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a first mine surface, and a first actuator for stabilizing the frame relative to the first mine surface. The first actuator is coupled to the frame and includes a first end extendable in a first direction to engage the first mine surface. The extension of the first actuator is automatically controlled based on measurements of at least one indicator of the force between the first actuator and the first mine surface.
US09670771B2
An electromagnetic telemetry signal generating assembly comprises a first section of drill string, a second section of drill string, a gap sub configured to insulate the first section from the second section, and a power source configured to provide a first voltage to a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to drive a second voltage between the sections of drill string. The gap sub provides a gap of at least 12 inches (30 cm). The second voltage may be different than the first voltage.
US09670770B2
A method of estimating fractures in an earth formation includes: disposing an acoustic tool in a cased borehole in an earth formation, the acoustic tool including a multipole acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver; transmitting an acoustic signal into the borehole; measuring deep shear wave (DSW) signals generated from shear body waves reflected in the formation in a far-field region of the formation around the borehole; and estimating at least a location and an orientation of a fracture in the formation based on the DSW signals.
US09670762B2
A method of fracturing a tight subterranean formation comprising: introducing a cement composition comprising cement and water into the tight subterranean formation thereby creating or enhancing a fracture in the tight subterranean formation, wherein the tight subterranean formation comprises at least one formation zone with a permeability of less than 1 millidarcy; allowing the cement composition to set within the fracture; and creating a permeable flow path within the set cement composition using pressure pulses. Another method comprises introducing a treatment fluid into the tight subterranean formation at or above the fracture gradient of the set cement composition to create or enhance a permeable flow path within the set cement composition.
US09670756B2
A method and system for completing a wellbore in a subsurface formation including first and second sand screens and intermediate tubular joint for gravel transport and/or gravel packing. The assembly provides transport conduits for carrying gravel slurry and packing conduits for gravel slurry placement. The method also includes running the sand screens and intermediately connected joint assembly into the wellbore, and gravel packing not only in the wellbore annulus behind the sand screens, but also behind the intermediate joint assembly to provide a reserve of packing sand behind the intermediate joint assembly to supplement or repack any annular packing sand in the annulus behind the sand screens that may be lost due to sand screen breach, partial collapse of tubular, or other shifting of the gravel pack sand. A wellbore completion apparatus and system is also provided that allows for placement of such gravel reserve.
US09670754B2
A method of producing oil and gas from a gathering manifold or a well. The method includes the steps of channeling field production into a sealed vessel through an inlet pipe, and permitting oil and gas components of the field production to separate naturally from water and other fluids within the vessel. The method further includes the steps of evacuating the separated oil and gas from the vessel via pipelines attached to the vessel at locations corresponding to the separated oil and gas, and pumping seawater into the vessel to pressurize the vessel and thereby aid in the production of oil and gas from the vessel.
US09670741B2
A threaded connection having a straight central axis, the connection including a plurality of pin threads, each pin thread having a root and a crest, and a box having a plurality of box threads, each box thread having a root and a crest. The crests of at least a portion of the box threads are curved so that when the pin threads are fully engaged with the box threads, there is a void between the roots of the pin threads and the corresponding curved crests of the box threads to reduce standoff caused by lubricant or other fluids becoming trapped between the threads as the connection is made up.
US09670731B2
An adjustable bent housing assembly for a deviated direction drill string having 1.5° adjustment increments between an index sub housing and mandrel has variances of less than 0.02° at 0.25 nominal degree increments between 0° and 3.00° of drill direction deviation.
US09670721B2
On large window and door openings frequently made today, the manufacturers of venetian blinds in particular cannot cover the whole opening with just one blind. Therefore, it is necessary to arrange two or more hangings. However, these must be guided on both sides, and therefore a lateral guide between the two jambs of the opening is necessary. Such a guide is, however, undesirable for aesthetic reasons. According to the invention a temporary guide is created for the edges which need not be guided in the jambs and does this by means of a guide arrangement which can be accommodated rolled-up above the elevating device and can be introduced into the door or window opening.
US09670715B2
A door body includes a door main body, an upper guided portion provided to an upper portion of the door main body, and a lower guided portion provided to a lower portion of the door main body. A guide member includes an upper guide portion, a lower guide portion, and a restricting portion. The upper guide portion supports the upper guided portion from below while restricting movement of the upper guided portion along the fore and aft direction. The lower guide portion supports the lower guided portion from below while restricting movement of the lower guided portion along the fore and aft direction. The upper guided portion is moved upwardly away from the upper guide portion in the expanded support state. The restricting portion restricts movement of the door main body in the first direction in the expanded support state, and restricts movement of the door main body in the second direction in the expanded support state.
US09670705B2
A device may limit opening of a sash hingedly coupled to a master frame, and includes: a bracket attached to the sash; a first arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the bracket; a second arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the first arm's second end; means for biasing the second arm into a retracted position; and a release assembly. The release assembly is secured to the master frame and includes a hook pivotable between a first position and a second position, which, in the first position, may be releasably received in an opening in the second end of the second arm when the second arm is in the retracted position, as the sash is closed and received within the master window frame The second arm is disengaged from the hook, permitting full opening of the sash, when the hook is pivoted into the second position.
US09670703B2
An opening-and-closing device for vehicle door includes: a close-latch mechanism; an electric-powered releasing mechanism; an association mechanism; a relay mechanism; an electric open/close unit; and a control unit. The relay mechanism switches from a connection state to a disconnection state by the operation of an association mechanism in a cancellation direction to allow returning a first ratchet stopped at a release position. The control unit reversely controls the electric open/close unit, operates a door to be opened toward a fully opened position, operate the association mechanism in a cancellation direction, and switches the relay mechanism to the disconnection state, upon detection of operational malfunction of the electric-powered releasing mechanism during closing of the door from the fully opened position to a fully closed position by closing operation of the electric open/close unit.
US09670693B2
A lock assembly includes a lock housing with an annular wall separating an end wall and a face. A core is received in an opening disposed in the face. The core defines a keyway disposed in rotational engagement with an end portion for actuating the lock assembly between locked and unlocked positions. A drive member is rotationally interconnected with the end wall of the housing. The drive member is disposed in driven engagement with the end portion of the core. An adapter defines a generally X-shaped slot and is fixedly attached to the end portion. A tail piece is received by the slot. The tail piece defines an elongated substantially flat appendage including a proximal end retained in the adapter and a distal end extending outwardly from the adapter. The proximal end is twisted relative to the distal end between generally 40 and 50 degrees.
US09670690B2
A parking system includes automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for moving automobiles to and from parking spaces in a parking facility. Each AGV is provided with a Hall effect sensor array. The parking facility has magnet arrays affixed to the floor of the parking facility. Each magnet array includes a plurality of magnets, with a specified arrangement of positive and negative poles of the magnets in the magnet array. The Hall effect sensor array senses the magnets and guides the AGV through the parking facility based on the position and alignment information determined by the Hall effect sensors.
US09670689B2
A cooling container comprises a container housing with a chilled water storage tank including a first interface for receiving chilled water. The chilled water tank has a plurality of straight pipes joined by elbows connections to provide a folded path, the full path length being greater than the length of the container housing, and a second interface for outputting the chilled water. A number of interfaces within the container housing are configured to receive a chiller module or a free cool unit.
US09670671B2
A roof access hatch, which utilizes thermal breaks is disclosed. This roof access hatch has a cover with a first metallic exterior surface spaced from a first metallic interior surface by at least a first insulation layer, where the first metallic exterior surface is thermally isolated from the first metallic interior surface. A first thermal break spans the insulation layer and is in contact with both the metallic exterior surface and the metallic interior surface. A frame supports the cover. This frame has a second metallic exterior surface separated from a second metallic interior surface by at least a second insulation layer, where the second metallic exterior surface is thermally isolated from the second metallic interior surface by a thermal break component. A non-metallic, thermally insulating gasket is disposed between the cover and the frame.
US09670669B2
Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for constructing a building. More specifically, the present disclosure provides an interlocking wall system that can allow a builder to accurately position, orient, and/or secure various structural wall modules. Additionally, this disclosure provides systems and methods for securing one or more cladding layers to the building's envelope. Furthermore, implementations of the present disclosure can allow for quick and modifiable installation of utility and communication lines within the building.
US09670654B2
Apparatus and method for attaching a tap to a mounting surface (13) has a clamping assembly inserted through an aperture (11) in the mounting surface (13) and tightened from above the mounting surface (13). The clamping assembly has a pair of clamping arms (25, 27) that are mounted for pivotal movement from a collapsed position for passage through the aperture (11) to an operative position below the mounting surface (11). The clamping arms (25, 27) are operable on tightening the clamping assembly to engage in a first stage an underside of the mounting surface (13) remote from the fluid delivery device and to engage in a second stage a sidewall of the aperture (11) when continuing tightening. Thus a step change in an operating force is required that provides feedback to an installer that a required clamping force has been achieved.
US09670650B2
A fire hydrant water leak and theft detection system is connected to a dry barrel fire hydrant. The detector is connected to the upper barrel portion of the fire hydrant below the nozzle assembly and includes a pair of electrodes. A signal is generated when water in the upper barrel portion closes an electrical circuit between the two electrodes due to the conductivity of the water between the electrodes. The detection system sends a signal to a network system upon detection of water in the barrel portion and relays to remote monitoring locations.
US09670633B1
A protective flood barrier to protect a building and/or utility installation from flood waters that includes a continuous, water-tight base foundation surrounding and positioned in close proximity of the building; a plurality of removable structural stands adapted for placement on the base foundation wherein the structural stands have a proximal end situated adjacent the base foundation and a distal end; a sealing liner for placement on the structural stand; and a base seal for sealing the sealing liner to the base foundation.
US09670631B2
A modular combined pedestrian and vehicle barrier for a construction site and having upright post members with retention channels, spaced apart from each other, vehicle barrier members of predetermined length and height and having supports at each end, engagable with the channels on the posts, an intermediate fence rail extending between the posts adjacent to the upper extremity of the vehicle barrier members, and, personal fence panels located between the posts, and extending above the intermediate fence rails.
US09670626B2
A floor cleaning system and method for use thereof is disclosed for facilitating removal of waste materials. The system includes and the method relies upon use of a floor base, a floor covering, a substrate spacing the floor base and the artificial grass surfacing apart from one another, and at least one fluid-carrying structure. The floor base receives the waste materials. The floor covering is spaced above the floor base, and is at least in part permeable to the waste materials and in liquid communication with the floor base. The fluid-carrying structure is adapted to provide cleaning fluid to the floor base to rinse the waste materials received thereon. The cleaning fluid and waste materials flow along the floor base under the floor covering to facilitate evacuation thereof.
US09670623B2
A bonded fastener for a railway rail comprising: top and bottom generally horizontal plates bonded and separated by an insulating material wherein the top plate defines a rail bed; a plurality of clip housings wherein each clip housing houses part of a hold-down clip for attaching the rail to the bonded fastener; a plurality of anchor assembly areas wherein each anchor assembly area defines an opening through the bonded fastener for receiving an attachment device for attaching the fastener to a supporting surface; and one or more generally vertical barriers comprising part of the bonded fastener. Further, a first generally horizontal barrier may extend from the bonded fastener underneath each of the clip housings, and a second generally horizontal barrier may extend from the rail bed underneath the rail on each side of the bonded fastener.
US09670621B2
A coated paperboard is disclosed which includes a coating containing substantially no fluorochemical or wax, exhibiting good resistance to oil and grease, no tendency toward blocking, the coated paperboard being fully repulpable as well as compostable.
US09670612B2
A laundry treatment apparatus and a method for controlling a laundry treatment apparatus are provided. The method may include supplying alternating current at a predetermined first frequency to a compressor; measuring a first time a temperature of refrigerant discharged from the compressor; measuring a second time a temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, when a predetermined first reference time has passed after the measuring the first time of the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; and controlling the first frequency of the alternating current based on a difference between the temperature measured the first time and the temperature measured the second time.
US09670605B2
Provided is a fabric that is favorably used for a side cloth of a down wear, a down jacket, a futon, a sleeping bag or some other, and that is light, thin and high in tear strength and can further keep a low air permeability after washed. The high-density fabric of the present invention that can attain the purpose is a fabric including a synthetic fiber that has a fineness of 28 dtex or less, and having a total cover factor ranging from 1700 to 2200. In this fabric, multifilaments are present in each of which monofilaments are arranged in the form of two layers in at least one direction of warp and weft directions. Furthermore, the fabric has a cover factor ranging from 700 to 900 in at least one direction of the warp and weft directions which has the multifilaments present.
US09670598B2
A method of making indium tin oxide nanofibers includes the step of mixing indium and tin precursor compounds with a binder polymer to form a nanofiber precursor composition. The nanofiber precursor composition is co-formed with a supporting polymer to form a composite nanofiber having a precursor composition nanofiber completely surrounded by the supporting polymer composition. The supporting polymer composition is removed from the composite nanofiber to expose the precursor composition nanofiber. The precursor composition nanofiber is then heated in the presence of oxygen such as O2 to form indium tin oxide and to remove the binder polymer to form an indium tin oxide nanofiber. A method of making metal oxide nanofibers is also disclosed.
US09670597B2
Sports clothing, protective clothing, clothing for body shaping and clothing with a medical function, which clothing comprises at least one fabric comprising elastic fibers, which elastic fibers are produced from a polymer composition comprising a copolymer containing 20-80 wt. % of monomeric units of a dimerized fatty acid or a derivative thereof and further monomer units of at least one dicarboxylic acid and at least one diol.
US09670573B2
A method for the hot-dip coating of metal strip, in particular steel strip, in a metallic melting bath (3) is disclosed. In the method, the metal strip (1) to be coated is heated in a continuous furnace (2) and is introduced into the melting bath (3) through a snout (6) which is connected to the continuous furnace and which is immersed into the melting bath. To be able to satisfy the requirements placed on the coated strip (1) with regard to good deformability of the strip, as far as possible without cracking and peeling, and with regard to high anti-corrosion protection in a more effective and reliable manner, the disclosure proposes that, in the region delimited by the snout (6), a melt is used which is intentionally implemented differently, in terms of its chemical composition, than the chemical composition of the melt used in the melting bath (3).
US09670572B2
The invention relates to a method of post-built up heat treatment of an additively manufactured high strength component made of a gamma-prime strengthened superalloy based on Ni or Co or Fe or combinations thereof. An application of a rapid heating-up rate of 25 to 60° C./min in a specific temperature range during the first post-built heat treatment after additive manufacturing avoids or at least minimizes the gamma-prime precipitation in the component during heat-up. This results in crack-free components/articles compared to significant cracking present in conventionally heat treated components.
US09670565B2
The present disclosure relates generally to recycling lead-acid batteries, and more specifically, relates to purifying and recycling the lead content from lead-acid batteries. A lead recovery system includes a first reactor configured to receive and mix a lead-bearing material and a first carboxylate source to yield a first mixture, wherein the first mixture includes a first lead carboxylate that is dissolved in a liquid component of the first mixture. The system includes a second reactor configured to receive and mix the liquid component of the first mixture and a second carboxylate source to yield a second mixture, wherein the second mixture includes solid particles of a second lead carboxylate. The system includes a third reactor configured to receive and mix the solid particles of the second lead carboxylate and a hydroxide solution to yield a third mixture, wherein the third mixture includes solid particles of lead oxide.
US09670564B2
Described herein are methods of making metallic or elemental silver. These methods generally include a step of forming a reaction dispersion that includes a silver-containing compound, an organic acid, and a solvent that includes an alcohol, followed by mixing the reaction dispersion for a time and at a temperature effective to form a reaction product that includes metallic silver from a cationic silver species of the silver-containing compound. Also described herein are metallic or elemental silver produced by these methods.
US09670563B2
A sorbent for sorbing radioactive ions is described. The sorbent comprises a porous crystalline powder of a metal oxide or mixed metal oxide. A process for making the sorbent comprises the steps of reacting a metal halide or a mixture of metal halides and an alcohol to form a gel; heating the gel to form a particulate material; exposing the particulate material to an oxidant to form a powder; and heating the powder to a temperature sufficient to at least partially melt or sinter particles of the powder so as to form the sorbent.
US09670562B2
Metal substrate for fixing member, manufacturing method therefor, fixing member, and fixing assembly
The present invention relates to a metal substrate for a fixing belt, having excellent durability. The metal substrate for a fixing belt of the present invention including an austenite stainless steel including a martensite phase includes: a region of austenite stainless steel including a martensite phase, with a nickel content of 8 mass % or more, sandwiched between regions of austenite stainless steel including a martensite phase, with a nickel content less than 8 mass %, in the thickness direction.
US09670561B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for processing a surface. The apparatus comprising a platform arranged to support a structure having an inner surface; at least one ball disposed adjacent to the inner surface; and a reflecting member having at least one reflecting surface; wherein the at least one ball is adapted to vibrate by a vibrating means and to collide with the inner surface and the reflecting surface thereby creating an impact to the inner surface.
US09670550B2
The present invention provides a method capable of detecting a cancer and/or a carcinogenic risk, and a reagent for the detection thereof. The present invention also provides a method for screening for a pharmaceutical drug for reducing a carcinogenic risk and a pharmaceutical composition. Since cancer development closely correlates with alteration in gut microbiota, cancer development and/or a risk of cancer development are detected by detecting alteration in gut microbiota and a secondary bile acid produced by an intestinal bacterium. The present invention further provides a method for screening for a pharmaceutical drug with a gut microbiota as an index, and a pharmaceutical composition.
US09670549B2
Gene signatures for determining whether a neoplasm (such as a multiple myeloma neoplasm) is sensitive to mTORi/HDACi combination therapy and/or for determining the prognosis of a neoplasm in a subject are described. Some embodiments include determining whether a neoplasm is sensitive to mTORi/HDACi combination therapy by predicting whether mTORi/HDACi combination therapy will successfully treat the neoplasm, for example increasing survival of the subject with the neoplasm. In some embodiments, determining the prognosis includes predicting the outcome (such as chance of survival) of the subject with a neoplasm. Also disclosed are reagents, for example arrays, for use with the disclosed methods, as well as computer implementation of the disclosed methods.
US09670543B2
Compositions useful for examining the PKD1 gene are provided. In addition, methods for detecting mutations of the PKD1 gene, which can be associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in humans, are provided. Methods for diagnosing a mutant PKD1 gene sequence in a subject also are provided, as are methods of treating a subject having a PKD1-associated disorder.
US09670538B2
Provided herein is technology relating to sequencing nucleic acids and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, and systems for sequencing-by-synthesis using changes in pH to monitor base addition. In some embodiments the electrochemical hydrogen ion sensor is a microfabricated mixed metal oxide electrode and in some embodiments the electrochemical hydrogen ion sensor is a membrane electrode. Moreover, in some embodiments the device further comprises a reference electrode. Performing the sequencing reaction involves moving solutions and other fluids (e.g., samples, nucleotide solutions, wash solutions) into and out of the reaction vessel. Thus, in some embodiments, the device further comprises a tube or other transport mechanism or pathway attached to the reaction vessel.
US09670535B2
A microarray is designed capture one or more molecules of interest at each of a plurality of sites on a substrate. The sites comprise base pads, such as polymer base pads, that promote the attachment of the molecules at the sites. The microarray may be made by one or more patterning techniques to create a layout of base pads in a desired pattern. Further, the microarrays may include features to encourage clonality at the sites.
US09670523B2
The present invention discloses functional nitrite reductase as a potential drug target for anti-tubercular drug development. The present invention also relates to the development of an easy method for identification of nitrite in clinical samples as well as its correlation with the severity of the disease. Presence of active as well as dormant/latent stages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) could be identified from nitrite in clinical samples like sputum of potential TB patients.
US09670522B2
Methods for ultrasonically imaging a heterogeneous 3D-cell population without physically probing are provided. The method can comprises: pulsing ultrasound waves having a wave frequency of about 10 MHz to about 2 GHz through a lens rod, wherein the lens rod focuses the ultrasound waves onto the cell population via a concave lens-head (e.g., comprising sapphire), and wherein the cell population is positioned on the reflective surface such that the ultrasound waves are reflected back to the lens-head; receiving the reflected waves through the lens head and the lens rod at a signal receiver; scanning the lens-head across multiple points in the x,y plane; and at each point in the x,y plane, moving the lens-head in a z-direction such that a signal is received at multiple intervals in the z-direction for each point in the x,y plane.
US09670520B2
The invention relates to a process for the culturing of cells, preferably E1-immortalized HER cells, more preferably PER.C6 cells in a reactor in suspension in a cell culture medium, wherein the cells produce a biological substance, preferably an antibody, wherein at least one cell culture medium component is fed to the cell culture and wherein the cell culture comprising the cells, the biological substance and cell culture medium is circulated over a separation system and wherein the separation system separates the biological substance from substances having a lower molecular weight than the biological substance and wherein the biological substance is retained in or fed back into the reactor. Preferably part of the substances of lower molecular weight is continuously removed from the cell culture.
US09670515B2
The present disclosure relates generally to the production of xylosyl-xylitol oligomers, and more specifically to biological methods for producing xylosyl-xylitol oligomers in host cells.
US09670514B2
The present invention aims to provide a method for producing a polysaccharide with high efficiency using a polysaccharide synthase. The present invention provides a method for producing a polysaccharide, including allowing polysaccharide synthase (B) to act on ribonucleoside diphosphate-monosaccharide (A) to produce a polysaccharide, wherein in 10 to 100% of the duration in which (B) acts on (A), the concentration of ribonucleoside diphosphate in a reaction solution is lower than 100 times an inhibitory concentration IC50 against polysaccharide synthase (B).
US09670510B2
Described herein are improved methods of degrading or converting cellulosic material into fermentable sugars using dithionite. Also described are improved methods of fermentation in the presence of dithionite.
US09670506B2
The disclosure relates to recombinant vectors and methods for using the same. In certain embodiments, the recombinant vectors are immunogenic.
US09670501B2
Polynucleotides, polypeptides, plant cells expressing same and methods of using same for increasing abiotic stress tolerance water use efficiency (WUE), fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), biomass, vigor and/or yield of a plant. The method is effected by expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80% homologous to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:33, 34, 30, 27-29, 31, 32, 35-52, 1401-1403, 1405-1435, 1437-1494, 1496-1542, 1544-1553, 1555-1559, 1561-1827, 1829-1866, 1868-2450, 2453-2458, 2460-2463, 2465-2481, 2483, 2485-2746, 2765-2769, 3052-3065 and 3067-3259, thereby increasing the water use efficiency (WUE), the fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), the biomass, the vigor and/or the yield of the plant.
US09670499B2
Methods for introgressing an allele of interest of a locus associated with a yield trait into Zea mays germplasm are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include providing a Zea mays plant that contains an allele of interest of a locus associated with a yield trait, wherein the locus associated with the yield trait is identifiable by PCR amplification of a Zea mays nucleic acid with a pair of oligonucleotides primers as disclosed herein, and introgressing the allele of interest into Zea mays germplasm that lacks the allele. Also provided are methods for identifying Zea mays plants that contain at least one allele associated with improved yield, improved maize plants, elite Zea mays plants, biomass produced from improved Zea mays plants, isolated and purified genetic markers, and compositions that include an amplification primer pair capable of amplifying a Zea mays nucleic acid to generate a Zea mays marker amplicon.
US09670495B2
A DNA sequence that functions as an origin in many different yeast species. From 1 to 17 mutations can be introduced into this sequence to improve its function across multiple yeasts. The resulting synthetic DNA sequence confers stable plasmid replication function in all yeast species tested, including but not limited to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lachancea kluyveri, Kluyveromyces lactis, Kluyveromyces wickerhammii, Hansenula polymorpha, and Pichia pastoris. Also provided are sequences that function as an optimal origin in the industrially useful Pichia pastoris.
US09670478B2
The present invention pertains to a method for modifying a nucleic acid contained in a sample comprising a step for bringing the sample into contact with a nucleic acid-modifying agent in the presence of an acidic polysaccharide and/or a nucleotide; and a method for selectively detecting a nucleic acid derived from living cells contained in the sample, comprising the following steps: (a) a step for modifying a nucleic acid contained in a sample according to the method for modifying a nucleic acid contained in a sample, which includes a step for bringing the sample into contact with a nucleic acid-modifying agent in the presence of an acidic polysaccharide and/or a nucleotide; and (b) a step for selectively detecting an unmodified nucleic acid from the sample after step (a). The present invention further pertains to a kit and composition for use in these methods.
US09670477B2
Devices for separating materials from a host fluid are disclosed. The devices include a flow chamber, an ultrasonic transducer, and a reflector. The ultrasonic transducer and reflector create an angled acoustic standing wave oriented at an angle relative to the direction of mean flow through the flow chamber. The angled acoustic standing wave results in an acoustic radiation force having an axial force component that deflects the materials, so that the materials and the host fluid can thus be separated. The angled acoustic standing wave can be oriented at an angle of about 20° to about 70° relative to the direction of mean flow through the flow chamber to deflect, collect, differentiate, or fractionate the materials from the fluid flowing through the device at flow rates of about 400 mL/min up to about 700 mL/min.
US09670460B2
A method is provided, including obtaining a population of antigen-presenting cells, enriching a population of stem/progenitor cells within a larger population of cells, activating the population of antigen-presenting cells and, following the activating, inducing at least one process selected from the group consisting of: differentiation, expansion, activation, secretion of a molecule, and expression of a marker, by exposing the enriched stem/progenitor cell population to the population of antigen-presenting cells. Other applications are also described.
US09670458B2
The present invention provides highly advantageous and efficient methods for spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transfer for the generation of animals having valuable traits or genetic background.
US09670447B2
The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of microstructured membranes, methods of fabricating microstructured membranes, bioreactors housing microstructured membranes, and methods of using bioreactors and microstructured membranes. In some embodiments, the present disclosure allows culturing of cellular tissues in an environment which more accurately resembles a native environment. In some more specific embodiments, the present disclosure allows culturing of tumor cells on a membrane having a microfabricated pattern which mimics a native vasculature system.
US09670439B2
A method of cleaning the inner part of hot beverage system, in particular a coffee machine, with a cleaning capsule is disclosed. The capsule is inserted into the hot beverage system, the capsule defining a hollow space containing a cleaning material and an inert filling material.
US09670432B2
A method for preventing degradation of physical and chemical properties, and for increasing lubricity, of a hydrocarbon and water emulsion, comprising adding to the emulsion an effective amount of at least one copper salt of a carboxylic acid for enabling at least one bacterium species from Pseudomonas genus to become dominant in the emulsion.
US09670431B2
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an indirect heat drying method and a refined-coal production method, with which the stability of carrier-gas pressure balance can be improved when using indirect heat dryers to dry particulate matter. This indirect heat drying method for particulate matter uses two indirect heat dryers, and is provided with: a step (A) in which particulate matter is dried in a first indirect heat dryer; and a step (B) in which the particulate matter is further dried in a second indirect heat dryer to obtain dried particulate matter. The indirect heat drying method for particulate matter is characterized by being further provided with a step (C) in which first microparticles included in a carrier gas discharged from the first indirect heat dryer are recovered and mixed with the particulate matter supplied to step (B); and a step (D) in which second microparticles included in a carrier gas discharged from the second indirect heat dryer are recovered and mixed with the dried particulate matter obtained in step (B).
US09670424B2
A process is disclosed for recovering hydroprocessing effluent from a hydroprocessing unit utilizing a hot stripper and a cold stripper. The cold stripper and the hot stripper are contained in the same vessel. A barrier prevents material from the hot stripper from entering into the cold stripper.
US09670418B2
The invention relates to a process for converting hydrocarbon inputs by thermal steamcracking to give at least one olefin-containing product stream comprising at least ethylene and propylene, by at least partly converting a hydrocarbon input in at least one cracking furnace (2), wherein the hydrocarbon input is converted under mild cracking conditions in the cracking furnace (2), mild cracking conditions meaning that propylene to ethylene are present in a ratio of 0.81 to 1.6 kg/kg at the cracking furnace exit, and the hydrocarbon input comprising predominantly hydrocarbons having a maximum carbon number of 6, preferably a maximum of 5.
US09670401B2
Methods for producing solid, substantially round, spherical and sintered particles from a slurry of a raw material having an alumina content of greater than about 40 weight percent. The slurry is processed to prepare green pellets which are sintered in a furnace with microwave energy at a temperature of 1480 to 1520° C. to produce solid, substantially round, spherical and sintered particles having an average particle size greater than about 200 microns, a bulk density of greater than about 1.35 g/cm3, and an apparent specific gravity of greater than about 2.60.
US09670400B2
Proppant particles formed from slurry droplets and methods of use are disclosed herein. The proppant particles can include a sintered ceramic material and can have a size of about 80 mesh to about 10 mesh and an average largest pore size of less than about 20 microns. The methods of use can include injecting a hydraulic fluid into a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to open a fracture therein and injecting a fluid containing a proppant particle into the fracture, the proppant particle including a sintered ceramic material, a size of about 80 mesh to about 10 mesh, and an average largest pore size of less than about 20 microns.
US09670397B2
Controlling fluid flow in a subterranean formation containing water and hydrocarbons utilizing a Gemini surfactant introduced to the formation via a wellbore. The Gemini surfactant includes a head group having two cationic groups linked by an alkyl spacer, an amide extending from each of the cationic groups, and each amide having a hydrophobic tail extending therefrom.
US09670385B2
Provided is an anisotropic conductive adhesive in which excellent optical characteristics and heat dissipation characteristics are obtainable. The anisotropic conductive adhesive contains conductive particles each comprising a metal layer having Ag as a primary constituent formed on an outermost surface of a resin particle, solder particles having a smaller average particle diameter than the conductive particles, reflective insulating particles having a smaller average particle diameter than the solder particles and a binder into which the conductive particles solder particles and reflective insulating particles are dispersed. The conductive particles and the reflective insulating particles efficiently reflect light, thereby improving light-extraction efficiency of an LED mounting body. Additionally, inter-terminal solder bonding of the solder particles during compression bonding increases contact area between opposing terminals, thereby enabling achievement of high heat dissipation characteristics.
US09670384B2
A light-reflective anisotropic conductive adhesive used for anisotropic conductive connection of a light-emitting element to a wiring substrate includes a thermosetting resin composition, conductive particles, and light-reflective insulating particles. The light-reflective insulating particles are formed by subjecting titanium oxide particles to a surface treatment with one kind selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, SiO, SiO2, ZnO, ZnO2, and ZrO2. The amount of the titanium oxide contained in the light-reflective insulating particles is 85 to 93%. The particle diameter of the light-reflective insulating particles is 0.2 to 0.3 μm, and the particle diameter of the conductive particles is 2 to 10 μm.
US09670378B2
A coating composition comprising a resinous binder and up to 10 percent by weight of the reaction product of (i) a phosphorus acid, and (ii) a polyglycidyl ether of cyclohexane dimethanol. The compositions are useful for coating containers of all sorts, such as food and beverage containers, and the reaction product provides enhanced adhesion of the coating to the substrate. The compositions can be formulated to be substantially free of bisphenol A (BPA) and derivatives thereof such as bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE).
US09670375B1
A recycled crumb rubber coating with a hydrophobic surface and a method for making the same. The coating with a hydrophobic surface includes a recycled crumb rubber coating layer comprising about 24-50 wt % of a crumb rubber, and about 25-75 wt % of an epoxy comprising a liquid epoxy resin and an epoxy hardener, and a first silane film comprising at least one silane and disposed on a surface of the recycled crumb rubber coating layer to form the hydrophobic surface. The method includes (a) mixing a crumb rubber with a liquid epoxy resin to form a first mixture, (b) mixing the first mixture with an epoxy hardener to form a recycled crumb rubber coating layer, and (c) depositing a first silane film comprising at least one silane on a surface of the recycled crumb rubber coating layer to form the hydrophobic surface of the recycled crumb rubber coating.
US09670364B2
There is provided a compound which is represented by General Formula (1) below: in General Formula (1), R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group, R3, R4, and R5 each independently represent a substituent group, M represents a hydrogen atom or a counter cation, each of M may be the same or different, n3, n4, and n5 each independently represent a number between 0 and 4, and R3, R4, and R5 may be the same or different in a case where n3, n4, and n5 each represent a number equal to or greater than 2.
US09670355B2
Provided is a thermoplastic resin composition for use as a vehicle interior material, including: a biomass-derived resin having biomass-derived polyethylene; and an ASTM D6866 composition having a pMC value of 35 wt %. The thermoplastic resin composition for use as a vehicle interior material uses biomass-derived resin as a replacement for petroleum-based thermoplastic resin in order to reduce the amount of CO2 emissions and have an environmentally friendly effect.
US09670354B2
A thermoplastic polymer composition which is excellent in flexibility, mechanical properties, moldability, and particularly in heat resistance and is capable of adhering to ceramics, metals, and synthetic resins even at low temperature (for example, 190° C. or lower) without the treatment with a primer, and a molded product produced by using the thermoplastic polymer composition are described. The thermoplastic polymer composition includes 100 parts by mass of a thermoplastic elastomer (A), 1 to 100 parts by mass of a polyvinyl acetal resin (B), and 5 to 100 parts by mass of a polar group-containing polypropylene resin (C). The thermoplastic elastomer (A) is a block copolymer which is constituted by a polymer block including aromatic vinyl compound units and a polymer block including isoprene units, butadiene units, or isoprene/butadiene units wherein the total of a content of 1,2-bonding and a content of 3,4-bonding is 40 mol % or more, or the thermoplastic elastomer (A) is a hydrogenated product of the block copolymer.
US09670348B2
A dynamically vulcanized alloy contains at least one isobutylene-containing elastomer, at least one thermoplastic resin, and an anhydride functionalized oligomer grafted to the thermoplastic resin. In the alloy, the elastomer is present as a dispersed phase of small vulcanized or partially vulcanized particles in a continuous phase of the thermoplastic resin and the alloy is substantially absent of any sulfonamides.
US09670337B2
The invention relates to a flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane based on at least one diisocyanate and on at least one substance reactive toward isocyanate, and preferably on at least one chain extender, and also optionally on at least one catalyst, and comprising at least one flame retardant, and also optionally additives and/or auxiliaries, where one flame retardant is a metal hydroxide at least to some extent surrounded by a coating, and the metal hydroxide is aluminum hydroxide, aluminum oxide hydroxide, or a mixture of said hydroxides, and also to an associated production process and use.
US09670332B2
The invention relates to a rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a filler comprising at least carbon black and an inorganic filler with an inorganic filler content of less than or equal to 50 parts by weight per hundred parts of elastomer, phr, and also a crosslinking system, characterized in that the dispersion of the filler in the elastomeric matrix has a Z value of greater than or equal to 80; and also to the process for preparing such a composition.
US09670323B2
The present invention relates to a method for separating volatile substances, particularly iodine, diiodised aromatic compounds and/or mixtures thereof, from material mixtures containing said compounds. The invention further relates to a device for producing polyarylene sulphides, by means of which volatile substances, particularly iodine and diiodised aromatic compounds, can be separated from the polymers.
US09670320B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a polyimide resin powder, including the step of reacting (A) a tetracarboxylic acid component containing a tetracarboxylic dianhydride with (B) a diamine component containing an aliphatic diamine in the presence of (C) a solvent containing an alkylene glycol-based solvent represented by the formula (1): wherein Ra1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, Ra2 represents a linear alkylene group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer of 1-3.
US09670318B2
The invention is directed to a fluorescent dye according to the general formula I: with C is a core moiety comprising 20 to 200 atoms; S same or different ether residues comprising 1 to 10 carbon atoms; n is an integer ranging from 2 to 500; m is an integer ranging from 0 to 500; x is an integer ranging from 2 to 50; y is an integer ranging from 1 to 50; R same or different residue comprising a reactive group capable of forming a covalent bond with a biomolecule; F same or different fluorophores covalently bound to (S)n. The fluorescent dyes can be conjugated to a biomolecule and used for flow cytometry and/or by fluorescence microscopy.
US09670317B1
A material that can be used either as a standalone or coating additive that would both repel water and resist corrosion would greatly benefit the Navy. A method of making hydrophobic polymer, including combining a perylene derived monomer with a bisphenol derived monomer to produce a polymer mixture, and condensing said polymer mixture to produce a hydrophobic polymer.
US09670312B2
A process for the production of a flame-retardant polymer is disclosed. The process includes reacting a triol with an organophosphate monochloride material to produce a phosphorus-functionalized hydroxyl material. The process further includes reacting the phosphorus-functionalized hydroxyl material with a polycarboxylic acid to form the flame-retardant polymer. Phosphorus is chemically bound to a polymer chain of the flame-retardant polymer.
US09670300B2
A thermoplastic copolymer that includes a first divalent unit having a pendent ultraviolet absorbing group and a second divalent unit that is fluorinated. A fluoropolymer composition including the thermoplastic copolymer is also disclosed.
US09670287B2
The present invention provides: an antibody, which specifically reacts with hTROP-2 and has anti-tumor activity in vivo; a hybridoma, which produces the aforementioned antibody; a complex of the aforementioned antibody and a drug; a pharmaceutical composition for diagnosing or treating a tumor; a method for detecting a tumor; and a kit for detecting or diagnosing a tumor.
US09670283B2
The present invention relates to antibodies targeted to BDCA2 that deplete plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) and methods of using the antibodies to treat disorders associated with pDC.
US09670276B2
The disclosure provides binding proteins that specifically bind to IL-1α and IL-1β. These binding proteins can be organized into DVD-Igs. These proteins can be used to modulate the activity of IL-1α and/or IL-1β and can be used for the treatment immunological diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune diseases. In addition, their uses in the amelioration and/or treatment of pain in an individual suffering from a disease or disorder associated with IL-1 accumulation.
US09670274B2
The invention provides anti-human alpha-synuclein antibodies and methods of using the same.
US09670268B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a pharmaceutical composition comprising an enzyme-treated human serum which is useful for treatment and prevention of diseases such as a cancer and an infectious disease, and a method of preparing the same. The present invention relates to a method of preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising an enzyme-treated human serum, comprising a step of bringing the human serum into contact with β-galactosidase and, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an enzyme-treated human serum obtained by the preparation method.
US09670265B2
The present invention is further directed to methods and compositions for modulating the activity of the Toso protein. The invention further encompasses treatment of disorders associated with inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and cancer using compositions that include a soluble Toso protein.
US09670264B2
Described herein are recombinant integral membrane proteins having multiple transmembrane domains that have been engineered to be less hydrophobic, through alteration of the amino acid sequence of the native protein, but retain the ability to bind their natural ligand. The decreased hydrophobicity of the described proteins makes them more water soluble than the native protein, which allows the described proteins to be expressed in bacteria in large quantities and isolated in the absence of membranes, all while retaining the ability to interact with known ligands.
US09670262B2
The present invention relates to modified SAK gene having amino acid SEQ ID 2. The present invention further relates to process for cloning and expressing modified SAK gene fusion protein which imparts improved stability to the heterologous protein of interest. Further the invention relates to process of purification of recombinant heterologous proteins from bacterial inclusion bodies using modified SAK.
US09670249B2
The present invention relates in general to the field of tissue engineering and more specifically to amphiphilic peptides and peptide matrices thereof useful in vitro and in situ biomineralization and inducing bone repair. The present invention provides peptides, which are useful in hydrogels and other pharmaceutical compositions, and methods and kits of use for bone repair and promotion of biomineralization. Certain hydrogels according to the invention comprise cells within or adhered to the peptide matrix.
US09670248B2
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to methods for recovering multiple products from industrial-scale production of a biomass of an aquatic species. Specifically, the present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to methods for cultivating Lemna for extracting a protein concentrate, a biocrude, and/or a carbohydrate-rich meal. In some embodiments, a process of recovering at least one product from biomass of an aquatic species may comprise: lysing a biomass to generate a lysed biomass; separating the lysed biomass to generate a juice and a first solid phase; filtering the juice to generate a filtered juice and a second solid phase; clarifying at least one juice to generate a clarified juice and a third solid phase, wherein the clarified juice comprises a soluble protein; coagulating the soluble protein from the clarified juice to generate a liquor comprising a wet protein concentrate; and separating the wet protein concentrate from the liquor.
US09670247B2
The invention provides compounds of formula I, II, III, or IV: wherein R1 to R11, X, and Y have any of the values defined in the specification. The compounds inhibit Na, K-ATPase α4 and are useful as contraceptive agents.
US09670241B2
An organometallic compound represented by Formula 1: M(L1)n1(L2)n2 Formula 1 wherein in Formula 1, M, L1, L2, n1, and n2 are the same as described in the specification.
US09670232B2
Molecular precursor compounds, processes and compositions for making Zn-Group 13 mixed oxide materials including IZO, GZO, AZO and BZO, by providing inks comprising a molecular precursor compound having the formula MAaZn(OROR)3a+2, and printing or depositing the inks on a substrate. The printed or deposited ink films can be treated to convert the molecular precursor compounds to a material.
US09670225B2
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to compounds of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, polymorph, prodrug, solvate or clathrate thereof, wherein X1, X2, X3, R1, R2, R11, and n are defined herein. These compounds are useful as inhibitors of HIV-1 protease and, as a result, are useful in the treatment of HIV infection.
US09670214B2
The present invention provides novel heteroaryl compounds of formula (I) having a pyrimidine-containing core that is linked to a 4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl group via an amine linker. Such compounds are useful for the treatment of cancers.
US09670210B2
The present invention is directed to cyclopropylamine derivatives which are LSD1 inhibitors useful in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
US09670209B2
Compounds of formula (I) and methods are provided for the treatment of disease or conditions in which modification of cholinergic, especially muscarinic receptor activity, has a beneficial effect.
US09670200B2
The invention provides a method of sustained delivery of a tertiary amine-containing parent drug comprising administering to a patient an effective amount of a prodrug compound of the invention wherein upon administration to the patient, release of the parent drug from the prodrug is sustained release. Prodrug compounds suitable for use in the methods of the invention are labile quaternary ammonium salts of tertiary amine-containing parent drugs (or tertiary imine-containing parent drugs) that are derivatized through aldehyde-linked prodrug moieties that reduce the solubility of the prodrug compound at a reference pH as compared to the parent drug. The physical, chemical and solubility properties of these derivatives can be further modulated by the choice of counterion X−. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a prodrug compound of Formula I: where R1-R5 are defined in the written description of the invention. The prodrug compounds of the invention can be used to treat any condition for which the tertiary amine-containing parent drug or tertiary imine-containing parent drug is useful as a treatment.
US09670193B2
The invention relates to novel trifluoromethyl-oxadiazole derivatives of formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, in which all of the variables are as defined in the specification, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, pharmaceutical combinations thereof, and their use as medicaments, particularly for the treatment of neurodegeneration, muscle atrophy or diabetes/metabolic syndrome via inhibition of HDAC4.
US09670189B2
The invention relates to novel substituted condensed pyrimidine compounds of general formula (I) in which the chemical groupings, substituents and indices are as defined in the description, and to their use as medicaments, in particular as medicaments for the treatment of conditions and diseases that can be treated by inhibition of the PDE4 enzyme.
US09670187B2
The present disclosure provides processes for the preparation of a compound of formula: which is useful as an antiviral agent. The disclosure also provides compounds that are synthetic intermediates.
US09670186B2
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: where X, Ra, Rb, R2, and R7 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds are prodrugs of compounds having neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds; methods of using these compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing these compounds.
US09670182B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing substituted anthranilic acid derivatives of the formula (I) in which R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each as defined in the description, by conversion of compounds of the general formula (IV) in the presence of a palladium catalyst and carbon monoxide. The present invention likewise relates to compounds of the general formula (IV).
US09670181B2
Substituted 6,7-dialkoxy-3-isoquinolinol derivatives as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 10 (PDE 10A)
The invention relates to compounds of the formula wherein R′, R1 through R7 and Ar are as defined herein. These compounds are useful as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 10 (PDE10A) which are useful in treating central nervous system diseases such as psychosis and also in treating, for example, obesity, type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, glucose intolerance, pain and ophthalmic diseases.
US09670179B1
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for compositions including an antibiotic containing a N-thiolated beta-lactam moiety, pharmaceutical compositions including the antibiotic, methods of treatment of a condition (e.g., bacterial infection), methods of treatment using compositions or pharmaceutical compositions, and the like.
US09670177B2
The present invention provides a malonate salt of a compound of formula (I): which is a crystalline salt. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions that include the provided malonate salt and methods of using the provided crystalline forms and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of cancer.
US09670174B2
Linear mono- and dialkyl ethers of furan-2,5-dimethanol (FDM) and/or 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (bH-MTHF), methods for their preparation, and derivative chemical compounds thereof are described. In general, the synthesis process entails a reaction of FDM or bHMTHFs in a polar aprotic organic solvent having a permittivity ( )>8, at a temperature ranging from about −25 C to about 100 C, with either a) an unhindered Brnsted base with a pKa?15 or b) a hindered Brnsted base having minimum pKa of about 16, and a nucleophile.
US09670173B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a medicament for preventing or treating hyperphosphatemia. Solution: A compound represented by a general formula (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. (In the formula, R1: a methyl group or the like, R2: a hydrogen atom or the like, R3: a hydrogen atom or the like, A: a cyclohexyl ring or the like, X: CH or the like, Y: CH or the like, Z: CH or the like, and n: 2 or the like).
US09670168B2
Described are methods for preparing salts of 5-nitrotetrazolate that include reacting aqueous solutions of 5-aminotetrazole, an acid, and sodium nitrite in a continuous flow system at an elevated temperature.
US09670163B2
The present invention relates to solid state forms of N-[2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-hydroxyphenyl]-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide (Compound 1), pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods therewith.
US09670162B2
The present disclosure provides compounds of formula (I) that function as modulators of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) activity, and methods of preparing these compounds.
US09670159B2
The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition including a compound of general formula (I) combined with a solvent and a viscosity-enhancing agent, as well as to the use thereof as a drug, in particular for treating and preventing infection with the papillomavirus, and to the method for preparing same.
US09670156B2
(S)-4-hydroxy-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine crystal form III (called crystal form III of (S) -oxiracetam for short) has diffraction peaks at diffraction angles 2θ, wherein the diffraction angles 2θ are equal to 10.54, 13.70, 14.44, 15.60, 17.12, 18.88, 19.24, 20.66, 20.84, 21.18, 21.82, 22.94, 23.24, 24.88, 27.20, 27.48, 28.24, 30.46, 30.80, 31.52, 32.00, 32.34, 32.90, 33.20, 34.40, 34.62, 37.30, 37.50, 38.28, 38.96, and 40.02°. The (S)-oxiracetam crystal form III of the present invention has an obvious effect on memory dysfunction, is dissolved in water fast, has high bioavailability, and can be used to prepare various pharmaceutical compositions. The (S)-oxiracetam crystal form III obtained by using the preparation method of the present invention is high in purity. The preparation method of the present invention is performed in a mild condition, is easy in operation, introduces less impurities, has desirable reproducibility, is easily controlled during production, and is applicable to industrial production.
US09670146B2
An apparatus comprises a first controller configured to control at least the flow rate of a polymerization inhibitor or acrylonitrile product to a first location where the two are mixed. The apparatus comprises a first on-line analyzer configured to measure polymerization inhibitor concentration in the acrylonitrile product at a second location, the second location downstream of the first location. The first on-line analyzer is configured to provide information relating to the measured inhibitor concentration at the second location to the first controller, the first controller configured to process the information from the first on-line analyzer and to adjust at least a first operating parameter of a first addition device if the measured inhibitor concentration at the second location is outside a first predetermined condition. A second controller and a second on-line analyzer are provided to provide similar control of water addition to acrylonitrile product.
US09670136B2
The invention relates to (hetero)aryl cyclopropylamine compounds, including particularly the compounds of formula (I) as described and defined herein, and their use in therapy, including, e.g., in the treatment or prevention of cancer, a neurological disease or condition, or a viral infection.
US09670135B2
Preparation of halogenated di-substituted benzylamines, particularly halogenated dialkylbenzylamines
The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing halogenated di-substituted benzylamines, particularly halogenated dialkylbenzylamines.
US09670132B2
Dibasic esters (diesters) and their use in plasticizer compositions are generally disclosed. In some embodiments, the diesters are branched-chain esters of long-chain alkanedioic acids, such as octadecanedioic acid. In some embodiments, such plasticizer compositions are used to increase the plasticity of a polymer resin, such as a vinyl chloride resin or poly vinyl butyral. In some other embodiments, such plasticizer compositions are used to lower the glass transition temperature of a polymer resin. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the plasticizer is derived from a renewable source, such as a natural oil.
US09670129B2
A process for preparing 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate by transesterifying an alkyl acrylate with 1,4-butanediol in the presence of a dialkyltin oxide such that each of the alkyl groups has 4 to 8 carbon atoms, characterized in that the amount of the dialkyltin oxide is adjusted to 0.00001 to 0.01 moles per one mole of the alkyl acrylate.
US09670125B2
High-purity dibasic acid compositions are generally disclosed. In some embodiments, the dibasic acid compositions are solutions or suspensions. In some other embodiments, the compositions are solid-state compositions. In some such embodiments, the solid-state compositions comprise a dibasic acid as a crystalline solid and further comprise a low quantity of certain impurities, such as monobasic acids, various esters, and the like. Methods and systems for making such high-purity dibasic acid compositions are also disclosed.
US09670124B2
A process utilizing nitric acid and oxygen as co-oxidants to oxidize aldehydes, alcohols, polyols, preferably carbohydrates, specifically reducing sugars to produce the corresponding carboxylic acids.
US09670120B2
The present invention relates to a solid catalyst for producing ethanol from acetic acid, ethyl acetate, or mixtures thereof comprising a core region comprising a Group IIA metal and a surface region surrounding the core region and comprising one or more main metals. The total loading of the main metals in the catalyst is greater than or equal to 1 wt. %. Also more than 85% of main metals are located in the surface region, based on the total loading of the main metals in the catalyst. The surface region may comprise two or more layers.
US09670115B2
A two catalyst system is described having separate catalyst beds for the selective conversion of acetylene to ethylene which reduces the concentration of acetylene, dienes, O2, and NOx is disclosed. An ethylene containing gas stream, such as an off-gas stream from a refinery catalytic cracking unit used in the production of fuels and gas oils, is treated by first contacting the gas stream with a silver catalyst supported on a metal oxide and subsequently contacting the gas stream with a ruthenium catalyst supported on metal oxide. The two catalysts are contained within contiguous continuous reactors or reactor compartments.
US09670112B2
A process for the production of middle-distillate hydrocarbon-containing bases from a butanol feedstock, comprising: a) isomerizing dehydration of butanol feedstock; b) separating the water from butylenic effluent; c) purifying the organic liquid effluent from stage b); d) oligomerizing a feedstock that comprises at least a portion of the purified organic effluent from stage c), the entire effluent from stage g), and at least a portion of the light product from stage f); e) oligomerizing the first oligomerization effluent to produce a second oligomerization effluent; f) fractionating the second oligomerization effluent into at least three products: a light product mostly comprising C2 to C4 compounds, an intermediate product mostly comprising C5 to C9 compounds, and a middle distillate product mostly comprising compounds having at least 10 carbon atoms; g) oligomerizing at least a portion of the intermediate product, and h) hydrogenating at least a portion of the middle distillate product.
US09670101B2
A method for producing a metal detectible ceramic, including mixing a first amount of ceramic material with a second metal oxide to define an admixture, forming the admixture into a green body, sintering the green body to yield a densified body, wherein the densified body has a plurality of metallic particles distributed therethrough, and wherein the densified body is detectible by a metal detector.
US09670100B2
The present disclosure relates to the formation of polycrystalline diamond materials with fine diamond grains and nano-sized particles of a grain growth inhibitor. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond material is provided. The method includes providing a mixture of diamond particles with an average particle size of about 1 micron or less, distributing a plurality of nano-sized titanium-containing particles with the diamond mixture, to act as a grain growth inhibitor, and sintering the mixture of diamond particles and titanium-containing particles at high pressure and high temperature to create a polycrystalline structure of sintered diamond grains. The sintered diamond grains have an average size of about 1 micron or less.
US09670095B2
Crumb Rubber augmented masonry blocks including cement, aggregate, water, and crumb rubber. Crumb rubber is extracted from scrape tires after being processed and then mixed in specified percentages with aggregate, cement and water. In the present disclosure sand, which is used in the formation of conventional blocks, is replaced with crumb rubber to produce a sand-free masonry block containing crumb rubber. The developed crumb rubber masonry blocks satisfied the ASTM non-load bearing requirements in addition to satisfying the water absorption test.
US09670085B2
The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a hollow glass article comprising at least one thin side wall (42), in which process: at least one parison of molten glass is introduced into a blank mold, a blank of the article is formed in the blank mold from said parison, the blank of the article is transferred into a finishing mold, and the article is formed in the finishing mold. During forming of the article, excess glass is directed towards the exterior of the side wall of the article to form a convex bulge (43) and the bulge is removed to give the side wall of the article a substantially constant thickness.The invention also relates to a corresponding machine and product.
US09670084B2
A method for treating wastewater containing TMAH and ammonium nitrogen includes the steps of (a) introducing a first solution which contains ammonium nitrogen but no TMAH into a single reactor with microorganisms comprising nitrifying bacteria and anammox bacteria, and denitrifying the first solution by the microorganisms under a dissolved oxygen concentration ranging from 0.1-0.5 mg/L and a pH value of 7-8; (b) when the denitrification efficiency reaches a steady state, introducing a second solution which contains ammonium nitrogen and TMAH and has a concentration of TMAH lower than 60 mg/L into the reactor; and (c) gradually increasing the concentration of TMAH in the solution to be added into the reactor for several times whenever the denitrification efficiency reaches a steady state. Accordingly, the inhibition of TMAH to the anammox bacteria can be significantly decreased, and both TMAH and the ammonium nitrogen can be treated simultaneously.
US09670083B2
A method and an apparatus for biological wastewater treatment that includes a biological selector and a physical selector. The apparatus comprises an internal biological reactor where wastewater and recycled biomass are combined to provide a high substrate and high electron acceptor gradient for generating morphological biomass features that favor granule formation over floc and filament formation, and an external gravimetric or external screen selector operating on the biomass waste stream for collecting and retaining densified biomass aggregates including dense granule selection and for wasting lighter filaments and flocs. In the method and apparatus, particles may be added to provide cores to promote the formation of aggregates encapsulating the seeded particles. The particles may be added as various materials, for example, in the bioreactor, to initiate or seed the formation of a granule, that could then be separated by or integrated with either the external gravimetric or external screen selector. Further, organisms may be selected for biological phosphorus removal, denitrifying methane oxidizers, biological sulfur or sulfide oxidation, methanogenesis.
US09670081B2
Methods and systems for treating cooling water of a retort are described. The methods and systems generate an aqueous ozone solution and combine the aqueous ozone solution with the cooling water. The methods and systems provide a safe, economical, easy to handle, and environmentally friendly solution for maintaining a retort cooling water system. The systems and methods herein remove contaminates from the cooling water, supply a continuous sanitizer created on-site, reduce the need for additional chemicals, and reduce the labor costs attributed to maintaining the retort cooling water system.
US09670076B2
An adaptable water filtration device including an upstream housing defining an upstream chamber. A filter mount is coupled to the upstream housing and extends into the upstream chamber. A first filter is removably disposed in the upstream chamber and is detachably engaged with the filter mount. The first filter is configured to filter a first contaminant from the contaminated water. A second filter is removably disposed in the upstream chamber and is detachably engaged with the filter mount. The second filter is downstream of the first filter and configured to filter a second contaminant from the contaminated water through adsorption. The water filtration system is configured to enable selective adaptation of the filtering characteristics thereof by a user by selectively disposing the first and second filters in the upstream chamber to achieve a prescribed filtering effect on the contaminated water. A prefilter may be included to prevent downstream clogging.
US09670068B2
Disclosed is a method for readily and inexpensively producing zeolite without using an organic structure-directing agent (organic SDA). Specifically disclosed is a method whereby a gel containing a silica source, an alumina source, an alkaline source and water is reacted with zeolite seed crystals, to produce a zeolite with the same kind of skeletal structure as the zeolite. The gel used is a gel of a composition whereby, when a zeolite is synthesized from this gel only, the synthesized zeolite comprises at least one of the kinds of composite building units of the target zeolite.
US09670059B2
In various embodiments, a sensor structure is provided. The sensor structure may include a first conductive layer; an electrode element; and a second conductive layer arranged on an opposite side of the electrode element from the first conductive layer. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer may form a chamber. The pressure in the chamber may be lower than the pressure outside of the chamber.
US09670058B2
An integrated circuit includes a mechanical device for detection of spatial orientation and/or of change in orientation of the integrated circuit. The device is formed in the BEOL and includes an accommodation whose sides include metal portions formed within various metallization levels. A mobile metal component is accommodated within the accommodation. A monitor inside the accommodation defines a displacement area for the metal component and includes electrically conductive elements disposed at the periphery of the displacement area. The component is configured so as to, under the action of the gravity, come into contact with the two electrically conductive elements in response to a given spatial orientation of the integrated circuit. A detector is configured to detect an electrical link passing through the component and the electrically conductive elements.
US09670057B1
A sensor device may include an electronic device that has at least one integrated circuit device and a MEMS sensor that are each monolithically integrated with a semiconductor substrate. The sensor device may include a suspension structure that suspends the MEMS sensor over a back cavity within the semiconductor substrate. The suspension structure may be springs or a spring structure formed from etching the front side of the substrate.
US09670054B2
This stuffed article (1) of the present invention is made of ticking (2a, 2b) filled with a stuffing. The stuffing is a long-fiber wad (8) formed by integrating an effect yarn with a core yarn. The effect yarn is opened to form loop-like fibers. A plurality of strings of the long-fiber wad (8) are arranged in parallel in at least one direction, and sewn to the ticking so as to be integrated with the ticking. The long-fiber wad in the stuffed article is fixed to the ticking, and the effect yarn is integrated with the core yarn. Therefore, the present invention can provide a stuffed article where the displacement of the long-fiber wad is limited even after repeated washing, the wad is less concentrated, and the bulkiness is high.
US09670052B2
An attitude sensing arrangement for triggering a shutoff mechanism on a fuel dispensing nozzle comprising a rolling element placed inside a non-cylindrical chamber that is sealed with a plug such that the rolling element may move freely inside the chamber. A vacuum sensing path passes from a sensing port in the nozzle spout, through a vacuum sensing tube, into the non-cylindrical chamber, and into a venturi-generated vacuum chamber. The attitude sensing arrangement is configured such that the rolling element blocks a shutoff port in the non-cylindrical chamber when the nozzle is raised past a certain shutoff angle. When the vacuum sensing path is blocked by the rolling element in this manner, the shutoff mechanism closes the main fuel valve.
US09670048B2
A dispensing appliance allowing the loading of a container together with a dispensing tube is disclosed. After loading the container into the holding portion of the appliance, a dispensing cartridge is engaged into a receiving system provided in the dispensing portion of the appliance, which is movable with respect to the holding portion from a first loading position to a second dispensing position. The cartridge partially encases a dispensing tube with both inlet and outlet ends protruding out of first and second sides of the cartridge, such that the outlet portion of the dispensing tube is flexible. Upon engaging the cartridge into the receiving system, the outlet portion is engaged into a pinch valve while the inlet points towards the dispensing opening of the container. The dispensing tube inlet is introduced into the dispensing opening upon moving the dispensing portion of the appliance to its second dispensing position.
US09670047B2
Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for providing dynamic ingredient matrix reconfiguration in a product dispenser. In one embodiment, a system can include an ingredient matrix operable to receive one or more ingredient packages within respective locations. In addition, the system can include a controller in communication with the ingredient matrix and operable to execute a set of instructions operable to receive information associated with one or more ingredient packages. Furthermore, the controller can be operable to determine at least one location within the ingredient matrix for a selected one or more ingredient packages, and output the at least one location within the ingredient matrix for insertion of selected one or more ingredient packages.
US09670046B2
A filling machine includes a multiple filling-element arranged for installation on a circulating rotor. The multiple-filling element includes individual filling-elements, each of which comprises a filling channel. Each filling channel has a dispensing opening, and an independently controllable liquid valve. The filling-element is formed for installation on an underside of a ring bowl provided on a rotor for holding liquid filling-charge. Other function elements are common to all the individual filling-elements. These function elements include controlled fluid paths.
US09670039B1
According to the present disclosure, a projector lift is provided to raise and lower a projector from the ceiling. The projector lift includes a ceiling mount normally coupled to the ceiling, a projector mount supporting the projector, a lift assembly configured to raise and lower the second mount and projector, and a stabilizer extending between the ceiling and projector mounts.
US09670022B2
Apparatus for splicing expiring and replenishing webs of a web material includes first and second spaced platens having respective facing inner surfaces defining a passageway for transit of the expiring web, where the platens are adapted for displacement toward and away from one another in a reciprocating manner. The first platen is adapted to engage an end of the replenishing web, while the second platen is adapted to engage and position the moving expiring web. Moving the platens together with their respective inner surfaces in close proximity to one another causes a cutting die on the first platen to sever the expiring web forming outfeeding and infeeding ends of the expiring web, and to attach the expiring web's outfeeding end to the replenishing web. Attached to the second platen in facing relation to the first platen and engaging the expiring web is an ironing pad to ensure firm contact and adhesion of expiring web to the replenishing web. During web splicing, the cutting die is transferred from the first platen to the second platen to free the replenishing web from the first platen, with the cutting die engaging and collecting or holding the expiring web's infeeding end.
US09670021B2
A mandrel suitable for supporting and unwinding a convolutely wound web material is disclosed. The mandrel has a mandrel shaft with a longitudinal axis, a plurality of mandrel arms extending from the mandrel shaft, and at least one expansion element disposed upon a respective each of the mandrel arms. The mandrel shaft is capable of rotating about the longitudinal axis. Each of the mandrel arms is disposed and rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The at least one expansion element is expandable radially away from the respective mandrel arm relative to the longitudinal axis. The convolutely wound web material is disposable about each of the mandrel arms. Further, the at least one expansion element is expandable into contacting and releasable engagement with the convolutely wound web material. The convolutely wound web material is fixably and releasably disposed about each of the mandrel arms.
US09670017B2
A motor controller includes a drive control portion. The drive control portion is configured to: execute feedback control of a drive current to be supplied to a drive motor, by using an inputted control signal indicating a target rotation speed for the drive motor and a detection signal of a rotation speed detection portion configured to detect a rotation speed of the drive motor; control the drive current in a first control period in which the target rotation speed is changed, such that the drive current is equal to or less than a predetermined first upper limit; and control the drive current in a second control period in which the target rotation speed is constant, such that the drive current is equal to or less than a predetermined second upper limit less than the first upper limit.
US09670016B1
A transmission device of automatic document feeder includes a pickup roller assembly, a paper-feed roller assembly, a paper-out roller assembly, a pickup gear assembly for driving the pickup roller assembly, a first transmission gear assembly, a second transmission gear assembly, a drive gear assembly and a motor. The paper-feed roller assembly includes a paper-feed shaft. The paper-out roller assembly includes a paper-out shaft. The first transmission gear assembly includes a first one-way gear and a second one-way gear. The motor bidirectionally drives the drive gear assembly. The motor drives the drive gear assembly to drive the first one-way gear together with the second transmission gear assembly or the second one-way gear together with the second transmission gear assembly to drive the paper-out shaft and the paper-feed shaft to unidirectionally rotate towards the same direction.
US09670012B2
A gas-particle processing method comprising: introducing gas into a chamber through a gas inlet; flowing the gas through the chamber from the gas inlet to the gas outlet at a first controlled mass flowrate; introducing at least one particle stream into the chamber through one or more particle inlets of the chamber at a second controlled mass flowrate; flowing each particle stream through a respective processing region in the chamber; and controlling the first and/or second mass flowrates, such that the gas-particle mixture porosity in a substantial portion of each processing region is 0.900-0.995.
US09670009B2
There is disclosed a transfer device for transferring sealed packages of a pourable food product, comprising a transporter for conveying packages along an at least partly curved path; transfer device also comprises a through opening which is arranged on one side of path and is adapted to allow the discharge of packages that have fallen along path.
US09670006B2
An apparatus for singulating products supplied in bulk, such as, for instance, fruits, potatoes, or eggs, more particularly for unround products, for instance pears or sweet peppers, comprising:an endless conveyor which extends in a transport direction (T), wherein the conveyor is provided with at least one row, extending in the transport direction, of carriers (1a; 101a) configured such that between each two successive carriers in the row a transport position for a product is formed, wherein each carrier comprises at least one roller (4; 104), arranged on a respective axis of rotation (5a, 5b; 105); wherein at least one of said rollers (4; 104) includes at least a first roller-section (21; 121) and an adjacent second roller-section (22; 122) having mutually different product engagement properties, wherein at least two successive carriers in a said row of carriers include respective rollers that each include at least a first (21; 121) and a second roller section (22; 122), wherein the second roller sections (22; 122) of the at least two successive carriers are located at mutually different axial positions.
US09670003B2
Disclosed is technology including a snub idler for a conveyor having a plurality of rollers and a frame comprising means to support the plurality of rollers in a convex or similar shape. The means to support the plurality of rollers in a convex shape may include a pair of convex arcuate or similar rails respectively affixed to a side panel of the frame. The present technology also includes a conveyor including a tail pulley, an impact load bed defining a trough and having a concave shape, and one or more snub idlers positioned between the tail pulley and the impact load bed. In this arrangement the snub idler supports a plurality of rollers having a convex or similar shape generally complementary with the concave shape of the impact load bed trough. The disclosed technology also includes a method of positioning and shaping a conveyor belt, including configuring a snub idler having a plurality of roller segments, with each roller segment having a roller, wherein the rollers define a convex or similar shape generally complementary with a concave shape of a trough defined by an impact load bed of a conveyor. This method further includes positioning the snub idler longitudinally between a tail pulley of the conveyor and the impact load bed, and supporting the snub idler with a snub idler support structure such that the roller of at least some of the roller segments of the snub idler is in contact with an upper surface of the conveyor belt and forces the conveyor belt down into the trough.
US09670000B2
A non-driving pulley included in the conveyor device has an adjustment collar between a bearing and a shaft of the non-driving pulley. The adjustment collar has an adjustment outer surface inclined relative to a reference axis XB of the shaft. The adjustment collar rotated relative to the shaft changes the state of inclination of the adjustment outer surface supporting the bearing, thereby changing the orientation of the non-driving pulley having the wrapped belt.
US09669997B2
Underground storage caverns are used for the bulk storage of hydrocarbon liquids, such as crude oil and gases, such as natural gas. The cavern is accessed through a bore hole which has casing and, for some bore holes, internal tubing with an annulus between the casing and tubing. The upper end of the cavern has a roughly cylindrical region termed the chimney. In order to check it for physical integrity, it is necessary to measure the profile of the chimney. This is also referred to as conducting a survey of the cavern. The cavern typically has hydrocarbon liquid above brine up to the surface. An inert gas can be injected above the hydrocarbon liquid to form an interface. The profile is conducted by driving the gas/liquid interface downward with gas pressure to a reference level determined by sequentially transmitting acoustic pulses to locate the reference level. Gas is injected to increase the pressure by a predetermined value and thereby drive down the interface by a known distance. The volume of the gas injected is used together with the known distance to determine a profile of the chimney. The process of injection of gas to increase the pressure by the predetermined value and measurement of the volume is repeated sequentially to determine the chimney profile at progressively lower regions, thereby producing an extended profile of the chimney.
US09669994B2
Knock down yard tools are provided which are made of flexible heavy duty sheet material joined to form a container for handling yard waste. Included are a truck bed carrier container, a skid container, a bagging container and a hand held carrier. In one embodiment, struts are provided which can be readily assembled to and disassembled from the sheet material to help hold the shape of the container. Preferably the struts are collapsible, and most preferably comprise sections held together and biased to assembly by elastic cord. In a preferred embodiment, a collection of such knock down yard tools are provided along with auxiliary tools for manipulating the yard waste and facilitate its placement in the knock down containers. The auxiliary tools include hand scoops a leaf press, and a gripper.
US09669988B2
A fixed amount discharge container includes: a syringe barrel 3; and a piston 8 inserted in the syringe barrel 3 so as to be movable in a longitudinal direction, thereby defining a fluid chamber between the syringe barrel 3 and the piston 8. One of the syringe barrel 3 and the piston 8 includes a guide 3c that is extended in a longitudinal direction. The other of the syringe barrel 3 and the piston 8 includes a slider 9 that is movable in the guide 3c along with the other of the syringe barrel 3 and the piston 8. The guide 3c is provided with a target position contact portion 3j which the slider 9 contacts when an amount of the fluid chamber is equal to a target amount.
US09669977B2
A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers within a plurality of corresponding container receiving apertures formed in longitudinal rows and transverse ranks that includes three rows of container receiving apertures and a handle extending parallel to the three rows of container receiving apertures.
US09669975B2
A cap for a container has two portions. The first portion attaches to and closes the mouth of the container. The second portion attaches to the mouth of the container to support the container in a mouth-down position that promotes draining and enables evaporation within the interior space of the container.
US09669970B2
The invention relates to a multi-flow dispensing stopper containing two U-shaped channels of different radii and a partition with a slit that ends in two openings aligned with said pouring channels. The dispensing stopper is for using in oil bottles.
US09669967B2
A bag 1 with a reclosable tape includes a reclosable tape 20 having a male fastener part 21 and a female fastener part 22 attached to one inner surface of a bag body 10, a cut tape 23 provided between mounting base parts 212 and 222 of those fastener parts, and an easily unsealable structure 50 formed on the mounting base part 212 adjacent to the cut tape 23 in an unsealing start part 30 of a side seal part 60 of the bag body. The easily unsealable structure 50 may be formed by: forming a hole portion 50a or a portion formed by a weak line on the mounting base part 212, arranging a thickness of the mounting base part 212 in the unsealing start part 30 so as to be thinner than other portions, or forming a non-adhesive part between the mounting base part 212 and the cut tape 23.
US09669961B2
A three-piece can includes a can body obtained by forming a steel sheet such that a roundness of the can is 0.34 mm or less. The steel sheet contains: by mass %, C: 0.020% or more and 0.100% or less; Si: 0.10% or less; Mn: 0.10% or more and 0.80% or less; P: 0.001% or more and 0.100% or less; S: 0.001% or more and 0.020% or less; Al: 0.005% or more and 0.100% or less; and N: 0.0130% or more and 0.0200% or less. The balance is Fe and inevitable impurities. The steel sheet has a yield strength of 440 MPa or more and a total elongation of 12% or more.
US09669948B2
A side-by-side dual-launch spacecraft arrangement is provided. The arrangement may include a dual-launch adaptor, a first spacecraft, and a second spacecraft. The first spacecraft and the second spacecraft may be mounted on the dual-launch adaptor and may be arranged side by side on the dual-launch adaptor. An aspect ratio of each of the first and second spacecraft may be within a range of 0.55 and 0.8.
US09669947B2
Systems, devices, and methods for impacting, by a small unmanned aerial vehicle (SUAV), a net having at least three sides; and converting the kinetic energy of the SUAV into at least one of: elastic potential energy of one or more tensioned elastic cords connected to at least one corner of the net, gravitational potential energy of a frame member connected to at least one corner of the net, rotational kinetic energy of the frame member connected to at least one corner of the net, and elastic potential energy of the frame member connected to at least one corner of the net.
US09669946B2
A method of launching and retrieving a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) (10). The preferred method of launch involves carrying the UAV (10) up to altitude using a parasail (8) similar to that used to carry tourists aloft. The UAV is dropped and picks up enough airspeed in the dive to perform a pull-up into level controlled flight. The preferred method of recovery is for the UAV to fly into and latch onto the parasail tow line (4) or cables hanging off the tow line and then be winched back down to the boat (2).
US09669941B1
A weather indicator system and method for generating and presenting weather indicator(s) are disclosed. The weather indicator may include two or more ceiling indicators for presenting minimum and reported ceilings, two or more visibility indicators for presenting minimum and reported visibilities, and at least one scale from which the ceiling and visibility information may be presented to a viewer by the ceiling and visibility indicators, respectively. An indicator generating system could include a source(s) of weather data and an image generator configured to acquire weather data from the source(s) of weather data and generate presentation data representative of the weather indicator as a function of the weather data.
US09669937B2
In a fiber composite component for an aircraft or spacecraft which has electrically conductive fibers at least in portions, the fibers are coupled with an electrical energy source for charging with current to heat up the fibers and/or for measuring the electrical resistance of the fibers.
US09669932B2
A display for viewing by a passenger from a seat on a vehicle when the display is mounted to structure in front of the passenger when the passenger is seated in the seat. The structure has a recess and a portion surrounding the recess. The display includes an electronic visual display panel for receiving a display signal and displaying information in correspondence therewith to the passenger on the electronic visual display panel. The display further includes a housing in which the electronic visual display panel is mounted or inserted, with the housing including a periphery. At least one fastener is provided including a structural fuse. The structural fuse deforms and/or fractures under force generated by a passenger's head striking the visual display panel in an accident. Due to crumple of the fuse, movement of the housing is permitted, with the display panel inserted therein, relative to the recess.
US09669930B2
A galley cart for moving along an aisle of a vehicle is presented, the galley cart comprising a body comprising a right longitudinal portion, a left lateral portion, a rear portion disposed between the right and the left lateral portions on a rear side of the body, a door opening disposed between the right and the left lateral portions on a front side of the body, an upper portion disposed between the right and the left lateral portions, a lower portion disposed between the right and the left lateral portions, wheels attached to the lower portion for supporting the body, a door pivotally attached to the body and adapted to mate with the door opening and a locking mechanism operatively associated with the door for selectively securing the door to the body in a closed position thereof the upper portion of the cart comprising a peripheral frame including a plurality of container-supporting portions.
US09669926B2
Disclosed herein are example embodiments for unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV) location confirmance. For certain example embodiments, at least one machine, such as a UFV, may: (i) obtain at least one indication of at least one location of a UFV; or (ii) attempt to counter at least one attack against a location determination for the UFV. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth.
US09669923B2
A rotor blade control device for a helicopter, comprising a swash-ring, said swash-ring comprising a non-rotating component of the swash-ring, coupled in a non-rotatable manner to the helicopter, a rotating component of the swash-ring, at least three actuators disposed around a rotor shaft axis of the helicopter, a coupling means between the actuators and the non-rotating component of the swash-ring. The coupling means can be adjusted in terms of its pitch, for changing the position of a swash-ring coupling point on the non-rotating component of the swash-ring along the rotor shaft axis by the actuator, by means of a control shaft, in order to adjust the rotor blades. The coupling means has a pushing member, in addition to at least one lever non-rotatably connected to the control shaft, which is connected at a first end to the lever in a rotational joint, such that it can pivot about a pivotal axis, and is coupled at a second end to the non-rotating component of the swash-ring at a swash-ring coupling point, in a ball joint.
US09669922B2
A vibration control system includes an outer housing, an inner housing carried within the outer housing, a fluid passage extending through the inner housing and in fluid communication with a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir on opposing sides of the inner housing, and a gas extraction system. The gas extraction system includes a gas reservoir in fluid communication with the first fluid reservoir, a removable cap secured to the outer housing, a lid removably attached to the cap, and a plurality of conduits extending through cap and lid and configured to provide fluid and gas communication between the first reservoir and the gas reservoir.
US09669920B2
A casing for a lifting aid for an aircraft, comprising at least one strake which extends essentially in a protruding manner in the direction of flight in relation to an outer surface of the casing. An aircraft including a lifting aid and such a type of casing.
US09669917B2
A method for launch of an airship includes connecting a cargo airship to a second airship that is not positively buoyant at the launch site, launching the cargo airship, transferring lifting gas from the cargo airship to the second airship where said lifting gas is carried by the cargo airship while aloft; and releasing the second airship from the cargo airship. A high-altitude airship launch system is also provided.
US09669914B1
A power steering system for a marine steering includes a hydraulic cylinder, an actuator block that is mounted on an outer end of a ram of the cylinder, and valving. An actuator arm, mounted on the actuator block, is connected to the steering link, to the steering rod, and to the valving. The actuator arm is configured to move on the actuator block upon the transmission of steering command forces thereto by the steering rod to actuate the valving so as to drive the ram into or out of the barrel and to transmit steering forces to the steering link from the actuator block. The actuator block is configured such that it can accept standard steering links of different engine brands.
US09669907B2
A sports board rack system includes an upper support frame, an upper pulley arrangement carried by the upper support frame, a lower support frame, and a lower pulley arrangement carried by the lower support frame. A flexible rack assembly is coupled between the upper and lower support frames and includes a pair of spaced apart rack units. Each rack unit includes spaced apart board supports. The upper and lower pulley arrangements are coupled together so that the flexible rack assembly is moveable between an expanded position and a retracted position. In the expanded position the board supports are aligned with one another in a horizontal direction for placement and removal of sports boards. In the retracted position the board supports are moved closer to one another so that a separation distance between adjacent board supports in a vertical direction is reduced.
US09669904B2
Systems and associated methods for planning and control of a fleet of unmanned vehicles in missions that are coordinated temporally and spatially by geo-location, direction, vehicle orientation, altitude above sea level, and depth below sea level. The unmanned vehicles' transit routes may be fully autonomous, semi-autonomous, or under direct operator control using off board control systems. Means are provided for intervention and transit changes during mission execution. Means are provided to collect, centralize and analyze mission data collected on the set of participating unmanned vehicles.
US09669903B2
A watercraft can include a foil configured for movement between an undeployed position and a first deployed position in which the foil raises the relative position of the watercraft relative to the water line as the watercraft moves forward through the water, thereby facilitating planing of the watercraft. The foil can be configured for movement to a second deployed position in which the foil lowers the relative position of the stern end of the watercraft as the watercraft moves forward through the water, thereby modifying the wake produced by the watercraft.
US09669898B2
An electric motorcycle includes a battery case accommodating a high voltage battery, a low voltage battery, a converter that decreases the voltage of the high voltage battery to supply the decreased voltage to the low voltage battery, and a motor case that accommodates the electric motor. The converter is located in the motor case. The electric motorcycle prevents users from accessing the converter.
US09669895B2
A novel transmission for cycles that significantly reduces torque interference with steering operations is provided. Such a transmission allows for improved recumbent cycling capabilities. The inventive device thus includes a combination of a fixed transmission assembly that reduces torque levels and a movable transmission assembly that multiplies torque levels, allowing for the avoidance of high torque effects through the vehicle's steering axis. As such, the capability of the overall cycle device to steer properly and to a rather wide angle from center while implementing such a torque transfer protocol allows for a unique recumbent cycle configuration. Such a device, then, may be utilized for a human-powered cycle vehicle or one that further includes an electrical component to allow for automated drive capabilities through a rear wheel or wheels, as well. The method of implementation of such a transmission within a variety of cycle devices is also encompassed within this invention.
US09669893B2
A pivotal handgrip pad for use on a bicycle handlebar including a first section and a second section. Attached to the first section is a hook and loop fastener with a buckle to connect the pad to the handlebar. The second section includes a cushioned material and a layer of material that extends from the second section to the first section to enable the cushioned second section to rest on the handlebars in a lowered position so that a rider's hand may grip the second section and handlebars simultaneously, and a raised position where the rider is enabled to grip just the handlebars and not the pad.
US09669877B2
There is provided a vehicle body framework structure, the vehicle body framework structure including (1) a framework main body that is provided with a closed cross-sectional structure which is formed by joining together a first panel, and a second panel having less strength than the first panel, and (2) a cylindrical reinforcing member that is provided inside the framework main body and extends along the framework main body, a portion of the cylindrical reinforcing member that is located on the second panel side being formed thicker overall than a portion of the cylindrical reinforcing member that is located on the first panel side.
US09669876B2
There is obtained a parting portion structure for a vehicle that can enhance the rigidity of one end of a design panel that constitutes a parting portion, while imparting a feeling of sharpness to the parting portion. An end edge portion of an upper-end rear portion of a fender panel is folded back toward the opposite side of a design surface and superimposed thereon. A return line of the end edge portion is arranged adjacent to a linear second ridgeline of a side outer panel, and linearly extends along the second ridgeline. Besides, superimposed regions of the end edge portion are joined to each other by an adhesive.
US09669874B2
A vehicle having two chassis components, which are connected by a sloping plane, especially by a guidance device and/or sliding bearing along a sloping plane, a first drive wheel being situated on at least one of the chassis components, and one wheel on the other chassis component, a rotational speed differential between the rotational speed of the drive wheel and the rotational speed of the wheel being able to be induced by a device.
US09669873B2
A modular axle concept for a motor vehicle with electric drive includes a structure that supports the bodywork of the motor vehicle. The structure has an integration point or preferably a connection point, in each instance, for attachment of a coupling module, in each instance, for each wheel of the front axle and/or rear axle that can be driven electrically. The module can be connected with the electrically drivable wheel, particularly with its wheel mount.
US09669869B2
A vehicle suspension apparatus is constructed to improve stability and controllability. Suspension apparatus includes; a tire wheel to be equipped with a tire; a wheel hub mechanism to support the tire wheel; a first link member connecting the wheel hub mechanism and a vehicle body on a lower side of an axle in an vehicle up and down direction; a second link member connecting the wheel hub mechanism and the vehicle body on the lower side of the axle in the vehicle up and down direction and intersecting the first link member in a vehicle top view; and a steering rack moving in a vehicle widthwise direction and steering the wheel hub mechanism.
US09669859B2
A juvenile stroller includes a seat, wheels, and a push handle. The push handle is mounted for pivoting movement about an axis relative to the seat. The push handle pivots between a stroller position and a trailer position. Movement of the push handle to the trailer position corresponds to a front wheel or wheels movement to a stowed position.
US09669858B2
A motorized, self-propelled stroller that is controllable via a remote control unit. The motorized stroller has a motor, a power source, and a drive shaft that is operably connected to one of the stroller's axles to drive the rotation thereof. A wireless transceiver relays signals sent from the remote control unit to the motor to control the action of the motor. The motor is adapted to drive the rotation of the axle to which it is operably connected in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, with varying speeds. Reflectors extend along the lateral sides of the stroller frame and lights are disposed on the front portion of the frame, making the stroller more visible during low-light conditions and thus safer to operate. The motorized stroller further includes a motorized assembly that is adapted to fold and unfold the stroller frame in response to input from the remote control unit.
US09669857B1
A propulsion unit is provided for propelling a piece of equipment that is normally intended to be pushed by a pedestrian. The unit involves a way to support an upright rider that is sized to allow the rider to reach a handle of the hand-pushed mobile equipment; a plurality of ways to contact the ground and allowing the way to support a rider to move across a surface in a low-friction manner; a way to provide thrust in one or both of the forward and backward directions; and a way to couple the unit to the hand-pushed mobile equipment and allow the hand-pushed mobile equipment to yaw relative to the unit around a vertical axis that is approximately collinear with the vertical axis of the upright rider.
US09669853B2
The train control system includes: an on-board device 3 mounted on a train 2 traveling on a predetermined track 1; a vehicle radio set 4 that transmits and receives information of the on-board device 3; wayside radio sets 5 each of which is disposed at a predetermined location on the ground to transmit information to and receive information from the vehicle radio set 4 information; a ground device 8 placed by the track 1 and connected to the wayside radio set 5; an operation controlling device 12 that transmits operation information of the train 2 to the ground device 8; and an interlocking device 11 that performs an operation control of a turnout 6 for switching tracks. The ground device 8 detects the location of the train 2 on the basis of wireless propagation time between the vehicle radio set 4 and the wayside radio set 5, receives entering track information of the train 2 from the operation controlling device 12, and controls an interval between a preceding train 2 and a following train 2.
US09669852B2
A washout detector apparatus includes a detector member movably disposed in at least a portion of a detector housing, the detector housing is configured to be secured to a structure. A biasing device is disposed in and positioned to bias the detector member in a direction out from the portion of the detector housing towards a surface perpendicular to the structure. An indicator is coupled to the detector member to provide a condition of the surface based on movement of the detector member with respect to the surface. A method for making a washout detector apparatus is also disclosed.
US09669849B2
A wheel brake disc for a wheel of a rail vehicle, wherein the wheel has a wheel web, on which friction rings are supported which are fastened to the wheel web, wherein each friction ring has spring elements arranged in each case on the circumference of the friction rings, wherein, in the mounted state of the wheel brake disc, the spring elements are arranged in each case between the friction rings and the wheel web.
US09669844B2
A transfer device transfers an electric vehicle, that has been loaded onto a pallet, in a left-right direction or in an up-down direction relative to the direction of forward travel of the electric vehicle. The pallet is provided with: a power-receiving coil that, together with a power-supplying coil of the electric vehicle, forms an electromagnetic coupling circuit; a power-receiving circuit that receives power that is supplied wirelessly from the outside via the electromagnetic coupling circuit; and an electric motor that is driven by power received by the power-receiving circuit, and that causes the pallet to move in the left-right direction or in the up-down direction.
US09669832B2
A vehicle and methods of proximity-based engine control for a vehicle as automatically implemented by a computing device are disclosed. One method includes determining a distance between the vehicle and a preceding obstacle. If the distance between the vehicle and the preceding obstacle is below a threshold distance, the method further includes determining whether a vehicle brake is being applied. If the vehicle brake is not being applied, the method further includes detecting a throttle position for an engine throttle. If the throttle position is above a threshold throttle position, the method further includes sending a command to modify the throttle position to a restricted throttle position. If the throttle position is above the threshold throttle position, the method can optionally include sending a command to modify ignition timing for a vehicle engine or sending a command to apply the vehicle brake.
US09669830B2
The invention regards to a method for assisting a driver in driving a vehicle, comprising the steps of producing sensor data by at least one sensor physically sensing the environment of a host vehicle and/or obtaining data conveying information about the environment of a host vehicle, generating a plurality of representation segments each segment being a portion of an entire area of representation of the environment of the host vehicle at a particular point in time wherein a relative position of the portion of such representation segment with respect to a current position of the host vehicle corresponds to a possible position of the host vehicle at that particular point in time, combining the representation segments to a spatio-temporal representation of the environment of the host vehicle; evaluating the spatio-temporal representation and outputting an assistance signal on the basis of an evaluation result.
US09669829B2
An on-board camera captures an image of a travel lane ahead of an own vehicle. At least one state acquisition apparatus acquires an acquired value indicating a state of the own vehicle. A travel lane marking recognition system recognizes a travel lane marking that demarcates the travel lane from an image captured by the on-board camera. The travel lane marking recognition system sets a reliability level of the recognized travel lane marking based on the acquired value of the at least one state acquisition apparatus. When the reliability level is higher than a first predetermined threshold, the travel lane marking recognition system performs driving control of the own vehicle based on the recognized travel lane marking. When the reliability level is lower than the first predetermined threshold, the travel lane marking recognition system performs a deviation warning of deviation from the travel lane based on the recognized travel lane marking.
US09669828B2
Distributed control of vehicles with coordinating cars that implement a cooperative control method, and non-coordinating cars that are presumed to follow predictable dynamics. A cooperative control method can combine distributed receding horizon control, for optimization-based path planning and feedback, with higher level logic, to ensure that implemented plans are collision free. The cooperative method can be completely distributed with partially synchronous execution, and can afford dedicated time for communication and computation, features that are prerequisites for implementation on real freeways. The method can test for conflicts and can calculate optimized trajectories by adjusting parameters in terminal state constraints of an optimal control problem.
US09669826B2
A driving-assistance device is disclosed. The driving-assistance device in which, when a three-dimensional object is present on a course of a host vehicle, driving assistance for avoiding a collision between the host vehicle and the three-dimensional object is implemented on a condition that an unavoidable three-dimensional object is present in a predetermined range including the course, the driving-assistance device comprises a setting unit configured to set the predetermined range in the vicinity of the host vehicle at a degree of width depending on the three-dimensional object, wherein, when a plurality of the three-dimensional objects are detected within the predetermined range, the setting unit makes the degree of width smaller than when a single three-dimensional object is detected within the predetermined range.
US09669820B1
A method of prioritizing power output of first and second power-sources in a vehicle includes identifying, via a controller communicating with a satellite, the vehicle's position on a specific road course. The method also includes receiving a request for total amount of power from both power-sources and determining first power-source power and available second power-source target maximum power based on the vehicle position. The method also includes determining, based on the vehicle position, a minimum energy reserve of a source configured to energize the second power-source and available second power-source power based on the determined reserve. The method also includes subtracting the first power-source power from the requested total amount of power to determine a requested second power-source power. Furthermore, the method includes comparing the available and the requested second power-source power and generating the smaller power value to minimize the time for the vehicle to traverse the road course.
US09669818B2
A method for detecting leaks in at least one brake pressure line, under braking pressure, of a compressed air brake device of a rail vehicle having an indirect electro-pneumatic brake, wherein the indirect electro-pneumatic brake has a master air vessel line to hold a master air vessel line pressure, and a compressed air source supplying the master air vessel line with compressed air and is controlled by the master air line pressure in a master air line, wherein the at least one brake pressure line under braking pressure extends between a valve device, which controls the braking pressure in dependence upon the master air line pressure in the master air line, and at least one brake actuator, and where the braking test method is carried out when the rail vehicle is stationary.
US09669817B2
A device for a brake system comprises a rotating plate including magnets having a first polarity. The rotating plate engages an output shaft of a motor. The device includes a non-rotating plate including magnets, one or more of which have the first polarity and one or more of which have a second polarity. The non-rotating plate moves axially between an engaged position and a non-engaged position. In the engaged position, the magnets in the rotating plate magnetically attract the one or more magnets in the non-rotating plate with the second polarity so that non-rotating plate moves into contact with the rotating plate. In the non-engaged position, the magnets in the rotating plate magnetically repel the one or more magnets in the non-rotating plate with the first polarity so that the non-rotating plate moves out of contact with the rotating plate and thus rotation of the rotating plate is allowed.
US09669816B2
Methods and systems are provided for detecting a fault within a brake booster system of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include measuring the pressure of a brake booster chamber and the pressure of an inlet manifold, comparing the booster chamber and inlet manifold pressures, determining the faulty source, and restricting the use of an electrical system in case of a fault. In this way, the pressure within the inlet manifold may be reduced or maintained in the event of a fault.
US09669815B2
An engine system including a first flowpath between a first component and a second component where a first aspirator forms a portion of the first flowpath, and a second flowpath between the first component and the second component, where a second aspirator forms a portion of the second flowpath. A shut-off valve forms a portion of the second flowpath. The first aspirator and the second aspirator each have a suction inlet, and the suction inlet of the first aspirator is in fluid communication with the suction inlet of the second aspirator.
US09669813B2
In a driving support system of a vehicle, there is provided a structure that, even during operating a control based on a machine input, a driver's sense of incongruity can be reduced as much as possible and/or the steering of the driver be can reflected. The vehicle is equipped with a steering assist mechanism and a braking-driving force distribution mechanism of right and left wheels. In operations of the inventive device, a steering assist torque, applied by the steering assist mechanism, is controlled to a target value determined with reference to a target steering torque to achieve the target route, determined without depending on steering of a driver, and a driver's steering torque; and a braking-driving force difference between the right and left wheels is controlled to a target value based on a steering angle of the driver.
US09669810B2
A braking system may include a plurality of independently activatable groups of brake actuators, which may allow the braking force applied to a brake disc stack to be modified, e.g., in response a type of braking event. In some examples, a braking system comprises a brake assembly that includes a brake stack and a plurality of brake actuators. Each brake actuator may be configured to compress the brake stack when the brake actuator is activated. The braking system may further comprise a processor configured to detect a first type of braking event and, in response, activate a first number of brake actuators to compress the brake stack. The processor may further be configured to detect a second type of braking event and, in response, activate a second number of brake actuators to compress the brake stack, the first number being less than the second number.
US09669809B2
A brake ECU sets two sensor state flags to fix states of first and second master pressure sensors as an abnormal state when a value of a simultaneous timer becomes equal to or larger than an abnormal-state fixing time. The simultaneous timer serves to measure a time that the first master pressure sensor is determined to be not under a normal state and the second master pressure sensor is determined to be not under a normal state on the basis of the sensor state flags. The abnormal-state fixing time is set to a time shorter than an abnormal-state fixing time used for changing the state of each of the master pressure sensors from an invalid state to an abnormal state.
US09669808B2
An engine ECU and a brake ECU of a vehicle control apparatus performs any one of a mechanical brake which converts a kinetic energy using rotation of a driving wheel rotation into thermal energy using friction and a regeneration brake which converts the kinetic energy of the driving wheel rotation into electric energy using regeneration, during a vehicle deceleration, after an engine brake changes a deceleration ratio which is a rotation number ratio of driving wheels with respect to the rotation number of an engine.
US09669799B2
A seatbelt pretensioner is provided including an inner tube with a gas generator housed therein, an intermediate sleeve extending over the inner tube, and a spool portion housing the sleeve and the tube. The spool portion includes spiraling flutes thereon that correspond to a protruding member in the form of flutes or pegs extending from the intermediate sleeve. In response to the gas generator firing, the sleeve will be driven longitudinally, causing the protruding member to act on the spiraling flutes of the spool, thereby causing the spool to rotate. The intermediate sleeve can include a spiraling slot that receives a peg from the inner tube, so that the intermediate sleeve will rotate to compound the spool rotation.
US09669794B2
Airbag cushion assemblies comprising internal stabilizers and related methods. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag cushion comprising a first side and a second side opposite from the first side and a hub comprising a hub opening configured to be coupled with an inflator so as to receive inflation gases during deployment of the airbag cushion through the hub opening. A stabilizer, such as, in some embodiments, a diffuser or another inflatable structure, may be positioned within the airbag cushion and may be non-releasably coupled with the airbag cushion along at least a portion of the first side, along at least a portion of the second side, and adjacent to the hub opening.
US09669783B2
A vehicle remote control system is capable of controlling an operation device that corresponds to an operation command when the operation command for an image transmitted from a user terminal is input in a remote terminal. The vehicle remote control system includes a user terminal for transmitting an image of an operation object of a vehicle to a remote terminal, the remote terminal displays an image transmitted from the user terminal and when an operation command for an operation device displayed on the image is input, the remote terminal transmits a control signal, which is to control an operation of the operation device corresponding to the input operation command, to the vehicle, and the vehicle controls a function of the operation device according to the control signal.
US09669781B2
A steering apparatus (2) is disclosed, which includes: a steering shaft (3) having a conductive property and transferring a steering force; an outer column (10) having a conductive property and supporting the steering shaft (3) rotatably; an inner column (11) having a conductive property, being fitted in the outer column (10) to enable a relative movement in an axial direction supporting the steering shaft (3) rotatably together with the outer column (10); a bracket (12) having a conductive property, retaining the outer column (10) and being fixed to a vehicle body; and an electrifying lead (17) having a conductive property and configuring a part of an electrifying path leading to the vehicle body from the inner column (11).
US09669764B2
A mirror reflective element for a rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a glass substrate, an electrochromic film and a mirror reflector. The electrochromic film is provided as a pre-cut mirror shape film and is disposed at the glass substrate. The electrochromic film comprises an electrochromic polymer layer disposed between a front polymeric film and a rear polymeric film. The front polymeric film is disposed between the electrochromic polymer layer and the glass substrate and a transparent electrically conductive coating is disposed between the front polymeric film and the electrochromic polymer layer. An electrically conductive coating is disposed between the rear polymeric film and the electrochromic polymer layer. The polymeric films have respective overhang portions that extend outboard of any other portion of the electrochromic film at respective connecting regions for electrical connection to the electrically conductive coatings.
US09669761B2
The present invention provides an around view monitoring (AVM) apparatus, including: a plurality of cameras which is mounted on a vehicle; a video composing unit which receives a plurality of videos from the plurality of cameras and composes the plurality of videos to generate an around view video; a brightness correcting unit which receives the around view video and corrects and outputs the brightness of the around view video based on an average brightness value and a variance of the brightness values for every region which is included in the around view video; and a video display unit which displays the around view video whose brightness is corrected.
US09669760B2
A warning device includes: a host vehicle information acquisition unit; a moving object information acquisition unit that acquires moving object information around the host vehicle; an intersection determination unit that determines whether a course of the host vehicle and a course of the moving object intersect; a distance calculation unit that calculates a distance from the host vehicle to an intersection position; an estimated crossing-time calculation unit that calculates a time that elapses before the moving object arrives at the intersection position; a threshold setting unit; and a warning unit that alerts a driver when the time is smaller than a threshold, wherein the threshold is set larger as the distance becomes larger, and is set larger when the host vehicle speed vehicle is equal to or lower than the predetermined speed than when the host vehicle speed is higher.
US09669751B2
An over the wheel well liquid storage tank for storing liquid in a bed of a truck includes a tank body having a main tank portion shaped to fit in an area adjacent a wheel well in the bed of a truck and an over a wheel well tank portion shaped to fit in an area above a wheel well in the bed of a truck. The main tank portion is shaped to fit in an area adjacent a proximal side of the wheel well or in an area adjacent a distal side of the wheel well. A mounting system is coupled to the tank body. The mounting system couples the tank body to the bed of a truck. The mounting system includes a channel coupled to the tank body and a mounting bracket for coupling to the channel and to the truck. The mounting system includes an adjustable bumper.
US09669735B2
The present invention relates to a seat for vehicles, comprising a backrest part with a support frame and a respective lining; a seat part; and a chassis to which the support frame of the backrest part is firmly attached and to which the seat part is attached such that it can shift forward or backward, the backrest part being provided with a rotating vane between the support frame and its lining, with an upper end attached in an articulated manner to the frame or to the chassis and with a lower end provided with a slide where a thrust pin arranged in the rear area of the seat part slides, such that the rotation of the vane with respect to the frame or the chassis shifts the seat and modifies the profile of the lining in the area covering the vane and therefore the shape of the support surface that the backrest part offers the user.
US09669731B2
A method of recycling motor power of a movable object is provided to recycle and redistribute power from at least one motor in a decelerating state. The method comprises determining whether an operating state of at least one motor of the movable object is a decelerating state, and recycling power from the at least one motor having a decelerating state. The method also comprises redistributing the recycled power to other power consuming components of the movable object. The method of present invention increases the energy efficiency and a battery life of the movable object. The movable object may be an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
US09669725B2
A store for electrical energy, and a holding device for at least two stores for electrical energy, in each of which a voltage divider is situated which is contactable in each via an external, additional electrical contact. Since the division ratio of the voltage divider within the holding device is characteristic for a specific holder, a voltage measurement at the tapping point between the stores' resistors is useable to determine which holder of the holding device the store is in. During a charging operation without the holding device no voltage divider is connected to the store, it is possible to identify a particular holder and to determine that the store is not in a holding device for charging. Since the store or its battery management system itself provides for energization of its own voltage divider, recognition may take place regardless of whether a charging device is directly connected to the holding device or store. Also, a wake-up function is provided via the additional electrical contact of the store.
US09669724B2
An energy storage system of a vehicle includes an energy storage device, a regulation device coupled to the energy storage device, one or more sensing devices for sensing current levels, voltage levels, temperature levels, and/or pressure levels of the energy storage device and/or on components thereof, and a control unit configured to determine dynamically a power flow in/out of the energy storage device using a fuzzy logic approach. The regulation device is configured to regulate at least one of a voltage level, a current level, and any additional state parameter of the energy storage device.
US09669723B2
An electronic storage module includes a plurality of batteries, a primary monitoring circuit configured to detect an operating state of the plurality of batteries, a microcontroller unit connected to the primary monitoring circuit via a primary communication path, and a secondary monitoring circuit connected to the microcontroller unit via a secondary communication path. The secondary monitoring circuit is configured to detect the operating state of the plurality of batteries when a determination is made of an abnormality in the primary communication path, or an abnormality in the operating state of the primary monitoring circuit.
US09669717B2
A vehicle includes: a friction braking device configured to generate a friction braking force; a generator motor configured to generate a regenerative braking force; and a control unit configured to adjust the friction braking force and adjust the regenerative braking force by controlling energization of the generator motor such that a required braking force that is required by the vehicle is generated, interrupt energization of the generator motor at predetermined timing after timing at which a specific operation, which is a combination of a plurality of operations conducted by an occupant, has completed within a threshold time, and control the generator motor so as to prohibit generation of the regenerative braking force by the generator motor when at least one of the plurality of operations combined as the specific operation has been detected within a specific period back from braking start timing at which the required braking force is generated.
US09669716B1
An energy charge controller for controlling electrical energy of a vehicle includes an estimation module and a control module. The estimation module includes a driver behavior judgment unit, a charge curve adjustment unit and an energy charge evaluation unit. The driver behavior judgment unit is configured to generate and output a driving mode signal. The driving mode signal is evaluated to generate a brake charging target datum by the charge curve adjustment unit. The brake charging target datum and a vehicle speed are evaluated to generate a chargeable braking energy value by the energy charge evaluation unit. The control module is configured to store a plurality of situational conditions, and select and output one of the situational conditions to the vehicle by comparing the chargeable braking energy value and a recoverable storage power value from an energy storage device.
US09669713B2
An auxiliary power pack for a vehicle includes an energy harvesting system for converting energy from an ambient environment into electrical power, a storage device in communication with the energy harvesting device for storing energy in response to the electrical power, and an output interface in communication with the storage device for supplying the stored energy to an electronic device. The power pack further includes a portable housing for the energy harvesting system, the storage device and the output interface. The housing is configured for removable mounting to a vehicle.
US09669704B2
The air intake structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a front cowl, a pair of right and left air duct portions, an air cleaner box, and a vehicle body frame. The front cowl includes a pair of right and left air intake ports. The pair of the right and left air duct portions guides air taken from the pair of the right and left air intake ports. The air cleaner box cleans the air guided by the pair of the right and left air duct portions. The vehicle body frame is branched backward from a steering head pipe disposed on a front side of a vehicle into a bifurcated shape with a pair of right and left. The vehicle body frame includes the air cleaner box between the branches of the bifurcated shape. The air duct portion includes a first air duct and a second air duct. The first air duct guides air to the air cleaner box from the air intake port through the vehicle body frame. The second air duct branches from the first air duct in a middle to guide air to the air cleaner box.
US09669703B2
A vehicle includes a battery, a duct through which air for cooling the battery flows, and a bumper, wherein an opening portion at an end of the duct faces an outer face of the duct inside the bumper.
US09669697B2
The invention relates to a drive train (10) for a hybrid vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine (12) having a motor shaft (18) for providing a torque for driving the hybrid vehicle, and comprising an electric machine (30) for providing a torque for driving the hybrid vehicle, wherein the electric machine (30), in particular for starting of the internal combustion engine (12), can be coupled to the motor shaft (18) by means of a selectively engageable planetary gear unit (38) for providing at least two different transmission ratios, wherein the electric machine (30) can be coupled by means of a transmission gearing (48), in particular a sun gear system having a transmission ratio different from 1.0, having an intermediate shaft (46) for introducing the torque into the planetary gear unit (38).
US09669692B2
Corner structure of a hollow chamber seal includes a filler piece which is situated in a corner area of the hollow chamber seal. Filler piece supports the hollow chamber seal, with deformation, and diverts supporting forces into a component on which the hollow chamber seal is situated. Corner structure reliably prevents deformation of the hollow chamber seal, even after extended use, is easy to manufacture, and is aesthetic. Filler piece has a base which is adjoined by a T-shaped head made of an elastomeric material, and the head of the filler piece when installed protrudes into the hollow chamber seal through a slit which is introduced into the hollow chamber seal, and is supported on a wall of the hollow chamber seal oppositely situated from the component, with deformation. Base is supported on the component and diverts the supporting forces on the head into the component.
US09669682B2
Air-conditioning of an engine-driven motor vehicle is started by way of an activation signal when the motor vehicle is deactivated. With the activation signal, the engine and an air-conditioning device are activated. The engine is switched on for a maximum engine operating duration which is selected in accordance with a temperature of the engine and/or an ambient temperature of the motor vehicle and/or a temperature of an exhaust gas system of the motor vehicle, in particular a catalytic converter.
US09669677B2
A vehicle active suspension system, a vehicle, and a method of controlling a vehicle active suspension system are provided. The vehicle active suspension system may include a suspension actuator and a controller. The controller may be programmed to, in response to an object being detected within a predetermined range of a vehicle while a vehicle speed is greater than a threshold speed, categorize the object into at least one of a plurality of predefined categories. The controller may be further programmed to actuate the suspension actuator according to a predefined actuation profile.
US09669668B2
A wheel module for a tire pressure monitoring system includes an inflation valve of the “snap-in” type and an electronic casing fixed thereto in a reversible manner. This valve is produced from a resiliently deformable material and includes a valve body and a metal conduit extending therethrough for introducing inflation air. The valve body has a first end provided with a thread for receiving a closure cap and a second end with a hollow metal fixing rod provided with notches fixed thereto. The electronic casing is slidingly mounted on the fixing rod and includes an element for blocking the position of the casing relative to the valve in a reversible manner. The blocking element includes a substantially U-shaped metal wire, a first end and a second end of which are inserted below retention lugs produced on the same face of the casing. This metal wire is insertable into the notches.
US09669656B2
A bicycle freewheel basically includes a driving member, a driven member, at least one first engaging member, at least one second engaging member and at least one contact member. The driving member is to be coupled to a bicycle sprocket. The driven member is to be coupled to a bicycle hub. The driving member and the driven member have oppositely arranged first and second portions, respectively. The at least one first engaging member is disposed on one of the first and second portions, while the at least one second engaging member is disposed on the other of the first and second portions. The at least one second engaging member engages the at least one first engaging member while non-freewheeling. The at least one contact member is disposed on one of the first and second engaging members, and contacts the other of the first and second engaging members while freewheeling.
US09669650B2
A whiteboard comprises a panel, four rims and four connectors. The panel comprises a writable pre-coating layer, a foaming layer and a back plate. The each rim comprises a rim main body and a number of locking pieces. The rim main body comprises a top plate, a light filter plate, an upper plate, a side plate. The light filter plate is connected between the top plate and the upper plate by melting. An inserting plate is vertically extended outwards from the side plate. A locking plate is vertically extended downwards from the rear end of the inserting plate. The locking pieces are locked at the lower ends of the locking plates. Each of the locking pieces comprises a connecting portion at the upper position thereof. A supporting portion is formed at the lower end of the connecting portion. The each connector comprises a bottom casing and a top casing. The bottom casing comprises a bottom casing main body. The top casing comprises a top cover. A lateral plate is downwards bent and extended from the outer edge of the top cover. A sealing strip is pasted at the position of the inner edge of the sealing strip contacting the writable pre-coating layer.
US09669641B2
A vacuum platen for media sheets has a sheet support wall formed with a plurality of perforations and a number of chambers formed on a bottom side of the sheet support wall. Each of the chambers is directly connected to a vacuum source. Each chamber contains an acoustic barrier member arranged to divide the chamber into at least two sub-chambers such that the sub-chambers are in fluid communication with one another and have overlapping contours when seen in a direction normal to the plane of the sheet support wall.
US09669637B2
A light scanning apparatus includes a light source, a deflector configured to deflect a light flux from the light source, and an imaging optical system configured to guide the light flux deflected at the deflector onto a scanned surface. The imaging optical system consists of a single imaging optical element, wherein, on the optical axis of the imaging optical system, the conditions 0.15≦T2/Sk≦0.3 and 0.03≦d/K≦0.08 are satisfied. A condition 0.3≦B≦0.6 is satisfied at a condensing position Y where a scanning angle θ is greatest, when the condensing position Y in the main scanning direction on the scanned surface of the light flux deflected at the scanning angle θ by the deflector is expressed by Y=(K/B)×tan(B×θ).
US09669635B2
An attachment is mountable on a carriage in place of a liquid container that contains liquid and that is mounted on the carriage having a liquid jet head for jetting liquid, so that the attachment can supply liquid introduced from outside to the liquid jet head. The attachment has a pressure control means provided in a flow passage which is formed in an attachment body and through which the liquid introduced from the outside is supplied to the liquid jet head.
US09669633B1
Ink port adapters for multi-color inkjet heads. In one embodiment, the ink port adapter includes two hose fittings for connecting to hoses, and four openings that align with four ink ports of a four-color inkjet head. The adapter includes one ink path that connects one of the hose fittings to two of the openings, and another ink path that connects the other hose fitting to the other two openings. The adapter therefore converts the four-color inkjet head into a two-color inkjet head.
US09669632B2
A compact and portable printer, scanner and copier having dimensions and a housing allowing the device to be portable for travel with a laptop computer or other tablet or portable computing device. The three in one printer has a pivotal carriage for linear and rotational movement of the carriage and an ink cartridge. The printer also has an easily accessible removable ink cartridge maintenance system.
US09669631B2
An ink supply mechanism (50) provided with: a main tank (60); a sub-tank (70) for storing ink supplied from the main tank (60) and supplying the ink to an ink jet head (2); a first communication passage (52) one end of which communicates into the ink in the main tank (60) and the other end of which communicates into the ink in the sub-tank (70); and a second communication passage (53) one end of which communicates into the main tank (60) and the other end of which communicates with a position in the sub-tank (70) higher than the other end of the first communication passage (52), and part of which is disposed at a position higher than the liquid level of the ink in the main tank (60).
